..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

PSG deny making move for James Rodriguez

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has denied suggestions the Ligue 1 champions are in talks with Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez over a transfer ahead of the 2016-17 campaign.

The 24-year-old endured a difficult season at Madrid under Rafael Benitez and Zinedine Zidane, partially due to injury, and has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu side on more than one occasions.

Manchester United have been credited with an interest in signing the Colombia international, while recent reports suggested PSG have already sounded the attacking midfielder's camp out over a potential transfer.

Nevertheless, Al-Khelaifi has made it clear there is no truth in such rumours."It is not true that we have already spoken with James," the PSG supremo said at a news conference."We have not been in touch with James, nor have we spoken with Real Madrid. There has not been any contact with any one."James has a contract with Madrid until June 2020.

He previously enjoyed a spell in Ligue 1 with Monaco in 2013-14.PSG have already brought in Hatem Ben Arfa, Grzegorz Krychowiak and Thomas Meunier for the upcoming season.

 

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Gomes: Portugal were expecting more from Ronaldo at Euro 2016


Andre Gomes has revealed that the Portugal side were expecting better performances from Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2016, while backing the captain's overall impact on the team.

The Real Madrid striker broke a European Championship record by scoring in his fourth finals against Hungary to rescue a 3-3 draw and avoid an early exit from France.That double, however, was the only time Ronaldo has found the net so far in the tournament.

"It is not the time to talk about individuals. Cristiano works for the team which is the most important thing. There are 23 players here," Gomes said in a press conference. "He's scored two goals - we were probably expecting more, it is true."

Youngster Renato Sanches was the star of the show against Poland to reach the semi-finals, but Gomes is not writing off his skiper. "This is not the time to put pressure on a player and put him in doubt," he explained. "He has shown his quality and is working for the team and helping out in the Euros."

Ronaldo and Portugal take on Wales on Wednesday in the last-four, having failed to win a single game inside 90 minutes so far in France.

 

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Mkhitaryan will have a big impact at Manchester United, says Gundogan

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has little doubt Henrikh Mkhitaryan will make a major impact at Manchester United.

Borussia Dortmund announced at the weekend that Mkhitaryan will leave the Bundesliga side in favour of a move to Old Trafford and Gundogan has backed his former BVB team-mate to shine in the Premier League.

"Henrikh has been at Dortmund for three years. The first two years were not so easy for him, to be honest," Gundogan was quoted as saying by Manchester Evening News.

"He's a player who needs self-confidence, who needs to play every time and prove himself to get better and better. At this time, we were not so successful, so it was not easy for him to adapt. He had a few problems. "But when you see how he played last year, it was really incredible. Maybe he was the most important player for us last year.
"If he can go on like this, he will have a big, big impact for Manchester United, and a big plus. I wish him the best, and to stay healthy."Mkhitaryan, 27, is expected to complete his move to United in the upcoming days.

 

[Ysa Karu]

Ow bro...eka thamai.ape kattiyata hoda place 1kakata ganna puluwan hodata train karala gatthoth.wade ithin unanduwak nathi 1ka thamai & Ow bro India team 1kanam godak hodata improve wela enawa.kiwwath wage thawa awruru 5-6k yanakota meetath wada hoda place 1kakata awi​

ඔව් එ්ක තමයි...

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I've sold AC Milan - Berlusconi

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has revealed that he has sold the club and is confident that they will soon return to the top of Italian football.

The Serie A side have finished outside of the top six in each of the last three seasons, losing out on a place in European competition each time as a result.

Berlusconi has been looking for a buyer for the club for some time but has revealed that he has struck a deal with a conglomerate and demanded that they invest €400 million in the team over the next two years.

"I have sold AC Milan to a group that can relaunch them and bring them back to the top in Italy, Europe and the world,” he told reporters after his release from hospital for heart surgery.

"I demanded that they invest at least €400m for the market over the next two years. They are an important group, with an involvement of the Chinese state."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Valencia sign Nani

Valencia have signed Luis Nani from Fenerbahce, having met the Turkish club's buyout clause of €8.5 million.

The former Manchester United man joins on a three-year contract and will join Los Che's pre-season preparations following the conclusion of his Euro 2016 commitments with Portugal.

An official statement from Valencia read: "Valencia have reached an agreement with Portugal international Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha 'Nani' that ties the player to our club for the next three seasons.

"Nani, 29, has played for Sporting CP (2005-2007, 2014-15), Manchester United (2007-2014) and Fenerbahce (2015-16).

"His impressive record includes winning the Champions League and four Premier League titles with Manchester United and two Portuguese Cups with Sporting. In his last season with Fenerbahce, Nani played 46 official matches, in which he scored 12 goals.

"The Portuguese international is currently in France, where his national side will take part in the semi-finals of Euro 2016, and will be presented to our fans in the near future. Nani has played 101 official matches with Portugal and has scored 20 goals, including two at Euro 2016."

 

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Neuer: Germany are prepared for 'dangerous' Giroud threat


Manuel Neuer has acknowledged Olivier Giroud is a force to be reckoned with, but has stressed Germany do not fear the France striker ahead of Thursday's semi-final.

Giroud found a way past Neuer in both of the Champions League encounters between Arsenal and Bayern Munich in 2015-16, while also finding the net in France's 2-0 friendly win over Germany in November 2015.He will be looking to score his fourth Euro 2016 goal on Thursday, but Neuer is confident Germany can cope with the 29-year-old.



"Giroud is a very dangerous poacher inside the box," Neuer said at a news conference. "He is strong in the air, he is dangerous for central defenders."But we know him and can prepare for him.

"I don't like focusing on a special player in the opposing team too much. They bring a lot of quality with other players as well."

Antoine Griezmann, Giroud's partner up front for France, also beat Neuer when Atletico Madrid eliminated Bayern in the Champions League and the German has nothing but respect for Euro 2016's leading goalscorer, who has four goals in the tournament so far."Griezmann is incredibly strong in one-on-ones and on the counterattack," Neuer added.

"We all know he is strong in the air, his timing is very good. There are a lot of things we have to keep an eye on."We have to very organised and make sure we get our defensive positioning right.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Atletico complete Vrsaljko signing

Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Sassuolo full-back Sime Vrsaljko on a five-year deal.

Vrsaljko has been a long-term target for the Colchoneros and follows Nicolas Gaitan in moving to the club ahead of the new La Liga season.

And the Croatia international says he is “very happy” to have joined Atletico, with the fee involved unspecified.

"Playing in Atletico is a big challenge for me, I'm very happy," he told Atletico's official club website.

Vrsaljko, who made two appearances for Croatia at Euro 2016 this summer, played a key role in helping Sassuolo soar to an impressive sixth-place finish in Serie A last season.

The 24-year-old can operate in both full-back positions and Atletico's sporting manager Jose Luis Perez Caminero has lauded Vrsaljko's versatility as a key factor behind the transfer.

Caminero said: "Vrsaljko is a player with a huge projection, although he has already demonstrated his quality in a championship as competitive as the Italian Serie A.

“It perfectly fulfils our idea of incorporating players who increase the competition within the group and our team’s level. He is very versatile, since he can play in both sides, which offers us interesting alternatives.”

Vrsaljko started his career with Dinamo Zagreb before joining Genoa in 2013, where he spent one season prior to switching to Sassuolo a year later.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jose Mourinho Unveiled at Old Trafford!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Mourinho!

Please get Manchester United back to Glory Days

We're with you....​

 

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Mourinho: I want to chase Sir Alex's record

Jose Mourinho has admitted he wants to match the records set by Sir Alex Ferguson as the Portuguese was officially unveiled by Manchester United on Tuesday.

The 53-year-old has replaced Louis van Gaal in charge of the Red Devils as the club look to regain their spot as a perennial title challenger in the Premier League, a status which has escaped them following the end of Ferguson's 27-year reign in 2013.

The Scotsman won 13 league crowns, five FA Cups, four League Cups, two Champions League titles and a Club World Cup during his time in charge of United and, while Mourinho has a history of spending only short spells with clubs, he says his intent to build a Ferguson-style legacy at Old Trafford.

"I can't hide that I want to chase Sir Alex's record," the Portuguese told the assembled press. "This is not a dream job, it is a reality. But it is a job that everyone wants and not everyone has a chance to have. But I have it.
"I know the history of this club and I know what the fans expect of me. It doesn't make me nervous. It comes in the right moment of my career. I am where I want to be, I want to be in this club I want to be in this country.

"I am unhappy that we are not in the Champions League. Manchester United is a Champions League club, and in July 2017 instead of waiting for the play-off draw this where it has to be and that is the Champions League."

United finished fifth in the Premier League last term, missing out on a spot in next season's Champions League, but have already signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer, while the transfer of Henrikh Mkhitaryan is expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: I want to chase Sir Alex's record

Yes you can Mourinho!

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: I'll NEVER play Rooney in midfield!


Jose Mourinho says that he has no intention of using Wayne Rooney as a midfielder at Manchester United, insisting that he is still dangerous in front of goal.

The 30-year-old has been used in deeper roles for both club and country in recent years, with Louis van Gaal often using him as an attacking midfielder and a secondary striker last season at Old Trafford, while Roy Hodgson used him behind the striker for England at Euro 2016.

It has been suggested that Rooney could drop further back into the midfield as the years wear on but Mourinho insists that he does not see the club captain in that role.

"I think in football there are many jobs. The hardest to find is the one who puts the ball in the back of the net," the 53-year-old told reporters at his first press conference as United boss."It is normal, at his age, for a player to change a bit but one thing that will never change is the appetite to put the ball in the net.

"He is maybe not a No.9 anymore but, for me, he will never be a No.6. He will never be 50 yards from goal. Yes, he has a great pass but I have a great pass under no pressure.

"He will be a No.9, a No.10, maybe a 9-and-a-half but never a No.6 or even a No.8."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: I'll NEVER play Rooney in midfield!

Pattameka thamai wennath oneRoo & Ibra combination 1kak giyanam patta up front

4-4-2 or 4-3-1-2​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho wants fourth signing for Manchester United


Jose Mourinho says he hopes to sign a fourth player for Manchester United after suggesting a deal to bring Henrikh Mkhitaryan to the club is all but complete.

United have already snapped up Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic since Mourinho was appointed as Louis van Gaal's successor at Old Trafford, with Mkhitaryan's arrival from Borussia Dortmund appearing imminent.And Mourinho has now revealed his hopes to secure a fourth player as he looks to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title.

"I don't know how many more changes we need," he said as he was presented to the media on Tuesday. "The third player will be official soon.

"We have made four positions a priority. Positions that we need for a certain balance.

"I am a manager who likes specialists over versatile players. I like one or two versatile players, because you always need them when you have injuries at some point. You need a left-back or a midfielder who could play at centre-back when necessary.

"We want four players and we almost have three now. When the fourth target is in, we will breathe easily. We will get the fourth player well before the transfer deadline. But the market is still open then. You never know what happens."It is important for me that all my players are happy. Maybe someone might want to leave and we agree to it. Then someone else might have to come in.

"So we could sign some additional players. We are doing well and are getting the players we want. We hope to sign a fourth player soon."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: Not my fault I beat Giggs to Man Utd job


Jose Mourinho insists he was not behind Ryan Giggs' departure from Manchester United, claiming the Old Trafford legend left because he was not offered the manager's job.

Giggs brought an end to a glittering 29-year association with United on Saturday, quitting his job as assistant manager and outlining his plans to take a managing role elsewhere.

Mourinho has reportedly turned down the chance to employ former winger Giggs as his right-hand man, instead preferring long-term lieutenant Rui Faria.But the Portuguese maintains he was not behind the Red Devils icon's departure from the club.

"With Ryan, I want to make it clear," Mourinho told reporters at his United presentation. "The reality is that it is not my responsibility that Ryan is not in the club."The job Ryan wanted is the job the club decided to give me, it's not my fault.

"Ryan wanted to be Man United manager and the club, only they can tell you why they decided the job was for me."From this moment, Ryan wants to be a manager."

Mourinho drew parallels between Giggs' decision and his own step into management, before backing the Welshman to make a return to his boyhood club in the future.

"Sixteen years ago, I decided myself that I wanted to be a manager. Many of us start as an assistant and for many of us a moment arrives where we make a decision. Ryan made a decision.

"When you say I offered him a job, he could be whatever he wants in the club, the club want to give him any important job in the club."He made a decision, a decision where you need to be brave. "It happened with myself. I was in Barcelona in 2000, I had a contract for two years to be assistant.

"You think it was easy for me to be at a big club with stability and go to a new fight? It was not easy and for Ryan it's not just a step of going from assistant to manager."It's also the step to leave his house, 29 years is not 29 days. He was brave, he was honest, so good luck.

"One day, if he wants to come back while I'm here, I will never stop him I will always say yes if the club asks my opinion. And if the club offers him the chance to become the manager it will be natural and a consequence of his managerial career."

Another Old Trafford icon set to run his eye over Mourinho's reign is Alex Ferguson - the greatest manager in British history and a former foe of the Portuguese.

"Ferguson told me to bring an umbrella," Mourinho dryly added. "That was great advice."And he told me to bring my favourite wine. We will be together a lot. He is on a bit of a holiday now, so we won't meet this week.

"But once he returns, we will have a lot of time to meet. He is always welcome to the training ground. We can share a lot of personal stuff. His opinion is very important to me, just like so many club legends have their opinion."They are all important to me, regardless of whether I agree. I will always try to learn from them."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho to take on Wigan in first Man Utd friendly

Jose Mourinho will take charge of Manchester United for the first time on July 16 when they take on Wigan Athletic in a friendly, the Red Devils have announced.

Mourinho officially began life as Louis van Gaal's successor on Monday before being unveiled in an explosive first press conderence at Old Trafford.

And the former Chelsea boss now has just over a week to prepare his squad for their first outing as they make the short trip to the DW Stadium to face the Championship outfit.

"The first game against Wigan is very important as I am going to have some players I don’t know very well who I am bringing into the first team," Mourinho told United's official website.

The 20-time English champions will then continue their pre-season with clashes against Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City in China before taking on Galatasaray in Gothenburg on 30 July.

United then return to Old Trafford for a game against Everton in Wayne Rooney's testimonial before taking on Premier League champions Leicester City in the Community Shield at Wembley six days before the season gets under way.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Martino quits as Argentina coach

Gerardo Martino has resigned from his post as coach of the Argentina national team, less than one month before the start of the Olympic Games.

The ex-Barcelona man had pledged to continue at the helm after a second Copa America final defeat to Chile in June.

But the retirement of Lionel Messi, institutional chaos at the Argentine Football Association and serious issues over squad selection ahead of the Olympic Games forced a change of mind, as he revealed his decision during a meeting on Tuesday.

In its announcement, the governing body revealed that Martino and his entire coaching staff stepped down.

"The national team's technical team have decided to hand in their resignation on this day [Tuesday]," the AFA confirmed in a statement released on its website.

"Due to uncertainty over the designation of new authorities in the Argentine Football Association and the serious problems in putting together the team that will represent the country in the Olympic Games, the team has chosen to resign."

Martino had taken over following the 2014 World Cup, and lost just one competitive match during his time as coach, against Ecuador in a September 2015 World Cup qualifier.

In total the coach won 19 of the 29 games he directed, with seven draws and three defeats.

But the failure to lift silverware on two occasions made the trainer a focus for criticism from many fans and observers, as Argentina's title drought now stands at 23 years after they fell short in three consecutive finals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho hails 'amazing' potential partnership of Ibrahimovic and Rashford

Jose Mourinho insists Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Rashford could forge an “amazing” partnership at Manchester United.

Ibrahimovic confirmed his move to Old Trafford last week and will link up with Rashford, who made his impressive introduction to United’s first team last season.

Mourinho’s usual formations feature just one striker - but he is adamant that the duo can complement each other due to their age and quality.

”Let me start with one point. 34 is Zlatan's age and 18 is Marcus Rashford’s age,” the United manager told MUTV.

“34 plus 18 divided by two is the perfect age for a football player.

"So our two strikers, they are exactly in the perfect age because 18 is not the perfect age and 34 is not.

"So I think they can be an amazing complement for each other with their qualities."

Mourinho was unveiled to the media as United manager on Tuesday and has wasted no time in strengthening the squad ahead of next season.

In addition to Ibrahimovic, the Red Devils have also signed Henrikh Mkhitaryan to boost their attack ahead of a Premier League title charge.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ibra & Rash​