..::Football IV::..

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Prolific Mkhitaryan will have instant impact - Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has backed Henrikh Mkhitaryan to make an immediate impact in the Premier League following his move to Manchester United.United announced the signing of the Armenia international from Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday for a reported fee of £26.3million.

Mkhitaryan, who has agreed a four-year deal with the option for a further year, registered 23 goals and 26 assists in all competitions in a stunning campaign for Dortmund in 2015-16.And Mourinho has no doubt he will be able to replicate that form in England's top flight.

"Henrikh is a very talented footballer who has been in such prolific form for both his club and his country," the United boss told the club's official website. "He is a real team player with great skill, vision and also has a good eye for goal.

"I am delighted he has chosen to sign for United. I believe he will make an impact on the team very quickly as his style of play is suited to the Premier League. We are all looking forward to working with him."

The 27-year-old is United's third signing under Mourinho, following the arrivals of Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and the former Chelsea boss feels he has added quality.

"[With Ibrahimovic] we brought a player that was voted the best in French league. With Miki, we have brought a player that was voted the best player in the Bundesliga and voted not by the fans, not by the journalists but by the fellow players; that is what means more," he added on MUTV.

"Miki is fantastic player. What I like more is the number of goals that he scores by not being a striker. His number of goals per season is really high for someone who is not a striker.

"The number of assists is also very clear - it shows his creativity, his vision, his concept of collective play. That is something that is really important for a club like us who will try to be dominant and who will face clubs with a very defensive profile.

"He has a change of speed with the ball and without the ball that is very important for a club like us."

 

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Mkhitaryan explains how to pronounce his surname after Manchester United transfer

Premier League commentators can breathe a sigh of relief - Henrikh Mkhitaryan has explained how to pronounce his surname.

The 27-year-old has completed his move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United for a fee in the region of £28 million.

But for those fretting over the thought of trying to get his last name spot on, the midfielder has helpfully broken it down in Armenian and English...

 

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Mkhitaryan: I'll never forget Borussia Dortmund


Henrikh Mkhitaryan has paid tribute to Borussia Dortmund after completing his move to Manchester United.Mkhitaryan became the Red Devils' third signing of the summer on Wednesday, penning a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

The Armenian scored 11 goals and added 15 assists in the Bundesliga last season and, in a letter posted on his official Facebook page, described how he feels "truly privileged" to have played at Signal Iduna Park.

He wrote: "I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Borussia Dortmund - from the administration to the coaching staff, my team-mates and of course all the amazing fans - for the love and support you have given me in the past seasons.

"I will never forget the moments we shared together on and off the pitch over the last three years and I feel truly privileged to have represented such a great club and a great city.

"When I think back to my roots and my father's football career, I was taught to embrace new challenges and I felt that in order to honour my family's legacy, I had to take this step in my career and join Manchester United.

"Thank you you once more for all the memories. You will always have a special place in my heart."

 

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Mkhitaryan tells Man Utd fans: Mourinho's team is going to be amazing


Henrikh Mkhitaryan has told Manchester United fans to expect an "amazing" team next season as the Jose Mourinho era begins - and says he is yet to reach his full potential.

Mkhitaryan completed his move to Old Trafford on Wednesday from Borussia Dortmund, where he had a hand in 49 goals - scoring 23 and assisting 26 - over 52 appearances last season.

The Armenian will join forces with fellow new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic in his debut campaign in the Premier League and believes United are primed to be a force to be reckoned with once more.

"I think this year the team is going to be amazing and it will be a pleasure for me to play next to [Wayne Rooney and Ibrahimovic]," the 27-year-old told MUTV.

"Everyone knows that [the Premier League] is one of the biggest championships in the world and I'm very happy to be part of it. "I'm very excited. It's a big opportunity for me to play for Manchester. It's a new challenge for me, I think I will try to do all my best.

"For me, this is not the highest point that I can reach. I think I can go further and I'm very happy for that because I think I did everything right in my life and I'm going step by step forward."

Asked how key Mourinho was in his decision to swap the Bundesliga for the Premier League, the attacking midfielder said: "It was one of the [reasons] that I choose Manchester, but also the team because it's one of the biggest clubs in the world, so I couldn't reject the offer and I'm very pleased to be here."

 

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OFFICIAL: Banega completes Inter move

Inter have completed the signing of midfielder Ever Banega on a three-year contract.

The 28-year-old joins from Sevilla, where he spent two seasons - winning the Europa League in both campaigns."FC Internazionale is delighted to confirm that Ever Banega will wear the Nerazzurri shirt for the next three seasons," read the Serie A club's statement.

The Argentina international was long expected to sign for Inter as a free agent, although the deal was initially held up over a dispute, with Sevilla believing he had automatically triggered an extension to his contract with them.

The playmaker was sent off in Sevilla's tempestuous Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona in May, which turned out to be his final match in the club's colours as then-boss Unai Emery confirmed the player's exit after the game.

Speaking last month, Banega said: "Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti was the first to contact me and I'm very happy he called.

"I had a great time in Spain. It has been two wonderful years and we won two Europa Leagues."Banega has 47 caps and most recently represented his country as they finished runners-up at the Copa America in the United States.

This is the first time Banega will have played in Italy, with his previous career limited to Argentina and Spain, having had spells at Boca Juniors, Valencia, Atletico Madrid and Newell's Old Boys prior to joining Sevilla in August 2014.

 

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Deschamps: France will need Pogba at his best against Germany


France head coach Didier Deschamps feels les Bleus will need Paul Pogba at his best against Germany as the Euro 2016 hosts prepare for their semi-final clash.

Pogba's form in the early stages of Euro 2016 became a cause for national debate, with the Juventus star struggling to make an impact in the opener against Romania before being dropped for the clash with Albania in Marseille.

He was introduced at half-time against Gianni De Biasi's men, helping inspire his side to a 2-0 win, and has remained in the starting XI since, impressing against Iceland and Deschamps says he is needed against the world champions.

"I had not lost him so I have not rediscovered him," said Deschamps, speaking ahead of Thursday's semi-final against world champions Germany in Marseille.
"It was a bit trickier for him at the start of the tournament but Paul has always stood up, even in the second game when I didn’t start him."Paul Pogba needs tranquility around him and it's hard because you [the media] talk about him every day.

"Paul is doing well and, mentally, he knows what he can contribute to the team. He's been playing very well the last two games and we’ll need him on Thursday."
Deschamps is a former Marseille player and coach and is expecting a boisterous Stade Velodrome crowd to urge his side on.

"I think we will have the crowd right behind us as we saw here against Albania," he said."We'll need them because there will be some tough times. We are supported all over the country but they are more expressive here in Marseille. It's a semi-final and it's special, we will need all their support."

Asked if it was the biggest match of his career, Deschamps added: "It's difficult to make comparisons but clearly this is not something that crops up every day. We are playing a European Championship semi-final.

"I experienced them as a player but I don't waste time on myself, what's important is France. I don't look at it from a personal perspective.

"I feel very privileged. The France national team means a great deal to me and I hope we can go as far as possible."

 

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Barcelona agree deal for Fluminense starlet Marlon

Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Fluminense starlet Marlon on loan with the option to buy, the Brazilian club has confirmed.

According to Globoesporte, the 20-year-old defender will play for Barcelona B during their 2016-17 campaign and will cost the Spanish champions €6 million to sign permanently.

If Marlon makes an appearance for the first team during his loan spell, however, the fee will rise to €8m and if he plays five senior matches Barcelona will be obligated to buy him.

"He was loaned to Barcelona for a year with a purchase option until July 2017," Fluminense sporting director Jorge Macedo said.

Marlon is highly rated in Brazil and has been compared to Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Thiago Silva, who also came through the youth ranks at Fluminense.
He has struggled to hit his best form in 2016, however, and missed out on a place in Brazil's squad for the Olympic Games after being dropped by his club.

 

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Messi to appeal 21-month prison sentence for tax fraud

The lawyers of Lionel Messi and his father Jorge have announced that they will appeal the 21-month prison sentences handed to their clients for tax fraud on Wednesday.

Barcelona star Messi was found guilty of defrauding Spain's tax authority of €4.1 million between 2007 and 2009.

He is not expected to serve time in jail as sentences under two years for individuals with no prior convictions can be suspended under Spanish law.

For this reason Messi's lawyers say they consider the sentence "symbolic" but maintain his innocence - as well as his father's - and insist they will continue to fight the decision.

Messi has also been fined six weeks' wages - €1.7m - after being accused of creating fake companies in Belize and Uruguay to avoid taxation on his image rights.

 

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Germany are fearsome but not unbeatable, says Jacquet


Aime Jacquet believes France's "new generation" will prevail over a Germany side he says are in decline.

The Euro 2016 hosts meet the world champions in the semi-finals on Thursday and Jacquet, who led France to 1998 World Cup glory on home soil, is anticipating a tight match.Jacquet regards the clash in Marseille as a meeting of two great rivals, but feels his compatriots have the edge.

The 74-year-old told Fifa's offical website: "They are our eternal rivals. They are a fearsome adversary, but not unbeatable.

"They have a generation coming to the end of its cycle and I hope that, with our new generation, we will be able to come through this test. It will be very difficult."I saw Germany against Italy and it was a tight and tactical contest."

Jacquet had Didier Deschamps in his side for his crowning glory 18 years ago and spoke of his admiration for the France boss."He knows how to handle things," added Jacquet. "He has all his experience as an exceptional player and a coach at the highest level and a wonderful personal journey with the France team.

"He's been in this situation as a captain with me and I can assure you he's controlling everything perfectly behind closed doors."That's another reason why we're lucky to have players who have played across Europe. Didier played in Italy, England and Spain – and what a fantastic collection of trophies he has."

Germany beat France 1-0 on the way to winning the 2014 World Cup, but Mats Hummels – scorer of the decisive goal in that quarter-final – is suspended for this.

 

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Portugal defence is shaky without Pepe Bruno Alves can't match Bales speed
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Ow bro.anith 1ka Wales lage counter attacking nam dangerous.​

 

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Full Time

Portugal 2 Vs 0 Wales

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Portugal Qualified To The Euro 2016 Final!​

 

[Ysa Karu]

 

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Congratulations Portugal!

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[Alucard_SxE]

Full Time

Portugal 2 Vs 0 Wales

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Oh Yeah!! man kiwwe portugal final enawa kiyala. Mehema play karoth aniwa dinanawa me para.
Germany vs France walin Germany enne finals.

Vamos Portugal!!!​

 

[sri D]

Portugal Qualified To The Euro 2016 Final!​

ela ela..

 

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Portugal 2-0 Wales: Ronaldo equals Platini's record as Santos' men makes final

Cristiano Ronaldo was instrumental as Portugal reached the Euro 2016 final, ending Wales' incredible run with a 2-0 win in Lyon.

The pre-match talk had centred on Ronaldo's showdown with Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale and it was the Portuguese who shone as his side took another step towards assuaging the pain of their defeat in the 2004 final.

Ronaldo leapt imperiously to head in a 50th-minute opener – equalling Michel Platini's record of nine goals at European Championships – and had the shot that Nani steered home to extend Portugal's advantage just three minutes later.

That quickfire double brought to life a semi-final that had until then been a largely cagey affair, with Bale having marginally the better of the first-half head-to-head against his club colleague.Indeed, Chris Coleman's side will have been content with their efforts in the opening 45 minutes, Bale steering one shot over and another on target.

Portugal – who reached the last four without winning a game in normal time – had few openings of note, though Joao Mario might have done better with a low strike on the angle.

Yet within eight minutes of the restart their place in the Paris final was practically assured, with hosts France or world champions Germany now standing between a first major international honour for Ronaldo.

Wales – 3-1 winners over Belgium last time out – had Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies missing through suspension, with William Carvalho suffering the same fate for Portugal, who had to make do without the injured Pepe (thigh).

Ashley Williams made a timely intervention to thwart Ronaldo early on after Wales had sloppily conceded possession just inside their own half.


But it was a nervy start at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Mario dragging a shot wide of the mark in the 16th minute to punctuate what was otherwise a tactical midfield battle.

A well-worked Wales corner ended with Bale firing over the crossbar after he cleverly manoeuvred into space and the world's most expensive player brought a routine save from Rui Patricio following a lung-bursting run.

That proved to be the only first-half shot on target, with Ronaldo heading wide at the far post as a tense opening period drew to a close.He was not so wayward at the start of the second half, though, climbing high to power home a header from Raphael Guerreiro's pinpoint cross.

And he was pivotal in the second goal for Fernando Santos' side, though he would be hard-pressed to claim an intentional assist for Nani, who slid in to divert Ronaldo's shot beyond the wrong-footed Wayne Hennessey.

Ronaldo struck a dipping free-kick over in the 63rd minute and Hennessey was fortunate to see Mario shoot wide after the goalkeeper had fumbled the ball into his path.

Having lost three European Championship semi-finals, perennial nearly-men Portugal were determined to hold on to their advantage and a beleaguered Wales scarcely applied pressure in the closing 20 minutes.

Danilo almost made it three late on, with Hennessey barely keeping out his close-range effort, as Portugal set up a golden opportunity to banish the memories of their shock loss to Greece 12 years ago, which left a teenage Ronaldo in tears.

 

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Manchester City's £43m Bonucci bid rejected by Juventus

Manchester City have had a €50 million (£43m) bid for Leonardo Bonucci rejected by Juventus, Goal understands.

Pep Guardiola’s side have also proposed a five-year deal for the Italy international worth €7m (£6m) a year.

But City’s offer has been met with strong resistance by the Serie A champions, who have no intention of selling the centre-back this summer.

Juventus have an excellent relationship with Bonucci and are now planning to improve his current contract in a bid to ward off any further interest from City.

Manchester City have had a €50 million (£43m) bid for Leonardo Bonucci rejected by Juventus, Goal understands.

Pep Guardiola’s side have also proposed a five-year deal for the Italy international worth €7m (£6m) a year.

But City’s offer has been met with strong resistance by the Serie A champions, who have no intention of selling the centre-back this summer.

Juventus have an excellent relationship with Bonucci and are now planning to improve his current contract in a bid to ward off any further interest from City.

 

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Liverpool offer Klopp a new long-term deal

Liverpool have offered manager Jurgen Klopp a new long-term contract just nine months after appointing the German at the helm as they look to cement his reconstruction of the club.

The 49-year-old inked a three-year deal in October that contained the option of a fourth, but after leading the Reds to two finals while restoring belief and reviving their famous atmosphere, Fenway Sports Group have approached the trainer with a prolonged proposal.

The new package has not materialised for financial reasons, with Klopp’s estimated £7 million-a-year salary already one of the most lucrative in the Premier League, with only Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger pulling in a bigger pay check.

The owners feel their vision for Liverpool is in sync with Klopp’s, and they trust the man who described himself as “a perfect solution” for the club to “build the right way” and bring success to Anfield.

FSG have noted and appreciated the manager’s dedication to furthering the development of the squad on an individual and collective level. Divock Origi’s advancement under his tutelage, for example, is exactly the kind of evolution they have wanted, and the former Borussia Dortmund boss is famed for overseeing.

His insistence on building rather than buying success is also respected, with Klopp making it clear from his first day on Merseyside that he is not interested in poaching the game’s superstars, but unearthing future gems.“I’m not a dream man, I don't want to have Cristiano [Ronaldo] or Lionel [Messi] and all these players in one team,” he said.

There is complete confidence from the boardroom in the backroom team and vice versa. Klopp, who spent seven years at Mainz before serving BVB for the same amount of time, is expected to sign the contract and signal a new spell of longevity as he gears up for his first full campaign at the helm.

He was back at Melwood on Saturday morning as the squad reported for the start of pre-season, and has spent every day since at the training complex.

Klopp has acquired four new players ahead of 2016-17, with more incomings due to follow as he shapes a squad capable of “playing different systems and reacting to different situations.”

 

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Bale: Match-winner Ronaldo a natural goalscorer


Gareth Bale hailed Real Madrid colleague Cristiano Ronaldo as a "natural goalscorer" after he netted in Portugal's 2-0 Euro 2016 semi-final win over Wales.
The showdown between the two Madrid heavyweights dominated the pre-match headlines and it was Ronaldo who shone brightest.

His powerful 50th-minute header saw him equal Michel Platini's record of nine European Championship goals, with Ronaldo then turning provider – albeit perhaps inadvertently – for Nani's goal three minutes later.And Bale told ITV of his club-mate: "Obviously he's a natural goalscorer and he scored yet again.

"But as I said it's not about them, it's about us. We'll pick ourselves up. We're a proud bunch. We have to be proud of what we've achieved in this tournament.

"We want to thank all the fans obviously – the support we have had is absolutely incredible."Wales were at least the equal of their opponents in a tight first half and Bale reflected on what he felt were fine margins that decided the outcome.

"They got their first goal and were lucky on the second," he added. "We tried our hardest to get back into the game and fought until the last second."We gave everything. We have no regrets."

Fernando Santos' side will meet hosts France or world champions Germany in the final.