..::Football IV::..

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Ancelotti: I love Ronaldo, but he's not joining Bayern

Carlo Ancelotti says there is little chance Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Real Madrid for Bayern Munich.

Ancelotti enjoyed a close relationship with the Portugal international during their time together at the Santiago Bernabeu, but the Italian believes Ronaldo would not leave the Champions League holders to reunite with him at Allianz Arena, even if an unlikely offer arrived from the Bundesliga heavyweights."I love Ronaldo's professional attitude," Ancelotti told Bild.

"Journalists often ask me how difficult it is to work with players like him and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but it is really easy. You don't have to tell these kinds of players anything. They are very disciplined and focused."Something can always happen in football, but it is very hard to see a player like Ronaldo at another club.

"The same goes for players like Lionel Messi, Philipp Lahm, Thomas Muller and Paolo Maldini, who played his entire career at Milan. Players like them simply cannot leave their clubs. They care too much about the clubs the play for."

Ronaldo won Euro 2016 with Portugal on Sunday, his team beating France 1-0 after extra-time despite the captain being forced off through injury in the first half at Stade de France.The Madrid star's rival Messi indicated his intention to retire from international football after missing a penalty in Argentina's Copa America final shootout defeat to Chile last month.

And Ancelotti, who has replaced Pep Guardiola as Bayern coach during the off-season, finds it hard to choose between the pair."I don't know if Ronaldo is the best player in the world," he said.

"Messi is still there as well. The two of them have been battling it out for the Ballon d'Or over the past six or seven years. I think their rivalry helps the two of them get the best out of themselves."

 

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Arsenal and Chelsea dealt blow as Morata set to stay at Real Madrid

Real Madrid will not enter further talks with Chelsea or Arsenal over a potential transfer of Alvaro Morata, with the striker set to stay in Spain, Goal understands.

Negotiations have completely stopped for the 23-year-old following discussions over a fee that would have broken the British transfer record, with Chelsea reportedly seeing a €60m bid rejected.

The European champions recently bought the striker back from Juventus for €30m after triggering the clause in the original deal that saw him join the Serie A champions for €20m in 2014.

Morata became Spain's main striker ahead of Euro 2016 after scoring 27 goals in 93 games for Juve as he claimed back-to-back league titles with Massimiliano Allegri's men.

His bright performances in Turin saw his value rise significantly as he attracted interest from Premier League sides, while a move back to Madrid had long been on the cards.The forward will return to his city of birth for pre-season and will have to compete for a starting spot against Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.

He could even line up against Chelsea on July 30 in Michigan when the sides meet in the International Champions Cup tournament.Arsenal have yet to sign a striker after failing in their attempts to land Jamie Vardy from Leicester City and will have to search for other options in the transfer market.

Chelsea, however, have already bought Michy Batshuayi from Marseille, but are seeking more attacking reinforcements to fit Antonio Conte's preferred two striker system.

The Blues expect Loic Remy to depart this summer while the loan deals of Radamel Falcao and Alexandre Pato expired on June 30.

 

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Man Utd midfielder Schweinsteiger marries tennis star Ana Ivanovic

Congratulations for Schweinsteiger & Ana Ivanovic!​

 

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West Ham sign Fletcher from Manchester United

West Ham have completed the signing of striker Ashley Fletcher on a four-year deal from Manchester United.The 20-year-old, who spent part of last season on loan with Barnsley in League One, completed a medical with Slaven Bilic's side on Tuesday before finalising the move.

"I am very excited to be here. West Ham are a massive club and I am just happy that I can come and further my development here at West Ham," he told the club's official website."I think it is a club with a lot of ambition. They have a lot of good players and it was a special final season. They managed to finish the campaign very well.

"West Ham are a club built on traditions of giving youngsters a run and hopefully I can get my chance as well."United and West Ham must now finalise the details of his transfer, with Fletcher's contract at Old Trafford having expired at the end of last season.

"Everyone at Manchester United would like to wish Ashley the best of luck in his future career," United said in a statement confirming the news.

Fletcher, who scored in the League One play-off final win over Millwall, follows Havard Nordtveit, Sofiane Feghouli and Gokhan Tore in joining West Ham since the end of last season.

He is the third player from United's youth academy to leave the club on Tuesday, after Tyler Reid joined Swansea City and Joe Rothwell signed for Oxford United.

 

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Klopp: I told Balotelli he must leave Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has told Mario Balotelli he needs to leave Liverpool, but hopes to help him rediscover his best form beforehand.

Balotelli joined Liverpool from AC Milan in 2014 but, after scoring just one Premier League goal in 16 appearances in his first season at the club, he was sent back to San Siro on loan the following year.

The 25-year-old managed just to find the net just once in Serie A last term, though he missed more than three months with a groin injury, and Klopp does not see a future for him at Anfield.However, the German hopes to help build Balotelli's confidence back up before sending him to a club where he can be a leading figure.

"Since he has been back here, he's been a good guy and I can't say anything different than that," said Klopp."Everything's been good, it's all okay. And now he's here, we will do everything we can to get him fit.

"We want Mario to become the player he was before his injury. The talent is still there - no doubt about it"When we have done the crossing, heading and stuff, he's been world class. But this is not a situation where he should be battling with other players like this for one position so it's clear we need a solution.

"There will be a club around who would be happy to have a new Mario Balotelli, if you like. I have spoken clearly to the player about that."It's now time to make decisions and I try to help Mario to get in the best shape he can be in and we will see what happens."

Balotelli, who made 16 league appearances for Liverpool in the 2014-15 campaign before being sent on loan last term, is contracted to the club until June 2018.

 

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Powell completes move to Wigan Athletic after leaving Manchester United

Wigan Athletic have completed the signing of Nick Powell on a free transfer from Manchester United.

The 22-year-old was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in a £6 million deal from Crewe in 2012 but made only nine senior appearances during his time at Old Trafford.

Powell spent time on loan at at Wigan, Leicester City and Hull City and the midfielder has now opted to join the newly promoted Championship club on a three-year contract.

“Nick is a quality player,” said Wigan boss Gary Caldwell.

“He’s the one player we wanted to get this summer and we are so happy we’ve got him. When I played with him, he was the best 19-year-old I’d ever played with.

“He’s had a frustrating couple of years with injuries and not managing to settle anywhere, but we absolutely believe in him because he’s a special player with the talent to get a stadium to its feet.

“He is still very young and has got so much more to give the game. We are delighted he can continue his progress with us.”

 

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Mourinho: I can't wait for my first walk to the Manchester United dugout

New Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho admits he is itching to complete his first walk from the tunnel to the dugout at Old Trafford. The Portuguese will make his home debut as the Red Devils boss in Wayne Rooney’s testimonial game against Everton on August 3.

And the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager is intrigued to feel the atmosphere from the United supports as he walks to and from the dugout every match."It’s a pity that it’s not tomorrow because I’m waiting for that moment,” the 53-year-old said in an interview with adidas Front Row.

"I’ve had so many years in football at a high level, so obviously I am not nervous, I feel very calm and I know that I am ready for the job, but to go into the stadium as Man United manager... I’m sure that will be special.

"It’s a stadium where you have a 50-metre walk [from the tunnel to the dug-out], which is different to my previous clubs. In all my previous clubs the tunnel was connected with the bench; there wasn’t that space to feel good or bad feelings, because when things go well you normally feel the good feelings and when things go wrong you feel the bad feelings.

"I think the 50-metre walk will give me a few seconds where I will have the chance to feel it."

 

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Tuchel: Dortmund will miss Mkhitaryan more than Hummels & Gundogan


Thomas Tuchel claims Borussia Dortmund says he will miss Henrikh Mkhitaryan more than Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan, but maintains his side did everything they could to keep all three.The star trio were all under contract until June 2017 and Dortmund were initially hopeful they would sign new deals.

The club ultimately failed to agree the renewals, though, and were forced to cash in when Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich registered their respective interest in Gundogan, Mkhitaryan and Hummels."A lot has happened. It feels a bit like a fresh start. Three extremely important players have left us," head coach Tuchel told a news conference.

"We have lost three key men with the departure of Hummels, Gundogan and Mkhitaryan. They are three players of the highest level. We did everything within our powers to hold on to them. The offers were pushing our boundaries. We have to acknowledge that there are clubs higher in the food chain.

"The three players who have left have had an enormous influence on the team.They were examples for the others."I am no more disappointed about losing Mkhitaryan than about losing Mats and Ilkay. Of course, I was disappointed to see him go. I am a huge fan of Mkhitaryan.

But I am looking forward to working with our new signings."Dortmund have brought in a number of promising youngsters to replace the departed stars, with Emre Mor, Ousmane Dembele and Mikel Merino among the new arrivals at Signal Iduna Park, and Tuchel is looking forward to the rebuilding job at hand.

"We have decided to go with talented youngsters. We are no longer thinking about what we had, but are focused on creating something new," he said."We have to be creative and find solutions. It might be a risky path, but risks can get rewarded. All our new players are fully committed to BVB. We want to develop a team the fans can identify with.

"We want to challenge the big teams in the Champions League, fight for the Bundesliga title and win the DFB-Pokal."

 

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Real Madrid rejected offer of €80m for Morata

Real Madrid rejected an offer of €80 million for Alvaro Morata before deciding to keep the striker at the Santiago Bernabeu, Goal understands.

Morata was pursued by Chelsea and Arsenal, among others, after Madrid exercised a buy-back clause to re-sign him from Juventus for €30m.Last Thursday, Morata's agents met with Madrid and a €60m bid was turned down. On Monday, an improved €80m offer from an unnamed club was dismissed after another meeting.

It was expected that the European champions would immediately sell the 23-year-old on for a profit upon his return but Florentino Perez and Zinedine Zidane have pushed to persuade him he has a future in Madrid.

Zidane and Perez are both fans of Morata and played a significant role in assuring the Spain international that he will be handed a fair shot at breaking into the starting XI next season.

Morata and his representatives were also said to be encouraged by Zidane's selection of the likes of Lucas Vasquez on the basis of their good form over big-money signings such as James Rodriguez.

He will compete directly with Karim Benzema for the centre-forward role between star wingers Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

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Sunderland confirm Allardyce has held talks over becoming the next England boss

Sunderland have confirmed Sam Allardyce has held talks with the Football Association regarding the vacant England manager's job.

Roy Hodgson left his position as manager after the Three Lions' humiliating Euro 2016 exit at the hands of Iceland, and the FA have since been searching for a successor to the former Fulham manager.

Allardyce left Sunderland's pre-season training camp in Austria earlier this week and, although it was initially thought it was due to talks with a transfer target, the 61-year-old was subsequently pictured leaving the house of FA vice-chairman David Gill.

Sunderland have subsequently confirmed that they granted English football's governing body permission to speak with Allardyce, who is now reportedly the frontrunner for the post ahead of the likes of Arsene Wenger and Jurgen Klinsmann.

The Black Cats, who finished 17th in the Premier League in 2015-16, have also called on the FA to conduct discussions swiftly, and still hope to retain Allardyce's services.

"The Football Association contacted Sunderland AFC to seek permission to speak with our manager as part of what was supposed to be a confidential discussion process with potential candidates for the position of England manager," an official statement read.

"At Sam Allardyce’s request, we agreed to this. "Sam is very much key to our plans. After what was an extremely challenging season, we are keen to see a period of stability, both on and off the field, and we want him to remain as manager of our football club.
"The ongoing speculation over Sam’s position is extremely damaging to Sunderland AFC, particularly at this crucial time of the season and we urge the FA to respect the disruption that this process is causing and bring about a swift resolution to the matter."

 

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OFFICIAL: Barcelona sign PSG full-back Digne

Barcelona have completed the signing for Paris Saint-Germain defender Lucas Digne after the 22-year-old agreed a five-year deal at Camp Nou.

Digne has joined the Blaugrana for an initial fee of €16.5 million which could eventually rise to €20.5m based on individual and team-based add-ons.

The full-back becomes Barcelona's second new arrival from Ligue 1 after Samuel Umtiti completed his switch from Lyon on Tuesday for €25 million.

"Barcelona have reached an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain to sign French player Lucas Digne for the next five seasons," a Barca statement confirmed.
"Barca have paid an initial 16.5 million euros with another four possible according to individual and team results. Digne's buy-out clause is 60 million euros.

"Lucas Digne will arrive in Barcelona on Thursday early in the morning local time to undergo a medical and sign his contract."
Barcelona have inserted a €60 million buyout clause in Digne's contract, with the Meaux-born ace set to compete with Jordi Alba for the left-back spot in head coach Luis Enrique's squad.

Digne emerged through Lille's youth system to make 60 appearances in all competitions for Les Dogues, before joining PSG in 2013 for a fee believed to be in the region of €15 million.

He turned out 43 times for PSG but moved to Roma on a season-long loan last season after falling down the pecking order at the Parc des Princes.

Digne scored three goals in 39 appearances for Roma to help the Serie A outfit finish third and secure qualification for this season's Champions League.

 

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Pogba is a player Real Madrid would 'love' to have - Raul

Raul has hailed Paul Pogba as an “excellent” player and believes he is a player Real Madrid would “love” to sign.

The France international has a contract with Juventus until June 2019, but he has been heavily linked with a move elsewhere in recent months.Manchester United are believed to be keen to lure him back to Old Trafford, while Madrid are also allegedly in the running to sign the 23-year-old.

Raul is a keen admirer of the midfielder and believes he would be a fine addition at the Santiago Bernabeu if Madrid can get past Juventus' reported asking price of €100m.

"Pogba is a player that Madrid would love to have - as would any team," Raul told AS."He has a great physical presence."Pogba is an excellent player and I am sure that the coach will have studied on how he can improve the current team and style of play.

"But it will be a question of looking at factors such as price and general conditions."
Raul previously conceded he was surprised to see Zinedine Zidane become Real Madrid coach, but has been impressed with the progress his former team-mate has made.

"I just didn't see him as a coach when we played together, but he's since worked in different areas of the club, spent some time working with [Carlo] Ancelotti and was then given the opportunity to oversee Castilla so I guess it was always something that he had inside," Raul added."I also feel that since he's been with the first team he is growing constantly as a coach.

"The key to his success? Having faith in his players and getting them to believe in themselves."

 

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I don't consider Messi a criminal, says Liga chief Tebas

La Liga president Javier Tebas says he does not consider Lionel Messi to be a criminal, despite him being found guilty of tax fraud.

The Barcelona star was given a €2million fine and a prison sentence of 21 months after a Spanish court ruled he had evaded tax to the tune of €4.1m, though he will be able to serve the jail term on probation as his offence was non-violent.

Reports in Spain on Wednesday have suggested the state prosecutor will not appeal the sentence, although Messi's legal team is expected to take their defence to the Supreme Court.Barca announced a social media campaign to drum up support for Messi among fans, though this was met with criticism by some who felt the club was making light of his transgression.

Tebas was asked for his view on the 29-year-old continuing to play in Spain's top flight despite the conviction, but he was adamant he had no problems."I've already spoken about Messi - I don't consider him a criminal and I'm happy with him staying in LaLiga," he said at a sponsor event.

"There are still options for the player and we have to wait for the final decision."

 

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Juventus set to beat AC Milan to Benatia deal

Bayern Munich defender Mehdi Benatia is set to move on loan to Juventus, after the Serie A champions pipped rivals AC Milan to agree a temporary move.

The Morocco international signs with Juve on a 12-month deal, after the clubs agreed the loan switch that also includes a purchase option worth €18 million.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri was keen to complete the transfer before his team sets off on a tour of Asia and Australia, and unless negotiations face an unforeseen final hurdle the ex-Roma player will be presented in Turin in the coming days.

Benatia played 46 times for Bayern in two seasons at the Bundesliga giants, scoring three goals. Despite forming a useful part of Pep Guardiola's squad, the defender struggled to reproduce his best form at the Allianz Arena, after wonderful spells at Roma and Udinese.

But with Martin Caceres having left Turin and the first-choice defensive line of Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini advancing in years, Allegri has identified the Moroccan as a worthy back-up while he continues to encourage the development of young star Daniele Rugani.

Benatia's arrival, however, will not change the club's stance on the 21-year-old, who is not for sale. Napoli are one of the teams that have shown an interest, but any enquiries from Maurizio Sarri's team are likely to fall on deaf ears.

 

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Mourinho describes Ibrahimovic in three words

The Portuguese coach managed to lure the former Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain hitman to Old Trafford this summer following the 34-year-old’s decision to leave the French champions.The pair enjoyed a close relationship during their time together at Inter and Mourinho has dismissed the arrogance that the Swede portrays, describing him as a funny guy.

“Zlatan, three words - he’s a winner, he’s a goalscorer and he’s funny - he’s a funny guy,” he said.

“You need to understand him. He’s a funny guy and if you don’t know him, maybe you think with some quotes he’s a bit arrogant.

“But he’s just a funny guy. So, I would just say that. Funny, winner and goalscorer. I was so happy to get him, and obviously, he’s happy to work for me now.”

 

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Funny, winner and goalscorer​

 

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Ferguson: Ronaldo is the best player of his generation


Cristiano Ronaldo is the "special footballer" of his generation, according to his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The ex-Manchester United boss was on hand to witness Ronaldo finally convert his phenomenal club success into international honours as the injured Portugal captain rallied his country from the sidelines to Euro 2016 glory on Sunday.

And Ferguson, 74, insists that Ronaldo's work rate and hunger - part of the reason why he brought the forward to Old Trafford as an 18-year-old in 2003 - is what sets him apart from his contemporaries and makes him the best player of his era.



"He has an incredible desire for football, Cristiano is looking forward to each workout. He always wants to be better, to win. He especially loves these big games," Ferguson told Bild."During my time at Manchester United, Cristiano was the player who developed the most. Through much hard work.

"He constantly worked on his shooting technique, with the right, left, his heading ability, his bounce. "His performance improvement is incredible. And what is remarkable, today's football is so athletic, so fast.

“Usually top players can only play for about five or six years at the highest level, then it's over. Cristiano has been doing this for over 10 years. That makes him so exceptional.

"Every generation has its special footballer, Cristiano is currently."Ronaldo was forced off with an anterior cruciate ligament injury as Portugal beat hosts France 1-0 to win the Euros at the Stade de France.

 

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Pogba backs Ronaldo for Ballon d'Or ahead of Messi

Paul Pogba has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or due to his title-winning form with Real Madrid and Portugal.

The Madrid star scored the winning penalty as rivals Atletico were beaten in the Champions League final via a shootout, before guiding his country to a first ever major tournament win in Euro 2016 this summer.

Ronaldo watched long-time rival Lionel Messi pick up his fifth Ballon d'Or in January, ending his two-year streak to boost his overall tally to three.

But Pogba feels Ronaldo deserves to be awarded for his exploits thus far this season.

"You have [Lionel] Messi, you have Ronaldo. Honestly, I like them both. [Antoine] Griezmann has had an amazing year," he told ESPN Deportes.
"For me, it's Cristiano Ronaldo [who should win], because he won the Champions League and Euro 2016."

 

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Barcelona unveil new purple away kit for 2016-17 season

Barcelona have released a new purple away kit for the upcoming 2016-17 campaign.

The dark purple shirt and shorts are teamed with bright pinks socks to create a new vibrant strip.

"The fusion of the traditional red and blue makes this shirt fresh and striking, but at the same time connected with our history,” said Andres Iniesta.


“In addition, thanks to the new technology we feel much more agile and fast.”

 

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Pogba refuses to rule out move to 'first family' Manchester United

Paul Pogba has refused to rule out a future return to Manchester United, describing the club as his "first family".

The Juventus star has been strongly linked with a summer move away from Turin, with Real Madrid and United understood to be leading the chase for his services.
United, who sold Pogba to Juventus in 2012, are reportedly keen to re-sign the midfielder for a world record fee of £100 million.

With speculation surrounding his future intensifying by the days, Pogba was presented with the shirts of all three clubs when attending the ESPY awards ceremony on Wednesday.

When handed the Juventus jersey, Pogba replied: "It's my team, my family. It's where I'm playing. When I wear this [shirt], I'm happy, I'm happy to play football. It's something I've wanted to do since I was little. I'm happy here."He was then handed a United shirt, to which he first made a joke - "I don't know them!" before adding: "It's my first family."

When pushed on his response should Jose Mourinho bid for him, Pogba replied: "I don't know. We'll see."On Real Madrid, Pogba said: "A great club."When pushed again on which club he prefers, Pogba opted against making a choice by adding: "I'll take all three."