..::Football IV::..

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Javi Martinez on Gundogan: He's like Xavi & Iniesta!

Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez has likened Manchester City's summer signing Ilkay Gundogan to Spain legends Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

The Germany international completed a switch to join Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium back in June, and is expected to play a key role as the club look to challenge for the Premier League title.

Gundogan missed a large chunk of the 2015-16 season through injury, and was absent from Germany's squad for Euro 2016 as a result, but Martinez has seen enough to convince him that the 25-year-old is one of the best around.

He told Goal: "I think Germany have a lot of good players. The most similar player to Xavi and Iniesta is Gundogan, but he has been injured. Germany also have many good young players; Joshua Kimmich, who had an amazing Euros, or Leroy Sane. So the problem [Germany losing the semi-final at Euro 2016] is not about the players, it can be as simple as sometimes you win, sometimes you don't.

"The most important thing is that you are convinced with the way you play. If you play counter-attacking football you have to be convinced. It's the same with possession. The German players all know what they have to do and they are convinced of this style."

Martinez was another to miss the showpiece international tournament in France through injury but the midfielder, who has since returned to action during pre-season, insists he is not looking back and is focussed on the upcoming 2016-17 campaign.

He added: "Of course it was not good to miss the Euros. I really wanted to go, but I had an injury with my ankle just before of the German Cup final and I was obviously disappointed because of that. The positive side of that is that I've had a long summer, that I was able to prepare my knee and my ankle to start pre-season in a good condition."

The Spaniard is currently with the rest of the Bayern squad on the Audi Summer Tour, with the Bavarians facing AC Milan in an International Champions Cup fixture on July 27.

 

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Aubameyang: I didn't say I would only join Real Madrid

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has denied saying that he would only join Real Madrid from Dortmund.The quotes that emerged on Monday, apparently made by the Gabon striker, suggested that he would only consider leaving the German club for a move to the Bernabeu.

Aubameyang has taken to Twitter to deny making the statements, however, insisting that while it is his dream to one day play for Madrid, he did not state they would be the only club he would consider.

Goal reported back in June that Manchester City made a move for Aubameyang although were told that they would have to pay £65 million to land the prolific forward.

And while Thomas Tuchel reiterated on Wednesday that Dortmund remain convinced their star man will stay put, the former Mainz boss gave a confusing response in a press conference, insisting that the situation could well change.

 

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OFFICIAL: Pato signs four-year deal with Villarreal

Alexandre Pato has agreed a four-year deal with Villarreal, joining the Spanish side from Corinthians for an undisclosed fee.

Pato returned to Corinthians in July following an unsuccessful loan spell at Chelsea which saw him make just two Premier League appearances for the Blues having joined them in January.The 26-year-old striker's contract with the Brazilian club was due to expire at the end of 2016, but he will now represent Villarreal until 2020.

In an Instagram post, Pato wrote: "I am very happy about this new challenge in my career with Villarreal! I arrive with a lot of desire and excitement!"

Pato was tipped for huge success when he joined AC Milan from Internacional in 2007, but injuries hindered his progression and he was repatriated by Corinthians in 2013.After a disappointing first season with the Paulista giants he spent almost two years on loan at Sao Paulo, rediscovering some of his best form.

Pato has been capped 27 times by Brazil and is now looking to kick-start his career in LaLiga with Villarreal, who finished fourth last season.

 

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De Laurentiis: Higuain betrayed Napoli with Juve move

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis feels betrayed by Gonzalo Higuain's decision to join Serie A rivals Juventus.Higuain's switch to Turin was confirmed on Tuesday, with Juve shelling out €90million for the striker's signature and tying him down to a five-year deal.

The transfer ended the Argentinian's three-year stay at Napoli, scoring 36 top-flight goals as they finished second to the Bianconeri in Serie A last season.Higuain's move left an embittered De Laurentiis lamenting the dearth of morals on show in modern football.

"People say that to speak of betrayal is exaggerated, but I think the opposite," he told Corierre dello Sport."There is the full sense of betrayal in this choice because it includes ingratitude."True, there was the clause so there was nothing formally incorrect ... but the unscrupulous nature of football means there is no respect for sentiment.

"We understood … that we might run the risk of having to look for a new centre-forward, but we didn't think that risk was serious, or that he could simply wipe clean his three years spent with Napoli."

 

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Mkhitaryan: I won't play every game for Manchester United

Henrikh Mkhitaryan insists he has been given no guarantees over his playing time at Manchester United and admits he doesn’t expect to start every game.

United completed a £26.3 million deal for the Armenia international at the start of July and has made a positive impression in the early stages of pre-season under Jose Mourinho.Mkhitaryan scored 11 goals and registered 15 assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances last season but the midfielder insists his record and price tag counts for nothing following his move to the Premier league.

“It doesn't matter if they buy me for, I don't know, €38m or €40m, I am not guaranteed to play the games, so I am trying to do my best during the training to earn this place to play and then we will see," he said.

"I don't think I will play every game, depending on the tactical situation, depending on the opponent, but I will do everything to try and help the team."Shinji Kagawa also made the move from Dortmund to United but returned to the Bundesliga after just two years having struggled to secure a regular role.

And when asked if the Japan midfielder’s difficulties show the level of demand at United, Mkhitaryan replied: “Of course."In this club, you have to try and do everything to show your best qualities, otherwise you will not be here anymore.

"So I will try to do my best, I will try to help the team win the games, try to keep fit and bring my sharpness to the team."I never promise something, I always say that I will try, because if you promise something and you don't do [it] you will always be under pressure."So that is why I'm trying to say I will do all my best and I will try to help Manchester because, for me, this is a new challenge and I like difficulties.

"I like to [overcome] the difficulties because when you win [despite] the difficulties it makes you stronger, so I'm trying to do everything to come up to a new level."

 

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Hazard: I want to be the best player in England again

Eden Hazard hopes to put a torrid 2015-16 campaign behind him by reclaiming the PFA Player of the Year award.

Hazard has returned to the Chelsea squad for their pre-season tour of the United States, with the 25-year-old taking double training sessions under new manager Antonio Conte after an extended break following Euro 2016.

The Blues play Liverpool in the International Champions Cup on Wednesday night but Hazard is already looking forward to the resumption of the Premier League season and is eyeing personal and collective glory.

"I want to be the best, like I did two years ago," said Hazard at the Blues' training camp. "We have got to show to everybody we are Chelsea, we are big players, we are a big team.

"We didn’t finish in a good place last season, now we want to do better and win the Premier League. After the season like this - I wanted to stay at Chelsea because I didn’t want to finish like this."Hazard improved at the end of last season, scoring four goals in Chelsea's last five games before recording a tournament-leading four assists for Belgium at the Euros.

But Chelsea's 10th-place finish - a staggering 31 points adrift of champions Leicester City - ranks as the worst title defence in Premier League history and remains fresh in his memory.

"We tried to understand why," he added. "We didn’t start the season well because of injuries and everything seemed to go against Chelsea. It wasn’t easy and wasn’t a good season. We want to forget it. Hopefully we will now have a better season.

"I was tired. It is easy to say now I was tired. I was injured, not a big one, but it was not easy to play with a small injury when you play in England because the game is very difficult."

The Belgian contingent at Chelsea has grown this summer, with Michy Batshuayi joining Hazard and Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge, and all three are in contention to start against Liverpool at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

Ahead of his first game ex-Juventus boss Conte, Hazard says that the changes the Italian will enforce are already evident."Yes, it is different," he said. "It’s completely different. You know after the Euros we didn’t get a lot of holiday. We’re not ready yet but we’re almost ready and we can’t wait for the season to start.

"It’s been hard training but we’ve got to be ready for the new season. It’s good. He talks a lot to the players. We have to prepare tactically and we’ve got some games over here – and hopefully they will show us what we need to do."

 

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Ibrahimovic will bring Man Utd back to where they belong - Larsson

Sweden legend Henrik Larsson has backed Zlatan Ibrahimovic to help Manchester United return to the top of the Premier League after three underwhelming seasons.

After winning the title in 2013 at the end of Sir Alex Ferguson's final season in charge, United have finished seventh, fourth and fifth, with Jose Mourinho replacing Louis van Gaal ahead of the 2016-17 campaign.

Ibrahimovic left Paris Saint-Germain in favour of a move to Old Trafford this summer and Larsson - who had a brief loan spell at the club in 2007 - has little doubt his compatriot will make a major impact in the Premier League."I think everybody has seen him play but, for a man that big to have the technique he has and the skills he has, it's a pleasure to watch," Larsson told the official United website.

"So I have to hope everything goes well now when he comes to Manchester United. Hopefully, he can bring United back to where it belongs.

"I don't think his age could be an issue. He's a fit guy. He takes care of his body so that won't be a problem. He's fit and he likes to train. You have got a great physical department at United as well so I'm sure everybody is going to make it happen in the best possible way for the club."I hope everything goes well because United deserves it and he deserves every good thing that is happening to him.

"He's Sweden’s biggest footballer ever. Zlatan is gigantic in Sweden. He is the number one. Everyone knows of him and everyone knows about him."
Ibrahimovic, 34, could make his United debut in Saturday's friendly against Galatasaray in Gothenburg.

 

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Real Madrid 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain: Zidane oversees poor pre-season start

Real Madrid's pre-season got off to a less-than-ideal start as they came undone against a much sharper, fitter Paris Saint-Germain.

The European champions kicked off their pre-season tour of the United States with a 3-1 loss at the hands of the French champions as Zinedine Zidane got a first look at his team in a match-day environment in pre-season.Substitute defender Thomas Meunier scored twice in the first half to set up the win, adding to Jonathan Ikone's opener inside two minutes as PSG stamped their authority on the contest early.

The returning Alvaro Morata slotted straight into the sole-striking role in his first appearance since leaving Juventus, as Zidane's first-half XI also included Isco, Rafael Varane and Jese Rodriguez.PSG coach Unai Emery was overseeing the club's third pre-season friendly after beating West Brom 2-1 and Inter 3-1 in their ICC opener on Sunday.Thiago Silva, Javier Pastore, Lucas Moura and Edinson Cavani all started for PSG as Emery looked to step up the pace.

And proceedings got off to a perfect start as teenager Ikone tore through the Madrid defence, who struggled to muster a tackle on the 18-year-old, to score the opener before the contest was two minutes old, dribbling past a four helpless defenders before slotting the ball past Francisco Casilla in the Madrid goals.Silva was substituted with an injury after just 10 minutes, following a poor challenge he committed and received a yellow card for, with Meunier coming on to replace him.

While the right-back's introduction was forced, it proved an inspired one as he thrashed in an amazing strike after 34 minutes following another terrible turnover from the Madrid defence as they looked to play the ball out from the back.

Meunier gave Madrid no time to react as he lashed a strike beyond Casilla before he could even move to double PSG's advantage, and he would make it 3-0 not long after as he capitalised on more terrible defending to nudge the ball home after a scrap in the Madrid penalty area.Marcelo scored Madrid's first-half consolation as the opening 45 minutes drew to a close, converting a penalty following a defensive handball to deny Kevin Trapp a clean sheet.

Zidane sent out a completely different team for the second half, with Marco Asensio, Martin Odegaard and Dani Carvajal all coming on, while he also called on his son Enzo who replaced Lucas Vazquez.

The new look Madrid gave a better account of themselves, as PSG introduced former Madrid star Angel di Maria for goalscorer Ikone, but they struggled to break down a compact Paris defence, making for a flat start to the pre-season schedule as Emery continued his flawless start to life with the French giants.

 

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Bayern Munich 3-3 AC Milan (3-5 on penalties): Bonaventura seals win

AC Milan sealed a win in their pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich as Giacomo Bonaventura scored the winning penalty in a shoot-out.

Bayern forced the shoot-out from the jaws of defeat in a spirited affair against Milan, with Franck Ribery converting a late penalty to level the scores at 3-3 at full-time.

However, Milan got one over former coach Carlo Ancelotti, as the Italian giants kicked off their International Champions Cup campaign in style with a solid performance, despite the late goal.

Bayern remain undefeated this pre-season in regular time, having beat Manchester City and Landshut, but they almost came undone against the Milan side who were enjoying just their second hit-out.

Juraj Kucka scored what looked to be the winner for Milan just after the hour mark, completing a comeback from 2-1 down after Milan had opened the scoring courtesy of M'baye Niang's 22nd-minute opener, but that was all ruined by Ribery's late penalty.

Milan coach Vincenzo Montella joined Ancelotti in naming a strong line up, with the former's XI including number one goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, as well as Riccardo Montolivo, Alessando Romagnoli, Niang and Suso, while the latter picked the likes of Philipp Lahm, David Alaba, Xabi Alonso and Franck Ribery.

Niang opened the scoring after 22 minutes when he pounced on an error at the back from Holger Badstuber, whose slip-up in defence allowed the Frenchman to burst through into a one-on-one with keeper Sven Ulerich, before slotting coolly past the Manuel Neuer stand-in.But their lead was short-lived as Ribery continued his comeback from injury in style, slashing home a lovely strike following good work down the left flank from Alaba.

The Frenchman showed a sublime touch to kill Alaba's drilled cut-back, before unleashing a low-hard shot Donnarumma could not stop into the bottom-left corner.Alaba made it 2-1 to Bayern just nine minutes later as he sent a swerving shot through a crowd of defenders which deceived the young Milan shot-stopper.

Both sides returned largely unchanged, bucking the pre-season trend of wholesale half-time changes, and it was Milan who looked the sharper, as Andrea Bertolacci equalised just minutes after the restart.Kucka was fortunate to score what looked to be the winner just after the hour mark as his shot from range took a heavy deflection to send Ulreich the other way and bobble over the line.

But as the clock ticked on towards the 90-minute mark, Bayern upped the pressure and the Milan defence finally cracked when a clumsy challenge in the box saw the referee award a penalty.Ribery stepped up confidently to seal his brace and force the penalty shoot-out in Chicago.

A high-quality penalty shoot-out followed with the first seven penalties coolly converted, including a lovely paneka from Kucka, before Rafinha's effort was saved by Donnarumma, allowing Bonaventura to smash home the winner.

 

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Real Madrid can't lose like this again, says Zidane


Zinedine Zidane was pleased with elements of Real Madrid's performance against Paris Saint-Germain but realises his players need to get up to speed.Madrid, in their first outing since May's Champions League triumph against Atletico, went down 3-1 in the International Champions Cup at Ohio Stadium.

Jonathan Ikone's early goal and a brace from Thomas Meunier had PSG in a commanding position, before Marcelo's penalty proved little more than a consolation for Madrid.

With the first 90 minutes of pre-season under their belts, Zidane conceded his squad have plenty of work to do before their La Liga campaign begins on August 21."We can't have this result happening again, but what we have to do and what we're trying to do, is to give our all when we play," he said.

"We're currently in the preparation phase and we've got to get up to speed, that's what pre-season is for. We know that the Liga season is a very long one and that we've got to make a strong start."We were a bit lacking in terms of aggression against strong opposition, particularly in the first half. As for the positives, I look at our play because we kept the ball and had chances to score.

"We're still in the preparation phase and it's to be expected that we're lacking in some areas. We've got to work more and make things come as second nature, that's something that will happen gradually."Madrid - missing the fearsome trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale - started the match with Jese Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata up front, but Zidane says it is not a tactic he expects to repeat come the new season.

"We'll have to see how we line up against Chelsea [on Saturday]," he said." We already know how we're going to set up throughout the season: three up top and three in the middle.

"But in pre-season you have to work on other things and we went with two strikers in this game, Jese and Morata in the first half and Mariano and Enzo in the second period and we were happy with them."

 

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Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Manchester City (pens: 5-6): Tasende gives Guardiola's men the win

Despite conceding a last-gasp equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City were able to celebrate Pep Guardiola's first win in charge thanks to a penalty shootout success.

It looked as though City would claim the triumph in regulation time when David Silva and Sergio Aguero - off the bench and featuring for the first time since last season - combined for the latter to open the scoring in the 79th minute in China.

But just when it seemed they had done enough for a 1-0 victory, City switched off from a corner in the fifth minute of stoppage time and Christian Pulisic's effort crept its way into the net, through the legs of replacement goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

Although Gunn - the son of former Norwich goalkeeper Bryan Gunn - may feel he could have done better with that goal, the 20-year-old proved the hero in the shootout, saving three times as City prevailed 6-5 after eight kicks apiece.

Despite conceding a last-gasp equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City were able to celebrate Pep Guardiola's first win in charge thanks to a penalty shootout success.

It looked as though City would claim the triumph in regulation time when David Silva and Sergio Aguero - off the bench and featuring for the first time since last season - combined for the latter to open the scoring in the 79th minute in China.

But just when it seemed they had done enough for a 1-0 victory, City switched off from a corner in the fifth minute of stoppage time and Christian Pulisic's effort crept its way into the net, through the legs of replacement goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

Although Gunn - the son of former Norwich goalkeeper Bryan Gunn - may feel he could have done better with that goal, the 20-year-old proved the hero in the shootout, saving three times as City prevailed 6-5 after eight kicks apiece.

While posing a danger to themselves, City continued to look a threat going forward with Kelechi Iheanacho denied by Roman Burki, who effected a stunning point-blank save with his right boot on the stroke of half-time.

Dortmund ought to have gone in front with 15 minutes to play when Marco Hober's sublime reverse ball set up fellow substitute Gonzalo Castro, who prodded straight at Gunn when clean through.

And Thomas Tuchel's side were left to rue that miss shortly afterwards as Aleix Garcia's exquisite pass released Silva inside the area, and the Spaniard selflessly squared for Aguero to complete an easy finish.

Pulisic looked to have saved Dortmund with the final kick, but Gunn's three excellent saves handed Guardiola his first success as City boss.

 

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Manchester United fans blast 'insane' Mourinho over Fosu-Mensah exit rumours

Reports of Jose Mourinho’s mass clear-out at Manchester United has sent fans into panic mode over Timothy Fosu-Mensah.

The 18-year-old was one of the few positives in Louis van Gaal’s final season at United, but the Daily Mail now claims that the right-back is one of nine players who have been told by Mourinho that their future lies away from Old Trafford.

And while some fans have accepted the likely departures of Bastian Schweinsteiger, James Wilson and Will Keane, United supporters are struggling to understand why Fosu-Mensah is among the names on the scrapheap.

And fans from United’s Premier League rivals, including Arsenal and Tottenham, are calling on their club to snap up Fosu-Mensah this summer, if his Old Trafford career is already over.

 

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Fosu-Mensah wa sell kaloth nam moda wadak.Hoda future 1kak thiyana player kenek​

 

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Guardiola confirms Man City interest in Sane and Stones

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed the club's interest in Schalke's Leroy Sane and Everton's John Stones.

The Premier League side have long been linked with a move for the duo, with Guardiola having already admitted his side's desire to land the 20-year-old Germany international. Goal understands City are close to signing Sane and Gabriel Jesus, though neither deal is complete yet.

Guardiola's side are also confident of landing 22-year-old Stones, and, speaking after the International Champions Cup match with Borussia Dortmund, the Catalan reemphasised his interest in the pair.

"Sane is a player from Schalke. If he comes, we'll be happy. If he stays, I'll be happy for the Schalke fans," Guardiola told a media conference.
"[In Stones' case,] it's the same answer for Sane - he's a player for Everton. Everyone knows we're going to try but we will see."


Sane has already handed in a transfer request with the Bundesliga side, but is contracted to Schalke until June 2019 - the same length of time Stones is tied to the Toffees.

 

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Higuain: De Laurentiis pushed me into Juventus move

Gonzalo Higuain has accused Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis of pushing him into the decision to join Juventus.The Argentina international sealed a €90 million switch to the Serie A champions this week, after agreeing a five-year contract worth a reported €7.5m per season.

De Laurentiis claimed he felt "betrayed" by Higuain's decision, accusing Higuain of showing ingratitude towards Napoli despite three strong seasons with the club.But the former Real Madrid forward has hit back at De Laurentiis, saying that the duo never saw eye-to-eye.

"My relationship with him was never good because his way of thinking was not like mine," he said at his official presentation in Turin on Thursday. "My choice also came about because he pushed me to make it."Now I'm very happy here and I thank Juve for their great effort to get me."

Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri had described feeling "bitter" about Higuain's decision to accept Juve's offer without consulting him, telling Corriere dello Sport: "I was expecting at least a phone call, even if it was just for five minutes before he had his medicals.

"But I'm old enough not to be surprised. The lads also expected a farewell. As far as I know, there was nothing."Higuain has now explained his reasons for keeping quiet on his intentions, though he understands the anger from Napoli supporters.

"I was silent, but now I can express myself," said the 28-year-old. "I had three good years in Napoli, and I understand that they are angry with me. I saw the insults, but this is a choice I made for me. I'm happy to have done it.

"It was my choice to keep calm and stay silent. I was just thinking of my holiday with my friends and family."He [Sarri] was very important to me, he helped me grow. I only have words of thanks for him."

 

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Higuain: I have to prove my worth to Juventus

Gonzalo Higuain is determined to prove a valuable investment for Juventus following his €90 million move from Napoli.The Argentina international became the third most expensive transfer in history after agreeing to a five-year contract with the Serie A champions.

Higuain broke Gunnar Nordahl's 66-year record when he scored 36 goals in Italy's top flight last season, as Napoli finished second behind Juve.And the 28-year-old is now eager to show his value to a club that he believes has a strong winning mentality.

"In life, you make decisions thinking about what is best for you. I did that by choosing Juve," he said, speaking at his official presentation on Thursday."Obviously it wasn't easy, there were some long days with my friends and family. Juve is an important club on the world stage. One of my reasons was linked to the mentality of such a great group.

"They are a great team. They have a winning mentality and an incredible project. Now I have to show my worth and I hope to have a great season."Higuain is Juve's fifth signing of the transfer window, following the arrivals of Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia, Marko Pjaca and Miralem Pjanic.

But the former Real Madrid forward was keen to stress the importance of the collective under Massimiliano Allegri."Juve have a great team in general, they're a collective where everyone plays for everyone else. That's one of the strengths of Juventus," he said.

 

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Gabriel Jesus confirms imminent Palmeiras exit amid Manchester City talks

Gabriel Jesus has confirmed he is close to leaving Palmeiras as Manchester City continue advanced talks for the Brazilian.

Pep Guardiola’s side have been closely monitoring the forward for some time and are on the verge of securing a deal, although it is expected that the 19-year-old will be loaned back to the Brazilian club as he will not be eligible for a UK work permit.Gabriel is currently with Brazil’s Under-23 side ahead of the Olympic Games but has confirmed that his transfer is imminent.

"My future is about to be decided, my family, my representatives and Palmeiras know where I want to go, my focus is all on the national team, and that gold medal,” the forward said.“The negotiations are almost complete, but my focus is here."

 

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Man Utd set to sign Pogba as Real Madrid quit race

Manchester United are set to seal the signing of Paul Pogba from Juventus for €110 million after Real Madrid dropped out of the race for the Frenchman.Goal sources in Spain and Italy have confirmed a report by Spanish radio station Cadena SER claiming Madrid had ended their interest, with Juventus hoping to conclude a deal with United before the end of the week.

Zinedine Zidane is an admirer of his compatriot but Madrid are unwilling to match the world-record fee United, who have been in pole position for some time, will pay as well as meeting Pogba's salary demands.The 23-year-old will earn upwards of €12 million a year at Old Trafford - a figure which would have put him above every Madrid player apart from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Pogba left United for Juventus in July 2012 at the end of his contract due to a lack of first-team football under then-Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson.He has gone on to establish himself as one of the most highly-rated midfielders in world football, winning four Serie A titles in four seasons in Turin.

 

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Simeone backs Griezmann for Ballon d'Or final three


Diego Simeone has backed Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann to become one of the three finalists for the 2016 Ballon d'Or.

Griezmann scored 32 goals in all competitions as Atletico reached the final of the Champions League and finished just three points behind champions Barcelona in La Liga.

The 25-year-old went on to clinch the Golden Boot at Euro 2016 after scoring six times in France's run to the final on home soil, where they were beaten 1-0 by Portugal.

Despite his failure to lift silverware in the past year, Simeone insists that Griezmann deserves to be among the final three nominees when the prize is awarded next January.

"I've no doubt he should be in the final three," the Atleti boss told the media ahead of his side's International Champions Cup clash with Tottenham."He's one of the three best players in Europe and a candidate for the Ballon d'Or. He didn't win any titles, but he scored goals and was always decisive."Hopefully he will have the chance to win the Ballon d'Or."

 

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Schweinsteiger retires from international football

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his retirement from international football after making 120 appearances for Germany.

The 31-year-old is one of his country's most capped players and featured in five games for Die Mannschaft at Euro 2016 as they reached the semi-finals before losing out to hosts France.

Schweinsteiger, who made his debut for the national team in 2004, won one World Cup title as Joachim Low's men beat Argentina in the final in 2014, after finishing third in 2006 and 2010. He also picked up a silver medal from Euro 2008.And the Manchester United midfielder has published a statement declaring that his time with the German national team has come to an end.

"I have recently asked the coach to not nominate me for the national team anymore because I would like to retire," he wrote."I was allowed to collect 120 caps for my country and I lived some moments which have been indescribably beautiful and successful.

"Jogi Low knew how much Euro 2016 in France meant to me because I really wanted to win that title we have not been able to win since 1996."It was not meant to be, I have to accept that.

"By winning the World Cup in 2014 we achieved something on a historic and emotional level that I cannot reproduce in my career."That's why it is right and reasonable to finish it and to wish the team all the best for the qualifiication for the 2018 World Cup.

"With this decision I leave the national team that has always been a precious family for me. I hope that the connection will still remain strong in one way or the other.
"I would like to say to our fans: 'It was an honour to play for you guys. Many thanks for everything that we have gone through together'."