..::Football IV::..

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Zidane: Anything could happen before transfer window shuts

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane insisted he has the best squad in the world but acknowledged there still might be transfer activity before August 31.

Madrid have been linked with in-demand Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, though the European champions and La Liga giants are reportedly set to lose out to Manchester United in the race for the France international.At the other end of the spectrum, Madrid duo James Rodriguez and Isco are apparently facing uncertain futures before the transfer window closes.

But Zidane refused to give too much away as Madrid prepare to face Chelsea in the International Champions Cup on Saturday."I think that we've got the best squad in the world, but we've got to prove it and that's what we're working on," Zidane said."Up until 31 August anything can happen. There are players who could end up going out and nothing is done and dusted.

"I'm happy with the players I've got. We're working hard and that's very important for a coach, it's the most important thing. I've got to work the talent in this squad.
"My press conferences might be a bit boring because I always say the same thing, but it's important to prepare well for the season."

While Madrid boast three-time Ballon d'Or winner and Euro 2016 champion Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale, Zidane was asked specifically about talented midfielder Marco Asensio.Asensio, 20, starred during Madrid's 3-1 ICC loss to Paris Saint-Germain, leading to glowing praise from former Spain boss Vicente del Bosque, who labelled him "the greatest talent there is in Spain".

And as Asensio - on loan at Espanyol last season - looks to break into the first team, Zidane added: "He's happy here and he's showing that he wants to play. If he stays with us he knows what he's going to get.

"I'm delighted with how he's performing and anything could happen between now and 31 August. I'm happy with how he's playing. He's very young and I'm his coach."

 

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Klopp backs Mignolet for Liverpool after Karius injury

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been impressed by Simon Mignolet as the goalkeeper looks certain to start the season as his No.1 following Loris Karius' injury.Karius broke his hand during his side's 1-0 loss to Chelsea at the International Champions Cup on Wednesday and is set to miss up to 10 weeks.

Klopp acknowledged the poor timing of the injury – just a couple of weeks from their Premier League opener against Arsenal – but has faith in Mignolet."Timing is never perfect with injuries – not for him, not for us," he told a news conference on Friday.

"But it's not that I decided about who is number one or something else. It was collecting information about the players so we had a few about him, we had a few about Mignolet."It was only a battle between these two players obviously so now this battle is decided for the next few weeks, 100 per cent.

"It's only about who can help us most in which situation, which game, so I'm really happy of course that we have Simon and hopefully he can stay in the race and not get injured."

Klopp was saddened for Karius, who had been solid through pre-season after joining the club from Mainz in May.He has no date for the 23-year-old shot-stopper's return, but predicted an absence of between six and 10 weeks."It's not cool for the boy, it's not cool for us, but we can't change it, we have to take it," Klopp said.

"We have another three goalkeepers and everybody knows about the quality of Simon Mignolet so all good. He made a really good impression in the first few days since he's back in training."We have the very experienced Alex Manninger and we have the very young Shamal George so that's now the situation.

"It could have been worse so everybody knows a broken bone in the hand for a goalkeeper is not the best thing to have so it could have been worse."Six, eight, 10 weeks whatever it will take at the end, it's not the longest period but not too good of course."

 

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Eriksson: Ibrahimovic and Mourinho combo enough to win Premier League

Sven-Goran Eriksson fancies Manchester United's chances of winning the Premier League this season with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jose Mourinho working together again.Ibrahimovic - 35 in October - swapped French champions Paris Saint-Germain for United at the start of July, reuniting with his former Inter boss Mourinho.

Fans will get their first glimpse of Ibrahimovic when United face Turkish giants Galatasaray in Saturday's pre-season fixture in the star striker's native Sweden.

And former England and Manchester City boss Eriksson hopes his compatriot can add a Premier League winners' medal to his La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1 title wins."I'm not surprised he went to United," Eriksson told Omnisport when asked about Ibrahimovic's decision to move to England at the age of 34.

"Mourinho has the reputation, similar to Zlatan, that when they go to a new club they normally win in the championship in the first year."So why not? Mourinho and Zlatan it could be enough to win the Premier League."It would be great for both of them, especially for Zlatan. That would be something incredible, if he could also add that to his other titles."


After facing Galatasaray abroad, United face Everton in Wayne Rooney's testimonial on August 3, before taking on Premier League champions Leicester City in the Community Shield four days later.Ibrahimovic and Co. kick off their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth on August 13.

 

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Flattered Verratti not seeking Real Madrid move

Marco Verratti says he has no intention of leaving Paris Saint-Germain until he helps the club win the Champions League, despite rumours Real Madrid are interested in his services.It is thought the European champions are weighing up a bid for the Italy international, who missed Euro 2016 with a groin injury.

But the diminutive midfielder has unfinished business in the French capital as new boss Unai Emery seeks to translate the club's dominance of Ligue 1 into Champions League success.Asked if he would be at PSG this season, Verratti told Le Parisien : "Yes. The club and I discussed many times. We both have the same goal of winning here.

"It's been four years that I have been in Paris. I begin my fifth year. Until we have won the Champions League, I want to stay here. That's the goal I set myself.

"I want to win with this team, because it's like a family."It's nice when a big team like Real Madrid is interested in you, but I decided to win with Paris."Madrid's reported interest in the 23-year-old comes after they dropped out of the race to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus.

 

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Emery confirms PSG interest in Real Madrid's Jese

Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery confirmed his interest in Real Madrid forward Jese Rodriguez, saying a move is possible.Goal understands the two clubs have discussed a move for the 23-year-old during the two clubs' tours of the United States.

Jese has struggled to break in with the La Liga giants, with only seven of his 28 league appearances last season starts.With the abundance of attacking talent at Madrid, the Spaniard has been linked with a move away from his boyhood club.

Emery said there was a chance for Jese to join PSG, who are looking for a forward after Zlatan Ibrahimovic's exit."It's a possibility, as others during this transfer window," he said."I know him well, the club also. He's a good player, it's a possibility."

Jese scored five league goals last season, but is competing with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema for a starting spot.

 

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Higuain's Juventus move not about money - agent

The brother and agent of Gonzalo Higuain has said the striker's move from Napoli to fierce Serie A rivals Juventus was not motivated by money, claiming higher wages were offered by his former club.Higuain, 28, joined Juventus on a five-year contract after the Serie A champions triggered the €90m release clause in his Napoli contract.

The former Real Madrid man claimed at his Juve unveiling that a poor relationship with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis was the reason why he decided to leave the club.

De Laurentiis later fired back in an angry statement on Napoli's website, launching an attack on Higuain's agent - Nicolas - after negotiations over a new contract stalled.But Nicolas insists the reason why his sibling did not extend his stay at Napoli was because it was never about money but the lure of Juventus' project."I heard that he spoke of our meetings for the renewal of Gonzalo's contract," Nicolas told Tuttosport.

"The only thing I can say is that we never reached an agreement because the issue was not [about money], but the project, and I said so many times."De Laurentiis has proposed a major contract with higher figures than those of Juve, but the problem was not the money."

Nicolas also said that Gonzalo's move to Juventus was not fuelled by a desire to betray Napoli, but rather they were his only option as no other clubs were willing to meet the hefty release clause."The only team that has come forward is Juve, there were no other clubs willing to pay the €90m clause," he continued.

"Only the Bianconeri were ready to do so and no other member of the big European clubs have contacted me in recent months. The rest are lies."

 

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OFFICIAL: Atletico Madrid announce Gameiro signing

Atletico Madrid have announced the signing of Sevilla striker Kevin Gameiro, with the Frenchman having agreed a four-year deal with the Rojiblancos.

Gameiro is due to travel to Madrid this evening to complete the deal, which is subject to him successfully passing a medical, for a reported fee of €32m.The 29-year-old has been a key figure for Sevilla, since signing from Paris Saint-Germain in 2013, helping the team to three Europa League wins and scoring 67 goals in three seasons.

Barcelona and former club PSG had both been linked with a move for Gameiro, who scored 29 goals last season for Sevilla as they finished seventh in La Liga and scooped a third consecutive Europa League.Goal understands Atletico Madrid had also been interested in Chelsea's Diego Costa but the Blues have been refusing to entertain offers for their Spain international.

Gameiro joins fellow new signings Nico Gaitan, Sime Vrsaljko, Diogo Jota and Axel Werner at Atletico Madrid while Saul Niguez, Tiago, Fernando Torres and Antoine Griezmann have all signed new deals at the club.

 

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South China 1-2 Juventus: Benatia on target again in Bianconeri win

Medhi Benatia made it two goals in as many appearances for Juventus as the Serie A champions overcame South China 2-1 in Hong Kong.

Having netted in Tuesday's 2-1 International Champions Cup victory over Tottenham, the on-loan Bayern Munich defender repeated the trick as the Serie A champions came from behind to win on Saturday.Juventus went 1-0 down when goalkeeper Neto flapped at a free-kick to allow Chan Siu Ki to pounce and coolly slot home.

Massimiliano Allegri's men recovered well from that 21st-minute setback, with Benatia poking home after gathering a loose ball that deflected off the defensive wall from a set-piece.

Lorenzo Rosseti settled the contest in the 82nd minute, rounding South China goalkeeper Cristian Mora after he spilled a 25-yard drive from Stefano Padovan.

Juventus opened up their pre-season campaign with a penalty shootout defeat against Melbourne Victory but have now put together back-to-back wins ahead of the start of the new Serie A season.

The Bianconeri now turn their attentions to facing West Ham and Cologne in warm-up clashes before they face Fiorentina in Serie A on 20 August.

 

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Barcelona 3-1 Celtic: Spanish champions see past Brendan Rodgers' men in ICC

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez made their first Barcelona appearances of pre-season as the Catalans started their International Champions Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Celtic in Dublin.

Argentina superstar Messi, playing for the first time since missing a penalty in Argentina's Copa America final shootout defeat to Chile, managed 45 minutes while Suarez - top scorer in LaLiga last term - lasted until the hour mark.

Barca were already 3-1 up at half-time. Arda Turan's excellent strike and a comical own goal from Efe Ambrose, either side of Leigh Griffiths taking advantage of some woeful defending, put Barca 2-1 ahead before Munir El Haddadi was also on the scoresheet before half-time.

All in all it was a good workout by the LaLiga champions, who took their foot off the gas somewhat after the break, and they next meet Premier League holders Leicester City on Wednesday.

Luis Enrique fielded an experimental back-line and a misunderstanding between centre-back pairing Jose Martinez and Jeremy Mathieu almost handed Celtic the lead within 15 seconds, with Patrick Roberts aiming just wide after picking up a loose ball.

It was Barca that struck first in the 11th minute, though. Aleix Vidal brilliantly jinked his way down the Celtic right and cut back for Turan, whose well-struck effort from the edge of the box found the top right-hand corner.

However, a horror mistake from Martinez gifted Griffiths the equaliser as the defender's heavy first touch after Masip's pass left the Celtic striker with an open goal to make it 1-1.

Barca were quickly back in front after another defensive howler as Ambrose inexplicably diverted Juan Camara's harmless cross from the left past Craig Gordon.Celtic looked dangerous early in the second half when Nadir Ciftci volleyed just over the crossbar after Moussa Dembele's clever touch set him up, while Tom Rogic fired narrowly wide from 20 yards out.

Denis Suarez – who made his first appearance since his return to Barcelona from Villarreal – was unfortunate not to add a fourth, with substitute goalkeeper Leonardo Fasan making a fine save to deny the midfielder.Seemingly content with their run out, Barca eased off in the closing stages and the match ended 3-1.

 

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Pogba arrival would boost Rooney - Yorke

Wayne Rooney would be a key beneficiary of Paul Pogba's expected move to Manchester United, according to Dwight Yorke.

Goal understands Pogba is on the brink of completing a world-record switch back to the club he left four years ago as Jose Mourinho seeks to lead United back into Premier League title contention.And Yorke, a treble winner during a four-year spell at Old Trafford, believes captain Rooney would stand to gain the most from Pogba's arrival.

"Hopefully, with the acquisition of Pogba coming into the team, he [Rooney] doesn't have to worry about coming looking for the ball. The ball will finally come to him," Yorke told Sport360.

"I can see why Mourinho said 'listen, he's going to be playing up top', because that's where Rooney is good. That's a specialist position."When you play in that position all the time, your mindset is like that. He doesn't have to go looking for the ball now. I think that's part of Mourinho's plan."

Rooney has been tried in a central midfield position for club and country, but Mourinho has underlined his intention to play him higher up the pitch.He will form part of a strengthened United attacking unit that now also features Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

 

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Schweinsteiger will stay at Man Utd and try to surprise Mourinho, says Rummenigge

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge does not expect Bastian Schweinsteiger to leave Manchester United in favour of a return to the Bundesliga.

Schweinsteiger left Bayern for United ahead of last season, but failed to live up to the high expectations at Old Trafford, partially due to ongoing injury problems.

Recent reports suggest he is not part of new manager Jose Mourinho's plans and could be on the move again, but Rummenigge would be hugely surprised if the experienced midfielder were to move back to Germany."I am 100 per cent convinced that Schweinsteiger will not return to Germany," Rummenigge was quoted as saying by TZ.

"Bayern Munich are his club and he would never play for another Bundesliga club. I would be hugely surprised if that were to happen.

"I can see him stay at Manchester United and try to achieve their goals under a new coach. Maybe he could surprise Mourinho."Either way, Bastian has had an amazing career. Nothing can change that."Schweinsteiger, 31, has a contract with Manchester until June 2018.

 

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Manchester United 5-2 Galatasaray: Ibrahimovic & Rooney fire Mourinho's men to victory

Zlatan Ibrahimovic marked his Manchester United debut in style by scoring a spectacular bicycle kick in a 5-2 friendly victory over Galatasaray.It took less than four minutes for the Swedish striker, playing on familiar territory at Gothenburg's Ullevi Stadium, to open his account, acrobatically despatching an Antonio Valencia cross from the right.

Wayne Rooney (two), Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata also found the net for United, but new boss Jose Mourinho will be disappointed with the defending for the goals from Sinan Gumus and Bruma that left his side trailing 2-1 at the break.Ibrahimovic was partially responsible for Galatasaray's equaliser midway through the half, needlessly giving away a foul 10 yards outside his own box.

One-time United transfer target Wesley Sneijder whipped in the resulting free-kick and the unmarked Gumus was left with the simple task of nodding the ball past the helpless David De Gea.

For Galatasaray's second goal five minutes before the break, United were guilty of granting Bruma too much time and space on the edge of the box and the Portugal Under-21 international took full advantage by bending a superb shot into the far corner.

Mourinho responded by introducing Marcus Rashford, Fellaini, Ashley Young, Michael Carrick and Jesse Lingard at the start of the second half, with Ibrahimovic and Anthony Martial among those to make way.And the changes paid off almost immediately as Rooney scored twice in the space of four minutes to turn the game on its head.

Rooney's first was a close-range finish after Valenica supplied a fine cut-back from the byline, while the second came from the penalty spot.

It was Rooney who played Rashford in and, when the teenage striker was hauled down by Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera following neat footwork, United's skipper duly converted the spot-kick.

The Super Lig side were still reeling three minutes later when Valencia again got away down the right before picking out Fellaini whose back-post header looped in to make it 4-2.

Mata completed the scoring 15 minutes from time, taking advantage of some sloppy defending to turn home Carrick's low cross from three yards out.Next on the agenda for United is Rooney's testimonial against Everton, followed by Sunday's Community Shield clash with Leicester City.

 

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Pattama match 1kaniyama comeback 1kak

Ibra ge debut goal 1ka patta

& Rooney,Valencia,Mata niyamai​

 

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Manchester United vs Galatasaray 5-2 All Goals & FULL Highlights

 

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Real Madrid 3-2 Chelsea: Zidane's men ease past Blues despite Hazard double

A Marcelo double and a stunning strike from Mariano Diaz helped Real Madrid to a 3-2 victory over Chelsea in the International Champions Cup as Eden Hazard's late brace proved in vain.European Champions Madrid were beaten 3-1 by Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday, but it appeared as though the Liga giants were in store for a comfortable win in front of a bumper crowd of 105,826 at the Michigan Stadium.

Full-back Marcelo put Zinedine Zidane's men in command with an unlikely brace, first seeing a long-range effort deflect in before adding a second with a cool finish.
The best was to come from Mariano, though, who let fly with a fierce 25-yard strike that left Asmir Begovic helpless, Madrid three goals to the good after 37 minutes.

However, Chelsea threatened a late comeback when impressive substitute Hazard, much criticised for falling well below his lofty standards last term, scored twice in the last 10 minutes.

It proved too little too late and new Chelsea coach Antonio Conte, a former team-mate of Zidane at Juventus, has just over a fortnight until their Premier League opener against West Ham and he will be keen to see a swift defensive improvement.

Zidane himself will want to see Madrid shore up at the back, but they showed plenty of positive signs going forward as they build towards the new Liga season.Madrid went ahead in the 19th minute when Marcelo tried his luck with his weaker right foot and a deflection off Oscar left Begovic wrong footed.

The Brazil full-back had a look of disbelief when he scored again seven minutes later, coolly slotting past Begovic after a clever give and go with Marco Asensio.

There was time for another before half-time, though, and Mariano will certainly have caught Zidane's eye after receiving a pass from Marcelo and taking a touch before aiming a superb, swerving shot into the top-left corner.

Half-time substitute Michy Batshuayi showed great footwork to weave into the Madrid box and was perhaps unlucky not to get a penalty after being clattered by Nacho.Hazard reignited Chelsea's chances with 10 minutes remaining by racing onto a ball over the top and rounding Ruben Yanez to slot into the unguarded goal.

And the attacking midfielder scored a similar goal in injury time, this time collecting Batshuayi's throughball before again taking it past Yanez to score, but Madrid held out for the win.

 

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Inter 1-4 Bayern Munich: Julian Green strikes first half hat-trick as Ancelotti's men ease past Nerazzurri

Julian Green enjoyed a happy American homecoming as he scored a first-half hat-trick in Bayern Munich's 4-1 thrashing of Inter in the International Champions Cup.

United States international Green has struggled to break into Bayern's first team and had been linked with a loan move away from the Allianz Arena in the close-season.

But head coach Carlo Ancelotti stated this week that the 21-year-old has a role to play and the forward was in sublime form in the continued absence of Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.Green turned home David Alaba's cross to put Bayern ahead, before Franck Ribery quickly made it 2-0.

A clinical finish from Green stretched the lead further and a shell-shocked Inter were 4-0 down at the break when he completed his hat-trick inside 35 minutes.The Bundesliga champions failed to replicate the same performance after the break, but the damage had been done long before Mauro Icardi netted a 90th-minute consolation.

Ancelotti, whose side lost on penalties to AC Milan in their Champions Cup opener after a 3-3 thriller, can now look forward to a reunion with former club Real Madrid on Thursday.

Roberto Mancini, meanwhile, has much to ponder ahead of the Serie A season with Inter having been completely outclassed in North Carolina.It took Bayern just seven minutes to break the deadlock as Alaba's exquisite left-wing centre was side-footed home by the sliding Green.

Bayern were dominant in all departments and it was 2-0 six minutes later. Fabian Benko showed great footwork to the drag the ball to the byline with his left foot and cut back with his right for Ribery to tap in.

Inter imploded on the half-hour mark when some amateur defending at an aerial ball near the halfway line left Bayern with a two-on-one and Ribery slipped in Green, who coolly slotted home into the bottom right-hand corner from the edge of the box.

And Green completed his hat-trick in the 35th minute by tapping into the unguarded net after a superb ball across the face of goal from Benko.Inter showed some improvement after the break with Bayern dropping off the pace and Rodrigo Palacio cut onto his left foot and got a shot away at goal that Alaba blocked.

Mancini brought on Icardi for the last 20 minutes, the Argentina striker having not played against PSG amid rumours he is being lined up by Napoli to replace Gonzalo Higuain, and he bagged a late strike by capitalising on an Alaba error and calmly side-footing home when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

 

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Liverpool 2-0 AC Milan: Origi stars for Klopp's men

Divock Origi had an instant impact in his first game of pre-season for Liverpool, scoring in a 2-0 victory over AC Milan at the International Champions Cup.The Belgium international came on at half-time and netted just before the hour-mark at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Saturday.

Origi, who had been away at Euro 2016, produced a sublime finish into the bottom corner, before fellow substitute Roberto Firmino also struck.Sadio Mane, impressive in patches, should have scored in the first half, while M'Baye Niang had a great chance for Milan shortly after Origi's opener.

Jurgen Klopp made numerous changes to the XI he started with in a loss to Chelsea, including handing recruit Georginio Wijnaldum his debut.Simon Mignolet replaced the injured Loris Karius in goals, while James Milner started at left-back and Daniel Sturridge was also in the XI.

After beating Bayern Munich on penalties, Milan stuck with most of that starting side, but Vincenzo Montella did opt for Gabriel, Jherson Vergara, Niccolo Zanellato and Luiz Adriano from the outset.

Liverpool were lively early and almost went ahead in the second minute through Philippe Coutinho.Mane, dangerous in the early stages, delivered a delightful ball from the right, but the Brazilian was denied by a last-ditch clearance.

Adam Lallana put an effort onto the roof of the net from inside the area seven minutes before the break in a first half during which both teams struggled to create chances.Just minutes later and Mane should have put Klopp's side ahead.The Senegal international was played onside and fed by Coutinho, but his powerful shot was straight at Gabriel in the one-on-one.

Both teams made changes at the break and one of Klopp's paid off in the 59th minute.Origi, introduced for Sturridge, opened the scoring with a fine effort, stepping his marker on the left side of the area before curling his shot into the far bottom corner after a long ball from Alberto Moreno.

Niang should have levelled for Milan, but the Frenchman headed a glorious chance from an Ignazio Abate cross over the bar.Origi netted again, but it was ruled out for offside, yet Liverpool did not have to wait much longer for a second.

Substitute Sheyi Ojo cut in from the right before firing at goal, with his shot taking a deflection into the path of Firmino to put away.

 

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Ibrahimovic: Pogba will make Man Utd more interesting

Zlatan Ibrahimovic hopes Paul Pogba completes his much discussed move to Manchester United, stating the midfielder's arrival will make the club "even more interesting".Goal understands Manchester United are set to seal a €110 million deal for the midfielder, with the ongoing transfer saga expected to come to an end in the near future.

Despite the lack of Champions League football awaiting Jose Mourinho's men in 2016-17, Ibrahimovic is impressed with the work the club is making and believes Pogba's signing would boost the team.

"We have something big going on," Ibrahimovic told Swedish television station Kanal 5 ."It looks very interesting. "Let's see if Pogba will also [come], then it will be even more interesting."

Ibrahimovic scored his first United goal just four minutes into his debut in Saturday's 5-2 friendly win over Galatasaray in Gothenburg. The Swede netted an acrobatic effort and said he was delighted to get his first goal on home soil.

"It felt good. Very good. The first half was so-so but the second was good," the 34-year-old said."It was my first game and right now it's important to build up my physique and stamina.

"[Scoring on Swedish soil] felt even better. It was fantastic. We had great support and this is my country. I can't fail in my country."

 

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Wenger bemoans lack of quality in transfer market

Arsene Wenger says he will not be pushed into buying players for the sake of it, insisting he does not see many options available that would improve his Arsenal team.

The Frenchman intends to sign a defender to replace the injured Per Mertesacker, but it has been another relatively quiet close-season for the Premier League giants.
Wenger said he would only make signings if required, with Granit Xhaka headlining his three additions this summer.

"I buy players that I feel can strengthen our team. Today you have to be very strong inside the club when you are responsible, not just to buy [for the sake of it]," he said.

"There's always a wave of opinions. I must say people are better informed today - they know all the players."They tell you always that you should buy but when you ask them who to buy, they become much shorter.

"If you look at the market in Europe, there's a lot of money available but not many players who really strengthen the teams. If you look at the teams that spend the most money in Europe, they're not necessarily the teams that won the championships.

"The global investment of the clubs around us didn't stop Leicester winning the championship."Wenger insisted Arsenal were "still on the market for players" and that he expected to sign a defender before the start of the season.

Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez and Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette have also been linked, but Wenger was unwilling to be drawn on the duo."The best way to conclude transfers is not to talk about them, which is very difficult in the press conference," he said.

"We are on the market but I don't want to talk specifically about any player because that makes it more difficult for me - and it's difficult enough."

 

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Zidane: Morata will remain a Madrid player

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has no intention of allowing Alvaro Morata to leave the European champions amid reported interest from the Premier League.

Morata is back in the Spanish capital after Madrid activated their €30 million buy-back option to lure the 23-year-old back from Juventus.Despite returning to the Santiago Bernabeu, Morata has been linked with a subsequent transfer to Chelsea.

Zidane, however, intends to keep hold of the Spain international, who started and played 64 minutes in Madrid's 3-2 win over Chelsea in Saturday's International Champions Cup clash."Morata is a Madrid player," Zidane told reporters. 'We are delighted to have him back, back to his original home.

"He will remain a Madrid player."While Morata appears set to stay, countryman Jese is closing in on a move to French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

After PSG coach Unai Emery confirmed his interest in the 23-year-old forward, who did not feature against Chelsea, Zidane added: "Jese has had discussions within the club. I don't really know more than that but that's why he didn't play."He has been speaking with PSG but is nothing official yet."Zidane was also asked about Chelsea star Eden Hazard, who scored a late double in Michigan.

Hazard has often been linked with Madrid, but Zidane said: "There are rumours about tons of players potentially linked with this club."He is a very, very good player. Obviously all clubs want the best players but he is a Chelsea player."