..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Bernardo Silva signs for Manchester City in £43m move from Monaco

Bernardo Silva has signed for Manchester City on a five-year deal, the club have confirmed.

City will pay Monaco £43 million up front for the Portugal playmaker, though reports in France indicate add-ons and other bonuses will increase the total figure.Silva completed a medical at City's Etihad Campus training ground on Friday and has put pen to paper on a long-term contract.

City are also thought to be close to sign Kyle Walker from Tottenham, and there is firm interest in bringing in left-back Benjamin Mendy from Monaco.
The Blues have kicked off their summer in style, and have announced Silva's arrival little over 24 hours after confirming that Gael Clichy, Jesus Navas, Bacary Sagna and Willy Caballero will leave the club on free transfers this summer. "Manchester City are delighted to confirm Bernardo Silva will join the Club from Monaco on July 1," City announced in a statement.

"The Portuguese playmaker will arrive at the Etihad having just helped the French side to the Ligue 1 title and the Champions League semi-finals."Silva in turn admitted that the prospect of working alongside Pep Guardiola was a big factor in his decision.

“It feels great. To be honest I’m now at one of the best teams in the world. To be part of this club and to have this opportunity is great," he said.

"I’m very happy to be part of Manchester City’s team and I look forward to trying to do my best to help the team reach their goals.“If not the best coach in the world, he is one of the best."Of course when you have the opportunity of being trained by Guardiola, you don’t say no.

"As we all know, what he did in Barcelona and Bayern Munich was amazing and we expect also here that he will win titles. It’s great to be working with him and to have this opportunity.”

It was also announced on Friday that Pablo Zabaleta will join West Ham on a two-year deal when he officially leaves City in July.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

CITY la kalinma wada patangenaHoda sign 1kak​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Allegri keen to open contract talks with Juventus

Massimiliano Allegri is loving life at Juventus and is keen to open talks over a new contract after the Champions League final against Real Madrid.The 49-year-old's existing deal is due to expire in June 2018 and Arsenal are believed to be keeping a close eye on Allegri's situation in Turin.

However, Beppe Marotta recently insisted that the Allegri "era at Juve is absolutely not over", and the coach reiterated he would prefer a prolonged stay over a potential move to the Premier League."I want to stay at Juventus," Allegri said at a news conference ahead of Saturday's trip to Bologna for their final Serie A outing.

"I have a contract until 2018 and need to talk to the club after the Champions League final."I am proud of what we have achieved during my three years here. Hopefully we can add another trophy in Cardiff."

Allegri took charge of Juve in 2014 and has since guided them to three consecutive domestic doubles, extending the club's run of successive Scudetti to an unprecedented six.He led the Bianconeri to the Champions League final in his first season, where Barcelona proved to be too strong.

Juve will be looking to make amends for that loss when they meet Madrid in their second final in three years on June 3.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Zabaleta completes West Ham move

Former Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has completed his move to West Ham, signing a two-year deal at the London Stadium.

The right-back, 32, spent nine seasons at the Etihad Stadium, but is one of five players whom Pep Guardiola has let go this summer.And he becomes Slaven Bilic's first summer signing as he looks to improve on an 11th placed finish in 2016-17.

Zabaleta turned down a number of offers from clubs in Italy, Spain and England to join West Ham, and is looking forward to a new challenge.

"This is an absolute pleasure to be part of West Ham United Football Club," he told West Ham TV."I hope I can give you good moments. Of course, I come to the club to enjoy myself and hopefully we can have a very successful time."Sometimes a new challenge is all you need as a person and as a player. I thought my time at City was done. It’s been a fantastic nine years, absolutely brilliant.

"Manchester City gave me the opportunity to come to this wonderful league, the Premier League, something I’ve been enjoying a lot as a player and of course for me it was probably the right time to move on.

"Also, as a player, I thought I wanted to keep playing in the Premier League. For me, after being in this country for so long, this is a new challenge for me in the Premier League and I’m ready for it and looking forward to it.”Zabaleta will likely battle with Sam Byram for a starting role at right-back, with the Irons having previously struggled to find cover in the position.

Michail Antonio and Cheikh Kouyate have both been forced to fill in, but Zabaleta's arrival should allow them to be deployed in more familiar roles moving forward.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Valencia signs new Manchester United contract

Antonio Valencia has signed a new contract at Manchester United which will keep him at Old Trafford until at least 2019.The Ecuador international has agreed the extension, with the option of an additional year at the club.

The 31-year-old has won two Premier League titles since arriving at the club in 2009 and captained the Red Devils as they won the Europa League for the first time against Ajax on Wednesday."Manchester United has been my life since 2009 and I am absolutely delighted to have signed a new contract," Valencia told the club's official website.

"Wednesday evening provided the one trophy this club had never won and it was a true honour for me to captain the team for the final. I would like to thank the manager for the confidence he has given me this season and I am sure that we will be challenging on all fronts next season.

"I would also like to say a big thank you to my family, my team-mates and, of course, the fans, for their amazing support."

Mourinho has continued to voice his admiration for the player during his first campaign in charge at Old Trafford, and he also moved to praise the full-back's character off the field."It is no secret that I had been an admirer of Antonio’s long before I joined the club. I knew what a fantastic player he was and he has not disappointed me on that front.

"However, what I could never have imagined was what a great person he is. I know I have said this before but I truly believe it is a real privilege for us to have such a good player and such a good man. I am delighted he has extended his contract."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Valencia!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool head chase for £50 million star Naby Keita

Liverpool remain in a strong position to sign RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita this summer, and are willing to smash the club’s record transfer fee in the process, but are wary of the heightened interest in the midfielder.

Jurgen Klopp believes the Guinea international is an elite player - among the best in the world in the centre of the park - and as such, an asking price in the region of £50 million would not deter the Reds.

Nor would they flinch at meeting the 22-year-old’s personal demands given his status as a priority target, which Goal first revealed.

Talks between Liverpool and Keita’s camp have been very positive, but the Merseysiders are aware several other weighty enquiries have been fielded for the dynamic, versatile star.

There is cautious optimism over convincing the No.6, who is equally adept at operating in a box-to-role role or as a playmaker, to choose Anfield as his preferred destination, with Sadio Mane’s dazzling debut season under Klopp a helpful element. Keita shares the same agency as the Senegal international, who has thrived on the pitch for Liverpool and has been helped by the club off it.

The Reds assisted their Player of the Season in hiring a personal chef when he made the £30m switch from Southampton last summer and arranged a special prayer room for him at Melwood.Those small personal details complement the ambitious vision Klopp has for Liverpool, which Keita would become a core part of if he made the move.

RB Leipzig, however, have understandably adopted an obstructive stance. They do not want to sell him and believe their securing of Champions League football can ensure he remains at the Red Bull Arena for another season at the very least.

Sporting director Ralf Rangnick, as well as chief executive officer Oliver Mintzlaff, have stated the Bundesliga side are not open to losing any element of their spine and expect Keita to report on July 3 for fitness tests ahead of the start of their pre-season on July 5.

However, a transfer fee of £50m could tempt them into reconsidering and would shatter Liverpool’s current record spend of £35m for Andy Carroll in January 2011. The Reds are prepared to surpass that figure multiple times in the summer to enhance the quality and competition in the squad.

Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk would also command a price of around £50m and it is understood he has not yet committed to Liverpool, but discussions have indicated they are current favourites to recruit him.

Like Keita, the Netherlands international has the luxury of more than one offer to ponder, which could complicate matters.Meanwhile, increasing the forward options remains high on the agenda, with Goal revealing Mohamed Salah is one of the candidates under consideration.

The explosive Kylian Mbappe has long been on the club’s wishlist, but with Monaco demanding around £90m for the gifted teenager or hoping to offer him improved terms to keep him for another campaign while Real Madrid circle, such a coup is unlikely to materialise.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has a year remaining on his existing deal with Arsenal, is also of interest given his ability to cover a number of positions.
Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon, meanwhile, is wanted at left-back with Liverpool also exploring more experienced candidates for the role.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale resumes Real Madrid training ahead of Champions League final

Gareth Bale has resumed Real Madrid training ahead of next week's Champions League final against Juventus.The Wales international suffered a calf problem in the 3-2 La Liga defeat against Barcelona on April 23, making his comeback in the Clasico after previously suffering a similar injury against Bayern Munich.

Bale has been out of action ever since, missing the final stages of the domestic season as Madrid clinched their first title since 2011-12, but he could make his return in the showpiece in Cardiff on June 3.The 27-year-old took part in Friday's training session without any noteworthy problems and seems ready for the upcoming clash with Juventus.

Bale played a key role in Madrid's Champions League win last season, providing the assist for Sergio Ramos' opener, while also converting a spot kick as they beat Atletico Madrid after penalties.
He also found the net in Madrid's 2013-14 Champions League final win over Atletico, netting the second goal to lead his side to the Decima.The former Tottenham man has been plagued by injury this season and has made a mere 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine times.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sanchez named Arsenal's Player of the Year as Ozil misses top three

Alexis Sanchez has been named Arsenal's Player of the Year by the club's supporters, while Mesut Ozil failed to make the top three.

Arsenal announced on Friday that Sanchez was the "overwhelming" winner of their fans' vote after a stunning individual season that has seen him score 29 goals across all competitions.It is the second time in three years at the club that the Chile international has won the accolade and he came second the only time he missed out on top spot in 2015-16.

Ozil was last year's winner, but he has not been recognised in the top three this season, having received criticism from many observers for his inconsistent form, prompting manager Arsene Wenger to defend him.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came second to Sanchez, with Laurent Koscielny in third.

Sanchez, Ozil and Oxlade-Chamberlain face uncertain futures at Arsenal, with only a year left to run on their contracts and major speculation over potential transfers going into Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea.

The final sees the Gunners chasing a third FA Cup trophy in four years as they look to salvage silverware from a campaign that has seen them miss out on Champions League qualification for the first time in 20 years.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I'm still a Colchonero' – Griezmann rejects claims Man Utd deal is done

Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann has seemingly rejected reports suggesting a deal has been struck for him to join Manchester United, claiming he is yet to make a final decision over his future.

As well as insisting he remains a Colchonero – a term used to describe players, coaches and fans associated to Atleti – the France international declared recent rumours about his next move were inaccurate.

Griezmann declared no verdict on his future will be reached until he has held talks with his representatives."The rumours are unfounded, I am still a Colchonero," Griezmann wrote on Twitter late on Friday. "My destiny will be decided after discussing it with my sporting advisors."

Speculation linking Griezmann with a move to Old Trafford has intensified over the past week.First, the 26-year-old rated his chances of a move to United as "six out of 10", a chance that was reported to have increased significantly when Jose Mourinho's men won the Europa League to seal a place in next season's Champions League.

Griezmann then hinted he was willing to leave Atletico by revealing at his autobiography launch that he would consider his chances of winning trophies when he considers his future this off-season.

But the forward has a €100million release clause in his Atletico contract and club president Enrique Cerezo has said he does not expect a club to meet that fee.
Griezmann scored 26 goals in 53 appearances for Atletico across all competitions this season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Toure close to signing new Man City deal

Yaya Toure is close to agreeing a one-year contract extension with Manchester City, Goal can reveal.

City sources confirmed before the end of the season that Toure would be offered a new deal, though they were unsure whether the midfielder would accept.However, the 34-year-old is desperate to stay at the Etihad Stadium — where he could potentially retire next summer — and had instructed his advisors to reach an agreement.

Toure has accepted that he will have to settle for a basic salary that is considerably lower than what he earns from his expiring contract, though exact figures are yet to be finalised.Speaking after City's final game of the season on Sunday, he told reporters he would like to end his career at the club and suggested he is not keen on a move.

"I want to go on until the end and the best way is going to be to stop playing football with City," he said. "That would be the best way for me. To be honest, to see me in another shirt would be quite difficult but we’ll see."

Talks have advanced since then and there is now a confidence on both sides that a suitable deal will be finalised in the coming days.Toure's City career had appeared over when he was excluded from Pep Guardiola's matchday squads for the first three months of the season.

But he continued training in a bid to be available for selection if called upon, and shed eight kilograms in weight by working closely with Guardiola's backroom staff on a strict fitness regime and diet plan.

The Ivorian has become a mainstay in the deep-lying midfielder role since his return in November, aside from a short period out of the side in March and April, but may have to play more of a back-up role in Guardiola's plans next season.City are in the market for another central midfielder, and on Friday they confirmed the signing of Bernardo Silva from Monaco.

The arrival of Silva, an attacking midfielder, could push Ilkay Gundogan into a deeper role — the type he became accustomed to while at Borussia Dortmund — when the German returns from a serious knee injury.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

FA Cup Final 2017.05.27

FA Cup Final 2017.05.27

Arsenal Vs Chelsea

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Copa Del Rey Final 2017.05.27

Copa Del Rey Final 2017.05.27

Barcelona Vs Alaves

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mbappe: Ronaldo favourite to win Ballon d'Or, but Buffon deserves it

Kylian Mbappe believes that Gianluigi Buffon would be a worthy winner of the Ballon d'Or after a monumental season with Juventus, although he admits Cristiano Ronaldo is more likely to take the award. Mbappe is so far the only man to put a goal past the Juventus goalkeeper in this year's Champions League knockout phase, but it was not enough to avoid a 4-1 aggregate defeat for Monaco in the semi finals.

There are no hard feelings, though, as the teenager heaped praise on Buffon ahead of the competition's showpiece between Juve and Real Madrid in Cardiff next week."For all of his work, [Buffon] deserves the Ballon d'Or, but I think it depends on the Champions League final," he explained to Eurosport.

"If Real Madrid win, I think it will be Cristiano Ronaldo but otherwise, I think it would be good for Buffon to win the Golden Ball. "Despite his admiration for Buffon, Mbappe's loyalties will be split as he watches the action at the Millennium Stadium.

Leading Madrid will be Zinedine Zidane, the teenager's compatriot and his all-time idol on the pitch. "The one who made me love football was Zidane. Afterwards I developed several idols but really Zidane was my very first idol," he said, while also commenting on the comparisons he has invited with fellow legend Thierry Henry.

"It's flattering to be compared to Henry, but as I said and I repeat: 'everybody writes his story.' "Thierry has made his career and it was immense, I think it would not be fair to compare an 18-year-old who has not done anything yet."If I make a great career, I would not want to be compared to an 18-year-old who has not done anything yet."


Mbappe smashed 26 goals in all competitions for Monaco in 2016-17, enjoying a superb second season that helped his team take the Ligue 1 title.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fellaini prepared to suffer broken bones for Mourinho as he plans Man Utd stay

Marouane Fellaini says he would break bones for Jose Mourinho after emerging as a key figure at Manchester United.

The Belgium international has not always seen his skill set embraced at Old Trafford since completing a £27.5 million move from Everton in 2013.He has often being accused of embodying what United became in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, with the club seen to have deserted their footballing roots.

Fellaini has, however, taken on an important role under Mourinho in 2016-17 and is grateful to the Portuguese coach for having restored confidence in his ability both from himself and those in the stands.

The 29-year-old, who made 47 appearances in all competitions this season, told hln.be : “When I feel that people trust me, I’m prepared to do everything.“If I have to break my foot for him [Mourinho], I’ll do it. That’s me. Even when I’m in pain, I play.”

Fellaini will form part of Mourinho’s plans once again in 2017-18, having seen a 12-month extension option in his contract triggered.He is, however, looking past that point and hopes fresh terms will be tabled at some stage which allow him to further extend his time with the Red Devils.

“Now I am here at Manchester United, I'm in and want to stay here,” Fellaini added.“I work every day with great players, with great staff, at a great club and I'm happy to be here and try to give everything for this club.”Fellaini figured in all three of United’s 2016-17 trophy triumphs, with the Belgian gracing the Community Shield, EFL Cup final and Europa League final.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fellaini anthima tike nam play karapu widiya godak hodaiPissukelinne nathuwa meh widiyatama digatama play karanawanam patta​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kane beats Kante to PFA Fans' Player of the Season prize

Harry Kane has won the PFA Fans' Premier League Player of the Season prize ahead of Chelsea duo N'Golo Kante and Eden Hazard.

The Tottenham striker, who won the Golden Boot after scoring 29 goals in the top flight, finished top of the public poll with 16,378 votes.Kante, who won the PFA Players' Player of the Year and the Football Writers' Association prize for 2017, finished second on 13,515 votes.

Hazard came third on 8,412 votes, ahead of Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez (6,727), Spurs midfielder Dele Alli (3,507) and Everton striker Romelu Lukaku (955).

The top six were chosen by a panel comprising past Premier League stars Paul Merson and Peter Beagrie, as well as Mike Riley, general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials, and Football Supporters' Federation chairman Malcolm Clarke.More than 49,000 votes were then cast in a public ballot to decide the winner.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Kane!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Marco Silva appointed Watford coach

Marco Silva has been appointed as Watford head coach on a two-year deal, the Premier League club have announced.

The 39-year-old stepped down as Hull City boss following the club's relegation and has opted to stay in England.The former Sporting CP head coach had been linked with the vacant post at Crystal Palace and with Porto back in his native Portugal.

Watford chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury told the club's official website: "Marco was one of the most sought-after head coaches in the Premier League."His pedigree and promise speaks for itself with his achievements in top divisions elsewhere across Europe, as well as his work at Hull City last season.

"We are delighted to have secured his services and to be welcoming a head coach of his profile and potential."It's an exciting time to be a Watford fan and I'm sure all supporters will join me in offering Marco and his family the warmest of welcomes to Vicarage Road."

Watford announced on May 17 that Walter Mazzarri's deal as head coach would be terminated despite the former Inter boss having secured their Premier League survival in his first season in charge.The Hornets finished 2016-17 in 17th place in the table, six points above Hull in 18th.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mertens asked for release clause but Napoli learned from Higuain deal - De Laurentiis

Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed Dries Mertens has signed a new deal with Napoli and says his release clause ensures there will be no repeat of the deal which saw them lose Gonzalo Higuain to Juventus.

The Serie A side wanted to hold on to their star attacker, but were forced to sell him to their rivals when they triggered his release clause with a €90 million offer.

While Mertens has been linked with a move away from Napoli after an excellent season, a new contract which keeps him at the Stadio San Paolo until 2020 has been confirmed and the president says it includes a clause that means he can only leave for a foreign club.

"From 14:30 pm on Friday until 1.40 am Saturday, we were on the phone with Mertens' lawers and counselors," he told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli . "Together with my tax experts, after many hours of technical discussion, we developed a perfect bilateral relationship for Dries and Napoli that protects the fans and me.

"Mertens will remain with us for several years, unless he wants to go to China if someone were to exercise the clause that he wanted, even if I am not in favour of them after Higuain's departure. "In life you have to learn. Experience shows, no one is born a professor. The new clause can only be exercised by a foreign team. In Italy, Mertens will play only for Napoli.

"We are setting up a war machine, we can no longer lose points to smaller teams."
While Napoli are at least sure of a place in the qualifying rounds of next season's Champions League, they can finish second and book a spot in the group stages if they beat Sampdoria and Roma lose to Genoa on the final week of the campaign.


Although they may not match last year's runner-up spot, they have collected more points with a game to spare, and De Laurentiis took the time to praise coach Maurizio Sarri for his work.

"He has made incredible progress and each time, proving to be educated and intelligent," he said. "He puts his experience to good use and this is the biggest guarantee. His mistakes will not be repeated. "I am delighted that he is with us "