..::Football IV::..

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Fabinho wa ganna puluwan unoth nam watinawa​

 

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Man Utd youngster Harrop joins Preston

Preston North End have completed the signing of Manchester United youngster Josh Harrop with his contract set to exipre at Old Trafford.

Harrop finished as United's top goalscorer at Under-23 level last season and marked his senior debut with a stunning goal against Crystal Palace on the final day of the 2016-17 campaign.He will sign a four-year deal at Deepdale, with the two clubs agreeing on an undisclosed compensation fee.

“I'm delighted to be here, it's a new start for me to get things going in my career and I'm buzzing to get playing and to make an impact in the team," Harrop said in a club statement.

“Hopefully I can achieve my aims and ambitions that I have set myself by coming here and that's to get promoted with Preston North End and help the club get as high as we can."Harrop will link up with former United team-mates Marnick Vermijl, Ben Pearson and Liam Grimshaw at Preston ahead of the 2017-18 Championship season.

Speaking of the deal, Preston manager Simon Grayson said: "Josh is a player who has attracted a lot of interest this summer and we had to move quickly to secure his signature.

"He adds to our group of hungry young players who want to progress and we are looking forward to working with him and seeing him improve."

 

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Aparadene Harrop ta yanna dunnu 1kahoda future 1kak thiyana player kenek miss karagattha

anyway Good luck Harrop!​

 

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Carrick responds to rumours linking Ronaldo with sensational Man Utd return

Michael Carrick insists he is not thinking about a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo following suggestions the Portugal great is keen on a return to Manchester United.

Ronaldo, Madrid's record goalscorer, only signed a new five-year-deal last November, but is reportedly seeking to leave the Spanish capital following accusations he defrauded Spanish tax authorities out of €14.7million – a claim he strenuously denies.

The 32-year-old is reported to view a return to United as his favoured option if he does depart the Santiago Bernabeu, with Ronaldo winning three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups and the Champions League during a six-year stay at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009.Carrick was a team-mate of Ronaldo's during that spell, but the midfielder is keen to wait and see how the scenario pans out.

"I haven't really given it too much thought to be honest with you," Carrick told Sky Sports. "Listen, you don't need me to say, everyone knows what type of a player he is and how good he is and what a career he's had.

"It's not for me to get involved in whether he comes to Manchester United, whether he leaves Madrid or not, that's not my business at this moment in time.

"Of course, I was lucky enough to play with him. It was just a joy to work so close to him and see how he plays."We will see how it pans out over the next few weeks and months."

 

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Southampton appoint Pellegrino as manager

Southampton have confirmed the appointment of Mauricio Pellegrino as the club's new manager, with the Argentine joining on a three-year deal.The 45-year-old takes over the reins at St Mary's from Claude Puel, who departed the club earlier this month.

Pellegrino, who stepped down as manager of Alaves following their Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona last month, will officially link up with the Saints next week ahead of the 2017-18 Premier League season.

“I am really happy to become the new coach of Southampton Football Club," Pellegrino said. "The club has a great reputation for having a strong and stable structure, competing in the Premier League and playing attractive football.

"I think my philosophy and the culture of the club will work well together. We have to be a team on and off the pitch; I want to make the supporters proud of the players and to feel part of the game every week. I want to win matches, be successful and develop a team spirit where everyone gives 100 per cent and supports each other.
"I am excited and passionate about what the future holds for us and look forward to meeting the players and beginning our preparation for the new season.”Pellegrino previously managed La Liga side Alaves, guiding the club to the Copa del Rey final for the first time last season, as well as a ninth-place league finish.


The former Argentina international also served as head coach at Valencia, as well as managing Estudiantes and Independiente in his home country.

 

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Harrop explains Manchester United exit

New Preston North End signing Josh Harrop says the desire for regular first-team football was behind his decision to leave Manchester United.

Harrop enjoyed a dream United debut last month when he scored at Old Trafford in a 2-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace.But the attacking midfielder has now opted to drop to the Championship with Preston, signing a four-year-contract on Friday after the clubs agreed "a significant undisclosed compensation agreement".

Harrop confirmed United did offer him a new contract, but the desire for regular game-time prompted him to move on from Jose Mourinho's side. "I'm 21 now and I'm confident in myself, I need to play first team football to get myself out there," he told Preston's website.

"That wasn't guaranteed at United, even though they offered me a new contract it was very limited in game time and so I couldn't take that risk at my age.
"I need to be out there, proving myself and doing what I know I'm capable of.
"It's a big thing for me to leave United after the number of years I have been there, but I am confident in my ability and know it’s the right decision."

Therefore Harrop leaves United with a record of one appearance and one goal to his name, having progressed through the club's youth system."I left on a high, a dream I had since I was young came true and now I am moving forward," he said.

"I am here now and I am delighted to be here and I will take every step as it comes and do the best that I can."

 

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Full Time

Serbia U21 0 Vs 1 Spain U21

Congratulations Spain U21!​

 

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Former Spain and Real Madrid defender Arbeloa retires

Former West Ham, Real Madrid and Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa revealed he is retiring from football.Arbeloa will hang up his boots following an unsuccessful spell at West Ham, where he only played three Premier League matches before being released in May.

The 34-year-old former Spain international walks away from the game, having won the World Cup, Euro 2008, Euro 2012, two Champions League crowns and LaLiga."It's time to say goodbye," Arbeloa told Marca."Physically I was ok to keep playing."

Arbeloa arrived at West Ham after spending seven years at Madrid, where he claimed LaLiga, the Champions League, Copa del Rey, the Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Supercopa de Espana.Prior to Arbeloa's time at the Santiago Bernabeu, he made almost 100 appearances for Liverpool between 2006 and 2009.

 

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Mourinho will attract huge players to Man Utd, says Yorke

Jose Mourinho will be able to attract huge players to Manchester United in the transfer market, says the club's former striker Dwight Yorke.Yorke believes United's financial might, along with their return to the Champions League, puts them in an excellent position for this close-season.

United recruited stars like Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic without Champions League football last season, and the member of the club's 1999 treble-winning team cannot wait to see who Mourinho can land with a place in Europe's top club competition adding to the club's appeal.

"United obviously are looking to add to the squad," Yorke said to Sky Sports. "We know that, that is not a secret."I think that Man United being the richest club in the world and in the Champions League as well, things are looking up.

"Winning two major competitions this season helps us, being in the Champions League this season also helps us and puts us back in the forefront of things. "We are one of the richest, if not the richest club in the world right now, so we can attract all the players.

"Mourinho has been able to do that without the Champions League. Now that we are in the Champions League, I think that we are in a position to strike."

Victor Lindelof has been signed from Benfica in United's only addition ahead of the 2017-18 campaign so far, but Yorke is optimistic that number will swell by another three or four before the transfer window closes.

And he stressed it is quality that is most important as United bid to win the Premier League for the first time since Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.

Yorke said: "It is all about the quality that is brought in. I'm sure that Jose has got his targets like every other manager. "I believe that come the start of the season we will get three or four quality players in to make sure we are competitive enough and raring to try and win the Premier League this season."

A host of star names are being linked with moves to United, Real Madrid trio Cristiano Ronaldo, Alvaro Morata and James Rodriguez, Inter winger Ivan Perisic, Tottenham's Eric Dier, Monaco's Fabinho and Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic.

 

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Mexico 2 Russia 1: Akinfeev error sends hosts crashing out

Igor Akinfeev's mistake proved costly as Mexico came from behind to beat 10-man Russia 2-1 to book a place in the Confederations Cup semi-finals and send the hosts crashing out.

Stanislav Cherchesov's side needed to win to qualify for the knockout rounds from Group A but despite scoring the opening goal Russia self-destructed by conceding two terrible goals that gifted Mexico victory.

Russia had seen two penalty appeals rejected before taking the lead after 25 minutes, Alexander Samedov finishing well from inside the box after Aleksandr Erokhin teed him up following a miskick.

The lead was short-lived, however, with Mexico swiftly equalising through a Nestor Araujo header, the centre-back directing a header past Russia's goalkeeper Akinfeev, although he did not seem to be going for goal.

And Mexico went on to take the lead in even more bizarre circumstances early in the second half, with Akinfeev completely misjudging a long ball and presenting Hirving Lozano with a simple headed finish.

The Video Assistant Review (VAR) system denied Mexico a third when Hector Moreno was correctly ruled to be offside but, after Yuri Zhirkov was dismissed, El Tri held on to stay in the tournament and knock Russia out.

Lozano was making his first appearance of the Confederations Cup and he had the first shot on target after five minutes, cutting inside off the left wing but shooting too close to Akinfeev.

Zhirkov was denied a penalty when he went down under Moreno's challenge and the former Chelsea winger then fired narrowly wide of the far post as Russia threatened.

Russia had another appeal for a spot-kick but referee Fahad Al Mirdasi consulted with the VAR after a delay and the Saudi official subsequently decided Araujo had not brought down Fedor Smolov.

The hosts' pressure soon told, though, as the opening goal arrived after 25 minutes.
Smolov had cracked a drive against the post but Russia did well to keep the threat alive and when the ball was worked to Samedov he slotted a neat finish across Guillermo Ochoa into the bottom-right corner.Mexico were level within five minutes, however, as Araujo looped a header across goal that deceived Akinfeev and nestled into the net.

Erokhin immediately wasted a fine chance to put Russia back in front, blazing over the crossbar, and Samedov was denied his second goal of the game by a raised offside flag.Mexico went ahead seven minutes after the break, Akinfeev making a calamitous decision to come for a long ball and missing it, allowing Lozano a simple finish.

Moreno then side-footed past Akinfeev but VAR saw his goal disallowed and Russia were reduced to 10 men when Zhirkov caught Miguel Layun with a flailing arm and was shown a second yellow card.

Igor Smolnikov had Russia's best chance to level, smashing over from close range, but the hosts could not produce a comeback and will not participate in the semi-finals, with Mexico progressing alongside Portugal from Group A.

 

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New Zealand 0 Portugal 4: Ronaldo on target as European champions win group to reach semis

Portugal cruised into the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup as Group A winners after Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Andre Silva and Nani secured a 4-0 victory over New Zealand on Saturday.

Although proceedings took a while to heat up, Portugal were ultimately good value for their triumph and look set to face either Chile or Germany in the final four of the competition, as two of their rising stars rose to the challenge alongside the more experienced Ronaldo and Nani to clinch top spot.

Ronaldo was the one to break the deadlock, dispatching an emphatic penalty beyond Stefan Marinovic to score on the 30th birthday of nemesis Lionel Messi.
The talented Bernardo Silva doubled the European champions' tally before the break with a simple finish after a lovely Portugal move on the left flank.

Portugal still looked determined to make sure of their position as group winners by adding more goals and new AC Milan signing Andre Silva effectively clinched it in the 80th minute with a fine solo effort.

And Nani, Ronaldo's replacement from the bench, added a fourth for good measure, ensuring that Portugal's next generation did not take all the glory as Fernando Santos' men finished ahead of Mexico thanks to a super goal difference after their 2-1 defeat of Russia.The early exchanges were very subdued, with neither side offering a great deal of attacking spark in St Petersburg.

But Portugal did eventually come to life and Ronaldo forced Marinovic into a straightforward save with a header from a right-wing delivery after 24 minutes.Ronaldo was central again a few moments later, meeting another Ricardo Quaresma cross with a header which came back off the crossbar.

The Real Madrid star was not to be denied just after the half-hour mark, though, as Tom Doyle caught Danilo in the area and Ronaldo duly slammed the penalty into the top-right corner.

A second Portugal goal arrived four minutes later.Eliseu and Quaresma linked well on the left, with the full-back then playing the ball across the face of goal for Bernardo Silva to stab home from close range.

New Zealand sought to tighten things up at the back at the start of the second half, with their surrounding of Ronaldo on one instance indicative of a relative improvement.

And they almost gave themselves a lifeline just before the hour, as Doyle flashed a sensational ball into the six-yard box for Chris Wood, whose eventual effort was crucially blocked by Bruno Alves.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos gave New Zealand a boost by withdrawing Ronaldo 23 minutes from the end, but substitute Nani nearly made a swift impact, latching on to Quaresma's cross and slamming a powerful shot at Marinovic from 10 yards.

That miss mattered little, however, as Andre Silva got their third 10 minutes from time by darting into the penalty area and tucking a clever finish past Marinovic after a fine run.

Nani then also got on to the scoresheet right at the end, running at the defence before drilling a left-footed drive into the bottom-right corner from just inside the area to wrap things up in style.

 

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'Lukaku a great option for Chelsea' - Lampard looking for someone to replicate Costa

Romelu Lukaku would be “a great option” for Chelsea if they are forced to find a replacement for Diego Costa, says Frank Lampard.

The Blues have put themselves in a position where a new frontman will be required this summer, with Antonio Conte informing Costa that he no longer figures in his plans.

The Spain international plundered 20 goals during a Premier League title success in 2016-17, with his attributes leading the line posing plenty of problems to opposition defences.

Lampard acknowledges that finding a successor will be difficult, with it possible that a move to bring Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge after three seasons at Everton will be the most logical decision.The former Chelsea midfielder told Sky Sports: “I know Lukaku from playing with him at Chelsea.

“It was early on in his career and maybe Chelsea was too early for him, he didn’t get the chances and he has certainly developed to a huge degree since leaving the club.“Lukaku would be a great option. The only thing Chelsea have to look at is the inflated market which is around now. It’s tough.

“In terms of an all-round striker who is proven to have scored goals last year at Everton and for the last two or three seasons in the Premier League, he would be an option. But there are others and I wouldn’t want to try and second guess Chelsea.

“I’m sure they will want to find a player of the same type as Diego Costa. They need a physical presence, they have got a lot of skilful players behind, but they will need to find someone who can replicate what Costa did – give them a physical presence but also get them 20-plus goals a season.”

On Costa, who could be leaving with 59 goals in 120 appearances and with two Premier League crowns, Lampard added: “He’s a fantastic striker. He will be very difficult to replace.

“I don’t know where Diego Costa’s mind is. If he stays, brilliant, if he doesn’t then you will have to go to the very top end of world strikers to replace him. That’s not easy to find.“If Chelsea do lose him, they will have to make sure they get the right signing.”

Lukaku was signed by Chelsea in 2011 but made just 15 appearances for the club without finding the target.He proved his worth, however, during loan spells and West Brom and Everton and completed a £28 million move to Goodison Park in the summer of 2014.

 

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Fabinho edges closer to €45m Man Utd move

Monaco star Fabinho is keen to join Manchester United this summer and an agreement is edging nearer, Goal understands.

Fabinho, who has played over 180 games for the principality club, scoring 23 goals, is valued at around €45 million, and sources have confirmed that the transfer could be sealed in the coming days.

Primarily a defensive midfielder, Goal understands the 23-year-old has been been given assurances that he would be played in a full-back role too, something that appeals to the Brazil international.

And Fabinho, who has also played for Real Madrid, is desperate to increase his chances of making Tite's national team squad for the 2018 World Cup, having been largely overlooked up to now.

Regarding United's interest, Fabinho said on Friday: "It’s a tempting invitation. I would first talk to my agent, Monaco too, to decide everything is right."But it’s a great club, sure enough I would think well about it."Manchester City have also been linked with a bid for Fabinho, but it appears a move to United is of more appeal.

Any potential confirmed transfer in the coming days would represent the club's second signing of the summer, with Victor Lindelof having already been secured from Benfica.The Red Devils are also searching for a centre forward to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Alvaro Morata high on the list of priority targets.

Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic is another who has been on United's radar but it remains to be seen if the signing of Fabinho would scupper plans of a move for the Serb.

 

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'Arsenal ready to pay for Lacazette' - Lyon confirm interest but may frustrate Wenger

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas admits “Arsenal are ready to pay” for Alexandre Lacazette, but Atletico Madrid remain keen.The Gunners have been tracking the France international for many years, with a window of opportunity finally opening up for them.

They are, however, about to enter a season without Champions League football and would need to dig deep to land a player valued at over £46 million.

Aulas believes Arsenal are willing to do business, having spoken with Arsene Wenger and former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier, but has hinted that he may wait on Atletico to serve a transfer ban and reassess the situation in January.He told L’Equipe: “I do not intend to sell Alexandre quickly, because there is always the option of Atletico Madrid to signing him on January 1, 2018. I also listen to what Alexandre says.

“I saw Arsene during the match between France and England. I was with Gerard Houllier [Lyon advisor] and I understand he [Wenger] told Gerard that there could be an interest from Arsenal.

“But it is premature to say that things will be done. We cannot let a player of that quality go without his replacement. We are talking about €50m [£43.7m] to €60m [£52.5m].

“Arsenal is ready to pay for Lacazette.

“Everyone knows Atletico were going to pay €53m [£46.4m] plus €12m [£10.5m] in add-ons. That’s €65m [£56.9m].“The Arsenal executives are well informed, they will be in those waters.“The price for a player who scores, every year, between 25 and 30 goals, sometimes more than 30, is at least that.

“But frankly, I have not thought about Arsenal for the moment, because I thought that Alexandre would stay because of the failure, initially, with Atletico Madrid.”

Lacazette netted a personal best 37 goals in all competitions during the 2016-17 campaign and has broken the 20-goal mark in each of the last four seasons.

 

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Lacazette Arsenal join wei​

 

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'Rooney and Costa would like it in China' - Man Utd & Chelsea stars urged to consider moves by Eriksson

Wayne Rooney and Diego Costa should consider moves to China if they leave Manchester United and Chelsea, says Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The former England manager has just finished a coaching stint in Asia which saw him take in spells with CSL teams Shanghai SIPG and Guangzhou R&F, along with second tier side Shenzhen FC.He enjoyed his time away from Europe and feels those being heavily linked with big-money moves would do likewise.

Rooney is reported to be edging towards the exits at Old Trafford, after slipping down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho, while Costa has been deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge despite netting 20 goals in a Premier League title-winning campaign.

Eriksson said in the Daily Mirror of the China talk: “I haven’t spoken to Rooney for a long time, so I don’t know what he is thinking, but if he went to China I think he would have a ­positive experience.

“He has a young family but there are international schools in the big cities and I know for sure he would have every help possible to make him settle. He would be made very welcome.“The only problem you have is the language. But if you live in Shanghai or Beijing you have a lot of foreign people, so it is less of an issue. I bumped into many Swedish people in Shanghai and many Europeans live there, working for big companies.

“And, don’t forget, the players get treated well. They have ­everything they need and are very well looked after, so for ­someone like Rooney or Diego Costa that would not be a problem.“When I was at Shanghai SIPG, I had the Brazilian player Hulk, who had joined for over £50 million from Zenit St Petersburg.

“He had no problems with life in China – his only problem was that he got injured on his debut and was out for two months after that. But I never heard him complain about life in China at all – everything else was good.”

Eriksson also claims that while the CSL has established a reputation for being awash with money, the standard is improving and could be considered to be better than Major League Soccer in America.

He added: “Chinese football is doing well – from what I have seen of the MLS the standard is better in China.“OK, the club teams are better than the national team but that is being ­addressed. Chinese Super League teams are now regularly competing in the Champions League of Asia and doing well against other nations.

“China has a problem at grass-roots level because in the past they have focused more on individual sports like swimming, gymnastics and badminton. But clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid have soccer schools there now and, with a population of 1.2 billion, China will be a super-power in the next 15 years.“And the arrival of Rooney will only accelerate that progress.”

 

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Liverpool CEO responds to talk of £63m move for Aubameyang

Liverpool CEO Peter Moore is giving little away when it comes to the club’s reported interest in Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.The Reds are among those believed to be considering an approach for the prolific Gabon international.

A £63 million move has been mooted, with Jurgen Klopp open to bringing added firepower into his ranks – having already wrapped up a deal for Mohamed Salah.Supporters are understandably excited by the prospect of a proven frontman moving to Anfield and have taken the opportunity to quiz Moore on Twitter.

Not that he was prepared to be drawn on the subject, with a tongue-in-cheek response offered to the suggestion that the club should lodge a big-money bid.

Moore became Liverpool’s CEO in February and is active on social media.He has, however, been around long enough to know that speculating on possible deals ahead of a window is rarely a good idea.

Aubameyang is an obvious target for Europe’s top clubs, though, as his strike rate in Germany has helped to raise his profile.Having previously been a regular source of goals in France with St Etienne, the 28-year-old has netted 120 times in 189 appearances for Dortmund – with Liverpool boss Klopp having snapped him up in 2013.

 

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Messi at 30: Garcia tips Barcelona star to retire at Camp Nou

Lionel Messi will retire at Barcelona, Luis Garcia has said amid doubts over the Argentine superstar's future.

He is the their all-time leading goalscorer and the face of the club but Messi is no certainty to prolong his time at Camp Nou, with his contract due to expire in 2018.
Barca have insisted a new deal remains on course for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who joined the La Liga giants as a 13-year-old.

The uncertainty will only grow the longer Messi's contract situation remains unresolved but Garcia – who emerged from Barcelona's youth system in 1998 before returning in 2003 – cannot see him playing for another club aside from boyhood side Newell's Old Boys.

Speaking to Omnisport, Garcia – who is in Australia working for Optus during their Confederations Cup coverage – said: "I don't think he will leave. I think he is happy there.

"Of course sometimes he has to look after himself and his family. I'm sure he is very happy at Barcelona. Barca know how important he is for the club. They will arrive at an agreement. I don't see him playing for another club.

"He has been the face of Barcelona for many years. I think he will retire at Barca. He might finish his international career earlier and maybe go back to his former club [Newell's Old Boys] in a totally different way."

Saturday marks Messi's 30th birthday and he has shown no signs of slowing down – remaining the driving force behind Barca's success.Since making his Barca debut at the tender age of 17 in October 2004, Messi has gone on to guide the Catalans to 29 trophies, including eight LaLiga titles and four Champions League crowns.

He has netted 507 goals in all competitions – 349 of those in LaLiga – having netted 54 in 2016-17.Messi is also the only La Liga player to reach 40 goals in each of his last eight seasons in all competitions, firmly staking his claim as the greatest of all time.

Asked what makes Messi so good in an era that also includes four-time Ballon d'Or winner and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, Garcia replied: "He makes football very easy. The most difficult thing is to do things the easy way. It looks so easy when he does it.

"He does everything well. He passes well, he controls well, he scores. When he has to defend, he defends well. So it doesn't matter where you play him. He is going to achieve everything he wants to. When you look at him play, he can do anything. Nothing is difficult for him."It's difficult to explain. When you see players in defence or struggling because they are not fast or unable to control, because Messi has an amazing left foot but the right foot is also good. He is small but he is also good in the air and is so clever.

"When he plays in the wide areas, he can go one-vs-one and dribble at players with speed and technique. In the middle, he can assist and keep the ball. He knows when to go fast with the tempo or slow down a little. He can do everything."Messi has provided Barca supporters and fans from around the world with countless memories and jaw-dropping moments, and Garcia cannot pick one that stands out.

"It is too difficult to pick one. If you have a look at the last goal scored, he was just amazing. Every couple of weeks you see him, he suddenly produces something special," he said.

"You say wow, he cannot beat that and then two weeks after he does something again totally different and you will say again it is impossible to do better, and then he does it. He just produces every week."

 

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Happy Birthday Messi!

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Ronaldo is wanted at Real Madrid – Salgado

Cristiano Ronaldo is wanted by his team-mates at Real Madrid and will not find a club who help him more, according to Michel Salgado.

Ronaldo reportedly wants to leave the European champions amid accusations – which the player has denied – that he defrauded Spanish tax authorities out of €14.7million.

Former club Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with a swoop for the 32-year-old.Salgado, a Madrid great who spent 10 seasons at the club, said Ronaldo was wanted at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Real Madrid players do not want him to leave," the former full-back told a news conference in Guatemala, via Marca."He will not find a club that gives him more than Madrid."Ronaldo has starred since joining Madrid in 2009, winning the Champions League three times and LaLiga twice.

The Portugal international has also claimed the Ballon d'Or four times and is favourite to equal Lionel Messi's record of five in 2017.