barca are crap right now. So hard to watch even.
Suarez dives > A penalty
Ronaldo looses balance > A supposed dive > yellow card
Suarez dives > A penalty
Ronaldo looses balance > A supposed dive > yellow card
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Shelvey working with psychologist on anger issues
Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has revealed he has been seeing a psychologist to work on his anger issues.Shelvey cost his team in their Premier League return on Sunday, as his red card for a stamp on Tottenham's Dele Alli proved decisive in a 2-0 win for Tottenham Hotspur.
The 25-year-old told the Daily Mail that he's been working on his anger ever since receiving a red card against Nottingham Forest last season.“Look, sometimes I just need to reign in it in on the football pitch,” Shelvey said. “I need to just shut up and stuff. I need to not get involved and walk away.
“I started to see a psychologist last year to work on the mental side of things. It was after the Forest game. I was sent off. I had kicked out at this lad and it was just childish.“When people wind me up I should just laugh. I do need to get that out of me. Sometimes you can't help it.
"I started to work with this fella and after that there wasn't really an incident when I did that. I started to learn to keep my head down and just get on with the game.
"But it's an ongoing process and I am still working with him. Sometimes I can lose my head and it can't keep happening."
Shelvey will be suspended until September 10 as a result of his stamp on Alli.
Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has revealed he has been seeing a psychologist to work on his anger issues.Shelvey cost his team in their Premier League return on Sunday, as his red card for a stamp on Tottenham's Dele Alli proved decisive in a 2-0 win for Tottenham Hotspur.
The 25-year-old told the Daily Mail that he's been working on his anger ever since receiving a red card against Nottingham Forest last season.“Look, sometimes I just need to reign in it in on the football pitch,” Shelvey said. “I need to just shut up and stuff. I need to not get involved and walk away.
“I started to see a psychologist last year to work on the mental side of things. It was after the Forest game. I was sent off. I had kicked out at this lad and it was just childish.“When people wind me up I should just laugh. I do need to get that out of me. Sometimes you can't help it.
"I started to work with this fella and after that there wasn't really an incident when I did that. I started to learn to keep my head down and just get on with the game.
"But it's an ongoing process and I am still working with him. Sometimes I can lose my head and it can't keep happening."
Shelvey will be suspended until September 10 as a result of his stamp on Alli.
Henderson hopes 'world class' Coutinho stays at Liverpool
Jordan Henderson wants Barcelona target Philippe Coutinho to stay at Liverpool, as the captain seeks to remain focused on the Champions League play-off against Hoffenheim.According to the club, Coutinho is suffering from a back problem and missed Liverpool's 3-3 draw at Watford on Saturday as a consequence.
The Brazil international has not travelled with the squad for the match at the Rhein-Neckar Arena on Tuesday and submitted a transfer request last week, shortly after Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group announced they will not consider any offers for the 25-year-old. Speaking to the media in Germany, Henderson said: "It's a difficult situation for Phil but, as players, we're fully focused on the job at hand.
"You expect things like this in transfer windows but you've got to stick together and focus on what's important for the team, and that's the game tomorrow."Everyone would want Phil to stay because he's a world-class player.
"If I've had conversations with Phil, it's obviously private. I don't think I can influence the situation but I can have conversations with Phil. "He's my team-mate and I'm close to him, I've got a lot of respect for him, but at the end of the day everything that happens has got nothing to do with me."
Liverpool finished fourth in the Premier League last season to earn an opportunity to return to UEFA's elite club competition, having made a swift exit in the group stage during their most recent appearance in 2014-15."It's a great opportunity for us as a team," Henderson said. "We're looking forward to it and hopefully we can get a good result to take back to Anfield.
"It's a big test. Qualifying for the Champions League was an aim last season and we need to finish it off."Hoffenheim are a good side but if we perform to the level that I know we can, I'm confident that we can get through to the group stage."
Liverpool's previous foray into continental competition saw them lose the 2015-16 Europa League final 3-1 to Sevilla, leaving Henderson hoping to use that painful defeat as motivation this time around. "It was a tough night for us. Losing a European final was difficult but you've got to use that and make sure it doesn't happen again," he said."We've got to use that anger to help us have a good European campaign and help us going forward.
Jordan Henderson wants Barcelona target Philippe Coutinho to stay at Liverpool, as the captain seeks to remain focused on the Champions League play-off against Hoffenheim.According to the club, Coutinho is suffering from a back problem and missed Liverpool's 3-3 draw at Watford on Saturday as a consequence.
The Brazil international has not travelled with the squad for the match at the Rhein-Neckar Arena on Tuesday and submitted a transfer request last week, shortly after Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group announced they will not consider any offers for the 25-year-old. Speaking to the media in Germany, Henderson said: "It's a difficult situation for Phil but, as players, we're fully focused on the job at hand.
"You expect things like this in transfer windows but you've got to stick together and focus on what's important for the team, and that's the game tomorrow."Everyone would want Phil to stay because he's a world-class player.
"If I've had conversations with Phil, it's obviously private. I don't think I can influence the situation but I can have conversations with Phil. "He's my team-mate and I'm close to him, I've got a lot of respect for him, but at the end of the day everything that happens has got nothing to do with me."
Liverpool finished fourth in the Premier League last season to earn an opportunity to return to UEFA's elite club competition, having made a swift exit in the group stage during their most recent appearance in 2014-15."It's a great opportunity for us as a team," Henderson said. "We're looking forward to it and hopefully we can get a good result to take back to Anfield.
"It's a big test. Qualifying for the Champions League was an aim last season and we need to finish it off."Hoffenheim are a good side but if we perform to the level that I know we can, I'm confident that we can get through to the group stage."
Liverpool's previous foray into continental competition saw them lose the 2015-16 Europa League final 3-1 to Sevilla, leaving Henderson hoping to use that painful defeat as motivation this time around. "It was a tough night for us. Losing a European final was difficult but you've got to use that and make sure it doesn't happen again," he said."We've got to use that anger to help us have a good European campaign and help us going forward.
Man Utd fan Bolt reiterates football ambition following retirement from athleticsEight-time Olympic gold medallist and Manchester United fan Usain Bolt has reiterated his desire to get into football after retiring from athletics.
The 30-year-old, who won an astonishing 19 global titles during a glittering career, has walked away from the track at the end of the 2017 World Championships in London.
There was to be no fairytale ending for the Jamaican, as he could only claim bronze in the 100m final before suffering an untimely injury in the 4x100m relay on Saturday night.
Bolt is, however, already contemplating his next move and admits that he would welcome the opportunity to become a professional footballer.He told reporters after an emotional farewell at the London Stadium: “Well, I’ve always said that I wanted to play football because it’s something I think I’ll be good at.
“But right now, after pulling my hamstring, I’m not really worried about that at this moment.”Bolt has regularly expressed a desire to get into football, with the avid Manchester United supporter of the opinion that he has what it takes to make the grade.
He could get the opportunity to prove his worth on September 2, if he can shake off his injury in time, with talks being held regarding an appearance in a legends game between his beloved Red Devils and Barcelona at Old Trafford.
Borussia Dortmund are also set to open their doors to an iconic figure, with Bolt’s agent having admitted earlier this month that a training opportunity has arisen.Ricky Simms told the Daily Star: “There are a million other opportunities for him and he is ready to move on to the next chapter.
"Football he has always talked about. If you ask him he will want to play football and because he has said that we have had a dozen clubs who would like him to go for a trial with them.“I don’t want to name names but he will go to Dortmund because the CEO of Puma, who is a good friend of ours, is on the board at Borussia Dortmund. He will go to train with them.
“Can a sprinter who is 30-years-old play in the Bundesliga or the Premier League? Realistically that is a step too far. I think if he had six months or nine months playing and training with a team then he could play at some level whether that is League One or League Two.
“He would hit me on the head for saying he is not going to play in the Champions League, but I don’t know realistically if he has the motivation at this stage of his life to go training with the reserves on a rainy day in Manchester or Munich or somewhere as he is a wealthy guy and has a great life.“With football though, in some form you will see him.”
Defenders around the world, you have been warned – Bolt is coming!
Nemanja Matic is already planning to spend “a long time” at Manchester United following his £40 million move from Chelsea.
Having previously helped Jose Mourinho to land the Premier League title at Stamford Bridge, the Serbian midfielder has been reunited with the Portuguese at Old Trafford this summer.He has settled quickly into new surroundings, with a Man of the Match performance helping United to make a dream start to their 2017-18 campaign with a 4-0 mauling of West Ham on Sunday.
Matic is delighted with how things are going and believes that, having signed a three-year contract, he could take in a lengthy spell with the Red Devils.The 29-year-old told MUTV: “Thanks to the guys, they have accepted me from my first day and I feel
“Thanks to them, I feel very comfortable and I feel like I will be here a long time. They have helped me, and I am happy if I give them something back, and that I helped us to win.“We played good football, and I think our supporters enjoyed it as well. It’s good to start well with three points, the season is long but we have to collect a lot of points and we’ve had a good start.
“It was great [to play at Old Trafford], when you wear that [United] shirt you feel some kind of pressure because this is a big club, but that’s why we are here.“We know that it’s a big responsibility to play for Manchester United and I’m happy that we have started well and that I hope we continue like this - I’m sure this group can do good things.”
Matic was not the only United new boy to impress on his Premier League bow, with £75 million striker Romelu Lukaku bagging a brace against the Hammers.
“I am happy for him – not only that he scored goals – but his amazing all-round game as well,” Matic said.“He saved a lot of balls and he gave us self-confidence up front.
“It was very important for us that he scored his first two goals and, after that, it was easier for us to play, the game was more open, and there was more space to use. I’m happy for him and that we have him on the team, and I’m sure he will continue his form.”
United will be hoping for more of the same in their next outing against Swansea, with Mourinho’s men then set to discover their Champions League group stage opponents on August 24.
Cristiano Ronaldo banned for five matches over referee shove
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for five matches after pushing the referee following his red card in Sunday's Clasico.
The Portuguese forward reacted angrily to being dismissed during the second half of a 3-1 victory for Zinedine Zidane’s side over Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup.Ronaldo had joined the action as a substitute, helping to put Real 2-1 in front with a typically stunning strike at Camp Nou.
He was booked after removing his shirt in celebration, with the 32-year-old going on to mimic Lionel Messi’s iconic jersey-holding celebration at the Santiago Bernabeu from April.
A second booking followed for diving, under pressure from Samuel Umtiti, and Ronaldo did not take too kindly to the decision of match official Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea.
The Spanish Football Federation have now delivered their verdict on the incident, with a five-game ban and fine handed out.
A statement released by the RFEF read: “On the first account, Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo will be suspended for one game after receiving two yellow cards, the first for taking off his jersey while celebrating his goal and the second for simulation. The club have also been fined €350 and the player €800.
"On the second account, Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for another four games for infraction of article 96 of the disciplinary code, with a €1400 fine for the club and a €3005 fine for the player."
As things stand, Ronaldo will now be forced to sit out the return date of the Super Cup clash with Barca in Madrid on Wednesday. He will also miss La Liga fixtures against Deportivo La Coruna, Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad. Madrid do, however, have 10 days in which to appeal the ruling.
Cristiano Ronaldo has avoided a worst-case scenario of a 12-match ban, but the Portugal international will still be out of action until late September after being suspended for five games.
Should the five-match ban stand, the 32-year-old will not play for Real Madrid until September 19 or 20 when the champions host Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for five matches after pushing the referee following his red card in Sunday's Clasico.
The Portuguese forward reacted angrily to being dismissed during the second half of a 3-1 victory for Zinedine Zidane’s side over Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup.Ronaldo had joined the action as a substitute, helping to put Real 2-1 in front with a typically stunning strike at Camp Nou.
He was booked after removing his shirt in celebration, with the 32-year-old going on to mimic Lionel Messi’s iconic jersey-holding celebration at the Santiago Bernabeu from April.
A second booking followed for diving, under pressure from Samuel Umtiti, and Ronaldo did not take too kindly to the decision of match official Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea.
The Spanish Football Federation have now delivered their verdict on the incident, with a five-game ban and fine handed out.
A statement released by the RFEF read: “On the first account, Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo will be suspended for one game after receiving two yellow cards, the first for taking off his jersey while celebrating his goal and the second for simulation. The club have also been fined €350 and the player €800.
"On the second account, Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for another four games for infraction of article 96 of the disciplinary code, with a €1400 fine for the club and a €3005 fine for the player."
As things stand, Ronaldo will now be forced to sit out the return date of the Super Cup clash with Barca in Madrid on Wednesday. He will also miss La Liga fixtures against Deportivo La Coruna, Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad. Madrid do, however, have 10 days in which to appeal the ruling.
Cristiano Ronaldo has avoided a worst-case scenario of a 12-match ban, but the Portugal international will still be out of action until late September after being suspended for five games.
Should the five-match ban stand, the 32-year-old will not play for Real Madrid until September 19 or 20 when the champions host Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Perisic the final piece? Neville sees Man Utd one winger short of being 'complete'Manchester United are “one world-class winger” short of being “a complete squad”, in the eyes of Gary Neville.
The Red Devils have invested well over £100 million on fresh faces this summer, with Victor Lindelof, Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic drafted in at Old Trafford.It could be that there is further movement to come, with Jose Mourinho having called for four additions before the latest transfer window opened.
Inter forward Ivan Perisic continues to be heavily linked with a move to England, despite a desire on the part of his current club to end the exit talk, and Neville would appear to consider him the final piece of the jigsaw.The former United defender told Sky Sports: "Is [Marcus] Rashford a wide player - not really?
"That is where United could get one world-class winger and it would be a complete squad."They have to challenge this year."Last season was not good enough and it was a big under performance from the players."
United made a perfect start to their 2017-18 Premier League campaign on Sunday, with new boys Matic and Lukaku helping to inspire a convincing 4-0 victory over West Ham.
The former was named Man of the Match, while the latter bagged a brace to continue his fine start to life with the Red Devils following a £75m move from Everton.
Mourinho’s side are next in action against Swansea City and have until August 31 in which to complete any late recruitment business.
Barcelona sign Spurs flop Paulinho for €40m from Guangzhou Evergrande
Barcelona have confirmed the signing of midfielder Paulinho from Guangzhou Evergrande for €40 million.
The Brazil international, 29, will finalise his move to the La Liga giants upon completing a medical and agreeing terms on a reported four-year deal on Thursday.
Paulinho, who will have a buyout clause of €120m, will be Ernesto Valverde's first signing since the world-record €222m sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.It comes after weeks of speculation over his future and marks an impressive revival in Paulinho's career.
Having struggled to convince at Tottenham following a move from Corinthians in 2013, he left to join Guangzhou two years later to link up with former Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.Paulinho helped the club to win six trophies, including two league titles and the AFC Champions League, and his performances earned him a recall to the national team.
The player will be unveiled on Thursday, the day after the second leg of the Spanish Supercopa which Barca trail 3-1 to Real Madrid after Sunday night's defeat at Camp Nou.
Barcelona have confirmed the signing of midfielder Paulinho from Guangzhou Evergrande for €40 million.
The Brazil international, 29, will finalise his move to the La Liga giants upon completing a medical and agreeing terms on a reported four-year deal on Thursday.
Paulinho, who will have a buyout clause of €120m, will be Ernesto Valverde's first signing since the world-record €222m sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.It comes after weeks of speculation over his future and marks an impressive revival in Paulinho's career.
Having struggled to convince at Tottenham following a move from Corinthians in 2013, he left to join Guangzhou two years later to link up with former Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.Paulinho helped the club to win six trophies, including two league titles and the AFC Champions League, and his performances earned him a recall to the national team.
The player will be unveiled on Thursday, the day after the second leg of the Spanish Supercopa which Barca trail 3-1 to Real Madrid after Sunday night's defeat at Camp Nou.
Milan and Villarreal reach agreement over Bacca transfer
AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca is set for a return to Spain after the Rossoneri agreed a loan deal with La Liga side Villarreal. Bacca shined for Milan last season, scoring 13 Serie A goals to stand out in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the club.
The Colombian, however, has been linked throughout the summer with a move away from San Siro, with Milan set for a year without European competition in 2017-18.
And, while Sevilla had been reported as interested in his signing, finally it is Villarreal who have clinched a loan deal for Bacca. Bacca will move for an initial €2.5 million to Castellon, where he will play in La Liga for the coming season.
Villarreal will also have the option to purchase Bacca for €15.5m at the end of the year, although the clause is not obligatory. The move marks a Liga comeback for Bacca, who represented Sevilla for two seasons before moving to Milan in 2015.
He scored a total of 34 goals in 77 appearances in all competitions for the Rossoneri, who this summer have reinforced their forward line with Porto's Andre Silva as well as clinching the signings of ex-Juve man Leonardo Bonucci and Argentine midfielder Lucas Biglia among others.
AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca is set for a return to Spain after the Rossoneri agreed a loan deal with La Liga side Villarreal. Bacca shined for Milan last season, scoring 13 Serie A goals to stand out in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the club.
The Colombian, however, has been linked throughout the summer with a move away from San Siro, with Milan set for a year without European competition in 2017-18.
And, while Sevilla had been reported as interested in his signing, finally it is Villarreal who have clinched a loan deal for Bacca. Bacca will move for an initial €2.5 million to Castellon, where he will play in La Liga for the coming season.
Villarreal will also have the option to purchase Bacca for €15.5m at the end of the year, although the clause is not obligatory. The move marks a Liga comeback for Bacca, who represented Sevilla for two seasons before moving to Milan in 2015.
He scored a total of 34 goals in 77 appearances in all competitions for the Rossoneri, who this summer have reinforced their forward line with Porto's Andre Silva as well as clinching the signings of ex-Juve man Leonardo Bonucci and Argentine midfielder Lucas Biglia among others.
Lovren suggests Liverpool's Coutinho valuation determined by Neymar comparison
Dejan Lovren believes the value of Liverpool team-mate Philippe Coutinho can only be determined when compared to Neymar’s record-breaking transfer fee.The Reds continue to fend off interest in their Brazilian forward, with Barcelona having seen two bids knocked back – the second totalling £90 million.
Liverpool are understandably reluctant to sell and will not be pressured into a deal despite the furore surrounding Coutinho’s future or his tabling of a transfer request.It remains to be seen what the next move will be by both sides, but Lovren feels any asking price has been driven up following Paris Saint-Germain’s €222m acquisition of Neymar.
He told Sportske Novosti, using the inflated market for defenders this summer as another example - with Manchester City having spent £50m on Kyle Walker: “When I came to Liverpool, in a 20 million Euro transfer, I was expensive. And now defenders cost 40, 50, 60 million.“Times change and if Neymar costs more than 200 million, you will not sell Coutinho for 50, that is how the market works.”
While fully aware of the speculation following Coutinho around at present, Lovren insists the subject of his future has not been discussed at length by those alongside him in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.The Croatia international added ahead of a Champions League play-off clash with Hoffenheim on Tuesday: “I can't say much about Coutinho as us players don't discuss that among each other.
“The club will decide but of course we would miss him because he is great player, hard to replace.“He and [Adam] Lallana will be hugely missed in the Hoffenheim game.”
Dejan Lovren believes the value of Liverpool team-mate Philippe Coutinho can only be determined when compared to Neymar’s record-breaking transfer fee.The Reds continue to fend off interest in their Brazilian forward, with Barcelona having seen two bids knocked back – the second totalling £90 million.
Liverpool are understandably reluctant to sell and will not be pressured into a deal despite the furore surrounding Coutinho’s future or his tabling of a transfer request.It remains to be seen what the next move will be by both sides, but Lovren feels any asking price has been driven up following Paris Saint-Germain’s €222m acquisition of Neymar.
He told Sportske Novosti, using the inflated market for defenders this summer as another example - with Manchester City having spent £50m on Kyle Walker: “When I came to Liverpool, in a 20 million Euro transfer, I was expensive. And now defenders cost 40, 50, 60 million.“Times change and if Neymar costs more than 200 million, you will not sell Coutinho for 50, that is how the market works.”
While fully aware of the speculation following Coutinho around at present, Lovren insists the subject of his future has not been discussed at length by those alongside him in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.The Croatia international added ahead of a Champions League play-off clash with Hoffenheim on Tuesday: “I can't say much about Coutinho as us players don't discuss that among each other.
“The club will decide but of course we would miss him because he is great player, hard to replace.“He and [Adam] Lallana will be hugely missed in the Hoffenheim game.”
ISL 2017: Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov to sign for Kerala Blasters
Former Manchester United and Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov is close to signing for Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters, Goal can confirm. The player has agreed personal terms and is expected to sign on the dotted line.
The 36-year-old forward, who last featured for Greek side PAOK FC in 2015, had remained a free agent until the Yellow Army approached him a few weeks ago. This was after the player revealed in April that he held talks with David Moyes about a move to Sunderland and is keen to find himself another Premier League club.
However, Kerala Blasters head coach Rene Meulensteen has now managed to rope in two of his former players to play for him once again, having concluded a deal for centre-back Wes Brown earlier today.
With the signing of Berbatov, Blasters has added much-needed firepower in attack. The striker, who has played alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, will now take the field with two of ISL's top forwards Iain Hume and CK Vineeth.
Dimitar Berbatov started playing professional football with Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia at 17 years of age. His incredible talent was quickly spotted by German side Bayer Leverkusen, for whom he accumulated more than 100 appearances between 2001 and 2006. He then made the switch to English Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur in a transfer that made him the most expensive Bulgarian footballer, in the summer of 2006.
After a fine start to his life in London, Berbatov began to grab headlines for his performances which alerted Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson. Close to transfer deadline in the summer of 2008, Manchester United signed the Bulgarian striker from Tottenham in a deal worth £30.75m.
Berbatov went on to make more than 100 appearances for the Red Devils between 2008 and 2012. He shared the Golden Boot in the 2010-11 season with Carlos Tevez, notably scoring five goals in a match when Manchester United thrashed Blackburn Rovers 7-1 during the same season.
The latest Kerala Blasters signing then joined Fulham in 2012 where he played a few games under Rene Meulensteen but that partnership did not last. He switched leagues to join Monaco and then Greek side PAOK FC.
At the age of 36, he will now undertake a new challenge along with his former teammate and coach in India with the Kochi-based club.
Former Manchester United and Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov is close to signing for Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters, Goal can confirm. The player has agreed personal terms and is expected to sign on the dotted line.
The 36-year-old forward, who last featured for Greek side PAOK FC in 2015, had remained a free agent until the Yellow Army approached him a few weeks ago. This was after the player revealed in April that he held talks with David Moyes about a move to Sunderland and is keen to find himself another Premier League club.
However, Kerala Blasters head coach Rene Meulensteen has now managed to rope in two of his former players to play for him once again, having concluded a deal for centre-back Wes Brown earlier today.
With the signing of Berbatov, Blasters has added much-needed firepower in attack. The striker, who has played alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, will now take the field with two of ISL's top forwards Iain Hume and CK Vineeth.
Dimitar Berbatov started playing professional football with Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia at 17 years of age. His incredible talent was quickly spotted by German side Bayer Leverkusen, for whom he accumulated more than 100 appearances between 2001 and 2006. He then made the switch to English Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur in a transfer that made him the most expensive Bulgarian footballer, in the summer of 2006.
After a fine start to his life in London, Berbatov began to grab headlines for his performances which alerted Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson. Close to transfer deadline in the summer of 2008, Manchester United signed the Bulgarian striker from Tottenham in a deal worth £30.75m.
Berbatov went on to make more than 100 appearances for the Red Devils between 2008 and 2012. He shared the Golden Boot in the 2010-11 season with Carlos Tevez, notably scoring five goals in a match when Manchester United thrashed Blackburn Rovers 7-1 during the same season.
The latest Kerala Blasters signing then joined Fulham in 2012 where he played a few games under Rene Meulensteen but that partnership did not last. He switched leagues to join Monaco and then Greek side PAOK FC.
At the age of 36, he will now undertake a new challenge along with his former teammate and coach in India with the Kochi-based club.
Mkhitaryan: Lindelof will prove his worth to Mourinho and Manchester United
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has backed Manchester United team-mate Victor Lindelof to come good and prove his worth at Old Trafford.
Lindelof, 22, arrived from Portuguese champions Benfica in a £30million deal in the off-season but the Sweden international defender was left out of United's squad for Sunday's Premier League opener against West Ham – a 4-0 victory.
United manager Jose Mourinho said Lindelof needs time to adapt in England, something Mkhitaryan knows all too well following his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2016-17, having made a slow start to life in Manchester."Lindelof is still going to have time to show himself," Mkhitaryan said. "So I want to say all the players are good signings and they are going to help us a lot.
"As a player and for a club, you are always going to have ups and downs. I think the last few years was a little bit down for the club but since last year, and this year, I hope it is going be up for the club.
"We are going to try to do our best to bring the club on the level it was at before. It is always hard but we will try and do our best."
United are away to Swansea City on Saturday as they seek back-to-back victories to open the season.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has backed Manchester United team-mate Victor Lindelof to come good and prove his worth at Old Trafford.
Lindelof, 22, arrived from Portuguese champions Benfica in a £30million deal in the off-season but the Sweden international defender was left out of United's squad for Sunday's Premier League opener against West Ham – a 4-0 victory.
United manager Jose Mourinho said Lindelof needs time to adapt in England, something Mkhitaryan knows all too well following his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2016-17, having made a slow start to life in Manchester."Lindelof is still going to have time to show himself," Mkhitaryan said. "So I want to say all the players are good signings and they are going to help us a lot.
"As a player and for a club, you are always going to have ups and downs. I think the last few years was a little bit down for the club but since last year, and this year, I hope it is going be up for the club.
"We are going to try to do our best to bring the club on the level it was at before. It is always hard but we will try and do our best."
United are away to Swansea City on Saturday as they seek back-to-back victories to open the season.
Mendy trains with Man City for first time after £52m move
Benjamin Mendy trained with Manchester City for the first time after his £52 million signing.The left-back became the most expensive defender in history when he joined from Monaco this summer, but is yet to feature for Pep Guardiola's side due to a thigh injury.
He was City's only big new signing to miss out on a Premier League debut appearance in Saturday's 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 23-year-old took a step towards making his first appearance when he started working with his team-mates on Monday during their training camp in Catalonia. City are set to take on newly-promoted La Liga side Girona in a friendly on Tuesday.
Mendy signed a six-year contract with City when he joined from Monaco, having made 39 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 champions.
Benjamin Mendy trained with Manchester City for the first time after his £52 million signing.The left-back became the most expensive defender in history when he joined from Monaco this summer, but is yet to feature for Pep Guardiola's side due to a thigh injury.
He was City's only big new signing to miss out on a Premier League debut appearance in Saturday's 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 23-year-old took a step towards making his first appearance when he started working with his team-mates on Monday during their training camp in Catalonia. City are set to take on newly-promoted La Liga side Girona in a friendly on Tuesday.
Mendy signed a six-year contract with City when he joined from Monaco, having made 39 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 champions.
Usain Bolt set to make Manchester United debut if he recovers from injuryChampion retired sprinter Usain Bolt will live out a lifelong dream to play for Manchester United in a legends match against Barcelona - if he recovers from a hamstring complaint.
Bolt is committed to the September 2 charity match at Old Trafford pending his fitness and could line up with United legends Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes in the event, which has been organised to raise money for the Manchester United foundation.
A hamstring injury suffered by the 30-year-old Jamaican in his final race at the World Championships in London is the only question mark over Bolt making his Red Devils debut."This has been his dream for many years. He’s desperate to do it as long as he can get over the injury," a source told The Sun.
Bolt has recently spoken of his desire to play football now his athletics career, in which he won eight Olympic gold medals and is the current 100m world record holder, has come to an end.
He told reporters after an emotional farewell at the London Stadium: "Well, I’ve always said that I wanted to play football because it’s something I think I’ll be good at."But right now, after pulling my hamstring, I’m not really worried about that at this moment."
Before his final meet at the World Championships, Bolt mentioned his desire to play for Manchester United - joking with reporters about Jose Mourinho's plan to make a move for him during the summer transfer window.
Bolt has never hidden his strong support for United and counts several of the club's players as friends, including Paul Pogba, who used social media to recently show his admiration for the athletics legend.
"Everyone knows I'm always talking about (playing) football, I'm waiting on a call from Mourinho," he said."I think he's waiting until the last day (of the transfer window)."Borussia Dortmund are also set to open their doors to an iconic figure, with Bolt’s agent having admitted earlier this month that a training opportunity has arisen.
Paul Pogba says he returned to Manchester United to win the Premier League and is now determined to make that a reality.
The France international, who left Old Trafford for Juventus in 2012, was brought back to United for what was a world-record fee by Jose Mourinho last year.United and Pogba won three trophies - the Community Shield, League Cup and Europa League - last season, but they struggled to a sixth-placed finish.
However, after more spending in this off-season, Pogba is looking to lead United in a title charge against champions Chelsea and rivals Manchester City."I came here to win the Premier League and to challenge myself as well," he said. "Winning the Premier League is what matters.
"My dream was to play for this club and, when I finished [in 2012], I always felt like I had missed something at Manchester United because I wasn't a first XI player. "Now I'm back and happy to be back. I grew up a lot in Italy and I have come back as a man."
United are top of the table after the first round of fixtures, with Pogba scoring in a 4-0 success against West Ham United.
Hoffenheim 1 Liverpool 2: Klopp's men secure fine away win in Champions League
Trent Alexander-Arnold's first Liverpool goal set Jurgen Klopp's men on their way to a 2-1 Champions League play-off round win away at Hoffenheim in Tuesday's first leg.
The Reds, again without wantaway star Philippe Coutinho, dug in against tough opponents and found inspiration in the unlikely form of their teenage right-back, before James Milner's effort - deflected in off Havard Nordtveit - widened the margin and Mark Uth hit back.
For 35 minutes, European debutants Hoffenheim delivered the type of high-energy display so readily associated with Klopp, who could hardly have complained had Andrej Kramaric's penalty handed the hosts the lead and not invited a simple Simon Mignolet save.
But Alexander-Arnold, with a confidence belying his tender years, swept an exquisite free-kick into the corner of the Hoffenheim goal 10 minutes before half-time and Julian Nagelsmann's side never really recovered.
Liverpool squandered numerous further chances and looked set for a nervy finish until Milner's cross-cum-shot drifted over Oliver Baumann via Nordtveit to seemingly secure victory at a stadium where Hoffenheim were unbeaten in the Bundesliga last season.
However, substitute Uth drifted in behind the visitors' defence with three minutes remaining to lash a superb effort past Mignolet and keep the German side in the tie going into the second leg next week.
Liverpool's back line, as in an entertaining 3-3 draw at Watford on Saturday, looked shaky from the off and Dejan Lovren had already survived one penalty appeal for handball when he clumsily clipped Serge Gnabry in the area and referee Bjorn Kuipers pointed to the spot.
But Kramaric's tame penalty bailed out the Reds defender, allowing Mignolet to firmly palm clear, and Mohamed Salah should have then put the visitors in front as he ran from the halfway line and prodded a tired finish past the right-hand post.
The frantic early pace soon slowed but Hoffenheim's relentless pressing did not, with Jordan Henderson caught out and Kerem Demirbay crossing for Pavel Kaderabek to lash wildly over the top.
However, a moment of outstanding quality from Alexander-Arnold halted the hosts in their tracks, the 18-year-old firing a magnificent 25-yard free-kick beyond Baumann.The response was strong and Mignolet blocked well from Gnabry before Sandro Wagner drilled the rebound against the outside of the post.
But back came Liverpool and Lovren nodded just wide on the stroke of half-time, with Roberto Firmino, against his former club, and Sadio Mane each then testing Baumann after the restart.
Predictably, with the clock winding down, Hoffenheim's efforts to preserve their fine home run became increasingly desperate and further chances instead fell the visitors' way as Baumann saved first from Salah's shot and then from Lovren's header.With 16 minutes remaining, though, the second goal did arrive; Milner, in space on the left, appeared to look for a team-mate with his right-footed cross but instead found Nordtveit's chest and subsequently the far top corner.
A fine late Mignolet block kept Demirbay at bay, but Uth then thrashed past the goalkeeper to halve the deficit and keep Hoffenheim in the hunt in the closing stages of this home leg.
And the hosts should have equalised in stoppage time when Benjamin Hubner nodded Demirbay's set-piece inches over the crossbar, but Liverpool held on.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's first Liverpool goal set Jurgen Klopp's men on their way to a 2-1 Champions League play-off round win away at Hoffenheim in Tuesday's first leg.
The Reds, again without wantaway star Philippe Coutinho, dug in against tough opponents and found inspiration in the unlikely form of their teenage right-back, before James Milner's effort - deflected in off Havard Nordtveit - widened the margin and Mark Uth hit back.
For 35 minutes, European debutants Hoffenheim delivered the type of high-energy display so readily associated with Klopp, who could hardly have complained had Andrej Kramaric's penalty handed the hosts the lead and not invited a simple Simon Mignolet save.
But Alexander-Arnold, with a confidence belying his tender years, swept an exquisite free-kick into the corner of the Hoffenheim goal 10 minutes before half-time and Julian Nagelsmann's side never really recovered.
Liverpool squandered numerous further chances and looked set for a nervy finish until Milner's cross-cum-shot drifted over Oliver Baumann via Nordtveit to seemingly secure victory at a stadium where Hoffenheim were unbeaten in the Bundesliga last season.
However, substitute Uth drifted in behind the visitors' defence with three minutes remaining to lash a superb effort past Mignolet and keep the German side in the tie going into the second leg next week.
Liverpool's back line, as in an entertaining 3-3 draw at Watford on Saturday, looked shaky from the off and Dejan Lovren had already survived one penalty appeal for handball when he clumsily clipped Serge Gnabry in the area and referee Bjorn Kuipers pointed to the spot.
But Kramaric's tame penalty bailed out the Reds defender, allowing Mignolet to firmly palm clear, and Mohamed Salah should have then put the visitors in front as he ran from the halfway line and prodded a tired finish past the right-hand post.
The frantic early pace soon slowed but Hoffenheim's relentless pressing did not, with Jordan Henderson caught out and Kerem Demirbay crossing for Pavel Kaderabek to lash wildly over the top.
However, a moment of outstanding quality from Alexander-Arnold halted the hosts in their tracks, the 18-year-old firing a magnificent 25-yard free-kick beyond Baumann.The response was strong and Mignolet blocked well from Gnabry before Sandro Wagner drilled the rebound against the outside of the post.
But back came Liverpool and Lovren nodded just wide on the stroke of half-time, with Roberto Firmino, against his former club, and Sadio Mane each then testing Baumann after the restart.
Predictably, with the clock winding down, Hoffenheim's efforts to preserve their fine home run became increasingly desperate and further chances instead fell the visitors' way as Baumann saved first from Salah's shot and then from Lovren's header.With 16 minutes remaining, though, the second goal did arrive; Milner, in space on the left, appeared to look for a team-mate with his right-footed cross but instead found Nordtveit's chest and subsequently the far top corner.
A fine late Mignolet block kept Demirbay at bay, but Uth then thrashed past the goalkeeper to halve the deficit and keep Hoffenheim in the hunt in the closing stages of this home leg.
And the hosts should have equalised in stoppage time when Benjamin Hubner nodded Demirbay's set-piece inches over the crossbar, but Liverpool held on.
Iniesta to miss Supercopa decider
Andres Iniesta is to miss the second leg of Barcelona's Supercopa de Espana clash with Real Madrid due to a thigh injury.
Captain Iniesta did not train with the rest of the squad on Tuesday and has been omitted from the 19-man party named for the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu.The midfielder, whose issue is with his right leg, joins Rafinha (adductor) and Thomas Vermaelen (calf) in missing out through injury.
Iniesta played 68 minutes of the first leg as Barca fell to a 3-1 defeat, leaving them with a mountain to climb when they travel to the capital on Wednesday.A Gerard Pique own goal gave Madrid the lead before Cristiano Ronaldo and Marco Asensio clinched the victory with Lionel Messi having pulled Barca level from the spot.
Madrid will be without Ronaldo for the return leg after the Portuguese was banned for five matches following a shove on referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea in Barcelona.
Andres Iniesta is to miss the second leg of Barcelona's Supercopa de Espana clash with Real Madrid due to a thigh injury.
Captain Iniesta did not train with the rest of the squad on Tuesday and has been omitted from the 19-man party named for the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu.The midfielder, whose issue is with his right leg, joins Rafinha (adductor) and Thomas Vermaelen (calf) in missing out through injury.
Iniesta played 68 minutes of the first leg as Barca fell to a 3-1 defeat, leaving them with a mountain to climb when they travel to the capital on Wednesday.A Gerard Pique own goal gave Madrid the lead before Cristiano Ronaldo and Marco Asensio clinched the victory with Lionel Messi having pulled Barca level from the spot.
Madrid will be without Ronaldo for the return leg after the Portuguese was banned for five matches following a shove on referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea in Barcelona.
Klopp says Alexander-Arnold showed 'balls' to take free-kick
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Trent Alexander-Arnold showed "balls" to take the free-kick that helped his side to a 2-1 Champions League win at Hoffenheim on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old fired home in the first half to give the Reds a 1-0 lead in their play-off first leg at the Wirsol Rhein-Neckar Arena. It was the first senior goal of Alexander-Arnold's career, and left his boss over the moon.
"He is an incredible young player," Klopp said following the match."I have to say for an 18-year-old who has the balls to take a free-kick like that, it is rather more exciting and interesting for me than a little mistake he makes.
"It was a bit lucky as the wall didn't jump but it was a very good free-kick and very important for us."It was an intense game for Trent. He still has some things to learn. He thought their goal was offside but it was unfortunately not offside.
"Trent is a great player and I have to say I'd rather win 2-1 than 1-0."The Reds will take their 2-1 aggregate advantage into next Wednesday's second leg at Anfield, looking to reach the group phase of Europe's premier club competition.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Trent Alexander-Arnold showed "balls" to take the free-kick that helped his side to a 2-1 Champions League win at Hoffenheim on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old fired home in the first half to give the Reds a 1-0 lead in their play-off first leg at the Wirsol Rhein-Neckar Arena. It was the first senior goal of Alexander-Arnold's career, and left his boss over the moon.
"He is an incredible young player," Klopp said following the match."I have to say for an 18-year-old who has the balls to take a free-kick like that, it is rather more exciting and interesting for me than a little mistake he makes.
"It was a bit lucky as the wall didn't jump but it was a very good free-kick and very important for us."It was an intense game for Trent. He still has some things to learn. He thought their goal was offside but it was unfortunately not offside.
"Trent is a great player and I have to say I'd rather win 2-1 than 1-0."The Reds will take their 2-1 aggregate advantage into next Wednesday's second leg at Anfield, looking to reach the group phase of Europe's premier club competition.
