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Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United will go into the Christmas period in a "strong position" because Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and several other injured players are almost ready to return.
United have not had much luck with injuries this season, with Pogba, Michael Carrick and Marcos Rojo among most seriously affected, while other key players have had spells on the sidelines.
They have also been without Ibrahimovic, who suffered a serious knee ligament injury in April and has been absent ever since.Despite that, United have managed to enjoy a decent start to the season, as they occupy second in the Premier League and have a 100 per cent record from four Champions League group games.
Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea left United trailing runaway leaders Manchester City by eight points, but Mourinho is adamant that his team will soon be in a much stronger position in terms of personnel, just in time for the hectic Christmas schedule.
"We have the group of players which are the ones that we hope will recover as soon as possible," Mourinho told MUTV.
"They have to work every day but they are in a good position now. Pogba, Ibra [Ibrahimovic], Rojo, [Marouane] Fellaini - they are in good positions, so I think we can go into this part of the season, the Christmas period, and after, in a strong position."
United are not in action again until November 18 due to the international break and, while many of their players will be heading off to join up with their national teams, Ander Herrera and Chris Smalling have been rewarded with a week off."The international break means the majority of the players fly now from London to their countries," Mourinho said.
"They all disappear and then we have a couple who aren't selected for their national team, like [Chris] Smalling and [Ander] Herrera and they really deserve, after so many matches, to have a week off which I'm going to give them."
West Ham sack Bilic as ex-Man Utd boss Moyes waits to take over
West Ham have sacked manager Slaven Bilic after a terrible run of form.The club's 4-1 loss to Liverpool at the weekend left them in the Premier League's bottom three, having collected just two wins from their opening 11 games of the season.
Bilic's reign has subsequently been brought to an end, with former Manchester United and Everton manager David Moyes waiting in the wings to replace him."West Ham United can confirm that Slaven Bilic has today left his position with the club," read a statement on their official website.
"The chairmen and board of West Ham United would like to place on record their thanks and gratitude to Slaven and his team for their services over the past two-and-a-half years, but believe a change is now necessary in order for the club to move forward positively and in line with their ambition.
“West Ham United can confirm that Bilic’s coaching assistants Nikola Jurcevic, Edin Terzic, Julian Dicks and Miljenko Rak have also left the club with immediate effect.
“The club’s search for a new manager to take West Ham United forward is underway and an announcement regarding Bilic’s successor is expected to be made over the coming days.”
Moyes is set to be given a deal until the end of the season, whereupon his performance will be reviewed.Bilic guided West Ham to seventh in his debut season at the club, the last at the Boleyn Ground, before finishing 11th last season.
However, joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have issued a statement, claiming that they gave Bilic the tools to move the club forward, which he has failed to do.
"It is with disappointment and heavy hearts that we have made the decision to relieve Slaven Bilic of his duties as West Ham United manager," the statement read.
"Since joining the club in the summer of 2015, Slaven has conducted himself throughout with honesty and integrity, and shown great determination and commitment to the role.
"In his first season - our final campaign at the Boleyn Ground - he led the team to a memorable finish that no Hammers fan will ever forget, and gave us a 3-2 victory against Manchester United in our final home game there that will go down in West Ham United history.
"During the summer, the board invested heavily signing the players Slaven believed would complete the squad he needed to push the club back towards the level we had reached in his first season, and we believe we have the players capable of doing that.
"Sadly, performances and results have not been of the expected standard and, in recent weeks, we have not seen enough indication of the required improvement to give us the encouragement that things would change and we would meet our Premier League aspirations this season."As custodians of the football club it is our responsibility as a Board to do what is best for West Ham United, and we believe a change is now necessary to ensure we can begin to move the team back in the right direction.
"We see this as an exciting opportunity to appoint a quality manager to the position to inject fresh ideas, organisation and enthusiasm into a very talented squad."
West Ham have sacked manager Slaven Bilic after a terrible run of form.The club's 4-1 loss to Liverpool at the weekend left them in the Premier League's bottom three, having collected just two wins from their opening 11 games of the season.
Bilic's reign has subsequently been brought to an end, with former Manchester United and Everton manager David Moyes waiting in the wings to replace him."West Ham United can confirm that Slaven Bilic has today left his position with the club," read a statement on their official website.
"The chairmen and board of West Ham United would like to place on record their thanks and gratitude to Slaven and his team for their services over the past two-and-a-half years, but believe a change is now necessary in order for the club to move forward positively and in line with their ambition.
“West Ham United can confirm that Bilic’s coaching assistants Nikola Jurcevic, Edin Terzic, Julian Dicks and Miljenko Rak have also left the club with immediate effect.
“The club’s search for a new manager to take West Ham United forward is underway and an announcement regarding Bilic’s successor is expected to be made over the coming days.”
Moyes is set to be given a deal until the end of the season, whereupon his performance will be reviewed.Bilic guided West Ham to seventh in his debut season at the club, the last at the Boleyn Ground, before finishing 11th last season.
However, joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have issued a statement, claiming that they gave Bilic the tools to move the club forward, which he has failed to do.
"It is with disappointment and heavy hearts that we have made the decision to relieve Slaven Bilic of his duties as West Ham United manager," the statement read.
"Since joining the club in the summer of 2015, Slaven has conducted himself throughout with honesty and integrity, and shown great determination and commitment to the role.
"In his first season - our final campaign at the Boleyn Ground - he led the team to a memorable finish that no Hammers fan will ever forget, and gave us a 3-2 victory against Manchester United in our final home game there that will go down in West Ham United history.
"During the summer, the board invested heavily signing the players Slaven believed would complete the squad he needed to push the club back towards the level we had reached in his first season, and we believe we have the players capable of doing that.
"Sadly, performances and results have not been of the expected standard and, in recent weeks, we have not seen enough indication of the required improvement to give us the encouragement that things would change and we would meet our Premier League aspirations this season."As custodians of the football club it is our responsibility as a Board to do what is best for West Ham United, and we believe a change is now necessary to ensure we can begin to move the team back in the right direction.
"We see this as an exciting opportunity to appoint a quality manager to the position to inject fresh ideas, organisation and enthusiasm into a very talented squad."
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Neville plays down talk of West Ham job, but believes Moyes is 'perfect' to replace Bilic
Phil Neville has played down talk that he is set to become the new assistant manager at West Ham.
The former Manchester United and Everton defender is expected to work under David Moyes once again, with the 54-year-old set to be offered a six-month contract by the Hammers.
Despite Moyes being strongly touted to replace Slaven Bilic, Neville has denied speculation that he is in the running to be part of a new backroom at the London Stadium.
"Honestly, I went out for my run this morning and I had about 30 missed calls and messages off people saying I was West Ham's assistant manager," Neville told BBC Radio 5.
"I've heard nothing. I'm loving everything I'm doing at the moment. Eventually I want to be a manager, a number one, so ultimately I have got nothing to say in terms of I've heard nothing."
The 40-year-old also denied that he has had contact with Moyes in recent months, but believes that the former Manchester United manager would be the ideal replacement for Bilic at West Ham."I've not spoken to him in a few months. I hope he gets the opportunity to get the job," Neville continued.
"I watched the West Ham game. I think Slaven is under massive pressure. It looks like someone that's under pressure stood on the touchline that probably needs relieving of the pressure.
"West Ham look like they need a change and David Moyes is perfect. People, I think, are disrespectful because of a couple of bad experiences he’s had. He’s still a fantastic coach, and I won't let anyone else tell me otherwise and he would do a fantastic job at West Ham."
Hammers forward Andy Carroll has also hit out at fans for not backing the team despite recent performances. The England international is disappointed with supporters leaving games before full-time, with many heading for the exits during the Hammers' 4-1 home defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.“They really should be staying. They should stay until the end," the 28-year-old admitted. “You never know what’s going to happen.
“They walked out at half-time against Tottenham when we were getting beaten 2-0 and we turned it round. Look at Crystal Palace fans last week. Look what happened in the 97th minute.“Fans should stay until the end, regardless of the team. Obviously, it frustrates you. You don’t think about it during the game.
“But when you see the game back and you see the fans leaving, they shouldn’t really be leaving. They should be supporting us no matter what. We should be playing better — it’s us to blame. But they should be helping us out a bit.”
Phil Neville has played down talk that he is set to become the new assistant manager at West Ham.
The former Manchester United and Everton defender is expected to work under David Moyes once again, with the 54-year-old set to be offered a six-month contract by the Hammers.
Despite Moyes being strongly touted to replace Slaven Bilic, Neville has denied speculation that he is in the running to be part of a new backroom at the London Stadium.
"Honestly, I went out for my run this morning and I had about 30 missed calls and messages off people saying I was West Ham's assistant manager," Neville told BBC Radio 5.
"I've heard nothing. I'm loving everything I'm doing at the moment. Eventually I want to be a manager, a number one, so ultimately I have got nothing to say in terms of I've heard nothing."
The 40-year-old also denied that he has had contact with Moyes in recent months, but believes that the former Manchester United manager would be the ideal replacement for Bilic at West Ham."I've not spoken to him in a few months. I hope he gets the opportunity to get the job," Neville continued.
"I watched the West Ham game. I think Slaven is under massive pressure. It looks like someone that's under pressure stood on the touchline that probably needs relieving of the pressure.
"West Ham look like they need a change and David Moyes is perfect. People, I think, are disrespectful because of a couple of bad experiences he’s had. He’s still a fantastic coach, and I won't let anyone else tell me otherwise and he would do a fantastic job at West Ham."
Hammers forward Andy Carroll has also hit out at fans for not backing the team despite recent performances. The England international is disappointed with supporters leaving games before full-time, with many heading for the exits during the Hammers' 4-1 home defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.“They really should be staying. They should stay until the end," the 28-year-old admitted. “You never know what’s going to happen.
“They walked out at half-time against Tottenham when we were getting beaten 2-0 and we turned it round. Look at Crystal Palace fans last week. Look what happened in the 97th minute.“Fans should stay until the end, regardless of the team. Obviously, it frustrates you. You don’t think about it during the game.
“But when you see the game back and you see the fans leaving, they shouldn’t really be leaving. They should be supporting us no matter what. We should be playing better — it’s us to blame. But they should be helping us out a bit.”
‘He makes things happen’ – Steven Gerrard in awe of 'world-class' Mane
Steven Gerrard has hailed Sadio Mane as a player that 'makes things happen' following his display in Liverpool’s 4-1 win over West Ham United on Saturday.
The 25-year-old made a swift recovery from a hamstring injury and was restored to the Reds' starting line-up.
The Senegal international played a pivotal role in the comprehensive victory at the London Stadium as he set up Mohamed Salah's two goals. And Gerrard admitted he was impressed with the forward’s performance against Slaven Bilic's side while hailing his 'world-class' abilities.
“He’s awesome, he’s great to watch. I’m not saying it from a biased point of view,” Gerrard told club website.“He’s the type of player you’d go and pay big money to go and watch every single week because he’s great on the eye. He’s so quick, he makes things happen.
“For someone so quick and the speed that he does it at, to have the touch and the finesse that he shows for the first goal – and also for the second assist – is world-class.”
Steven Gerrard has hailed Sadio Mane as a player that 'makes things happen' following his display in Liverpool’s 4-1 win over West Ham United on Saturday.
The 25-year-old made a swift recovery from a hamstring injury and was restored to the Reds' starting line-up.
The Senegal international played a pivotal role in the comprehensive victory at the London Stadium as he set up Mohamed Salah's two goals. And Gerrard admitted he was impressed with the forward’s performance against Slaven Bilic's side while hailing his 'world-class' abilities.
“He’s awesome, he’s great to watch. I’m not saying it from a biased point of view,” Gerrard told club website.“He’s the type of player you’d go and pay big money to go and watch every single week because he’s great on the eye. He’s so quick, he makes things happen.
“For someone so quick and the speed that he does it at, to have the touch and the finesse that he shows for the first goal – and also for the second assist – is world-class.”
Cavani: PSG are more than just three players
Paris Saint-Germain are much more than just Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani, according to the Uruguay international.
The Ligue 1 leaders forked out a world-record €222 million for Neymar over the summer and are set to spend a further €180m on Mbappe at the end of the current campaign once his season-long loan deal from Monaco is complete.
The trio have combined to help Unai Emery's side net 58 goals in all competitions, with PSG breaking a number of Champions League goalscoring records in qualifying for the knockout stages after just four matches.
But Cavani insists even though the differences in the trio's respective games make them a fearsome forward line, they could not succeed without their team-mates behind them."We have different styles, and that allows us to play in a variety of ways. That helps us to make things work well," he told Goal.
"A lot of people talk about Cavani, Neymar and Mbappe, but other players help us to do whatever we want. We can't forget our team-mates."From the goalkeeper to other players, it's not just about the attackers but also the rest of the team."
Mbappe has flourished since arriving at Parc des Princes, with the teenager scoring six goals and laying on six assists in his first 14 appearances for Les Parisiens.
And Cavani says he is trying to work with the France youngster to improve his tactical awareness as they look to form a lethal attacking combination.
"I have been able to show him that football is a tactical game, and that will help transform him into a more complete player as he continues with his career," Cavani said."I think that the tactical aspect is very important for a player and that would be my advice.
"Off the field he is humble and a good person. He is young and probably needs to learn a lot, but that's part of life."
Paris Saint-Germain are much more than just Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani, according to the Uruguay international.
The Ligue 1 leaders forked out a world-record €222 million for Neymar over the summer and are set to spend a further €180m on Mbappe at the end of the current campaign once his season-long loan deal from Monaco is complete.
The trio have combined to help Unai Emery's side net 58 goals in all competitions, with PSG breaking a number of Champions League goalscoring records in qualifying for the knockout stages after just four matches.
But Cavani insists even though the differences in the trio's respective games make them a fearsome forward line, they could not succeed without their team-mates behind them."We have different styles, and that allows us to play in a variety of ways. That helps us to make things work well," he told Goal.
"A lot of people talk about Cavani, Neymar and Mbappe, but other players help us to do whatever we want. We can't forget our team-mates."From the goalkeeper to other players, it's not just about the attackers but also the rest of the team."
Mbappe has flourished since arriving at Parc des Princes, with the teenager scoring six goals and laying on six assists in his first 14 appearances for Les Parisiens.
And Cavani says he is trying to work with the France youngster to improve his tactical awareness as they look to form a lethal attacking combination.
"I have been able to show him that football is a tactical game, and that will help transform him into a more complete player as he continues with his career," Cavani said."I think that the tactical aspect is very important for a player and that would be my advice.
"Off the field he is humble and a good person. He is young and probably needs to learn a lot, but that's part of life."
Barcelona's Mascherano refuses to rule out Argentina move
Javier Mascherano will not rule out a return to Argentina with his playing time at Barcelona having been significantly reduced.
Mascherano has started just eight of Barca's 18 matches in all competitions this season with Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti forming Ernesto Valverde's favoured centre-back pairing.
The 33-year-old is frustrated by his lack of playing time at Camp Nou and has previously suggested he would consider his options at the end of the season.While he will not rule out a return to his native Argentina, where he took his first steps in professional football at River Plate, it is not in his short-term plans.
"The focus is to be happy and the decision I make will depend on how things are going," Mascherano, who will retire from international football after next year's World Cup, told TyC Sports.
"In Barcelona, it is obvious I am not playing at the frequency I played before. I'm still playing, I'm still competing, I'm in a team where every game I play is because I earn it in training, but it's clear there are many times you want to play more."I'm not saying that I have to play more, because the starters are two players of the highest level and there is not much more to do there.
"I'm always analysing the situation and I will see. In principle, I have not thought in the short term about returning to Argentina. I haven't had any proposals, but I will see."I am not going to say I will rule something out because things change and I don't want to be imprisoned by my words."
Argentina left it late to punch their ticket for the World Cup, only clinching their place with a 3-1 win away to Ecuador in their final qualifier last month.
Jorge Sampaoli will be hoping to improve upon the country's 2014 runner-up finish in Brazil and Mascherano hopes they can avoid a number of his Barca team-mates during their run."Spain are a team that, because of the way the play, are very tricky," said the defender.
"They try to take charge, have possession and it is very difficult to get the ball. They are an opponent I would prefer to avoid."
Javier Mascherano will not rule out a return to Argentina with his playing time at Barcelona having been significantly reduced.
Mascherano has started just eight of Barca's 18 matches in all competitions this season with Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti forming Ernesto Valverde's favoured centre-back pairing.
The 33-year-old is frustrated by his lack of playing time at Camp Nou and has previously suggested he would consider his options at the end of the season.While he will not rule out a return to his native Argentina, where he took his first steps in professional football at River Plate, it is not in his short-term plans.
"The focus is to be happy and the decision I make will depend on how things are going," Mascherano, who will retire from international football after next year's World Cup, told TyC Sports.
"In Barcelona, it is obvious I am not playing at the frequency I played before. I'm still playing, I'm still competing, I'm in a team where every game I play is because I earn it in training, but it's clear there are many times you want to play more."I'm not saying that I have to play more, because the starters are two players of the highest level and there is not much more to do there.
"I'm always analysing the situation and I will see. In principle, I have not thought in the short term about returning to Argentina. I haven't had any proposals, but I will see."I am not going to say I will rule something out because things change and I don't want to be imprisoned by my words."
Argentina left it late to punch their ticket for the World Cup, only clinching their place with a 3-1 win away to Ecuador in their final qualifier last month.
Jorge Sampaoli will be hoping to improve upon the country's 2014 runner-up finish in Brazil and Mascherano hopes they can avoid a number of his Barca team-mates during their run."Spain are a team that, because of the way the play, are very tricky," said the defender.
"They try to take charge, have possession and it is very difficult to get the ball. They are an opponent I would prefer to avoid."
Allardyce denies Everton contact but is open to talks
Sam Allardyce has denied having contact with Everton about becoming Ronald Koeman's permanent successor but suggested he would be open to talks.Koeman was sacked after last month's 5-2 defeat at home to Arsenal, with interim boss David Unsworth overseeing elimination from the EFL Cup and Europa League before earning his first win in dramatic fashion against Watford on Sunday.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche has been heavily linked with the position at Goodison Park, but reports on Tuesday suggested former England boss Allardyce, who stated he was retired after leaving Crystal Palace ahead of the 2017-18 season, was leading the race for the role.Asked if he had spoken with Everton's majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri about taking over, the 63-year-old told talkSPORT: "No, I haven't."
However, Allardyce did not rule out of a return to management on Merseyside.
"It's like everything else, if somebody comes calling, there's the opportunity to speak, there's no doubt about that," he said.
Everton's 3-2 victory over Watford lifted them out of the relegation zone but they face fellow strugglers Palace at Selhurst Park after the international break.
Sam Allardyce has denied having contact with Everton about becoming Ronald Koeman's permanent successor but suggested he would be open to talks.Koeman was sacked after last month's 5-2 defeat at home to Arsenal, with interim boss David Unsworth overseeing elimination from the EFL Cup and Europa League before earning his first win in dramatic fashion against Watford on Sunday.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche has been heavily linked with the position at Goodison Park, but reports on Tuesday suggested former England boss Allardyce, who stated he was retired after leaving Crystal Palace ahead of the 2017-18 season, was leading the race for the role.Asked if he had spoken with Everton's majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri about taking over, the 63-year-old told talkSPORT: "No, I haven't."
However, Allardyce did not rule out of a return to management on Merseyside.
"It's like everything else, if somebody comes calling, there's the opportunity to speak, there's no doubt about that," he said.
Everton's 3-2 victory over Watford lifted them out of the relegation zone but they face fellow strugglers Palace at Selhurst Park after the international break.
'It's not like the Championship' - Benitez wants Newcastle to cut out mistakes
Rafael Benitez is growing frustrated with Newcastle making easy mistakes, warning ‘it’s not the Championship’.
Newcastle have suffered back-to-back 1-0 defeats by Burnley and Bournemouth to drop to 11th in the table after winning one of their last six Premier League games.
Benitez had led the club to the Championship title last season and is demanding improvement from his players ahead of a trip to Manchester United after the international break.
“We have to learn quickly what it means in the Premier League and what it means to make mistakes. It’s not like in the Championship when you make mistakes and you can win. If you make a mistake, you pay for that,” Benitez is quoted in the Shields Gazette.“We have to learn what we have to do and how to react if something is right or if something is wrong.”
Following wins over West Ham, Swansea and Stoke earlier in the season, Newcastle have struggled in recent weeks and Benitez wants greater focus from his players after Bournemouth scored their winner in injury-time at St James’ Park on Saturday.“It seemed that we were learning quickly, but now we are making mistakes and paying for that,” Benitez said.
“We have to be sure we’re more focused and concentrate, especially in the last minutes of a game. We have to keep working hard.”
Benitez changed tactics for the game against Bournemouth by switching from 4-2-3-1 to 4-4-2 after pairing Dwight Gayle and summer signing Joselu together for the first time.Last season’s Championship top scorer Gayle had not featured in the starting XI since the second matchday and Benitez said: “He was training well.“I was trying to find different ways to approach the game and attack.”
Rafael Benitez is growing frustrated with Newcastle making easy mistakes, warning ‘it’s not the Championship’.
Newcastle have suffered back-to-back 1-0 defeats by Burnley and Bournemouth to drop to 11th in the table after winning one of their last six Premier League games.
Benitez had led the club to the Championship title last season and is demanding improvement from his players ahead of a trip to Manchester United after the international break.
“We have to learn quickly what it means in the Premier League and what it means to make mistakes. It’s not like in the Championship when you make mistakes and you can win. If you make a mistake, you pay for that,” Benitez is quoted in the Shields Gazette.“We have to learn what we have to do and how to react if something is right or if something is wrong.”
Following wins over West Ham, Swansea and Stoke earlier in the season, Newcastle have struggled in recent weeks and Benitez wants greater focus from his players after Bournemouth scored their winner in injury-time at St James’ Park on Saturday.“It seemed that we were learning quickly, but now we are making mistakes and paying for that,” Benitez said.
“We have to be sure we’re more focused and concentrate, especially in the last minutes of a game. We have to keep working hard.”
Benitez changed tactics for the game against Bournemouth by switching from 4-2-3-1 to 4-4-2 after pairing Dwight Gayle and summer signing Joselu together for the first time.Last season’s Championship top scorer Gayle had not featured in the starting XI since the second matchday and Benitez said: “He was training well.“I was trying to find different ways to approach the game and attack.”
Schick opens transfer door to future Man Utd, Madrid or Barcelona move
Patrik Schick is already planning for life after Roma, with the talented forward hoping to join Manchester United, Barcelona or Real Madrid in the future.The 21-year-old Czech Republic international was the subject of intense transfer speculation over the summer, as Serie A champions Juventus closed in on his signature.
That interest was eventually shelved, clearing the path for an initial loan switch from Sampdoria to Roma, but Schick has made no secret of his desire to grace the very top of the game.He admits that he plans to go “much higher”, with it his ambition to earn a move to Old Trafford, Camp Nou or Santiago Bernabeu.
Schick told Czech publication Reporter Magazin: “Money? I take it as motivation, and I hope that in a few years I can move to an even bigger club where logically I’ll be paid even more - that motivation has always helped me a lot.
“It’s not really possible to move much higher [than Roma] but there are a few clubs… let’s say Real Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester United.”
For now, Schick is focused on enhancing his reputation at Roma.He admits that he had been hoping to head for Turin, but is eager to put a frustrating transfer saga to one side after seeing Juve scared off by heart inflammation picked up during a medical.
Schick added on an eventful summer: “The season ended and I could choose, the offers I liked most came from Rome, Milan and Turin. Finally I decided on Juventus, not least because I was called by [Vice-President] Pavel Nedved and it all sounded so exciting.“I was looking forward to it, and frankly in June I felt like a Juventus player, but I wasn’t…
“I knew it was nothing serious, just some inflammation that would pass soon. I was fine, and I knew there was enough time to rest and everything would be normal, but Juventus delayed my transfer.“When I came back from my holiday, Mr [Pavel] Paska [Schick’s agent] said we had to go to Turin for another medical.
“I told him I wasn’t going anywhere, that it was already getting on my nerves and I’m not flying to Turin, it would be useless.“It didn’t matter to me anymore, I was a little bit angry. The deliberations were unnecessary, and in the middle of July my €25 million release clause ceased to apply.
“So as far as I was concerned the President of Sampdoria [Massimo Ferrero] could name his price and put my value as high as possible. That’s what he did, he eventually got it up to €40m, a billion koruna.“When I signed I felt great relief that I could finally concentrate only on my football.”
Patrik Schick is already planning for life after Roma, with the talented forward hoping to join Manchester United, Barcelona or Real Madrid in the future.The 21-year-old Czech Republic international was the subject of intense transfer speculation over the summer, as Serie A champions Juventus closed in on his signature.
That interest was eventually shelved, clearing the path for an initial loan switch from Sampdoria to Roma, but Schick has made no secret of his desire to grace the very top of the game.He admits that he plans to go “much higher”, with it his ambition to earn a move to Old Trafford, Camp Nou or Santiago Bernabeu.
Schick told Czech publication Reporter Magazin: “Money? I take it as motivation, and I hope that in a few years I can move to an even bigger club where logically I’ll be paid even more - that motivation has always helped me a lot.
“It’s not really possible to move much higher [than Roma] but there are a few clubs… let’s say Real Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester United.”
For now, Schick is focused on enhancing his reputation at Roma.He admits that he had been hoping to head for Turin, but is eager to put a frustrating transfer saga to one side after seeing Juve scared off by heart inflammation picked up during a medical.
Schick added on an eventful summer: “The season ended and I could choose, the offers I liked most came from Rome, Milan and Turin. Finally I decided on Juventus, not least because I was called by [Vice-President] Pavel Nedved and it all sounded so exciting.“I was looking forward to it, and frankly in June I felt like a Juventus player, but I wasn’t…
“I knew it was nothing serious, just some inflammation that would pass soon. I was fine, and I knew there was enough time to rest and everything would be normal, but Juventus delayed my transfer.“When I came back from my holiday, Mr [Pavel] Paska [Schick’s agent] said we had to go to Turin for another medical.
“I told him I wasn’t going anywhere, that it was already getting on my nerves and I’m not flying to Turin, it would be useless.“It didn’t matter to me anymore, I was a little bit angry. The deliberations were unnecessary, and in the middle of July my €25 million release clause ceased to apply.
“So as far as I was concerned the President of Sampdoria [Massimo Ferrero] could name his price and put my value as high as possible. That’s what he did, he eventually got it up to €40m, a billion koruna.“When I signed I felt great relief that I could finally concentrate only on my football.”
Outcast at Chelsea but Traore open to Mourinho reunion at Man Utd
Bertrand Traore left Chelsea as a frustrated figure but has refused to rule out a possible return to England at Manchester United.The Burkina Faso international striker spent four years on the books at Stamford Bridge, having previously snubbed the option of heading for Old Trafford.
He was, however, restricted to just 16 senior appearances for the Blues, with much of his experience collected during loan spells in the Netherlands at Vitesse and Ajax.
With his path continuing to be blocked, the 22-year-old opted to leave for Lyon on a permanent basis over the summer, but Traore admits he could grace the Premier League again at some stage.He told Onze Mundial: “Manchester United? Why not? I will work hard and, if opportunities open, why not?”
Traore was handed his Chelsea debut by current United boss Jose Mourinho in September 2015, shortly after being granted a work permit to kick-start his career in England.
He faced fierce competition for places, though, and secured a €10 million switch to Lyon in the last transfer window.
A productive start to life in France has delivered six goals in 16 appearances, with Traore eager to prove to those he left behind in west London that he was deserving of more opportunities.
He added on his time at Chelsea: “I fought, I reached the first team. But, in Chelsea, for a player from the training centre, it’s almost impossible to impose yourself as a starter. And I wanted to be a starter. I’m proud of what I did there before I left.”
Traore previously told the Daily Mail on his decision to leave the Blues: “Going from Chelsea was the best decision for me. I am enjoying myself, as a young player you can only improve if you are playing every week.
“I enjoyed my time at Chelsea and, when I had opportunities to show what I could do on the pitch, I took them with both hands. But there weren't any guarantees I would play.”
Bertrand Traore left Chelsea as a frustrated figure but has refused to rule out a possible return to England at Manchester United.The Burkina Faso international striker spent four years on the books at Stamford Bridge, having previously snubbed the option of heading for Old Trafford.
He was, however, restricted to just 16 senior appearances for the Blues, with much of his experience collected during loan spells in the Netherlands at Vitesse and Ajax.
With his path continuing to be blocked, the 22-year-old opted to leave for Lyon on a permanent basis over the summer, but Traore admits he could grace the Premier League again at some stage.He told Onze Mundial: “Manchester United? Why not? I will work hard and, if opportunities open, why not?”
Traore was handed his Chelsea debut by current United boss Jose Mourinho in September 2015, shortly after being granted a work permit to kick-start his career in England.
He faced fierce competition for places, though, and secured a €10 million switch to Lyon in the last transfer window.
A productive start to life in France has delivered six goals in 16 appearances, with Traore eager to prove to those he left behind in west London that he was deserving of more opportunities.
He added on his time at Chelsea: “I fought, I reached the first team. But, in Chelsea, for a player from the training centre, it’s almost impossible to impose yourself as a starter. And I wanted to be a starter. I’m proud of what I did there before I left.”
Traore previously told the Daily Mail on his decision to leave the Blues: “Going from Chelsea was the best decision for me. I am enjoying myself, as a young player you can only improve if you are playing every week.
“I enjoyed my time at Chelsea and, when I had opportunities to show what I could do on the pitch, I took them with both hands. But there weren't any guarantees I would play.”
Liverpool's £36m Salah deal hailed as an 'absolute bargain'Liverpool’s £36 million plus capture of Mohamed Salah has been branded “an absolute bargain” by former Reds striker John Aldridge.Jurgen Klopp bolstered an already well-stocked attacking unit over the summer by bringing the former Chelsea forward back to England.
Salah had struggled to make an impact during his time at Stamford Bridge, but rebuilt his reputation in Italy with Fiorentina and Roma.He arrived at Anfield as a proven creator and scorer of goals and has showcased those attributes to the full by finding the target 12 times in just 17 appearances, while providing three assists.
After seeing Salah bag a brace in his most recent outing against West Ham, Aldridge told the Liverpool Echo: “What can you say about Mo Salah? He plays like he’s been at the club for years.“He’s full of confidence, he’s getting in there himself and he’s creating good chances for others as well. I think with his pace he’ll always get good chances.
“Another two goals in the bag on Saturday and to score 12 in 17 games is a brilliant statistic - he’s been the player of the season without doubt for Liverpool.
“He’s so dangerous and for what we paid for him he’s been an absolute bargain.”
Another of those drafted in by Liverpool over the summer was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.The England international has had to be patient after trading Arsenal for Anfield, but he too is starting to show signs of promise and justification of the £35m invested in his talent.Aldridge added on the versatile 24-year-old: “I thought Alex Oxlade-Chamberlian had his best game for us after starting on Saturday.
“He’s needed a couple of games but it’s obvious he’s starting to settle in now.
“Jurgen played him on the right of midfield but he’s a player who is starting to give the manager so many options now.
“He can play wide right or wide left and of course we know he wants to play in centre midfield.“For now though it's just important that he plays and then see what happens further down the line.
"Those central midfield positions are incredibly competitive at Liverpool and we've got the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana coming back soon who can play in there as well.”
West Ham appoint Moyes after Bilic sacking
West Ham have appointed David Moyes as their new manager following the sacking of Slaven Bilic.The Hammers are 18th in the Premier League table following their 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool last weekend.
The Irons subsequently took the decision to sack Bilic, who was almost let go by the club at the end of last season after an 11th-placed finish.Moyes has not worked in football since resigning from Sunderland following their relegation to the Championship last season.
The Scot has not enjoyed much success in the dugout in recent years after failing to last a season at Manchester United, spending a mixed year in charge of Real Sociedad and then presiding over Sunderland's relegation.
Joint-chairman David Sullivan, however, is optimistic about the club's new appointment. “I would like to welcome David to West Ham United," he told the Hammers' official website.
“This is a unique position for David Gold and myself - it is the first time in almost eight years at West Ham United that we have appointed a new manager during the season.
“We need somebody with experience, knowledge of the Premier League and the players in it, and we believe David is the right man to turn things around and get the best out of the players at the club. He is highly regarded and respected within the game, and will bring fresh ideas, organisation and enthusiasm.
“He proved with Everton that he has great qualities and we feel that West Ham United is a club that will give David the platform to display those qualities again.”
West Ham endured a difficult 2016-17 campaign, eventually finishing 11th, just five points ahead of 17th-placed Watford.
Goal understands the club deliberated over Bilic's future at the end of the season, eventually choosing to keep the Croatian and splash the cash in the summer,recruiting Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez.However, difficulties at the start of the current campaign have seen West Ham win just two games, and they are now 18th.
The Hammers are next in action against Watford, on November 19.
West Ham have appointed David Moyes as their new manager following the sacking of Slaven Bilic.The Hammers are 18th in the Premier League table following their 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool last weekend.
The Irons subsequently took the decision to sack Bilic, who was almost let go by the club at the end of last season after an 11th-placed finish.Moyes has not worked in football since resigning from Sunderland following their relegation to the Championship last season.
The Scot has not enjoyed much success in the dugout in recent years after failing to last a season at Manchester United, spending a mixed year in charge of Real Sociedad and then presiding over Sunderland's relegation.
Joint-chairman David Sullivan, however, is optimistic about the club's new appointment. “I would like to welcome David to West Ham United," he told the Hammers' official website.
“This is a unique position for David Gold and myself - it is the first time in almost eight years at West Ham United that we have appointed a new manager during the season.
“We need somebody with experience, knowledge of the Premier League and the players in it, and we believe David is the right man to turn things around and get the best out of the players at the club. He is highly regarded and respected within the game, and will bring fresh ideas, organisation and enthusiasm.
“He proved with Everton that he has great qualities and we feel that West Ham United is a club that will give David the platform to display those qualities again.”
West Ham endured a difficult 2016-17 campaign, eventually finishing 11th, just five points ahead of 17th-placed Watford.
Goal understands the club deliberated over Bilic's future at the end of the season, eventually choosing to keep the Croatian and splash the cash in the summer,recruiting Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez.However, difficulties at the start of the current campaign have seen West Ham win just two games, and they are now 18th.
The Hammers are next in action against Watford, on November 19.
Aguero broke rib in car accident because seat belt was too tight
Sergio Aguero has revealed the reason why he broke a rib in a September car accident that caused him to miss two crucial World Cup qualifiers with Argentina.
A taxicab carrying the Manchester City star from a concert to the airport in Amsterdam hit a post, and Aguero suffered the injury that would keep him out of a total of four matches for club and country.With Argentina needing results in their final two qualifiers to book their ticket to Russia 2018, Aguero was told he could not compete against Peru and Ecuador due to the severity of his injury.
And he believes a tight seat belt was to blame for breaking a rib and keeping him on the sideline for the nation's most important matches since the 2016 Copa America final.
"We took a cab at the hotel, and five minutes later, the driver was doing this weird maneuver. I was with a friend and said to him, 'I'll fasten my seat belt just in case'.But I just couldn't do it since it was sort of hidden," Aguero described to reporters on Wednesday.
"It was too tight, and I think that was the reason why I had my rib injured. I knew I had something going on because it hurt quite badly. I asked the doctor, 'Can I get there by Saturday?' And he did this funny face. I asked him, 'Would it be next week?' And he denied it. That's when I said, 'I want to kill myself.'"
Without Aguero, Argentina played to a 0-0 draw against Peru on October 5 but still managed to lock down a World Cup berth with a 3-1 win over Ecuador in their final qualifier.
Sergio Aguero has revealed the reason why he broke a rib in a September car accident that caused him to miss two crucial World Cup qualifiers with Argentina.
A taxicab carrying the Manchester City star from a concert to the airport in Amsterdam hit a post, and Aguero suffered the injury that would keep him out of a total of four matches for club and country.With Argentina needing results in their final two qualifiers to book their ticket to Russia 2018, Aguero was told he could not compete against Peru and Ecuador due to the severity of his injury.
And he believes a tight seat belt was to blame for breaking a rib and keeping him on the sideline for the nation's most important matches since the 2016 Copa America final.
"We took a cab at the hotel, and five minutes later, the driver was doing this weird maneuver. I was with a friend and said to him, 'I'll fasten my seat belt just in case'.But I just couldn't do it since it was sort of hidden," Aguero described to reporters on Wednesday.
"It was too tight, and I think that was the reason why I had my rib injured. I knew I had something going on because it hurt quite badly. I asked the doctor, 'Can I get there by Saturday?' And he did this funny face. I asked him, 'Would it be next week?' And he denied it. That's when I said, 'I want to kill myself.'"
Without Aguero, Argentina played to a 0-0 draw against Peru on October 5 but still managed to lock down a World Cup berth with a 3-1 win over Ecuador in their final qualifier.
'I'm happy to be back!' - Gotze glad to put injury woe behind him ahead of Germany return
Mario Gotze is glad to be back in action for club and country after returning from another extended spell on the sidelines due to injury.Gotze, who has had two injury-hit seasons since scoring the winner for Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, has started seven Bundesliga matches for Borussia Dortmund this season.
With Gotze preparing to make his first international appearance in a year against England at Wembley on Friday, the playmaker is keen to reintegrate into the world champions' squad."After the Confederations Cup and the qualifiers, we're very well equipped," Gotze told reporters on Wednesday. "I'm happy to be back and I think we're in a good way and play two tough tests with two good opponents now.
"For me it's important to perform in my club and with the national team, as well. I'm happy to be back, to play in the Bundesliga again and hopefully for the national team too. I'm looking forward to the upcoming year."
Gotze was only able to start 11 league games for Dortmund last season, with his campaign severely interrupted by a metabolic disorder. "It wasn't my first injury and not my first break without football," Gotze added. "Of course you do the rehab and there are times where you reflect about your style of playing, your physical shape.
"It's about seeing the positives and the objectives. My aim was to be back in pre-season in summer and I made it."
England's squad has been disrupted by a series of injuries, with the likes of Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and leading striker Harry Kane pulling out.
But defender Niklas Sule believes facing the Three Lions will be a good test for the world champions ahead of a home friendly against France on Tuesday - and next year's World Cup."I think England have got some good players as compensation, so do we," Sule said. "It will be very tough against them.
"Even without Harry Kane, there is [Jamie] Vardy or some other players who are hard to defend. We're looking forward to the game."
Mario Gotze is glad to be back in action for club and country after returning from another extended spell on the sidelines due to injury.Gotze, who has had two injury-hit seasons since scoring the winner for Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, has started seven Bundesliga matches for Borussia Dortmund this season.
With Gotze preparing to make his first international appearance in a year against England at Wembley on Friday, the playmaker is keen to reintegrate into the world champions' squad."After the Confederations Cup and the qualifiers, we're very well equipped," Gotze told reporters on Wednesday. "I'm happy to be back and I think we're in a good way and play two tough tests with two good opponents now.
"For me it's important to perform in my club and with the national team, as well. I'm happy to be back, to play in the Bundesliga again and hopefully for the national team too. I'm looking forward to the upcoming year."
Gotze was only able to start 11 league games for Dortmund last season, with his campaign severely interrupted by a metabolic disorder. "It wasn't my first injury and not my first break without football," Gotze added. "Of course you do the rehab and there are times where you reflect about your style of playing, your physical shape.
"It's about seeing the positives and the objectives. My aim was to be back in pre-season in summer and I made it."
England's squad has been disrupted by a series of injuries, with the likes of Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and leading striker Harry Kane pulling out.
But defender Niklas Sule believes facing the Three Lions will be a good test for the world champions ahead of a home friendly against France on Tuesday - and next year's World Cup."I think England have got some good players as compensation, so do we," Sule said. "It will be very tough against them.
"Even without Harry Kane, there is [Jamie] Vardy or some other players who are hard to defend. We're looking forward to the game."
Messi: I didn't know Neymar was leaving until last minute
Lionel Messi says he did not know about Neymar's decision to join Paris Saint-Germain until the last minute.
The Brazil star left Barcelona for the French side in a world-record move after they triggered his €222 million release clause.The deal had been the subject of intense media speculation until Neymar arrived at training to tell the club of his desire to leave.
However, Gerard Pique revealed soon afterwards that the 25-year-old had given the indication that he would leave at Messi's wedding at the end of June, a story backed up last month by Xavi.
Messi, though, says he was clueless about it despite staying close to Neymar while they were on their pre-season tour in the United States."Honestly, no," he said to ESPN when asked if he knew his former team-mate would leave.
"Until the last day of the tour we were talking and we didn't know anything. He said that he still wasn't clear what to do and he didn't know what he was doing. Others said they knew. But right until the last minute, we were speaking to him."Luis Suarez revealed that Neymar was unsure about making the move and was there to give him advice.
"We tried to get him to stay but at no time did we say 'Ney, don't go because you will not be happy'," he told Sport. "We told him we didn't want him to leave, for us, but if he wanted to leave, he was free to make the decision he wanted. Because of the friendship we have, it was painful that he left."
Neymar has had a good start to life at PSG, scoring 11 goals in 12 games in all competitions as they sit four points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and three points ahead of Bayern Munich in Champions League Group B.
Lionel Messi says he did not know about Neymar's decision to join Paris Saint-Germain until the last minute.
The Brazil star left Barcelona for the French side in a world-record move after they triggered his €222 million release clause.The deal had been the subject of intense media speculation until Neymar arrived at training to tell the club of his desire to leave.
However, Gerard Pique revealed soon afterwards that the 25-year-old had given the indication that he would leave at Messi's wedding at the end of June, a story backed up last month by Xavi.
Messi, though, says he was clueless about it despite staying close to Neymar while they were on their pre-season tour in the United States."Honestly, no," he said to ESPN when asked if he knew his former team-mate would leave.
"Until the last day of the tour we were talking and we didn't know anything. He said that he still wasn't clear what to do and he didn't know what he was doing. Others said they knew. But right until the last minute, we were speaking to him."Luis Suarez revealed that Neymar was unsure about making the move and was there to give him advice.
"We tried to get him to stay but at no time did we say 'Ney, don't go because you will not be happy'," he told Sport. "We told him we didn't want him to leave, for us, but if he wanted to leave, he was free to make the decision he wanted. Because of the friendship we have, it was painful that he left."
Neymar has had a good start to life at PSG, scoring 11 goals in 12 games in all competitions as they sit four points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and three points ahead of Bayern Munich in Champions League Group B.
Ashley Young has expressed his delight at being recalled to the England squad and insists he never gave up on his international career as he prepares to make his first appearance in over four years.
The Manchester United winger, who has enjoyed a career resurgence since being deployed as a full-back and wing-back at Old Trafford, has not played for his country since a World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in September 2013.
But Young's form for United earned him a call from Gareth Southgate for the upcoming glamour friendlies against Germany and Brazil at Wembley.
Now he has returned, the 32-year-old will not relinquish his place lightly as he sets his sights on a World Cup spot next year."I've showed I deserve to be in the squad," Young told reporters ahead of Friday's match with Germany.
"But it's not just that, it's being in the team. I want to play every game. The World Cup is a long way away, but every England player wants to be in the World Cup. "I never once shut the door on England or thought the door was shut on myself.When you have the chance to represent your country it's an honour to pull on an England shirt."That's why I will never retire until my legs tell me I can't run any more. I'm delighted to be back."
On his new defensive role, Young said: "As a footballer nowadays you've got to play in different formations and systems, and it's just whether you can adapt. "I've been able to do that. The manager [Southgate] is talking about trying a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 and I feel like I can step into that role.
"It's more having the right footballing brain. I'm one of those players who can read the game well. It's been quite easy to adjust to the position, and with the help of [Jose Mourinho] and the other players I've done that really well."Prior to this season, Young only started 19 games in two seasons under Louis van Gaal and then Mourinho, but he never contemplated a United exit.
"Even the England manager said the other day that I have played for three managers [Young has played for four in Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Van Gaal and Mourinho] there and they have always believed in me."They have always had that trust in me to play, Champions League, Europa League, big derbies, I've always had their trust to play in those games.
"I think there did come a point last season where I wasn't in the squad, wasn't even making the 18. It was disappointing but I have never thought about leaving the club.
"I've always got that determination, to get back in the squad and get back playing.I've spoken to all three managers at times when there was difficult periods but I have got confidence in myself, confidence in my ability get back in."After repeatedly saying he had only had three managers at United, Young was asked if anything should be read into those comments, amid suggestions he was not keen on either Moyes or Louis van Gaal.
"You can do if you want," replied Young.
A.Young ge Manchester United debut season eke thamai pattama performance ekak thibbe
Godak hodata play kala
Ath ethanin passe down una
Dan ayeth hodata play karanawa
Good Luck A.Young
Godak hodata play kala
Dan ayeth hodata play karanawa
Aguero open to Man City exit in 2019
Sergio Aguero has suggested he is open to leaving Manchester City in 2019, saying his intention has always been to return to Independiente.
Aguero spent six years in Independiente's youth system before debuting for the senior side at the age of 15. After three years with the first-team, he moved to Atletico Madrid before the switch to City in 2011.The 29-year-old is currently contracted to the Premier League side until 2019 but has an option to extend it for a further year.
Although he remains crucial to Pep Guardiola's side, the Argentina international dreams of turning out for his former side before he retires.“It came out that Milan and Real Madrid wanted me and - I don’t know where I read it - but they said: ‘They just spoiled Independiente’s dream'," he told reporters while on international duty.
"But the idea was always to go back to Independiente when my contract with City runs out in 2019.“I have an option to extend one more year with City where it’s the priority but it’s always an option.
“The idea is to go back. Now, they are doing very well and hopefully they can win the cup, but it’s not easy.”Aguero is currently the Premier League's joint-top goalscorer with eight goals, having been restricted to eight games after breaking a rib in a car accident in Amsterdam.The attacker revealed on Wednesday that his injury happened because his seat belt was too tight.
Sergio Aguero has suggested he is open to leaving Manchester City in 2019, saying his intention has always been to return to Independiente.
Aguero spent six years in Independiente's youth system before debuting for the senior side at the age of 15. After three years with the first-team, he moved to Atletico Madrid before the switch to City in 2011.The 29-year-old is currently contracted to the Premier League side until 2019 but has an option to extend it for a further year.
Although he remains crucial to Pep Guardiola's side, the Argentina international dreams of turning out for his former side before he retires.“It came out that Milan and Real Madrid wanted me and - I don’t know where I read it - but they said: ‘They just spoiled Independiente’s dream'," he told reporters while on international duty.
"But the idea was always to go back to Independiente when my contract with City runs out in 2019.“I have an option to extend one more year with City where it’s the priority but it’s always an option.
“The idea is to go back. Now, they are doing very well and hopefully they can win the cup, but it’s not easy.”Aguero is currently the Premier League's joint-top goalscorer with eight goals, having been restricted to eight games after breaking a rib in a car accident in Amsterdam.The attacker revealed on Wednesday that his injury happened because his seat belt was too tight.
'This is what I needed' - Morata defends switch from Madrid to Chelsea
Alvaro Morata is relishing the limelight at Chelsea and has no regrets about leaving European champions Real Madrid for Stamford Bridge as he targets Premier League silverware.
Morata enjoyed two spells at boyhood club Madrid, winning two La Liga titles and as many Champions League crowns among others, but he was unable to cement himself in the starting XI with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema headlining Zinedine Zidane's attacking options.
The 25-year-old Spain international is now flourishing under Antonio Conte at Chelsea – who signed the forward for a reported fee of £70 million – with seven goals in the Premier League following his winner against Manchester United last week.
Morata remains happy with his decision to swap Madrid for Chelsea, telling Marca: "I would never regret joining a club a club like Chelsea and hopefully I will be a long time at Chelsea.
"You should never have regrets in life, all the steps that I have taken in my career have served for something and I have learned from them. I won in Italy, I won at Real Madrid and I felt important. Now I have a challenge ahead of me to be champion in Spain, Italy and England."None or very few Spaniards have achieved that and that is my goal. To win the Premier League and be the Spaniard that has won in three different countries."
Asked about the reasons behind his Madrid departure, Morata said: "In the end, the only decisive reason, which Real Madrid were not able to give me, was to play each Sunday, whether good or bad.
"Now there have been three games where I have not been at my best physically but I have continued to play. This is what I needed. Real Madrid are Real Madrid and any player would want to be at Real Madrid. Why would I want to leave Real Madrid? I wanted to play, nothing else.
"It has been said that I did not want to battle but I fought all my life to be at Real Madrid and be in the starting eleven. All my life, but I needed to play and in Chelsea I have got what I wanted."
He added: "I will be thankful for ever to Zidane because he gave me the chance to win another Champions League and play at Real Madrid. He said to me 'Alvaro, I know that you want to play and have consistency and I think it would be logical for you to go'. He said to me that he wanted me to stay but also that he had a lot of options going forward.
"I decided that the best thing was for me to go because there was a World Cup ahead and I wanted to be at that. I want to be an important player for Spain and for that I need consistency which I am looking for."
Alvaro Morata is relishing the limelight at Chelsea and has no regrets about leaving European champions Real Madrid for Stamford Bridge as he targets Premier League silverware.
Morata enjoyed two spells at boyhood club Madrid, winning two La Liga titles and as many Champions League crowns among others, but he was unable to cement himself in the starting XI with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema headlining Zinedine Zidane's attacking options.
The 25-year-old Spain international is now flourishing under Antonio Conte at Chelsea – who signed the forward for a reported fee of £70 million – with seven goals in the Premier League following his winner against Manchester United last week.
Morata remains happy with his decision to swap Madrid for Chelsea, telling Marca: "I would never regret joining a club a club like Chelsea and hopefully I will be a long time at Chelsea.
"You should never have regrets in life, all the steps that I have taken in my career have served for something and I have learned from them. I won in Italy, I won at Real Madrid and I felt important. Now I have a challenge ahead of me to be champion in Spain, Italy and England."None or very few Spaniards have achieved that and that is my goal. To win the Premier League and be the Spaniard that has won in three different countries."
Asked about the reasons behind his Madrid departure, Morata said: "In the end, the only decisive reason, which Real Madrid were not able to give me, was to play each Sunday, whether good or bad.
"Now there have been three games where I have not been at my best physically but I have continued to play. This is what I needed. Real Madrid are Real Madrid and any player would want to be at Real Madrid. Why would I want to leave Real Madrid? I wanted to play, nothing else.
"It has been said that I did not want to battle but I fought all my life to be at Real Madrid and be in the starting eleven. All my life, but I needed to play and in Chelsea I have got what I wanted."
He added: "I will be thankful for ever to Zidane because he gave me the chance to win another Champions League and play at Real Madrid. He said to me 'Alvaro, I know that you want to play and have consistency and I think it would be logical for you to go'. He said to me that he wanted me to stay but also that he had a lot of options going forward.
"I decided that the best thing was for me to go because there was a World Cup ahead and I wanted to be at that. I want to be an important player for Spain and for that I need consistency which I am looking for."
