..::Football IV::..

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Congratulations Manchester United!

Valencia is backPogba,Martial,Lukaku

Next Burnley away.Tough match ekak weiGood Luck for the next match Manchester United!
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Manchester United 3 Stoke City 0: Valencia, Martial and Lukaku trim gap at the top

Manchester United closed the gap between themselves and Premier League leaders Manchester City to 12 points with a 3-0 win over struggling Stoke City at Old Trafford.

Manchester City were beaten in the top flight for the first time this season on Sunday, 4-3 at Liverpool, and United's victory, along with reports they are set to sign Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez at the expense of their neighbours, means there is a fleeting instance this term of the bragging rights residing on the red side of town.

Stoke, with newly appointed manager Paul Lambert watching from the stands, acquitted themselves well and carved out some clear first-half chances, only for Antonio Valencia and Anthony Martial to breach the Premier League's most porous defence with fabulous first-half finishes, while Paul Pogba was influential in the hosts' midfield.Martial and Juan Mata passed up chances to compound the Potters' misery after the break, meaning Romelu Lukaku's 72nd-minute third goal felt wholly inevitable, as thoughts began to turn towards the Belgian's prospective new strike partner.

Lambert must now rouse a side in the relegation zone who have suffered eight defeats in 11 league games, with 50 in their goals-against column this season.


Stoke's caretaker boss Eddie Niedzwiecki handed a debut to right-back Moritz Bauer and the £5.5million signing from Rubin Kazan was a touch fortunate not to be punished for hauling Martial down inside the area after six minutes.

It was Bauer's opposite number Valencia who raided forward from full-back to cut inside Josh Tymon and arrow an excellent left-footed shot into the top corner shortly afterwards.

Xherdan Shaqiri called United goalkeeper David de Gea into action as he looked to add to his catalogue of spectacular volleyed goals, while Stephen Ireland – making his first Premier League start since April 2015 – should have done better when he hooked a shot wide from inside the United box in the 17th minute.

There was a more glaring miss from the former Manchester City midfielder when he lost his footing and shovelled an attempt past the post from Shaqiri's ball into the box, before De Gea was bested by Peter Crouch in the air and Phil Jones bailed out his goalkeeper with brilliant block to deny Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

Martial had an effort deflected behind off Kurt Zouma as United look to reassert themselves and the France forward accepted a pass from Pogba to curl a wonderful shot beyond Jack Butland from 20 yards and make it 2-0 after 38 minutes – an advantage preserved when De Gea got a strong hand down to Shaqiri's thumping strike in the final action of the half.

Butland rushed out early in the second period to thwart Martial, by which point Stoke's resolve seemed to have dissipated.The ex-Monaco youngster should have had a second before the hour when he bundled between Kevin Wimmer and Bruno Martins Indi to sidefoot at Butland from close range.

Under pressure from Jesse Lingard, Zouma then sold Darren Fletcher short with an awful pass and Lukaku scampered towards goal, with the ball finding Mata via Lingard.The Spanish playmaker threaded the ball narrowly wide of Butland's far post and chose to forgo precision for power when he lashed over the bar in the 65th minute.

It remained for Lukaku to offer a timely reminder of his centre-forward qualities, taking down a drilled pass from Martial to muscularly turn and finish with aplomb.
Marcus Rashford came off a bench lacking rumoured Sanchez makeweight Henrikh Mkhitaryan to test Butland with a deft backheel, while fellow substitute Mame Biram Diouf fired into the side-netting after De Gea saved to crown Stoke's misery.

 

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Coutinho-less Liverpool proved point with Man City mauling - Klopp


Jurgen Klopp knew it was important his Liverpool side showed they could thrive without Philippe Coutinho and he marvelled at their glorious response in the 4-3 win over Manchester City.

Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah contributed to a dizzying spell of three goals in nine second-half minutes as Liverpool ripped the previously undefeated Premier League leaders to shreds.

Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and City winger Leroy Sane traded first-half goals but the hosts pulled into a position of comfort before late strikes from Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan sent nerves rattling.




Klopp's side were playing for the first time since Coutinho joined Barcelona for a reported €160million but rarely lacked for attacking vibrancy in the Brazil international's absence.

"It was the right statement. It's not that I said in the meeting, 'Boys, it would help a lot if you win tonight and nobody speaks about Phil Coutinho anymore.'," the Liverpool manager said at a post-match news conference.

"We like talking about him, actually. I'm sure he is probably still jumping in his new living room in Barcelona, happy about the win."But, of course, it is important to show it is possible to play without him and we did that. So that's a very important statement, absolutely.

"We knew before the game that is how we can deal with it. We only can get three points. It feels good for tonight and now we have another long week to prepare for the Swansea game."

City remain 15 points clear at the top of the table – an advantage Manchester United can trim when they host managerless Stoke City on Monday – and Klopp believes history might smile fondly upon his team's exploits against Pep Guardiola's men."I said maybe it's a historical day today because maybe this is the only game they will lose in the whole season," he explained.

"They are just strong, they are really good, but I really think we deserved the win to be honest against a really good football team."I think they deserved the tight result, but of course we could have won 4-1 as well. We were really the deserved winner."It’s good to know for us that we can do it. We did really well and I am really happy about the game. It was fantastic."

 

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Valverde: Real Madrid haven't given up on La Liga


Real Madrid have not given up on the Liga title despite their struggles this season, according to Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde.

Barcelona made the most of their rivals' latest loss, beating Real Sociedad 4-2 on Sunday.That restored Barca's nine-point lead at the top and left Zinedine Zidane's fourth-placed side 19 points behind.

Despite that huge margin, Valverde said there was no way Madrid had given up hope of winning the title."Maybe Real Madrid can see other teams are closer on the table and they say that but I don't think any team has already given up on La Liga," he said.

"Atletico Madrid don't, Valencia don't and of course Real Madrid don't think that way despite the fact that the gap is really big and important."I wouldn't give up and I think they haven't give up yet."The win at the Anoeta, set up by a Luis Suarez brace, was Barca's first in eight league games at the ground.

Barca had to come from 2-0 down and Valverde was pleased with the way his team responded to falling behind. "It's true that during the first half Real Sociedad were better than us but it's also true we started in a good way. We had the first chances," he said.

"They were effective on their first opportunity and we suffered after that because it's difficult to win here. They started to believe again and they pushed us a lot."They are a good team and they were dangerous against our keeper. But the goal we scored before half-time helped us a lot and during the second half we were determined to win and we went for it.

"We believed in ourselves despite knowing that we were in a difficult stadium and against a rival, who has won over us many times before and a team who know how to play football really well."

 

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Ibrahimovic knows he is nearing his end at top the level – Mourinho


Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic understands he is entering the final years of playing at the highest level, manager Jose Mourinho said.

Ibrahimovic, 36, made his return from a serious knee injury earlier this season and has featured seven times in all competitions.However, the veteran has started just twice and scored one goal, with the 2017-18 campaign appearing set to be Ibrahimovic's last at United.

Mourinho believes Ibrahimovic can still perform at the top level, although he said the striker was nearing the end."I was his manager when he was 29 at Inter Milan. We can’t stop time, and for players time means a lot," he said."Zlatan knows that. He knows that at the highest level he's in the last part of his career, but his dream, his desire, his fight was always to end his career at the highest level at Manchester United.

"And, using the words he repeats all the time, being ­useful for me, for the team, and that I think he can. He just needs to feel ­really happy with his knee, with his condition and that I think he can."As a leader in the dressing room, as a leader on the pitch, as a quality player on the pitch, I think he can do that, he deserves that and I'm here to try to help him do that."

United, second in the Premier League, host Stoke City on Monday.

 

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Barcelona star Dembele out for another month due to hamstring misery


Barcelona have confirmed that France international winger Ousmane Dembele will miss around a month of action due to hamstring trouble.The former Borussia Dortmund winger, who was signed for a fee of €105 million in the summer, missed much of the first half of the season with a similar issue, though Barca have stressed that this problem is with a different part of the muscle.

Dembele, playing in just his fourth league outing for the Catalans, came off the bench to replace Paulinho with 25 minutes remaining, and while he finished the match, succeeded in picking up another issue.

In a statement, the Liga leaders said: "Dembele had a problem with his left thigh and tests have confirmed that the player has suffered a hamstring injury of the semitendinosus muscle that does not affect the area operated on earlier in the season. The injury will mean he will be out for a period of around three to four weeks."

The 20-year-old has only made seven appearances for the Camp Nou side, totalling 243 minutes. During this time on the field, he has yet to score but has provided a couple of assists.

With January signing Philippe Coutinho, bought for a club record €120m, also on the sidelines for around three weeks, the news comes as a blow to Barca, who lead by nine points over Atletico Madrid after rallying from 2-0 down to beat Real Sociedad 4-2 on Sunday.Barcelona also confirmed a problem for midfielder Andres Iniesta, but are less certain on his recovery.

"Andres Iniesta, for his part, has a problem in his right calf and his recovery will determine his return to action for the coming matches," they said.

 

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Manchester United becoming Pogba's team – Mourinho


Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho hailed Paul Pogba and said his team's profile was changing to suit the midfielder.

Pogba set up two goals as United eased past Stoke City 3-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Monday.The France international, 24, has enjoyed a fine campaign, providing nine assists and scoring three goals in 13 league games.

Mourinho was full of praise for the midfielder and said United could become Pogba's team."He was moving the ball fantastically well, with long passes changing the direction and creating problems for the opponent," he said.

"He had an assist and if he had scored the free-kick with the last shot of the game, it would be really a reward for him."I think he is happy with the way the team is playing and he's happy because the team is changing the profile and the profile is going more in his direction."

After Pogba assisted Antonio Valencia and Anthony Martial, Romelu Lukaku sealed United's win and moved them within 12 points of league leaders Manchester City.
Mourinho revealed Martial had scored a similar goal in training, but it was set up by the manager."He scored yesterday [Sunday] the same goal in training but instead of Paul's pass, it was my pass," he said."I was making the assists for the finishing. It was a great assist and the same shot."

 

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'I'm talking to Liverpool' - Can hints at Anfield stay amid Juventus links


Emre Can has suggested he is open to extending his stay at Liverpool despite persistent reports of interest from Juventus.The Germany international, who turned in a superb display as Jurgen Klopp's side beat Premier League leaders Manchester City 4-3 on Sunday, is out of contract at the end of this season.

That means the 24-year-old could sign a pre-contract agreement with the Serie A champions this month should the opportunity present itself, but he spoke of his current employers in glowing terms after inflicting a first top-flight defeat of the season upon Pep Guardiola's men.

"My agent is looking after everything but I am here until the summer," Can told reporters."I haven't signed anything with anyone. I am talking with everyone."Of course I am talking with Liverpool. Why not? I still have a contract here. It is an amazing club.
"What can I say? My agent does the rest. I just concentrate on the scene, on my performance and the football. I will give everything for this team."A three-goal salvo in a coruscating nine-minutes spell after half-time from Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool on course for a memorable triumph, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain having hit an early opener.

But the Reds' relentless pressing and harrying throughout the contest endured just as much as those fine finishes and, with their interest in the FA Cup and Champions League still remaining, Can feels no team will relish facing Klopp's men in their current mood.

"It was unbelievable. I think it was the best game in terms of how I saw it," he said. "Look at how we pressed. We played against Manchester City, you can't forget that."We were always on the front foot, everyone pressing and everyone did a brilliant job. We have played a lot of games that are very good but this one?

"I don’t know how many kilometres we ran. Look at how we pressed. It was one of the best we have done, for sure." "If teams saw us playing like that they will give us a lot of respect and we will take a lot of confidence from it."They will think, 'Oh wow!' They will see we are a strong side."

 

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Pogba warns City that Man Utd will not give up the chase


Paul Pogba insists Manchester United have not given up hope of hauling in Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

Jose Mourinho's team trimmed the gap at the summit to 12 points with a 3-0 win over Stoke City on Monday night after their rivals suffered a first top-flight loss of the season at Liverpool over the weekend.

Pogba was influential throughout, laying on fine first-half goals for Antonio Valencia and Anthony Martial against the struggling Potters, before Romelu Lukaku put the destination of the points beyond doubt 18 minutes from full-time.

"Obviously you see Manchester City are in front of us and they lost their first game," Pogba said after being named man of the match on Sky Sports."We always want to catch them so it was good for them to lose "But we have to think about ourselves and think about winning because we have lost a lot of points.

"We're not looking to the past, we're looking to the next games. We just want to catch City, win the points that we lost and that's it."We need to focus on ourselves, keep winning and I think we will be okay."

United are reportedly favourites to secure the services of Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez, with neighbours City out of the race and Chelsea rumoured to be launching a late interest, but Pogba hailed the contribution of incumbent centre-forward Lukaku against struggling Stoke.
"Playing with Romelu, I can find him," he said. "Someone who can hold the ball when I pass it to him, then I can make my run — someone to score goals and make assists."

 

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Mourinho hints at Mkhitaryan exit amid Arsenal rumours


Jose Mourinho has left Henrikh Mkhitaryan out of the Manchester United line-up for Monday's match against Stoke City amid links with a move to Arsenal.It is believed Mkhitaryan will be part of a player swap that will bring Alexis Sanchez to Old Trafford during the January transfer window.

And having earlier insisted the Armenia international would be in the squad for Monday's fixture, Mourinho admitted that his decision to exclude the 28-year-old had much to do with the transfer speculation.

"I would lie if I said it was a pure tactical decision," Mourinho told Sky Sports . "It was just a choice of the players that we know, in this moment, they have 100 per cent their heads in Manchester United.

"No doubts about the future. I don't think it's easy for a player to play when there are doubts about his future. It's added pressure that a player doesn't need, so I think it's the best for him and for us, while the doubt is in the air, to protect him."

Mkhitaryan is expected to be part of the deal which will see Alexis complete a move worth around £35 million to Arsenal, with the Red Devils having usurped neighbours Manchester City with a late bid for the Chilean's signature.

United signed Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2016 for around £30m but has struggled to leave a lasting impression at the Theatre of Dreams, spending two lengthy periods out of the first-team picture during his 18 months in Manchester.

 

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Wales appoint Ryan Giggs as manager

Ryan Giggs has been appointed as the new Wales manager, the Football Association of Wales has confirmed on social media.

The former Manchester United winger made 64 appearances for the country between 1991 and 2007, but never managed to reach a major international tournament.Giggs succeeds Chris Coleman, who resigned in November and subsequently took over at Sunderland, having guided Wales to the last four of Euro 2016 - their first major finals appearance since 1958.




Coleman's last competitive game ended in a 1-0 home defeat to the Republic of Ireland, which saw Wales fail to secure a play-off place in qualifying for the World Cup in Russia later this year.

Having taken interim charge of United at the end of 2013-14 following David Moyes' sacking, Giggs remained at Old Trafford as assistant to Louis van Gaal but departed when Jose Mourinho arrived ahead of the 2016-17 campaign.

He has previously been linked with a number of managerial vacancies, including Swansea City, but on Monday the FAW confirmed him as their choice ahead of reported fellow interviewees Osian Roberts, Craig Bellamy and Mark Bowen.

 

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Congratulations Giggs!

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Heynckes: I would give De Bruyne the shirt off my back


Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has described Kevin De Bruyne as "the outstanding player in Europe", saying he would give the shirt off his back for the Manchester City star.

Attacking midfielder De Bruyne has been in scintillating form for runaway Premier League leaders City this season, the Belgium international scoring six goals and providing nine assists in the top flight.

De Bruyne has insisted he has no desire to leave City and, given the recent signings of Neymar for €220million and Philippe Coutinho for a fee that could rise to £142m (€159.5m) by Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona respectively, it would likely take an eye-watering offer to prize him from the Etihad Stadium.

Asked by Kicker if Bundesliga leaders Bayern were in need of a "super transfer" of over €50m, Heynckes – who took over from Carlo Ancelotti until the end of the season – replied: "What does super transfer mean?
"Paul Pogba cost Manchester United €105million. Does he play like this? Many alleged top players can and have still to learn. Bayern have to go their way with [Niklas] Sule, [Joshua] Kimmich, [Corentin] Tolisso or [Kingsley] Coman."For sure there has to come a player again for €40million or €50million, but today for €50million you don't get a finished player.

"For example Kevin De Bruyne. He did not play this well last season, but for him I would give shirt off my back. On this position you need such a player. De Bruyne is clearly the outstanding player in Europe at the moment."

 

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'Relaxed' Mourinho admits possible Chelsea interest in Alexis


Jose Mourinho is "relaxed" in his pursuit of Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez, with Manchester United widely seen to be in pole position to secure the Chile forward.

Sanchez has long been touted for a move to Manchester City and a reunion with his former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, but the Premier League leaders were unable to complete a deadline day switch in August.

Events are understood to have developed dramatically over recent days, with City pulling out of the running on account of increased financial demands from Sanchez and his agent Fernando Felicevich, while also remaining shy of Arsenal's asking price.




Chelsea were rumoured late on Monday to be readying a last-ditch bid to hijack United's plans and Mourinho expects further twists over the coming days
"I am not confident but I am not unconfident. I am just relaxed," the United boss told a news conference after Monday's 3-0 win over Stoke City."He is an Arsenal player, he can stay there, but I have a feeling he can move and if he moves I think we have a chance."Other big clubs are probably interested. Who knows."

United have trimmed City's imposing lead at the summit to 12 points after Guardiola's men were dealt a first defeat of the season on Sunday.Liverpool won 4-3 in a game to rank among the finest in the Premier League this term – not that Mourinho was in a position to offer much of an opinion.

"I didn't watch Liverpool beat Manchester City, it doesn't change anything," he said with regards to the title race."The distance is an important distance, I have been there before. They have their destiny in their hands."

Henrikh Mkhitaryan was left out of the United squad to face Stoke amid speculation he could move to Arsenal as a makeweight in the Sanchez deal and Mourinho told Sky Sports a departure for the ex-Borussia Dortmund favourite this month was a possibility."He's a player that I like, of high quality," he added. "Is he going to be involved in one deal in leaving us? It's possible. But it's also possible that he stays."I'm just trying to protect him and the team, so let's make sure he stays with us or that he leaves us. The market is open."

 

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Mahrez 'will cost more than £100m' in the summer, claims Leicester boss Puel


Leicester City manager Claude Puel believes star attacker Riyad Mahrez could "cost even more than £100 million" in the summer transfer window.

Mahrez, 26, has been linked with a move away from the Premier League side, with Arsenal and Liverpool among those reportedly interested.The Algeria international has recaptured some of his best form this season, scoring seven times and assisting seven in 23 league games.

Puel believes Leicester will keep Mahrez through January despite the reported interest from rivals, and the price tag could be big if they sell him next summer.

"Maybe in the summer he will cost even more than £100m,” Puel told reporters. “It’s just rumours, noise about him. “We can see Riyad smile, enjoying his football, enjoying to play with his team-mates.“After the training session he continues to play, I wanted him to stay rested, but it’s perfect.”

Mahrez claimed the PFA Players' Player of the Year Award in 2015-16, when he helped Leicester to a fairytale title success.Puel said the attacker was nearing his best once again and he expects it to continue.

"The good ambition for him is to continue this hard work, to show his consistency game after game, until the end of the season," he said."He has come back at a good level: he is clinical, with assists, with goals, and it's important he continues this work and shows people the player he is, without the ball [and] with it."He is making progress. It’s a good thing of course, [if] he continues all season with us."

 

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Inter and Barcelona close to agreement over Rafinha deal


Inter are closing on their second signing of the January transfer window after advancing in talks with Barcelona over midfielder Rafinha, sources tell Goal. Goal understands that Inter director Piero Ausilio is currently in Catalunya to discuss terms for the player, who has struggled to break back into the first team at Camp Nou after returning from a serious knee injury.

And after some discussion, Barcelona are now ready to release Rafinha on loan to San Siro in a deal that will include a purchase option.

The 24-year-old Brazil international, brother of Bayern Munich's Thiago, has long been a target of the Nerazzurri. Talks had stalled previously, however, over the option at the end of his loan.

Inter were keen to close negotiations on a figure around €20 million, while Barca were holding out for closer to €28m.But there has been a breakthrough, and the midfielder is close to joining Inter as the Italian giants look to build on a positive start to the season which sees them in contention for Champions League qualification.

If he agrees to the switch, Rafinha will become Inter's second signing of the window, after defender Lisandro Lopez joined from Benfica earlier in the week.

 

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Arsenal will have a 'hard time' signing Malcom, say Bordeaux


Reports Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Malcom are "hot air" and they will have a "hard time" trying to purchase the Brazilian, according to Bordeaux president Stephane Martin.It has been claimed Arsenal have agreed a €50million move for Brazilian forward Malcom, who signed a four-year renewal in September and has scored seven goals in Ligue 1 this season.

The Gunners are believed to be keen to bolster their attacking options with Alexis Sanchez seemingly set to depart this month or when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.

Martin says Bordeaux have not had any contact with Arsenal about Malcom and he does not anticipate an agreement being reached in the transfer window.
"Things are clear with his agents. He has not had his contract extended this summer just to give him away this winter," Martin told L'Equipe."We haven't had any discussions with Arsenal. From our point of view, it's all hot air."They can always try, but they will have a hard time taking him from us."

 

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Conte: I don't think Chelsea have joined Alexis Sanchez transfer race


Chelsea manager Antonio Conte does not believe the club have been trying to sign Alexis Sanchez.

As reported by Goal, Alexis's proposed move to Manchester United has stalled, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who would be used as part of the deal, undecided as Mino Raiola seeks a contract pay-off for the player.There had been reports that Chelsea were interested in hijacking the deal, with Jose Mourinho having hinted that there may well be rival interest in securing Alexis despite Manchester City having already pulled out of the race.

But asked in a media conference ahead of Chelsea's FA Cup third-round replay with Norwich City if the club had been pursuing Sanchez, Conte replied: "I don't know but I don't think so."
Pressed for his general view on the transfer window, in which Chelsea have added midfielder Ross Barkley from Everton, Conte remained consistent in refusing to offer an opinion."I refer to the top of the club. I don't want to give my opinion about the transfer market," he added.

The Alexis to Manchester United transfer hinges on Mkhitaryan heading in the opposite direction, while the Gunners are also looking at Bordeaux winger Malcom and Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as potential replacements.

 

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Suarez defends decision to block Ghana's chances of reaching 2010 WC semis

Barcelona forward Luis Suarez has revealed what was going through his mind during and after his infamous handball for Uruguay in the quarterfinals of the 2010 Fifa World Cup against Ghana.The 30-year-old, then with Ajax, handled Dominic Adiyiah’s goal-bound header in the dying embers of the extra-time with the game still tied at 1-1.

Ghana were awarded a penalty and Suarez sent off but Asamoah Gyan failed to score from the spot, as the Black Stars got eliminated after losing the penalty shootouts 4-2.

“The truth is, it was a bit of everything,” Suarez told The Players’ Tribune.“Of being depressed, of being sad, of being sent off. Because we were going to lose, but if they weren’t scoring that goal we weren’t going to lose [so I was right to block it].

“You get up within 30 seconds when he takes the penalty kick, the satisfaction of taking a risk in a situation of which I have been blamed for anti-fair play. However, the Ghana player missing the penalty is not my fault,” he said.He added: “I didn’t kick anyone or anything like that, that’s why I think that I celebrated like that, for having taken a risk for something that was worth it.

"And I remember that I celebrated it more than a goal. I left screaming and went to the locker room to watch the penalty kicks (in the shootout). And, the truth is, it was painful watching the penalty kicks in the locker room.”

Suarez also insisted that they could have progressed to the final of the tournament if Jorge Fucile, who was banned for multiple yellow cards, and injured Diego Lugano had played in the semi-final against Netherlands.

“It’s easy to talk now, but yeah, if we would have played the semi-final against Holland with Diego Lugano, who in that moment was spectacular, Jorge Fucile, I believe, the best left wing-back of the World Cup, and me, who had been suspended.“If the three of us would have played, it would have been different,” he added.

 

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Walcott agrees £20 million transfer to Everton


Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is on the verge of signing for Everton for a fee of £20m, Goal understands.

The Gunners' longest-serving player has scored 108 goals for the club but has found game time difficult to come by this season in a year when he is desperate to be included in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the World Cup in Russia.

Everton offered the most attractive financial package to Walcott amid interest from fellow Premier League side West Ham, and is due to undergo a medical on Tuesday afternoon and could be included in Sam Allardyce's squad for Saturday's Premier League game at home to West Brom.

The proceeds from the 28-year-old's sale, which could rise to £25m with add-ons, will go towards Arsenal's efforts to sign Brazilian winger Malcom from Bordeaux with further meetings scheduled with the players representatives this week.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will not sanction the sale of Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United until they have agreed to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan as a replacement.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Mkhitaryan hinges on whether the attacker is paid off by United due to his contract running for another two years, Goal understands.

Arsene Wenger's side will look to replace the Chilean with Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has told the Bundesliga giants that he wants to leave the club this month.

It remains unlikely that Arsenal will sign all three of Aubameyang, Malcom and Mkhitaryan in January and Goal understands that the main issues over the latter's decision to move to the Emirates Stadium revolve around both sporting and financial reasons.