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..::Football IV::..
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boru ban
1st match eka witharailu miss wenne
I'm sick of this extra attention to salah where Dani's injury is way more serious and no one is paying attention to him
British & their media
1st match eka witharailu miss wenne
I'm sick of this extra attention to salah where Dani's injury is way more serious and no one is paying attention to him
British & their media
Ahenam hodai bro.mamath baluwa kiyana widiyata World Cup ekath miss weida kiyala
Liverpool announce Fabinho transfer from Monaco
Liverpool have announced the signing of midfielder Fabinho from Monaco for a fee of €45 million (£39m/$52m) plus bonuses of up to another €5m (£4m/$6m).The move comes less than 48 hours after the Reds fell to Real Madrid 3-1 in the Champions League final.Liverpool have said the 24-year-old Brazilian's move will complete on July 1 having completed a medical and signed a long-term deal with the club.
And the midfielder says he is happy to have linked up with the Champions League runners-up, calling Liverpool a "giant of a team."
“This is something that I always wanted – this is a giant of a team. The infrastructures of the club look exceptional," Fabinho told the club's official website. “A football club of this size coming after my services, I didn’t have to think that much about coming over.
“I will try to create my own history at this football club. Hopefully, on a personal level, I’m able to win titles with this club.“I will try to grow and learn and improve myself, and to be part of the club’s history.”He added to RMC: "I'm really happy to join Liverpool. In the last transfer window, things were a little difficult. It was almost done, but I stayed.
"I've done great things with Monaco, it was great for five seasons. At Liverpool, I hope to have the same success. It's a big club, really ambitious, which has done great things in recent seasons. They were in the Champions League final and were still among the leaders in the Premier League."I think I can grow a lot and learn a lot at this club. It's a league I like a lot. I hope I can continue to develop at this great club."
Meanwhile, Monaco's vice president Vadim Vasilyev heaped praise on the outgoing player."I want to salute a player who, despite his young age, has set an example on and off the field thanks to his exceptional technical and human qualities," he told RMC.
"He leaves for one of the most popular clubs in the world, five years after arriving on his tiptoes in Monaco. I'm proud of his progression, which confirms, once more, that knowhow Monaco have in progressing young talent in world football."
Fabinho spent one season on loan with Real Madrid, playing mostly for their second side, which at the time was in the Spanish second division.He moved to Monaco in the summer of 2013, and went on to make 225 appearances in his career there.
Fabinho also scored 29 times for Monaco, including nine times in 2016-17's Ligue 1 campaign, when he helped Monaco stun Paris Saint-Germain for the league title.
He also reportedly had the interest of Liverpool's Premier League rivals Manchester United, but the Reds have swooped in to beat other clubs to the punch. Previously Liverpool had been linked with Napoli's Jorginho.
Fabinho represents Liverpool's first signing of the transfer period, but he is unlikely to be the last as Goal can confirm the Reds are in pursuit of Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir, with Borussia Dortmund's Christian Pulisic also among their potential targets.
Liverpool have announced the signing of midfielder Fabinho from Monaco for a fee of €45 million (£39m/$52m) plus bonuses of up to another €5m (£4m/$6m).The move comes less than 48 hours after the Reds fell to Real Madrid 3-1 in the Champions League final.Liverpool have said the 24-year-old Brazilian's move will complete on July 1 having completed a medical and signed a long-term deal with the club.
And the midfielder says he is happy to have linked up with the Champions League runners-up, calling Liverpool a "giant of a team."
“This is something that I always wanted – this is a giant of a team. The infrastructures of the club look exceptional," Fabinho told the club's official website. “A football club of this size coming after my services, I didn’t have to think that much about coming over.
“I will try to create my own history at this football club. Hopefully, on a personal level, I’m able to win titles with this club.“I will try to grow and learn and improve myself, and to be part of the club’s history.”He added to RMC: "I'm really happy to join Liverpool. In the last transfer window, things were a little difficult. It was almost done, but I stayed.
"I've done great things with Monaco, it was great for five seasons. At Liverpool, I hope to have the same success. It's a big club, really ambitious, which has done great things in recent seasons. They were in the Champions League final and were still among the leaders in the Premier League."I think I can grow a lot and learn a lot at this club. It's a league I like a lot. I hope I can continue to develop at this great club."
Meanwhile, Monaco's vice president Vadim Vasilyev heaped praise on the outgoing player."I want to salute a player who, despite his young age, has set an example on and off the field thanks to his exceptional technical and human qualities," he told RMC.
"He leaves for one of the most popular clubs in the world, five years after arriving on his tiptoes in Monaco. I'm proud of his progression, which confirms, once more, that knowhow Monaco have in progressing young talent in world football."
Fabinho spent one season on loan with Real Madrid, playing mostly for their second side, which at the time was in the Spanish second division.He moved to Monaco in the summer of 2013, and went on to make 225 appearances in his career there.
Fabinho also scored 29 times for Monaco, including nine times in 2016-17's Ligue 1 campaign, when he helped Monaco stun Paris Saint-Germain for the league title.
He also reportedly had the interest of Liverpool's Premier League rivals Manchester United, but the Reds have swooped in to beat other clubs to the punch. Previously Liverpool had been linked with Napoli's Jorginho.
Fabinho represents Liverpool's first signing of the transfer period, but he is unlikely to be the last as Goal can confirm the Reds are in pursuit of Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir, with Borussia Dortmund's Christian Pulisic also among their potential targets.
Portugal 2 Tunisia 2: Euro 2016 champions held in World Cup warm-up
Euro 2016 champions Portugal were held to a 2-2 draw by Tunisia in their first World Cup warm-up match.Portugal were without star man Cristiano Ronaldo, who helped Real Madrid to win a third consecutive Champions League title in Kiev on Saturday.
But despite Ronaldo's absence, Fernando Santos' side led 2-0 in Braga on Monday, only to be pegged back by the determined visitors.AC Milan striker Andre Silva headed Portugal into the lead and when Joao Mario fired home a 20-yard drive, a straightforward victory appeared to be on the cards.
But Nabil Maaloul's men had other ideas, reducing the deficit through a well-placed strike from Anice Badri in the 39th minute.Amid a raft of second-half substitutions and shortly after a disallowed William Carvalho header, Tunisia then produced a scrappy equaliser through Fakhreddine Ben Youssef to claim an unlikely draw.
Saif-Eddine Khaoui slotted a first-time shot wide in the first minute as Tunisia made a bright start, but Ricardo Quaresma should have opened the scoring.Goalkeeper Mouez Hassen hit a loose pass straight to the winger, whose first touch let him down, with a subsequent floated finish clearing the crossbar comfortably.
Portugal took the lead in the 22nd minute, though, as Quaresma made amends for his miss.Quaresma beat his marker on the right wing and delivered a deep cross from which Andre Silva got up highest in the penalty area to send a fine header past Hassan's grasping right hand.
Khaoui almost levelled immediately but he missed the target again when picked out by Hamdi Nagguez's low centre from the right wing.Joao Mario doubled Portugal's lead before the break, sending a tremendous rising drive into the roof of the net after Tunisia failed to fully clear a right-wing Bernardo Silva corner.
Tunisia replied in the 39th minute, however, Badri rifling past goalkeeper Anthony Lopes after the ball broke kindly for him on the edge of the Portugal area.A brilliant jinking run from Bernardo Silva saw him hit the post after the break, with the rebound flashed wide of the post by the Manchester City playmaker after Joao Mario's effort was blocked by Hassan.
Portugal thought they had wrapped up victory when Quaresma's free-kick was headed in at the back post by Carvalho, only for the flag to be raised for offside, with the visitors then snatching the leveller in the 64th minute.
Ali Maaloul's cross found its way through to Ben Youssef in the box, the substitute striker getting just enough on his scrambled finish to beat Lopes and give Tunisia a huge boost in their World Cup preparations.Substitute Goncalo Guedes fired wide but neither side looked likely to score a late winner as the match petered out.
Portugal will next be in action against Belgium on Saturday, while Tunisia take on Turkey on Friday.
Euro 2016 champions Portugal were held to a 2-2 draw by Tunisia in their first World Cup warm-up match.Portugal were without star man Cristiano Ronaldo, who helped Real Madrid to win a third consecutive Champions League title in Kiev on Saturday.
But despite Ronaldo's absence, Fernando Santos' side led 2-0 in Braga on Monday, only to be pegged back by the determined visitors.AC Milan striker Andre Silva headed Portugal into the lead and when Joao Mario fired home a 20-yard drive, a straightforward victory appeared to be on the cards.
But Nabil Maaloul's men had other ideas, reducing the deficit through a well-placed strike from Anice Badri in the 39th minute.Amid a raft of second-half substitutions and shortly after a disallowed William Carvalho header, Tunisia then produced a scrappy equaliser through Fakhreddine Ben Youssef to claim an unlikely draw.
Saif-Eddine Khaoui slotted a first-time shot wide in the first minute as Tunisia made a bright start, but Ricardo Quaresma should have opened the scoring.Goalkeeper Mouez Hassen hit a loose pass straight to the winger, whose first touch let him down, with a subsequent floated finish clearing the crossbar comfortably.
Portugal took the lead in the 22nd minute, though, as Quaresma made amends for his miss.Quaresma beat his marker on the right wing and delivered a deep cross from which Andre Silva got up highest in the penalty area to send a fine header past Hassan's grasping right hand.
Khaoui almost levelled immediately but he missed the target again when picked out by Hamdi Nagguez's low centre from the right wing.Joao Mario doubled Portugal's lead before the break, sending a tremendous rising drive into the roof of the net after Tunisia failed to fully clear a right-wing Bernardo Silva corner.
Tunisia replied in the 39th minute, however, Badri rifling past goalkeeper Anthony Lopes after the ball broke kindly for him on the edge of the Portugal area.A brilliant jinking run from Bernardo Silva saw him hit the post after the break, with the rebound flashed wide of the post by the Manchester City playmaker after Joao Mario's effort was blocked by Hassan.
Portugal thought they had wrapped up victory when Quaresma's free-kick was headed in at the back post by Carvalho, only for the flag to be raised for offside, with the visitors then snatching the leveller in the 64th minute.
Ali Maaloul's cross found its way through to Ben Youssef in the box, the substitute striker getting just enough on his scrambled finish to beat Lopes and give Tunisia a huge boost in their World Cup preparations.Substitute Goncalo Guedes fired wide but neither side looked likely to score a late winner as the match petered out.
Portugal will next be in action against Belgium on Saturday, while Tunisia take on Turkey on Friday.
Italy 2 Saudi Arabia 1: Balotelli repays Mancini's faith
Mario Balotelli marked his return to international football in style as his goal helped Italy secure a 2-1 friendly victory over Saudi Arabia in Robert Mancini's first match in charge.
Having recalled Balotelli to the Italy squad for the first time since the 2014 World Cup, Mancini - instilled as boss on 14 May - showed no hesitation in starting his former Inter and Manchester City prodigy as the spearhead in a relatively inexperienced line-up.And Balotelli duly repaid Mancini's faith, capping his first start since the 1-0 defeat to Uruguay on June 24, 2014, with a sublime solo strike 21 minutes into Monday's clash in St. Gallen.
Unlike the Azzurri, Saudi Arabia have qualified for this year's World Cup, up against Egypt, Uruguay and hosts Russia in Group A, but Juan Antonio Pizzi's side were lacklustre throughout - Domenico Criscito hitting the woodwork as Italy pressed for a second.
Balotelli made way to a standing ovation just before the hour, and that change proved decisive when substitute Andrea Belotti drilled in Italy's second on 68 minutes.Sloppy play from Davide Zappacosta enabled Yahya Al Shehri to pull one back for Saudi Arabia, but Italy - thanks to a great stop from Gianluigi Donnarumma - held firm to get Mancini's tenure off to a winning start.
Balotelli had the ball in the net inside two minutes, having capitalised on Mohammed Al Owais' dreadful clearance, but Italy's celebrations were cut short by the offside flag.Italy's striker looked in the mood, and - after going close with a powerful header - turned a sublime pass into Alessandro Florenzi, who failed to apply the finish after rounding Al Owais.
But Balotelli did not have to wait long to get on the scoresheet, the 27-year-old twisting and turning his way clear of three defenders before thumping an unerring finish into the bottom-left corner from 25 yards out - his first international strike since netting against England four years ago.
Saudi Arabia offered little attacking threat, and Italy were just inches away from extending their lead when Criscito's venomous strike rattled the crossbar.Salem Al Dawsari's introduction gave Saudi Arabia some impetus after the restart, though Lorenzo Pellegrini squandered a great chance to put the result beyond all doubt when he scooped over from Zappacosta's cross.Balotelli's impressive return came to an end on 58 minutes, and the substitution soon proved another masterstroke from Mancini as Belotti made his case for a starting berth.
Having seen his initial header well saved, the Torino forward followed up the rebound, lashing in from point-blank range.Lorenzo Insigne drew a fine save from Al Owais as Italy threatened to run riot, but the Azzurri's lead was reduced with 18 minutes remaining.
Zappacosta's slip allowed Al Dawsari to pounce and feed Al Shehri, who got the better of the onrushing Donnarumma before prodding home into an empty net.Donnarumma was Italy's hero late on, though, AC Milan's youngster brilliantly keeping out Fahad Al Muwallad's close-range strike to ensure Italy claimed victory.
Mario Balotelli marked his return to international football in style as his goal helped Italy secure a 2-1 friendly victory over Saudi Arabia in Robert Mancini's first match in charge.
Having recalled Balotelli to the Italy squad for the first time since the 2014 World Cup, Mancini - instilled as boss on 14 May - showed no hesitation in starting his former Inter and Manchester City prodigy as the spearhead in a relatively inexperienced line-up.And Balotelli duly repaid Mancini's faith, capping his first start since the 1-0 defeat to Uruguay on June 24, 2014, with a sublime solo strike 21 minutes into Monday's clash in St. Gallen.
Unlike the Azzurri, Saudi Arabia have qualified for this year's World Cup, up against Egypt, Uruguay and hosts Russia in Group A, but Juan Antonio Pizzi's side were lacklustre throughout - Domenico Criscito hitting the woodwork as Italy pressed for a second.
Balotelli made way to a standing ovation just before the hour, and that change proved decisive when substitute Andrea Belotti drilled in Italy's second on 68 minutes.Sloppy play from Davide Zappacosta enabled Yahya Al Shehri to pull one back for Saudi Arabia, but Italy - thanks to a great stop from Gianluigi Donnarumma - held firm to get Mancini's tenure off to a winning start.
Balotelli had the ball in the net inside two minutes, having capitalised on Mohammed Al Owais' dreadful clearance, but Italy's celebrations were cut short by the offside flag.Italy's striker looked in the mood, and - after going close with a powerful header - turned a sublime pass into Alessandro Florenzi, who failed to apply the finish after rounding Al Owais.
But Balotelli did not have to wait long to get on the scoresheet, the 27-year-old twisting and turning his way clear of three defenders before thumping an unerring finish into the bottom-left corner from 25 yards out - his first international strike since netting against England four years ago.
Saudi Arabia offered little attacking threat, and Italy were just inches away from extending their lead when Criscito's venomous strike rattled the crossbar.Salem Al Dawsari's introduction gave Saudi Arabia some impetus after the restart, though Lorenzo Pellegrini squandered a great chance to put the result beyond all doubt when he scooped over from Zappacosta's cross.Balotelli's impressive return came to an end on 58 minutes, and the substitution soon proved another masterstroke from Mancini as Belotti made his case for a starting berth.
Having seen his initial header well saved, the Torino forward followed up the rebound, lashing in from point-blank range.Lorenzo Insigne drew a fine save from Al Owais as Italy threatened to run riot, but the Azzurri's lead was reduced with 18 minutes remaining.
Zappacosta's slip allowed Al Dawsari to pounce and feed Al Shehri, who got the better of the onrushing Donnarumma before prodding home into an empty net.Donnarumma was Italy's hero late on, though, AC Milan's youngster brilliantly keeping out Fahad Al Muwallad's close-range strike to ensure Italy claimed victory.
France 2 Republic of Ireland 0: Dominant win for Deschamps' men
France kicked off their run of World Cup warm-up fixtures with a show of dominance in a 2-0 victory over Republic of Ireland in Paris on Monday.Olivier Giroud and Nabil Fekir scored as the hosts eased to a comfortable win in their first match since Didier Deschamps named his 23-man squad for Russia.
Giroud's 40th-minute opener came after France had completely controlled the early stages, before a mistake by goalkeeper Colin Doyle played a part in Nabil Fekir's second.Ireland, meanwhile, never came close to threatening to make a game of it on their first visit to the Stade de France since Thierry Henry's infamous handball memorably led to their defeat in a qualifying play-off for the 2010 World Cup.
Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba were among the players left out of the starting XI by Deschamps, but this is a France side with tremendous depth and they controlled the match from kick-off, with Kylian Mbappe curling an effort just around the right-hand post after only three minutes.
James McClean will have made Deschamps wince with a heavy challenge on Blaise Matuidi on the edge of the box in the 21st minute, but France's captain for the night escaped unharmed.Doyle got down well to his left to keep out a Giroud drive after half an hour, before Corentin Tolisso hit the post from distance with the goalkeeper beaten.
The ball had barely left the Irish half, so it was no surprise when Giroud netted the opener five minutes from half-time, prodding the ball home after his header was blocked on the line – a strike that pulls him level with Zinedine Zidane on 31 international goals.
Zidane – in his capacity as Real Madrid head coach – was the beneficiary of a pair of goalkeeping howlers as his side beat Liverpool in the Champions League final on Saturday, and whatever mental lapse afflicted Loris Karius in Kiev appeared to have migrated west to Paris as Doyle made an error to gift France their second.
Diving to his left in a bid to punch clear Fekir's shot from 18 yards, the Bradford City keeper did not get the desired contact and saw the ball deflect off his hands and over him into the net.Doyle went some way to redeeming himself with a strong hand to keep out Giroud shortly after the interval, before Matuidi directed a stooping header straight at the former Birmingham City stopper.
Ireland head coach Martin O'Neill will not have welcomed the site of Griezmann taking to the field in the 64th minute but the Atletico Madrid striker could not add to the French haul, as a torrential downpour arrived over the stadium.The only frustration for Deschamps will be that his side could not put more past their impotent visitors.
France kicked off their run of World Cup warm-up fixtures with a show of dominance in a 2-0 victory over Republic of Ireland in Paris on Monday.Olivier Giroud and Nabil Fekir scored as the hosts eased to a comfortable win in their first match since Didier Deschamps named his 23-man squad for Russia.
Giroud's 40th-minute opener came after France had completely controlled the early stages, before a mistake by goalkeeper Colin Doyle played a part in Nabil Fekir's second.Ireland, meanwhile, never came close to threatening to make a game of it on their first visit to the Stade de France since Thierry Henry's infamous handball memorably led to their defeat in a qualifying play-off for the 2010 World Cup.
Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba were among the players left out of the starting XI by Deschamps, but this is a France side with tremendous depth and they controlled the match from kick-off, with Kylian Mbappe curling an effort just around the right-hand post after only three minutes.
James McClean will have made Deschamps wince with a heavy challenge on Blaise Matuidi on the edge of the box in the 21st minute, but France's captain for the night escaped unharmed.Doyle got down well to his left to keep out a Giroud drive after half an hour, before Corentin Tolisso hit the post from distance with the goalkeeper beaten.
The ball had barely left the Irish half, so it was no surprise when Giroud netted the opener five minutes from half-time, prodding the ball home after his header was blocked on the line – a strike that pulls him level with Zinedine Zidane on 31 international goals.
Zidane – in his capacity as Real Madrid head coach – was the beneficiary of a pair of goalkeeping howlers as his side beat Liverpool in the Champions League final on Saturday, and whatever mental lapse afflicted Loris Karius in Kiev appeared to have migrated west to Paris as Doyle made an error to gift France their second.
Diving to his left in a bid to punch clear Fekir's shot from 18 yards, the Bradford City keeper did not get the desired contact and saw the ball deflect off his hands and over him into the net.Doyle went some way to redeeming himself with a strong hand to keep out Giroud shortly after the interval, before Matuidi directed a stooping header straight at the former Birmingham City stopper.
Ireland head coach Martin O'Neill will not have welcomed the site of Griezmann taking to the field in the 64th minute but the Atletico Madrid striker could not add to the French haul, as a torrential downpour arrived over the stadium.The only frustration for Deschamps will be that his side could not put more past their impotent visitors.
Liverpool to step up £60m Fekir pursuit as Reds target at least three key signings
Liverpool are ready to step up their efforts to sign Lyon captain Nabil Fekir with talks over a potential £60 million (€69m/$80m) deal to get underway this week, Goal can confirm.
There is competition from a number of clubs, including Chelsea, for Fekir's signature, although the Reds are confident that they can see off other potential suitors and get the deal over the line.Indeed, Jurgen Klopp's side are keen to make a number of key signings this summer, and have identified the France international as one of those.
Fekir, 24, has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield in the French media, with reports earlier this month claiming a deal has already been struck.
That is not the case at this stage, but Liverpool are now ready to open negotiations with Lyon following their Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Saturday.Goal understands Fekir would welcome a move to Merseyside, though he told TV1 on Sunday that the deal was "not close".
Liverpool are prepared to spend big this summer as they seek to strengthen a squad which came close to glory but is lacking in several areas. Fekir, a creative, goalscoring attacking midfielder, is seen as the man to replace Philippe Coutinho, who left for Barcelona in January.
"Will I sign anywhere before the World Cup? Honestly, I don't know," he said after netting in France's 2-0 friendly win over Ireland.Naby Keita, the Guinea midfielder, will join from RB Leipzig on July 1, while Liverpool moved unexpectedly on Monday to sign Fabinho from Monaco for €45m. He is the defensive midfielder they craved.
A multi-functional forward is also wanted, with Klopp aware that the team has been heavily reliant on Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane this season – a point illustrated during the Champions League final, where the Reds struggled badly after Salah was forced off through injury.Christian Pulisic, the Borussia Dortmund wide player, is a favourite of Klopp’s and Liverpool will explore the possibility of signing the American this summer.
Elsewhere, there will be renewed calls for a new goalkeeper following Loris Karius’ mistakes against Real Madrid.Liverpool’s feeling is that they will only spend big on a ‘keeper if they are sure they are a clear upgrade on Karius, who still retains the support of the manager.
Alisson Becker, the Roma No.1, would be seen as one such upgrade, but Liverpool have been put off by the Italian club’s asking price, which is only likely to rise given Karius’ misfortune in Kiev. Goal understands Jack Butland, meanwhile, is nowhere near as highly-rated as Alisson.
The Reds must also address the future of Simon Mignolet, their own second-choice shot-stopper. The Belgian is reluctant to spend another season on the bench, and will ask the club for clarification over his role, with a number of suitors interested. Danny Ward, the No.3 goalkeeper, may also wish to leave in search of first-team football.Decisions must also be made on a raft of other players, most of whom spent last season out on loan. Daniel Sturridge will be sold, while Divock Origi may get the chance to prove himself on the pre-season tour of the USA.
Harry Wilson will have no shortage of offers after a good five months playing at Hull City, and Premier League newboys Fulham are among those interested in midfielder Marko Grujic. Lazar Markovic, Ovie Ejaria, Sheyi Ojo, Ryan Kent, Pedro Chirivella, Jon Flanagan and Connor Randall could all depart too. Allan Rodrigues de Souza and Taiwo Awoniyi will be loaned out.Finally, doubts remain over teenage star Rhian Brewster, with Borussia Monchengladbach hoping to sign the England Under-17 World Cup winner. Brewster is yet to pen a professional contract with Liverpool, who are desperate to keep the striker.
The club remain in discussions with the 18-year-old and his representatives, and are willing to report both Gladbach and RB Leipzig for what they believe to be illegal approaches to the player. A friendly with Gladbach, scheduled for early August at Anfield, has been cancelled as a result of the situation.
Liverpool are ready to step up their efforts to sign Lyon captain Nabil Fekir with talks over a potential £60 million (€69m/$80m) deal to get underway this week, Goal can confirm.
There is competition from a number of clubs, including Chelsea, for Fekir's signature, although the Reds are confident that they can see off other potential suitors and get the deal over the line.Indeed, Jurgen Klopp's side are keen to make a number of key signings this summer, and have identified the France international as one of those.
Fekir, 24, has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield in the French media, with reports earlier this month claiming a deal has already been struck.
That is not the case at this stage, but Liverpool are now ready to open negotiations with Lyon following their Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Saturday.Goal understands Fekir would welcome a move to Merseyside, though he told TV1 on Sunday that the deal was "not close".
Liverpool are prepared to spend big this summer as they seek to strengthen a squad which came close to glory but is lacking in several areas. Fekir, a creative, goalscoring attacking midfielder, is seen as the man to replace Philippe Coutinho, who left for Barcelona in January.
"Will I sign anywhere before the World Cup? Honestly, I don't know," he said after netting in France's 2-0 friendly win over Ireland.Naby Keita, the Guinea midfielder, will join from RB Leipzig on July 1, while Liverpool moved unexpectedly on Monday to sign Fabinho from Monaco for €45m. He is the defensive midfielder they craved.
A multi-functional forward is also wanted, with Klopp aware that the team has been heavily reliant on Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane this season – a point illustrated during the Champions League final, where the Reds struggled badly after Salah was forced off through injury.Christian Pulisic, the Borussia Dortmund wide player, is a favourite of Klopp’s and Liverpool will explore the possibility of signing the American this summer.
Elsewhere, there will be renewed calls for a new goalkeeper following Loris Karius’ mistakes against Real Madrid.Liverpool’s feeling is that they will only spend big on a ‘keeper if they are sure they are a clear upgrade on Karius, who still retains the support of the manager.
Alisson Becker, the Roma No.1, would be seen as one such upgrade, but Liverpool have been put off by the Italian club’s asking price, which is only likely to rise given Karius’ misfortune in Kiev. Goal understands Jack Butland, meanwhile, is nowhere near as highly-rated as Alisson.
The Reds must also address the future of Simon Mignolet, their own second-choice shot-stopper. The Belgian is reluctant to spend another season on the bench, and will ask the club for clarification over his role, with a number of suitors interested. Danny Ward, the No.3 goalkeeper, may also wish to leave in search of first-team football.Decisions must also be made on a raft of other players, most of whom spent last season out on loan. Daniel Sturridge will be sold, while Divock Origi may get the chance to prove himself on the pre-season tour of the USA.
Harry Wilson will have no shortage of offers after a good five months playing at Hull City, and Premier League newboys Fulham are among those interested in midfielder Marko Grujic. Lazar Markovic, Ovie Ejaria, Sheyi Ojo, Ryan Kent, Pedro Chirivella, Jon Flanagan and Connor Randall could all depart too. Allan Rodrigues de Souza and Taiwo Awoniyi will be loaned out.Finally, doubts remain over teenage star Rhian Brewster, with Borussia Monchengladbach hoping to sign the England Under-17 World Cup winner. Brewster is yet to pen a professional contract with Liverpool, who are desperate to keep the striker.
The club remain in discussions with the 18-year-old and his representatives, and are willing to report both Gladbach and RB Leipzig for what they believe to be illegal approaches to the player. A friendly with Gladbach, scheduled for early August at Anfield, has been cancelled as a result of the situation.
Fabinho urges Fekir to join him at Liverpool
Liverpool signing Fabinho called on Lyon star Nabil Fekir to join him at the Premier League club.
Fabinho's switch to Anfield from Monaco was confirmed on Monday, the Brazil international signing a long-term contract after the clubs agreed to a deal worth €45 million (£39m/$52m) plus bonuses of up to another €5m.Jurgen Klopp's Champions League runners-up are expected to be very active in the close-season, with Goal reporting Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of Fekir.
After facing Fekir in Ligue 1, Fabinho said he wanted the France international as a team-mate in the Premier League.
Asked if he wanted Fekir to sign for Liverpool, Fabinho told RMC Sport: "Yes."He is a very good player, of international level. In Ligue 1, it is not only this season that he has shown things. "It's been a few years of him demonstrating his quality. If he comes, it will be good too."
Fabinho joined Liverpool after five seasons at Monaco, where he won the Ligue 1 title in 2016-17.After scoring in France's 2-0 friendly win over the Republic of Ireland, Fekir said: "If Fabinho will be my future team-mate? I will discuss about my future after the World Cup, not before."If I will sign somewhere before the World Cup? Honestly, I don't know."
Liverpool signing Fabinho called on Lyon star Nabil Fekir to join him at the Premier League club.
Fabinho's switch to Anfield from Monaco was confirmed on Monday, the Brazil international signing a long-term contract after the clubs agreed to a deal worth €45 million (£39m/$52m) plus bonuses of up to another €5m.Jurgen Klopp's Champions League runners-up are expected to be very active in the close-season, with Goal reporting Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of Fekir.
After facing Fekir in Ligue 1, Fabinho said he wanted the France international as a team-mate in the Premier League.
Asked if he wanted Fekir to sign for Liverpool, Fabinho told RMC Sport: "Yes."He is a very good player, of international level. In Ligue 1, it is not only this season that he has shown things. "It's been a few years of him demonstrating his quality. If he comes, it will be good too."
Fabinho joined Liverpool after five seasons at Monaco, where he won the Ligue 1 title in 2016-17.After scoring in France's 2-0 friendly win over the Republic of Ireland, Fekir said: "If Fabinho will be my future team-mate? I will discuss about my future after the World Cup, not before."If I will sign somewhere before the World Cup? Honestly, I don't know."
Firmino helped me get to know Liverpool - Fabinho
Fabinho revealed he spoke to fellow Brazil international Roberto Firmino before deciding to join Liverpool from Monaco.
Fabinho, 24, makes the move to Anfield for a reported £44 million (€50m/$58m), agreeing to a long-term deal.The versatile midfielder and defender said he spoke to Firmino – who enjoyed a stellar campaign for Liverpool, scoring 27 goals – before opting to make the switch.
"We spoke a bit more about how the city was, about the infrastructure of the club, the city and we also spoke about the coaches and how they do their work," Fabinho told the club's website."So I was able to know a bit more about Liverpool through Firmino. I had been with him at the Brazilian national team on a few occasions.
"I know he's a fantastic person, his background is from nice people. He is also very good for someone who comes to a new country, a new city – someone who speaks the same language. "This will of course make the adaptation much easier."Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp spoke of his excitement about Fabinho's versatility after the signing was confirmed.
Fabinho – who helped Monaco win the Ligue 1 title in 2016-17 – hopes he can adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
"I believe I am a player that can organise the game well for my team. I play with a lot of intensity and I'm quite strong in man-marking," he said."Unfortunately, occasionally I get some yellow cards for that but I think that won't be a problem here.
"Hopefully I will have no difficulty in adapting to this type of football. I know that the type of football here is quite intense and physical but I think I got some of that while playing in France and I hope I won't find any problems to adapt to this league."
Fabinho revealed he spoke to fellow Brazil international Roberto Firmino before deciding to join Liverpool from Monaco.
Fabinho, 24, makes the move to Anfield for a reported £44 million (€50m/$58m), agreeing to a long-term deal.The versatile midfielder and defender said he spoke to Firmino – who enjoyed a stellar campaign for Liverpool, scoring 27 goals – before opting to make the switch.
"We spoke a bit more about how the city was, about the infrastructure of the club, the city and we also spoke about the coaches and how they do their work," Fabinho told the club's website."So I was able to know a bit more about Liverpool through Firmino. I had been with him at the Brazilian national team on a few occasions.
"I know he's a fantastic person, his background is from nice people. He is also very good for someone who comes to a new country, a new city – someone who speaks the same language. "This will of course make the adaptation much easier."Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp spoke of his excitement about Fabinho's versatility after the signing was confirmed.
Fabinho – who helped Monaco win the Ligue 1 title in 2016-17 – hopes he can adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
"I believe I am a player that can organise the game well for my team. I play with a lot of intensity and I'm quite strong in man-marking," he said."Unfortunately, occasionally I get some yellow cards for that but I think that won't be a problem here.
"Hopefully I will have no difficulty in adapting to this type of football. I know that the type of football here is quite intense and physical but I think I got some of that while playing in France and I hope I won't find any problems to adapt to this league."
Raiola talks up Napoli move for Balotelli
Mario Balotelli could be open to a move to Napoli and the Serie A club only have one better forward, according to his agent Mino Raiola.
Balotelli, 27, is set to become a free agent after scoring 43 goals across two campaigns with Ligue 1 outfit Nice.The Italy international has been linked with numerous clubs, including Napoli and Roma.
Raiola talked up his relationship with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis and said the only forward the club had who was better than Balotelli was Lorenzo Insigne."You have to ask [incoming Napoli coach Carlo] Ancelotti. What I can say is that apart from Insigne, there is no-one as strong as him," he told reporters on Monday."Then it will depend on De Laurentiis. He will decide if he wants to reinforce the team or not.
"We have a special relationship with De Laurentiis. Our vision of things is often different – we have closed a few deals – but this does not mean anything."Napoli is back big just thanks to him and if he wants to see me, I'm available."Balotelli marked his Italy return with a goal on Monday, leading his team to a 2-1 friendly win over Saudi Arabia.
Mario Balotelli could be open to a move to Napoli and the Serie A club only have one better forward, according to his agent Mino Raiola.
Balotelli, 27, is set to become a free agent after scoring 43 goals across two campaigns with Ligue 1 outfit Nice.The Italy international has been linked with numerous clubs, including Napoli and Roma.
Raiola talked up his relationship with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis and said the only forward the club had who was better than Balotelli was Lorenzo Insigne."You have to ask [incoming Napoli coach Carlo] Ancelotti. What I can say is that apart from Insigne, there is no-one as strong as him," he told reporters on Monday."Then it will depend on De Laurentiis. He will decide if he wants to reinforce the team or not.
"We have a special relationship with De Laurentiis. Our vision of things is often different – we have closed a few deals – but this does not mean anything."Napoli is back big just thanks to him and if he wants to see me, I'm available."Balotelli marked his Italy return with a goal on Monday, leading his team to a 2-1 friendly win over Saudi Arabia.
No offers for Milinkovic-Savic, says Lazio director Tare
Lazio director Igli Tare said the Serie A club have not received any offers for star midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, though they would consider a transfer if a bid was lodged.
Milinkovic-Savic is hot property in Europe, with Serie A holders Juventus, European champions Real Madrid and Premier League giants Manchester United reportedly interested in the Serbia international.The 23-year-old scored 14 goals in all competitions this season, 12 of those coming in Serie A as Lazio finished fifth.
Asked about Milinkovic-Savic's future ahead of the World Cup, Tare – who previously said it would take more than €90 million (£79m/$105m) to lure the Serbian away from Rome – told Sky Sport Italia: "The failed Champions League qualification doesn't change things, we know what we must do and must improve on.
"We must put [Simone] Inzaghi in the condition to do well next season, so Sergej's predicament wasn't started yesterday but two years ago. We're talking about a player who deserves this stage.
"We don't want to talk about figures, the market isn't based on 'if' and 'maybe'.
"At this moment we have yet to receive an offer, and when it arrives we'll decide what to do."
Lazio director Igli Tare said the Serie A club have not received any offers for star midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, though they would consider a transfer if a bid was lodged.
Milinkovic-Savic is hot property in Europe, with Serie A holders Juventus, European champions Real Madrid and Premier League giants Manchester United reportedly interested in the Serbia international.The 23-year-old scored 14 goals in all competitions this season, 12 of those coming in Serie A as Lazio finished fifth.
Asked about Milinkovic-Savic's future ahead of the World Cup, Tare – who previously said it would take more than €90 million (£79m/$105m) to lure the Serbian away from Rome – told Sky Sport Italia: "The failed Champions League qualification doesn't change things, we know what we must do and must improve on.
"We must put [Simone] Inzaghi in the condition to do well next season, so Sergej's predicament wasn't started yesterday but two years ago. We're talking about a player who deserves this stage.
"We don't want to talk about figures, the market isn't based on 'if' and 'maybe'.
"At this moment we have yet to receive an offer, and when it arrives we'll decide what to do."
Arsenal close in on Sokratis deal as Lichtsteiner talks continue
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund.
As first reported in Germany, the Gunners have been in talks with the Bundesliga giants over signing their second player from Dortmund in almost five months, after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined for a club record fee in the January transfer window.
Papastathopoulos, 29, is an experienced Greek international centre-back who shares the same agent as his compatriot Konstantinos Mavropanos, another player scouted and signed by Arsenal’s new head of recruitment Sven Mislintat at the turn of the year.Mislintat maintains a close relationship with senior figures at Dortmund, where he spent over a decade as their chief scout, and played an influential part in Arsenal’s January signings of Mavropanos, Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan, the latter being another ex-Dortmund player who the German knows well.
The signing of Papastathopoulos would become Unai Emery’s first acquisition since becoming Arsenal head coach, although it’s understood that preliminary talks had already taken place between Mislintat and the Greek defender’s agent before Emery took the hot seat at Emirates Stadium.
The club’s new continental structure has also been labelled as 'North American' due to the influence of American majority shareholder Stan Kroenke and his son Josh Kroenke, and is headed up by chief executive Ivan Gazidis and supported by Mislintat alongside head of football relations Raul Sanllehi.
With Laurent Koscielny ruled out through injury until November at the earliest and Per Mertesacker retiring to take up a new role as head of the Arsenal academy, Mislintat is bolstering a Gunners defence which lacks experience and conceded 51 times in the Premier League during Arsene Wenger's final season in charge.
Talks are ongoing with Switzerland right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner who will prioritise a move to Arsenal despite interest from several other European sides including Dortmund. Sources close to the player have told Goal that they are confident of striking a deal, with the 34-year-old keen on moving to London when his contract with Juventus expires in the coming days.
Negotiations over a two-year contract are expected to continue throughout the week.Lichtsteiner announced he would be leaving the Bianconeri in early May having helped the club to their seventh successive Serie A title, with the versatile right sided defender ending each season since joining the club from Lazio in 2011 as a national champion.
Monaco and Marseille have also shown an interest in signing him, but Arsenal are hopeful that they will be able to get the deal over the line. In total he scored 14 goals in 250 appearances for Juventus, despite falling down the pecking order in Turin last season.
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund.
As first reported in Germany, the Gunners have been in talks with the Bundesliga giants over signing their second player from Dortmund in almost five months, after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined for a club record fee in the January transfer window.
Papastathopoulos, 29, is an experienced Greek international centre-back who shares the same agent as his compatriot Konstantinos Mavropanos, another player scouted and signed by Arsenal’s new head of recruitment Sven Mislintat at the turn of the year.Mislintat maintains a close relationship with senior figures at Dortmund, where he spent over a decade as their chief scout, and played an influential part in Arsenal’s January signings of Mavropanos, Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan, the latter being another ex-Dortmund player who the German knows well.
The signing of Papastathopoulos would become Unai Emery’s first acquisition since becoming Arsenal head coach, although it’s understood that preliminary talks had already taken place between Mislintat and the Greek defender’s agent before Emery took the hot seat at Emirates Stadium.
The club’s new continental structure has also been labelled as 'North American' due to the influence of American majority shareholder Stan Kroenke and his son Josh Kroenke, and is headed up by chief executive Ivan Gazidis and supported by Mislintat alongside head of football relations Raul Sanllehi.
With Laurent Koscielny ruled out through injury until November at the earliest and Per Mertesacker retiring to take up a new role as head of the Arsenal academy, Mislintat is bolstering a Gunners defence which lacks experience and conceded 51 times in the Premier League during Arsene Wenger's final season in charge.
Talks are ongoing with Switzerland right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner who will prioritise a move to Arsenal despite interest from several other European sides including Dortmund. Sources close to the player have told Goal that they are confident of striking a deal, with the 34-year-old keen on moving to London when his contract with Juventus expires in the coming days.
Negotiations over a two-year contract are expected to continue throughout the week.Lichtsteiner announced he would be leaving the Bianconeri in early May having helped the club to their seventh successive Serie A title, with the versatile right sided defender ending each season since joining the club from Lazio in 2011 as a national champion.
Monaco and Marseille have also shown an interest in signing him, but Arsenal are hopeful that they will be able to get the deal over the line. In total he scored 14 goals in 250 appearances for Juventus, despite falling down the pecking order in Turin last season.
'I don't do discounts' - Napoli chief demands big bucks for Hamsik while dismissing Balotelli links
Napoli captain Marek Hamsik will not be allowed to leave for the Chinese Super League on the cheap just because of his 11 years of service, according to president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
Hamsik confirmed on Sunday that he is mulling over an offer from an unnamed CSL club, reported to be Shandong Luneng, after he helped Napoli mount a genuine Serie A title challenge to eventual champions Juventus.It has been a turbulent time at the club since the campaign ended, with Carlo Ancelotti replacing Maurizio Sarri and now skipper Hamsik – who joined from Brescia in 2007 – could be following his former coach out of the exit door.
Hamsik admitted to being "tempted" by the move to China, but De Laurentiis looks set to make a departure as difficult as possible for the 30-year-old Slovakian midfielder.
Speaking at the University of Naples Federico II, De Laurentiis said: "I told him [Hamsik]; 'where are you going to go? This is your home'."After that it is up to him if he wants to leave the club, but I do not do discounts for anybody."
De Laurentiis also appeared to end any hope of Mario Balotelli joining Napoli, putting faith in those already at the club ahead of the striker, who ended a four-year national team hiatus and scored in Monday's 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia."We haven't considered him [Balotelli]," De Laurentiis said. "He is extraordinary, but first we need to consider the possibilities of players who are already here with Ancelotti during pre-season.
"We've got many attacking players, so we cannot harm those who are already here and have never played for Napoli."To think the attack is our priority [in the transfer market] would be a mistake. Our priorities are different."
Napoli captain Marek Hamsik will not be allowed to leave for the Chinese Super League on the cheap just because of his 11 years of service, according to president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
Hamsik confirmed on Sunday that he is mulling over an offer from an unnamed CSL club, reported to be Shandong Luneng, after he helped Napoli mount a genuine Serie A title challenge to eventual champions Juventus.It has been a turbulent time at the club since the campaign ended, with Carlo Ancelotti replacing Maurizio Sarri and now skipper Hamsik – who joined from Brescia in 2007 – could be following his former coach out of the exit door.
Hamsik admitted to being "tempted" by the move to China, but De Laurentiis looks set to make a departure as difficult as possible for the 30-year-old Slovakian midfielder.
Speaking at the University of Naples Federico II, De Laurentiis said: "I told him [Hamsik]; 'where are you going to go? This is your home'."After that it is up to him if he wants to leave the club, but I do not do discounts for anybody."
De Laurentiis also appeared to end any hope of Mario Balotelli joining Napoli, putting faith in those already at the club ahead of the striker, who ended a four-year national team hiatus and scored in Monday's 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia."We haven't considered him [Balotelli]," De Laurentiis said. "He is extraordinary, but first we need to consider the possibilities of players who are already here with Ancelotti during pre-season.
"We've got many attacking players, so we cannot harm those who are already here and have never played for Napoli."To think the attack is our priority [in the transfer market] would be a mistake. Our priorities are different."
Sessegnon will play for Fulham next season, insists owner Khan
Fulham owner Shahid Khan insists Ryan Sessegnon will be playing for the club in the Premier League next season.
The 18-year-old has been linked with some of England's biggest clubs due to his standout performances in 2017-18, which saw him named the EFL's Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season for the Championship.Manchester United and Tottenham have both been credited with an interest in the winger, who set up Tom Cairney's goal in the play-off final win over Aston Villa last Saturday.
But Khan expects Sessegnon to play in a Fulham shirt in 2018-19, even if it means being loaned back to the club after being signed for a "ridiculous" fee.
"We don't want Sessegnon leaving," he told The Times. "I don't think he wants to go. He's going to be at Fulham for the coming year, leading us into the Premier League."Frankly, if we had not been promoted, well, we have a responsibility to our players. He's been there since he was eight. We want to do the right thing for him and he is Fulham through and through.
"If a club pays a ridiculous fee, he's not going to be breaking into their starting 11, so he will be at Fulham next year; what the terms are I don't know."
Fulham owner Shahid Khan insists Ryan Sessegnon will be playing for the club in the Premier League next season.
The 18-year-old has been linked with some of England's biggest clubs due to his standout performances in 2017-18, which saw him named the EFL's Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season for the Championship.Manchester United and Tottenham have both been credited with an interest in the winger, who set up Tom Cairney's goal in the play-off final win over Aston Villa last Saturday.
But Khan expects Sessegnon to play in a Fulham shirt in 2018-19, even if it means being loaned back to the club after being signed for a "ridiculous" fee.
"We don't want Sessegnon leaving," he told The Times. "I don't think he wants to go. He's going to be at Fulham for the coming year, leading us into the Premier League."Frankly, if we had not been promoted, well, we have a responsibility to our players. He's been there since he was eight. We want to do the right thing for him and he is Fulham through and through.
"If a club pays a ridiculous fee, he's not going to be breaking into their starting 11, so he will be at Fulham next year; what the terms are I don't know."
Rashford will set the world alight, promises YoungMarcus Rashford has the potential to "set the world alight" and will be a key player for England at the World Cup, according to Ashley Young.
The forward heads into only his second major tournament for his country following a difficult season at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho.Rashford made 52 appearances in all competitions in 2017-18 but struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting line-up, while he came under scrutiny for his tame performance in the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea.
Young, though, has no doubt his United team-mate has the potential to become one of the game's leading players, starting in Russia next month.
"It's the World Cup and it could be his stage to show everybody how far he's come since his debut," he told a news conference."He produces at United and will be a major player for us at the World Cup. He's going to cope really well. "I've said it from the time I saw him in the youth team – he's got a massive future ahead of him. He's a fantastic player and if he keeps going the way he is, he'll set the world alight.
"He has his feet firmly on the ground and he wants to learn every day. He's one of them that the manager has to tell him 'come inside' because he wants to stay out and play non-stop."If you look at the goals he has scored on how many different debuts, it just shows he steps up in the big games."Young has forced his way back into the England fold following consistently good performances as United's first-choice left-back.
However, the former Aston Villa man admits he still feels like more of an attacking player, despite having played in a more defensive role for much of the last three seasons at club level. "I don't pretend, I still see myself as an attacker, especially the way that we play with the full-backs or wing-backs high up," he said.
"Different managers play different formations. I think I am one of those players who has a good footballing brain. Wherever the manager calls on me to play I will give 100 per cent for the England shirt and go to do as well as I can."
De Laurentiis: Ancelotti didn't insist on players like Conte
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis said he opted for Carlo Ancelotti over Antonio Conte as the former Bayern Munich manager did not push for signings like the Chelsea boss.
Ancelotti replaced Maurizio Sarri on a three-year deal last week – the veteran tactician returning to Serie A for the first time since leaving AC Milan in 2009.Conte, who is reportedly set to be replaced by Sarri at Stamford Bridge, was also in talks with De Laurentiis, however, his demands proved too much for the Napoli owner.
Speaking about the arrival of Ancelotti, De Laurentiis said: "I hope he stays with us for another 10 years, but I always have to think about the good of the club."I'll always act with objectivity and not allow myself to be taken by enthusiasm.Don't worry, with Carlo we'll do what we have to do."With Carlo, we've felt over the years that he's a man who's always given us a sense of serenity.
"When he asked me for some players and I said 'no', he didn't keep insisting like Conte. He understood and did so with great tenderness."If he came here, it's because he likes the club, city and current team. He's not someone who'll use Napoli as a stepping stone.
"I'll never forget when Conte courted me for [Kalidou] Koulibaly, going up to €58 million with Chelsea. I told him, 'what can I do with €58m?'. Money is a means, not an end. The end is Koulibaly."Sarri guided Napoli to two runner-up finishes in three seasons, having almost dethroned reigning champions Juventus this term.
The 59-year-old held talks with Napoli over an extension, however, De Laurentiis turned to Ancelotti amid Sarri's growing links with Chelsea."There is no background to Sarri's exit," De Laurentiis said. "At a certain point I told the press that his time was over.
"I am in charge of a business, and I can't be waiting for others to be available when they should always be available for the club."De Laurentiis added: "I gave him time, but then the time expired and I moved on by taking Carlo Ancelotti to Napoli."We started to collaborate together for two days in Rome and then with Ancelotti first in London, then in Canada."
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis said he opted for Carlo Ancelotti over Antonio Conte as the former Bayern Munich manager did not push for signings like the Chelsea boss.
Ancelotti replaced Maurizio Sarri on a three-year deal last week – the veteran tactician returning to Serie A for the first time since leaving AC Milan in 2009.Conte, who is reportedly set to be replaced by Sarri at Stamford Bridge, was also in talks with De Laurentiis, however, his demands proved too much for the Napoli owner.
Speaking about the arrival of Ancelotti, De Laurentiis said: "I hope he stays with us for another 10 years, but I always have to think about the good of the club."I'll always act with objectivity and not allow myself to be taken by enthusiasm.Don't worry, with Carlo we'll do what we have to do."With Carlo, we've felt over the years that he's a man who's always given us a sense of serenity.
"When he asked me for some players and I said 'no', he didn't keep insisting like Conte. He understood and did so with great tenderness."If he came here, it's because he likes the club, city and current team. He's not someone who'll use Napoli as a stepping stone.
"I'll never forget when Conte courted me for [Kalidou] Koulibaly, going up to €58 million with Chelsea. I told him, 'what can I do with €58m?'. Money is a means, not an end. The end is Koulibaly."Sarri guided Napoli to two runner-up finishes in three seasons, having almost dethroned reigning champions Juventus this term.
The 59-year-old held talks with Napoli over an extension, however, De Laurentiis turned to Ancelotti amid Sarri's growing links with Chelsea."There is no background to Sarri's exit," De Laurentiis said. "At a certain point I told the press that his time was over.
"I am in charge of a business, and I can't be waiting for others to be available when they should always be available for the club."De Laurentiis added: "I gave him time, but then the time expired and I moved on by taking Carlo Ancelotti to Napoli."We started to collaborate together for two days in Rome and then with Ancelotti first in London, then in Canada."
