DAVID NECKHAM GIVES SUPPORT AFTER BRAZIL STAR'S WORLD CUP 2014 BACK INJURY
David
Beckham has given his public support to Brazil's injured talisman Neymar
by posting pictures of the pair together over the years via his
Facebook page.
Neymar suffered a fractured vertebra in his back during the World Cup hosts 2-1 quarter-final win against Colombia on Friday.
The
injury means the forward will miss the rest of the tournament and
Beckham has become the latest star to show his sympathy for the
22-year-old by digging out a series of photographs of the duo dating
back from 2006.
VIDEO Scroll down to watch David Beckham taking selfies with Neymar
Blast from the past: David Beckham has shown his support to Neymar by posting pictures on Facebook
In a heap: Neymar suffered a fractured vertebra during Brazil's quarter-final vs Colombia on Friday
Accompanied
with the message 'You will come back even stronger,' the first of the
three pictures show the former England captain, then at Real Madrid,
posing with a shy 14-year-old Neymar.
The second photo shows the pair smiling together in 2012 while Beckham was at MLS outfit LA Galaxy.
The final picture taken from November 2013 depicts Neymar in Brazil's team tracksuit pointing a finger at the then 38-year-old.
Colombia's
Juan Zuniga's challenge on Neymar's has caused outrage in Brazil, with
captain Thiago Silva brandishing it a 'coward's tackle'.
The
defender, who will also miss Tuesday's semi-final against Germany
through suspension, said: 'It was a coward’s tackle - some people say it
was normal, but I don’t think it was...
'That
kind of challenge isn’t done. You can’t get the ball from someone by
putting your knee into a player’s back, it’s not normal. But there you
are.’
FIFA
confirmed on Monday that no disciplinary action would be taken against
Zuniga, who has received a flurry of abuse for causing the injury even
though he has made two public apologies.
Unimpressed: Brazil captain Thiago Silva has blasted Zuniga's challenge that has ended Neymar's World Cup.
BRAZIL FANS SET BUS ON FIRE IN SAO PAULO AFTER WORD CUP DEFEAT BUT TROUBLE AT MINIMUM ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Brazilian
police were on high alert following their country's humiliating exit
from the World Cup as they feared angry fans could riot after the
defeat.
Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side were thrashed 7-1 in the semi-final by Germany in Belo Horizonte.
And
while the wide spread rioting that was feared did not happen, there
were some reports of trouble in and around the stadium after the game
and in other cities across Brazil.
VIDEO Scroll down to watch Distraught Brazilians watch on from Rio
Violence: The streets were mostly calm after the
defeat, but not completely - vandals set a bus on fire in a busy
district of Sao Paulo after the match
Blaze: The bus was left as little more than a
burnt-out shell after the 7-1 defeat, which saw dismayed fans howling
with despair in the streets
Nothing left: The remains of the bus are left on the street after it was set on fire
The Brazilian cities which played host to fierce protests before the tournament were mostly calm after the match.
Although
authorities were called to a densely-populated area of Sao Paulo after
supporters reportedly set a bus alight, leaving it as little more than a
burnt-out shell.
Security
was beefed up around the stadium as one fan, Samir Kelvin, clung to a
streetlamp and cried: 'I have nothing left! I am Brazilian and
humiliated I want to kill myself.'
A woman shouted 'What shame, what shame!' as a man nearby banged his head against a bar table.
Under control: Police officers take actions to keep order after the match in Belo Horizonte
Keeping control: Police officers arrest an overreacting football fan after the game in Belo Horizonte
End of the world: Brazilian fans react after watching the defeat on a big screen in Belo Horizonte
WHO CAN BLAME HIM? FURIOUS BRAZILIAN FAN SMASHES HIS TV IN THE STREE AFTER WATCHING COUNTRY GET HAMMERED 7-1 BY GERMANY
A disgusted
Brazilian football fan has been captured taking out his anger following
the host nation's humiliating defeat - by smashing his flat screen
television on the road outside his house.
Video footage captured the unknown man carrying the wide screen into the street and throwing it onto the ground in frustration.
He
is joined by a companion, who helps him destroy the television he used
to watch the 7-1 loss to Germany in last night's World Cup semi-final.
Other
distraught fans were seen burning their own country's team shirts and
flag in the aftermath of the embarrassing defeat, the worst in Brazil's
history.
Scroll down for video
Frustrated:
Video footage captured the distraught Brazilian fan walking out of his
home and smashing the flat screen television on the road
Support: A companion joins the distraught man to help him pick up the television and hurl it towards the ground
As their dreams of glory lay in pieces last night some turned on each other, while others rioted on the streets.
This
morning, the world's press took turns in compounding the humiliation
with mock-ups and barbed digs at Luiz Felipe Scolari's team after a
night he called the worst of his life.
Meanwhile, one Brazilian paper told him to 'go to hell' and the country's leading soccer publication stated simply: 'A day to forget.'
Predictably, the internet was also flooded with virals.
In
her first interview since the defeat, Brazilian president Dilma
Rousseff told CNN that the defeat was an 'extremely painful situation'
but one that Brazil will overcome.
She
added: 'My nightmares never got so bad, Christiane. They never went
that far. As a supporter, of course, I am deeply sorry because I share
the same sorrow of all supporters. But I also know that we are a country
that has one very peculiar feature. We rise to the challenge of
adversity.'
However,
the politician was a victim of obscene chants during the game, with
fans inside the stadium singing: 'Hey, Dilma, go f*** yourself in the
a**!'.
Their
anger was directed at the £7 billion she spent on hosting the
tournament, despite massive cuts in public spending and wide-ranging
austerity measures.
During
the game, sadness quickly turned to anger as reports of violence
breaking out emerged. Pictures circulated today show fans fighting on
the terraces inside The Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte as their side
went down.
Distraught: Angry Brazil fans burn and shred a Neymar shirt after their team, without the injured Neymar, lost 7-1 to Germany
Unrest: Police officers take action to keep order after violence kicks off in Belo Horizonte after the match
Ugly scenes: Pictures emerged of angry Brazilian fans turning on each other in Belo Horizonte
Brazilian fans fighting at the stadium
during the semi-final. After Germany's fourth goal some lost control
and started fighting each other
Police arrive on Copacabana Beach in Rio after chaos ensued following Germany's fifth goal
Police officers arrest a football fan after the semi-final match between Brazil and Germany
Riot
police were also out in force in several Brazilian cities in case
trouble kicked off. In Rio de Janeiro officers descended on Copacabana
beach amid reports of gunfire.
Authorities
were called to a densely-populated area of Sao Paulo after football
supporters reportedly set several buses alight, leaving them completely
burnt-out.
Chiellini voices support for Suarez – and fans have their say
Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini has surprisingly
voiced his support for Luis Suarez, claiming his four-month ban from
football is ‘excessive’.
The Liverpool forward has been given a nine-game suspension and has been banned from all football activity for four months by Fifa.
However, Chiellini issued a statement on his officiall website saying he is not angry at the striker and instead feels the punishment by world football’s governing body could ultimately leave the player feeling alienated.
The statement said: “Now inside me there’s no feelings of joy, revenge or anger against Suarez for an incident that happened on the pitch and that’s done. There only remains the anger and the disappointment about the match.
“At the moment my only thought is for Luis and his family, because they will face a very difficult period. I always thought that official judgements are unquestionable, but on the other hand I believe that Suarez has been excessively punished. I sincerely hope that he will be allowed, at least, to stay close to his team mates during the games because such a ban is really alienating for a player.”
So, that’s what the man involved thinks, but I’ve been catching up with fans from all over the world in Sao Paulo to get their reaction. Here’s my
SUAREZ BAN IS CORRECT, SAYS NESTA
Alessandro Nesta
SUAREZ BAN IS CORRECT, SAYS NESTA
Luis Suarez’s four-month ban by FIFA was the right level of punishment, claims Alessandro Nesta. Suarez, who is appealing against the ruling, bit Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder during Uruguay’s World Cup victory in Group D.
Nesta, a Sony Team Ambassador at the World Cup, said he believes biting to be worse than spitting. “I used to believe that spitting at another opponent was the worst thing you can do, but biting someone goes beyond,” he said.
“You can think that something is definitely the worst, and then you discover there’s always something worse. I think it’s the right sanction for him.”
Nesta revealed he had also been the victim of a bite during his career. “Yes, during a game in Italy. It was an opposing player, the funniest thing is that we played together previously and we were good friends,” he said.
“But when you’re on the pitch, the adrenaline is pumping and there are no friends any more. I reacted by trying to punch him, luckily the referee didn’t see anything so we both stayed on pitch.”
Nesta added that Italy, sent packing by the Uruguayans, should focus on their younger players. “In my opinion, right now, Italy faces a change between old and young players. It’s not an easy moment for Italian football,” he said.
“We have to look at the younger generation. Marco Verratti is the strongest one we have. Then Alessio Cerci, Lorenzo Insigne, Claudio Marchisio. They are the most talented and they are likely to make a strong contribution in the future. El Shaarawy is another.”
MESSI 4 NEYMAR 4
In the process Messi, who turned 27 on Tuesday, became the third
Argentinian after Gabriel Batistuta and Oreste Corbatta to score in
three consecutive World Cup matches, helping steer his country through
as Group F winners to a last-16 match against Switzerland.Runners-up Nigeria, who face France in the next round, took plenty of consolation from the goalscoring feats of youngster Ahmed Musa, who matched Messi with a double of his own. He looks a real handful.
There was a hat-trick for Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri, undoubtedly the architect of their 3-0 win against Honduras in Manaus. “Xherdan Shaqiri is a player who can make the difference because he can decide games on his own,” noted the manager Ottmar Hitzfeld afterwards. Argentina beware.
France went through as Group E winners despite their goalless draw against Ecuador, who were reduced to 10 men after a straight red card for captain Antonio Valencia, of Manchester United.
Bosnia bowed out of their first-ever World Cup with an encouraging 3-1 win against Iran in Salvador, with Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko getting himself on the scoresheet at last.
You Golden Booty . . . the candidates for top scorer at the World Cup
4 – Neymar (Brazil), Messi (Argentina).
3 – Muller (Germany), Van Persie, Robben (both Holland), Benzema (France), E Valencia (Ecuador), Rodriguez (Colombia), Shaqiri (Switzerland).
2 – Cahill (Australia), Mandzukic (Croatia), Suarez (Uruguay), Gervinho (Ivory Coast), Depay (Holland), Perisic (Croatia), Martinez (Colombia), Dempsey (USA), Bony (Ivory Coast), A Ayew (Ghana), Musa (Nigeria).
NEYMAR WILL REACH MESSI'S LEVEL SAYS THIAGO SILVA
JUNE 27 BY JOYCE
Off course to doubt over that, in the area is success nothing is impossible. Brazil captain Thiago silva says Neymar has what it takes to reach the level of his barcelona team-mate lionel messi and claims the 22-year-old is "growing into a crescendo" at the World Cup.
Brazil face Chile in the last 16 at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte on Saturday and the hosts' hopes will once again rest on the shoulders of Neymar.
Like Messi, the former Santos forward has already netted four goals in the competition and Thiago Silva says the Brazilian is well on the way to matching the Argentina skipper.
"Messi is one of the best strikers in the world, one of the very best players," the Paris Saint-Germain defender told reporters at a press conference ahead of his side's match against Chile. "But Neymar is growing into a crescendo and he will be soon considered one of the best in the world,
"Technically, he has all the skills. Messi is one of the best of all, but I’m sure Neymar will get to that level."
Asked the same question, Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari agreed that Neymar is on the right track to be considered on a par with his Barcelona team-mate.
"Thiago just answered," he said. "Messi is one of the biggest and the best, but Neymar is following in that direction.
"I will only give my opinion [on which player is better] in 10 to 15 years," he revealed, but added: "Neymar doesn’t play to be the best, he plays for Brazil and stands by Brazil because he wants Brazil to be world champions."
10 HOTTEST SOCCER PLAYERS FOR 2014
JUNE 18 BY JOYCEIt is absolutely true to say that football is one of the the most remarkable and popular sports in the world This is might be the reason that the soccer players are loved and appreciated in the same way as we like cricketers, wrestlers or any other game players. Here is the list of top 10 hottest soccer players in 2014.
10. Mario Gomez:
He is a well known Italian player and truly a man of personality. Mario owns beautiful and sexy appeal and amazing hairstyle and is appreciated the world over.
9. Sebastian Larsson:
Sebastian Larsson is a Swedish football player and a blonde and beautiful man of the era. He became prominent during his 2007’s Birmingham series and scored really well.
8. Iker Casillas:
Iker Casillas is a good looking and handsome soccer player. He belongs to Spain and is famous for his awesome and amazing performance.
7. David Villa:
David was born in 1981 and he owns a beautiful personality. He has about six feet height and very beautiful personality. He styles his hairs in a lot of amazing ways and this is why grasps the attention of his female fans from all parts of the world.
6. David Beckham:
David is not only an excellent soccer player but also a hot English man. He belongs to Manchester, UK and is truly a hot and sexy youngster with energetic gaming habits.most of all i love his cute dress sense at all
5. Cristiano Ronaldo:
Cristiano is 6ft high handsome and one of the hottest soccer players in 2014. He belongs to Portuguese and has been the captain of Portuguese National Team. He is fashionable and beautiful.
4. Cesc Fabregas:
If you happen to check out the face book like and twitter followings of Cesc pages I am sure you will get to realize how beautiful and well known this Spanish footballer is. He was born in Barcelona in 1987 and owns a beautiful and proudy personality.
3. Gerard Pique:
Gerard has had been one of the major defenders of FC Barcelona and of course a hot soccer player of the era. He is only 26 years old but his bold and hot personality is the plus to his level of excellence in the stadium.
2. Lionel Messi:
Lionel is good looking, hot and a rock-star of football team of Argentine. He is 5.7ft high and was born in June, 1987. He is a remarkable and handsome soccer player of the world known for his personified personality. Lionel believes in taking challenges and this is might be the reason he has been a successful and one of the most promising soccer players of the world.
1. Mario Gotze:
Mario Gotze was born in June, 1992 and is a beautiful soccer player of Germany. He is attractive, charming and hot and is known for his talent and excellent performance in the stadium. He has been the member of various football clubs in Germany and works really hard to keep the graph of his success high. His height is about 5.6ft and we can definitely name him the first choice in the list of top 10 hottest soccer players in 2014. Let’s wait and watch can Mario keep up the level of his success high in the upcoming years.
ASHLEY COLE, PETER CROUCH, SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS AND CARLOZ TEVEZ ALL SEEN IN AMERICA BUT NONE ARE GOING TO BRAZIL
The trio were seen along with Crouch's wife Abbey Clancy, only Cole had a chance of making Roy Hodgson's World Cup squad.
Cole, 33, was believed to be very close to being on the plane to Brazil but eventually Southampton teenager Luke Shaw was chosen to go ahead of him.
Relaxed: Footballer Peter Crouch (right) and his wife Abbey Clancy (left) are also on holiday in America -in Los Angeles
Pool: Footballers Ashley Cole (right) and Shaun Wright-Phillips (second right) were also seen relaxing by the pool
Crouch, 32 now plays for Stoke City whilst Wright-Phillips plays for QPR, neither has featured for England since 2010.
Wright-Phillips enjoyed success this season with QPR as they secured promotion back to the Premier League although his future remains unclear.
Crouch has become an important player at Stoke City and enjoyed a productive season, finishing as their top scorer in the Premier League with eight goals.
Going in the right direction: Cole seemed to be enjoying himself while sunbathing
Friends: Crouch (left) and Cole (bottom) were both relaxing by the pool ahead of the World Cup
Blonde star: The 28-year-old presenter and model
was spotted striking a number of sultry poses in a teeny tasseled
bikini, which failed to get much of Peter's attention
Carlos
Tevez has also been sighted in America with the former Manchester City
striker dpomg little to suggest that he has come to terms with his
exclusion from Argentina's World Cup squad whilst on holiday in Miami.
The Juventus forward was spotted last week at Miami Beach and his mood doesn't appear to have improved as he remains on holiday.
Tevez, 30, looked to be in a despondent mood as he chatted to his wife by the ocean.
Pensive: Carlos Tevez looked thoughtful and sombre whilst on holiday in Miami with his wife Vanessa
Crucial: Tevez has proved to be a vital part of Juventus' team this season
Cosy: The pair looked every inch a loved-up
couple as Vanessa nestled her head into the footballer's chest and he
placed his chin lovingly on top of her head
Juventus won Serie A in emphatic fashion this season and Tevez played a big role in their success, scoring 19 goals in Serie A.
Tevez
was the highest profile exclusion from Argentina coach Alejandro
Sabella's squad for the World Cup but it came as no shock with Tevez's
last international game coming in 2011.
That
match was in the Copa America and Sabella was hired after Argentina's
exit in that tournament, meaning Tevez is yet to play for Sabella.
Topping up his tan: The pair were also seen chatting to each other as Carlos enjoyed a refreshing beverage
Efficient: Tevez (centre) settled well in Italy, scoring 19 goals in his debut season in Serie A
Sunning himself: The footballer has been at
Miami Beach trying to get over his exclusion from Argentina's World Cup
squad in the best way possible - by sunning himself with his wife
Speaking
earlier this year about his international exile Tevez said 'I don't
know if it's a political choice. I think it all depends on Sabella.'
Argentina
will be going to the World Cup with attacking options such as Sergio
Aguero, Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi so it is
unlikely that Tevez will be missed.
WAYNE ROONEY HOPING TO HIT THE RIGHT NOTES AS ENGLAND STRIKER SHARES WORLD CUP PLAYLIST
Wayne
Rooney is planning to hit the high notes at the World Cup this summer
and the England striker has already prepared his playlist for Brazil.
The
28-year-old's soundtracks for South America include 'Money On My Mind'
by Sam Smith, 'Goodbye My Lover' by James Blunt and a selection of other
mainstream tunes.
Rooney
posted his Spotify playlist to his fans on Twitter, alongside the
message: 'this is my world cup album 2014 hope everyone enjoys it. Bit
of a mixed bag'.
Wide-ranging musical tastes: Wayne Rooney has revealed a love of Beyonce, Ed Sheeran and Bill Withers
Hotting up: Rooney and the rest of the England squad trained in plenty of layers to replicate the heat in Brazil
Sing when you're winning: Rooney shared his World Cup Spotify playlist on Twitter
Beats: Rooney's soundtrack for Brazil includes Stereophonics, Beyonce and Bruno Mars
The
United star missed the end of the season with a groin problem and took
fitness and conditioning experts with him on holiday at the end of the
campaign, determined to stay in shape after disappointments at his two
previous World Cup tournaments.
In
2006, he recovered from a broken metatarsal but lacked sharpness and
erupted with a red card during England's quarter-final defeat against
Portugal.
Four years ago he was also suffering niggling problems and fitness issues which limited his work in training.
Hodgson
will hope this time it is different for Rooney and is sure to be
encouraged by the evidence since his squad assembled last week.
Drunk in Love: England striker Rooney enjoys the songs of American songstress Beyonce Knowles
Old and new: Rooney's wide-ranging musical taste includes Bill Withers (left) and Ed Sheeran
It's football, not rugby! Wayne Rooney is given a beating during strength work at England training
Showing his strength: Rooney runs into the crash bag held by coach Tony Strudwick
MANCHESTER UNITED CAN'T FUNCTION WITHOUT A DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL, INSISTS FORMER EVERTON BOSS JOE ROY (SO WILL THEY DARE?) APPOINT EX LIVERPOOL MAN DAMIEN COMOLLI
ANGEL DI MARIA ADMITS HE IS UNSURE OF REAL MARID FUTURE AMID ARSENAL INTEREST
Angel Di Maria cast doubt over his future at Real Madrid, saying that he is aware big clubs are ready to make an offer for him.
The
Arsenal target is happy in the Spanish capital and wants to stay at
Real as long as the club want him, but he fears he could be surplus to
requirements.
Do
Maria told MARCA: 'I am not going to lie, I know that there are clubs
that want to sign me and can match Real Madrid's demands.
Target: Real Madrid's Argentine winger Angel Di Maria is being chased by Arsenal
Content: Di Maria said he is happy at Real Madrid and wants to stay with the European champions
Spring in his step: The Argentine was happy with his season and knows that there are big clubs trailing him
'But that's up to my representatives and the club. I will stay if the club wants me to stay.
'I am not thinking about my future now. We will see what Madrid have in mind, whether they want me to stay or leave.'
The 26-year-old added: 'I am happy at Madrid. I had a great season and always had everybody's support.
'But sometimes you don't have a choice, even when you want to stay yourself.'
But one place Di Maria will not be going is to Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham.
Referring
to last summer, he added: 'Many things were said, sometimes you think a
lot and it hurts you when you are trying to always do your best for a
club and then it comes out that you might be going to Tottenham.'
SERGIO RAMOS' Champions League final header was so important for Real Madrid... Sportsmail looks back at 10 of the best
- Ramos equaliser set up Madrid for European title against Atletico
- Henrik Larsson, Luca Toni and Luis Suarez have all scored super headers
- Keith Houchen and Allan Clarke's FA cup strikes were so important
Sergio
Ramos powered in one of the most important headed goals in history on
Saturday night - the Real Madrid central defender storming from deep to
force extra time in the Champions League final they eventually won.
Its
timing - the third minute of added time in a game Real looked destined
to lose - was poetic and added to the occasion's drama.
Here, Sportsmail celebrates some of the best headers ever.
Have that! Sergio Ramos got Real Madrid back in the game against Atletico in the Champions League final
Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
There
wasn't much Suarez couldn't do for Brendan Rodgers' side last season,
and he even managed to score a ridiculous header from the edge of the
box against West Brom in October.
The Uruguayan got on the end of a shallow cross, yanked his neck and thundered the ball past Boaz Myhill.
Bullet: Liverpool's Luis Suarez scored a sensational header against West Bromwich Albion in October 2013
Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
Similarly
to Ramos' strike on Saturday, Drogba etched his name into European
folklore by equalising for Chelsea in the 88th minute of their Champions
League final against Bayern Munich in 2012. A real striker's goal at
the near post.
They're back in it! Didier Drogba netted an 88th
minute equaliser against Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League
final and went on to score the winning penalty for the Bues
Henrik Larsson (Sweden)
Only
Zlatan Ibrahimovic can lay claim to being up there with Larsson in a
Sweden shirt, with the ex-Celtic and Barcelona man one of the most
lethal forwards in world football in his day.
One
of Larsson's best came in the 5-0 mauling of Bulgaria at Euro 2004. He
latched on to an Erik Edman cross with a full-length dive to divert past
the goalkeeper.
No chance: Henrik Larsson netted twice against Bulgaria during Sweden's 5-0 mauling at Euro 2004
Luis Garcia (Liverpool)
The
Kop end at Anfield on European nights is a strange place; it seems to
suck some of the most breathtaking goals to grace the stadium, with
Garcia's effort against Anderlecht in 2005 no different.
Running
from deep, the Spaniard simply spun his neck to whip a header beyond a
helpless Sylvio Proto. The Reds went on to comfortably beat the Belgians
3-0.
From deep: Luis Garcia found the net with a header from the edge of the box against Anderlecht in 2005
Richard Walker (Blackpool)
Added
time of a game Division Three Blackpool really needed to win in 2001,
and substitute Walker came from absolutely nowhere to bullet a late,
late winner in from Tommy Jaszczun's desperate centre.
Incidentally, a certain Mark Clattenburg was the referee that night and the Seasiders won promotion via the play-offs.
Jared Borgetti (Mexico)
Although
in the eyes of some English football fans his career was tainted by a
difficult spell at Bolton, Borgetti was one of the more inventive
finishers in world football. The Mexican's crowning moment was perhaps a
cute header against Italy at the 2002 World Cup. One for the purists.
Improvise: Jared Borgetti scored a sumptuous header against Italy at the 2002 World Cup for Mexico
Luca Toni (Juventus)
There looked very little on when a floated cross found its way towards the Cagliari area, but Toni had other ideas.
The big Italian got in between two defenders and used all of his neck power to drill a header home.
Keith Houchen (Coventry City)
This
may be one of the only things Houchen is remembered for, but it's not a
bad one. An FA Cup final goal, and a diving header at that.
He notched a second equaliser against Tottenham Hotspur on the day in 1987 at Wembley, with the Sky Blues going on to win 3-2.
Allan Clarke (Leeds United)
The
winner in a Cup final isn't half bad, but when it's a diving header in
the competition's centenary year against Arsenal it's bloody brilliant.
Clarke took flight on the edge of the box with the execution spectacular.
Javier Hernandez (Manchester United)
A
real improvised effort away at Stoke City, Hernandez twisted and turned
in the six-yard box to give himself enough purchase to lever into the
net. 
Iconic: Coventry City's Keith Houchen (left) heads in the equalising second goal past Ray Clemence
Hatty man: Allan Clarke (left) scored a stunning winner for Leeds United in the 1972 FA cup final against Arsenal
Flicking 'eck! Javier Hernandez's effort against Stoke City in October
LUKE SHAW TARGETED BY CHELSEA AS JOSE MOURINHO LOOKS TO HIJACK MANCHESTER 'S DEALS FOR SOUTHHAMPTON STAR
- Manchester United are closing in on a £27million deal for Shaw
- The 18-year-old is keen to move to Old Trafford this summer
- Chelsea recently enquired about how the Shaw deal is progressing
- They want to replace Ashley Cole, who is a target for Manchester City
- Southampton have rejected an offer from Liverpool for Adam Lallana
- Saints have also had interest in Jay Rodriguez and Dejan Lovren
Chelsea
are making moves to hijack Luke Shaw's proposed transfer to Manchester
United after asking to be kept informed about how the deal is
progressing.
The
England full back had turned down Manchester City and in private has
long indicated his desire to join United, with a £27million deal
outlined.
However, the lack of an official announcement over the 18-year-old Southampton star's future prompted a recent Chelsea enquiry.
VIDEO Scroll down to watch Luke Shaw say he is focused on England and not transfer talk
Wanted man: Southampton and England left-back Luke Shaw has attracted interest from Chelsea
Preparation: Shaw is currently with the England squad ahead of the World Cup in Brazil
Southampton
have rebuffed offers so far for captain Adam Lallana with Liverpool
needing to find and extra £5m to cover payments to Bournemouth.
Dejan Lovren, Morgan Schneiderlin, Jay Rodriguez, Calum Chambers and Victor Wanyama have also been subject to enquiries.
Manchester City, meanwhile, retain an interest in Ashley Cole.
They
expect bids for Aleksandar Kolarov and want a centre back and defensive
midfielder with Chelsea target Eliaquim Mangala and Mehdi Benatia of
Roma at the forefront of their thinking.
Not enough: Liverpool are £5million short in their valuation of Southampton's Adam Lallana (right)
Manchester bound? City are hopeful of signing Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala this summer
TRANSFER NEWS: Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben rules out Manchester United move
Arjen Robben: Not interested in joining Manchester United
Arjen Robben has insisted that joining Manchester United is not an option as he is happy at Bayern Munich.
The
appointment of Louis van Gaal as manager at Old Trafford has seen
Robben linked with a summer switch to link up with his fellow Dutchman.Robben has experience of the Premier League following a previous stint with Chelsea, but he has made it clear that he has no intention of returning to English football.
The 30-year-old signed a contract extension at Bayern in March to keep him at the club until 2017, and despite his admiration for Van Gaal he is not interested in a reunion.
Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Robben said: "Manchester United? That's not an option. I am staying at Bayern Munich. Period.
"And I cannot imagine that Bayern would want to sell me.
"I have only just renewed my contract and we are happy with each other. It would have been a different story had I been unhappy.
Player Profile
10. Arjen Robben
- Appearances 35 (8)
- Goals 19
- Assists 13
- Yellows 1
- Reds 0
- Current Season
Robben will play under Van Gaal for the Netherlands at the World Cup this summer before the manager takes up his post at Manchester United, and the former Chelsea man feels he was the perfect choice to replace David Moyes.
"I think United did great to appoint Van Gaal," said Robben.
Robben's announcement that he is committed to Bayern comes just a day after team-mate Toni Kroos revealed that he expects to stay with the Bundesliga champions.
Ultimate Weekend New
"I am expecting to play for Bayern Munich next season," said Kroos in a statement to BILD.
"There was a lot of speculation, but Manchester is and was not an issue.
"At this point in time I am fully focused on preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup."
GUARDIOL THE RIGHT MAN FOR BAYERN INSISTS LAHM
The club captain has defended his head coach in the
wake of recent criticism and feels the 43-year-old's tactics make
football "fun"
Philipp Lahm has insisted Pep Guardiola is still the right man for Bayern Munich, claiming the Catalan's style is perfectly suited to the club.The former Barcelona coach received his fair share of criticism in the wake of Bayern's Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid and doubts emerged over whether Guardiola's philosophy was right for the Bavarians.
Lahm, however, says Guardiola's system makes football "fun" and maintains the 43-year-old is a perfect match for the club.
"If we would just sit back, defend and try to hit our opponents on the counterattack, Guardiola would not have been the right coach for us," Lahm told Suddeutschen Zeitung.
"But I feel that his philosophy and tactical ideas suit this team and a club like Bayern perfectly.
"Football's fun when you don't allow your opponent any time to breathe or have possession, while having 100 touches of the ball and passes yourself.
"Bayern are not a team that can play on the counterattack. We should do the exact opposite and always play our own game. This formation and style is ideal, but you have to do it 100 per cent right."
Bayern are currently preparing for Saturday's DFB-Pokal final against Borussia Dortmund as they aim for another domestic double after sealing the Bundesliga title in March.
BARCELONA ANNOUNCE MESSI AGREEMENT
The Camp Nou side have confirmed that the Argentine attacker is set to sign a new and improved deal in the upcoming days
barcelona have announced that they have reached an agreement with lionel messi over a new and improved contract.The Catalan club had been in talks with the Argentina international over a renewal for a number of weeks and the forward has now agreed to a new deal worth around €20 million net per season which will make him the highest-paid player in the world.
"FC Barcelona has reached an agreement to adjust the terms in the contract binding Leo Messi to the club as a professional first team player," a short statement said on Friday.
"The revised and updated contract will be signed over the next few days."
The new deal marks a happy ending to a difficult season for Messi, who has missed large chunks of the current campaign through injury and also faced a court case for tax evasion late last year.
The Argentine, who has hit 354 goals in 424 appearances since making his debut for Barca at the age of 17 in 2004, signed improved terms in February last year to earn around €12.5m annually but later saw that deal eclipsed by Cristiano Ronaldo's new contract at Real Madrid.
"It should give peace of mind to him and especially to the club, who can continue to count on the best player in the world," coach Gerardo Martino said on Friday."
Martino is set to leave the Catalan club this summer and will be replaced by Luis Enrique, who is keen to make Messi the cornerstone of his new sporting project at Camp Nou next season.
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BALOTELI ´NEEDS TO LEARN HOW TO SCORE GOAL´, SAYS BERLUSCONI
Milan striker Mario Balotelli must ‘learn how to score goals’, according to outspoken club president Silvio Berlusconi.
Balotelli is Milan’s leading goalscorer in Serie A this season, netting 14 goals in 29 appearances with the club in eighth position ahead of the final round of the season.
But speaking to Italian station Sport Mediaset, Berlusconi said the Italy international had to improve in the attacking third.
“I want to ask Balotelli if he wants to win,” said Berlusconi, who has begun working with Alzheimer patients as part of his court-ordered community service after being found guilty of tax fraud last year.
“He will say yes, and then I will tell him that he has to stay closer to the goal.
“Balotelli needs to learn how to score goals.
“Balotelli has extraordinary potential though. He is not a centre forward in our opinion, so he has to learn how to play in that role.”
It has been another difficult season for the Italian giants, having failed to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Milan are also set to miss out on European football completely after Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Atalanta left the club two points adrift of sixth-placed Torino, who occupy the final Europa League spot.
And the 77-year-old says he will be looking to sort out the club’s future at season’s end.
“The fans are not satisfied with Milan and neither am I, but the difference is that I’m the one who is putting up the money,” Berlusconi said.
“We are still the most titled club in the world, and we are already working on building the future Milan.
“I’m not satisfied with how Milan are playing. Not at all. Therefore we have to reflect upon this fact.”
Head coach Clarence Seedorf is also facing an uncertain future after Berlusconi refused to guarantee his position beyond the 2013-14 campaign.
“Seedorf’s future? We will make a decision after the season is over,” said Berlusconi, who recently claimed patients in a care home could do a better job than the Dutchman.
Balotelli is Milan’s leading goalscorer in Serie A this season, netting 14 goals in 29 appearances with the club in eighth position ahead of the final round of the season.
But speaking to Italian station Sport Mediaset, Berlusconi said the Italy international had to improve in the attacking third.
“I want to ask Balotelli if he wants to win,” said Berlusconi, who has begun working with Alzheimer patients as part of his court-ordered community service after being found guilty of tax fraud last year.
“He will say yes, and then I will tell him that he has to stay closer to the goal.
“Balotelli needs to learn how to score goals.
“Balotelli has extraordinary potential though. He is not a centre forward in our opinion, so he has to learn how to play in that role.”
It has been another difficult season for the Italian giants, having failed to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Milan are also set to miss out on European football completely after Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Atalanta left the club two points adrift of sixth-placed Torino, who occupy the final Europa League spot.
And the 77-year-old says he will be looking to sort out the club’s future at season’s end.
“The fans are not satisfied with Milan and neither am I, but the difference is that I’m the one who is putting up the money,” Berlusconi said.
“We are still the most titled club in the world, and we are already working on building the future Milan.
“I’m not satisfied with how Milan are playing. Not at all. Therefore we have to reflect upon this fact.”
Head coach Clarence Seedorf is also facing an uncertain future after Berlusconi refused to guarantee his position beyond the 2013-14 campaign.
“Seedorf’s future? We will make a decision after the season is over,” said Berlusconi, who recently claimed patients in a care home could do a better job than the Dutchman.
LIVERPOOL AND NAPOLI VYING FOR MASCHERANO
Liverpool and Napoli are locked in the battle for Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano, Catalan daily Sport has revealed.
Previewing the crucial league clash against Atletico Madrid, the Argentine hinted that the clash at Camp Nout could be his last ever game for Barcelona, which added fuel to speculations linking him with a summer exit.
According to Sport, the likes of Liverpool and Napoli are ready to reignite their interest in the highly rated footballer.
The Reds will attempt to lure Mascherano back to Anfield, where he has enjoyed three and a half very successful years under Rafael Benitez.
And it is the Spanish coach who will rival Liverpool for the player’s signature as he is hoping to add him to the ranks at Napoli.
With the Azzurri reportedly ready to offer around €15 million for Mascherano, the Premier League runners up will have to make a massive effort if they want to win the race for the 29-year-old.
BARCA IN AMBITIOUS SWOOPS FRO KOMPANY, POGBA
Catalan daily newspaper El Mundo Deportivo understands that Barcelona are showing interest in Vincent Kompany and Paul Pogba.
It is now becoming clear that Luis Enrique will replace Tata Martino in the Camp Nou dugout, and it appears new boss will have money to spend in the summer transfer window.
El Mundo Deportivo has learned that Barcelona could make an ambitious move on Vincent Kompany and Paul Pogba.
The Belgian defender is seen as a perfect partner for Gerard Pique, but prizing him away from Etihad will be no easy task, especially if Manchester City win the Premier League title.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are also looking at Juventus starlet Paul Pogba, who has seen his stock rise a great deal over the last year or so.
After Real Madrid failed to beat Real Valladolid in midweek, Barcelona have matters in their own hands, and the Catalans are 1/1 for the league title.
It is now becoming clear that Luis Enrique will replace Tata Martino in the Camp Nou dugout, and it appears new boss will have money to spend in the summer transfer window.
El Mundo Deportivo has learned that Barcelona could make an ambitious move on Vincent Kompany and Paul Pogba.
The Belgian defender is seen as a perfect partner for Gerard Pique, but prizing him away from Etihad will be no easy task, especially if Manchester City win the Premier League title.
Meanwhile, the Catalans are also looking at Juventus starlet Paul Pogba, who has seen his stock rise a great deal over the last year or so.
After Real Madrid failed to beat Real Valladolid in midweek, Barcelona have matters in their own hands, and the Catalans are 1/1 for the league title.
Premier League preview: Battles at both ends hot up on penultimate weekend
The top four still have plenty to play for on the penultimate weekend
It is possible that the lead in the
Premier League title race could change hands three times on the
penultimate weekend, while eight sides continue to contest a relegation
battle that looks set to go down to the wire.
Manchester
City can take to the summit at Everton on Saturday, but could then be
pegged back by Chelsea on Sunday, as they face Norwich City, and
Liverpool on Monday, who travel to Crystal Palace.At the opposite end of the division, Sunderland have hauled their way out of the drop zone and will want to maintain forward momentum at Manchester United, while fellow strugglers Cardiff City will endeavour to pile pressure on out-of-sorts Newcastle United.
West Ham United, who open the weekend against Tottenham Hotspur, and West Bromwich Albion, who go to Arsenal on Super Sunday, are not safe yet, and Fulham know they have to take something from a trip to Stoke City if they are to get back on the right side of the line.
Aston Villa have been in freefall of late and desperately need to stop the rot at home to Hull City, who will be looking to guarantee safety, while the only game with nothing riding on it will be staged in South Wales as Swansea City host Southampton.
Pole position
Last weekend could not have gone much better for Manchester City, and they now have their sights locked on top spot. Victory in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Saturday Night Football will edge them into pole position on goal difference and allow them to put the ball firmly back in the court of their title rivals. Everton will, of course, have something to say about that though. Defeat at Goodison Park would bring an end to their top-four bid, but success would lift them to within a point of the UEFA Champions League places and keep them very much in the mix.
v
Sunderland dragged themselves out of the bottom three with a crucial victory over Cardiff last time out, with seven points now taken from their last three outings. Form has been found at just the right time and an air of optimism has swept into Wearside. Ensuring that they remain on an upward curve will be no easy task, though, as they travel to Manchester United on Saturday. Interim boss Ryan Giggs got off to a winning start against Norwich, meaning a feel-good factor has also returned to Old Trafford towards the end of a forgettable campaign that will be most noted for the dismissal of David Moyes just 10 months into a six-year contract. United can still finish sixth and guarantee a Europa League spot, so ending with a flourish is the sole target for the dethroned Premier League champions.
Solskjaer: Survival still possible
Fulham will be hoping that they are not left to rue the two points they dropped at home to Hull City, with a two-goal lead whittled away on home soil to leave the capital outfit second-from-bottom. Felix Magath has, however, overseen a reversal in fortune that has delivered seven points from a possible 12 to keep the Craven Cottage faithful believing. Stoke City will be no pushovers on Saturday, though, especially in front of their own supporters. Mark Hughes' men boast the best home record outside of the top six, with the Britannia Stadium having become something of a fortress again to carry the Potters into the top half.
Future questions
The last of those sides still not mathematically safe are West Ham United, who kick-off the Premier League weekend with a derby date at Upton Park with cross-London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. It is unlikely that Sam Allardyce's side will be dragged into the bottom three from here, as they sit five points clear of the trapdoor, but they are limping towards the finishing post. The inconsistencies which have blighted West Ham's campaign have returned, with four successive defeats casting doubt over Allardyce's long-term future at the helm. Questions are also being asked of the man who will occupy the away dugout on Saturday afternoon, with Tim Sherwood growing increasingly frustrated at reports he is to be replaced in the summer regardless of how Spurs finish. It is still possible that he could end the season inside the top five, and he would have every right to point to that as a decent return on what he was asked to do.The last of Saturday's fixtures takes place at the Liberty Stadium, with Swansea City entertaining Southampton. Garry Monk, another of the Premier League's managerial rookies, hit his target last weekend as the Swans ensured that they will remain among the elite with a 4-1 hammering of hapless Aston Villa. Attention can now turn towards improvements in the summer window and kicking on in 2014/15 without the distraction of European football. Southampton will also be looking to open the next campaign in a stronger position than they finish the current one, with impressive progress being made on the South Coast. The Saints are virtually guaranteed to finish seventh, and that represents a sizeable step in the right direction.
Sky Sports will then deliver another Super Sunday double-header, starting with Arsenal's home date with West Bromwich Albion. Victory for the hosts will cement a top-four standing and ensure that their run of UEFA Champions League qualification is stretched into a 17th year. West Brom will want to spoil the party, though, and end any lingering relegation fears. Having pulled four points clear of the drop zone, the Baggies know one more positive result is all that is required to retain their seat at English football's top table.
v
Monday Night Football will ask another serious question of Liverpool's title credentials, with Brendan Rodgers looking for a positive response to the Reds' setback at the hands of Chelsea when they go to Crystal Palace. Manchester City showed them the way last weekend, as they left Selhurst Park with a 2-0 win, and Liverpool have to follow suit if they are to keep their fans dreaming of a first title success in 24 years. There is every chance that they will have fallen to third by the time they take to the field, so ignoring league tables and focusing on the task in hand will be the name of the game when Rodgers attempts to inflict back-to-back defeats on a Palace side that has been rejuvenated under the tutelage of Tony Pulis.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho targets two big summer signings
Jose Mourinho: Looking to bolster squad this summer
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has
admitted he will be looking to bring in two big-name players this summer
- but refused to confirm his interest in Diego Costa.
Atletico
Madrid and Spain striker Costa was the architect of the Blues'
Champions League semi-final exit earlier in the week and rumours suggest
Mourinho is keen to add the 25-year-old to his squad for next season.But while Mourinho confirmed his interest in bringing at least one top-class striker to Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window, he stopped short of discussing any specific targets.
The Portuguese said: "The only thing I can see is that the market is closed. It opens as you know in the summer.
Mourinho - Season of transition
"We are going to do, I would say, a couple of critical signings. Is a striker a target for us? Yes. Is Diego (Costa) a good player? Yes, he is but he's an Atletico Madrid player so I cannot say much."
Mourinho caused controversy earlier in the campaign when he was secretly filmed questioning the aptitude of his current strikeforce, which includes the likes of Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto'o and Demba Ba.
Mourinho is confident Chelsea will be in a better shape to win trophies next term after a 'transitional' season at Stamford Bridge.
And he has also questioned Eden Hazard's team ethic in the wake of Chelsea's midweek Champions League exit.
"Eden is the kind of player that is not so mentally ready to look back to his left-back and to leave his life for him.
"If you see the first goal of Atletico you completely understand where the mistake was and why we conceded that goal.
"The perfect team at the top level cannot make these kinds of mistakes."
While Mourinho has praised Hazard's willingness to work at times this season, he says there is still a lot of work for him to do.
"I'm not happy," Mourinho said. "I speak all season and I try to improve him all season."
Liverpool eyeing Leverkusen duo
Daily Mirror has learned that Liverpool are considering a double swoop for Bayer Leverkusen starlets Heung-Min Son and Emre Can.
Having secured Champions League qualification, the Reds need to add more bodies to the squad in the summer transfer window and the two Bundesliga players appear to be high on their wish list.
Liverpool missed out on forward Heung Min-Son last summer as he opted to join Bayer Leverkusen, but they plan to launch a new assault on the Korean.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a good first season at Bay Arena, having managed 9 goals and 4 assists in 29 Bundesliga appearances.
Meanwhile, his teammate Emre Can has been a real revelation this season and his impressive performances in central midfield and at left-back have caught the eye of Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.
The 20-year-old did really well to nail down a regular starting berth and has so far bagged 2 goals in 27 league outings.
Having secured Champions League qualification, the Reds need to add more bodies to the squad in the summer transfer window and the two Bundesliga players appear to be high on their wish list.
Liverpool missed out on forward Heung Min-Son last summer as he opted to join Bayer Leverkusen, but they plan to launch a new assault on the Korean.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a good first season at Bay Arena, having managed 9 goals and 4 assists in 29 Bundesliga appearances.
Meanwhile, his teammate Emre Can has been a real revelation this season and his impressive performances in central midfield and at left-back have caught the eye of Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.
The 20-year-old did really well to nail down a regular starting berth and has so far bagged 2 goals in 27 league outings.
Messi is mentally fatigued, says former Barca coach
Former
Barcelona head coach Cesar Luis Menotti believes that Lionel Messi is
suffering from mental fatigue following a poor run of form.
Messi has faced criticism for a lacklustre showing in Barca’s UEFA Champions League exit to La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid at the quarter-final stage last week.
The Argentina international also failed to reach his usual high standards as Barcelona crashed to a 1-0 defeat at Granada on Saturday – a result that severely hinders their hopes of retaining the Spanish title.
Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta leapt to Messi’s defence earlier this week, insisting that all is well with the 26-year-old despite his slump in form.
However, Menotti – who coached Barcelona between 1983 and 1984 – thinks that Messi is mentally burnt out, and reckons that he needs to rediscover his “joy” of playing for Barcelona.
Speaking to La Xarxa, Menotti said: “Messi has to overcome the sadness of poor performances and rediscover the joy, pride and passion it takes to play at a club like Barcelona.
“I’ve seen more mental fatigue than physical. It’s normal when there are a lot of games and he has many obligations.
“Maybe a couple of days rest would help him recompose his head and be the best in the world again.”
Messi has faced criticism for a lacklustre showing in Barca’s UEFA Champions League exit to La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid at the quarter-final stage last week.
The Argentina international also failed to reach his usual high standards as Barcelona crashed to a 1-0 defeat at Granada on Saturday – a result that severely hinders their hopes of retaining the Spanish title.
Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta leapt to Messi’s defence earlier this week, insisting that all is well with the 26-year-old despite his slump in form.
However, Menotti – who coached Barcelona between 1983 and 1984 – thinks that Messi is mentally burnt out, and reckons that he needs to rediscover his “joy” of playing for Barcelona.
Speaking to La Xarxa, Menotti said: “Messi has to overcome the sadness of poor performances and rediscover the joy, pride and passion it takes to play at a club like Barcelona.
“I’ve seen more mental fatigue than physical. It’s normal when there are a lot of games and he has many obligations.
“Maybe a couple of days rest would help him recompose his head and be the best in the world again.”
Walcott will not rush comeback
Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has no intention of rushing his comeback from a serious knee injury, despite facing FIFA World Cup heartache.The 25-year-old ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee towards the end of Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round victory over rivals Tottenham in January.
Walcott has now stated that he will only return when he is fully fit and will not try and rush back to be part of Roy Hodgson’s England squad for the World Cup in Brazil later this year.
“I am not pushing myself to be fit for the World Cup or anything like that,” he told Arsenal’s matchday magazine for Monday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United.
“I want to be back quickly, of course, but safely too. I want to try and be back for the early part of next season, that is the goal, so there will be a lot of hard work throughout the summer and during the World Cup.”
On his comeback, he added: “It has nearly been four months now and my recovery has gone on track so far.
“At the moment, I’m working on muscle strength and building muscle in my quad.
“I don’t see any point in being down in the dumps about the injury because it has already happened and there are a lot of people with worse problems in the world.
“I will just get on with my work. I am first in and last out on most days. I see the consultant soon, too, and hopefully he will give me the thumbs up to push on. I would love to be running in a few weeks.”
Ancelotti has no interest in United job
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti insists that he has no interest in succeeding David Moyes at Manchester United.
The Italian is currently among the favourites to fill the vacancy after Moyes last week paid the price for a disappointing season that has seen United fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League and meekly surrender the Premier League title.
Ryan Giggs has taken on the role of interim manager at Old Trafford, but Ancelotti – preparing for Tuesday’s second leg of a Champions League semi-final tie in which his side lead reigning champions Bayern Munich 1-0 – stressed that his long-term future is with Real.
“I respect everyone,” he said. “I haven’t had contact with Manchester United.
“I want to stay at Real Madrid for a long time.
“It’s strange to discuss my future in the middle of a Champions League semi-final.”
Ancelotti has previous experience of managing in the Premier League, having led Chelsea to a Premier League and FA Cup double in 2009-10.
The Italian is currently among the favourites to fill the vacancy after Moyes last week paid the price for a disappointing season that has seen United fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League and meekly surrender the Premier League title.
Ryan Giggs has taken on the role of interim manager at Old Trafford, but Ancelotti – preparing for Tuesday’s second leg of a Champions League semi-final tie in which his side lead reigning champions Bayern Munich 1-0 – stressed that his long-term future is with Real.
“I respect everyone,” he said. “I haven’t had contact with Manchester United.
“I want to stay at Real Madrid for a long time.
“It’s strange to discuss my future in the middle of a Champions League semi-final.”
Ancelotti has previous experience of managing in the Premier League, having led Chelsea to a Premier League and FA Cup double in 2009-10.
Agent can't see Klopp quitting BVB for Man Utd or Barcelona
Klopp has been linked with Barcelona and Manchester United, following the sacking of David Moyes yesterday.
"The question of a change is currently absolutely not on. Jürgen Klopp and Borussia Dortmund - that's just true love," Marc Kosicke told 11Freunde.
"Because of his competence, Jürgen is a perfect match for any top club in the world. However, his eloquence, language is a very important stylistic device of his work. And Jürgen does not speak Spanish.
"His English is now very good."
Chelsea, Man Utd watching Wolfsburg fullback Rodriguez
Chelsea and Manchester United are following VfL Wolfsburg fullback Ricardo Rodriguez.Kicker says the Switzerland international left-back is being watched by Chelsea and United leading up to the summer market.
Rodriguez is tied to Wolfsburg until 2016.
"We're happy with Ricardo and are not planning to lose him," said Wolfsburg chief Klaus Allofs.
AC Milan in contact with Southampton boss Pochettino
Milan coach Clarence Seedorf is losing the confidence of owner Silvio Berlusconi and could be dumped at the end of the season.
Sportmediaset says Pochettino is emerging as a candidate to succeed Seedorf this summer.
Indeed, Milan have already made contact with the Argentine to sound him out about moving to Italy.
The stumbling block, however, will be Pochettino's wage demands.
Moyes breaks public silence on Man Utd sacking
The Scot released a statement through the League Managers' Association:
"To have been appointed as manager of Manchester United, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, was and remains something of which I will always be incredibly proud.
"Taking charge after such a long period of continuous stability and success at the club was inevitably going to be a significant challenge, but it was one which I relished and never had a second thought about taking on.
"The scale of the manager’s job at United is immense, but I have never stepped away from hard work and the same applies to my coaching staff. I thank them for their dedication and loyalty throughout the last season.
"We were fully focused and committed to the process of the fundamental rebuilding that is required for the senior squad. This had to be achieved whilst delivering positive results in the Barclays Premier League and the Champions League. However, during this period of transition, performances and results have not been what Manchester United and its fans are used to or expect, and I both understand and share their frustration.
"In my short time at the club I have learnt what special places Old Trafford and Carrington are. I would like to thank the United staff for making me feel so welcome and part of the United family from my first day. And of course thank you to those fans who have supported me throughout the season. I wish you and the club all the best for the future.
"I have always believed that a manager never stops learning during his career and I know I will take invaluable experience from my time as United's manager. I remain proud to have led the team to the quarter finals of this year's Champions League and I remain grateful to Sir Alex Ferguson for believing in my ability and giving me the chance to manage Manchester United."
Swansea keeper backs fellow Dutchman van Gaal for Man Utd post
Swansea keeper Michel Vorm is confident his fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal is perfect for the Manchester United job.Vorm, who has worked under Van Gaal for the national side, told Sky Sports News: "I think he's very clever. You can tell that he's got a lot of experience and he analyses teams very well.
"He's very straightforward and for me, he's one of the best managers that I've worked with because he makes it very clear in what he wants. It doesn't matter who you are - he treats everybody the same.
"If he comes to the Premier League, he will do well no matter which team he's going to coach. I'm 100% sure that with his experience and what he's already achieved, he would fit the bill at United."
Iniesta admits Man Utd target Cesc hurting over Barcelona jeers
Andres Iniesta admits Barcelona teammate Cesc Fabregas is hurt being targeted by the boo-boys.
Cesc was jeered during yesterday's win over Athletic Bilbao by Nou Camp fans.
"Of course it hurts to see Cesc jeered," said Iniesta. "You try to ignore it and hope it does not happen, but these situations are not comfortable.
"Nevertheless, I think it's isolated. I do not think it's a personal situation for him. We are in a rare season that depends on everything around us now."
Cesc is being linked with Manchester United and former club Arsenal in England amid claims Barca are willing to sell the underperforming midfielder.
Man Utd target Reus coy over Borussia Dortmund future
The Germany midfielder is a top target for Manchester United, while Arsenal and Real Madrid are also keen, says BILD.
"Of course I have a career plan and especially I have a valid contract," said Reus of his BVB deal, which runs to 2017.
"I have never spoken in public about my contract's clauses. BVB is my club, Dortmund is my home. I came back here to win titles - and to the extent we have not yet reached.
"I really feel very, very well here."
Sunderland midfielder N'Diaye unsure of Real Betis stay
Real Betis midfielder Alfred N'Diaye is yet to hear from parent club Sunderland about next season.
Betis have expressed interest in converting his loan into a permanent transfer.
But N'Diaye admits he's yet to hear from anyone about plans for next season.
"I'm fine here, but I do not know what will happen in the future," said N'Diaye.
Liverpool tracking Borussia Dortmund defender Marcel Schmelzer
Liverpool are keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund defender Marcel Schmelzer.
The left-sided defender is on Reds boss Brendan Rodgers' shortlist of options as he seeks a new left-back signing this summer.
Schmelzer's deal runs to 2017 and does not carry a buyout clause.
German sources expect Liverpool to test BVB's resolve over Schmelzer in the coming months.
Barcelona eyeing Newcastle keeper Krul
Barcelona are chasing Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul.
The Mirror says the Spanish giants were already on the lookout for a new No.1 with Victor Valdes on his way out of the Nou Camp this summer.
But back-up stopper Jose Pinto’s decision to follow Valdes’ lead by rejecting a new deal means Barca are now on the lookout for two top-class goalkeepers.
Juventus are eyeing Krul, and now Barca have joined them in looking at the Dutch keeper.
The Catalan club remain confident that their transfer ban – imposed because they had breached rules on the transfers of players aged under 18 – will at the very least be put on hold while an appeal is made.
Man City prepare world record £250M bid for unhappy Messi
The Manchester Evening News says City have been linked with a staggering £250m deal for Barcelona ace Lionel Messi.
The Argentinian is yet to sign a contract extension at the Nou Camp and reports in Spain suggest he could be tempted by a new challenge at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old has been at Barca for his whole career but this season has been a turbulent one for the Catalan club. They are struggling to cling on in the La Liga title race and this week were beaten by arch rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
How Real Madrid Will Line Up Against Bayern Munich
By Nick Dorrington
Paul White
The fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale is the major doubt for Carlo Ancelotti in deciding how Real Madrid will line up against Bayern Munich on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.
Ronaldo has missed Madrid’s last four matches with knee and hamstring
problems, but he underwent an intensive extra day of training on
Sunday, as per AS, and then completed a full training session on Monday.It would clearly be a huge boost for Madrid if Ronaldo was to return. He is their top scorer in both domestic and European competition this season and is, as per UEFA, just one goal away from beating the all-time record for most goals in one European Cup/Champions League campaign. The record is currently jointly held by himself, Jose Altafini and Lionel Messi.
Tucked away at the end of Madrid’s press release regarding Ronaldo was the news that Bale had missed Monday’s session after coming down with the flu.
Bale, who scored the wonder goal (see below) that won Madrid the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona last week, was likely to form part of a front three with Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Ancelotti will be forced to seek alternative options if the Welshman is unavailable.
In the likely case that Ancelotti opts for a 4-3-3 formation on Wednesday, Di Maria will be joined in the midfield three by Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric. Casemiro proved himself an able destructor of play during his brief cameo in the second leg of the quarter-final win over Borussia Dortmund, but he lacks the necessary experience to be entrusted with a starting role in a fixture of such magnitude.
Ancelotti’s central core of defensive midfielder Xabi Alonso and centre-backs Pepe and Sergio Ramos struggled to deal with the speed and movement of Dortmund’s attackers during the quarter-final, becoming particularly ragged during the second leg in Germany.
Both Alonso and Ramos were booked during the match, with Alonso perhaps fortunate not to receive a second yellow card after committing, as per Squawka, a couple of other fouls inside the half Madrid were defending.
Alberto Saiz
Varane: An Option in Defence?
It would certainly represent a big risk for Ancelotti to pick Varane ahead of his most experienced central defender.
Marcelo has been out of action since the 1 April, and although he is expected to return to the squad for Wednesday’s match, Fabio Coentrao remains the favourite, as per Marca.com, to line up at left-back.
In line with the rotation scheme Ancelotti has instituted this season, cup goalkeeper Iker Casillas will retain his place between the sticks, with league goalkeeper Diego Lopez on the bench. It will, as per Marca.com (in Spanish), be the first time Casillas has played in consecutive matches since December.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Iker Casillas, Daniel Carvajal, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao; Luka Modric, Xabi Alonso, Angel Di Maria; Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo
Bleacher Report Tactics Board
EXCLUSIVE: Wayne Rooney passed fit for Man United's clash at former club Everton
Wayne Rooney has given Manchester United a boost ahead of Sunday’s trip to his old club Everton by training fully for the first time since the Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich.
Rooney played in last week’s game in Bavaria with a chipped bone in his foot, prompting United manager David Moyes to suggest afterwards that he couldn’t even kick the ball properly.
Match of the day: Man United's Wayne Rooney
shoots past Everton's Phil Jagielka during Everton's 1-0 win at Old
Trafford earlier this season
With a World Cup starting in 56 games,
England fans have been wondering if their star player’s major
tournament course is about to strike again.However it is understood that Rooney returned to full contact training at Carrington today and is contention for a return to first team action.
Moyes may decide not to throw the 28-year-old in to the fray at Goodison Park this Sunday for what promises to be a spicy fixture.
Taken away: Wayne Rooney walks into a chauffeur-driven car after dining at Wing's Restaurant on Tuesday
Rooney always gets
a hostile reception on Merseyside while Moyes himself is returning to
Everton for the first time since leaving for Old Trafford last summer.However, United are still without striker Robin van Persie and know they must grab a victory if they are to keep their Europa League hopes on track.
Moyes has also been boosted by a return to training of key defender Jonny Evans this week.
Keep going: Moyes is still in with a glimmer of a hope of qualifying for the Champions League
Revealed: Al Qaeda fighter labelled 'Arsenal player' said to be Portuguese who may have taken part in coaching sessions at the club
- Extremist video emerged with Al Qaeda terrorist claiming to be a former Arsenal player
- Online rumours initially suggested he was former Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth player Lassana Diarra
- This rumour was categorically denied by Diarra's lawyer
- Sources now claim the terrorist is a Portuguese national who lived in east London
- Arsenal say they do not recognise the individual, nor do they have any record of him 'representing the club at any level'
The masked Al Qaeda terrorist said to be a former Arsenal player in an online extremist video has been identified as a Portuguese citizen, according to sources.The man, who used a false name in the clip, is believed to have lived in Leyton, east London. But
but it is unclear whether he ever had trials with Arsenal or any other association with the club.
Arsenal have made it clear they do not recognise the man, nor do they have any record of his 'representing the club at any level'
Scroll down for video
Extremist: The man claimed in an extremist video to be a former Arsenal footballer now fighting in Syria
Sources told The Guardian they do not believe he was a full-time player but he may have attended coaching sessions when potential players are assessed.
A spokesman for the club said: 'We do not recognise the individual from the published clips and we don't have any record of this man representing the club at any level.'
As a result, Diarra - who now plays for Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia - was forced to deny claims that he had become an Islamic warrior fighting in Syria, saying he had never set foot in the war-torn country.
country.
Mistaken identity: Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Lassana Diara (right) denied rumours that he was a jihadist
Denial: Lassana's lawyer said he has never even set foot in Syria and currently plays football in Russia
The footage, which appeared two weeks ago and is apparently shot in Syria, shows the man calling on
Muslims in the West to travel to the war-torn region and fight with
radical militants.The man, whose face is hidden by a balaclava and is seen clutching an AK47 rifle, is identified as Abu Isa al-Andalus.
According to FiSyria.com, the site that posted the video, the man moved to London from his native country to play for Arsenal after growing up alongside a world-famous footballer.
Jihadi: The man's face is covered during the video, in which he clutches an AK47 assault rifle
Jihadi: The man's face is covered during the video, in which he clutches an AK47 assault rifle
It claims the man was radicalised in the capital two years ago before 'leaving everything' to join the Al Qaeda-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
He later adds: 'We have conquered many cities and we are now implementing the Sharia. We have areas where the kaffirs (non-Muslims) are paying us the tax.
'If we stay in the kaffir countries we have to pay (taxes) to them. Do you want to be humiliated by this? Think about it.
No record: An Arsenal spokesman has said the club doesn't have any record of this man representing the club
'If you have family in these (Western) countries it's a must for you to put your children in the kaffir schools. "Who is going to teach your children?" It's going to maybe be a gay, maybe a drug dealer, maybe a paedophile.
'It's very important for you to protect your children. Allah says they are the worst of creatures.'
The Russian-based website does not confirm the man's previous identity on the page, which shows two videos each roughly four-minutes long
West Brom star Berahino filmed inhaling 'hippy crack' at the wheel of parked car after United defeat
- Saido Berahino sucks up nitrous oxide inside his car
- Potentially deadly drug is also known as 'laughing gas' or 'hippy crack'
- Barahino had been partying in Birmingham before the incident
The England Under 21 forward repeatedly sucked up nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’, inside his parked car before slumping at the wheel hours after his team had lost 3-0 to Manchester United.
A female friend is heard to say, ‘Are you f*****?’ and then: ‘Do you not think you’ve had enough?’. Later Berahino is asked, ‘What is up with you dude?’ as he stares into the camera.
No laughing matter: Saido Berahino inhales nitrus oxide, also known as 'laughing gas' or 'hippy crack'
Controversial: Saido Berahino (left) has been filmed inhaling laughing gas
SUPER STAT
West Brom have been 2-0 up inside 11 minutes four times this season but failed to win each game.
But drug advice website Frank warns ‘there is a risk of death as a lack of oxygen can occur’ and adds: ‘This risk is likely to be greater if the gas is consumed in an enclosed space.’
Danny Lee-Frost, of the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency, has said: ‘The rush users experience is caused by starving the brain of oxygen. The long-term dangers to health include bone marrow suppression, blood cell problems and poisoning of the central nervous system.’
Berahino, 20, was partying at trendy Nuvo bar in Birmingham city centre on March 8 when the video was taken, according to the Sunday Mirror. He has issued an apology for his actions and insisted he will not use the drug again. He has also been reprimanded by West Brom.
Talent: Berahino (centre) took part on West Brom's 3-3 Premier League draw with Tottenham on Saturday
Lionel goes 'Messing in action': Barcelona misery deepens after Gareth Bale's brilliance... now heads will roll in summer
- Lionel Messi's lack of form criticised after Copa del Rey final
- Barcelona were beaten 2-1 by Real Madrid in Valencia
- Barca boss Gerardo Martino is expected to leave in the summer
- Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp is the favourite to replace Martino
- Athletic Bilbao's Ernesto Valverde is the other candidate
- Barcelona face a transfer ban in the summer, meaning no squad overhaul
OK, so it
wasn’t quite the tower block being detonated: Barcelona went down
fighting, a post's width from equalising in injury time and ultimately
only second-best because of Gareth Bale’s brilliance.
But
the Copa del Rey represented their most realistic chance to win a
trophy this season and a trophyless campaign means heads will roll.
Gerardo
Martino appears to have already decided his time at the club will come
to an end at the end of the season. He was criticised when Barca were
winning so he knew what was coming as soon as they started losing.
Scroll down to watch Messi appearing exhausted in training before Copa del Rey final
Up in arms: Lionel Messi reacts during Barcelona's Copa del Rey final defeat against Real Madrid
Teapot: The Argentina superstar puts his hands on his hips as he faces up to a toothless display
Pals and rivals: Cristiano Ronaldo (right) comforts Lionel Messi after the game
Rubbing it in: Madrid playmaker Xabi Alonso celebrates as Messi reflects on his poor performance
Can't hold him off: Messi keeps Bale at arm's length, but it was the former Spurs star who had the last laugh
No comfort: Neymar puts his arm round Messi after the defeat against Barcelona's arch rivals
'It’s been a
hard week,' he said after the Madrid defeat. His side are now out of
two competitions and almost out of a third inside seven days.
Martino
rotated his squad earlier in the season so that they might not tire in
the later big games - as they did so disastrously last year against
Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final - but there is no
accounting for Bale.
'It’s
incredible to see at that stage of the game someone with the power to
make that run and then the composure to finish as he did,' said the
Barca coach of his tormentor.
If,
as expected, Martino goes, two candidates will lead the race to replace
him. Borussia Dortmund's Jurgen Klopp appeals to the Barcelona media
because of his swashbuckling football and charismatic press conferences.
But Athletic Bilabo coach Ernesto Valverde might be a more realistic
option and would be many fans' choice.
Incredi-Bale! The Wales star (centre) scored a sensational winning goal to land the cup for Madrid
Money well spent: The world's most expensive footballer at £86m has won his new side a trophy already
Valverde
will also be a safer bet. As a former player at the Nou Camp he will not
look to compromise the 'Barca way' and will not complain if the club
can't make any signings this summer - he is in much the same position at
Bilbao, who can only sign Basque players.
If president Josep Bartomeu comes up with an acceptable candidate to replace Martino then he may save his own skin.
But
if supporters are unhappy at the prospective new manager then attention
will turn to a board still marked by its association to Sandro Rosell,
the last president who oversaw the Neymar contract fiasco and failed to
satisfy FIFA's demands for Barca to put the status of their Under 18
players in order.
The ban on transfers will perhaps save
the squad from a major overhaul although any big offers for players such
as Dani Alves, Alex Song and Alexis Sanchez may be accepted
regardless.
Time to go: Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino (left) knows his days are numbered at the Nou Camp
Going, going, gone? Dani Alves, who has been a star at right back for Barca, could be leaving this summer
The club
are still hopeful they can buy time in the transfer market by appealing
to the Court of Arbitration in Sport, freeing them up to spend at the
end of this season before any ban kicks in next winter if they lose the
appeal.
What
can't be bought is the happiness and form of Lionel Messi. 'Messing in
action' was the most used headline after his no-show in the final.
The
slalom dribbles have been replaced by a melancholic meandering and
there is a sense that until the old Messi returns Barca will struggle to
emerge from the doldrums.
Man United’s Danny Welbeck & Tom Cleverley Spotted Partying The Night After Bayern Defeat
[PHOTOS] Man United’s Danny Welbeck & Tom Cleverley Spotted Partying The Night After Bayern Defeat
Manchester United players Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley were reportedly spotted dancing in the street just hours after they were booted out of the Champions League.
The players returned to Manchester following Wednesday night’s defeat to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the elite European tournament.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Welbeck, Cleverley and Ashley Young partied until 3am on Friday in the city centre after beginning their night at Neighbourhood.
The trio, along with a group of friends, are said to have moved on to Sakura at Deansgate Locks, until Young left in a taxi and Welbeck was spotted coming out of the venue holding a bottle of beer in his hand.
The striker and Cleverley were both photographed showing off some dance moves in the street before leaving.
See more photos
![JS34908479 Man Uniteds Danny Welbeck & Tom Cleverley danced and drank in the street night after Bayern defeat [Pictures]](http://i1.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article6951475.ece/alternates/s2197/JS34908479.jpg "Man Uniteds Danny Welbeck & Tom Cleverley danced and drank in the street night after Bayern defeat [Pictures]")
![JS34908432 Man Uniteds Danny Welbeck & Tom Cleverley danced and drank in the street night after Bayern defeat [Pictures]](http://i4.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article6951464.ece/alternates/s2197/JS34908432.jpg "Man Uniteds Danny Welbeck & Tom Cleverley danced and drank in the street night after Bayern defeat [Pictures]")
![JS34908415 Man Uniteds Danny Welbeck & Tom Cleverley danced and drank in the street night after Bayern defeat [Pictures]](http://i2.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article6951456.ece/alternates/s2197/JS34908415.jpg "Man Uniteds Danny Welbeck & Tom Cleverley danced and drank in the street night after Bayern defeat [Pictures]")
![JS34908248 Man Uniteds Danny Welbeck & Tom Cleverley danced and drank in the street night after Bayern defeat [Pictures]](http://i2.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article6951429.ece/alternates/s2197/JS34908248.jpg "Man Uniteds Danny Welbeck & Tom Cleverley danced and drank in the street night after Bayern defeat [Pictures]")
![JS34908245 Man Uniteds Danny Welbeck & Tom Cleverley danced and drank in the street night after Bayern defeat [Pictures]](http://i4.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article6951423.ece/alternates/s1227b/JS34908245.jpg "Man Uniteds Danny Welbeck & Tom Cleverley danced and drank in the street night after Bayern defeat [Pictures]")
Top 5 Richest Owners In The English Premier League
Top 5 Richest Owners In The English Premier League
The Premier League is truly a multi-billion pound industry these days.
With interest at an all time high, Premier League games attract hundreds of millions of viewers on a weekly basis making it a lucrative investment for well-off businessmen and women.
In recent years, Premier League clubs have attracted the attention of some of the wealthiest people in the world.
Be it through passion or through business, some billionaires can’t resist the temptation to pump their money into English clubs.
Here are the 5 richest people with large stakes in Premier League clubs today.
All information comes from The Richest.
5. Joe Lewis
Club: Tottenham
Worth: $4.2 billion
The businessman from the Bahamas is so elusive these days that we can’t even find a picture of him. Instead we’ve had to go for the younger looking version of Daniel Levy, who does the dirty work on behalf of Joe Lewis.
The majority stakeholder has kept the White Hart Lane gravy train rolling for some time now and is set to bank roll a move to a new world-class arena.
What a guy. Tottenham fans will be happy these Caribbean sugar daddy is still around, although quiet where around, no one knows.
Worth: $4.2 billion
The businessman from the Bahamas is so elusive these days that we can’t even find a picture of him. Instead we’ve had to go for the younger looking version of Daniel Levy, who does the dirty work on behalf of Joe Lewis.
The majority stakeholder has kept the White Hart Lane gravy train rolling for some time now and is set to bank roll a move to a new world-class arena.
What a guy. Tottenham fans will be happy these Caribbean sugar daddy is still around, although quiet where around, no one knows.
4. Malcolm Glazer
Club: Manchester United
Worth: $4.5 billion
Malcolm Glazer nearly caused a riot at Old Trafford after his purchase of the club for $1.3 billion.
The New Yorker borrowed heavily against the club to make the purchase, leaving United in quite a sizeable amount of debt.
But fans should not be too concerned. Glazer could pay back the full $569 million debt tomorrow if he wants.
Glazer has left the day-to-day running of the Red Devils down to his sons and United have continued to be successful, winning five Premier League titles.
Worth: $4.5 billion
Malcolm Glazer nearly caused a riot at Old Trafford after his purchase of the club for $1.3 billion.
The New Yorker borrowed heavily against the club to make the purchase, leaving United in quite a sizeable amount of debt.
But fans should not be too concerned. Glazer could pay back the full $569 million debt tomorrow if he wants.
Glazer has left the day-to-day running of the Red Devils down to his sons and United have continued to be successful, winning five Premier League titles.
3. Roman Abramovich
Club: Chelsea
Worth: $13.8 billion
In what is a gargantuan jump from Malcolm Glazer’s paltry $4.5 billion we have Russian oligarch and world-famous sugar daddy Roman Abramovich.
Abramovich single-handedly started the trend of buying a decent club and turning them into world-beaters with nothing but cold, hard cash.
Since taking over at Stamford Bridge in 2003, Abramovich has invested well over $1 billion in the club, winning them three league titles and one Champions League amongst many other honours.
Worth: $13.8 billion
In what is a gargantuan jump from Malcolm Glazer’s paltry $4.5 billion we have Russian oligarch and world-famous sugar daddy Roman Abramovich.
Abramovich single-handedly started the trend of buying a decent club and turning them into world-beaters with nothing but cold, hard cash.
Since taking over at Stamford Bridge in 2003, Abramovich has invested well over $1 billion in the club, winning them three league titles and one Champions League amongst many other honours.
2. Alisher Usmanov
Club: Arsenal
Worth: $18.6 billion
Despite a stake in excess of 30% in Arsenal, the Uzbekistan billionaire Usmanov has now place on the Arsenal board.
It seems unfathomable that a club can reject £100m in hard cash just because it doesn’t fall in line with their business plan. But that is exactly what Arsenal did when Usmanov urged the club to spend his money in order to help get them back to the top of world football.
Usmanov has made his fortune in the metal and mining industry but is now desperate to invest in his beloved Arsenal. Until Kroenke sells, that’s not happening. Sorry Arsenal fans.
Worth: $18.6 billion
Despite a stake in excess of 30% in Arsenal, the Uzbekistan billionaire Usmanov has now place on the Arsenal board.
It seems unfathomable that a club can reject £100m in hard cash just because it doesn’t fall in line with their business plan. But that is exactly what Arsenal did when Usmanov urged the club to spend his money in order to help get them back to the top of world football.
Usmanov has made his fortune in the metal and mining industry but is now desperate to invest in his beloved Arsenal. Until Kroenke sells, that’s not happening. Sorry Arsenal fans.
1. Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Club: Manchester City
Worth: $31.5 billion
No surprises here.
The richest man in the Premier League owns the club that have spent over a $1 billion in transfer fees since 2008.
Manchester City were elevated from relegation candidates to Premier League winners in under five years by UAE oil money as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs plows his fortune into Eastlands.
He isn’t just investing in the team though. Manchester City’s brand will extend to the MLS with a partnership with a New York based club and the Etihad Stadium will be increased to over 60,000.
Worth: $31.5 billion
No surprises here.
The richest man in the Premier League owns the club that have spent over a $1 billion in transfer fees since 2008.
Manchester City were elevated from relegation candidates to Premier League winners in under five years by UAE oil money as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs plows his fortune into Eastlands.
He isn’t just investing in the team though. Manchester City’s brand will extend to the MLS with a partnership with a New York based club and the Etihad Stadium will be increased to over 60,000.
Bayern Munich to face Real Madrid, Atletico to meet Chelsea
April 11, 2014 -- Updated 1244 GMT (2044 HKT)
Mario Mandzukic scored as Bayern
Munich came from 1-0 down against Manchester United on Wednesday to seal
a 4-2 aggregate triumph. The German Bundesliga winners, led by coach
Josep Guardiola, are looking to become the first team to successfully
defend the European Champions League.
HIDE CAPTION
Back-to-back Bayern?
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Real Madrid and Bayern Munich paired together in the European Champions League semifinals
- Atletico Madrid and Chelsea to meet in the other last four tie
- Bayern looking to become the first team to defend the Champions League title
- The final will take place in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon on May 24
Bayern, winners of the
competition last season, and nine-time champions Real will both be
looking to book a place in the final, which will take place in Lisbon on
May 24.
The other semifinal
paired Real's city rivals Atletico Madrid with Chelsea, who lifted the
trophy for the first time in their history in 2012.
The semifinal first leg matches will take place on April 22-23, with the ties concluding with the second legs on April 28-29.
Champions League quarterfinals
Chelsea down PSG
German champions Bayern are looking to become the first team to defend the European Cup in the post-1992 Champions League era.
Led by former Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola, Bayern fought from behind to defeat Manchester United on Tuesday.
Real will appear in the
semifinals of Europe's premier club competition for the 25th time in
their illustrious history, with Cristiano Ronaldo and co. out to secure
Los Blancos a record 10th triumph.
Carlo Ancelotti's team survived a spirited comeback from Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday to reach the last four with a 3-2 aggregate win.
The two teams met at the same stage of the competition in 2012, with Bayern prevailing after a nerve-shredding penalty shootout.
Bayern went on to lose
to Chelsea in the final two years ago. The London club's manager Jose
Mourinho is bidding to win the tournament with a third different club
after previous successes with Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010.
Chelsea needed a late goal from striker Demba Ba to register an away-goals win over Paris Saint-Germain in the last eight.
Lost in translation, or downright offensive?
Barcelona's transfer ban
Atletico Madrid could be
without the services of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is on-loan at
the Vicente Calderon stadium from Chelsea.
Rumors surfaced on
Thursday that an agreement between the two teams meant Courtois would
only be able to play in both matches against his parent club if Atletico
pay Chelsea €6 million ($8.3 million.)
European football's governing body UEFA announced Friday that any such agreement would be "null, void and unenforceable."
"Furthermore, any
attempt to enforce such a provision would be a clear violation of both
the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations and
would therefore be sanctioned accordingly," read a statement from the
organization.
While Chelsea are
appearing in the semifinals for the seventh time in the last 11 seasons,
Atletico haven't reached this stage since 1974.
Atletico's coach Diego
Simeone has led something of a renaissance at the club, leading them to
the top of the Spanish league table with just six games left of the
campaign.
A goal from talented playmaker Koke was enough to see off four-time European champions Barcelona in Tuesday's quarterfinal second leg.
Victor Moses Shares Photo of His Son,Bentley
[CUTE] Victor Moses Shares Photo of His Son,Bentley
[AMAZING] Video Skills Of Nigeria’s Messi, Bobby Adekanye. Reason Why Barca Got Banned!
One of the players who got Barcelona the 2-year ban from the transfer market is Nigeria’s Bobby Adekanye. He currently plays as a forward and left winger in Barcelona’s B team.
He was born Feb. 14th 1999 and first played for the Ajax youth team in the Netherlands. Here are some video clips displaying his tremendous skills revealing why Barcelona had to break the rules to get him on board. Enjoy!
Video of Bobby at Ajax youth team
Video of Bobby at Ajax youth team
CELEBRITY / [PHOTOS] Check Out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Luxurious Home
[PHOTOS] Check Out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Luxurious Home
Chelsea Star,Eden Hazard Says He Will Let His Wife Decide If He Should Move To PSG
The Belgian international has been linked with a switch to Laurent Blanc’s side in recent weeks, with the Parisian club reportedly willing to pay big money to get their man.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho last week joked he would allow both Hazard and team-mate Oscar to leave Stamford Bridge if a club stumped up £300m, clearly indicating neither player is for sale.
But Hazard has added fuel to the rumours he could be ready to leave west London, admitting he would follow his wife’s wishes.
FOUR REASONS WHY ATHLETICO-MADRID CAN WIN THE LEAGUE
There is a new challenger for the Laliga arising from Madrid, but this time its not the Los Blancos… The Spanish League has been a competition between the two super-powers R.Madrid and barcelona and dis; according to many experts is due to the immense amount of Quality these two teams possess even in their reserves.. However the Rojiblancos have since last few Years indicated signs that they may just have what it takes to win the League. Diego Simeone’s men have proven they can beat the best in the world, Atletico won the Europa League in 2010 and 2012 as well as whooping Chelsea 4-1 to lift the Super Cup that same year. the Team is Built on four basic Pillars
1. THE MANAGER:-
Diego Simeone; known as one of the most tactical Players of his time was most Famous as the man who made more National appearances for
Argentina than Diego Maradona ever did… The peak of his career was at
the 1986 worldcup match when he Came against David Beckham and Triumphed
over the former World best who got Sent off. Diego Simeone has injected
his style of play into Atletico, a more direct and penetrating
approach, Atletico don’t keep ball for much but when they do have
possession they go for brook; “no fancy stuff, just go for goal and
don’t conceed”. Simeone doesn’t work alone he Has the Help Of former
Argentina goalie and teamate; German Burgos, famous confrontation with
Mourinho warning him nt to poke his eye like mourinho did Tito
Villanova; “I’m nt Tito I’ll rip your head off” were his words to
J.mourninho… Atletico’s Energetic display constantly pressing the
Opposition in their half and tireless counter-attacking Football can be
attributed to the Fitness Training of Oscar Ortega, constantly yelling
“solidarity and comitment” to his players during training.. Even David
Villa has become hardworking under his Reign..2. The TRANSFER POLICY:-
much to the credit of the Manager and the Atletico board they know how to not only keep their best players until the Time is absolutely Right but to also get adequate replacements on the cheap. Ramadel Falcao from 2010 was on the list for clubs as Man-utd, chelsea, Manchester City amongst others, Atletico hwever refused to sell their tallismatic striker which paid Dividend in 2010 and 2012.. He was eventually sold in 2013 to Monaco who came with a stagering 50million offer. What came next was however a huge suprise as Atletico anounced the signing of. Barcelona’s David Villa and Leo baptistaeo frm Real vallecano for fees worth 5million and 7million respectively… That reason why. Atletico have. Won trouphies and Arsenal haven’t.
3. STRATEGY:-
the formation is the typical 4-2-3-1 used by many sides around Europe, it is however a more disciplined style of play.. Atletico Attack from the wings, with through balls and Long range shots making it hard for Opponents to completely out mark them. More so they’ve been brutal from Set-pieces Koke and Thuram weeping in devilish crosses as well as Diego costa banging in Direct free kicks. What is most notable is the way and manner to which they play. Atletico play a German style of football compiled with the English style… This means they press for the ball high up the pitch and switch defense into attack quicker than you can say “up-nepa”, this is done by attacking down the wings, lauching precise through balls and Creating chances from small breaks in possession… Not what the normal Spanish team plays but much effective to break down any high-flying team on a hockey pitch.
4. The GLADIATORS:-
beyond the Tactics, the skills and formation; the success most times boils down to the players… Koke, thuran and Villa have formed and incredible tricycle behind Diego Costa. The way they Rotate construct Passes and switch position makes it all too hard for Defenders to cope with, leaving Costa more effective in his goals scoring duties… Costa more so is not up to what Falcao racked up during his time at madrid. but the Brazil born striker is steadily making a name for himself having scored 25 goals this season. Costa well known for his Aggression and Intensity is the ideal representation of Simeone’s Style of play, whether well crafted or rugged, a goal is a goal. wondering why Atletico don’t score much but win non the less its down to the Abilities of on-loan goalie from chelsea; thibat Courtois.. He had the best record for most clean sheets as well as least goals conceded last season. Already on loan for the 3rd season running Atletico have a real shot
stopper between
the sticks. More so the back line is constant except when their left
fullback pushes forward.. The Two defensive midfielders Gabi and Tiago
sit back holding off opposition and kick-start attack when they get the
Ball. Their defensive prowess allows Koke; who holds the highest assists
in the league, and Thuran; a target for many top clubs in Europe to
make things happen up front as well as reduce the defensive
responsibility on Villa Costa; who focus solely on Finishing off chances
when they get any. Villa has had a phenomenal return to 1st team action
scoring goals and assisting as well. The 32 year old world cup winner
is currently injured but his On-loan replacement from Wolfsburg Diego is
slowly but steadily adapting to life in Spain.They have already registered a place in the Champions league last 16 toping their group with 2 games to spare as well as being only A point behind league Leaders Barcelona. No team in Europe would want to face them in a Final because they know what Diego Simeone’s men do. After beating realMadrid for the 1st time in 14 years and staying level on points with Barcelona and Madrid till the second half of the campaign.. Atletico may be on the brink of winning their 1st league title since 1996.
Gullit rates Nigeria's WC chances
Ruud Gullit tips Nigeria to do well at 2014 World Cup,Former Holland international superstar Ruud Gullit has tipped Nigeria and other African countries to excel at this summer's World Cup in Brazil.
Speaking at a Uefa Champions League promotion tour sponsored by Heineken during the week, Gullit revealed that he has been keeping tabs on the Super Eagles since their Nations Cup triumph last year.He noted that although the present team lacks the individual quality of the Golden era, they are still a delight to watch.
"The present Super Eagles may not have the type of individual stars of the golden era but I still enjoy watching them play. I saw the team at the last Nations Cup in South Africa. I saw how brilliant they were," Gullit said.
The former AC Milan star rated the chances of African team's at the World Cup, and pointed out Nigeria, along with Ghana and Ivory Coast as favourites to advance to the next round.
He also cited favourable weather conditions in Brazil as factors that could be favourable to African teams at the mundial.
"I strongly believe that Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria will certainly go through to the next stage. It will be a good testimony for the African football and even put Nigeria on the global map.
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