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  Between the two of them they cost more than €157 million this summer, but any casual observer tuning into Barcelona’s clash with Real Madrid on Saturday would have been forgiven for thinking Gareth Bale had left Tottenham on a free and Neymar’s switch from Santos had accounted for the lot. The Brazilian scored the opening goal of Barca’s 2-1  Clasico  win at Camp Nou and it was no more than he deserved. A constant threat up against Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal, the €57.1m signing could not have wished for a better debut in the Spanish season’s main event. For so much of the summer and the embryonic league campaign there have been questions asked of Neymar’s compatibility with Lionel Messi in the  Blaugrana ’s forward line, yet with the Argentine starting from the right-hand side it appeared that his newest team-mate was liberated by the chance to get at one half of Madrid’s defence. FROM OUR COMMENTARY 19' THE CATALANS LEAD THE CLASICO!!! Neymar cut

The Frenchman has responded to Fifa president Sepp Blatter's recent comments, agreeing that more African and Asian teams should play in the competition Uefa president Michel Platini has suggested that the World Cup should be expanded to 40 teams to include more Asian and African representatives, starting from 2018 in Russia. Sepp Blatter has already stated that he wants more non-European teams at the World Cup and Platini agrees with the Fifa chief that it would be fruitful to have more African and Asian sides at the finals, although feels the best solution would be to expand the competition rather than to take away places from Europe. "I totally agree with Sepp Blatter that we need more African and Asian teams. It would be good for everybody," Platini told The Times . "But instead of taking away some European spots, we have to expand to 40 teams. "For example, we can add two African, two Asian, two American, one

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers and forward Victor Moses seem to have intricate links that started about eight years ago. Revelations from the player indicate that the coach had always wanted him while he was a youth team trainer at Chelsea and is glad that he now has an opportunity to repay him for the faith. “I’ve known the gaffer from when I was 14 and he wanted me to go to Chelsea,” Moses told Daily Mail . The 22-year old said he trained with Chelsea and Rogers was the youth team coach at that time and spoke to him about switching from Crystal Palace to Chelsea. “We had a chat and I was expected to move there. He phoned and I told him I was going to go. “But then I had another think about it and didn’t turn up. I just didn’t go. I didn’t ring him or anything; I just didn’t go and stayed at Palace. “I thought there was no point going to a bigger club like that and not getting in the first team, not playing," he said.

  The Portuguese boss says the 25-year-old playmaker must change his playing style or he will remain behind Oscar in the pecking order Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says Juan Mata will continue to be a fringe player at Stamford Bridge until he adapts to the club's new style. The Spain international, who was the Stamford Bridge outfit's Player of the Year for the last two seasons, has struggled to break into the starting XI since Mourinho took over at Stamford Bridge. The sporadic use of the 25-year-old has perplexed Blues fans but Mourinho has made no apologies for his decision and says Mata has work to do if he is to become a regular starter and usurp in-form Oscar. "The way I'm reading the situation and the reasons why, in this moment, he's [Mata] not playing so much are things I can speak about with him but not publicly," Mourinho said on Friday. "But he played against Everton from the st

The prolific attacker is keen to add his name to the record books by overtaking the Real Madrid legend on 71 goals but added that success with Barca remains his top priority Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi has targeted breaking Real Madrid icon Raul's Champions League goalscoring record but added that winning trophies remains his main objective. The Argentina international netted a hat-trick in Barcelona's 4-0 Champions League win over Ajax on Wednesday to take his tally to 62, leaving him just nine shy of Raul's haul of 71. "The idea of overtaking Raul at the top of the all-time Champions League scoring charts is a fine challenge," Messi was quoted as saying on the official Uefa website. "It is not essential, though. We, as a team, have other more important objectives. For example, to get as far as we are capable of in this competition. To try to win it again. "Obviously I am pleased that my hat-trick makes it 62 Champio

The former Argentina centre-back has hailed his compatriot's fine performances and feels he is arguably the best player ever Former Barcelona defender Gabriel Milito believes that Lionel Messi is the best player in the history of the game even if he never wins the World Cup with Argentina. The 26-year-old, who recently stated that he dreams of winning the 2014 World Cup, has often been criticised for his relatively underwhelming performances with the national side, but Milito feels his compatriot doesn't need international success in order to be seen as the best ever. "It doesn't seem right to me to claim that you have to win the World Cup in order to be regarded as the best ever," Milito told RAC1 . "He just keeps on improving and outdoing himself year after year and that's why he is the best ever for me. "I simply cannot imagine that there will ever be a player who can do what Leo has been doing on the pitch.

The Germany international is expected to resume squad training shortly, while Javi Martinez is on his way back, too Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola will shortly be able to call upon the services of Mario Gotze after a spell on the sidelines for the 21-year-old. The Germany international picked up an ankle injury in his side's Super Cup win over Chelsea back in August and has been out of action ever since. Nevertheless, the former Borussia Dortmund star is set to resume regular training action as he is edging ever closer to his comeback. "Gotze's currently working out individually with the ball but, if all goes according to plan, he should be able to join in parts of the squad workout in a couple of days," a statement on the official Bayern website reads. Meanwhile, Javi Martinez is still some way off making his comeback after groin surgery earlier this month, but the Spain international is off crutches at last and has begu

Iker Casillas is set to stay at Real Madrid until at least the summer despite his nightmare year at the Spanish side, Goal can reveal. The Spain skipper has barely featured for Madrid in 2013 and was hit with a fresh setback on Tuesday as he was forced off through injury after just 13 minutes of his first-team return at Galatasaray in the Champions League. The 32-year-old has considered his future since being omitted by Jose Mourinho last season and again by Carlo Ancelotti for the opening rounds of La Liga this term. However, he has been given hope of regaining his starting spot after appearing last week and would now be unable to sign for another Champions League side in January, in any case, following his cameo in Istanbul - which included three fine saves before he was replaced by Diego Lopez. But there is more to it than that. Casillas' partner, journalist Sara Carbonero, is 25 weeks pregnant and expecting a baby boy either late this year or

Gonzalo Higuaín scored his first Champions League goal for Napoli on Wednesday night in a 2-1 win for Borussia Dortmund and after the game declared: "It's always important to score goals, and even more so in the Champions League."  "I feel important at Napoli, thanks to the fans, the confidence my teammates have shown me, and the confidence of my coach," he added. But he warned: "This is just the beginning, and all I want to do is keep this up. The most important thing is that we are a proper team, the group should come first ahead of any player." The Argentinian scored the opening goal of the night at the San Paolo stadium, and paid tribute to the atmosphere inside the ground. "San Paolo is magical, it's the temple of Maradona. Everyone knows what he did here back in the day, and that's why I'm so happy to be here."

VICTOR MOSES   AGE 22 POSITION Striker PLAYS FOR Liverpool/Nigeria WEEK IN NUMBERS APPS (GOALS SCORED)/ASSISTS 2(2)/0 TIME ON PITCH 81mins PREVIOUS WINS Twice Nigeria 2-0 Malawi Swansea 2-2 Liverpool The on-loan player from Chelsea to Liverpool had appeared for Nigeria against Malawi and scored from the penalty spot to help the Super Eagles into the last round of qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil. He had also been trumpeted as a vital cog in the Merseysiders quest for the Premiership title and he lived up to the billing on Monday as he scored on his debut against Swansea. His solo run in the 36th minute from the half way line ended with the Nigerian placing a fine shot past Michel Vorm in goal for Swansea. He also created a chance for Daniel Sturridge in the 12th minute which the Englishman failed to take.

 The Argentine is thought to be happy with his current deal despite Cristiano Ronaldo becoming La Liga's best-paid player, while Andres Iniesta is expected to sign fresh terms Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has insisted that Lionel Messi has not asked for a new and improved contract after Real Madrid made Cristiano Ronaldo the world's best-paid player earlier this week. The Portugal international signed a five-year deal worth €21 million per season on Sunday to become the football's highest-ever earner, fuelling speculation that Messi could demand a pay-rise to match. However, Rosell has stressed that Ronaldo's contract renewal has had no impact on the Argentine's stance over his current deal at Camp Nou. "Does Ronaldo's renewal affects Messi's contract? Messi hasn’t said anything to us," Rosell told reporters. "He’s happy here and he’s at the best club in the world. No news is good news." The Barca president

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud says that he would have relished the opportunity to play alongside summer transfer target Luis Suarez but was less enthusiastic about the prospect of signing Gonzalo Higuain. The Frenchman has been in lethal form at the start of this season, scoring in all four of the Gunners' Premier League games so far and feels that he could have benefited even more from the Uruguayan's versatility, though Liverpool held firm through several bids and kept hold of their prize forward. Giroud told L'Equipe : "When the name of Suarez was circulating, I honestly thought it was a good thing for the team. "We would've complemented each other. Suarez can also play out wide. It would have been difficult for me with another player."

Some believe in a divine theory of universal balance: every reward is compensated by a punishment. This simple rule lies behind many clichés: the dumb blonde, the ugly but smart geek and the cheery chubby. Any rational human being would say it’s clearly nonsense, but  sometimes it does look as if there’s something in it. Take Casillas. After a decade of prodigious success, he’s now on a year long streak of lamentable disasters. His current situation is as incredible as his previous spell was mind-blowing. Against Galatasaray, just  after starting his first competitive game for Real Madrid in 238 days, he went off injured. He jumped to catch a ball in the box and as he landed Ramos crashed into him. It was a clash like so many, completely inoffensive, except for the fact the blow pushed the voodoo needle  between his ribs. Casillas struggled on and saved well from Felipe Melo, but in the 13 th (of course) minute he was forced to come off. That’s life. His gua

Wayne Rooney was understandably delighted after scoring his 200th Manchester United goal in Tuesday night's Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen. The England international opened the scoring at Old Trafford before adding a second after the break, with Robin van Persie and Antonio Valencia also on target for the Red Devils in an exciting 4-2 win. "It's something I'm really proud of," Rooney told ITV Sport . "Delighted to be playing and scoring and it's a good result - the first game in the Champions League is always important and thankfully we got the victory." However, the striker reacted angrily when repeatedly questioned as to whether he asked to leave the club during the summer transfer window. "Listen I'm concentrating on my football, as I've done all summer," he stated. "I've got my head down, I've worked hard to get myself fit and ready for the season. I'm delighted with the way

How do you approach the challenge of winning Real Madrid’s tenth European Cup? It’s important not to be obsessed by the Champions League. We’re all eager to do it and we’re going to give our all. It’s important to get a good start and that’s what we’re going to try to do. Has Carlo Ancelotti stressed the importance of winning the ‘Décima’? No one has spoken about obsession in the dressing room. It’s a dream to win the ‘Décima’. We have the team and the confidence, now what we have to do is work hard to achieve the target. We’re going to give everything. Galatasaray are a tougher proposition at home. Are you worried about that? We know that they’re doubly strong at home, with the atmosphere their supporters generate. They have dangerous front-men, but we’re going to try to play our game. That’s most important. Are you playing in the position you like? I feel comfortable in the position the coach puts me in, and I hope I can continue to get playing time. Wha

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti faced the media in a pre-match press conference in Istanbul as ‘Los Blancos’ prepare to take on Galatasaray in Tuesday’s Champions League group stage opener. Gareth Bale’s position in the team: “He’s a player who can play in all positions. I put him on the right [against Villarreal on Saturday] because I think that’s where he likes to play, but he can play in a number of positions.” Iker Casillas to start at the Türk Telekom Arena: “I’ve changed my mind: Diego López is going to play [laughs]. I’m joking. Iker will play. I have two very good goalkeepers who have a fantastic attitude and in my opinion Diego deserves to play in La Liga and Iker, because of his professionalism and his ability, should play in the Champions League. Casillas has a lot of experience. He seems calm and I think he’s going to have a great match. He has all the ability to deal with the pressure; he has no problem with that.” Goalkeepers: “If both perfor

Andrés Iniesta turned down Barcelona’s first contract renewal offer, according to the sports programme ‘La Gradería ’ on Spanish radio station Cadena SER . The decision was announced on Thursday afternoon. Cadena SER made it clear that Iniesta does not mind whether he is the second, third or fifth best paid player in the Barça squad, but the offer is still a long way from his parameters. Iniesta thanked the club as both parties will take time to consider the situation. AS recently reported that Iniesta’s contract renewal could be a lengthy process, and will be carefully considered by both parties. Such complications in striking a new contract deal could be the final blow for Rosell, who has had numerous problems on numerous fronts in recent weeks.

Pellegrini is going to need to do a lot more than just point and yell to get City through the group stage. Alex Livesey/Getty Images It may feel ridiculous to call the first of six Champions League group stage matches a "must win," but after the first four Premier League matches of Manuel Pellegrini 's Manchester City managerial tenure, that is where we are. This must be some way for Pellegrini to be celebrating such a milestone, conjuring Champions League tactics for his suddenly impotent side with the world watching:

  Jonjo Shelvey took centre stage at the Liberty Stadium on Monday night in Swansea City's 2-2 draw with Liverpool, but neither "hero" nor "villain" even come close to covering his role in the match. An inexplicable opening three minutes showcased, in a nutshell, exactly what was to come in the fixture. The Swansea No. 8 opened the scoring just minutes into the game with his first league goal for his new club, scored against his former club.

Alexis Sánchez came to Barcelona with a big & growing reputation within the game. After being awarded the Serie A player of the year in 2010/11, the Chilean commanded a €26 million fee (with a potential €11 million in add-ons) when leaving Udinese, drawing a lot of attention on him as you’d expect. Unfortunately for him and Barça, though, he hasn’t quite settled in as initially anticipated. His first season in Catalonia resulted in 15 goals and 5 assists in 41 games, a decent if unspectacular return. His second saw him contributing to a few more goals, with 11 goals and 13 assists in 46 – a very slight improvement from 0.49 to 0.52 direct goal contributions per appearance made. These statistics do pale in comparison when put next to the almost implausible ones of Lionel Messi, but they aren’t half bad in themselves. Of course not 

Real Madrid have announced that Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a new contract with the club. The Portugal star has finally put pen-to-paper on fresh terms at Santiago Bernabeu, ending any lingering doubts as to his future at the club following months of speculation over the talks. Los Blancos have not yet disclosed any details of the contract, although reports in the Spanish media suggest the 28-year-old will become Spain's highest-paid player with a net salary of €17 million per year - earning more than Lionel Messi and new team-mate Gareth Bale. It was revealed on Saturday that Ronaldo was ready to sign a new five-year deal with Madrid, with Perez eager to keep his promise of making the Portugal captain the highest-paid player in world football.

He must be a die hard Arsenal Fan !...See pics after the cut:

The 31-year-old insists the club captain must be given full backing against Galatasaray in midweek after he was once more left on the bench against Villarreal on Saturday Diego Lopez has stressed that Iker Casillas has his full support after Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed he will restore the Spain No.1 to the team against Galatasaray. Lopez was once more preferred for los Merengues' 2-2 draw with Villarreal on Saturday and the former Sevilla man continued his excellent run of form as Casillas watched on from the bench. Ancelotti has already made it clear he will hand the World Cup-winner his first start of the season in Madrid's Champions League opener on Tuesday, but Lopez insists he has no qualms over the decision. "Maximum respect to the coach, who is the decision maker," the 31-year-old told Canal+.

Gareth Bale's first half goal drew huge smiles from the world's most expensive player on his debut. You were more likely to find a grimace on the face of Cristiano Ronaldo, the former holder of that title, as Real Madrid were held to a 2-2 draw by Villarreal at El Madrigal on Saturday night. With the announcement that Carlo Ancelotti would throw Bale in from the start, it was confirmed that Madrid's starting 11 would become the most expensive ever at a cost of £ 324  million, via Sporting Intel. If that was supposed to be intimidating, it wasn't reflected in the way Villarreal flew out the blocks.  By the time the Yellow Submarines took the lead— Cani scored following great persistence from Jonathan Pereira —they'd already had four shots on target. Madrid had been under siege.

Son of retired Supreme Court Judge, Charlie Boy (aka Area Father) have opened up about a life-changing experience. Upon his return from the USA, he returned to his village, Oguta in Imo State, where he spent seven years. He believed he was made for music but his meeting with Tyna Onwudiwe in the village changed his life.

Forty-five times Floyd Mayweathe has walked into the ring for a professional boxing match.  After dispatching Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, 45 times he's left with his hand raised high in the air. Although judge C.J. Ross didn't see it like most observers did, scoring the fight even at 114-114, Mayweather dominated Alvarez throughout the fight. He seemed unfazed by Alvarez's 15 extra pounds, standing in the pocket for much of the fight and beating Canelo to the punch. Mayweather was so good he even coined a phrase for the moment— "TBE. The best ever." He never once looked his 36 years, his movement just as crisp in the 12th round as it was in the first. He certainly didn't look like a man at the end of the line. There are plenty of fights to come. The question is not if. It's who? At this point making fights for

Gareth Bale already seems to be getting on well with his new teammates Denis Doyle/Getty Images Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti may have expressed a certain apathy towards the idea of signing Gareth Bale while the transfer saga was rumbling on, but, with the Welshman now within his ranks, it seems he will waste little time in thrusting Bale into the action. Ancelotti confirmed on Friday that the £85 million signing will make his debut at the first available opportunity, against Villarreal on Saturday. The Italian remains unsure whether Bale will start the game or be a substitute—which, in manager-speak, means he is almost certain to initially be warming the bench at El Madrigal—but he will play some part. What is more, Ancelotti revealed that he sees Bale’s long-term position as being on the right of Madrid’s attack. “Bale will

Two things seem obvious about Arsenal’s signing of Mesut Ozil . On the one hand he is an exceptional player who would strengthen just about any team he stepped into; on the other, he is not what Arsenal were most in need of. Ozil will, presumably, be used as the central player in an attacking midfield line of three. Santi Cazorla will be to his left, playing quite narrow to allow Kieran Gibbs or Nacho Monreal to overlap, and looking to link with both Ozil and the holding midfielders. Theo Walcott will play wide to the right, looking to use his pace to accelerate on to diagonal through balls from Ozil . Graphic by B/R's Sam Tighe, showing Ozil as No. 11, with Walcott as 14 Olivier Giroud will continue in his demi -target-man role, offering height and physicality but also an underrated finishing ability. His strength in the air is a vital

Romeo (right) with brothers Brooklyn and Cruz and dad David "Gunna play for Arsenal one day!" he wrote after attending a game at the Emirates stadium with David and brother Brooklyn last Sunday. The Beckham boys at an Arsenal game last Sunday However, his father might have something to say about his team, after previously revealing he wasn't sure how he had let his son become a fan of the Gunners. He told ShortList: “I have two sons who support Manchester United and one who is an Arsenal fan. I took him to an Arsenal game and Arsene Wenger treated him so well and gave him a shirt with his name on the back.”

Mesut Ozil has sealed a spectacular €47 million move to Arsenal after signing a five-year contract. The Gunners have smashed their transfer record to land the Germany international, who underwent the second part of his medical in Munich on Monday after agreeing personal terms with the club. Goal has learned that Ozil has signed a deal worth around €150,000-a-week that will run until 2018 after Real Madrid gave the green light to his departure. He will comfortably become Arsenal’s highest-paid player as well as the club’s record signing, after Arsene Wenger sanctioned the first €23m-plus transfer in their history. Arsenal were in advanced discussions with Real to sign Ozil before Monday night’s transfer deadline. The two clubs agreed a €47m fee before Ozil’s representatives began discussing personal terms with senior Arsenal officials. An agreement was reached late on Monday morning before Ozil underwent medical tests in Germany, where he had been base

Real Madrid legend Raul scored in front of a packed stadium as los Blancos won 5-0 in an emphatic victory over Al Sadd in the annual Trofeo Santiago Bernabeu. The 36-year-old rather appropriately started off the party, demonstrating his touch and technique had not deserted him by bringing down the ball expertly from an Angel Di Maria pass before firing a low shot into the back of the net. It was the sort of goal the club's supporters had come to expect from their greatest-ever goalscorer but they still showed their appreciation and awe at his ability. Minutes later, he hit the post but the crowd erupted, shouting for their hero to be given a national call-up. Iker Casillas gave him the armband while Cristano Ronaldo gave the striker his No.7 shirt in the first half as part of a fitting tribute for the all-time leading Champions League goalscorer before he switched teams at half-time to play for his current employers. Further goals were to come for

  The Blues lodged an improved offer for the Brazilian on Thursday, but the Spurs boss is keen for the transfer speculation to not distract from an emphatic win in the Europa League Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas says he is unaware of Chelsea's late swoop for Anzhi Makhachkala attacker Willian. The Brazil international underwent a medical at the White Hart Lane club on Wednesday ahead of €35 million transfer only for their London rivals to lodged an improved offer of €37m on Thursday. However, Villas-Boas said he had no knowledge of any potential offer from Chelsea, insisting his sole focus was on Tottenham's 5-0 win over Dinamo Tbilisi in the Europa League. "We were just involved in a game so unfortunately I can't give you further information," the Portuguese told reporters. "I confirmed our interest in the player. Everything is possible, but I'm not aware of the circumstances because of our involvem

The Uruguay international had been quoted as saying that he has decided to remain at Anfield and that he will sign a new contract, but he has now rubbished the suggestion Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has denied telling a Uruguayan newspaper that he will stay at Anfield. Reports emerged from El Observer on Wednesday that Suarez had said the "affection" of the club's fans had convinced him to abandon plans to leave. It would have represented a remarkable U-turn for the striker, who repeatedly stated his intention to leave Merseyside throughout summer and publicly welcomed interest from Arsenal. But, speaking curtly to journalists following Uruguay's 4-2 win over Japan, Suarez rubbished reports that he has had a change of heart: "I didn't say it."

The 29-year-old failed to make a single Premier League appearance for the Gunners last season, and now becomes Ian Holloway's seventh signing of the summer on a one-year deal Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh on a one-year deal. The striker becomes the newly promoted side's seventh arrival of the summer following Jose Campana, Stephen Dobbie, Dwight Gayle, Elliot Grandin, Kevin Phillips and Jerome Thomas. Chamakh, who willl wear the No.29 shirt, had been out of favour at the Emirates Stadium and joined West Ham on a six-month loan in January but failed to score in three appearances. The Morrocan will now compete with the likes of fellow new signings Phillips and Dobbie for first-team opportunities this season. The 29-year-old could make his Palace debut against Arsenal's local rivals Tottenham in the club's Premier League season opener on August 18.

The Super Eagles are in high spirits as they face Bafana Bafana in Wednesday’s friendly in the coastal city of Durban Nigeria arrived in Durban on Monday morning ahead of their Nelson Mandela Challenge game against South Africa at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday evening. A full strength squad led by coach Stephen Keshi has arrived the coastal city as the Super Eagles warm up towards September’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Malawi. Only three players, Chelsea duo of John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses and Valerenga's Fegor Ogude are expected on Tuesday morning in Durban in time for the prestige friendly. Keshi arrived with four players from the Nigerian league - Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwueke, Sunday Mba and Godfrey Oboabona. He told local media on arrival that he hopes to give the South Africans a good game to honour Nelson Mandela, one of Africa’s foremost nationalists. At the team's Southern Sun hotel lodge,

The Dane, who was heavily linked with Manchester City last summer, is now attracting firm interest from the Liga champions, but the Reds are determined to keep their man Liverpool have rejected an offer from Barcelona for defender Daniel Agger, according to the player's agent. Barcelona have been linked with several English Premier League defenders in the off-season, and have submitted a bid of  €25 million for Chelsea centre-back David Luiz. Chelsea have made it clear that the Liga champions are wasting their time, and now Agger's agent, Per Steffensen, has revealed they have been thwarted again. "We are aware that Barcelona have made an offer for Daniel that Liverpool have rejected," he told reporters. "Daniel has a contract with Liverpool for the next three years and it would be up to the clubs to agree a fee for his transfer in order for that to change." The Reds appear determined to keep the Denmark international, who has

Giorgio Chiellini has called on his Juventus team-mates to battle even harder this season if they are to challenge for silverware. The reigning Serie A champions have thus far endured a miserable pre-season, including a 3-1 defeat to LA Galaxy that prompted coach Antonio Conte to question the work ethic of his players. Chiellini has backed his boss's sentiments, urging his fellow Bianconeri stars to work hard both on and off the pitch in order to defend their domestic crown and mount a challenge in Europe. "Conte is correct - talent needs to be nurtured on a daily basis with hard work,” the 28-year-old told Tuttosport . “We know that you can only achieve certain targets by working. And we want to affirm our place in Italy and improve in Europe. “Last season we beat the holders in Chelsea, dominating our home game with great authority in the Champions League. Obviously, though, when you play the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, you have

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho enjoyed a huge amount of power while at Real Madrid, former Spain international Fernando Hierro has claimed. The Portuguese coach endured a turbulent relationship with his squad in his final season in the Spanish capital, culminating in a high-profile falling-out with club captain Iker Casillas, and former defender Hierro suggests the 50-year-old's sway at Santiago Bernabeu may have contributed to such disputes. "Every club is different and Madrid is even more so," the 45-year-old told Fifa.com . "Madrid is a club where you have to win and it’s a place that can wear you down – where people have a different way of thinking. "If you were to ask me to look at the last 20 years in Madrid’s history and say which coach has had the most decision-making power at the club, I’d say there’s no doubt he [Mourinho] is the one. "If you ask him though, perhaps he’d say he didn’t have as much authority as he’d have

Van Persie opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a brilliant header into the bottom corner before sealing the victory in the second half with a deflected strike. United were far from convincing against the FA Cup holders - now playing in the Championship - but Moyes will be relieved to have successfully won the trophy after leading his side out at Wembley for the first time. Sir Alex Ferguson either won or shared the Community Shield nine times and it would have been a welcome relief for Moyes to focus on matters on the pitch following an unsettling summer of transfer speculation. The Scot raised a few eyebrows before kick-off as he said that Wayne Rooney will feature for England against Scotland on Wednesday but suggested that the wantaway striker will not play when United start their title defence against Swansea City.

Arsenal meet Turkish side Fenerbahce in the pick of the ties from the Champions League playoff draw. Twenty teams remain in the hunt for a spot in the lucrative group stages, with qualifying split into two sections—champions and non-champions —ahead of the final hurdle. Let’s take a look at the full draw, courtesy of UEFA.com, as four past winners enter the competition. The first legs are scheduled for  Aug.  20 and 21, with the second legs slated for the week after. Champions Route Home side (first leg) Away side (first leg) Dinamo Zagreb Austria Vienna Ludogorets Razgrad FC Basel Viktoria Plzen Maribor Shakhter Karagandy Celtic Steaua Bucharest Legia Warsaw Non-Champions Route Home side (first leg) Away side (first leg) Lyon Real Sociedad Schalke Metalist Kharkiv Pacos de Ferreira Zenit St Petersburg  PSV AC Milan Fenerbahce Arsenal

  AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has been included in the Italy squad to face Argentina in a friendly match Wednesday despite having a slight injury. Balotelli sustained a calf injury during AC Milan's preseason tour in the United States but further tests have shown the problem is not as serious as first feared and the forward has been included in Italy's 27-man squad on Friday. Fellow striker Pablo Osvaldo returns after being kicked off the squad for the Confederations Cup for insulting his club coach at Roma - a breach of Italy coach Cesare Prandelli's strict code of ethics. Osvaldo is one of seven players included who did not play in the June tournament, in which Italy finished third. Napoli forward Lorenzo Insigne, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti and Roma's Alessandro Florenzi have been called up following good performances in the Under-21 European Championship. Sampdoria's Lorenzo De Silvestri, who has not featured for