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Showing posts from September, 2013

Victor Moses: Brendan Rodgers wanted me since when I was 14.

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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.

Mourinho warns Mata: Adapt or stay on the Chelsea bench

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  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

Messi targets to break Raul's Champions League record

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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

Messi doesn't need World Cup glory to be the best ever, says Gabriel Milito

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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.

Gotze expected to resume squad training shortly

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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

Revealed: Casillas set to stay despite miserable year at Real Madrid

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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

Higuaín: "This has only just begun, I want to keep this up"

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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."

Nigeria Player of the Week: Victor Moses

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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.

Messi has not asked for a pay-rise, says Rosell

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 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

Olivier Giroud: would have welcomed Suarez at Arsenal - but not Higuain

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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."

Flying start for Real Madrid:As Ronaldo bagged a hat-trick.

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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

Rooney joy at reaching 200-goal

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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

Isco: "Real Madrid shouldn't be obsessed by the 'Décima'"

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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

Carlo Ancelotti "If both perform, Diego will play in La Liga and Iker in Europe"

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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

Iniesta turns down Barça’s first contract renewal offer

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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.

Champions League Success or Bust for Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City?

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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 neither "hero" nor "villain"

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  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.

How much of a future does Alexis Sánchez have at Barcelona?

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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 

Cristiano Ronaldo signs new contract with Real Madrid

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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.

SEE" Atiku Abubakar Rocking Arsenal Jersey "

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

Diego Lopez: We must support Casillas

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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+.

Bale Scores on Madrid Debut, but Ronaldo Looks a Shadow of His Usual Self

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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.

“How Tyna Onwudiwe Made Me Who I Am Today” – Charly Boy Shares Life Experience

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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.

Floyd Mayweathe says"TBE. The best ever."

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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's already seems to be getting on well with his new teammates "SEE PIC"

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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

Mezut Ozil Is an Exceptional Talent but Arsenal's Weaknesses Remain "SEE WHY"

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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 Beckham 'Signs For Arsenal'

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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.”

Ozil completes Arsenal move

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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