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Gazidis apologises to Arsenal fans

2012-12-13T00:47:00.001+00:00

Speaking at a meeting with supporters that had been organised before the remarkable League Cup upset, Gazidis apologised to the fans and insisted they "deserve better". "I think I am frankly tired of getting up here and delivering the same message," Gazidis said. "Tuesday night was not good enough and it made us all upset and angry. I would like to apologise to all of you, especially the fans who travelled up there. It was unbelievable support as ever and you deserved better. "That is something we will work hard to put right. We all work here and are desperate to deliver the success and trophies we all want. Look into the eyes of the staff here, look at the way they talk. "We will get this right. I initially thought this would be a great opportunity to spread Christmas cheer. I don't think it will be but I hope to speak to all of you." In spite of all that, there is absolutely no will among the Arsenal board to sack a manager who shares their vision, while Wenger himself will never break a contract. The one change that may come regards transfer spending, with the club finally prepared to significantly bolster their squad in January. Some reports have suggested Wenger will have up to £60m to purchase players of higher quality. latest sport news

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2010-11-19T00:30:00.000+00:00

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Reds agree £6m Riera deal with CSKA Moscow

2010-03-23T17:38:00.001+00:00

Outspoken Liverpool midfielder Albert Riera, who described the club as a "sinking ship", is set to join CSKA Moscow in a £6 million deal, according to reports.

Alberto Riera looks on as Rafael Benitez takes training on Wednesday
The Spain international is frustrated by a lack of playing time at Anfield and is eager to move to Russia, where the transfer window remains open until April 8, to boost his hopes of playing at this summer's World Cup.

Last week Riera launched a scathing attack on Anfield boss Rafael Benitez, who he claimed held a personal grudge against him, and was subsequently suspended by the Premier League club.

The Guardian report that Benitez is now hoping to swiftly conclude a deal with CSKA Moscow for the unsettled 27-year-old, who joined Liverpool for £8 million from Espanyol in 2008, as he attempts to rally the club in the wake of Sunday's 2-1 loss to arch-rivals Manchester United.

The defeat at Old Trafford leaves Liverpool four points behind fourth placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have a game in hand, and in real danger of missing out on Champions League football next season.
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Arsenal appeal Vermaelen suspension, Van Persie to return

2010-03-23T17:32:00.000+00:00

Arsenal have appealed against Thomas Vermaelen's red card against West Ham on Saturday.
Vermaelen was sent off and conceded a penalty as Guillermo Franco went through on goal at the end of the first half during Arsenal's 2-0 victory, and the Gunners believe referee Martin Atkinson made an incorrect decision.

In a statement, the FA said: "The FA has received a claim for wrongful dismissal from Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen. "Vermaelen was shown a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity during Arsenal's match against West Ham United on Saturday 20 March. "A Regulatory Commission will hear the claim on Tuesday 23 March."

Meanwhile, Robin van Persie is set to step up his comeback from injury as he returns from the Netherlands this week.

Van Persie has not played since November after suffering ankle ligament damage and Arsene Wenger hopes he will be available for selection for the final weeks of the season.

"I think he will be back [with the club] this week," he said on the club's official website. "We sent our fitness coach out to Holland, where Robin has been having his rehabilitation. Physically he looks very sharp but we aim at least to wait a month."

Speaking to Studio Voetbal, Van Persie said: "I am medically fit, but physically I have to gain. Only then can I train with the full group. I'm not there yet but I've left a difficult period behind.

"For a few weeks I've been training with the ball and it looks good. I still hope I can take part in the final phase of the league and hopefully the Champions League. This has been my goal from the beginning.

"My first goal is to play for Arsenal. When I said that a few months ago, I looked crazy, but, as it stands now, that will happen. Only then can I think about the World Cup."
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Ivanovic knee injury blow, Cech returns

2010-03-23T17:28:00.004+00:00

Chelsea have been dealt another defensive injury blow with the news that Branislav Ivanovic will be out for at least a month, after tearing his medial knee ligaments against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.
Ivanovic suffered the injury after colliding with Rovers' goalscorer El-Hadji Diouf during the 1-1- draw at Ewood Park, and he will join left-back Ashley Cole and first-choice right-back Jose Bosingwa on the sidelines.

Bosingwa will miss the World Cup finals after undergoing knee surgery, while Cole faces a race against time to return from a broken ankle before the end of the season. Brazilian right-back Juliano Belletti has also struggled with injury problems, while more positive news for Chelsea is the impending return of both Ricardo Carvalho and goalkeeper Petr Cech.

The absence of Bosingwa has allowed Ivanovic to cement his status as a regular starter for Carlo Ancelotti ahead of Belletti and Paulo Ferreria, with the latter now the most likely to slot in after a spell covering at left-back.

Yuri Zirkhov, who came on for Ivanovic during the draw with Sam Allardyce's side, will now likely occupy the left-back berth for the visit to Portsmouth on Wednesday, a game which Chelsea will be desperate to win to put their title dreams back on track.

Before the results of the scan, Ancelotti had expressed his dismay at the news, saying: "It is a traumatic injury on his knee, so for this we have to wait until the next day for a clear situation of his injury. When you speak about a knee you have to be worried but I hope he can recover quickly."

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Petr Cech will return from injury against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Wednesday. The Czech has been sidelined with a calf injury sustained against Inter Milan in the Champions League last month.
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ROONEY COULD BE RESTED AS KNEE FEARS GROW

2010-03-23T11:04:00.004+00:00

Wayne Rooney could be rested for Manchester United's trip to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday amid fears that his niggling knee injury is getting worse.
The striker limped away from Old Trafford following Sunday's 2-1 victory over Liverpool and is thought to be suffering from an inflamed tendon.

Rooney was initially informed the knee issue would clear up in one month but the irritation persists. Although the problem does not prevent him from playing for United, it is causing discomfort and swelling after matches.

The 33-goal striker is central to United's hopes of winning silverware this season and with a key clash with Premier League title rivals Chelsea and a Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich on the horizon, Rooney may well be spared Saturday's trip to the Reebok Stadium.

The knee problem first arose ahead of the Carling Cup final and Ferguson left the 24-year-old on the bench to give him a rest but had to call on his services after Michael Owen got injured just 30 minutes into the match.

Rooney then played again on the heavy Wembley pitch days later for England and was heavily criticised by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson for staying on for 86 minutes of the friendly against Egypt.

United are unable to give their star player much rest during the title run in and with just 80 days to go before the World Cup starts England coach Fabio Capello will be keeping a close eye on his prized asset.
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2009-07-21T19:12:00.001+01:00

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Carlo Ancelotti has vowed John Terry's Chelsea future will be settled within a week.

Ancelotti insists Terry is staying put.

The Blues boss is determined to keep Terry at Stamford Bridge, despite a huge offer on the table from Manchester City.

Mark Hughes wants to take the England captain to Eastlands in a deal that could be worth up to £40m, but Ancelotti has now enlisted owner Roman Ambramovich to help persuade Terry to stay at Stamford Bridge for the rest of his career.

And the Italian has promised a resolution in the next seven days. Ancelotti said: "For John it is not a distraction this question because he is very concentrated and focused. I think that in one week nobody will have a problem about John Terry.

"John wants to stay in Chelsea and Chelsea want john terry to be captain for more years. It is normal other teams want him because he is a great player and all teams want to buy a great player.

"These are normal questions but he stays in the same team because he is a captain for Chelsea, it is impossible to sell John Terry. There is no problem with Manchester City. If Manchester City want to improve and buy the best players.

"Paolo Maldini never thinks to go away from Milan, and I think John Terry also thinks this. Loyalty is very important because Terry like Ashley Cole, Lampard, Drogba is a very important player.

"Not only as players but as men, they are great men and they present an example for other players. This is very important for the club."

German midfielder Michael Ballack will miss Tuesday's friendly with Inter Milan and ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho who faces his former club for the first time.

Ballack has a toe injury and the rest of his tour is in doubt.

Ancelotti: Terry saga to be resolved this week

2009-07-21T19:08:00.001+01:00

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Carlo Ancelotti has vowed John Terry's Chelsea future will be settled within a week.

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Ancelotti insists Terry is staying put.

The Blues boss is determined to keep Terry at Stamford Bridge, despite a huge offer on the table from Manchester City.

Mark Hughes wants to take the England captain to Eastlands in a deal that could be worth up to £40m, but Ancelotti has now enlisted owner Roman Ambramovich to help persuade Terry to stay at Stamford Bridge for the rest of his career.

And the Italian has promised a resolution in the next seven days. Ancelotti said: "For John it is not a distraction this question because he is very concentrated and focused. I think that in one week nobody will have a problem about John Terry.

"John wants to stay in Chelsea and Chelsea want john terry to be captain for more years. It is normal other teams want him because he is a great player and all teams want to buy a great player.

"These are normal questions but he stays in the same team because he is a captain for Chelsea, it is impossible to sell John Terry. There is no problem with Manchester City. If Manchester City want to improve and buy the best players.

"Paolo Maldini never thinks to go away from Milan, and I think John Terry also thinks this. Loyalty is very important because Terry like Ashley Cole, Lampard, Drogba is a very important player.

"Not only as players but as men, they are great men and they present an example for other players. This is very important for the club."

German midfielder Michael Ballack will miss Tuesday's friendly with Inter Milan and ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho who faces his former club for the first time.

Ballack has a toe injury and the rest of his tour is in doubt.

Owen set to have medical at Old Trafford

2009-07-03T13:27:00.001+01:00

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Michael Owen has arrived at Manchester United's training ground as his shock move to the Premier League champions gathers pace.

The striker will then have a full medical at Carrington on Friday and could put the finishing touches to a pay-as-you-play deal as early as next week.

The England international is without a club following the expiry of his contract with Newcastle United and it appeared only Stoke City and Hull City were interested in offering him a contract.

But now it appears Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to snap up a player who is fourth in the all-time goalscorers list for his country.

Newspaper reports suggest the contract will be purely incentive based, depending on minutes played and goals scored.

Sir Alex tried to sign the player - a boyhood Everton fan - as a teenager but instead he opted, on the advice of his father, to pen a contract with Liverpool where he scored 118 goals in 216 games.

United have been searching for a new forward since the departure of Carlos Tevez at the end of his loan deal. They had been linked with the likes of Karim Benzema and David Villa, but now it seems Owen will be arriving.

The 29-year-old suffered an injury-ravaged time at St James' Park but still managed to score 10 goals as the Magpies dropped out of the Premier League.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker will be hoping a move to Old Trafford will push him back into the thoughts of England coach Fabio Capello ahead of next summer's World Cup finals.

United's policy is not to comment on transfer stories, but some Red Devils' messageboards have been lighting up with negative comments.

''Not happy. From what I've seen he is nowhere near as good as he was,'' was one; while another discontented fan lamented: ''Owen hasnt been the same for years!''

Forward Benzema joins Real Madrid from Lyon

2009-07-01T19:17:00.000+01:00

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Lyon have accepted an offer from Real Madrid for striker Karim Benzema.
Madrid and Manchester United have been vying for the services of the 21-year-old but Lyon continued to insist before today that the France international would remain at the Stade Gerland for another season at least.

However, Les Gones announced on their official website this afternoon that they have accepted a fee of at least 35m euros (£30m) from Madrid for the player, with performance clauses set to see that fee rise to 41m euros.

The statement on Lyon's website read: ''Lyon announce they have reached an agreement with Real Madrid on the details of the transfer of their international attacker Karim Benzema.

''A few days ago Karim Benzema informed the club president Jean Michel Aulas of his desire to move to the Madrid club, which had always been his favourite club after Lyon, earlier than he had foreseen.

''The player wanted to seize the opportunity which Real Madrid offered him to be one of the major elements in their new ambitious project based around the greatest players of the world.

''Lyon accepted Karim Benzema's decision and negotiated the conditions of a transfer which satisfies all the different parties. The club wishes Karim the greatest success with Real Madrid.''

Benzema will become Florentino Perez's fourth signing since returning to the Madrid presidency a month ago, following the arrivals of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul Albiol. The deal will take Madrid's summer spending to over 200m euros.

The France forward came through the ranks with the French giants and burst onto the scene in the 2007-08 season with 31 goals in 51 games, a streak that saw him named Ligue 1 player of the year as well as top the league's scoring charts.

The last campaign was less impressive for both club and player, as Lyon ended the season without the Ligue 1 title for the first time in eight years, but Benzema nevertheless scored 23 goals in all competitions - an average of a goal every other game.

Real complete Ronaldo deal

2009-07-01T19:14:00.000+01:00

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Manchester United have completed the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Spanish giants Real Madrid for a world record transfer fee of £80m.

A statement from United confirmed the Premier League club have received the phenomenal one-off fee from the Primera Liga club and the deal is now official.

The massive "unconditional" offer was agreed last month and the Spanish club sent officials to the USA, where Ronaldo was on holiday, to sort out personal terms and conduct a medical ahead of the opening of the transfer window on July 1.

Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to the Portugal winger and also highlighted United's role in developing the 24-year-old into the FIFA World Player of the Year.

"Cristiano has been a marvellous player for Manchester United," Ferguson said. "His six years at Old Trafford have seen him develop into the best footballer in the world.

"His contribution has been a major factor in the club's success in that time and his talent, his ability to entertain and his infectious personality have enthralled fans the world over.

"Everyone here wishes him well in his future career."

City and Chelsea head queue to sign Tevez

2009-06-20T21:12:00.001+01:00

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Manchester City and Chelsea are the favourites to sign Carlos Tevez after he decided against signing a lucrative new deal at Manchester United because he ''wasn't the most wanted person'' at Old Trafford, according to his advisor Kia Joorabchian.

United chief executive David Gill had been in discussions with Joorabchian, with the aim of keeping the popular Argentina forward. But, despite the offer of a five-year contract that would have made Tevez one of the highest paid players at the club, the 25-year-old has decided to leave.

According to Joorabchian, Tevez ruled out the prospect of moving to Liverpool as a mark of respect to United fans, but appears interested in the possibility of joining City or Chelsea.

Joorabchian told TalkSport: ''We ruled Liverpool out because of the competitive nature of Manchester United and Liverpool. He has a lot of respect and a lot of love for the fans of Man United and I think he would rule Liverpool out as being the biggest competitor.

''City and Chelsea probably would be the two clubs that are on the table. City have obviously been in contact with us. I've spoken to (City executive chairman) Garry (Cook) and to (manager) Mark (Hughes) on several occasions.

''We haven't talked to them about a contract, we haven't talked to Chelsea either about that because we've respected the fact that Carlos is a Manchester United player.

''Without getting into the point of whether he's going to City or Chelsea or wherever, the issue is that I think Carlos wants to go to a club which has real ambition, a club which is showing intent, a club which he can help achieve great things.

''City have shown a lot of ambition with the players they've brought in in the last year or so, and Chelsea are also showing a lot of ambition - they want to win the Champions League. Both have that ambition.

''What is important is Carlos is very happy in England. He's extremely settled down, his family is in very good shape here, they love the country. He wants to stay here.

''He's basically given away with the two European clubs that have come to him. He hasn't totally disregarded the option but he's put it down his pecking order and I think he'd want to stay in the Premier League.''

Joorabchian insisted the decision to reject a five-year deal at Old Trafford was not down to money so much as the fact United left it so late to put an offer on the table.

He said: ''I don't think it's correct to say 'his face doesn't fit'. He was very much a part of the Manchester United team the last two years but clearly the last one year he's been very disappointed.

''I think he's been even more disappointed that it has to come to the fact that the loan deal finishes.

''If it was, let's say, Wayne Rooney's contract finishing six months before, or Cristiano Ronaldo's contract finishing six months before, would they have offered a better deal to them at that time or would they have tried to secure their services a bit sooner?

''He has that little bit of a feeling that maybe he wasn't the most wanted person at United. Rightly or wrongly, that's how he feels.

''I personally think United made a fantastic contribution to try to secure him with a last-ditch offer but I think it was a little bit too late and there wasn't enough time for Carlos to think about it.''

Joorabchian admitted his client would be leaving Old Trafford with a heavy heart.

''I think Carlos is not happy, he's a little bit sad,'' he said. ''He's had two years at club and enjoyed two great years. They've won two Premier League titles, one Champions League title, one Carling Cup in his time and he's quite sad.

''They didn't really give him any offers for two years. Over the duration of two years there was a lot of talk about signing him but we never actually got to the point of actually receiving any offers for him.

''The offer of Manchester United was a very good offer. It came about 10 days ago. It was the loan price of £9million plus the final option price of £25.5m. They made him a good contract but Carlos needed time.

''I want to make it very, very clear: we never ever at any time asked them for more money, or any kind of money - never at any point during the last two years.

''Even after they made their offer we never asked for more money. We never spoke about that. I think Carlos just felt over the last two years they hadn't made the effort to sign him and he needed a little bit of time.

''I think they were under a time restraint with all the situation that was going on and we couldn't get there in time.''

Tevez will now take some time to consider his options, with Joorabchian expecting a decision to be known by the first week in July.

And there will be no future issues with who owns the player's rights, with the next deal set to be a permanent one.

Joorabchian added: ''The Premier League have changed their rules now when you do make a transfer it has to be a permanent transfer. All his rights will be sold, all his economical rights will be sold and he will belong to the club that he will play for.

''Pre-season will start somewhere between 9 and 12 July. He will have to start wherever he starts by 11, 12 July.

''So, by the first week of July, there will be a decision made, a contract signed and a club announced.''

Arsenal sign Ajax defender Vermaelen

2009-06-19T21:18:00.000+01:00

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Arsenal have completed the signing of versatile Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax Amsterdam.

The 23-year-old, who can play either centrally or on the left, passed a medical on Friday and will bolster a defence that came under fire from all quarters last season.

Arsenal have not disclosed the fee or the length of the 'long-term' contract, but Vermaelen's agent recently suggested a four-year deal had been offered to his client and reports estimate the transfer fee to be around £10m.

Vermaelen said: "Arsenal is a great club with a world class manager, high quality players and a fantastic stadium.

"I just want to assure the Arsenal fans that I will give everything for this club and I hope we can enjoy winning some trophies together next season.

"I have had a good taste of the Champions League during my time with Ajax and this is something I am looking forward to experiencing again with Arsenal.''

Vermaelen, who captained Ajax last season and played against the Gunners in the 2005-06 European campaign, added: "I am also looking forward to playing in the English Premier League, which for me, is the best league in the world.

"I just want to assure the Arsenal fans that I will give everything for this club and I hope we can enjoy winning some trophies together next season.''

The Belgian international, who joined Ajax in 2004 and has made over 100 appearances for the Dutch club, has twice won the KNVB Beker and also scooped the Johan Cruyff Schaal - the equivalent of the Community Shield - on two occasions.

Manager Arsene Wenger said his new recruit would bring some great qualities to his Arsenal side. "He is strong technically with a positive winner's attitude and I have no doubt his arrival will strengthen our team. Thomas Vermaelen will be a huge asset to Arsenal," he said.

"Thomas is a solid performer with good experience of Champions League and UEFA Cup football and is also a regular with the Belgium national team."

Ahead of Friday's medical in London, Vermaelen said: "A lot will change in my life. Next season I will come up against the best strikers in the world. I am not scared by that, I will give all my body can give.

"This is one of the most beautiful days of my life."

Wenger is now likely to turn his attentions to bolstering both his midfield and the frontline.

Yaya Toure, brother of Arsenal defender Kolo, has been linked with the Gunners, who could yet renew their interest in Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz - although are likely to be priced out of the market by big-spending Manchester City. It was reported on Friday evening that City had agreed a fee for Santa Cruz.

Liverpool close in on Pompey's Johnson for £18m

2009-06-16T20:24:00.000+01:00

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Liverpool are set to sign Glen Johnson after reportedly having a bid of around £18m accepted by Portsmouth. The England right-back has been in impressive form this season and the south coast club could cash in after buying him for just £4m in August 2007.

Johnson has been a leading target for manager Rafael Benitez this summer and, after Chelsea withdrew from the race for their former employee, Liverpool now look set to land the 24-year-old.

It had been reported that the Blues and Manchester City had also had bids accepted for the player but, with Chelsea's withdrawal and Johnson's decision to opt against a move to City due to their lack of Champions League football, the path now looks clear for his move to Anfield.

Liverpool are still owed £7m by Portsmouth from the deal that took Peter Crouch to Fratton Park last year and that figure will be written off as part of the Johnson fee; while Andrea Dossena and Alvaro Arbeloa are also on the brink of leaving the club to provide Benitez with more transfer funds.

Johnson has cemented his place as England's first-choice right-back under coach Fabio Capello and played in the two recent World Cup qualifying victories against Kazakhstan and Andorra and should sure up an area in which the Reds have struggled in recent years.

He signed a new four-year deal at Portsmouth in January, but club officials accepted they could not stand in his way if he was offered the opportunity to move a club playing in the Champions League.

Portsmouth are being linked with Tyrone Mears, who spent last season in Ligue 1 with Marseille, as a replacement.

Ferguson plotting £45m bid for striker Villa?

2009-06-15T14:48:00.000+01:00

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Manchester United could be about to break the British transfer record by launching a £45m bid for Valencia striker David Villa.

Striker David Villa is nearing a move.

The Daily Mirror report that Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping to beat Real Madrid in the race to sign Villa, who is almost certain to be sold this summer by debt-laden Valencia.

Villa is one of the most coveted strikers in the world game and with Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid all chasing the 27-year-old it would be a major coup if Ferguson were successful in luring the Spanish international to Old Trafford.

Real Madrid are widely felt to be the favourites to land the player, but on Sunday Barcelona claimed to have held ''open talks'' with Valencia over Villa.

Barca's vice-president Rafael Yuste told Radio Catalunya: ''There are many players who are interested in coming to play at Barcelona and I think that people have to know this. The talks (over Villa) are absolutely open.''

Matching Valencia's valuation of Villa should not be a problem for United whose coffers are set to be swelled by the £80m deal struck last week with Real Madrid for the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo; some reports claim that Ferguson will be given a total transfer fund of £100m this summer to augment his squad.

However, it is thought Villa himself will make the final decision, although that is clouded by his current involvement in the Confederations Cup in South Africa with the Spanish national team.

He has previously indicated that Real Madrid would be his first choice if Valencia decide to sell.

Inter confirm interest in Carvalho and Deco

2009-06-15T14:42:00.000+01:00

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Inter Milan have confirmed their intention to sign midfielder Deco and centre-back Ricardo Carvalho from Chelsea.

The Portuguese pair have been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer and are reportedly keen to be reunited with Inter boss Jose Mourinho, who coached both players at Porto.

''Mourinho has asked us for Deco and Carvalho and we are working towards making him happy,'' said Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

''Our wish is to sign both players and I have seen that the players' intention is to join us. We still haven't reached an agreement with Chelsea but I think we will do in a short time.''

Carvalho followed Mourinho from Porto to Stamford Bridge in 2004, moving for £19.85m, and was central to 'the Special One's' initial success at Chelsea, but has endured a frustrating campaign with the Blues.

Injury restricted the 31-year-old to just 18 appearances this season. But Moratti is convinced Carvalho will bring plenty of experience to the Inter backline.

''We are interested in Carvalho primarily for the Champions League,'' said Moratti. ''He has the right experience, he is calm under pressure and brings experience in the defensive line.

''Our coach has guaranteed quality and I have every intention to make him happy.''

Deco joined Chelsea from Barcelona last summer in an £8m move but the 32-year-old also suffered injuries, making just 22 league appearances this campaign.

''Deco will have two tasks: to do well immediately and to help [Brazilian player Philippe] Coutinho mature as a player,'' said Moratti.

''Coutinho will arrive next season [from Vasco de Gama] and plays in the same role as Deco.''

Man Utd accept Real Madrid's £80m Ronaldo bid

2009-06-11T21:55:00.000+01:00

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Manchester United have accepted an £80m ($131.6m or €93.9m) offer from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo's last game for United was the Champions League final defeat to Barca

A statement on the United website confirmed that a deal for the 24-year-old should be completed by the end of the month.

• Editor John Brewin on the inevitability of Ronaldo's £80m move to Real Madrid

''Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80m for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

''At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.

''Matters are expected to be concluded by June 30. The club will not comment until further notice.''

Ronaldo has long been a target for the Spanish giants, whose president Florentino Perez vowed earlier this week to do ''everything possible'' to take the forward to the Bernabeu. The club now hope to agree personal terms with Ronaldo in the next few days.

It is now certain that a second era of galacticos has begun at Madird, with news of Ronaldo's £80m deal coming in the same week that Perez agreed a £59m deal ($97m or €69m) to sign Kaka. Which means in less than a week, Madrid have committed to spending an incredible £139m ($228m or €162.9m) on just two players.

In Perez's previous stint as Madrid president he oversaw the acquisitions of global stars Ronaldo (£23.2m), David Beckham (£24.5m), Luis Figo (£37m), as well as Zinedine Zidane in what was a then world record of £46.7m.

The news is bound to be greeted with some scepticism by United fans who have repeatedly been told no deal had been agreed for the sale of FIFA's World Player of the Year. That came in the face of regular statements from Spain that the former Sporting Lisbon star was bound for the Bernabeu.

It was even suggested Ronaldo would be due upwards of £20m in compensation from Real if the deal did not go through by June 30, the date United now state themselves is when they expect matters to be concluded.

As it now seems a matter of when, rather than if, a world record transfer will be completed, Sir Alex Ferguson might wish to explain why he has gone back on his famous comment in December last year that he would not ''sell that mob a virus''.

It is the first time for many years United would have allowed a player to leave they were not happy about losing.

Yet some supporters may be pleased that at least another drawn-out transfer saga, such as the one 12 months ago, will not be played out in public.

At least the money could be reinvested in a squad that almost proved good enough to win back-to-back Champions League trophies, in addition to a hat-trick of Premier League titles.

In reshaping a squad that looked almost certain to lose Carlos Tevez as well, though the cash from Real Madrid may change that, Ferguson might be able to offer Wayne Rooney a more permanent central striking role and fulfil the promise he has shown on the international stage this season.

The name of Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery is bound to crop up as a potential replacement, although the 27-year-old seems hugely overpriced at the £40m figure being bandied about in some quarters. Wigan's Antonio Valencia has long been touted as a summer signing.

Ferguson will certainly be making plans already to ensure his new faces are on board before United head to Asia for their pre-season tour in five weeks.

Amid the frenzy over Ronaldo's impending departure, it is bound to be asked whether the current debt hanging over United of almost £700m has played any part in the decision to accept Real's huge bid.

While Ferguson has always backed the Glazer family for the backing he has received, supporters will now be interested to see whether their manager is handed all the funds received from Spain, plus an annual transfer kitty said to be around £25m.

With Edwin van der Sar, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville all reaching the end of their careers, it promises to be a far more testing summer than Ferguson might have realised.

And, for all the petulance and pouting for which Ronaldo is so famed, filling the void created by the loss of his immense talent may prove difficult.

Focussed Terry pleased with England's progress

2009-06-10T19:21:00.001+01:00

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Captain John Terry believes England's coolness under pressure is evidence of the progress made under authoritarian coach Fabio Capello.
England will virtually secure their place in the 2010 World Cup finals if they register a seventh successive win in Group Six against Andorra at Wembley on Wednesday evening.

Terry expects Andorra to defend deep and adopt a physical approach but believes an early goal will force the tiny Pyrenees mountain nation to alter their approach.

With team spirit and confidence significantly improved under Capello, Terry insists the current England team will not suffer a crisis of confidence if they fail to make a quick breakthrough, as evidenced last weekend when England struggled against Kazakhstan before eventually running out 4-0 winners.

Terry said: ''We need to start well, certainly better than we did the other night against Kazakhstan. Everyone expects us to win against Andorra which makes it a little bit tougher. If we score early, we can make it easier.

''But we did well the other night by not panicking early on. We kept the ball and stayed patient and that's where we got our joy. Maybe a year or two years ago we'd have tried to force the issue, but we had that inner-confidence that, sooner or later, we'd get a goal. Maybe in the past we'd have panicked.''

Terry added: ''I think collectively over the last year we have been much better, we have been working for each other a lot more. In terms of the atmosphere in the training camp, something is different. There is a different feeling in the air.

''I am not sure what you put that down to. But obviously winning makes people happy and makes it a lot easier.''

One example of the improved atmosphere in the England camp came when injured keeper David James rang Capello and asked to attend Tuesday evening's team dinner.

James was ruled out of the qualifier with Andorra after opting to have a post-season operation on a shoulder injury.

Yet the 38-year-old was still committed enough to ask to share a meal with his team-mates, a request the Italian was happy to oblige.

''I didn't expect David James to ring and ask if he could see us, but it shows the spirit of the squad at the moment,'' said Capello. ''It is really important we create a group.''

Terry knows the importance of maintaining concentration against Andorra; a game that England will be expected to win at a canter.

He said: ''It's one of those games where you have to concentrate, for me and Matty (Upson) to keep talking, instructing players in front of us, making sure they're doing the right thing and that no-one is taking too many touches on the ball.

''It's important we move the ball quickly. The quicker we move it, the quicker we get it into wide areas, the better. We'll benefit by doing that.

''We've got the quality of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham if he plays.

''We cause a lot of problems these days from wide free-kicks as well and corners. Everyone's been chipping in with their fair amount of goals. If they don't come from open play, we're a threat from set-plays.''

Kaka joins Madrid for £59m to help AC Milan

2009-06-09T16:29:00.001+01:00

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Real Madrid's newest signing Kaka has revealed he joined the Spanish club in order to help AC Milan overcome their financial difficulties.
How new Real Madrid signing Kaka might look in a the famous shirt
The 27-year-old Brazilian is believed to have signed for around £59m ($94.05m), which beats the world record transfer fee of £46.7m ($75.3m) paid by Real to Juventus for Zinedine Zidane in 2001. Although, due to fluctuations in currency exchanges, Zidane still cost more in Euros, at €73m, than Kaka, at €68m.

Real sent medics to the Brazilian national team's training camp in Recife, where the playmaker is preparing for a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, to conduct a medical and the completed transfer was confirmed by both Milan and Madrid late on Monday night.

Speaking at a press conference in Brazil, Kaka said: "I can officially say I'm a Real Madrid player. My professional link with AC Milan finishes now, but my sentimental link will never end."

"Real Madrid intend to build a great team, with historic players such as Raul and Casillas. We will make history again, both in Spain and Europe. I guess the sport project is very good."

Kaka, who was also a target for Premier League club Chelsea, revealed that he turned down a £100m move to Manchester City in January because he did not want to leave Milan mid-season.

"Manchester City and Real Madrid are two different clubs with different situations. At that time, it was mid-season, I had a strong emotional impact due to the Italian fans requesting me to stay, and I decided to stay.

"Now another chance came up and AC Milan is in a big crisis (financially). For me, the sporting project (at Madrid) is interesting and will be an important boost to continue my career in the highest level.

"I wanted to stay on at Milan, but the world (financial) crisis affected a lot of clubs, especially those like Milan which are businesses. So then, I spoke with the Milan directors and we reached the conclusion that the best thing for everybody would be to sell."

The 2007 World Player of the Year will have to wait to be unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu until the end of June, as he is due to travel to South Africa to compete the Confederations Cup with Brazil, but he is already looking forward to the new challenge of playing for Los Blancos.

Having spoken with new Real president Florentino Perez, Kaka revealed that the man who oversaw the club's galacticos era is attempting to construct a team to emulate that of Zidane, Luis Figo, Ronaldo and David Beckham that dazzled football during his first stint as club chief between 2000 and 2006.

The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, David Villa and Franck Ribery have all been linked with the Spanish club since Perez's unopposed election signalled the return of their vast spending.

Kaka said: "The president (Perez) is already making contact (with potential signings) and is putting together a competitive team, one which will try to once again become champions in Spain and Europe. That's why I chose Madrid."

The Brasilia-born star also admitted he had received plenty of advice on the move from former Real player and Perez signing Beckham, who spent a short spell at Milan on loan earlier this year. He also revealed that although the deal was only announced on Monday night, it had been in the pipeline for some time.

"I spoke to some friends, like Beckham, who has already played for Real. He said it's a fantastic place to play. I spoke to him this past week and he kept helping me, he said I made a positive choice for my career's growth," Kaka revealed.

"I wanted this move to be announced sooner. For me it's a relief that it has been announced now, although I have always been 100% focussed on the national side.

"I've been weighing up the offer from Real Madrid a lot. It's an important project for me to continue growing in my career. I'm not going to Real Madrid for money, as I had other offers. But I knew I would only leave Milan to play for Real Madrid.

"Only small details were missing, such as the medical exams I passed this morning. The deal was sealed long time ago".

He also said he hoped to put an end to Barcelona's dominance of Spanish and European football, after the Merengues' arch-rivals swept all before them this season en route to claiming Spain's first league, King's Cup and Champions League treble.

"This will be a tough season at Real Madrid, after all that Messi conquered with Barcelona," he said. "They're the big favourites and deservedly so. I hope Barcelona's hegemony will end in the coming years. Real Madrid will build a great team to win titles again, as it's the club's history."

Meanwhile, he revealed he fell uncomfortable taking on the number five jersey once worn by Zidane. Perez had admitted he would like to see the Brazilian playmaker take on the shirt, but Kaka said he would not feel comfortable doing so.

He said: "Wearing the number five would be a great responsibility. Zidane was a great player, both for Real Madrid and for France, and I wouldn't like to wear the same number as he did. We're going to wait a bit before deciding which one to use."

And finally he had words of gratitude to Milan for launching his career in Europe, while he was also elusive about whether he would end his career in Madrid.

"I will be 33 years old by the time the (Madrid) contract ends, with the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 still to come. Lots of things will happen," he said. "I'm not thinking today of ending my career at 33. I expect to write history there and sign a new contract, who knows, until 35. May be I'll retire then.

"I want to thank Milan, as they were the club who put me on the international scene. They gave me the opportunity to become a big name in Europe.

"I'm happy to leave Milan by the front door, with a lot of friends. It has been very emotional to see what the Milan fans have done for me."

FIFA made to back down on Olympics age limit

2009-06-05T18:28:00.000+01:00

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FIFA have been forced into a climbdown over changing the age limit for the men's Olympic football tournaments but look set to scrap over-age players.

Football's world governing body withdrew a proposal to restrict players in the London 2012 Games and beyond to under-21s after warnings the sport could be kicked out of the Olympics.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter suggested a likely scenario will be to keep the existing under-23 limit but with no over-age players. Three over-age players are allowed under current rules.

Blatter insisted that football's status as an Olympic sport was not at risk but said the size of the tournaments could be threatened.

Blatter told a news conference in Nassau: "There have been declarations by some members of the IOC executive board that if we are going to lower the age limit again that we will be kicked out of Olympics.

"I spoke with [IOC president] Rogge and he said that will not be the case but we could suffer with another principle - we have 28 teams involved, 16 men's and 12 women's and we could lose that privilege.''

A task force will now be set up to look at the issue and Blatter confirmed the scenario of only scrapping the three over-age players was a strong possibility.

He added: "Only fools never change their minds. It's a possibility we remain as 23 and stop the three over-age players - we don't play the under-17 tournament with three over-age players, that would be cheating.''

Blatter said another approach was that used in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics when there was no age limit but no player could have appeared in a previous World Cup.

FIFA's executive committee had voted in favour of the under-21 limit after last summer's Beijing Olympics when Werder Bremen and Barcelona successfully challenged their obligation to release Diego and Lionel Messi for the Games.

Meanwhile, the Congress also voted in favour of a declaration to keep working towards Blatter's '6+5 plan' for limits on foreign players and ban the international transfer of players under 18.

Blatter added: "6+5 will come - it's just a question of time.

"We have to do it within the existing law and it's not incompatible with the law but we don't want to fight. I will not go against the law but the law can be amended.''

Capello: No excuses for England

2009-06-05T18:24:00.000+01:00

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England manager Fabio Capello has warned his players that fatigue will be "no excuse" if they slip-up in their World Cup qualifying double-header.

England, who have an 100% record in Group Six, play Kazakhstan in Almaty on Saturday and then Andorra at Wembley next Wednesday.

Although Capello acknowledges some of his squad might feel a little tired following a long Premier League season, he still expects England to take another giant step towards qualification for South Africa 2010 by taking maximum points.

Capello said: "The problems of players, if they are tired or not, is no excuse. We have to play, we have to win and everyone who plays has to be very strong.

"At the end of the season, the players are not fresh like when we started. But we have to play two very important games against Kazakhstan and Andorra.

"There will be no excuses that we are tired or wanting a holiday. None of that."

England are five points clear of second placed Croatia in their group and Capello has "big confidence" that England will perform well at the 2010 World Cup, if they qualify as expected.

"First we have to get through to South Africa but I think we will be a very good team if we achieve that," the Italian said. "We are very strong and we can play against all the best teams of the best countries in the world.

"I am very happy with these players, with this group and I have big confidence in the future."

Capello is also happy to see Arsenal winger Theo Walcott return to the international fold for the first time in eight month since suffering his shoulder problem.

Walcott shot to prominence with his hat-trick in the 4-1 demolition of Croatia in Zagreb earlier in the campaign.

Capello said: "I think all the players are important, not only Theo Walcott. But he is good. We are happy that he is back because it is important for us."

Capello understands Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's concerns over Walcott suffering from burn-out, as he will join up with the Under-21s for the European Championships in Sweden after the two World Cup games. But he points to the fact that Walcott missed a sizeable chunk of the campaign with his shoulder setback.

Capello said: "Theo is one of the players that played less games last season. He was injured for four months and now he has just started to be very fit.

"I followed him in the last games he played. Stuart Pearce (Under-21 coach) spoke with him and he was happy to play for the Under-21s and so after the seniors Theo will go with the Under-21s.

"I understand also all the managers at the start of the season like to have all the team together because pre-season is very important. For this reason, I understand Arsene (Wenger).

"But there are also the Confederation Cup, South American World Cup games and others going on during the summer."

Capello will assess the fitness of Rio Ferdinand after Saturday's game. He has not travelled to Almaty because of a back problem.

Capello said: "Rio was not fit so he stayed in England. We have played a lot of games without him and I have big confidence in Joleon Lescott and big confidence in Matthew Upson. There is no problem for the game.

"When we return to England, we will check the condition of Rio and if he is fit, he will stay with us."

Capello was also keen to play down reports of a training ground altercation between midfielder Gareth Barry and another player after the Manchester City newcomer had been challenged.

He said: "I was a player. I am a manager. During the training sometimes, some players after one tackle push the other one but on Thursday I saw nothing. Absolutely nothing."

Rijkaard appointed coach at Galatasaray

2009-06-05T18:23:00.000+01:00

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Frank Rijkaard will replace Bulent Korkmaz as coach at Galatasaray, the Turkish club said on Friday.

Galatasaray did not provide further details but broadcaster CNN Turk said Rijkaard, 46, would arrive in Istanbul on Friday afternoon.

"Galatasaray professional football team has appointed Frank Rijkaard technical director. We wish him success in his new role," said a brief statement from the club.

Former Barcelona coach Rijkaard was set to sign a two-year deal with Galatasaray in a ceremony at 8 pm (1700 GMT), the web site of the Milliyet daily newspaper reported.

It said the deal was reached after Galatasaray chairman Adnan Polat travelled to Spain two days ago and followed the club's failure to reach agreement with Juande Ramos and Bernd Schuster.

Johan Neeskens would join Dutchman Rijkaard at the club in a deal worth around €4m, the report said.

Galatasaray, UEFA Cup champions in 2000 and 17 times domestic champions, had a disappointing season and finished fifth in the league, 10 points adrift of champions Besiktas.

Former Galatasaray captain Korkmaz had been appointed in February in place of Michael Skibbe, who was sacked after a poor run of results. Korkmaz had a contract until the end of the 2009-2010 season.

Rijkaard took charge of Barcelona in 2003 after four years of underachievement and led them to back-to-back league titles and victory in the Champions League in 2006. He left the club in May last year.

During his time at Barcelona he earned plaudits for his commitment to open, attacking football, unflappable temperament and skilful management of high-profile players.

Ibrahimovic open to Barcelona offer, says agent

2009-06-05T18:17:00.000+01:00

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Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic would welcome a move to European champions Barcelona, according to his agent.
Reports have been rife that the two clubs are discussing a deal after Inter president Massimo Moratti was spotted meeting Barca counterpart Joan Laporta in a hotel in Spain.

"I only know that if the two clubs find an agreement we would not have trouble agreeing with Barcelona," agent Mino Raiola told reporters.

Spanish daily Marca are reporting that Ibrahimovic could cost the Catalan club £60m, while Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport claim Inter want Barca striker Samuel Eto'o and a £30m transfer fee in return for their star player.

Ibrahimovic, who finished the season as Serie A's top scorer, has previously stated that he has "won everything in Italy" and hinted that it was time to move on to a new challenge.

"I don't know what else I can still do in Italy," Ibrahimovic told Sky Italia earlier this week. "When I arrived here many criticised me, saying I was a fantastic player, but I couldn't score goals.

"Now I have won the Capocannoniere (top scorer) title and proved myself. I could not have done any better than this. I have won five Scudetti (league titles), the Super Cup, I'm missing the Coppa Italia, but that's okay."

If Ibrahimovic were to leave for Spain, it would be another huge blow to Italy's top flight with AC Milan's Kaka also on the brink of signing for Real Madrid.

JUNE HOLY GHOST SERVICE

2009-06-02T20:02:00.000+01:00

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Dear Beloved,

It is with great joy that I welcome you to this information gateway of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. Established in 1952, we are a growing Church with many branches all over the world. There are resources here designed to enrich your spiritual life, such as great devotional messages, The Open Heavens and many other resources.

As we moved into the Year, 2009, our great Father will watch over you, support you and enrich your life with Joy Unspeakable . Your time of promotion has come. The Lord from whom promotion comes will give you wisdom to work with your Divine Partner that will result into Joy Unspeakable for you and your family.

The Lord is set to perform that which He has promised you in this year and your time of rejoicing has come. Your presence here is not an accident for "all things work together for the good of them who love God, and them who are called according to His purpose" (Rom 8:28). The One who has brought you is able and faithful to do as He has said.

Just focus on Him as the Holy Spirit takes you through every minute of the year, JOY TO THE WISE.

You are welcome in the precious name of Jesus, AMEN.

PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
General Overseer

Dubai owners to launch bid for AC Milan?

2009-06-02T20:01:00.000+01:00

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The ruler of Dubai is preparing an offer to purchase 40 percent of AC Milan for about 400 million euros, claim reports in an Italian newspaper.
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AC Milan's owner Fininvest SpA, the holding company of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's family, could get the offer this week, MF business newspaper reported.

The bid from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum could include an option to buy the rest of AC Milan in two years, it said.

Milan have denied any talks were under way. Asked in a television interview late on Monday about sale of the club, Berlusconi said, "You, like all other journalists, are completely divorced from reality."