SoccerFT

CL : Bayern Munich 1-1 Chelsea (pen : 3-4)

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Sat, 19 May 2012 16:15:16 PDT

HIGHLIGHT :

83' [1 - 0] T. Müller
88' [1 - 1] D. Drogba

Milan Sign Riccardo Montolivo And Bakaye Traore On Free Transfers

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:00:59 PDT

AC Milan have confirmed the signings of Riccardo Montolivo and Bakaye Traore.

Italy midfielder Montolivo, 27, has spent the last seven years of his career with Fiorentina but was out of contract this summer and broke off talks over an extension in January.

Following a medical on Wednesday, he committed to a four-year deal at Milan, whose manager Massimiliano Allegri had earlier described him as a "very good player, very technical".

Mali midfielder Traore, also 27, had said earlier this month that he would be moving to the San Siro when his Nancy contract expired this summer.

( source )

Hamburg Signed Rene Adler From Bayer Leverkusen

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Thu, 17 May 2012 06:58:50 PDT

Hamburg have announced the signing of goalkeeper Rene Adler from Bayer Leverkusen on a five-year deal.

Germany international Adler, 27, has struggled for fitness in recent times but Hamburg director of sport Frank Arnesen believes it is a great signing.

"When you can sign a Germany international at the age of 27 then that is a special opportunity and we have taken it," Arnesen said. "I hope that he can return to the national team off the back of excellent performances for Hamburg. He is very optimistic and ambitious to get back to his previous form."

Adler, who did not play a game for Leverkusen last season following knee surgery, said: "I think that I will come out of this last year stronger than ever.

"It was a tough time and I had to come through lots of low moments during rehabilitation, but it has all paid off in the end. I now feel top fit and am ready."

( source )

Kenny Dalglish Sacked By Liverpool

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:43:31 PDT

Liverpool have sacked manager Kenny Dalglish after a season in which the club finished in eighth place in the Premier League.

Speculation has raged this week over Dalglish's future at Anfield after he and assistant Steve Clarke travelled to Boston to meet with the club's owners, Fenway Sports Group.

On Tuesday it was suggested the Scot was on the brink of leaving the Reds, and 24 hours later it emerged his second stint as Liverpool boss had come to an end. It has also been reported by journalists on Merseyside that Clarke has also left.

It has been a mixed 2011-12 season for Liverpool, with the club lifting the Carling Cup trophy, after beating Cardiff City on penalties, but being defeated by Chelsea 2-1 in the FA Cup final.

Their Premier League form was the most disappointing aspect of their campaign, with the club finishing 17 points short of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and one place behind bitter rivals Everton, despite spending over £100 million on players

Dalglish, having enjoyed a hugely successful first stint on Merseyside as he lifted three league titles, was reappointed as Liverpool manager in January 2011 after the club sacked Roy Hodgson.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and Liverpool football club announced that Kenny Dalglish is to leave his post today as manager after having his contract terminated.

"After a careful and deliberative review of the season, the club came to the decision that a change was appropriate. It is not a decision that was reached lightly or hastily. The search for a new manager will begin immediately."

Principal owner John Henry said: "Kenny will always be more than a championship winning manager, more than a championship winning star player. He is in many ways the heart and soul of the club. He personifies everything that is good about Liverpool football club. He has always put the club and its supporters first. Kenny will always be a part of the family at Anfield.

"Our job now is to identify and recruit the right person to take this club forward and build on the strong foundations put in place during the last 18 months."

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner said: "Kenny came into the club as manager at our request at a time when Liverpool football club really needed him. He didn't ask to be manager; he was asked to assume the role. He did so because he knew the club needed him. He did more than anyone else to stablise Liverpool over the past year-and-a-half and to get us once again looking forward. We owe him a great debt of gratitude.

"However, results in the Premier League have been disappointing and we believe to build on the progress that has already been made, we need to make a change.

"We are committed to delivering success for our supporters and our ambition remains resolute to return this great club to the elite of England and Europe, where it belongs."

Dalglish said: "It has been an honour and a privilege to have had the chance to come back to Liverpool football club as manager. I greatly appreciate the work that Steve, Kevin, the players and all of the staff put in during my time and feel proud that we delivered the club's first trophy in six years winning the Carling Cup and came close to a second trophy in the FA Cup Final.

"Of course I am disappointed with results in the league, but I would not have swapped the Carling Cup win for anything as I know how much it meant to our fans and the club to be back winning trophies.

"Whilst I am obviously disappointed to be leaving the football club, I can say that the matter has been handled by the owners and all concerned in an honourable, respectful and dignified way and reflects on the quality of the people involved and their continued desire to move the football club forward in the same way as when they arrived here.

"I would like to thank all of the staff at the club for their effort and loyalty. I said when first approached about coming back as manager that I would always be of help if I can at any time and that offer remains the same.

"Finally, I want to put on record my heartfelt gratitude to Liverpool's fans, who have always given me and the club their unwavering support. Without them neither the club nor I would have achieved anything."

( source )

England Call On Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:34:39 PDT

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was the surprise inclusion in Roy Hodgson's 23-man England squad for Euro 2012, while former captain Rio Ferdinand was the most high-profile to miss the cut.

Oxlade Chamberlain, 18, has never previously played for the England senior side, though he has impressed with four goals in eight games for the Under-21s and has sparkled for Arsenal this season.

The youngest member of Hodgson's squad, Oxlade-Chamberlain will be joined by several other inexperienced England players in Poland and Ukraine, with the likes of Andy Carroll, John Ruddy and Danny Welbeck among those heading to their first major international finals.

Manchester United defender Ferdinand was a notable omission from the squad, meaning the veteran defender will likely never play at a European Championship having not been selected for Euro 2000, missed Euro 2004 through a drugs' ban and failed to qualify for Euro 2008 under Steve McClaren.

Liverpool pair Stewart Downing and Carroll both endured difficult seasons but were included nonetheless, while Jermain Defoe also got the nod despite having started just 11 league games this season.

Four of Manchester City's Premier League-winning squad made the cut, with Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott, James Milner and Gareth Barry all heading to next month's tournament.

England squad:

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Man City), Rob Green (West Ham), John Ruddy (Norwich)

Defenders: Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Man Utd), John Terry (Chelsea), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton)

Midfielders: Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Man City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Ashley Young (Man Utd), James Milner (Man City)

Forwards: Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Danny Welbeck (Man Utd), Andy Carroll (Liverpool)

( source )

Ryan Giggs And Sir Alex Ferguson Win Awards

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:21:25 PDT

Manchester United have been awarded two prestigious honours for their dominance of the Premier League.

Ryan Giggs, Sir Alex Ferguson PA PhotosRyan Giggs and Sir Alex Ferguson have enjoyed great success in the Premier League's 20 years

Sir Alex Ferguson was named the best manager in the Premier League's 20-year history and Ryan Giggs won the best player award at a ceremony in central London on Tuesday.

Ferguson was not in London, so chief executive David Gill picked up the award on his behalf. Giggs did receive his award, which was given to him after he beat off competition from the likes of Thierry Henry, Paul Scholes and Dennis Bergkamp to clinch the vote from a panel of experts.

The Welshman has made 909 appearances for United and is the most decorated player in the English game while Ferguson has won 12 Premier League titles since he took over the Lancashire club in 1986.

Former Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville said of Giggs: "Ryan Giggs will go down as the most successful British footballer of all time and I cannot see anyone ever overtaking him. He has surpassed all records in terms of domestic titles and he has incredible desire, quality and spirit. He's just fantastic to watch every single week."

Ferguson pipped Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, Harry Redknapp and David Moyes to the manager's award.

Record Premier League goalscorer Alan Shearer said of the Scot: "How he's achieved what he has done over the past 20 years I think is absolutely incredible, so we all have to stand up, salute, admire and congratulate him."

Shearer received an award for the most Premier League goals (260) while David James received a prize for the most Premier League clean sheets (173).

The panel's elect team of the last 20 seasons was named as: Peter Schmeichel; Gary Neville, Tony Adams, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole; Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer.

( source )

Atletico Madrid Crowned Europa Kings

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:48:54 PDT

HIGHLIGHT :

CELEBRATION :

7' [1 - 0] R. Falcao
34' [2 - 0] R. Falcao
85' [3 - 0] Diego

Premiership : Liverpool 4-1 chelsea

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:54:47 PDT

19' [1 - 0] M. Essien (o.g.)
25' [2 - 0] J. Henderson
28' [3 - 0] D. Agger
50' [3 - 1] Ramires
61' [4 - 1] J. Shelvey

Shinji Kagawa : I'll Soon Begin My New Manchester United Chapter

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:55:39 PDT

Borussia Dortmund ace Shinji Kagawa has dropped the bombshell that he expects to sign for Manchester United at the end of the season.

Kagawa has revealed on Japanese television he will be making the historic move to Old Trafford after the German Cup final.

He told TV Osaka: "May 12 I'll play my last game for Dortmund and then begin a new chapter at Manchester United."

For his part, Kagawa's representative Thomas Kroth is keeping tightlipped on developments.

"There is still no decision," he insisted over the weekend.

( source )

Fulham Close In On Highly Rated Heerenveen Duo

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:52:23 PDT

Fulham are set to complete the £10million capture of Heerenveen wingers Luciano Narsingh and Oussama Assaidi.

The pair were given a tour of Craven Cottage on Monday, and are both poised to agree terms on a five-year deal.

According to a report in The Sun, Fulham have fought off interest from PSV Eindhoven, Ajax and Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala to land the highly-rated duo.

Everton and Newcastle were also said to be monitoring the situation.

Narsingh, 21, has been included in Holland's 36-man preliminary squad for this summer's European Championships.

Morocco international Assaidi, 23, turned down the option to play for Holland despite having dual passports.

In demand: Everton and Newcastle were monitoring Assaidi (pictured) and Narsingh Martin Jol's move to snap up the pair comes with Clint Dempsey edging towards the craven Cottage exit.

The race to sign Dempsey this summer is hotting up as Arsenal prepare to make the first move for the Fulham forward.

Liverpool are believed to be the favourites to sign the USA international as he stalls over accepting the offer of a new three-year contract.

( source )

Pep Guardiola Rejects Fresh £12m Chelsea Offer

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:49:06 PDT

Pep Guardiola has rejected a new bank-busting approach from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

The Mirror says Blues are offering £12million-a-year deal and huge funds to raid Barcelona's squad, but the answer is still no.

Guardiola remains determined to take a year off.

It may mean that Chelsea decide to stick with Roberto Di Matteo until Guardiola becomes available, because they have been so impressed with their stand-in boss.

( source )

Arsenal Ramps Up Interest In Yann M'Vila And Junior Hoilett

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:44:21 PDT

Arsene Wenger has continued his preparations for the new campaign by stepping up his interest in Yann M'Vila and Blackburn's Junior Hoilett.

The Arsenal manager has been hot on the trail of Rennes midfielder M'Vila for around 12 months and the Gunners have now opened talks with the French club over a £17million move.

Arsenal have scouted other targets in case their attempts to sign M’Vila end in failure; Athletic Bilbao playmaker Javi Martinez and Anderlecht central midfielder Lucas Biglia have both been watched.

But Arsenal officials are said to be increasingly confident of securing a deal to sign the France midfielder next season - providing the north London club qualify for the Champions League, of course.

Regarding Hoilett, Wenger can see only positives coming from signing a player who is out of contract at the end of the season. The free agent has also attracted strong interest from Bayern Munich and Marseille.

( source )

Manchester United Make Late Move For Jan Vertonghen

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:40:56 PDT

Manchester United have joined the interest for Ajax captain Jan Vertonghen.

Arsenal and Tottenham have made most of the running for Vertonghen while Newcastle and Chelsea are also keen on the Belgian centre-half.

He looks set to leave the Dutch capital this summer and interest from United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will give him something else to think about, says the Daily Mail.

( source )

Kyle Walker Signs New Tottenham Deal

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:32:26 PDT

Kyle Walker has penned a new contract with Tottenham as a reward for his brilliant form this season.

The 21-year old full-back, who was crowned the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year this season, has signed an extension which will keep him at White Hart Lane until 2017.

"The club is delighted to announce that Kyle Walker has signed a new contract which runs until 2017,” read a statement on Tottenham’s official website.

"Following successful loans with QPR and Aston Villa last season, Kyle returned to White Hart Lane at the start of the current campaign and has appeared in 47 of our 51 games to date, scoring key goals against Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers.

"His performances have not gone unnoticed, with his fellow professionals voting him the PFA Young Player of the Year last month ahead of the likes of Sergio Aguero and Danny Welbeck.

"Kyle has also been recognised at international level this year with his first two full caps for England."

( source )

Arjen Robben Pens New Bayern Deal

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:29:17 PDT

Arjen Robben has cleared up any doubt regarding his Bayern Munich future by signing a two-year contract extension.

The Dutch international was being targeted by the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham with reports suggesting he was keen to leave the Allianz Arena in the summer after a run-in with teammate Franck Ribery.

But it was today confirmed that Robben had penned a new deal with the German giants which will keep him in Munich until 2015.

"I've always emphasised that I feel very, very settled in Munich and at FC Bayern," Robben told the club's official website.

"This is the reason I'm glad to extend my contract ahead of its expiry. FC Bayern is like a family to me. Two of my three children were born in Munich, and my family and I feel at home here.

"This contract extension is also the right decision for me from a sporting perspective.

"We have a magnificent team, and I'm certain we'll enjoy the maximum possible footballing success in the years to come.”

( source )

Real Madrid Wrap Up First La Liga Title Since 2008

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:18:04 PDT

HIGHLIGHT :

CELEBRATION :

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa Keen On Manchester United

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:11:19 PDT

Montpellier captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has iterated his desire to move to the Premier League and says playing for Manchester United would be a dream.

Yanga-Mbiwa, 22, is out of contract in 2013 and is reported to be available for around £7 million.

In November last year, the defender had revealed he was learning English and told France Football: "People live for football in England, and that is what I want to experience. I'll see what offers I get, but English football is incredible. There is more physical contact than in France, but I like that - it suits my style of play."

He has now talked up the possibility of a move to Old Trafford but suggested he would also welcome a move to Arsenal.

"Playing for Manchester United would give great satisfaction and it would mean a dream could become a reality," he told Canal Plus. "Arsenal too are a big team."

( source )

Hoffenheim Sign Tim Wiese And Eren Derdiyok

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:07:56 PDT

Hoffenheim have made two new signings for next season with Germany goalkeeper Tim Wiese arriving on a free transfer from Werder Bremen and Switzerland striker Eren Derdiyok signing for an undisclosed fee from Bayer Leverkusen.

Wiese's arrival had prompted murmurs of discontent from the Hoffenheim faithful in their last home game of the season against Nurnberg last weekend, but Hoffenheim coach Markus Babbel said he could not miss out on Germany's No. 2 goalkeeper.

"We did not want to let the chance of getting such an experienced and successful goalkeeper slip away," he said on his club's website. "Tim Wiese has made it into the national team and that pretty much says everything. I am convinced he will be a key factor in us reaching our goals."

Wiese will contend for a place in the Hoffenheim goal next season with the club's vice-captain and fan favourite Tom Starke.

Derdiyok arrives to fill the void left by the sale of Vedad Ibisevic to Stuttgart in January.

"Eren Derdiyok is a complete striker and he fits in perfectly with our concept," Babbel said. "I am delighted we have been able to convince him to come."

The 23-year-old has scored 25 goals in 89 Bundesliga matches for Leverkusen since joining them from Basel in 2009.

( source )

Roy Hodgson Named England Manager

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Wed, 02 May 2012 04:16:27 PDT

The Football Association is delighted to announce the appointment of Roy Hodgson as England Manager.

Joining from West Bromwich Albion, Hodgson has agreed a four year deal to become the full-time Manager of the Three Lions.

Hodgson, aged 64, who has won a total of eight league titles in a distinguished career, and coached the national teams of Switzerland, Finland and United Arab Emirates, met with FA officials at Wembley on Monday.

Having taken Switzerland to the FIFA World Cup™ in 1994 – their first Finals competition for 28 years – Hodgson also achieved a FIFA ranking of third in the world as well as successfully qualifying the team for Euro 96.

His former clubs include Inter Milan, Blackburn Rovers, Grasshoppers, FC Copenhagen, Fulham and Liverpool. He has also managed in Norway and Sweden. In addition, he has been a regular member of FIFA and UEFA’s technical study groups at tournaments.

Along with his vast experience of international and European football, Hodgson is the only English manager currently working in the top flight to have won the League Managers' Association manager of the year award.

( source )

Arsenal Agree Long Term Lukas Podolski Deal

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:00:37 PDT

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that a deal has been agreed to sign German international striker Lukas Podolski on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

The Polish-born attacker will team up with the Gunners in the summer ahead of the 2012/13 season from Bundesliga side FC Cologne, where he has been in fine form this season, netting 18 times in 28 league appearances.

After spending his early years training and playing with FC Bergheim 2000, the 26-year-old joined the youth set-up at Cologne in 1995, before making his first-team debut in 2003. After three successful seasons with Cologne he moved to Bayern Munich in 2006. He spent three seasons with Bayern before re-joining FC Cologne in 2009 and is now regarded as one of the leading strikers in the Bundesliga.

Podolski has made 95 appearances for Germany and scored 43 goals since making his debut as a 19-year-old in 2004. He made a huge impact with a series of impressive performances at the 2006 World Cup, where he scored three times and followed this up with three more goals at Euro 2008.

Podolski was also part of the Germany team that produced a number of eye-catching displays at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, including a goalscoring contribution in the 4-1 win over England in Bloemfontein in the last 16. He also featured for ‘Die Geißböcke’ in the pre-season friendly against Arsenal at the RheinEnergieStadion last July.

Manager Arsène Wenger said: “We are delighted to secure the deal for Lukas and see him as an important part of our future. He is a top-class player, a very good finisher and a proven performer at club and international level. He is a very strong player and will provide us with good attacking options.

"We are happy to have made this signing early and we are looking forward to watching Lukas contribute at the European Championship over the summer, a level where he has already made 95 caps at the age of 26. That is a phenomenal record and just shows his quality as a player.”

Speaking about his move, Podolski said: “I’m so happy to be joining Arsenal Football Club and to play in the Premier League. Arsenal is one of the top clubs in Europe with a huge history. There are many top quality players at Arsenal and the style of football which the team plays is fantastic. I’m proud to become an Arsenal player and am looking forward to playing my first match at Emirates Stadium and doing my best for all the Arsenal fans.

“I am looking forward to becoming an Arsenal player, but at the moment my focus is with my current club, FC Cologne. I will give everything I have until the end of season to make sure the team finish as high as possible in the Bundesliga. There will always be a place in my heart for FC Cologne.”

( source )

Premiership : Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:56:48 PDT

45' [1 - 0] V. Kompany

Manchester City vs Manchester United

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:24:29 PDT

English Premier League

Date : 1 May 2012

Game : Week 36

Kick-off : 03:00

Venue : Etihad Stadium (Manchester)

Manchester City
Sat 31/03/12 PRL Manchester City 3 - 3 Sunderland
Sun 08/04/12 PRL Arsenal 1 - 0 Manchester City
Thu 12/04/12 PRL Manchester City 4 - 0 West Bromwich
Sat 14/04/12 PRL Norwich City 1 - 6 Manchester City
Sun 22/04/12 PRL Wolverhampton 0 - 2 Manchester City

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Hart – Zabaleta, Lescott, Kompany, Clichy – Yaya Toure, David Silva, Nasri – Aguero, Tevez, Balotelli

Manchester United
Tue 03/04/12 PRL Blackburn Rovers 0 - 2 Manchester United
Sun 08/04/12 PRL Manchester United 2 - 0 QPRa
Thu 12/04/12 PRL Wigan Athletic 1 - 0 Manchester United
Sun 15/04/12 PRL Manchester United 4 - 0 Aston Villa
Sun 22/04/12 PRL Manchester United 4 - 4 Everton

Sidelined : F. Macheda, A. Lindegaard, D. Fletcher, N. Vidić, Anderson, P. Pogba

Probable starting line-up (4-5-1): De Gea – Smalling, Jones, Ferdinand, Evra – Scholes, Valencia, Nani, Carrick, Park – Rooney

Prediction : Manchester United / Draw

PSG Open Talks With Real Madrid Gonzalo Higuain And Kaka

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 01:53:21 PDT

PSG are preparing a double raid on Real Madrid for Gonzalo Higuain and Kaka.

L'Equipe says PSG owner Nasser al-Khelaifi has met with both players and discussed a move to France.

By moving to PSG, both Kaka and Higuain can expect to better their current salary at Real and a guaranteed start in Carlo Ancelotti's first team.

An agent representing PSG is expected in Madrid this week to open talks over terms with Real for the duo.

( source )

Real Madrid Go For Edin Dzeko

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 01:48:33 PDT

Real Madrid are eyeing Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko for the summer market.

Sport says Real coach Jose Mourinho is eyeing Dzeko as a replacement for Gonzalo Higuain, who will be sold at the end of the season.

Mourinho has been seeking a centre-forward signing for the last two years at Real and Dzeko fits the bill.

( source )

Liverpool Prepare Bid For £12m Luuk de Jong

noreply@blogger.com (elnino7) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 01:54:48 PDT

Liverpool are lining up a bid for FC Twente striker Luuk de Jong.

The Reds have been told they will have to pay at least £12.5million if they are serious about signing Holland and FC Twente striker De Jong, says the Daily Mail.

The 21-year-old has caught the eye of scouts from a number of major clubs by scoring 23 times in 29 league matches this term.

( source )