tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58528789689671262512024-03-19T03:51:26.288-07:00SoccerFansSoccer news updatesSoccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-17688553889003690702012-01-24T19:27:00.000-08:002012-01-24T19:30:55.408-08:00Why Barca bosses said no to Jose Revealed: Secrets of mystery meeting<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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JOSE MOURINHO would be Barcelona boss — but for his arrogance, aggression and failure to listen.</span></h2>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Special One was snubbed after an interview in 2008 as Barca went for rookie Pep Guardiola.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And SunSport can reveal for the first time <b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">WHY</b> he is tonight leading Real Madrid and not their deadly rivals towards a Spanish Cup final.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A sensational new book, 'Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World', tells how Mourinho almost landed the job after dazzling executives in a secret meeting.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It could have changed the outlook of European football.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But with former Barca vice-president Marc Ingla and technical director Txiki Begiristain ready to hand over a contract — Mourinho blew his chance.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingla said: "By January 2008 we had amazing pressure from his agent to see him.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"He was saying, 'Jose knows the club, he's prepared, he understands the style'. He was pitching relentlessly.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Txiki and I chose Lisbon for a secret meeting.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had already approached Pep, who was half a season into his first coaching job at Barca B, to see if he was interested. But it was vital to test him against Mourinho."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chelsea sacked Mourinho in September 2007 but Ingla and Begiristain were wowed by his brilliant pitch.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He also worked at the Nou Camp as an interpreter under Bobby Robson in the 1990s.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But Ingla added: "In considering him we were also dealing with the Mourinho brand.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I said to him, 'Jose, the problem we have is you push the media too much. There is too much aggression.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I added, 'the coach is the image of the club, you cannot start fires everywhere, this is against our style'.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Mourinho answered, 'I know, that is my style. I won't change'. He was renowned to be No 1 but wouldn't listen."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vice-president Ferran Soriano described the mood as Ingla and Begiristain returned from Portugal. He said: "They spent three hours with him, both said he wasn't our guy. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Marc said Mourinho spoke 90 per cent of the time and didn't listen. He said, 'I just don't like him'."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The locals wanted Mourinho — but Barca went to talk to former player Guardiola.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingla added: "At the end of our chat Pep said, 'Why don't you hire Mourinho? It'd be easier for you'.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I replied, 'No, there are some criteria which that guy doesn't fit and one is attitude. He is totally unsuitable for us'."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mourinho went on to win the Champions League with Inter Milan — beating Barca in the semi-final.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the long game is very much with Barcelona.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since Mourinho joined Real in 2010, there have been 66 bookings and nine red cards in nine spiteful El Clasicos.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bitterness returns today as Madrid defend their Spanish Cup — won against Barca last April — when they go to the Camp Nou 2-1 down from their quarter-final first leg.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But Barca have won 13 out of 16 trophies since they appointed Guardiola and lost only one of nine meetings with Mourinho's Madrid. Mourinho held a tense news conference yesterday with speculation rife that he will leave Madrid in the summer.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">source: www.thesun.co.uk </span></div>
<br />Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-66537446728111190232012-01-17T23:24:00.000-08:002012-01-17T23:25:11.443-08:00C. Ronaldo 'works like an animal' for Madrid – José Mourinho<br />
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<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/ronaldo" style="background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-collapse: collapse; color: #005689; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="More from guardian.co.uk on Cristiano Ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> may not be enjoying his best period of form but he is still "working like an animal" for <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/realmadrid" style="background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-collapse: collapse; color: #005689; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="More from guardian.co.uk on Real Madrid">Real Madrid</a>, his coach, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/jose-mourinho" style="background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-collapse: collapse; color: #005689; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="More from guardian.co.uk on José Mourinho">José Mourinho</a>, said ahead of Wednesday's Copa del Rey showdown with Barcelona.</div>
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Ronaldo has been whistled by some home supporters at the Bernabéu since a poor performance in last month's <em style="background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">El Clásico</em>. The former Manchester United player reacted by refusing to celebrate his goal in a 5-1 win against Granada and makes his first appearance in front of Madrid fans since then in Wednesday's quarter-final first leg.</div>
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At a news conference on Tuesday, a cantankerous Mourinho said Ronaldo's performance in Saturday's 2-1 win at Real Mallorca had been his best of the campaign despite the fact that he had not added to his 21 league goals.</div>
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"He worked like an animal and did exactly what the team needed," Mourinho said. "He doesn't need to score or be man of the match every time. I told him nobody can touch him after the way he worked in the second half. When the team wins everyone is responsible and when they lose everyone is responsible for that too. Simple."</div>
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Mourinho has managed only one win over Barça in eight attempts since taking the Madrid job at the end of the 2009-10 season, when Ronaldo nodded an extra-time winner in a 1-0 triumph in last season's cup final. The last time the two teams played each other over two legs in the Spanish cup, in the 1996-97 campaign, the former Internazionale and Chelsea manager was assistant coach at Barça and the Catalan club went through 4-3 on aggregate.</div>
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Mourinho refused to give any details about his tactics for Wednesday's game, saying that whatever he decided would no doubt be criticised in the Spanish media.</div>
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Angel di María, who has not played since injuring himself in the final training session of 2011, will be included in the squad and a decision will be made on his fitness on Wednesday.</div>
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"The league is the priority," Mourinho added. "But tomorrow is also a great match and you want to do the best possible and use all the players if they are available."</div>
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source: www.guardian.co.uk</div>
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<br /></div>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-64604866917656887852012-01-04T20:47:00.000-08:002012-01-04T21:02:51.790-08:00Greatest Player under Alex Ferguson's Manchester United management in 25 years<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SunSports saluting Alex Ferguson this week as he celebrates
25 years in charge of Manchester United although his team just lost triumph to
the Toon recently.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of the game's great and good have congratulated the United boss on his outstanding achievement, including Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SunSport's <span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">TOM BARCLAY<b> </b></span>puts together what he thinks is Fergie's greatest XI from all the players he has managed during his tenure, plus a seven-man bench. Here are 6 of top world-class players ever under Sir Alex Ferguson.</span></div>
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<li><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SUB WINGER: David Beckham (1993-2003)</span></b></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BECKS may still be going strong at 36, but his glory years were undoubtedly spent at United.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He emerged from teenage obscurity to global mega stardom under the watchful gaze of Alex Ferguson — and some suggest the latter had a part to play with his exit to Real Madrid in 2003.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In pure footballing terms, Beckham was the master of set-pieces and crossing, but his tenacity and commitment can never be called into question as his numerous comebacks demonstrate.</span></div>
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<b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Graduated from the academy </span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Appearances: </b>399 <b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Goals: </b>87</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Trophies: </b>Six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, Champions League, Intercontinental Cup</span></div>
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<a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01343/beckham-cantona_1343011c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01343/beckham-cantona_1343011c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">STRIKER: Eric Cantona (1992-1997)</span></b></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CANTONA only spent five seasons at United but such was his impact on English football, he simply has to make Ferguson's greatest XI.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pinched from Leeds for £1.2million, the Frenchman became an instant hit with the Old Trafford faithful, leading the team to the first ever Premier League and United's first league title since 1967.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lasting image of Cantona was his brilliant (bordering on arrogant), collar-up celebration after scoring a wonder goal against Sunderland — you wonder if he regrets calling it a day aged 30.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Signed from: </b>Leeds for £1.2m</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Appearances: </b>185 <b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Goals: </b>82</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Trophies:</b> Four Premier League titles, two FA Cups</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uM9oUJ7pBRYYr-iie6t7glJeGgFVoVLQrixPmxvsyby5YWyDyhm_Ci2V1cZNrjcyOaoPwugnFjj9tg4tdyxHBjPWN_8qv-ppIT3W67LUNA74P_iDWh19FuDd3_HTJFhQBud7nwnDAKqa/s1600/Giggs+Man+Utd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uM9oUJ7pBRYYr-iie6t7glJeGgFVoVLQrixPmxvsyby5YWyDyhm_Ci2V1cZNrjcyOaoPwugnFjj9tg4tdyxHBjPWN_8qv-ppIT3W67LUNA74P_iDWh19FuDd3_HTJFhQBud7nwnDAKqa/s400/Giggs+Man+Utd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LEFT-WING: Ryan Giggs (1990-present)</span></b></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GIGGS is on 885 United appearances at present, what's the betting he'll make 1,000?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Welshman's longevity at the highest level is unprecedented in the Premier League and his equalising goal against Benfica in the Champions League this season shows he's still got it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has had to adapt his game over the years, but as his Player of the Year award in 2009 demonstrated, he just seems to get better with age.</span></div>
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<b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Graduated from the academy</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Appearances: </b>885 <b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Goals: </b>161</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Trophies: </b>12 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, four League Cups, two Champions League, Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup, FIFA Club World Cup</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.chainloader.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/paul-scholes-manchester-united-premier-league_2427815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.chainloader.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/paul-scholes-manchester-united-premier-league_2427815.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"><div style="color: #101010; display: inline !important; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Paul Scholes (1994-2011)</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THE sheer fact that Alex Ferguson has deployed Wayne Rooney in midfield recently highlights the chasm left by Scholes' retirement.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the most decorated players in English football history, Scholes pulled the strings in United's midfield for 17 seasons, weighing in with 150 goals including some spectacular strikes that will be cherished for years to come.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it came to England, though, perhaps he was ahead of his time, as you feel his tiki-taka style of play was never fully utilised by his various managers on the international stage<b style="font-weight: normal;">.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Graduated from the academy</b></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Appearances: </b>676 <span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Goals: </span>150</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Trophies: </b>10 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups, two Champions League titles, Intercontinental Cup, FIFA Club World Cup</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://gloryglorymanu.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/edwin_van_der_saar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://gloryglorymanu.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/edwin_van_der_saar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SUB GOALKEEPER: Edwin van der Sar (2005-2011)</span></b></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THE biggest compliment you can pay Van der Sar is that he makes you think twice about Peter Schmeichel's inclusion in Alex Ferguson greatest XI.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dutchman Ed was surprisingly overlooked by Fergie after Schmeichel's retirement but the Scot eventually got it right, picking him up from Fulham in 2005.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His calmness and vast experience played a vital role in the Champions League success of 2008, not to mention his penalty save from Nicolas Anelka's decisive spot-kick in the final against Chelsea.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Signed from: </b>Fulham for £2m</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Appearances: </b>266 <b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Goals: </b>0</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Trophies: </b>Four Premier League titles, League Cup, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup</span></div>
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<li><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CENTRE-BACK: Rio Ferdinand (2002-present)</span></b></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FERDINAND may no longer be first choice at Old Trafford, but for the last nine years he's been arguably the finest centre-back in English football.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He became the most expensive defender in the world when he signed for Leeds from West Ham for £18million in 2000, only to go and blow that fee out of the water when signing for United for £30m two years later.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Combining a grace on the ball with a unwavering physical approach, not to mention his raw pace, Ferdinand has been a key member of a side that has picked up five league titles and a Champions League trophy since the turn of the Millennium.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Signed from: </b>Leeds for £30m</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Appearances: </b>369 <b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Goals: </b>7</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Trophies: </b>Five Premier League titles, two League Cups, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">source: www.thesun.co.uk</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Picture, www.telegraph.co.uk, www.gloryglorymanu.com</span><br />
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<br />Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-13727971763617079172012-01-02T19:54:00.000-08:002012-01-02T19:56:43.977-08:00Wolves 1 Chelsea 2: Lampard to the rescue as Blues bounce back at Molineux<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He might not have been at the centre of the celebrations which marked Chelsea’s first goal on Monday, but Frank Lampard supplied Andre Villas-Boas with something far more tangible when it mattered.<br /> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with greater aplomb than Monday’s 89th-minute winner. But a close-range volley enabled his under-fire boss to speak with greater freedom about club unity, the need for improved consistency and neatly sidestep any suggestion of player unrest.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Indeed, there was a show of togetherness which accompanied the visitors’ opening strike, nine minutes after the interval. Goalscorer Ramires, joined by a clutch of his team-mates, made tracks to the Blues bench for what appeared to be an impromptu celebration.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lampard and skipper John Terry were late arrivals to the pitchside throng. But they were at the heart of a resolute display against determined hosts. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Villas-Boas, amid rumours that his senior players are in revolt at his management style, refused to acknowledge the get-together after the opening strike was in any way a public show of confidence in him.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When asked about the veteran midfielder’s late contribution, Villas-Boas said: ‘I think the whole team did well. No matter who scores. Romeu, Mata - the most important thing is to find consistency.</span></div>
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‘Away from home we have less anxiety. We need to correct it at Stamford Bridge. We have discussed it between ourselves and I think we can correct it. It doesn’t matter who does the scoring, the most important thing is the victory.’</div>
<br /> source: www.dailymail.co.uk, picture: www.chelseafc.com</span>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-78625799325609893772011-12-25T20:21:00.000-08:002011-12-25T20:21:22.960-08:00We can't buy until we sell, says Mancini as Man City tighten the purse-strings<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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Manchester City might have spent more than £600million on new players under Abu Dhabi rule, but manager Roberto Mancini admits he must sell before he can buy when the transfer window reopens next week.</div>
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Carlos Tevez, still valued at £40million by City, would command by far the biggest transfer fee and Mancini also hopes to offload defenders Wayne Bridge and Nedum Onuoha.</div>
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He is concerned that injuries could derail City’s Premier League title challenge, with Yaya and Kolo Toure set to be missing for a month from mid-January on African Nations Cup duty.</div>
<br />But after more than three years of lavish spending, City’s wealthy owners are insisting on a more pragmatic approach.<br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
‘Now we need to sell two or three players and then we’ll see,’ said Mancini. </div>
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‘We want to sell and after that we may have time to buy someone if it’s possible.</div>
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‘But it’s not easy. I ask the owner for Messi but it’s not possible! </div>
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‘Until now we have been lucky because we didn’t have any big injuries. This could be a problem in January because we lose Yaya and Kolo, and I hope we don’t lose any other players through injury.’ </div>
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City have been linked with Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen, Lille’s Eden Hazard and Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote among others, but Mancini claims that clubs routinely ramp up the price when City inquire about their players.</div>
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He also admitted that another potential target, Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi, will be difficult to lure from the Italian capital.</div>
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‘De Rossi was born in Rome and it’s unlikely that he’ll leave the city,’ said the City boss.</div>
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‘There are players that could be good for us, but every time we want to buy a player their clubs ask for lots of money.’ </div>
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City are top at Christmas for the first time in 82 years and will look to maintain their advantage when they visit West Bromwich Albion on Monday.</div>
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But Mancini has told his players that they must be mentally prepared to fall behind Manchester United during the course of the title race if they are to succeed in deposing their rivals as champions.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">source: www.dailymail.co.uk</span>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-64758607529844415772011-12-19T01:41:00.000-08:002011-12-19T01:41:07.084-08:00Man U calm over Euro reprieve bid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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MANCHESTER UNITED are keeping calm about their chances of a return to the Champions League.</h2>
Alex Ferguson's side went out at the group stage after losing 2-1 in Basel this month.<br />
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But the Red Devils were given a glimmer of hope because of a
long-running row between Sion — Basel's Swiss rivals — and football
chiefs.<br />
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FIFA announced they will suspend the Switzerland FA unless the
country's league deducts points from Sion for registering six players
signed during a transfer ban.<br />
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When a national association is suspended, none of its teams are
allowed to play foreign opponents and that would stop Basel meeting
Bayern Munich in Champions League's last 16.<br />
But sources believe a compromise will be met by the January 13 deadline.<br />
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An insider said: "United can't see it coming to anything."<br />
While the word within FIFA was that any reprieve was "a long shot".<br />
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source: www.thesung.co.ukSoccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-85038904504649709402011-12-11T19:27:00.001-08:002011-12-11T19:41:22.952-08:00Mancini fury as Balotelli hits Manchester nightlife ahead of Chelsea clash<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli faces the wrath of manager Roberto Mancini after preparing for Monday night's crucial game at Chelsea with a late night out that ended in the early hours of Sunday morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Italian striker Balotelli is in the City squad for what is arguably their biggest game of the Barclays Premier League season at Stamford Bridge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But <span style="font-style: italic;">Sportsmail</span> understands that Balotelli was out until at least 12.45am in Manchester city centre after a Saturday night out with friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">City yesterday declined to comment on the alleged incident, but did confirm that first-team players are not expected to be socialising less than 48 hours before a game. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mancini is known to have a more relaxed attitude than some Premier League managers, but it is clear he will be unimpressed with another lapse in discipline from the controversial Balotelli. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 21-year-old was not thought to have been drinking alcohol in the Zouk Bar and Restaurant but was described by one eye witness as behaving 'boisterously' with a group of friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">City had their last training session before the clash in west London on Sunday morning, meaning Balotelli will not have had a full night's sleep beforehand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sources at the Etihad Stadium told <span style="font-style: italic;">Sportsmail </span>that Mancini does not have a problem with players enjoying a mid-evening meal out in the run-up to a game.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, it was also made clear that the City boss will view a night out that ends in the early hours as a step too far. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mancini has gone to extraordinary lengths to accommodate Balotelli during the young centre forward's season-and-a-half in England. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And there have been times recently when the former Inter player appeared to be listening. But this latest episode underlines that Balotelli still refuses to take some things on board. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Source: www.dailymail.co.uk</span></div>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-74553354625367085472011-12-05T20:57:00.001-08:002011-12-05T21:02:25.678-08:00Messi, Ronaldo and Xavi shortlisted for Ballon d'Or<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;">Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi have been shortlisted for the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011, FIFA and France Football magazine have announced. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;">Messi won the inaugural award last year after FIFA's World Player of the Year crown and France Football's Ballon d'Or gong merged.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Barcelona forward is the favourite once more after another stunning season at the Nou Camp in which he scored 53 goals in all competitions.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Argentinian Messi was Barca's top scorer as Pep Guardiola's men retained the Primera Division title and re-claimed the Champions League trophy with a comprehensive defeat of Manchester United at Wembley.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Xavi was the architect of many of Messi's goals, the Barca veteran maintaining his position as arguably the premier midfielder in world football.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ronaldo also scored 53 times for Real Madrid as they finished runners-up in Spain and lost out to Barca in the Champions League semi-finals.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guardiola, Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson were shortlisted for the 2011 FIFA Coach of the Year award. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guardiola's men were again mesmeric in 2011, sweeping all before them with an attractive style of football. Madrid were their closest challengers, narrowly losing out in the domestic league and in Europe. They did, however, gain a degree of revenge by lifting the Copa del Rey with a 1-0 defeat of the Catalans in Valencia.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to guiding United to the Champions League final, Ferguson also led the Red Devils to a record 19th English championship - the 12th under the Scot's stewardship.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">United were also represented in the category for the 2011 goal of the year - the FIFA Puskas award - with Wayne Rooney nominated for his stunning overhead kick against Manchester City last season.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Zurich on January 9, 2012.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">source: www.soccernet.com, www.fifa.com</span></div>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-71244803488750640892011-11-29T20:53:00.001-08:002011-11-29T21:10:47.228-08:00Samir scraps with Frimpong as pair renew hostilities after jeers on Arsenal return<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pair, who clashed on Twitter when Nasri left for City earlier in the season, gestured to each other as they approached the tunnel after the final whistle of a tie settled by Sergio Aguero's only goal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arsenal denied punches were thrown but a witness confirmed the players confronted each other as they left for the dressing rooms at the Emirates Stadium.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nasri was jeered by home fans thanks to his £25million move in August but the France midfielder had the last laugh after playing his part in City's first win at Arsenal in 36 years. </span></div>
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But City manager Roberto Mancini was disappointed with the 24-year-old's display and has demanded an improvement. </div>
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'He can play better because he is a top player,' said Mancini. 'I'm sure he will improve. Sometimes you need time. Maybe it was his first night back at Arsenal and maybe he was nervous, it's not easy for a player who was here for four or five years.<br />
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger felt his side had the better chances but were guilty of 'naive' defending when Edin Dzeko broke from a corner and the ball was worked to Aguero to score. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'It was not an unfair result but I felt we were a bit naive because it was a corner for us and then goal for them,' said Wenger. 'We looked the winner of the game and it is frustrating because we put a lot of effort in and were not rewarded. But our midfield has battled well and showed quality.' </span></div>
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Source: www.dailymail.co.uk<br />
Picture: www.sport360.com</div>
</span>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-52359922029538501272011-11-23T19:04:00.001-08:002011-11-23T19:12:15.272-08:00Time for AVB to start praying Bayer Leverkusen 2 Chelsea 1<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS was left praying for help last night as his Chelsea nightmare continued.</span></h2>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a last-gasp Champions League defeat the under-fire Blues boss admitted: "We are in a negative spiral of results and the team is trying desperately to get out if it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Our confidence is low right now and they expect the manager to inspire them.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"That is my job — to motivate and inspire these players to change our fortunes. The responsibility is mine.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Group E</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>9<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #365f91; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chelsea<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>8<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #365f91; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Valencia<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<td style="background: #D3DFEE; border: none; mso-background-themecolor: accent1; mso-background-themetint: 63; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 3.0cm;" valign="top" width="113">
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<span style="color: #365f91; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>8<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #365f91; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Genk<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"But we will also need our fans behind us for our final group game at home to Valencia. It is a critical moment for the team.</span></div>
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<a href="http://whdn.williamhill.com/cms/images/news/library/en/feature/130990675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://whdn.williamhill.com/cms/images/news/library/en/feature/130990675.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I think it was an unfair result. Neither team played good football but that's not what matters now.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"What matters is Leverkusen have taken three important points to change the whole nature of this group.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"It is still in our own hands to qualify and we expect to do our job, but Valencia are a team on the up.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"It's tough for a lot of the English teams in the Champions League at the moment. We have been suffering a lot, conceding a lot of goals and we have to get back to winning.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"At the moment, everything is happening to us but there are no excuses."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Villas-Boas revealed Brazilian centre-half David Luiz had to come off midway through the second-half and refused to blame sub Alex for Manuel Friedrich's last-gasp winner.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AVB added: "David Luiz was feeling very dizzy and sick at half-time. He decided to continue for the team but we had to make the substitution.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Alex is a brave defender and the marking at the corner was correct but Friedrich got that inch to head the ball into our net.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">source: thesun.co.uk</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-33375903521121709652011-11-23T18:52:00.001-08:002011-11-23T19:03:23.324-08:00Milan vs Barcelona 2-3 Highlights<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Highlights of exciting game between AC Milan vs Barcelona 2-3 for UEFA Champion League round 1</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><object height="353" width="470"><param name="movie" value="http://video.rutube.ru/791985bb1eaba50cdee51cc75b33a1ea">
</PARAM><param name="wmode" value="window">
</PARAM><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</PARAM><param name="flashVars" value="uid=4240086">
</PARAM><embed src="http://video.rutube.ru/791985bb1eaba50cdee51cc75b33a1ea" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="window" width="470" height="353" allowFullScreen="true" flashVars="uid=4240086"></EMBED></OBJECT></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Milan vs Barcelona 0-1 ( Mark van Bommel own goal Milan 14′)<br />AC Milan vs Barcelona 1-1 ( Zlatan Ibrahimovic goal vs Barca 20′)<br />Milan vs Barca 1-2 ( Messi penalty goal vs Milan 31′)<br />AC Milan vs Barcelona 2-2 ( Kevin Prince Boateng goal vs Barcelona 54′)<br />Milan vs Barcelona 2-3 ( Xavi goal vs Milan 63′)</span></span>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-34323732967173626632011-11-17T19:49:00.001-08:002011-11-17T19:56:32.366-08:00Don't wear club shirts on Napoli trip, Manchester City fans are told<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/20/article-2051272-0E6E02D500000578-430_468x309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/20/article-2051272-0E6E02D500000578-430_468x309.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Manchester City have taken the dramatic step of writing to supporters travelling to Italy for next week's Champions League match to urge them not to wear club shirts or scarves. </div>
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City take on Napoli, where visiting supporters have previously been subjected to knife attacks. In a letter to the fans who bought tickets for the match, club officials have also urged them to avoid no-go areas, including the railway station and the Old Centre of the city.</div>
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It is the first time City have issued such advice. The move comes after four Bayern Munich supporters were slashed with knives outside the Stadio San Paolo before a Champions League match last month. There were numerous reports of knife-wielding thugs on mopeds carrying out vicious assaults and two more German fans were stabbed in the city centre.</div>
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Last year three Liverpool fans were knifed, with two taken to hospital, when they visited Naples in the Europa League. Worried Manchester City officials drew up the advice after meeting officials from police at home and in Italy.</div>
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City's letter, signed by the operations manager Steve Sayer, says fans should "take care and use common sense" and "travel in groups where possible".</div>
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It says the club is "confident that there is a low risk of problems" but adds: "We would also advise against wearing club colours away from the game, particularly when taking public transport."</div>
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Tensions around the televised encounter are set to be high as defeat could see the Italians knocked out of the tournament. No alcohol will be served inside the ground and City supporters will be locked in after the final whistle for 45 minutes.</div>
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City said they had been working closely with the British consulate in Naples, Napoli and the Italian police to ensure the safety of their fans. The Premier League club are second in Group A, with seven points, behind Bayern Munich on 10 and ahead of Napoli with five.</div>
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source: www.theguardian.co.uk, picture from www.dailymail.co.uk</div>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-90855147116656918282011-11-13T19:58:00.001-08:002011-11-13T19:59:39.027-08:00Top 5 impossible goalsSome goals in the video looked very impossible but they became the beautiful scores.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qK0w8PmpA8Q" width="420"></iframe> </div>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-17242130254554674122011-11-09T01:35:00.000-08:002011-11-09T01:35:28.509-08:00Forgetful Fabio misses son's wedding due to England match<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Fabio Capello just can't stay away from controversy it seems.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">First the England manager saw his Euro 2012 plans wrecked by a three-game ban for talisman Wayne Rooney.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then his captain John Terry was caught up in racism storm.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCW0ChMYzRTpt6LliT1wxnLbU4ysPs9uYXpwJGEy6X6_f63TQwlDPKE3ut8z-jl_4azw3zXOtqFbt9d0ID5Y95pivzNiDW4wOPMEBVDPWqjfC4oM5khR6GSY9dK9-dALI9jbyALdpbXbp6/s1600/Capello-England.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCW0ChMYzRTpt6LliT1wxnLbU4ysPs9uYXpwJGEy6X6_f63TQwlDPKE3ut8z-jl_4azw3zXOtqFbt9d0ID5Y95pivzNiDW4wOPMEBVDPWqjfC4oM5khR6GSY9dK9-dALI9jbyALdpbXbp6/s320/Capello-England.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And now he has upset his son's wedding plans by England organising a friendly with world champions Spain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It means Capello will miss his younger son Pierfilippo tying the knot with long-term partner Tiziana in Milan on </span><span style="font-size: small;">Saturday - the same day as the England match at Wembley.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The friendly was originally scheduled for Friday but Spain insisted that the kick off
was moved back 24 hours to give their Barcelona contingent more time to recover
from Wednesday's Copa del Rey game against L’Hospitalet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The rules oblige
Barcelona to play at least seven recognised first-team players in the tie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Capello
forgot to tell his right-hand man Franco Baldini about the wedding
plans when he organised the game with the Spanish federation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And
Pierfilippo, a sports lawyer who works in Milan and negotiated his
father’s contract with the FA four years ago, said that the family had
been able to see the funny side.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">He </span><span style="font-size: small;">told
The Independent: 'It [Capello missing the wedding] is not a problem,
absolutely not. He is a football manager first; he has been that ever
since I was a child and sometimes being a football manager can make
strange demands on your time. You just have to accept that.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">'It
will be a beautiful ceremony and a beautiful party. We will all toast
him sitting there on the bench at Wembley and look forward to him coming
to join us for the celebrations after the games.' </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/</span></div>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-6935491749800732952011-11-02T19:51:00.000-07:002011-11-02T20:06:55.708-07:00Cristiano Ronaldo is Real Centurion<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<h2 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 12.6pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">CRISTIANO
RONALDO scored his 100th goal for Real Madrid as they saw off Lyon in the
Champions League.<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<div style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The £80million man reached the landmark haul on just his 105th
appearance for the Spanish giants after leaving Manchester United two
years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Ronaldo's brace sealed Madrid's place in the last 16 of the
tournament and left boss Jose Mourinho purring over his star player.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The Special One said: "It is an incredible record. To score
100 goals for Real is tremendous, especially scoring two goals here in Lyon
where we have a negative record historically. I think it's fantastic."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Portugal superstar Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 24th minute
by curling home a free-kick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">And he became a Real centurion on 69 minutes when he converted a
penalty after Lyon fullback Mouhamadou Dabo had fouled him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The win put Madrid top of Group D on 12 points — five clear of
second placed Ajax, who thumped Dynamo Zagreb 4-0.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: black;">But the night belonged to Ronaldo,
who is battling Barcelona's Lionel Messi for the World Player of the Year
crown.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Argentine ace Messi hit a hat-trick last night in the 4-0 victory
at Viktoria Plzen — taking his tally to an amazing 202 goals in 286 matches for
the reigning Spanish and European champions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 7.5pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">source: <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/">http://www.thesun.co.uk/</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highlight video: Lyon vs Real Madrid : 0-2</span></div>
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<br /></div>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-63154745363068160672011-10-28T02:19:00.000-07:002011-10-28T02:19:13.764-07:00Man City owner will pay Mancini's legal bill, if City boss is sued by Tevez<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour
has told manager Roberto Mancini he will personally pay his legal bills
if he is sued by his former captain Carlos Tevez.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">City
are involved in an increasingly ugly dispute with Tevez over Mancini’s
claims that the 27-year-old refused to come on as a substitute in Munich
in the Champions League four weeks ago.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.yimg.com/i/ng/sp/empics/20100823/20/2594879788-23082010204542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d.yimg.com/i/ng/sp/empics/20100823/20/2594879788-23082010204542.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The
Barclays Premier League leaders revealed on Tuesday that they were
fining Tevez four weeks’ wages — in the region of £1million — after
finding him guilty of five charges in relation to the incident at the
Allianz Arena. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Tevez has immediately struck back by
claiming he will sue Mancini for defamation, maintaining that the
Italian’s suggestion that he had refused to play was untrue and
therefore slanderous.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">However,
it is understood that Sheik Mansour is so furious at Tevez’s conduct
over recent weeks that he has told Mancini he will foot any legal bills
out of his own personal fortune.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">City
do not privately believe that Tevez will take Mancini to court. Such a
move would risk harming the South American’s reputation even further. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Yet the club are ready for anything
and have told Mancini they are fully behind him. Mancini spoke with City
chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak by telephone on Tuesday night moments
after City announced that their internal inquiry had found Tevez guilty.
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It
is understood that City’s Arab owners are totally serious when they say
Tevez will be banished to the sidelines for two years rather than be
sold for a penny less than his £40m value when the transfer window opens
in January.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ and eurosport.yahoo.com<br /> </span></div>
</div>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-80083508802691342462011-10-21T22:14:00.000-07:002011-10-21T22:19:27.614-07:00Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger want their stars to snub Olympics<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
ALEX FERGUSON and Arsene Wenger last night told Stuart Pearce: We do not want our players in the Olympics.</span></h2>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GB boss Pearce hopes to call up Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs from Manchester United plus Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kieran Gibbs and Theo Walcott.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But he got short shrift from the Premier League's top managerial duo, who insisted London 2012 was a tournament too far. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.bettingexpert.com/assets/images/en/League%20Previews/Arsene_Ferguson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.bettingexpert.com/assets/images/en/League%20Previews/Arsene_Ferguson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fergie warned Olympic organisers: "Players need their rest, they need their pre-season training. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"They need their recovery and recuperation from small injuries that they get throughout the season.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The intensity of the English game is second to none. It is an exhausting, exacting season.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I don't see how they can possibly get the players up to raise the bar after the season they have had in our game."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wenger declared: "For me, it is not a real football tournament. The Olympics is for track and field basically.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"If you look at the organisation of the whole summer, it makes life impossible for the clubs and especially the players.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I would say there is already no real break because of the European Championship and the Olympic tournament."</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wenger then joked: "Why not organise another tournament behind that, so we lose the players again?"</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
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The Olympics is an Under-23 format.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></div>
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But Pearce can include three over-age stars — possibly Rooney, Giggs and David Beckham, who by next summer will be 37.</div>
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For the Olympics, FIFA cannot force clubs to release players. It is up to the stars to seek to play.</div>
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Wenger added: "The worst thing is to leave that decision to the players."</div>
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The FA have vowed to open 'sensible dialogue' with England's senior clubs and Chelsea chief Andre Villas-Boas and Tottenham's Harry Redknapp appear more sympathetic to Olympic calls.</div>
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Villas-Boas said: "Stuart has to decide freely on what he wants."</div>
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Redknapp would allow his Wales star Gareth Bale to play for the GB team if the Welsh FA give the OK.</div>
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">source: Thesun.co.uk, www.bettingexpert.com</span>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-79791807965443517482011-10-16T21:34:00.000-07:002011-10-16T21:43:09.492-07:00Wenger tells Robin van Persie: Please sign new contract<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #101010; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arsene Wenger last night urged Robin van Persie to sign a new deal after the Dutch superstar insisted he is 'committed' to Arsenal.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.vidfootie.com/cdn/1308687702_59e852f0b9393a01399a55cbc890bcfd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://www.vidfootie.com/cdn/1308687702_59e852f0b9393a01399a55cbc890bcfd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Van Persie hit the Gunners' fastest Premier League goal after 29 seconds and won the game with a 25-yard free-kick. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has 19 months left on his contract and has so far refused to discuss a new deal. Fans fear that, come next summer, Van Persie will follow Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri out of the club. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;">The Dutchman, however, does not appear likely to sign a new contract, leaving Arsene Wenger with another of those agonising choices looming in the not too distant future. Does he sell his captain as he did when Samir Nasri hit the same point last summer? Or does he dig in and insist that his captain honours the final year of his contract before leaving on a free transfer? The saga has already started.</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, Sunday's Robin van Persie show the key word was ‘commitment’. He started it by devoting a section of programme notes to his housing situation. He wanted to point out that just because he was selling his house didn’t mean he was about to move to Manchester City.<br />His house in Hertfordshire is up for sale, he explained, but he has moved into a new one in Hampstead.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Van Persie said: "I am committed to Arsenal and that's how it is. I can see how frustrating it is from the fans' point of view but I am committed.</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">
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"This is my eighth year here and if you can say about one player that he is committed, it's me."</div>
</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #101010; line-height: 20px;">Wenger said: "The ideal situation is he extends the contract. He knows we are ready to talk about it. If he doesn't, you have to respect that.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"What is important is that he plays like he plays.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"We are all here to see special football players and he's a special football player."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;">More urgently for Wenger, the win hauls Arsenal up to 10th in the Premier League and eases the pressure. Unfortunately for Steve Bruce, it leaves Sunderland in bother, languishing near the relegation zone.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;">source: www.thesun.co.uk, www.dailymail.co.uk</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-76239997931960220382011-10-10T02:56:00.000-07:002011-10-10T03:12:26.754-07:00Real Madrid's Ronaldo: Those who like football like watching me play<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The Santiago Bernabeu star has
shrugged off recent jeers and claims that football enthusiasts enjoy his style
of play, even fans of his rival from the Camp Nou outfit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Real
Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo believes football fans around the globe love
watching him in action as he responds to recent criticism. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ronaldo
was jeered and hissed in September's 4-0 Euro 2012 qualifying win over Cyprus
in which a number of fans shouted the name 'Messi,' referring to Lionel Messi,
the Barcelona striker. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">"These
things [the Cyprus jeers] are abnormal things. And, I don't care about
them," Ronaldo is quoted as saying by <i>AS.com.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
former Manchester United man shrugged shoulders at the whole affair and
insisted he was not affected by it. In fact, he feels everyone loves his game -
his message coming just days after former Madrid coach Bernd Schuster said
Ronaldo is less selfish now.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
"I think that all those who like football are happy when Cristiano Ronaldo
is playing," he boasted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is an issue which had gone quiet in recent weeks, but following Portugal's 5-3
Group H win over Iceland on Friday, Ronaldo has returned to talk about what
happened against Cyprus.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ronaldo
could be in action when Portugal play Denmark on Tuesday. His side need just a
point from their final group game to secure a place at Euro 2012. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">source:
www.Goal.com </span></div>
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Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-76630260496105562892011-10-02T20:03:00.000-07:002011-10-02T20:53:37.082-07:00No Rio or Gerrard for England<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">England will head into their Euro 2012 showdown with Montenegro without two of their most experienced players after Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard were both left out ofFabio Capello's squad.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">England need a draw in Podgorica on Friday to book their place at next summer's European Championship finals. And Capello has decided they can achieve that mission without two men who have amassed a combined total of 167 caps.</span></div>
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<a href="http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2010/03/10/1225839/035651-fabio-capello-england-soccer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2010/03/10/1225839/035651-fabio-capello-england-soccer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gerrard had already said he did not believe he was fit enough to be involved after only just recovering from a groin injury. However, Ferdinand was expected to be included after shaking off the hamstring strain he suffered at West Brom in August. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jermain Defoe and Joleon Lescott have lost their places, with Bobby Zamora and Scott Carson recalled to a 24-man squad.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zamora's only cap came in a friendly against Hungary in August last year, after which he was sidelined after suffering a broken leg the following month. He did return as a substitute for the June qualifier with Switzerland but did not play.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now 30, Zamora was bizarrely cited by Capello as one of the young players on which England's future rested following their woeful World Cup performance.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tottenham full-back Kyle Walker is recalled after impressing England coach Fabio Capello with a wholehearted display in Sunday's north London derby, culiminating in a 25-yard drive for the winning goal in a 2-1 victory for Spurs.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Capello has promised that his side will not look for a draw in Montenegro, but aim to take all three points.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"If you play for a draw it is a big mistake, you are defending a result and it is easy then to make silly or stupid mistakes," he told FATV.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"We need to go to win in Montenegro and not to play for a draw."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="font-weight: 800;">England squad:</strong> Scott Carson (Bursaspor), Joe Hart (Man City), David Stockdale (Ipswich); Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Bolton), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones (Man Utd), Micah Richards (Man City), John Terry (captain, Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Tottenham); Gareth Barry (Man City), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Man City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Man City), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Man Utd); Darren Bent (Aston Villa), Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Danny Welbeck (Man Utd), Bobby Zamora (Fulham)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">source: www.bbc.co.uk, ESPN (www.soccernet.com)</span></div>
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<br />Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-37264099245580177822011-09-25T20:45:00.000-07:002011-09-25T20:45:56.419-07:00ALL players have a shelf life — even Frank Lampard<br />
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There is talk of a lack of respect towards a man who has played 88 times for his country and made more than 700 appearances for Chelsea and West Ham.</div>
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A lot of this is down to the fact Lampard is one of the brightest and most engaging footballers of his generation, not simply one of the best. </div>
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He is courteous, approachable, uncontroversial and unconfrontational, though still extremely tough mentally. So there is an obvious sadness at the inescapable demise of a popular figure. Yet time waits for no man.</div>
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A few weeks ago, an England team without Lampard produced a lively and impressive 3-0 win in Bulgaria.</div>
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Four days later, with Lampard restored, they laboured to a 1-0 victory over Wales at Wembley. It seemed Fabio Capello's team had taken one of its customary steps backwards.</div>
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That Lampard was no worse than James Milner or Gareth Barry is not the point.</div>
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As for Lampard's Chelsea career, though he may no longer be an untouchable, it is far from over.</div>
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But Andre Villas-Boas was not appointed by Roman Abramovich to maintain the status quo. And no manager is more powerful than in his first few months. There were always going to be high-profile casualties and Villas Boas has to be applauded for the brave decision in replacing Lampard at half-time against Manchester United at Old Trafford.</div>
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Having lost the first half 3-0, they won the second 1-0.</div>
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With Meireles, Ramires and Mata in the side, there is more pace and fluidity in the team and a far better service to Fernando Torres.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Lampard was left on the be</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">nch for the 4-1 win over Swansea </span>where <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">18-year-old starlet </span>Josh McEachran rather than he came on as the third and final sub. T<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">he <i style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mail on Sunday</i> reports that Lampard then got up and walked down the tunnel without speaking to his manager.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">He then departed to prepare for a 60-minute warm-down rather than, as suggested, "storming off" to the dressing room.</span></div>
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Lampard, the arch professional, doesn't do "storming off".</div>
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With Torres now suspended for three league matches, both he and Didier Drogba could well start those games.</div>
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But the days of the Lampard-Drogba-JT axis of power are over. It wasn't bad while it lasted, though.</div>
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source: Thesun.co.uk</div>
Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-79543191486794646242011-09-19T19:08:00.000-07:002011-09-19T19:08:16.819-07:00Los Angeles' Robbie Keane has become MLS's fourth-highest-paid player<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.attackingsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Robbie-Keane-LA-Galaxy-Jersey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://www.attackingsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Robbie-Keane-LA-Galaxy-Jersey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a2732; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">According to a recent <em>Associated Press</em> report, Robbie Keane has become the fourth-highest-paid player currently in Major League Soccer, making $3.4 million a year.<br />
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Fellow Los Angeles Galaxy star David Beckham remains first at $6.5 million annually while New York Red Bulls designated-player duo of Thierry Henry at $5.6 million and Rafa Marquez at $4.6 million are second and third, respectively. Keane’s other Galaxy teammate Landon Donovan is fifth with a $2.3 million salary.<br />
<br />
In addition, there are some other recently announced salary figures from some of the league’s newcomers. Philadelphia’s attacking midfielder Freddy Adu makes $594,884 while Toronto FC’s Danny Koevermans earns $1,413,319 and Torsten Frings collects $1,113,663 per year. Rounding out, New York’s Frank Rost is listed at $545,460</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a2732; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a2732; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">source: Goal.com</span></span>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-61134381313436129732011-09-14T20:23:00.000-07:002011-09-14T20:28:31.475-07:00Chelsea fans urged to boycott Genk game<h2 class="padding-bottom-7" style="color: #101010; font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.05em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 7px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CHELSEA fans are being urged to boycott the club's next Champions League home game against Genk.</span></h2><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://answers.bettor.com/images/Articles/thumbs/extralarge/UEFA-Champions-League-Match-Report-Chelsea-vs-Bayer-Leverkusen-Part-2-97138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://answers.bettor.com/images/Articles/thumbs/extralarge/UEFA-Champions-League-Match-Report-Chelsea-vs-Bayer-Leverkusen-Part-2-97138.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Blues opened their European campaign with a 2-0 win over German side Bayer Leverkusen last night. </span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But just under 34,000 supporters were at Stamford Bridge to witness second-half goals from David Luiz and Juan Mata.</span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And a campaign attracting growing interest on social networking site Twitter wants the Chelsea faithful to stay away on October 19 in protest at the club's ticket prices.</span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Chelsea Supporters Group believe the only way to get Roman Abramovich and Co to sit up and take notice is for fans to vote with their feet.</span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">source: Thesun.co.uk</span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ticket prices were heavily reduced for last season's Champions League group games but have jumped up to £40 this term, except in the stadium's family centre where they cost £36.</span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And with standard seats set to cost a minimum of £52 should the Blues reach the knockout rounds, many supporters simply cannot afford to attend games.</span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle Shaw, co vice-chairman of the CSG, said: "Not only am I boycotting Genk, I am also boycotting Leverkusen and Valencia.</span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Why? Because I don't want to wake up one May and find I can't afford my season ticket any more.</span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The only way to send a message to the club is by a low attendance at the Genk game."</span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, not all fans share the same view as Shaw and her fellow CSG members.</span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One supporter, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I totally understand why people are up in arms about ticket prices.</span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Times are hard but the club had frozen them for a number of seasons and a rise was inevitable at some point.</span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Considering the atmosphere has deteriorated anyway, I reckon it's more important to get behind the team and make the Bridge a fortress once again.</span></div><div style="color: #101010; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"We've got a new manager and new players who deserve our support, so I for one will not be joining the boycott."</span></div>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-78848160434777809232011-09-10T21:27:00.000-07:002011-09-10T21:27:34.550-07:00Who says Arsenal need a leader?Amazingly, the team accused of lacking a true general in their ranks now boasts half-a-dozen current international skippers. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwD9MfmNCUiswbJohVOo4cp-FN8VLVXAw3hfJ_JaHTBp-V0dXYjcByROQpZWVHprn-Z5EGLIdXlGhDEAzGpGiL6_Wwvk-p-r18iTzKTYBSFF7Aeqn8yBdpE65x0R0gsPUZqTrqu2Q4XoiU/s1600/he3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwD9MfmNCUiswbJohVOo4cp-FN8VLVXAw3hfJ_JaHTBp-V0dXYjcByROQpZWVHprn-Z5EGLIdXlGhDEAzGpGiL6_Wwvk-p-r18iTzKTYBSFF7Aeqn8yBdpE65x0R0gsPUZqTrqu2Q4XoiU/s320/he3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
They are Thomas Vermaelen, Aaron Ramsey, Tomas Rosicky, Yossi Benayoun, Andrey Arshavin and Chu-Young Park. <br />
<br />
Yet the Gunners' new captain, Robin van Persie, does not wear the armband for Holland.<br />
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: "All I can say is we have, I think we counted, six or seven captains, so they're all big personalities. I will discover who, like you.<br />
<br />
"I have some idea but I wouldn't like to prioritise one more than the other."<br />
It was the 8-2 thrashing at the hands of bitter rivals Manchester United which led to accusations Arsenal lacked backbone and characters.<br />
<br />
But the recent arrival of Israel skipper Benayoun and South Korean captain Park has changed all that.<br />
<br />
Wenger also signed former Werder Bremen skipper Per Mertesacker, who once led Germany for a 45-minute spell, in the August transfer window.<br />
<br />
It means the Frenchman now has a wealth of leaders to choose from — with Belgium star Vermaelen, Wales ace Ramsey, Russia's Arshavin and the Czech Republic's Rosicky already among his ranks at the Emirates.<br />
<br />
source: Thesun.co.ukSoccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5852878968967126251.post-79556481132596975042011-09-04T21:20:00.000-07:002011-09-04T21:24:06.472-07:00Top 10 Transfers of Summer 2011 - The Final List<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goal.com (sport news website) made the list of top 20 transfer in 2011 summer. His judgement is based on :</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a2732; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a2732; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li>The player's overall ability (the most important factor)</li>
<li>How the player will fit into his new lineup</li>
<li>How the player will adapt to his new surroundings, and vice-versa</li>
<li>The transfer fee payable, if any, and any other financial details known, with unofficial transfer fees listed as approximations.</li>
</span></span></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> But here I'll mention only top 10 transfer:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.football-news.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/I-AM-ME-LOL26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://www.football-news.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/I-AM-ME-LOL26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="font-size: 14px;">Cesc Fabregas </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="font-size: 14px;"> From: </strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Arsenal</span><strong style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
To: </strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Barcelona</span><strong style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
Fee:<span class="st"> </span></strong><span class="st" style="font-size: 14px;">34<strong> </strong>million euros</span><strong style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</strong></span></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may have been the most tedious of transfer sagas but there can be little doubting the impact that Fabregas’ move will have on both Barcelona and Arsenal. A tactical reshuffle seems likely at Camp Nou and the 24-year-old is the reason for it. </span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">2. </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><strong>Sergio Aguero </strong></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>From: </strong>Atletico Madrid</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>To: </strong>Manchester City<strong><br />
Fee:<span class="st"> </span></strong><span class="st">38 million euros</span><br />
<br />
The former Atletico Madrid man had been earmarked as the replacement for the unsettled Carlos Tevez but 'El Kun' has the ability to far surpass the achievements of his compatriot at Eastlands. Strong, fast and deadly in front of goal, the explosive star looks set to take the Premier League by storm in 2011-12 and beyond.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>Samir Nasri</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> From: </strong>Arsenal<strong><br />
To:</strong> Manchester City <strong><br />
Fee:<span class="st"> </span></strong><span class="st">25 million euros</span><em><br />
</em><br />
Samir Nasri is a signifier of the power shift currently taking place in the Premier League by joining Roberto Mancini's men. Clearly believing that the Eastlands outfit has the ability to chase silverware, the Frenchman could prove pivotal to his new side's title aspirations. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/24000000/FC-Barcelona-Unveils-New-Signing-Alexis-Sanchez-fc-barcelona-24043632-594-383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/24000000/FC-Barcelona-Unveils-New-Signing-Alexis-Sanchez-fc-barcelona-24043632-594-383.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>Alexis Sanches </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>From: </strong>Udinese</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> To: </strong>Barcelona <strong><br />
Fee:<span class="st"> </span></strong><span class="st">26 million euros</span><strong><span class="st"><br />
</span></strong><strong><span class="st"><br />
</span></strong>Shortly after joining the European champion, the Chile international declared that he hopes to one day be as good as new teammate Lionel Messi. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>Arturo Vidal </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>From: </strong>Bayer Leverkusen<strong><br />
To: </strong>Juventus <strong><br />
Fee:<span class="st"> </span></strong><span class="st">10.5 million euros</span><br />
<br />
Having personified consistency in Germany, the 24-year-old will be looking to prove himself as one of, if not the leading, defensive midfielder in Europe with Juventus.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px;">Radamel Falcao </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px;"> From: </strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px;">Porto</span><strong style="color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px;"><br />
To: </strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px;">Atletico Madrid</span><strong style="color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px;"><br />
Fee:</strong><span class="st" style="color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="st" style="color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px;">40</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px;"> million euros</span><strong style="color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</strong></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the two full seasons that Radamel Falcao spent at Porto, he scored 73 goals in 88 games and was pivotal in the side that won the treble under Andre Villas-Boas last campaign. Now he will be expected to replace Sergio Aguero in the Spanish capital. His caliber commanded a huge transfer fee but the Colombian certainly has the ability to justify it.</span></div><div style="color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a2732;">7. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a2732; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Maarten Stekelenburg </span></strong></span><br />
<div style="color: #1a2732;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"> From: </span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Ajax</span><strong style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
To:</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"> Roma</span><strong style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
Fee:<span class="st"> </span></strong><span class="st" style="font-size: 14px;">6.3 million euros</span><strong style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="st"><br />
</span></strong><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">The Italian side has secured a quite astonishing bargain. A World Cup finalist and undoubtedly one of the most consistent goalkeepers on the planet, the 28-year-old keeper will be up there with Serie A's best in 2011-12. </span></span></div><div style="color: #1a2732;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2011/8/8/1312832627581/Ashley-Young-Manchester-U-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2011/8/8/1312832627581/Ashley-Young-Manchester-U-007.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="color: #1a2732;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ashley Young </strong></span></div><div style="color: #1a2732;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong> From: </strong>Aston Villa<strong><br />
To: </strong>Manchester United <strong><br />
Fee:<span class="st"> </span></strong><span class="st">19 million euros</span><strong><span class="st"><br />
</span></strong><br />
Not cheap by any means, the former Watford man is likely to move into the Premier League champion's first team. The battle to maintain a place ahead of the likes of Nani will be an absorbing one.</span></span></div><div style="color: #1a2732;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: #1a2732;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><strong>Juan Mata </strong></span></div><div style="color: #1a2732;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><strong> From: </strong>Valencia</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>To: </strong>Chelsea <strong><br />
Fee:<span class="st"> </span></strong><span class="st">26 million euros</span><br />
<br />
A lack of creativity among the Chelsea ranks was plain for all to see as Manchester United strolled towards the title. Juan Mata has the ability to change all that and got off to the perfect start with a strike against Norwich on his debut.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>Manuel Neuer </strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>From: </strong>Schalke</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>To: </strong>Bayern Munich<strong><br />
Fee:<span class="st"> </span></strong><span class="st">18 million euros</span><strong><span class="st"><br />
</span></strong><strong><span class="st"><br />
</span></strong>Having solidified his position among the continent's finest goalkeepers at the Veltins Arena last season, Neuer moves to Bayern Munich in the form of his life. </span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #1a2732; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a2732; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">source: Goal.com</span></span></div>Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17006347626167310161noreply@blogger.com0