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Showing posts from November, 2017

Messi doesn't think he can become friends with Ronaldo one day

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Messi and Ronaldo are two of the best to play football. Easily the two greatest players of their generation. While they respect each others talents, will the Barcelona and Real Madrid stars be friends? They have plenty in common. From guiding their respective sides to domestic and European glory, not to mention holding aloft the most prestigious individual honours. Messi and Ronaldo have nine Ballon d'Or gongs between them, though Messi is unsure whether they can become friends. "I don't know if we will be," the Argentine ace told MARCA. "Friendship is built through spending time together and getting to know each other. We have no relationship, mainly because we only see each other at awards ceremonies and that's the only time we speak. Obviously, they lock horns during the El Clasico and are often seen together at FIFA functions. Messi added: "Everything is fine, but our lives don't cross over very often."

Mourinho worried about the possibility of Fellaini leaving Manchester united

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Jose Mourinho, the Manchester United manager, has admitted he is worried Marouane Fellaini will leave the club. Fellaini is out of contract at the end of the season and talks over a new deal remain at an impasse. The Belgium international midfielder rejected a new contract offer in September, and while United remain hopeful of persuading the player to stay, he will be free to talk to foreign suitors in January and Mourinho fears he could be tempted to go next summer. Fellaini currently earns about £120,000 a week and is requesting for 170,000. “Yes,” the United manager said when asked if he was worried about Fellaini leaving. Asked what he could do to get Fellaini to stay, Mourinho added: “Nothing. It is a discussion between the player and the board. I’m not involved in contracts, deals. “I respect both. The respect the player because he has the right, he has the right to decide his future. If he has finished his contract he has the right. I respect the board because

Sergio Ramos: 'I would bleed a thousand times for this badge and this shirt.

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Sergio Ramos claims he will be 'back in no time' after the Real Madrid defender broke his nose in their derby draw with Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Zinedine Zidane's side had to play the whole of the second half without their captain as he was taken off at half-time after breaking his nose in a collision with Atletico's Lucas Hernandez. Following the goalless draw at the Wanda Metropolitano, Ramos took to Instagram to post some graphic and bloody photos of his nose, as well as showing his devotion to the club. The Spanish international wrote: 'I would bleed a thousand times for this badge and this shirt. Thanks for your support. I'll be back in no time #HalaMadrid'. It was another disappointing day at the office for both Madrid clubs on Saturday as the result has left them even further off the pace at the top of the La Liga table.

Is it normal, this? I don't think.'. Conte thinks Chelsea rivals are favoured in the premier league

join us on Facebook  Antonio Conte has complained that the Premier League title race would be closer had fixtures been arranged more fairly. The Chelsea manager, who believes even another run of 13 wins in a row might not challenge Manchester City, is still irritated by the timing of his side's meeting against Pep Guardiola's team from September. Conte is also annoyed that Chelsea have one fewer day to rest than Liverpool for next weekend's fixture after both clubs play in the Champions League. Chelsea were superb in beating West Bromwich Albion 4-0 to record a fourth win in succession but they remain nine points behind leaders City. Conte believes that his team's 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge, coming with a day's fewer rest than City, is proving pivotal. 'We played against Atletico Madrid away and we came back at five o'clock in the morning on Thursday and we played on Saturday against Manchester City. 'I think in the game one team was favo

Sergio Ramos out of champions league match with fractured nose

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Real Madrid player Sergio Ramos has fractured his nose according to the club.  The defender was kicked in the face in the 35th minute by Atlético Madrid player Lucas in the Atleti box , as Ramos had a headed attempt on goal. After being kicked Ramos went down with a profusely bleeding nose. A club doctor stemmed the bleeding, and he played the rest of the first half with plugs in his nostrils,  but did not come out for the second half, with Nacho taking his place. Not only did Real Madrid lose Ramos, according out resident referee, they should have had a penalty for the kick to the head. The club confirmed in a statement on Sunday that Ramos the centre-half has been diagnosed with a fractured nose. Real Madrid do not speculate about a potential return date, but  medical sources consulted by  AS  state that if Ramos has an operation, he will be out for between two and three weeks. If the fracture is less severe, the 31-year-old could return sooner with the aid of a

Real Madrid to listen to offers for Gareth Bale

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Gareth Bale has been linked to Manchester United almost every summer since he joined Real Madrid, but reports in the British press claim that this time he really is going to move to Old Trafford. Despite the injuries which have seen him miss 40 of the past 60 Real Madrid games, Jose Mourinho's club are reportedly willing to take a chance on the Welshman. This is according to the Daily Mirror, who claim that Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers for the 28-year-old, while hoping to recoup the 99 million euros spent on him.

Conte is Italian first choice to replace sacked Ventura

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Italy are keen to take back former manager Antonio Conte following their dismissal of Gian Piero Ventura, the Italian Football Federation have confirmed. The Azzurri are still in a period of mourning after failing to qualify for next year's World Cup - only the second time in their history they have failed to do so. Ventura's days were soon numbered after Italy lost to Sweden over a two-legged play-off, failing to beat their opposition in Milan and in doing so shocking the football world. After parting ways with the manager, the Azzurri are now firmly on the hunt for a fresh replacement at the helm, and many within the country's FA are keen to see Conte reinstalled as national boss. Italian FA president Carlo Tavecchio has gone as far as to confirm Conte is a wanted man, addressing speculation this week regarding Ventura's successor. Tavecchio told media, when asked about potential candidates such as Massimiliano Allegri or Roberto Mancini: &

Cavani reveals Neymar will take PSG next penalty

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Edinson Cavani has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain manager Unai Emery has decided his side's next penalty will be taken by Neymar. The Uruguayan and the world's most expensive player were embroiled in an embarrassing public fall-out during the club's 2-0 win over Lyon in September. Neymar was seen remonstrating with Cavani as they both stood over the spot arguing over who should take the penalty, having earlier squabbled over the taking of a set-piece. Emery and the PSG hierarchy have done all they can to prevent a similar situation arising again with Cavani reportedly being offered €1million to pass on penalty duties to his Brazilian team-mate. After Cavani rejected the financial offer, Emery has been forced to step in and hand the reigns over to Neymar himself. 'The coach has decided that Neymar will take the next penalty,' Cavani said, as reported by FourFourTwo.

Gerard Pique to miss Barcelona and Valencia game next week

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Ernesto Valverde  will a few problems to keep him occupied this week.  Gerard Piqué who went into this yesterday's meeting with  Leganés  on four yellow cards, picked up a fifth booking on 29 minutes for which means he will now miss next week's away trip to Valencia. Match official Alberto Undiano Mallenco dipped into his top pocket for his yellow card when Piqué grappled with Amrabat from behind.  The decision enraged Valverde - as it didPiqué who was later seen mouthing to the ref that there was minimal contract as both teams made their way to the changing rooms at half-time. Follow us on Facebook So Piqué is suspended and  Javier Mascherano remains out for a month with a hamstring tear which leaves Valverde with the bare minimum of options at the back next weekend at Mestalla. The coach will only have  Samuel Umtiti , who is also one booking away from suspension, and  Thomas Vermaelen , a player who has been plagued with injuries since joining the club. As

Gerard Pique to miss Barcelona and Valencia game next week

Ernesto Valverde  will a few problems to keep him occupied this week.  Gerard Piqué , w ho went into this afternoon's meeting with  Leganés  on four yellow cards, picked up a fifth booking on 29 minutes  for which means he will now miss next week's away trip to Valencia. Match official Alberto Undiano Mallenco dipped into his top pocket for his yellow card when Piqué grappled with Amrabat from behind. The decision enraged Valverde - as it didPiqué who was later seen mouthing to the ref that there was minimal contract as both teams made their way to the changing rooms at half-time. So Piqué is suspended and  Javier Mascherano remains out for a month with a hamstring tear which leaves Valverde with the bare minimum of options at the back next weekend at Mestalla. The coach will only have  Samuel Umtiti , who is also one booking away from suspension, and  Thomas Vermaelen , a player who has been plagued with injuries since joining the club. As if that's wasn't enough,

Hazard warns Manchester City after convicting win over West Brom

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Eden Hazard says Chelsea have what it takes to catch Manchester City in the race for the title Eden Hazard helped to fire Chelsea to a 4-0 thrashing of West Brom on Saturday – and then warned Manchester City that the Blues are out to get them in the race for the Premier League title . The Belgian playmaker was in superb form for Antonio Conte’s men as the west London side ran riot at The Hawthorns to move up to second place in the Premier League table. Alvaro Morata opened the scoring for the Blues after great play from Hazard, and it was the Belgian who made it 2-0 shortly after. Marcos Alonso fired the home side into a 3-0 lead before half-time, and Hazard scored again on the hour-mark to complete the rout. Follow us on Facebook Manchester City beat Leicester City 2-0 on Saturday as they continued their fine form in the Premier League, with Pep Guardiola’s men nine points ahead of Chelsea. But Hazard, who helped to fire Chelsea to the Premier League title last season,

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur line up

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Neymar: "I went to PSG to make French league the best

Tunnel footage of the buildup to England's 0-0 draw with Brazil on Tuesday night could hold the answer to why Neymar swapped Barcelona for PSG in the summer. The Brazilian star shocked the football world by completing a sensational £198m move to the Ligue 1 giants, smashing the transfer record in the process. The reasons behind Neymar's move have been shrouded in mystery since, with reports in the European press last week claiming he was already unhappy at the club.

Italy sack their coach after he failed to qualify them for 2018 world cup

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Italy have announced they have sacked manager Gian Piero Ventura with immediate effect. Like our Facebook page The 69-year-old was under the spotlight after failing to guide the iconic European side to next summer's World Cup.

Chelsea to sell Willian in order to fund Lucas Moura transfer

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Chelsea are moving ahead with plans to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Lucas Moura and are preparing to sell Willian in order to fund the transfer, according to reports in France. The big-spending Ligue 1 club are reportedly ready to sell Lucas, who has fallen down the pecking order following the arrivals of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. The Premier League champions are said to be one of the clubs offered the 25-year-old, and Antonio Conte has apparently shown interest. According to 10 Sport, Chelsea are making preparations to free funds to sign Lucas, who has 35 senior Brazil caps, and would sell Willian in order to do so. They feel they could get a higher fee for Willian than they would spend on Lucas, who it is reported could be signed for around €30million (£27m). The French sports paper reports that Chelsea are scoping out potential buyers in the Chinese Super League. Clubs in China signed John Mikel Obi and Oscar from Stamford Bridge last January. Willian h

Barcelona in advanced talk to sign PSG wonder kid

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Catalan club is working on the signing of a player at the height of the Italian PSG crack to snatch it from Real Madrid. Barça has already located the new Marco Verratti. The Barca club is already pulling the strings to close the signing of a player who is not only called to be as bright as the Italian midfielder of PSG, but also may be charged for his particular revenge for the signing of Neymar by the French set and also give a hard blow to Real Madrid Florentino Perez. And everything, for a more than modest price.  The entity chaired by Josep Maria Bartomeu is launching its networks on a young talent from the Parisian side, Yacine Adli, which has awakened not only the interest of the Catalans and their eternal rival in the League, but also of other greats in Europe such as Manchester City or Bayern Munich. The azulgana club is already looking for the best way to approach the signing of a very young player whose contract with the PSG expires on June 30 and who is relu

Drogba reveals what Abramovic said when he was asked about the way he sacks managers

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Didier Drogba has revealed Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s defiant response when confronted over the number of managers he has sacked at Stamford Bridge. Since taking over the club in 2003, Abramovich has hired ten different managers and has shown a ruthlessness in his approach, often dismissing his employees just months after periods of success. Antonio Conte, who guided Chelsea to the Premier League title in his debut season, is already being linked with a departure after reportedly clashing with the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge. But despite a whiff of controversy surrounding the Chelsea owner, his record speaks for itself and this is something he reiterated to Drogba when the subject arose during their time together. ‘Everyone says Chelsea isn’t very stable,’ Drogba told French radio station RMC. ‘But in modern-day football, there is no coach who lasts more than three or four years at a club. ‘I asked him [Abramovich]: “We have had how many managers in how many sea

Cristiano Ronaldo rejects new Real madrid contract; Wants to move away from the club next summer

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An 'angry' Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly rejected a new contract at Real Madrid and demanded a transfer away from the Spanish giants at the end of the season. Ronaldo, who has previously made it clear he didn't want to extend his current deal which runs out in 2021, was believed to have wanted to quit the club last summer. The Portuguese superstar opted to remain at the Bernabeu but reports in Spain on Tuesday have now suggested he doesn't want to play for the club beyond this term. Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre, who works for TV station El Chiringuito, claimed Ronaldo has told Real Madrid president Florentino Perez of his decision. Aguirre adds that the 32-year-old former Manchester United star wants to leave on June 30 — and for a 'reasonable price'. However, Real Madrid are understood to have rejected his demand — which has further angered the wantaway star. It is believed Ronaldo doesn't feel appreciated at Real, and the offer on the t

Barcelona have taken a big step in signing Griezmann according to reports

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Barcelona have reportedly taken a significant step toward acquiring the signature of Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann after it emerged they've reached a "principle of agreement" with their target. French newspaper Le10Sport (h/t Calciomercato.com) reported Griezmann has given the green light to a move to the Camp Nou and could be well on the path to joining the Blaugrana next summer. The same article explained how Griezmann pulled the plug on a switch to Manchester United last summer due to Atletico's transfer ban, and he then extended his contract to raise his release clause to €200 million (£178 million). One would therefore assume that's the figure Los Rojiblancos will hold out for in order to sell Griezmann, despite the fact he's struggled to regain top form this season, as recently illustrated by Sky Sports Statto: United fans will undoubtedly be saddened to hear rumours of any pre-agreement with Barca, which could well mean their purs

Griezmann: it will be a dream come true to partner Mbappe and Neymar

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Antoine Griezmann's future is unclear at Atlético Madrid and he was on French television recently speaking about where his career might lead him. Enrique Cerezo, the president of Atlético Madrid, ruled out selling the Frenchman but Theo Griezmann, his brother, posted a photo of Old Trafford before deleting his entire account on Saturday. Griezmann himself is not doing much to quell the rumours. He appeared on Telefoot and had to answer 'yes' or 'no' to questions. He was asked if it would be a dream to play alongside Mbappé and Neymar, to which he replied 'yes' and then he was asked if he was to move back to Ligue 1, would it be to Marseille. His answer again was positive. Several questions later, Griezmann was asked about Manchester United. He was asked if he sometimes spoke to Jose Mourinho on the phone and he answered 'no'. Griezmann was linked with United last summer and was very close to a move, according to reports, but ended up not movi

Tottenham Hotspur to battle with top Italian teams for Real Socidedad winger Mikel Oyarzabal

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Tottenham are poised to join the hunt for Real Socidedad winger Mikel Oyarzabal , according to a report. Italian news outlet  Calcio Mercato  claims that Serie A giants Juventus and Inter Milan are also keeping track of Oyarzabal, 20, whose stock has risen “significantly” in the past year. The one-time Spain international, who made his debut in March, has been firing on all cylinders in La Liga this season, scoring six goals in eight league appearances – five more than Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. Oyarzabal has made the bulk of his appearances on the left wing and even though he missed several weeks with injury, he has still be able to continue showing that he is Sociedad’s goal machine by netting in five of his last six games. It is understood that Tottenham are hoping that the Spaniard will join their side in the future, but to do so they will have to see off interest from Juve and Inter first. Orayzabal looks like a very exciting young talent who could fit into M

Video Assistant Referee(VAR) to be used in Spain

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According to Marca, The Spanish FA have been given the green light to begin using VAR - Video Assistant Referee - and the technology could make its debut in the second leg of Atletico Madrid and Elche's Copa del Rey tie at the end of November. VAR is already in use in some European leagues, but there has been a mixed reaction to it, particularly in Germany   and Italy. As such, any initial use of it in Spain will be for testing and it will not be rolled out across the country straight away. This, though, is a start and a big step, one which seemed unlikely to come to fruition until Angel Maria Villar had to step aside as Spanish FA president. click here for more

Abramovich move to settle rift between Conte and David Luiz

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Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is investigating whether there is a growing problem between manager Antonio Conte and the players. The Russian billionaire is increasing his involvement in the day-to-day running of the club following the resignation of technical director Michael Emenalo on Monday. According to Sportsmail, Abramovich visited Chelsea’s Cobham HQ last week, and has already made enquiries over the relationship between Conte and his squad. Having fallen out with Diego Costa last season before selling him in the summer, question marks are being raised over Conte’s relationship with David Luiz. The Brazilian was axed from the squad that beat Manchester United on Sunday. Despite Conte’s insistence that the decision was tactical, it is understood the axe came after Luiz questioned the Italian in training last week. But while Abramovich is not questioning Conte’s handling of the Luiz situation, the latest stand-off has raised concerns of a rift between the manager and

Chelsea ready to pay £100m for Mauro Icardi to partner Alvaro Morata

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CHELSEA are looking to add fire power to their attacking force in order to compete with Premier League high flyers. To do this the Italian hopes to bring Inter Milan's captain Mauro Icar d i  to partner their striker Alvaro Morata The striker would cost Chelsea in the region of £100million, which would make him the most expensive Premier League player. Conte has been tasked with retaining his title, a mission which is looking far less likely as the games go on. It is unquestionable whether or not Icardi would add quality to the Chelsea squad, the issue for the champions is catching up with the unprecedented pace set by Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side. The London club face a number of challenges if they wish to bring the young forward in however. Icardi would prefer a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid , a club searching for a young striker to replace Karim Benzema. And Inter are unwilling to let go of their star man mid-season.

Manchester united to trigger contact extension clauses on 4 first team stars

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Manchester United will trigger contract extension clauses on four first team stars that will stop them from holding talks with other clubs in January. According to reports, the Red Devils are ready to extend the deals of Juan Mata, Ander Herrera, Ashley Young and Daley Blind. All are out of contract at the end of the current season but Manchester United have the option to extend their deals by a further 12 months, tying them at the club until summer 2019. The call follows an earlier decision to make the same move with Luke Shaw. Making the decision before the turn of the year will stop the players from being able to talk with foreign clubs in January about a potential move, at least openly. Herrera in particular has become a concern with the Spaniard linked with a move to Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile Juan Mata, who has struggled to get into the Manchester United side this season, has been linked with Real Madrid. The decision to extend their contracts, reported by The Te

Messi: Its a lie that I put my friends and coaches U want in the National Team

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Argentina captain Lionel Messi has spoken to TyC Sports as he prepares for his country's game with Russia this weekend, which will serve as the official inauguration of the Luzhkini Stadium in Moscow.  Messi, among other things, revealed his excitement at making the World Cup but also responded to claims he runs the Argentina team in terms of squad and coach selection.  He was also asked about the chance of returning to Newell's Old Boys when he ends his career with Barcelona.  MESSI'S BEST PHRASES: "I would like to play for Newell's but the truth is that I don't know what could happen." "To play at La Bombonera was a beautiful experience"   "It's a lie that I put my friends and the coaches I want in the national team, I'm just one more player." "There's nothing to clarify with Dybala. I understood from the first moment what he wanted to say." "I have a chat pending with Maradona." &

Manchester united to battle Chelsea and Real Madrid for Gremio midfielder Arthur Melo

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The 21-year-old’s attracted interest from across Europe this season after guiding the Brazilian club to the Copa Libertadores final. Melo, who plays as an attacking midfielder, has been watched by Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona this term and was recently called up to Brazil’s national squad. Jose Mourinho is keen to add creativity to his squad and has targeted a move for Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil in the summer. However, the German is 29 and Melo – commonly known as just ‘Arthur’ – would provide better long-term value. According to the Daily mail , United are interested in signing the Brazilian and will compete with the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona for his signature. click here for more

Barcelona to offer a huge amount of money that will be too hard for Liverpool to reject for Coutinho

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Philippe Coutinho is still Barça's great bet to reinforce his attack. If possible, even, in the next winter market. As much as it has been filmed that the Barcelona entity is considering the possibility of signing alternatives to the Brazilian  crack   of Liverpool, with the Algerian Nabil Fekir, of Olympique de Lyon, as apparently the first on the list, the player of the whole   network   is, Today, the main option handled by both the technical services of the club azulgrana and those responsible for the first team, with Ernesto Valverde at the head, and, of course the bulk of the template that has under his command the coach. Moreover, the figures that Barça is currently managing to close, once and for all, the signing of Coutinho in the next winter market have already been made public. The economic conditions that put him on the table to the Brazilian last summer continue to be valid and the Catalan entity plans to present a proposal estimated at 120 million euros to take

Ibrahimovic: Since I left nobody except much from Sweden

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The 36-year-old had already retired from international duty before sustaining a serious knee injury, but spent much of his career in Italy with Juventus, Milan and Inter, so is the perfect person to discuss the World Cup play-off. “These are going to be two great games, difficult for both sides,” Ibra told Sky Sport Italia. “The teams will do everything to get through, so these are basically like cup finals. The play-offs are completely different to a group stage game.” The first leg is in Stockholm on Friday evening, with the decider in Milan next Monday. “Sweden are playing without pressure, because since I left, nobody expects much of them now, from the media to the fans. When I play, the level is raised, so it is lowered in my absence. “Having said that, this squad remains a good collective, just with less responsibility on their shoulders. The players are not very experienced, but the project is ambitious.” Would Ibrahimovic play for Sweden if they qualify for the

Hazard gives Zidane conditions that will make him sign for Real Madrid

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Eden Hazard has never hidden his desire to sign for Real Madrid. A few wishes that the Belgian Chelsea star can finally turn into reality next summer. Zinedine Zidane has placed him again at the top of his list of requests to Florentino Pérez. The French coach does not want to know anything about names like those of Harry Kane or Paulo Dybala. In his opinion, Hazard adapts much better to his plans, it is more complete.  And, in addition, his arrival would not mean, in this case, the forced march of his compatriot Karim Benzema, a striker who has been criticized for his lack of resolving capacity to the satiety, but that enjoys the full confidence of his compatriot . The Belgian, however, has placed an unavoidable condition on the table at the time of closing, definitely, his signing for Real Madrid Florentino Perez: Hazard wants to be guaranteed an absolutely decisive role in the schemes of Zidane.  That is, he is not willing to force his arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu if

Mignolet: The return of Coutinho, Mane and Lallana will boost Liverpool a lot

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Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet believes the squad have handled the absence of key players Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana well and their impending comeback after the international break provides a chance to kick on. Mane played 77 minutes in Sunday’s 4-1 win over West Ham, his first appearance in a month after a hamstring injury, while Lallana is due to play a behind-closed-doors friendly next week as he steps up his preparation for his first game of the season after a thigh problem. Coutinho has joined up with the Brazil squad, despite an adductor problem forcing him to miss the club’s last three matches, and Mignolet is looking forward to seeing the trio all out on the pitch together again. “I think we’ve been a bit unfortunate with the injuries and the suspensions,” he told liverpoolfc.com. “If you have three of those kind of players injured at the same time then it’s obviously a tough thing to deal with, but at the same time the squad’s stayed calm undern

Barcelona likely to beat Real Madrid to the signature of new Marcelo

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Barça club takes advantage of the president of Real Madrid to take the one in Brazil they see as a natural replacement of the Real Madrid side Barça has managed to take the lead to Real Madrid in the negotiation to close the signing of what in Brazil and see as the natural relay of Marcelo: Guilherme Arana. The Barça club has long been tracking this young defender of Corinthians and is already moving his son to lay the foundations of the agreement that should take him on his way to Barca in the short or medium term.  His performance throughout this year is being absolutely spectacular and that has caught the attention not only of the entity presided over by Florentino Pérez, but also of other clubs in the Spanish League such as Atlético de Madrid or Sevilla.  Marcelo, who signed just a few weeks ago the extension of the contract that links him to Real Madrid, has experienced a serious drop in performance since his last injury.  The player who signed the white club with the a

Miroslav Klose to be special guest at world cup draw

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His name is synonymous with the World Cup so it is only fitting that former Germany striker Miroslav Klose will bring out the trophy as the draw is made for Russia 2018. Now retired, the upcoming tournament will be the first that the former Lazio man has missed since 2002, with his record of 16 World Cup goals intact. "For very obvious reasons, the World Cup holds very special memories for me," Klose told FIFA.com. "I feel very honoured to somehow still be a part of the World Cup, even after my retirement, and particularly to present to Russia and to the world this trophy that we fought so hard to win in Brazil in 2014." A total of eight draw assistants are to be drafted in by FIFA for the December 1 ceremony, with the first such confirmed to be 91-year-old Russian football legend Nikita Simonyan. click here for more

Tammy Abraham ready to prove his Worth for England national team

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Tammy Abraham keen to prove his international credentials with England Tammy Abraham wants the opportunity to prove himself at international level after being handed his first senior England call-up for the friendlies against Germany and Brazil. Abraham was drafted into the squad alongside Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Joe Gomez, with the trio all fledgling Premier League players who have been fast-tracked into the England set-up for the fixtures at Wembley. Abraham has scored five times in 14 appearances while on loan at Swansea from Chelsea this season and now hopes he can show enough to Gareth Southgate in training to hand him his England bow against either Germany on Friday or Brazil next Tuesday. The 20-year-old striker said on Sky Sports: “It would be a massive achievement for me and a big confidence boost as well, it would show that I’m going in the right direction. If I do get my opportunity I’d like to grab it as much as I can. “I feel like I’m ready but it won’t be easy.

French league disciplinary committee to investigate Nabil Fekir celebration against Saint Etienne

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The professional football league reacts. In a press release issued Monday afternoon, the LFP  "condemns all incidents"   that enamelled the ASSE-OL Sunday night (0-5, 12th day of L1). "From Thursday, the Disciplinary Committee will open an investigation of this issue and will study: the pre-match violent behavior precisely condemned by the prefect of the Loire, the banners of incitement to hatred, the very large number of smoke and that the events that led to the invasion of the ground that caused the interruption of the meeting for 40 minutes "  , can read. Without citing it, it will look at the case of Nabil Fekir, who, after having scored the fifth goal from Lyon, his second in the personal part (25th, 84th), showed his shirt to all the South Kop Geoffrey stadium -Guichard, scooping a logical yellow card in view of the rules. "These facts tarnish the image of the derby and compromise the movement of opponents supporters in the next meetings between

Legendary Andrea Pirlo retires from football

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Yankee Stadium was the final stage for Andrea Pirlo. Indisputably one of the greatest ever and most well-loved players in the world, he finished his career as a leader by example in MLS where had played since joining New York City FC in 2015. It ended with elimination as New York beat Columbus Crew 2-0 but it wasn’t enough to overturn the 4-1 deficit from the first leg. With the match running down, New York Coach Patrick Vieira brought Pirlo on in the 90th minute to a standing ovation.  There was applause and chanting in the Big Apple from the fans who always applauded him whenever he went to take a corner as the club now turns a corner following the departure of one of its greatest stars. Pirlo won everything, representing the biggest clubs in Italian football. With Milan, he established himself on the international stage and reached the greatest heights before reinventing himself at Juventus for a new successful spell. With Italy, he made history lifting the World Cup in 200

Barcelona eyeing Antoine Griezmann

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Barcelona have been tracking Antoine Griezmann. The French Atletico Madrid strike has a 100 million euro release clause and Barcelona think it's a reasonable price for a forward who has shown in recent years he can be decisive. In the summer Barcelona were interested in him to replace Neymar but the forward's buy-out clause was 200m, raised to that figure while Atletico were under the FIFA transfer ban. The former Real Sociedad striker is not enjoying himself at Atletico. He has scored just three times in La Liga and the Champions League. It seems like he has his mind on another club. Barcelona may decide to strike for him and add him to the forward line with Messi, Suarez and Ousmane Dembele. click here for more

Chelsea coach Conte rubbish talk of him joining A.C Milan

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Antonio Conte has brushed aside talk of a return to Italy after he led his Chelsea side to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday. Chelsea edged United in a tense game at Stamford Bridge to keep their hopes of defending their title alive. It has been a difficult season so far for Chelsea with several disappointing results and injuries to key men.  Conte has often bemoaned the size of his squad and criticised Chelsea’s transfer activity, but the Italian was not interested in questions about links to AC Milan. ‘Milan? Leave it out,’ Conte told Sky Sport Italia after the win on Sunday. ‘We’re trying to stay concentrated, because it’s a tough run from here to the end of the season. Chelsea earned a crucial win against Manchester United. ‘I am only concentrated on Chelsea and purely want to do what is best for Chelsea.’ Milan have been consistently linked with Conte as they look to re-build their status in Serie A. Conte has been suggested as the l

Facebook may bid to show premier league matches live

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FACEBOOK will not rule itself out of the running for the bidding to stream Premier League matches. Traditional broadcasters are facing a battle to maintain their grip. Manchester united supremeo  told investors Facebook and Amazon were interested in securing deals for 2016-19 and will enter the bidding for 2019-22. BSkyB and BT paid a combined £8.4billion in the last round - giving Prem clubs a huge advantage over their European rivals. And after Amazon outbid Sky for the rights UK tennis last month, the threat to broadcasters was underlined. Facebook’s global head of sports partnerships Dan Read said: “The Premier League is a very important". BT Sport and Sky currently share out the matches “We work with them to help them reach their audience. It would be premature to speculate on how we might approach that. But they are a very important partner. That speaks for itself. "We continue to have an ongoing relationship with the Premier League. “I’m not going

It will be "suicidal", if we pack the bus against Al Ahly in CAF champions league final

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Wydad Casablanca coach Hussein Amotta said it would be "suicidal" to try and defend the 1-1 CAF Champions League final first-leg draw when they meet Al Ahly again Saturday.  A goalless second leg at the Stade Mohammed V would give the Moroccans victory over the Egyptians on the away-goal rule in the premier African club competition title decider. But Amotta believes "parking the bus" is not an option as Wydad seek to win the competition for the second time after their 1992 triumph over Al Hilal of Sudan. "Ahly boast one of the best attacks in Africa so it would be suicidal to sit back and defend against them, hoping to win on away goals," the 48-year-old former midfielder said. "We must attack because there are flaws in the Ahly defence, while not giving our opponents space to catch us on the counter. "Wydad achieved a great result in Egypt by holding Ahly, one of the most experienced clubs in the continent. "But this final

Alvaro Odriozola: I am not disturbed by Real Madrid interest rumors

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Alvaro Odriozola has insisted that he is committed only to his current club. Los Blancos are keeping a close eye on his progress but rather than be flattered by those rumours, the 21-year-old has confessed that he is in fact irked by them. "It bothers me that people continue talking about Real Madrid because it is written by people who don't know me," he told Noticias de Gipuzkoa. "You can have your preferences but I'm 100 percent Real. "So yes, the other speculation does bother me sometimes because the interest of some of those clubs crops up and people then think you may be a fan of that team but that isn't the case. "I know I was on the cover of MARCA but I don't think that's good. It may show that I'm working hard but I can only be focused on La Real, which is my club, where I'm very happy, where I feel very, very loved and am focused on having a great season." Odriozola, who proudly revealed that he has been a

Eden Hazard: Am ready for any special tactics Jose Mourinho will bring in tomorrow's match

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When the two sides met in April, the Belgian was effectively frozen out of the game due to a diligent man-marking display by Ander Herrera, which allowed United to run out 2-0 winners. Ahead of Sunday’s clash at Stamford Bridge, Hazard has been in excellent form but the 26-year-old is aware that Mourinho is likely to have another plan for him. ‘I don’t know, depends on the strategy that they can have, I remember last year at Old Traffor, maybe yes,’ Hazard told Sky Sports. ‘But if that happens I need to find a solution to shine. That’s my reason. ‘Last year at Old Trafford we didn’t find [a solution]. ‘So I hope on Sunday we can find something good, not just me but the eleven players on the pitch to win this game.’ Asked if he is already thinking about Mourinho’s strategy to stop him, Hazard replied: ‘I’ll just react on the pitch in the moment. ‘Because you never know the strategy before the game. ‘So when you are focused on the game you are thinking about scoring goal