Casillas: We want to play in UCL final

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas says his side wants to play in the final of the Uefa Chapions League.
　
Casillas said: 'We are looking to go one step further, to keep strengthening the team because we have more experience. We hope to win the Liga, but first the Super Cup and the (Spanish) Cup, and we hope to reach the Champions League final, because we've been trying for a long time.
　
'People's preferences or opinions are always different. For me it's very clear. I think Madrid has got stronger and we've taken a giant leap to compete with Barça. We've put ourselves on an equal footing. We won the Liga last year and we were rightful winners. I respect other people's opinions, but I think this team and its players are the best out there.
　
'This team deserves a European Cup, but many other teams will think the same. We've put together a new and more experienced team with players like Özil, Khedira, Karim... but it shouldn't be an obsession and we have to focus more on the Super Cup and the Liga, which start first.'
　
　July 31, 2012.

Ramires returns to Brazil squad

Chelsea midfielder Ramires has been recalled to the Brazil squad by national team coach Mano Menezes.
　
Ramires will join David Luiz and Chelsea new signing Oscar for the game against Sweden on August 15.
　
The former Benfica and Cruzeiro man has not played for Brazil since the 2011 Copa America.　
　July 31, 2012.

Powell: Crowd will inspire us

Great Britain coach Hope Powell says he is counting on the 'big crowd' on Tuesday when her side play against Brazil in the Group E decider.
　
Powell said: 'I am hoping the big crowd will inspire the team.
　
'The Olympic experience is unique. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you can't enjoy it as a player or staff you shouldn't be involved in sport.
　
'We want to increase numbers in women's football. We want more of everything, more support for the game, more girls playing. This gives us a great opportunity to showcase the talent from this.
　
'Brazil have got to Olympic finals and are always there or thereabouts, their style is similar to their men's team and Tuesday's game does warrant the build-up and attention.' 　
　
July 30, 2012.

Hull City signs Alex Bruce

Hull City have signed defender Alex Bruce on a two-year deal.
　
Bruce, 27, join City on free transfer from Leeds United.
　
Steve Bruce said: 'When you look at what's going on in the the Bosman market he makes a very good free transfer.
　
'He's 27 and he'll handle the division. He's at the peak of his career and looks in good shape.'
　
The former Republic of Ireland international previously played under his father for Birmingham City at the start of his career.　
　July 30, 2012.

Bale: I won't accept Adam's apology

Tottenham forward Gareth Bale has tagged Charlie Adam 'a coward' after the Liverpool midfielder injured him.

Bale said: 'He's a bit of a coward.
　
'It's flattering if players try to take you out in a game but when it threatens your career it becomes more serious.
　
'What he did was over the top. Some people are like that and it's just wrong.
　
'There are pictures on the internet of what he did before when he snapped all my ankle ligaments. I was out for three months that time. He's come for me twice now - and he's got me twice.
　
'When someone makes a very bad tackle on you, you expect an apology. I've had no apology. And I'm not going to accept his apology.'
　
　July 30, 2012.

Cisse: We are an excessively physical team

Senegal assistant coach Aliou Cisse has rubbished the criticism of his team's style of play at the ongoing London 2012 football tournament.

　
The criticism comes after Senegal 2-0 win over Uruguay at the Wembley.
　
Cisse said: 'I would not agree that we are an excessively physical team. We certainly have other technical qualities that we have shown, particularly in our collective play.
　
'I hope they will recognise our technical qualities a bit more.
　
'Considering the fact that my team has not played together for so long, their standard of play is a very good omen for their future.
　
'We had a very difficult match [against Uruguay] but also an interesting match.
　
'My players demonstrated that they had the physical resources to maintain play at a high level, right up to the end. It was a great match from which to gain experience.

　
Cisse believes defender Abdoulaye Ba does not deserve a red card for tripping striker Luis Suarez.
　
'I don't think the decision to expel Ba was linked to how we played against the GB team in our opening game. But when you are on the bench, it is often difficult to see things.
　
'Getting a red card so early in the game was particularly worrying, as I wondered how we were going to cope for so long with just 10 men.
　
'We knew the difficulty we would face in the game as a consequence of his expulsion and we knew that we had to play a far more compact, more solid game. Our players realised that and acted accordingly. Everything we decided tactically worked.'　
　July 30, 2012.

Allegri: I'm happy

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes the 1-0 win over Chelsea at the weekend will give his side the needed 'confidence' after the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to PSG.
　
The coach said: 'An important result that will help us gain confidence and belief in ourselves.
　
'This squad works hard and has a lot of team spirit. I’m very happy with the work they're doing.
　
'It’s a new squad, and in a game such as this, against the Champions of Europe, I’m happy with the performance, not only for the result but also for the way the players approached the game.'
　
Urby Emanuelson scored the lone goal in the 69th minute.　
　
July 30, 2012.

Robinho: I want Kaka in Milan

Former AC Milan star Robinho says he will be happy if Ricardo Kaka returns to the San Siro side.
　
The former Real Madrid player trusts that the Milan board will do everything it can to sign his fellow countryman.
　
He said: 'I'd be very happy if Kaká returned to Milan. We've been teammates in the Brazilian national team and we could achieve great things together, particularly now that both of us want to prepare for the World Cup.'
　
Meanwhile, Kaká is under going pre-season programme with the rest of his Real Madrid teammates in US.
　July 30, 2012.

Shevchenko quits football

Ukrainian football legend Andrei Shevchenko has finally quit football.

Shevchenko who played for big European clubs like AC Milan and Chelsea says he wants to go into football.

The 35 years old striker said: 'I want to devote myself to politics and share my experiences in Europe, do something for my country.

'My political goal is to support both the social and sports sectors.'

Shevchenko who was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 2004.

'Sheva' is currently the third highest ever goalscorer in European competitions with 67 goals, behind Raúl (77) and Inzaghi (70).　
　July 30, 2012.

Mikel: We didn't create many chances

Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi believes his side 'didn't create many chances' against AC Milan.

　
The Nigerian star said: 'I feel good, I think it was a good game for us. It was not the result we would have wanted but there are positives we can take and try to build on it.
　
'We didn't create many chances, but there were opportunities and maybe we were just one pass or one run short, so we are getting closer to how we want to be, and if we can keep doing what we are doing we will start to open teams up and improve our play.
　
'It is still pre-season and we have time to work on a few things before we get to the competitive games.'　
　
July 30, 2012.

Bertrand: This is a massive opportunity

Ryan Bertrand believes playing for Team GB in the Olympics football is 'a massive opportunity'.
　
The Chelsea defender said: 'This was a massive opportunity. It would have been crazy for anyone to turn down the chance of being involved in the Olympics with
　
The defender said he was happy to be part of Chelsea.
　
'Chelsea have shown a bit consistency by keeping (Roberto) Di Matteo so it is not back to square one in that sense, so I am delighted to be involved.'
　
'I didn't expect to be here six months ago.
　
'But I was determined and kept working hard. Even when I was in and out of the squad, my attitude in training never dropped. And I was fully confident that somewhere, at some stage, I would get my break. Thankfully Di Matteo put his faith in me."
　
'My ambition for this season is to try and get a few games for Chelsea.
　
'But GB is another step in my international career and eventually, I hope to get an opportunity with England, so having Roy Hodgson at the game cannot be a bad thing.'
　
July 28, 2012.　Great Britain.

Rafael: I'm playing at home

Brazil defender Rafael believes London is like home to him.
　
The Manchester United defender who played against Egypt in Cardiff exhibited high level of play. He also scored the opener for Brazil in their 3-2 win.
　
Rafael said: 'Well, I’ve been talking about that with the rest of the guys in the dressing room, telling them: I’m going to play at home and you’re not.
　
'I’ve been there for five years now. I know everyone and I think a lot of the fans who’ll be going to the stadium will know me well. I think the reception I’ll get will be different.
'Playing for Manchester United gives me hope that I’ll be there at the World Cup. I’ve always said that.
'I know I’ll have a lot of competition from some great players like Dani Alves, and I know how important it is to do a job for (coach) Mano (Menezes) whenever I’m playing for A Seleção. But I think I can do it.'　
July 28, 2012.

Karanka: We want Modric

Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka has declared the club's interest in Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric.
　
Manchester United and Paris St Germain have both been linked with the Spurs playmaker, with Tottenham believed to be asking for £40million to sell the player.
　
Karanka told AS: 'Which club would not want a player like him? He is an outstanding footballer and had a great tournament (Euro 2012). It is clear that he would fit in Madrid.'
　July 25, 2012.
　
　
　

Pardew: Liverpool must accept loss on Carroll

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew says Liverpool must be prepared to accept a major loss if they really want to sell Andy Carroll.
　
Liverpool signed Andy Carroll from Newcastle United for £35m in January 2011. But the striker has not been able to fit into Reds pattern of play.
　
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has placed £20m price tag on the 23 year-old striker.
　
Pardew said: '(Reading chairman) John Madejski used to say to me about certain players, just wipe your nose and move on.
　
'And I think (Liverpool) are going to have to do that with Andy.
　
'I think it was obvious that as soon as Brendan went into Liverpool that Andy's time was going to have to be somewhere else.
　
'I think it's quite right we're involved in that. Whether he comes here, is something that I will take or I will leave.
　
'It's a lot of money for Mike [Ashley, Newcastle owner], although we'll obviously be getting a big upside in terms of what we sold him for and we've got three great strikers here already.
　
'But of course as the manager I want the best players I can get.
　
'Whether it's £15m, £16m or £20m, if (Rodgers) uses that money and gets an uplift in the player that he brings in that's OK.
　
'And that's how you've got to look at it.'
　
　July 25, 2012.

Kondogbia sets to join Sevilla

French midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia is set to sign a five-year deal with Sevilla.
　
The highly rated young Frenchman, who came up through the ranks at Lens, will join Sevilla in a five-year deal.
　
Last year the Frenchman played a total of 34 games in the league and six times in the cup scoring scoring one goal.Top of Form 2　
　
　July 25, 2012.

Beckham: Olympic Games is exciting

David Beckham says it is 'exciting to have the Olympic Games' in London.
　
The LA Galaxy star said: 'It's exciting to have the Olympic Games in the East End of London and for myself to be part of that, I'm very honored.
　
'It was seven years when this whole process started and being part of bringing the Games to a part of London where I grew up, its exciting to see everything come together.
　
'I was at the stadium yesterday -- I've not been there for a few months -- and to see the change that has happened and also to see the change that's happened around the area, it's really incredible.
　
'You can feel the atmosphere building around the stadium now, it's great to see the athletes arrive and the interest become bigger.
　
'It's exciting because I'm very proud to be involved in the All-Star game and to be picked again this year. Coming up against Chelsea, the European Cup winners, it's an exciting thing to be involved in.'
　
The former England star has 115 caps for his country.　
　July 25, 2012.

AVB: Bale is physically a beast

Tottenham Hotspur forward Gareth Bale scored in Spurs in 1-1 draw with Los Angeles Galaxy in a pre-season friendly.

　
Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas praised the forward for his performance in the game.
　
AVB said: 'He came back to us during this week, so [we had to] control the amount of effort he could put in.
　
'Gareth is extremely young and physically a beast, so he was able to put on the effort, and we extended [his time] because we want him to complete a certain amount of minutes before we start the season.'
　
Spurs' next game is against Premier League rivals Liverpool in Baltimore on Saturday.　
　
July 25, 2012.

QPR ready for Bellamy

Queen's Park Rangers are ready to rival Cardiff City for the signature of Liverpool Craig Bellamy.
　
QPR vice-chairman, Amit Bhatia, says there is the possibility they could make an offer to Liverpool for the player.
　
Bhatia said: 'Craig is definitely a name that has been mentioned, a name we've discussed. There are a few options.
　
'We have been a fan of Craig Bellamy for the last few years, ever since he became available.
　
'Many names have been tossed about, and who Mark settles on eventually will be his, and we'll do our best to support him.'
　
　July 25, 2012.

Torres: I want to win a Premier League

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has expressed his desire 'to win a Premier League'.
　
Torres, 28, told his personal website,
　
'Hopefully it will happen this year, but for sure we will be challenging for it.' www.fernando9torres.com: 'I would love to win a Premier League. 　
　July 25, 2012.

AVB: Pay or forget Modric

Andre Villas-Boas says any club interested in Luka Modric must meet Tottenham's condition.
　
The midfielder has refused to join Tottenham Hotspur for pre-season prepation.
　
The Spurs manager said: 'This can be resolved in one of two ways. One is that the teams pay what Tottenham is asking and the other is that the player continues with us next season.
　
'Unfortunately, he is going to be fined by the club. He's a player we should respect for all that he has given Tottenham over the years but the president (Daniel Levy) believes that the fact that he is not present shows a lack of professional behaviour. The club decided to take action and fine him. This kind of revolt by a player is nothing new but I think that the club should protect itself.
　
'Modric is a player who has always attracted attention from a lot of teams but he’s always acted very professionally.'　
July 25, 2012.

AVB: Modric is wrong

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas believes Luka Modric may incur the wrath of the club for his absence from Tottenham's pre-season tour.
　
The Croatian who wants to join Real Madrid, did not report for training on Friday and was not on the plane that left for Los Angeles on Saturday.
　
Villas-Boas said: 'I think Modric is wrong.
　
'This will go against him. He has worsened the situation with what he's doing and now the chairman is very angry.
　
'This is also not a good time for Daniel Levy, who is in the USA at the moment, because his wife is ill.'
　
Villas-Boas said the club can afford to lose the midfielder.
　
'He's good, very good. I tried to sign him last summer for Chelsea. He will be a big loss.
　
'He's a player who can make the difference, who gives a lot of clarity to the play when the team needs it and who can play in several positions.'
　　July 23, 2012.

Wenger: Van Persie is a world-class striker

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants to keep Robin van Persie at the Emirates Stadium.

　
Wenger said: 'He has one year left and is in demand but our desire is to keep him.
　
'However, we will do what is in the best interests of the club. If you have a decoder in your head you can decode that.
　
'We are very, very ambitious. You know that. Not only very ambitious, but also very proud of the way we run our club.
　
'Van Persie is a world-class striker and I am a big supporter of him. I have supported him through his whole career.
　
'The official transfer deadline is 31 August but then we can create an internal deadline.
　
'I believe the transfer market should stop before the season starts anyway.'
　
Van Persie scored 37 goals last season, 30 of them in the Premier League, and won both the PFA and Football Writers' Association Player of the Year awards. 　
　
July 23, 2012.

RDM: We will keep to our pattern

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo says his squad will keep to the pattern they used at the 'end of last season'.

　
The Blues played more players in the midfield at the end of last season. The pattern gave the side the Uefa Champions League and English FA Cup.
　
Di Matteo said: 'This formation is a shape that we used at the end of last season and it has served us well. We are trying two shapes in practice as well to be ready for all eventualities, and it will also depends on the players we will have available.' 　　July 23, 2012.

RDM: Piazon is a player for the future

Roberto Di Matteo says Lucas Piazon is a player 'to watch for the future'.

　
The 18-year-old Brazilian scored the equaliser for the Chelsea against Paris St-Germain.
　
The Italian born manager said: 'He is still a young boy but he has been very impressive in the training and in these friendly games. Playing up front as the striker is not his natural position but in these two games he did very well and he scored a very good goal tonight. He is certainly one to watch for the future.'　
　

July 23, 2012.

Ledley King quit's football

　
　
July 19, 2012.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Ledley King has finally announced his retirement from active football on Thursday after battling chronic knee problems for several years.
　
The 31-year-old English defenders said: 'I would like to say thank you to everyone at the club and to the fans. I have missed a lot of football over the years but the Spurs fans have always been patient and incredibly supportive with me during difficult periods.
　
'Sadly my injuries and inability to train have now finally brought an end to my career. I have been here since I was a boy, I have always considered it my club and have always found it hard to imagine wearing the shirt of another team.
　
'I know that being a one-club man is a rarity these days but I have always enjoyed being part of the set-up here and the challenge of putting this club up with the elite where it should be.'
　
London-born star came through the youth ranks at Spurs before stepping up to the first team in 1998. He made 268 appearances for Tottenham but his only major silverware came in 2008 with victory over Chelsea in the League Cup final. He won 21 caps for England, making his debut against Italy in 2002 and appearing at UEFA EURO 2004 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
　
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy praised King's impact at the club and his determination to keep playing for as long as possible despite constant knee pain.
　
Levy said: 'Ledley has made a magnificent contribution to this club -- as a wonderful player, captain and ambassador.
　
'It has been well documented how he has battled against injury over the years and it is testament to the character of the man how he managed to sustain such high standards of performance on the pitch, while providing such fine leadership.
　
'It is in an ambassadorial capacity that Ledley will continue, playing a crucial role in supporting the club's work in the community, whilst also being a hugely positive role model for our younger players.'

Juve target Robin van Persie

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has revealed that Arsenal captain Robin van Persie is one of the targets of the club.
　
The Bianconeri director said: 'Robin Van Persie remains a transfer market dream for Juventus, but it's not necessarily a path that can be followed to completion:
　
'It's necessary to always have dreams and ambitions, but at the same time you also have to contend with the reality of everyday facts. We're relaxed and we know what we have to do. This is the most important thing.'　
July 19, 2012.

Ferguson: I won't stop Berbatov

Sir Alex Ferguson has says he will not prevent Dimitar Berbatov from leaving Old Trafford.
　
The manager praised the Bulgarian for his performance against AmaZulu - but admitted the Bulgarian has plans to leave.
　
Ferguson said: 'I don't need to herald Dimitar's abilities. He's a fantastic talent. He didn't get the amount of football he wanted last season. It's difficult for him at his age to accept second place in the forward line. The likes of Rooney, Chicharito and Welbeck were all in front of him last season. It's been difficult. But in fairness to him today he applied himself well and did very well with the first goal.
　
'The boy obviously wants to leave. That's a different matter. I'm easy about it. If he stays, I'll be happy. If somebody comes in for him and Dimitar wants to leave, we'll assess it.'　　July 19, 2012.

CAS annul Fifa's ban on Bin Hammam

Former Fifa presidential candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam's lifetime ban for bribery has been annulled by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) on Thursday.

Bin Hammam was accused of attempting to buy votes ahead of last year's Fifa presidential election.
Fifa later banned him from involvement 'in any kind of football-related activity at national and international level for life.

Hammam who appealled the decision got a relief from Cas when the body ruled that 'there was insufficient evidence to support the ban'.

The verdict of Cas said: 'The panel is doing no more than concluding that the evidence is insufficient in that it does not permit the majority of the panel to reach the standard of comfortable satisfaction in relation to the matters on which the appellant was charged.

'This conclusion should not be taken to diminish the significance of its finding that it is more likely than not that Mr Bin Hammam was the source of the monies that were brought into Trinidad and Tobago and eventually distributed at the meeting by Mr Warner.

'In this way, his conduct, in collaboration with and most likely induced by Mr Warner, may not have complied with the highest ethical standards that should govern the world of football and other sports.

'The panel therefore wishes to make clear that in applying the law, as it is required to do under the Cas Code, it is not making any sort of affirmative finding of innocence in relation to Mr Bin Hammam.

'It is a situation of 'case not proven', coupled with concern on the part of the panel that the Fifa investigation was not complete or comprehensive enough to fill the gaps in the record.'

Cas said it would be possible to re-open the case with Fifa's ethics committee if new evidence was presented.
　
　July 19, 2012.

Di Matteo: I am pleased

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo says he is 'pleased' with the performance of his new signings Eden Hazard and Marko Marin in their first game for the club.
　
Eden Hazard and Marko Marin recorded their names in the scorer's list in their debut against a more match-fit Sounders side. Romelu Lukaku also struck his first Chelsea goals in their game 4-2 win.
　
RDM: 'It's good for them in their first game for their new club. It was good to have a good understanding with their new tem-mates and I am pleased with the match today. We got out of it what we were looking for so it's been a good evening. We didn't get any injuries, so it's so far so good.
　
'We were looking for a good work out, and we saw some good possession and combination play, integrating new players and seeing our younger talents in the club that will hopefully be the future.
　
'Hazard is a verstatile player, he can play in the role he played tonight but also out wide. Last season we didn't have too many options in the role he played tonight apart from Juan, so it's great for the club and the team to have different options.　
　
July 19, 2012.

Arsenal stars jet to Nigeria

Arsenal Football Club have announced that four first-team players will be in Nigeria to take part in activities with regional partners and engage with supporters in the region. They will fly into the country next weekend.
　
The players that will make the trip are: Tomas Rosicky, Bacary Sagna, Per Mertesacker and new signing Lukas Podolski. The players will take part in Club events and other activities organised by the Club’s partners, Malta Guinness and Airtel.

Arsenal’s head of global partnerships Vinai Venkatesham said: 'We were disappointed to have to postpone the game and intend to visit Nigeria next summer. However we are delighted to be bringing this group of players to Nigeria to take part in events with our regional partners. It will give us a chance to engage with local supporters and reinforce our commitment to the market.'
Marketing manager for (Malta) Guinness Nigeria plc Emmanuel Agu said: 'Malta Guinness is the Official Malt Drink of Arsenal in Nigeria and we are looking forward to welcoming the Arsenal players to Lagos.

'We are sure that they will have a most enjoyable visit as they experience the energy and vitality of their Nigerian fans. Over the next few days, we will be announcing how fans of the nation's No 1 malt drink - Malta Guinness - can enjoy not only the goodness of our new lower sugar variant, but also win the opportunity to interact and get involved with their idols at a number of exclusive events during their stay.'

The players will also make appearances for mobile network operator Airtel.
　
Chief operating officer and executive director for Airtel Nigeria Deepak Srivastava said: 'Arsenal has a very large supporter base in Nigeria and Airtel is eager to connect these fans with some of their favourite football players.

'Indeed, Airtel is extremely committed to creating opportunities to excite and engage telecommunications consumers just as we are passionate about realising our brand vision of being the most-loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians.'
　
The players will take part in a busy schedule of events in Lagos.
　　
July 19, 2012.

Rodgers: No loan deal for Carroll

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says the club is not considering a loan deal for Andy Carroll.
　
Rodgers said: 'To consider a loan period for someone the club spent £35m on isn't something we're looking to do at this moment in time.
　
'Andy will be the same as every other player - if there's ever an offer that comes in we'd look at it as a club and see if it's going to be worthwhile for the club and the team as a whole.
　
'The club invested £35m in him. People talk about whether he can fit into my style or not, but if you're a club and you spend £35m on a player you'd like to think he can fit into whatever style the team plays.
　
'He's a good player. He'll join the rest of the group next week and we'll take it from there.'
　
Reports says Newcastle United are willing to pay £13m to get their former player back but the Reds are requesting for at least £20m for a permanent deal.
　　
July 19, 2012.

Ibrahimovic: I come to a dream team

Swede international Zlatan Ibrahimovic has finally joined Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

　
The Sweden captain signed a three-year contract with PSG, worth a reported $17 million net a year, $2.5 million more than he earned at Milan.
　
PSG has paid a reported $25 million for Ibrahimovic, taking its summer spending on new players to an estimated $137 million.
　
The former AC Milan said: 'I want to thank PSG and Leonardo. They made something impossible possible and now I am very happy. It's a big step in my career, another dream come true.
　
'I know there's been a big media interest in this. It's been more intense than when I moved to Barcelona. I'm very excited in this project. I'm here to make history and I will enjoy all the trophies we bring home.
　
'It seems that I will finish my career here, but that's what I said at Milan too. You never know what will happen. But I'm not thinking about that at the moment, I'm thinking about winning during my time here.
　
'I come to a dream team and the dream team will continue to grow. They will do everything to win and I want to be part of that. I'm going to be playing with the best players in the world. They've also bought the best defender in the world, Thiago Silva, and as long as I have him behind me I don't need to look back.
　
'Who doesn't want to be here? This is the future and I believe in this, this is the most important. When you look at the team it's really a dream team. It's the future not only of French football but also in Europe and even the world.
　
'I'm very happy I was there. Milan gave me my smile back,'' Ibrahimovic said. ''I will always have very good memories of Milan. I was very happy. I don't want to put a shadow over my time at Milan, they made it very easy for me to come to PSG.'
　
Ibrahimovic joined Milan from Barcelona on loan in 2010 and the move was made permanent the following year. With 28 goals, Ibrahimovic was Serie A's top scorer last season - a feat he also achieved with Inter in 2009.
　
Last season, PSG spent a French record $55.4 million on Argentine playmaker Javier Pastore, as well as signing winger Jeremy Menez from Roma, midfielder Mohamed Sissoko from Juventus, defenders Maxwell from Barcelona and Alex from Chelsea, along with midfielder Thiago Motta from Inter Milan.　
　
　
　
July 19, 2012.

Cristiano: La Liga is the most competitive

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo says his best moment with Real Madrid was when his team 'won the league'.

　
The Portuguese said: 'My best moment until now with Real Madrid was when we won the league, the most competitive league in the world in my opinion. Furthermore, we won it by nine points against a tough opponent like Barcelona. It was amazing.'
　
　July 19, 2012.

Suarez: Man United used political power on me

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has blamed Manchester United for the eight-game ban he served last season.

　
The Uruguay forward was handed the ban and a £40,000 fine in December after being found guilty of racially abusing United defender Patrice Evra in a Barclays Premier League game.
　
The 25-year-old told RR.Gol: 'People at Liverpool are sure that it was a way that Manchester United used to put me out of the team and stop Liverpool. In England, Manchester United's political power is strong and you must respect that and shut your mouth.
　
The controversy was re-ignited in February when Suarez seemingly refused to shakehand with Evra in the traditional pre-match greeting.
　
Suarez insists his actions were misunderstood. He said: 'In England, it was shown the moment when I passed in front of him, but they didn't see that he had his hand low before. Only the media in Uruguay and Spain showed that I wanted to shake his hand.
　
'Previously, I had promised my wife, the manager and the directors that I was going to shake hands with Evra. There was a chance for the teams not to shake hands like in a game between QPR and Chelsea (following the Anton Ferdinand-John Terry racism row), but I told them I was to shake hands with him.
　
'Why not?', I thought, because I had no problems with him. I had been punished because of him, but I had no problems with shaking hands.
　
'The trial [disciplinary hearing] was so complicated for me. I had to go to Manchester in a taxi for the trial. I got up at seven in the morning and I came home at nine at night.
　
'I was exhausted, I was so tired. I wanted to cry, and kick all the things around me. I came home and I wanted to do all that, but I couldn't because my daughter was at home. There were really complicated days, and then things became harder after the punishment.'　
　
July 18, 2012.

Vilanova: Villa's improvement has been encouraging

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Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova believes David Villa will soon be back into his squad.

　
The manager insists the player is fast recovering from the injury that has kept him out of football for months.
　
He said: 'I've had a pleasant surprise. We all know what an important part of the squad he is. I’m not going into specifics – he'll get better when he does – but his improvement has been encouraging.'　
　
July 18, 2012.

Van Der Vaart: I’m going nowhere

Rafael Van Der Vaart says he is committed to Tottenham Hotspur.
　
The Dutch midfielder said: 'I’m going nowhere — and I’m ready for war.
　
'My place is at Spurs, I want to win the title with this club. Each summer my name appears in the transfer market.
　
'The race for the top four will be a total war from the very first day.
　
'The new coach has good plans for me and this is important.
　
'I have heard excellent reports about AVB.
　
'We have very good attacking and if AVB imposes an offensive system the team could be a real spectacle.'
　
Van der Vaart, 29, has scored 28 goals in 70 Spurs games since joining from Real Madrid for £8million in 2010.
　
He was believed to be considering a move following the firing of former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp last month. 　
　
July 18, 2012.

PSG sign Ibrahimovic

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Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of AC Milan's Swedish international striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a deal worth €15million (18.4million USD) a year.

　
The sporting director of PSG Leonardo confirmed the deal to media on Tuesday.
　
He said: 'We've reached agreement, the deal is done:
　
The Brazilian was quoted by L'Equipe as rejoicing at attracting 'a player of real calibre,' and by Parisien as a player who is able to 'change everything'.
　
Ibrahimovic will join former AC Milan team-mate Thiago Silva.
　
PSG will play in the UEFA Champions League next season after finishing second in the league last term - also purchased Argentine international Ezequiel Lavezzi from Napoli earlier this month.
　
Signing high profile players like Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva will come as some relief to Leonardo who had seen earlier efforts to sign Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Argentinian Carlos Tevez (Manchester City) and another Argentinian Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid) come to nothing.Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of our players, he'll write history for Paris Saint-Germain.　
　
July 18, 2012.

Ferguson: Vidic and Smalling will be fit

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Manchester United manager says Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling will be fit for the start of the English Premier League season.
　
Vidic is recovering from a ruptured cruciate knee ligament he suffered in a Champions League game last December.
　
The boss said: 'Vidic will start the season. I am sure of that. He's doing good amounts of training but not in the competitive sense in the way the lads out here have done.'
　
Chris Smalling is recovering from a groin injury in time for the opening game of the season away at Everton on August 20.
　
'Chris Smalling has actually done a bit of training. But the ruptured groin muscle he suffered needed a lot of attention. He's making progress and we expect him to start the season.'　
　
July 17, 2012.

Ferguson: Young players will play AmaZulu

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Sir Alex Ferguson says he will give the young players the opportunity to showcase their skill against AmaZulu.
　
Ferguson made the declaration after arriving in Durban.
　
The boss said: 'The priority is to get the experienced players fit but young players will play in each game. It's likely that Kagawa will start with Chicharito.
　
'Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes will play. So too Anders Lindegaard, Lingard and Brady at left-back. Antonio Valencia will play.
　
'Young Robbie Brady will be at left-back. He's actually an outside-left but we believe there's the possibility he'll develop into a left-back. He was on loan last year at Hull City and did very well. He'll certainly figure at left-back. I don't know how many substitutes will be allowed - we need to establish that - but I'm sure we can be flexible. It's important the young players get a chance to play on such a big occasion.
　
'Left-back is an area which we're paying attention to. Patrice, in the last five years has played an average of 45-50 games. It's phenomenal. I don't know if anybody else has achieved that. He's still a fit lad and has the same drive and ambition. He's a fighter.
　
'Fabio went to QPR, which was so important for the boy because he has enormous ability, but he needs to play. Because Evra, touch wood, is never injured, the opportunities haven't been there for the boy. He played a few games last season but it's not enough for a young boy of 21 years. He needed to continue with his progress. With Fabio at QPR for a year, we're just a little short in that department.
　
'That's why we're trying Robbie Brady at left-back. We also have Tyler Blackett here - he's a big, strong boy, tall and quick going forward. But he's only just turned 18. He has time on his side but he's here for the experience and he may yet surprise us.'
　
The manager expects a tough work-out and will be looking to get a positive result, even though the priority is ensuring preparation is spot-on for the Barclays Premier League opener at Everton next month.
　
'We expect a difficult game. AmaZulu will be well motivated to play us on such a special day (Nelson Mandela day).
　
'The first thing we always try to do with the pre-season tour is to get everyone fit and try to avoid injuries. The priority is to get the players match-fit. That gives us a platform to say that, come the first day of the season, we are ready.'
　July 17, 2012.　

Ninis: I'm happy to join Parma

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Sotiris Ninis has moved from Panathinaikos FC to Parma in a four-year deal.
　
The attacking midfielder has been linked with the club since March, with his transfer finally confirmed on Monday.
　
The 22-year-old said: 'I am happy and proud to be here. Parma believed in me and looked beyond the knee ligament injury I suffered last season.
　
'It's important for a player to feel this support, especially from such an important club. I want to repay their trust and I promise Parma fans that I will be giving my best on the pitch.'
　
Ninis scored ten goals in 88 Greek league games for the club, and registered once in 25 UEFA club competition games. He was part of the Greece team that reached the final of the 2007 UEFA European Under-19 Championship and became the senior side's youngest scorer when he registered on his debut against Cyprus in May 2008, aged 18.
　
He has now scored twice in 22 international games, and has been brought to Parma to replace Juventus-bound forward Sebastian Giovinco.　
　
July 17, 2012.

Rio: United is at the forefront of my mind

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Rio Ferdinand believes he can play more than 35 games for Manchester United in 2012/13 season.

The 33-year-old defender reveals that he is not thinking of playing international football at the moment.

In an interview with ManUtd.com, Rio said: 'It's been well documented I had injuries over the last few seasons. But I think last season I played about 35 games for United [he played 38]. I felt I managed myself really well in terms of my back injury, with thanks to the physios and sports science team at United. They helped me through that as well.
　
'Long may that continue. Hopefully this season I can continue to play a similar amount of games. That would be great.
　
'To be honest, I'm not thinking about playing international football.
　
'Manchester United is at the forefront of my mind. It's my club and this is what I love doing. If anything else comes of it then so be it.
　
'But I don't think about anything except for playing for Manchester United and, hopefully, winning back the league.'　
　
July 17, 2012.

Vidal: We want revenge over Napoli

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Juventus Arturo Vidal says they will pay Napoli back in their coin when they play the Italian Super Cup final on 11 August in Beijing.
　
Napoli beat the Bianconeri in Coppa Italia in May.


The midfielder said: 'We want revenge over Napoli. We’ll do everything to win and bring the trophy back home.'　
　
July 17, 2012.

Oxlade-Chamberlain: I learnt so much at Euro 2012

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says he 'learnt so much' playing for England at Euro 2012.

The 18-year-old said: 'I enjoyed every minute of it, it was amazing for me. I have come such a long way - from last season's pre-season to going away with England in a massive tournament this year.

'I learnt so much from going away to the Euros and it makes you want to strive for more.

'The next tournament coming up is Brazil in 2014 but first and foremost I need to concentrate on Arsenal. But on the international stage I need to keep impressing the manager.'　　July 17, 2012.

Casillas: It's a tough vote

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas says he does not know who to back for this year's Ballon d'Or.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper who is also listed for the award believes there is 'plenty of time to think' before voting.
　
He said: 'I have to analyze it well. It's a tough vote because there are many very good players.

'But I have plenty of time to think about it as I don't have to vote until December.

The list supplied by UEFA includes Spain internationals Iker Casillas, Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fábregas, Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, David Silva, Fernando Torrés and Xavi Hernández. They are joined by another six players from the Spanish league: Messi, Falcao, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Coentrao, Pepe and Mesut Özil.
　
Other names that stand out are Raúl González (Schalke 04), Sergio Agüero (Manchester City), Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan), Luka Modric (Tottenham), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus) and Mario Balotelli (Manchester City).
　
The winner will be announced at the UEFA ceremony to be held on 30th August in Monaco, during the draw for the group stages of the Champions League.　　July 17, 2012.

Conte: We’re focused on all of our objectives

Juventus manager Antonio Conte has expressed his satisfaction with the 'club’s business in the transfer market'.

　
The Bianconeri will be challenging in the championship, Champions League and Coppa Italia next season and Conte is determined to face all three competitions with the same hunger to win.
　
He said: 'We’ll look to follow up last year’s Scudetto victory and go as far as we can in the Champions League. We’ll aim to face the competition with great enthusiasm and determination from all concerned. It’s important we’re focused on all of our objectives, without ever forgetting where we came from and what led us to win the title.
　
'I’m very happy with the club’s business in the transfer market. We’re both on the same wavelength and speak on a daily basis about how things are panning out.
　
'Asamoah and Isla are two very strong players and possess the right characteristics for Juventus. We’re aware that Isla’s working his way back from a nasty injury, but he’s a great player so we’ll be patient and allow him to fully recover. Both he and Asamoah will offer a lot.
　
'Giovinco’s return is another great move by the club - we really wanted to bring him back. He’s quick, technically gifted, strong in one-one situations, scores goals, lays on assists and capable in dead ball situations. He can be a determining player but still needs to develop.
　
'The minute Lucio came available there was no hesitation from our side. He showed enthusiasm in buying into the project of a young team that wanted to continue to develop and win. I’m happy about the welcome he’s received and convinced he’ll have a good season.'　
　
July 17, 2012.

Cech: There is extra pressure

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech believes the club's new signings can play a vital role in the 2012/13 campaign.
　
Chelsea have signed Kevin De Bruyne, Marko Marin and Eden Hazard. The club is reported to be interested in Internacional of Brazil midfielder Oscar.
　
Cech said: 'I think they are getting used to the squad, the language and the atmosphere at the club.
　
'It's a new era, a new way of working and thinking. So far so good, and we hope they are going to continue in the same direction and show they are great additions to the squad.
　
'It's great to see them enjoying themselves and I think they already feel settled. We need to try to welcome the new players, and they feel settled already so this is great.
　
'It promises a lot of excitement for everybody. There is a Super Cup, a World Club Cup, which we have never played before, and the prospect of challenging Man City, Man United and the other clubs. It's going to be big.
　
'There is extra pressure because everybody will take us as European champions and we have to prove ourselves, continue playing well and winning trophies, but on the other hand in the league we didn't do well at all last season so we can improve. There is an exciting project ahead of us and we would like to get other trophies.'　
　

July 17, 2012.

Conte: We don't have players like Ibrahimovic & Silva

Juventus manager Antonio Conte believes the sale of some players by AC Milan and Inter Milan gave his side the Scudetto last season.
　
Andrea Pirlo joined Juve from AC Milan last season and he was instrumental to the success of the Turin side.
　
Conte said: 'The fact that Milan and Inter have sold some of their most important players shows that last season Juventus managed to do something that was absolutely extraordinary.
　
'We didn’t have players that cost €50 million, like the others had. Ibra and Thiago Silva? I believe it’s tough to turn down the kind of offer they received. But it just goes to show that Milan had the ‘top players’ last season.
　
'We grew as a team very quickly and we’ll try to carry on doing that this season. We want to build something special here, and the building work has only been going on for one season. We were very good at building solid foundations, but we still have to complete the job.'
　　July 17, 2012.

Dundee take the place of Rangers in the SPL

Dundee will take the place vacated by Rangers in next season's Scottish Premier League after the clubs met for the most important AGM in the league's history.
　
Dundee missed out on promotion to the SPL after finishing second in the Scottish First Division, but the downfall of Rangers - who were dissolved and relaunched as a newco after going into administration - freed up a place for the club.
　
The newco Rangers are set to resume life in the Scottish Third Division, and the vacancy in the top flight has been awarded to the Dark Blues. Relegated Dunfermline had competed with Dundee for the spot.
　
After the meeting at Hampden Park, the SPL released a statement.
　
The SPL said: 'It was agreed that the SPL would work with the Scottish FA, SFL and Rangers to facilitate Rangers FC taking their place in SFL Division 3 this season.
　
'It was agreed that Dundee FC would be invited to fill the space vacated by Rangers FC in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.'
　
Scottish Football League clubs voted overwhelmingly to force Rangers to the bottom of the pyramid.
　
　July 16, 2012.

Ramalho: Malouda is too expensive

Santos head coach Muricy Ramalho admits the club may not be able to sign Chelsea Florent Malouda.

　
Ramalho is concerned by the financial implication of signing the French midfielder Malouda, who has slipped down the pecking order at Chelsea.
　
He said: 'Malouda was offered to us. He's a very interesting player but you get scared when they tell you their demands.
　
'He was offered to us, but when you think about his wages, it gets hard.
　
'He is a very good player, an old-school midfielder who can hold the ball and set the tone in attack.'
　
Reports in France claimed Malouda was holding out for £50,000 a week and a £400,000 signing-on fee.
　
　July 16, 2012.