Latest Transfer News

Stoke complete Charlie Adam signing from Liverpool

Scott Sinclair completes move to Man City from Swansea

De Jong leaves Man City for AC Milan

Fulham sign Kieran Richardson from Sunderland 　
　Aug. 31, 2012.

UEFA appoint Damir Skomina for Super Cup

Slovenian referee Damir Skomina says it is 'a big honour' for him to be appointed as the centre referee for UEFA Super Cup game on Friday night.
　
The 36-year-old from Koper, on the Slovenian coast near the Italian border continues to make excellent refereeing progress, with tonight's UEFA Super Cup contest between Chelsea FC and Club Atlético de Madrid at Monaco's Stade Louis II.
　
Skomina started refereeing in 1992 at the age of 16.
　
He said: 'At the time I played football, but because of some health problems the doctors told me that it would be better to stop. When I was about 22, they told me I could play again but it was too late – I stayed as a referee!'
　
He added: 'It's a pleasure and a big honour for me. It's one of the highlights of my career, I'm very proud.
　
'The most important thing for me is that I'm in good shape. Psychologically, it's very important for me to be focused, to be able to be calm for the whole 90 minutes so that I'm ready in my mind to take a decision. It's important for the referees to have the match in their hands all the time.
　
'We try to stay as relaxed as possible when we're in our dressing room – we have a choice of music which we like. It's essential that our minds are clear.'　
　Aug. 31, 2012.　
　

Liverpool present loan bid for Sturridge

Liverpool have presented a loan bid for Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge.
　
Negotiations started between the clubs late on Thursday night, just hours after Liverpool released Andy Carroll to West Ham on loan.
　
Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on having 22-year-old England player on loan.
　
Chelsea's desire of releasing Sturridge depend on their signing of Bayer Leverkusen's Germany forward Andre Schurrle.
　
The Germany international is valued at £20m but Chelsea are offering £16m.　
　
Aug. 31, 2012.

Nigel de Jong joins AC Milan

Nigel de Jong has completed his move to Italian giants AC Milan from Manchester City.
　
The Netherlands midfielder, 27, was in the final year of his contract at City and has been linked with several clubs throughout the summer.

AC Milan said: 'He is an important signing for the team - De Jong is an established international.'


Aug. 31, 2012.

Rafael van der Vaart sets to join Hamburg

Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart is travelling to his former club Hamburg to undergo a medical.
　
Van der Vaart's agent, Robert Geerlings revealed the Netherlands international is on his way to the German club.
　
Reports says a fee of around £10.5m have been agreed between the two clubs.
　
Van der Vaart has spent the last two seasons at Tottenham.
　
He scored 15 times in 36 appearances during his first season and then scored up 13 goals the following season.
　
If finalised, it would see him return to the club he spent three years at from 2005, making over 90 appearances and scoring 39 goals. 　
　Aug. 31, 2012.

Ferguson: Berbatov may not sign for Fulham

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has wished Dimitar Berbatov well in his future endeavours - but believes the Bulgarian will not join Fulham.
　
The striker has undergone a medical with Fulham and will leave Old Trafford before the deadline but there could be yet another twist regarding his future after he had initially seemed set to join Fiorentina or Juventus.
　
Ferguson said: 'Dimitar was always going to be going. I said last year he'd be leaving at the end of the season. He's not gone yet, though. I don't know anything about it.
　
'There has not been any contact from him. We thought he was in Italy, but it turned out he isn't. He could be anywhere. I really mean that.
　
'I wouldn't be surprised if he's at Tottenham. There are rumours going around. I do not think it's settled at Fulham, put it that way.
　
'He's a very talented player and his contribution is good, particularly in home games. He's the only player to score a hat-trick against Liverpool for United [in a very long time].
　
'When we changed our game, it didn't suit him. We started to play with more speed and teams were getting organised very quickly against us. Therefore, we had to change the way we wanted to play and it didn't suit Dimitar but he's a very talented player. Wherever he goes, he'll do well.'　
　Aug. 31, 2012.

Rodgers: Why I allowed Carroll join West Ham

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted he allowed Andy Carroll's loan move to West Ham United only because he was confident of bringing new players before Friday's transfer window deadline.
　
West Ham will pay a £1 million loan fee and cover the wages of the 23 year-old striker, but without the guarantee of a permanent move at the end of the campaign.
　
The switch will end a frustrating 17-month spell at Anfield for the striker, who was signed for £35 million from Newcastle on deadline day in January 2011 and so became the most expensive British footballer of all-time. Carroll made just 26 starts for the club and Rodgers, after replacing sacked Anfield great Kenny Dalglish in July, made it clear the powerful target-man would find it hard to fit in to his passing style.
　
Rodgers said: 'We're making a strategic decision for him to go out and play games but we need cover players to come in and help the group.
　
'So we hope over the next 24 hours that can happen and that could only be the case because otherwise we'd be short of numbers. I've had conversations and good communication with Andy through the summer. It's been difficult in this period for Andy. He hasn't played as regularly as he would have wanted and he wanted to play regularly this season and I couldn't guarantee that.
　
'He and I spoke - he wants to play and unfortunately for us we're not in a position to have a £35 million player not playing regularly. The club made a monumental investment in Andy but there's no use him being on the bench. There was a chance to go out and play and demonstrate his qualities. It allows us to move on and assess it over the season.'　
　Aug. 31, 2012.

Iniesta wins Best Player in Europe Award

Andrés Iniesta has won the 2011/12 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award in Monaco.
　
The FC Barcelona midfielder who helped Spain defend their UEFA European Championship and Spain midfielder edge Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the award.
　
The Spaniard,28, won courtesy of a poll by sports journalists representing each of UEFA's member national associations.
　
In his reaction, Iniesta said: 'I'm very happy to receive such recognition. As I always say, such awards for one individual can't be achieved without the whole team. So it's a sensation that I want to share with my team-mates at the club, and in the national team. It's recognition for the work that you have done well, and that people are proud and have faith in what you do.'
　
How the journalists voted:
1 Andrés Iniesta (ESP) – FC Barcelona (19 votes)
2 Lionel Messi (ARG) – FC Barcelona (17 votes)
Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) – Real Madrid CF (17 votes)
　
The UEFA Best Player in Europe Award is the creation of UEFA President Michel Platini. For the vote, players were judged by their performances during the 2011/12 season in all competitions, both domestic and international, and at club and national team levels.　
　
Aug. 31, 2012.

Di Matteo: Hazard has brought creativity to Chelsea

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo says Eden Hazard has added 'a lot of creativity' to his team.
　
The Blues boss believes his £32million acquisition from Lille has set English football ablaze with his dribbling and eye for passing.
　
The Italian said: 'He's brought a lot of creativity and different options to us but he is not the only one. He has linked up with Juan Mata and the other midfield players and Fernando, we have seen they have a very good understanding.
　
'His impact is very positive at the beginning of the season but also thanks to the rest of the team that he has been able to settle smoothly.'　
　Aug. 31, 2012.

Di Matteo: Atletico Madrid is a very good team

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo says Atletico Madrid is a 'very good team'.
　
The Blues boss believes the Europa League winners have started well in the La Liga beating Athletic Bilbao 4-0 thanks to a Falcao hat-trick and a strike from former Chelsea midfielder Tiago.
　
He said: 'I have seen Falcao a lot, he is a superb player from watching the last couple of seasons. He is one of the best strikers in the world and I think he will be a big threat for us.
　
'Atletico Madrid is a very good team - they won the Europa League last season and started off well again. I watched their games and they have a lot of quality with a good coach in Diego Simeone.'
　
The Blues boss believes he has good strikers at his service.
　
'I believe competition is very important for professional sportsmen. I don't think the way Fernando has started is because Drogba is not here. I thought he had a very good end to the last season for us. He made a lot of assists and works extremely hard, and scored some important goals. He started this season well and has competition also, we have Daniel Sturridge as well and I believe competition is very important for us.'　
　Aug. 31, 2012.

C.Ronaldo: We played an amazing match

Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo says he is very happy to win the Spanish Super Cup.
　
The striker who scored the second goal in the match against Barcelona believes his side could have scored more goals.
　
He said: 'I’m very happy, we played an amazing match. We should have won by more because we created many chances; the important thing was to win the match and give our fans something to cheer about, which they deserved. This is the attitude everyone wants and we are the first to know it, not just against Barcelona, but every week in the Liga.

'It was an important match, not just because of the Supercup, but also to beat Barcelona and to feel as though we have regained our level of performance. Last year they won the Supercup and we won the Liga but this doesn’t have much relevance on the season. Modric played well when he came on and I’m sure he’s going to play well.'　Aug. 31, 2012.

Torres: I'm an Atlético fan

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres says the UEFA Super Cup is a 'special game' for him.
　
The Spaniard who spent 12 years at Atlético Madrid believes he is still part of Madrid.
　
Torres: 'This game couldn't be more special for me. I spent 12 years at Atlético, I was the captain, I'm one of them. I'm an Atlético fan, I'm a supporter but, on Friday, the only thing I want is to win this title for Chelsea.
　
'I'm always respectful of the people who gave me everything. The Atlético fans will always support their own and I will never show disrespect nor be unpleasant to anyone. I won't celebrate if I score a goal.　
'It's going to be strange for me because, for 90 minutes, I'm not going to be an Atlético fan - but I will be again as soon as the game is over.'
　
　
Aug. 31, 2012.

Juan Mata: We want to win

Chelsea forward Juan Mata says he and his team-mates want to win the UEFA Super Cup for Chelsea.
　
The Blues will play against the winners of Europa League Athletico Madrid for UEFA Super Cup on Friday.
　
The Spaniard said: 'It’s very special – we want to win for the club. Winning the Champions League was a special moment and now we have another opportunity.
　
'Fernando knows Atlético very well. They have a strong team, good strikers and defenders and quality midfielders.' 　　Aug. 30, 2012.

UEFA Champions League fixtures released

Uefa Champions League winners Chelsea have been drawn in Group E with Shakhtar Donetsk(UKR), Juventus(ITA) and Nordsjælland(DEN).
　
GROUPS
GROUP APorto(POR)
Dynamo Kyiv(UKR)
PSG(FRA)
Dinamo Zagreb(CRO)

GROUP BArsenal(ENG)
Schalke(GER)
Olympiacos(GRE)
Montpellier(FRA)

GROUP CMilan(ITA)
Zenit(RUS)
Anderlecht(BEL)
Málaga(ESP)

GROUP DReal Madrid(ESP)
Man. City(ENG)
Ajax(NED)
Dortmund(GER)

GROUP EChelsea(ENG)
Shakhtar Donetsk(UKR)
Juventus(ITA)
Nordsjælland(DEN)

GROUP FBayern(GER)
Valencia(ESP)
LOSC(FRA)
BATE(BLR)

GROUP GBarcelona(ESP)
Benfica(POR)
Spartak Moskva(RUS)
Celtic(SCO)

GROUP HMan. United(ENG)
Braga(POR)
Galatasaray(TUR)
CFR Cluj(ROU)　

Aug. 30, 2012.

Fiorentina dump Berbatov's interest

Fiorentina says they are no more interested in Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.
　
The striker has received interest from Italian champions Juventus and Fiorentina.
　
Fiorentina say they had agreed a deal with United and had already paid the first instalment of the transfer fee for the former Bulgaria international before things fell apart.
　
A statement from Florence criticised the 31-year-old for failing to arrive after they paid for his flight to finalise the move.
　
It read: 'He's not worthy of our city, our shirt and the values it represents.
　
'The player embarked in the company of his agent and with tickets paid by Fiorentina on a direct flight to Florence. But the player never arrived in Florence.
　
'[This was] owing to the reckless and arrogant actions of other clubs which have nothing to do with the values of decency, fair play and ethics of the sport and which go beyond the limits of fairness.
　
'As for the player, notwithstanding his characteristics and technical merit, at this point we are happy that he did not come to Fiorentina.'　
　Aug. 30, 2012.

Bojan joins AC Milan on loan

AC Milan have signed Bojan Krkić on loan from Serie A rivals AS Roma until the end of the season.

The forward, 22, scored 7 goals in 33 Serie A games during his first season with Roma after arriving from FC Barcelona for an initial €12m. The loan to Milan adds to an already complicated arrangement that will see the player return to Barcelona at the end of this season, for a €13m fee, unless Roma pay €40m to retain him.
　
Bojan said: 'Milan are a club with great history. The coach [Massimiliano Allegri] really wanted me and now I want to repay him by playing my football. I also thank Roma as I'm here because they gave me a chance in Italian football last season.'　　
Aug. 29, 2012.

Germany - Bundesliga III. Results

FT Arminia Bielefeld 1-0 Stuttgarter Kickers

FT Burghausen 2-0 Hansa Rostock

FT Hallescher FC 0-2 Preussen Munster

FT VfB Stuttgart (Am) 2-1 Babelsberg

FT Wehen 1-1 Darmstadt
　Aug. 29, 2012.

USA - Major League Soccer Fixtures

20:00 DC United v New York Red Bulls

20:00 New England Re'lution v CD Chivas USA

20:00 Philadelphia Union v Columbus Crew　
　Aug. 29, 2012.

Bellerin - I'm so happy

Hector Bellerin says he is happy to be an Arsenal player.

The 17-year-old who joined the Gunners from the Spanish giants last summer hopes to remain with the London side for a lot of years.

The former Barcelona player said: 'It has been really, really great. I’m so happy with the decision I made to come here.

'Everyone has been really nice and the football is unbelievable. I have learned things I don't think I would have learnt at Barcelona so I am really enjoying it. I hope to be here for many more years.


'When I was at Barcelona I always used to play on the right wing. But last year I learnt a lot from Steve Bould about how to defend and every day I feel more and more comfortable as a right back.

'It gives me a chance to go forward, and I am learning every day about the defensive side - I really enjoy it.'　
　Aug. 29, 2012.

European Cups - Champions League (qual.) Fixtures

20:45 Celtic v Helsingborg

20:45 CFR Cluj v Basel

20:45 Dynamo Kyiv v Monchengladbach

20:45 Fenerbahce v Spartak Moscow

20:45 Lille v FC Copenhagen　
　Aug. 29, 2012.

Germany - Bundesliga III. Fixtures

19:00 Arminia Bielefeld v Stuttgarter Kickers

19:00 Burghausen v Hansa Rostock

19:00 Hallescher FC v Preussen Munster

19:00 VfB Stuttgart (Am) v Babelsberg

19:00 Wehen v Darmstadt　
　Aug. 29, 2012.

José Mourinho: Anything can happen

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho believes the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona is open.
　
The Whites head into the game with a 2-3 result and need just a 1-0 win to lift the trophy.
　
Mourinho said: 'The tie is open. The first leg result can’t change. In the league, we lost the last match at home. In the cup, we lost here and in Barcelona I don’t know how we didn’t win... We drew in the Super Cup and again I don’t how we didn’t win in Barcelona. We are both great teams with some of the best players and anything can happen.
　
'It is very difficult to make plans for matches and it is tough to makes things go your plan. You don’t know what will happen and matches change on small details. A game plan is very difficult when they have the ball, we have to try and defend well and, when we have it, we have to try and play well, with freedom, and score. If you can call it a plan, it is a basic plan. When they have the ball, defend and, when we have it, we try to score straight away.'　
　Aug. 29, 2012.

Robinho out for one month

AC Milan striker Robinho has sustained a thigh injury that will keep him out of action for a month.
　
The club in an official announcement said: 'AC Milan would like to communicate that robinho picked up an injury to his right thigh during the match Milan-Sampdoria that will keep him out of action for three to four weeks.' 　
　
Aug. 29, 2012.

Vilanova: We have to score at the Bernabéu if ...

FC Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova believes his side must score at least one goal at the Bernabéu if they are to win the Spanish Super Cup despite their 3-2 advantage.

The manager says Carles Puyol may be fielded if he passes medical check-up.

He said: 'The games we’ve played in the past against Madrid don’t really matter. There’s never a clear favourite and sometimes the team that is favoured loses.

'We know how hard it is to play at the Bernabéu, they’ll come out to score and push men forward from the first minute. To win the Super Cup we have to score in Madrid, otherwise we’ll lose the title. If we are unable to maintain ball possession we’ll have a terrible time.'

On captain Carles Puyol, the manager said: 'He'll be there if the doctors say he can play, but we won’t run any risks.'


 Aug. 29, 2012.

Mourinho lists 23 players for Barcelona

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has called up 23 players to face Barcelona on Wednesday in the return leg of the Spanish Super Cup.
　
The Portuguese listed his new signing Luka Modric.
　
The Whites line-up is as follow:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Adan and Jesus.
Defence: Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, Coentrao, Albiol, Arbeloa and Varane.
Midfielders: Ozil, Modric, Kaka, Xabi Alonso, Granero, Khedira, Lass, Callejon and Di Maria.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Higuain and Morata.　
　Aug. 29, 2012.

Arsenal may sell Theo Walcott

Arsenal have failed to reach an agreement with winger Theo Walcott over a contract extension.
　
The contract of the 23-year-old expires in 2013 but is willing to continue negotiations.
　
Reports says the Emirates side are likely to sell the winger before the summer transfer deadline unless he signs an improved five-year deal worth £75,000 a week.
　
Walcott joined Arsenal from Southhampton for £12.5m as a 16-year-old in 2006.
　
He has scored 42 goals in 222 appearances for the Gunners.　
Aug. 29, 2012.

Platini: EURO 2012 was an outstanding tournament

UEFA President Michel Platini says the EURO 2012 was 'an outstanding tournament'.
　
The president of European football made the revelation when he paid a thank you visit to Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych and the President of the Football Federation of Ukraine (FFU) Grigoriy Surkis to express UEFA's gratitude to the country's people, government and national football association for the successful co-hosting of UEFA EURO 2012.
　
Platini said: 'It is a great pleasure for me to return here two months after the wonderful tournament which took place. I came here to officially thank Viktor Yanukovych, Grigoriy Surkis, UEFA's operations director Martin Kallen and their respective teams who helped to stage the European Football Championship. It was an outstanding tournament. We saw great players, plenty of great goals and great refereeing.'
　
In his response, Mr Yanukovych said: 'We are thankful to UEFA president personally, and to the entire Union of European Football Associations for the support and trust which accompanied us in the preparations for the final stage of EURO 2012.
　
'We did everything to ensure that the festival could happen. All the infrastructure built in Ukraine will remain after the tournament, and it will serve many generations of Ukrainians. They will drive on new roads, live in new hotels, play at wonderful stadiums, and use modern airports.'　
　Aug. 29, 2012.

Drogba: China is a new experience

Shanghai Shenhua striker Didier Drogba says life in China is 'a new experience'.
　
The former Blues star made the revelation during his visit to his former club on Tuesday.
　
He said: 'It is good, it is a new experience and the first month has been reaching out in terms of learning new things, learning a new culture. It is very different to what I am used to in Europe, I like it.'
　
The Ivorian who helped Chelsea win their first ever Uefa Champions League trophy said he was enjoying playing for Shanghai Shenhua with the help of former Blues star Nicholas Anelka.

'Nico is good. He is happy that I signed there and I am also happy that he is there to help me. Last week he gave me two assists so it is back to what we were doing here before.'
　
　Aug. 29, 2012.

Russia - 1. Division Results

FT Tomsk 3-1 Shinnik Yaroslavl
　
FT Spartak Nalchik 0-2 Petrotrest
　
FT FC Volgar 1-0 Metallurg-Kuzbass N.
　
FT Torpedo Moscow 0 - 0 SKA-Energiya 　
　Aug. 28, 2012.

Germany - Bundesliga III. Results

FT Alemannia Aachen 1-1 RW Erfurt
　
FT Borussia Dortmund (Am) 0-3 Karlsruhe
　
FT FC Heidenheim 3-2 Chemnitzer FC
　
FT Osnabruck 3-0 Unterhaching
　
FT Saarbrucken 2-2 Kickers Offenbach　

Aug. 28, 2012.

Gargano: Inter are more experienced

Inter Milan new signing Walter Gargano believes he is joining the Nerazzurri at the right time.
　
The midfielder said: 'Inter are more experienced. It was the right time to come here, this is a dream move for me: I've supported Inter ever since I was a boy and I immediately felt at home here. My team-mates have made me feel very welcome – it's as if I've been here for years. How did I start supporting Inter? It started when I was a young boy, playing on the Playstation – I always used to choose Inter. And now I hope to play here for a long time.
　
'Inter are one of the most popular teams in Uruguay. I'm immensely proud to be wearing this shirt and it's a big thing for me to be able to represent Uruguay in Italian football.'　
　Aug. 28, 2012.

O'Neill: I'm delighted to have Adam Johnson

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill says he is 'delighted' to have Adam Johnson in his squad.
　
In an interview with BBC Newcastle, he said: 'I'm delighted he's chosen us. I'm thrilled for the supporters who now get a chance to be excited by him.
　
'It's a long season and we want him to stay clear of serious injury but he'll be an asset.' 　
　
Aug. 28, 2012.

Uefa sanction PAOK Thessaloniki and Rapid Vienna

Uefa has punished PAOK Thessaloniki and Rapid Vienna for the violence that broke out at their Europa League tie in Greece last week.

Uefa fined PAOK 150,000 Euros and will play their next three European home games behind closed doors, while Rapid will have to pay 75,000 Euros and play one game without any spectators.　
　Aug. 28, 2012.

Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses numbered

Chelsea have announced the shirt numbers of his latest signings Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses.

Azpilicueta who joined the Blues from Marseille will wear number 28.

Victor Moses, the winger from Wigan will wear shirt number 13. 　
　Aug. 28, 2012.

Guidolin: My most important game ever

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin says the return leg of Uefa Champions league play-off against Braga is the most important game of his career.
　
He said: 'This is the most important game I've ever been involved in. I don't think I'll get another chance (of being involved in a game this big again).'
　
Udinese crashed at the same stage last season when they played against Arsenal.
　
'This game is one of extraordinary importance and we have to play a perfect game. We have to be completely focussed to fulfil the dream we've been chasing for 2 seasons. We know the challenge in front of us and we want to qualify for the next stage. Naturally, the same can be said for my opposite number, (Braga coach) Peseiro. But everything will be decided on the pitch.
　
'Tension is very high. But there's not much pressure. And it’s solely down to my players if we've come this far. Now we have to try to grab that ticket to the next stage of the Champions League. And it’s not always a given that a side that changes year in, year out, plays as well as in previous seasons. I can't tell you that. I’m not a fortune-teller.'
　
Udinese find themselves in a good position following the 1-1 draw from the 1st leg.　
　
Aug. 28, 2012.

Rodgers: I'm very proud of my team

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised his side for their brilliant performance against Manchester City. An error by defender Martin Skrtel led to the equaliser of the visitors at Anfield.
　
Rodgers said: 'There's no blame to Martin Skrtel, I'd rather have players wanting to get on to the ball. The courage he has to get on the football and try to play is what is the most important thing.'
　
On the performance of the team, he said: 'It was a brilliant performance, I thought. There were a lot of questions asked of the team coming into such a big game but I thought the players were incredible and sometimes the best team doesn't win, and I think we were the better team.
　
'What I've seen today and last week was a one-off and today I thought they were terrific.
　
'The plan was going perfect but then I thought tactically the ability to press at the right time and to drop off and to block was very good. I'm very, very proud of the team.'　　
Aug. 28, 2012.

Modric: I'm ready to play Barça

Real Madrid new signing Luka Modric says he is ready to play against Barcelona in the return leg of the Super Cup on Wednesday.
　
The midfielder said: 'I feel good. I still need to train with the team, but I'm ready to play against Barça.'
　
The Croat believes Madrid's start of the season is not too bad.
　
'I've seen all three. It isn't important how you start, but how you finish. There are still a lot of games left, in all competitions. What's important is to finish well.'
　　Aug. 28, 2012.

Russia - Premier Liga Result

FT Kuban Krasnodar 6-2 Volga Nyzhnyi 　Aug. 27, 2012.

Russia - 1. Division Results

FT Sibir Novosibirsk 1-2 Neftekhimik

FT FC Rotor Volgograd 0-4 Ural S.R

FT FC Salyut Belgorod 2-1 FC Yenisey Krasnoyarsk

FT Baltika 1-1 FC Ufa

　Aug. 27, 2012.

Casillas: We can’t allow these slip ups

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas believes his side failed to take their chances against Getafe on Sunday night.
　
He said: 'In the first half we weren’t 100%, but we had chances to finish off the game and make it 0-2. In the second half, an isolated move became a problem and they scored a goal. This is an issue that has happened before and we can’t let it happen again.
　
'That we concede goals from dead balls is a reality. We can’t allow these slip ups. We’re coming to terms with what it is: two absurd moves, from dead balls and far from the goal and we haven’t been able to defend them. It’s an individual and group error because we all concede the goal.'　Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Getafe.　
Aug. 27, 2012.

Luka Modric signs five years contract with Madrid

www.goallog.com

Luka Modric has signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid on Monday.
　
Florentino Pérez, Chairmen of Real Madrid, and members of the Executive board were at the side of the Croatian central midfielder when he signed the contract papers.
　
The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder's medical was conducted at the Sanitas-La Moraleja hospital on Monday before he made his way to the Santiago Bernabéu to sign the contract.
　
In the club’s Boardroom he was met and welcomed by club executives, headed by Florentino Pérez, and presented with a series of gifts: a replica of the stadium, a watch, the Real Madrid shirt with the commemorative date of his presentation and the fountain pen used to sign his contract. He was also presented with a cuddly toy and a child’s Madrid shirt for his son. Lastly, he was shown some of the most important trophies in the history of the club such as the nine European cups.　　Aug. 27, 2012.

English Premier League Fixtures, Sat. 01 Sept., 2012

Kick off 12:45 - West Ham v Fulham

Kick off 15:00 - Swansea v Sunderland

Kick off 15:00 - Tottenham v Norwich

Kick off 15:00 - West Brom v Everton

Kick off 15:00 - Wigan v Stoke

Kick off 17:30 - Man City v QPR 　
　
Aug. 27, 2012.

Tottenham target Yann M'Vila

Tottenham Hotspur have presented a bid of £12.7m to Rennes for 22-year-old France midfielder Yann M'Vila.

The Ligue 1 club confirmed the proposed bid with add-ons but Rennes want an unconditional £15m.

The French side has written to Tottenham requesting for a face-to-face talks but are yet to hear back.

M'Vila had rejected offers from Zenit St Petersburg and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Reports in France have linked the midfielder with Everton and Newcastle.

M'Vila made 61 appearances for Rennes and France last season, featuring in three of his country's four Euro 2012 matches. 　
　

Aug. 27, 2012.

Levy: We are pleased to sell Modric to Real Madrid

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Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the transfer of Luka Modric for around £30m.
　
The Croatia midfielder, 26, arrived in Spain on Monday for a medical before signing a five-year deal.
　
Tottenham also confirmed a partnership deal with Real Madrid.
　
The agreement will see the two clubs working together in respect of players, coaching and commercial relationships.
　
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said: 'Luka has been a terrific player for us and, while we preferred not to part with him, we are pleased that it is to Real Madrid, a club with which we now look forward to sharing a long and productive partnership.'
　
Modric joined Tottenham in 2008 in a £16.5m deal from Dinamo Zagreb.
　
The playmaker made over 150 appearances for the London club, scoring 17 goals.　
　
Aug. 27, 2012.

Russia - 1. Division Fixtures

16:00 Sibir Novosibirsk v Neftekhimik

18:00 FC Rotor Volgograd v Ural S.R

19:00 FC Salyut Belgorod v FC Yenisey Krasnoyarsk

20:00 Baltika v FC Ufa　
　
Aug. 27, 2012.

Cassano: Milito and Sneijder are top-class players

Inter Milan new signing Antonio Cassano says he is playing with 'top-class players'.
　
The Nerazzurri forward set up Milito for Inter's second goal in their 3-0 victory over Pescara on Sunday.
　
He said: 'The main thing was that we got the three points. We played well and I'm happy with my debut.
　
'It's easy to play with Milito and Sneijder because they are both top-class players. I found it easy.'
　　
Aug. 27, 2012.

Torres: My confidence is back

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres says regular first team football has helped revived his career.
　
The Spaniard said: 'My confidence is back because I'm playing more.
　
'When you play more often you are confident, and with the new players we've signed, the team are playing more attacking football.'


Aug. 27, 2012.

Mancini: We are not 100% fit

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes his side is not '100%' fit for the season.
　
The Blues played a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
　
The Italian said: 'I think that a draw is a correct result in the end.
　
'We didn't deserve to lose because in the first 30 minutes we played very well and we had a lot of chances to score.
　
'We have taken one point when we went down two times. I don't think there are a lot of teams that come here and push Liverpool in their half.
　
'In the first 30 minutes we had three or four incredible chances but we conceded a goal from a corner and it changes.
　
'We are not 100% for many reasons, for this it is important we didn't lose this game.
　
'We want to win, but also here we know it is difficult. One point is good at this moment.'
　
'The City manager is hoping to bring Swansea forward Scott Sinclair to the Etihad Stadium.
　
He said: 'We need to bring players in. We have to work hard for this over the next four or five days.'
　
　Aug. 27, 2012.

Juve hunt for David Villa

Italian champions Juventus have indicated interest in signing FC Barcelona striker David Villa.
　
According to newspaper El Comercio de Gijon, The Scudetto winners have already made contact with the player and the club presided over by Andrea Agnelli could make Barcelona a formal offer.
　
Juve are likey to present an offer of of four years contract worth €8m per season.
　
　Aug. 27, 2012.

Holland - Eredivisie Results

FT AZ Alkmaar 0-0 SC Heerenveen
　
FT Heracles Almelo 1-2 Feyenoord Rotterdam
　
FT NEC Nijmegen 1-3 FC Twente Enschede
　
FT Willem II Tilburg 0-2 Vitesse Arnhem
　
FT FC Groningen 1-3 PSV Eindhoven

Aug. 26, 2012.

Germany - Bundesliga I. Results

FT Hannover 2-2 Schalke
　
Aug. 26, 2012.

Italy - Serie A Results

FT AC Milan 0-1 Sampdoria　
Aug. 26, 2012.

England - Premier League Results

FT Stoke C. 0-0 Arsenal

FT Liverpool 2-2 Manchester C.　Aug. 26, 2012.

Germany - Bundesliga I. Results

FT Augsburg 0-2 Fortuna Dusseldorf

FT Freiburg 1-1 Mainz

FT Greuther Furth 0-3 Bayern Munich

FT Hamburger SV 0-1 Nurnberg

FT Monchengladbach 2-1 Hoffenheim

FT Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen
　
　Aug. 25, 2012.

England - Premier League Results

FT Swansea C. 3-0 West Ham U.

FT Aston Villa 1-3 Everton

FT Manchester U. 3-2 Fulham

FT Norwich C. 1-1 Queens Park R.

FT Southampton 0-2 Wigan Athletic

Postp. Sunderland v Reading

FT Tottenham H. 1-1 West Bromwich A.

FT Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle U.
　
　Aug. 25, 2012.

Torres: Newcastle is the first real big test

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres says he is 'feeling good, feeling sharp' ahead of Newcastle United's visit to the Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
　
The Spaniard who scored his first goal in the league against Reading on Wednesday insists Blues have a group of 'fantastic players'.
　
The Euro 2012 Golden Boot winner said: 'I'm feeling good, feeling sharp. I've only been back in training for less than a month but the team is showing that we can hopefully do big things this season.
　
'It's always important, particularly in the Premier League, to start picking up points as quickly as possible, because the top teams don't lose many matches or drop too many points, so I think it's very good for us that we're top of the table after our first two games.
　
'We need to be in the top few positions when it comes to December and January, and to do that we need to keep picking up points.
　
'Saturday against Newcastle will be a very tough game. They proved last season what a good team they are, and it's the first real big test of the season for us.
　
'Players like [Juan] Mata, Hazard and Oscar are fantastic, and for a striker such as myself, it's a real privilege to play alongside them and I'm just trying to enjoy it.'　　
Aug. 25, 2012.

England - League Championship Fixtures

13:00 Bristol C. v Cardiff C.

15:00 Blackburn R. v Leicester C.

15:00 Blackpool v Ipswich T.

15:00 Brighton & Hove A. v Barnsley

15:00 Charlton Athletic v Hull C.

15:00 Huddersfield T. v Burnley

15:00 Middlesbrough v Crystal Palace

15:00 Peterborough U. v Leeds U.

15:00 Sheffield W. v Millwall

15:00 Wolverhampton W. v Derby County

17:20 Watford v Birmingham C.
　　
Aug. 25, 2012.

France - Ligue 1 Fixtures

17:00 Nice v Lille

20:00 Nancy v Toulouse

20:00 Reims v Sochaux

20:00 Rennes v Bastia

20:00 Troyes v Lorient

20:00 Valenciennes v Ajaccio
　
　
Aug. 25, 2012.

Germany - Regionalliga West Fixtures

13:00 Fortuna Cologne v RW Essen

14:00 Bergisch Gladbach v Sportfreunde Lotte

14:00 FC Kray v Monchengladbach II.

14:00 Fortuna Düsseldorf II v Siegen
　
　
Aug. 25, 2012.

Germany - Regionalliga Nordost Fixtures

13:30 Berliner AK 07 v FSV Zwickau

13:30 Optik Rathenow v Hertha Berlin II
　
　
Aug. 25, 2012.

Germany - Regionalliga Nord Fixtures

14:00 Hannover II v Oberneuland

14:00 TSV Havelse v Meppen

14:00 Victoria Hamburg v Werder Bremen (Am)

15:00 ETSV Weiche Flensburg v Hamburger SV (Am)
　
　
Aug. 25, 2012.

Germany - Bundesliga I. Fixtures

15:30 Augsburg v Fortuna Dusseldorf

15:30 Freiburg v Mainz

15:30 Greuther Furth v Bayern Munich

15:30 Hamburger SV v Nurnberg

15:30 Monchengladbach v Hoffenheim

18:30 Eintracht Frankfurt v Bayer Leverkusen

20:45 Stuttgart v Wolfsburg
　
　
Aug. 25, 2012.

Spain - Primera Division Fixtures

19:00 Real Sociedad v Celta de Vigo

21:00 Espanyol v Zaragoza

21:00 Real Betis v Rayo Vallecano

23:00 Malaga v Mallorca
　
　
Aug. 25, 2012.

Italy - Serie A Fixtures

18:00 Fiorentina v Udinese

20:45 Juventus v Parma
　
　
Aug. 25, 2012.

Mancini: Balotelli can't change in one month

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has told Mario Balotelli to improve his game.
　
Mancini believes the striker must replicate his performance at Euro 2012 to have a permanent jersey at City.
　
He said: 'Mario is the same. Maybe he can improve but I don’t think he will change in one month.
　
'If he always plays like he did in the European Championships then yes, he will get better.
　
'But he has a big responsibility here, for us. He is an important player who we spent a lot of money on. He can do his job better here.'
　
City signed Mario Balotelli for £22million from Inter Milan two years ago.

Aug. 25, 2012.

Nuri Sahin sets to join Liverpool

Liverpool have secured the service of Real Madrid Nuri Sahin on a season-long loan.
　
The Anfield side offered to pay a larger proportion of the 23-year-old's £115,000 a week wages, to beat Arsenal's offer.
　
Report says Sahin had privately expressed a preference for the north London club. But the deal stalled when Real and Arsenal could not agree a £14m option to buy the player at the end of the loan.
　
Liverpool and Real Madrid then agreed a deal, with Sahin's agent meeting Liverpool officials earlier in the week to agree terms.
　
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho had given the go ahead for Sahin to move to the Premier League after the midfielder struggled to make an impression at the Bernabeu since a move from Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund last summer.
　
Sahin signed a six-year deal with the Bernabeu side but made just 11 appearances for them last season as they won the Spanish league title. 　
　Aug. 25, 2012.

Xavi: Valdés is the best goalkeeper in the world

FC Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernàndez has praised goalkeeper Víctor Valdés in the face of criticism of his error in the first leg of Supercopa at Nou Camp that finished 3-2 in favour of the Catalans giants.
　
Xavi said: 'He has seen everything here and I am convinced that he is the best goalkeeper in the world for Barça. We have every confidence in him.
　
'We know he takes risks because he’s a brave keeper. We’ll be encouraging him, but he’s strong and fully prepared for things like this.'　
　
Aug. 25, 2012.

Mikel: I can't wait to have Moses join Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi says he is happy with the signing of his compatriot, Victor Moses by Chelsea.
　
The Nigerian midfielder said on Twitter that he 'can't wait to have Victor Moses join the team.'
　
Mikel, 24 said: 'Can't wait to have victor Moses join d team haha, very good player and a good lad too.
　
'The club are going the right way now buying more young players, trying to develop them for the future.'
　
　Aug. 25, 2012.

Iran - Persian Gulf League Results

FT Persepolis 0 - 0 Esteghlal

FT Mes Kerman 1-0 Damash

FT Fajr Sepasi 0 - 0 Gahar Zagros FC

FT Zob Ahan 3-1 Teraktor Sazi

FT Malavan 1-3 Naft Tehran

FT Sanat Naft Abadan 2-1 Saba Qom
　
Aug. 24, 2012.　
　

Israel - Leumit League Results

FT Hakoach Amidar RG 1-3 Ironi Rishon Lezion

FT Hapoel Jerusalem 0-1 Maccabi Umm al-Fahm

FT Hapoel Petah Tikva 1-1 Hapoel Raanana

FT Maccabi Yavne 0-0 Maccabi Herzeliya
　
Aug. 24, 2012.

Bundesliga Fixtures for August 25

15:30 Augsburg v Fortuna Dusseldorf

15:30 Freiburg v Mainz

15:30 Greuther Furth v Bayern Munich

15:30 Hamburger SV v Nurnberg

15:30 Monchengladbach v Hoffenheim

18:30 Eintracht Frankfurt v Bayer Leverkusen

20:45 Stuttgart v Wolfsburg　
　Aug. 24, 2012.

Heynckes: Ribery is out

Franck Ribery will miss FC Bayern Munich's league opener against league newcomers SpVgg Greuther Fürth on Saturday.
　
The Munich giants will be hoping to wrestle the league title back from Borussia Dortmund.
　
Ribery sustained injury in Bayern Munich's 4-0 win over SSV Jahn Regensburg DFB Cup.
　
Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes says he will not take any risks on the opening day of the season by playing his French international.
　
He said: 'Franck will definitely not play.'
　　Aug. 24, 2012.

France - Ligue 2 Results

FT Angers 0-1 Istres

FT Auxerre 2-1 Laval

FT Chateauroux 3-0 Tours

FT Clermont Foot 0-2 Sedan

FT GFCO Ajaccio 1-1 Lens

FT Monaco 3-0 Arles-Avignon

FT Nimes 0-2 Caen

FT Niort 0 - 0 Guingamp　
　
Aug. 24, 2012.

France - Ligue 2 Results

FT Angers 0-1 Istres

FT Auxerre 2-1 Laval

FT Chateauroux 3-0 Tours

FT Clermont Foot 0-2 Sedan

FT GFCO Ajaccio 1-1 Lens

FT Monaco 3-0 Arles-Avignon

FT Nimes 0-2 Caen

FT Niort 0 - 0 Guingamp　
　
Aug. 24, 2012.

Germany - Bundesliga II. Results

FT Braunschweig 2-1 Paderborn

FT Hertha BSC 2-1 Regensburg

FT Sandhausen 2-0 Union Berlin　
　
Aug. 24, 2012.

Azpilicueta: I'm very happy to play for Chelsea

Cesar Azpilicueta says he 'happy to play for Chelsea'.
　
The former Marseille defender completed his move to the European champions on Friday.
　
Cesar said: 'I'm very happy to play for Chelsea. It's a project I want to be a part of and to help the team grow. I am looking forward to helping the team win more trophies.'
　
The defender believes the Premiership is very difficult but will adapt quickly.
　
'Yes, I watch a lot of the Premier League on television. It will be difficult at first but I hope, given time, I will be able to play well and adapt.
　
'I know Hazard well from my time in France. He's a very good player and I'm looking forward to having him as a member of my team.

'Of course, they are all very good players, but the most important thing for me is to learn from them and their experiences. I'm a younger player and it will be good for me to develop and grow playing alongside them.

'Firstly, I want to integrate into the group, but also to play as regularly as possible. I want to help the team win matches and win as many trophies as we can.'　
　Aug. 24, 2012.

Pazzini: AC Milan is world class club

Giampoalo Pazzini says he is happy to join AC Milan.

The striker moved to the Italian giants in a swap deal with Antonio Cassano joining Inter Milan on Wednesday.
The striker said:'The first impressions have been really good, the negotiations were quick. I’m very happy, Milan are the top club and I couldn’t say no. I already knew a few of the guys and they’re helping me settle in better.

'I have a lot of desire to get started, a lot of motivation. I want to get back to the player I was five months ago when I was a fixture in the Italian team too. I’ll bring enthusiasm and desire straight away. Sampdoria are the first team we face and everyone knows about my relationship with the club. I mean to start on the right foot.

'I’ve been linked with Antonio Cassano since our days at Sampdoria. I once joked with him saying that he needed me to get back on the front pages of the newspapers. He still a great player, I can only say that I’m very happy to be here. I can’t say why he wasn’t happy here. The coach has a lot of players available to him and I’ll be at his disposal. I really want to do well but the choices are his to make. Montolivio was happy (at me coming here). We’ve known each other since we were kids. It’s strange but nice to find ourselves here. We’re friends and we hope to get more satisfaction here together.

'I’ll be important to start well against Sampdoria on Sunday. I got a double on my debut for Inter and I’d like to do the same here. To get back in the Italian side, I have score more and play better with Milan and right now that’s the most important thing. I’m in a world class club and I just want to do well. I’m convinced that there are important players here. We can have a good season.'　
　Aug. 24, 2012.

Di Matteo: We have a difficult game

Roberto Di Matteo says Chelsea have a 'difficult game' at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
　
The manager said: 'We always have difficult games against Newcastle and they are a very good team with some great players.
　
'We haven't beaten them at Stamford Bridge since 2007 so that tells you what kind of team they are. They have a lot of goals in their team with [Demba] Ba and Cisse, and in midfield [Hatem] Ben Arfa and [Yohan] Cabaye, and [Jonas] Gutierrez scoring every now and then.
　
'It is going to be a game when we have to defend very well but we also want our players to express themselves and create chances. But we certainly have to try to control Newcastle's big threats when we can because they are lethal at times.'
　
　Aug. 24, 2012.

FA nominate David Gill for UEFA Executive

The FA Board has nominated David Gill as its candidate for UEFA Executive Committee.
　
The FA Board on Thursday agreed to nominate David Gill as its candidate for the upcoming UEFA Executive Committee membership election that will hold next year in London.

David Gill is the Chief Executive of Manchester United Football Club and an FA Board member.

Geoff Thompson, who has represented The FA on UEFA’s Executive Committee since 2000, steps down in May leaving a vacant position for an elected representative.　Aug. 24, 2012.

Mancini: Liverpool will fight for the title

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has tipped Liverpool as one of the contenders for the league title this season.
　
Livepool suffered 0-3 defeat in the hands of West Bromwich last week. The Reds will host the league champions at Anfield on Sunday.
　
The Italian said: 'I think Liverpool will fight for the title this year because they play well, they bought good players, they have a good manager and they have changed their style of play.
　
'They come from a game against West Bromwich where they didn't deserve to lose but football is strange. For this I think it will be a hard game.'　
　Aug. 24, 2012.

Ferguson: Van Persie could start against Fulham

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he may start Robin van Persie on Saturday against Fulham.
　
The Dutch striker was introduced as substitute in United 0-1 lose to Everton in their league opener.
　
Ferguson said: 'He [Van Persie] has had a few days training since Monday. In an ideal world, it would be better if he had two or three games under his belt.
　
'He hasn't got that but it's a home game and there's every chance he could start.'
　　
Aug. 24, 2012.