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Saturday, January 31, 2009

Super Sunday Clash Liverpool Vs Chelsea (Live) 11.55am On Football Channel 27


Probable Line Up

Liverpool 4 - 5 - 1

Unknown Rafa The Rotator

GK - Reina
LB - Aurelio
CD - Skrtel
CD - Carragher
RB - Arbeloa
DMF - Mascherano
CMF - Alonso
AMF - Gerrard
LMF - Benayoun
RMF - Kuyt
CF - Torres

Subs

GK - Diego
CD - Agger
CD - Hyypia
LB - Dossena
CMF - Lucas
LMF - Riera
SS / CF - Keane


Chelsea 4 - 3 - 3

Scolari Offensive Full Backs

GK - Cech
LWB - Ashley Cole
CD - Terry
CD - Alex
RWB - Bosingwa
DMF - Mikel
LCM - Lampard
RCM - Ballack
LWF - Malouda
RWF - Kalou
CF - Anelka

Subs

GK - Hilario
CD - Mancienne
RWB - Belletti
CMF - Deco
LWF - Kakuta (depending on Ivanovic deal)
RWF - Stoch
CF - Drogba

Friday, January 30, 2009

Premier League team news: Weekend squad, stats and betting tips

Looking ahead to another busy weekend of Premier League action.

By John Ley
Last Updated: 3:55PM GMT 29 Jan 2009
Football: Premier League previews

Saturday, Jan 31

Arsenal v West Ham United

Arsenal (Probable, 4-4-2): Almunia; Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy; Eboue, Denilson, Song, Diaby, Nasri; Van Persie, Adebayor.

Missing: Walcott (shoulder), Silvestre (thigh), Fabregas (knee), Rosicky (hamstring)
Top scorers: Van Persie 10
Discipline: R: 2. Y: 38.

West Ham United (Probable, 4-4-2): Green; Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga; Parker, Behrami, Collison; Noble; Di Michele, Cole.

Missing: Ashton (knee), Gabbidon (groin)
Top scores: Cole 8
Discipline: R: 2. Y: 36

Referee: S Bennett. Games: 16. R: 0. Y: 58. Ave: 3.93.

Stat Attack: Arsenal have scored in their last nine Premier League games, the best run in the division.

Last Five League Meetings

2007-2008 (PL): Arsenal 2 West Ham 0
2006-2007 (PL): Arsenal 0 West Ham 1
2005-2006 (PL): Arsenal 2 West Ham 3
2002-2003 (PL): Arsenal 3 West Ham 1
2001-2002 (PL): Arsenal 2 West Ham 0

Bet on... A draw.

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Aston Villa v Wigan Athletic

Aston Villa (Probable, 4-4-2): Friedel; Cuellar, Knight, Davies, L Young; Gardner, Petrov, Barry, Milner; Heskey, Agbonlahor
Missing: Carew (back), Bouma (ankle), Laursen (knee). A Young (suspended)
Top scorer: Agbonlahor 9
Discipline: R: 0. Y: 33.

Wigan Athletic (Probable, 4-4-2): Pollitt; Melchiot, Boyce, Scharner, Figueroa; De Ridder, Brown, Cattermole, Taylor, Zaki, Mido.

Missing: Watson (calf), Valencia (hamstring)
Top Scorer: Zaki 10
Discipline: R: 3. Y: 41

Referee: R Styles. Games: 15. R: 5. Y: 54. Ave: 3.93.

Stat Attack: Wigan are the only team to have converted four penalties this season.

Last three League Meetings

2007-2008 (PL): Villa 0 Wigan 2
2006-2007 (PL): Villa 1 Wigan 1
2005-2006 (PL): Villa 0 Wigan 2

Bet on...Villa putting further pressure on the big boys.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur

Bolton Wanderers (Probable, 4-5-1): Jaaskelainen; Steinsson, Cahill, Puygrenier, Samuel; Basham, Nolan, Muamba, Taylor, Davies; Makukula.

Missing: Vaz Te (knee), McCann (ankle/foot)
Tests: Elmander (hamstring)
Top scorers: Davies 7
Discipline: R: 1. Y: 44.

Tottenham Hotspur (Probable, 4-3-1-2): Cudicini; Corluka, Woodgate, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto; Zokora, Modric, Palacios, Lennon; Pavyluchenko, Defoe.

Missing: Hutton (foot), O'Hara (groin), King (hamstring)
Tests: Lennon (calf)
Top scorer: Bent 7
Discipline: R: 4. Y: 37.

Referee: P Dowd. Games: 15. R: 2. Y: 46. Ave: 3.20.

Stat Attack: Spurs have not won at Bolton since 1996.

Last Five League Meetings

2007-2008 (PL): Bolton 1Tottenham 1
2006-2007 (PL): Bolton 2 Tottenham 0
2005-2006 (PL): Bolton 1 Tottenham 0
2004-2005 (PL): Bolton 3 Tottenham 1
2003-2004 (PL): Bolton2 Tottenham 0

Bet on... A draw.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fulham v Portsmouth

Fulham (Probable, 4-4-2): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey; Johnson, Zamora.

Missing: Kamara (knee)
Top scorers: Dempsey, Johnson 4
Discipline: R: 1. Y: 21.

Portsmouth (4-4-2): James; Johnson, Distin, Campbell, Hreidarsson; Pennant, Davis, Mullins, Kranjcar; Crouch, Kanu.

Missing: Thomas (back), Hughes (groin), Diop (knee), Belhadj (suspended)
Top scorers: Crouch 8
Discipline: R: 3. Y: 33

Referee: A Wiley. Games: 16. R: 1. Y: 41. Ave: 2.63.

Stat Attack: Pompey are unbeaten in their last three visits to Craven Cottage.

Last Five League Meetings

2007-2008 (PL): Fulham 0 Portsmouth 2
2006-2007 (PL): Fulham 1 Portsmouth 1
2005-2006 (PL): Fulham 1 Portsmouth 3
2004-2005 (PL): Fulham 3 Portsmouth 1
2003-2004 (PL): Fulham 2 Portsmouth 0

Bet on... Fulham back to winning ways and Pompey in trouble.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hull City v West Bromwich Albion

Hull City (Probable, 4-3-1-2): Duke; Ricketts, Zayatte, Turner, Dawson; Kilbane, Marney, Ashbee; Geovanni; Cousin, Manucho.

Missing: Boateng (knee)
Top scorer: Geovanni 6
Discipline: R: 1. Y: 41.

West Bromwich Avenue (Probable, 4-4-2): Carson; Hoefkens, Pele, Donk, Zuiverloon; Dorrans, Borja Valero, Koren, Brunt; Simpson, Fortune.

Missing: Greening (knee), Donk (hamstring), Meite (hamstring), Miller (knee), Moore (hamstring), Barnett (hamstring), Olsen (knee), Robinson (suspended)
Top scorer: Bednar 6
Discipline: R: 1. Y: 41

Referee: P Walton. Games: 14. R: 2. Y: 38. Ave: 2.86.

Stat Attack: Albion have one point less than when they were relegated, in 2006.

Last Five League Meetings

2007-2008 (Championship): Hull 1 WBA 3
2006-2007 (Championship): Hull 0 WBA 1
1992-1993 (Div 1): Hull 1 WBA 2
1991-1992 (Div 3): Hull 1 WBA 0
1990-1991 (Div 2): Hull 1 WBA 1

Bet on... A draw.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manchester United v Everton

Manchester United (Probable, 4-4-2): Van der Sar; Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea; Park, Carrick, Giggs, Ronaldo; Berbatov, Tevez.

Missing: Wellbeck (ankle/foot), Fabio (calf), Rafael (hamstring), Anderson (ankle/foot), Evans (ankle/foot), Hargreaves (knee)
Tests: Park (hamstring), Nani (groin), Rooney (hamstring), Evra (ankle/foot)
Top scorer: Ronaldo 10
Discipline: R: 2. Y: 42.

Everton (Probable, 4-4-1-1): Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines; Osman, Arteta, Neville, Pienaar; Fellaini; Cahill.

Missing: Arteta (ribs), Yakubu (calf), Vaughan (knee)
Tests: Saha (hamstring)
Top scorers: Cahill 6
Discipline: R: 1. Y: 34.

Referee: M Halsey. Games: 14. R: 2. Y: 17. Ave: 1.36.

Stat Attack: United lost their first ever home Premier League game to Everton, in August 1992 Â the last time Everton won at Old Trafford.

Last Five League Meetings

2007-2008 (PL): United 2 Everton 1
2006-2007 (PL): United 3 Everton 0
2005-2006 (PL): United 1 Everton 1
2004-2005 (PL): United 0 Everton 0
2003-2004 (PL): United 3 Everton 2

Bet on... United cementing their lead further.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Middlesbrough v Blackburn Rovers

Middlesbrough (Probable, 4-4-2): Turnbull; McMahon, Wheater, Riggott, Pogatetz; Johnson, O'Neil, Bates, Downing; Alves, King.

Missing: Taylor (ankle), Walker (ankle), Aliadiere (ankle), Digard (suspended)
Top scorers: Afonso, Tuncay 4
Discipline: R: 2. Y: 36.

Blackburn Rovers (Probable, 4-4-2): Robinson, Ooijer, Olsson, Nelsen, Warnock; Emerton, Grella, Andrews, Pedersen; Roberts, McCarthy.

Missing: Samba (eye), Dunn (hamstring), Reid (knee)
Top scorer: McCarthy 7
Discipline: R: 2. Y: 44.

Referee: C Foy. Games: 15. R: 1. Y: 56. Ave: 3.80.

Stat Attack: Blackburn have won on four of their last five visits to the Riverside.

Last Five League Meetings

2007-2008 (PL): Middlesbrough 1 Blackburn 2
2006-2007 (PL): Middlesbrough 0 Blackburn 1
2005-2006 (PL): Middlesbrough 0 Blackburn 2
2004-2005 (PL): Middlesbrough 1 Blackburn 0
2003-2004 (PL): Middlesbrough 0 Blackburn 1

Bet on... A dour tussle with no winners.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stoke City v Manchester City

Stoke City (probable, 4-4-2): Sorensen; Wilkinson, Shawcross, Ab Faye, Higginbotham; Delap, Am Faye, Whelan, Etherington; Cresswell, Beattie.

Missing: Higginbotham (calf)
Top scorers: Fuller 6
Discipline: R: 3. Y: 52.

Manchester City (Probable, 4-2-3-1): Hart; Richards, Kompany, Onuoha, Bridge; Zabaleta, de Jong; Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Robinho; Bellamy.

Missing: Hamman (toe), Petrov (knee), Bojinov (calf), Johnson (groin), Dunne (suspended)
Top scorer: Robinho 11
Discipline: R: 4. Y: 26.

Referee: M Atkinson. Games: 15. R: 0. Y: 48. Ave: 3.20.

Stat Attack: Robinho scored his first hat-trick in English football when Manchester City beat Stoke 3-0 in October.

Last Five League Meetings

1998-1999 (Div 1): Stoke 0 Man City 1
1997-1998 (PL): Stoke 2 Man City 5
1996-1997 (Div 1): Stoke 2 Man City 1
1988-1989 (Div 2): Stoke 3 Man City 1
1987-1988 (Div 2): Stoke 1 Man City 3

Bet on... City to steal an away win.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday Feb 1

Liverpool v Chelsea

Liverpool (Probable, 4-4-1-1): Reina; Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Aurelio; Benayoun, Lucas, Mascherano, Babel; Gerrard; Torres.

Tests: Agger (calf), Degen (foot)
Top scorer: Gerrard 9
Discipline: R: 0. Y: 33.

Chelsea (Probable, 4-1-4-1): Cech; Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, A Cole; Mikel; Ballack, Lampard, Maloud, Kalou; Anelka.

Missing: J Cole (knee), Essien (knee), Carvalho (hamstring)
Top scorer: Anelka 14
Discipline: R: 2. Y: 34.

Referee: M Riley. Games: 15. R: 3. Y: 66. Ave: 4.60.

Stat Attack: Liverpool have gone 22 games and 13 months since their last home defeat.

Last Five League Meetings

2007-2008 (PL): Liverpool 1 Chelsea 1
2006-2007 (PL): Liverpool 2 Chelsea 0
2005-2006 (PL): Liverpool 0 Chelsea 0
2004-2005 (PL): Liverpool 1 Chelsea 0
2003-2004 (PL): Liverpool 1 Chelsea 2

Bet on... A draw.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Newcastle United v Sunderland

Newcastle United (Probable, 4-1-3-2): Harper; Edgar, Taylor, Bassong, Jose Enrique; Coloccini; Geremi, Butt, Duff; Carroll, Gutierrez.

Missing: Kadar (broken leg), Guthrie (hamstring), Viduka (groin), Beye (knee), Martins (groin), Barton (foot), Gonzalez (Achilles), Smith (Achilles), Owen (ankle)
Tests: Cacapa (knee), Ameobi (ankle)
Top scorers: Owen 8
Discipline: R: 4. Y: 35

Sunderland (Probable, 4-4-2): Fulop; Bardsley, Ferdinand, Collins, McCartney; Malbranque, Tainio, Whitehead, Reid; Jones, Cisse.

Missing: Gordon (ankle), Ward (back), Nosworthy (hamstring)
Top scorer: Cisse 8
Discipline: R: 0. Y: 43.

Referee: H Webb. Games: 20. R: 5. Y: 73. Ave: 3.90.

Stat Attack: Sunderland, 2-1 winners in October, are looking for their first derby double over Newcastle since the 1966-67 campaign.

Last Five League Meetings

2007-2008 (PL): Newcastle 2 Sunderland 0
2005-2006 (PL): Newcastle 3 Sunderland 2
2002-2003 (PL): Newcastle 2 Sunderland 0
2001-2002 (PL): Newcastle 1 Sunderland 1
2000-2001 (PL): Newcastle 1 Sunderland 2

Bet on... An away win.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/4386983/Premier-League-team-news-Weekend-squad-stats-and-betting-tips.html

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Beckham: Kaka will sign for Madrid in the summer

David Beckham has reportedly revealed that Kaká wants to go to Real Madrid in the summer after turning down the chance to join Manchester City.

GettyImages - The English midfielder thinks his team-mate will leave.

According to Spanish paper AS, the Brazilian has asked the former England captain about life in the Spanish capital and has his heart set on a move to the Bernabeu in June .

"Kaká wants to go to Real Madrid and not to City. I think he'll become a Real player in June," the on-loan midfielder told a friend, AS state.

"I think someone has called him and Kaká has made his decision."

While Kaka has decided not to move to the Premier League, the paper claim that Madrid will make their move for a player they have been linked with for months in the summer.

Former President Ramón Calderón, who resigned last week, had promised to sign Kaká in his pre-election manifesto in 2006, but was also quoted as saying that the Brazilian was not good enough to command a spot in the Madrid first-team just a year later.

Beckham, according to AS, has a good history of correct predictions as he apparently said that Brazilian striker Ronaldo would move to AC Milan over three years ago, when the pair were team-mates at the Bernabéu.

Source - Soccernet

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

~ Latest Football News ~

Tension Between Guardiola And Eto’o At Barcelona Training

Things may be going swimmingly well for Barça on the football pitch, but on the training ground, signs of stress are starting to show.

Tension Between Guardiola And Eto’o At Barcelona Training

Barcelona continue to run away with the 2008/09 La Liga title as they demonstrate no intent of slowing down until they cross the finish line and lift the trophy.

The Blaugrana are also targeting the Champions League and the Copa del Rey and as they prepare to face Espanyol for the latter competition, reports have emerged that an argument broke out at the training ground.

According to Catalan-friendly paper, El Mundo Deportivo, coach, Pep Guardiola ordered striker, Samuel Eto’o to hit the showers early before the morning workout session was over.

It was believed that the Cameroonian did not perform to his best ability and was duly berated, to which the temperamental forward responded with harsh words of his own. Guardiola promptly put an end to the argument by expelling the 27-year-old from the Ciutat Esportiva training pitch.

There were no follow-up reports on whether the quarrel was anything more than a heated moment or if the duo made up, but it is certain that the coach is definitely not allowing his players to relax and become complacent, even in training.



Life Is Perfect For Dani Alves At Barcelona

The flying full-back has stated how content he is with his new club after his big-money move from Sevilla...

Life Is Perfect For Dani Alves At Barcelona
More than a few eyebrows were raised when one of Pep Guardiola's first tasks as Barcelona boss was to secure the signing of Dani Alves for a fee of around
<> €32m, a world record for a full-back.

However, if anything, Alves looks to be have been money well spent, and has further enhanced his reputation as the best right-back in the world with a series of impressive displays this season.

All seems to be rosy in the garden in Catalonia at the moment, and Alves admits he has settled in effortlessly to his new surroundings.

He said, "In life I have always enjoyed my football but now I do so even more. I'm passionate about this game and I think it is beautiful.

"Now when I see people and players that I used to admire alongside me as my colleagues it truly is a wonder."

The Joy of Messi

The Brazilian has, understandably, singled out Lionel Messi as the players he enjoys playing alongside the most.

He said of the Argentine superstar, " He is easy to play with because he is an intelligent footballer, he finds space and creates chances.

"I know that for me he is the best in the world right now."

Alves also emphasised the caution emanating from the Camp Nou at the moment, with no-one wishing to be complacent and claim the title is theirs until they have crossed the finishing line.

He finished, "The three titles we are going for are still along way away. Thinking about it now would be a mistake. We must continue with this humility and not relax."


Manchester United Eye India Shirt Deal

Reports in the Indian media suggest that Premiership giants Manchester United are scouting for sponsors worldwide, with the Sahara Group being high on their wishlist...

Manchester United Eye India Shirt Deal
According to unnamed sources, the Manchester club has been looking for sponsors for their team shirt ever since AIG got affected by the financial meltdown, and have been attracted by the Sahara Group, which has been the sponsor of the Indian cricket and hockey teams for many years.

Sahara corporate communication head Abhijit Sarkar has confirmed receiving the proposal from United, but refused to make any further comments.

The reports also say that Richard Arnold, United's commercial director, has already sent a proposal letter to Sahara, along with other materials, which include the team's shirt with the Sahara logo, and a collection of photographs in which players like Rooney and Ronaldo are wearing t-shirts with the company's name on it.

Sources say that Sahara would like the English champions to first come to India and play a few games before taking this proposal forward.

It is also being claimed in India that United are planning to set up a few academies in various cities in the country.

AIG's deal with Manchester United expires in 2010.



Cristiano Ronaldo: I Feel At Home With Manchester United

FIFA World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo, has given a clear indication that he will be staying at Manchester United in the long run by declaring that he feels at home in Manchester.


Cristiano Ronaldo: I Feel At Home With Manchester United

With all the hullabaloo over Kaka's failed record-breaking transfer to Manchester City, it was easy to forget the speculation surrounding FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo's switch to Real Madrid.

According to reports, CR9 has been copyrighted, giving a clear indication that the Portuguese winger's time at Manchester United as CR7 is up, and that a move to Madrid was on the horizon.

Ronaldo though told The Independent that he "feels at home here," and has given the clearest indication that he is at Manchester United to stay.

"Everything that revolves around Cristiano Ronaldo is a bit of speculation," he stated. "Everything that I do generates a certain interest from the press and public.

"But 90 per cent of what is said and written about me stems from speculation. The only thing that is true is that I am happy at Manchester United.

"This is my home. Because I am winning things, because of friends, because of fans, I have always felt very loved.

"I feel at home here, it is a very lovely stage in my career, as much because of the coach, who has always supported me, as because of the players.

"I feel part of the furniture at United. I don't know what is going to happen tomorrow, but I feel very happy here."

He continued: "I never imagined playing at a club like Manchester United. I dreamed of Benfica, Porto and Sporting, but never arriving at this level.

"I always dreamed of being a professional footballer but never even thought about signing for a club like United, to the extent that even when they came to see me I thought nothing would come of it, but after it proved true that they were interested in me."

Aside from international honours, Ronaldo has won it all. Champions League, the Premier League, the FIFA Club World Cup, the FA Cup, and the League Cup, together with a plethora of seemingly never-ending individual awards.

"I have never counted them, but there is space for more still," he said. "I want to win more things.

"What I have already won is an incentive, but I want to win more.

"In two or three years from now I want to have another Golden Boot, another Ballon d'Or and, who knows, maybe another World Player of the Year award."



Sir Alex Ferguson: £120m Wouldn't Buy Cristiano Ronaldo

After seeing Manchester City bid £107 million for Kaka, the United boss ensures his city rivals that Ronaldo is not for sale...

Sir Alex Ferguson: £120m Wouldn't Buy Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has told his city rivals Manchester City as well as Real Madrid that they will not be able to prise Cristiano Ronaldo from Old Trafford.

Reports suggesting Madrid are ready to make a massive €115 million bid for the Portuguese star have begun to circulate in the world's media once more, but Ferguson is adamant the 23-year-old is not for sale at any price.

City have almost convinced AC Milan to sell their most valuable asset in Kaka after offering £107m for the 26-year-old and if they manage to push that transfer through have their hearts set on other world stars such as Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero.

Speaking to the Daily Star, Ferguson said, "If Kaka is worth £100 million then Ronaldo and Lionel Messi must be worth that, too.

"And as Cristiano has just been named World Player of the Year ahead of those two, you could say he is worth more – £120 million.

"There would be no chance of a deal, and that is the attitude of the owners even more than me.

"Cristiano is fully settled down here now.

"We worked hard to achieve that in the summer and I think he realises that he could only have achieved these individual awards through being a Manchester United player."


José Mourinho Surprised By Inter's Performance Against Atalanta

José Mourinho admits that he was surprised by just how poor Inter Milan were as they were beaten by Atalanta in Serie A last weekend.


José Mourinho Surprised By Inter's Performance Against Atalanta
Inter coach Jose Mourinho has seen his side's six point lead on Juventus dribble away to just three due to two disappointing performances by his side in Serie A play this year.

Following the winter break, the Nerazzurri seem to have lost their edge as they were far from impressive against Cagliari and Atalanta, although Mourinho has drawn comfort from the performance against Genoa in the Coppa Italia.

"Against Genoa, even though they ended up with ten men, we played a game of great intensity against a very good team," explained the former Chelsea coach. "It was 120 difficult and well-played minutes."

"In fact, my greatest surprise was that, in Bergamo, we did not play with the same intensity and positive impact, which we should have derived from the match against Genoa.

"I was surprised by the way the team went on the pitch and by the way we started to play. In other words, everything that was negative, we had already highlighted."

Inter enjoy a three point lead over Juventus and six points over Milan as the second round of Serie A starts this weekend.


Paolo Maldini: Inter Are Not Unbeatable

Paolo Maldini is confident that Inter have shown enough abilities in their play to allow AC Milan to continue closing the gap on their city rivals.

Paolo Maldini: Inter Are Not Unbeatable
Milan defender Paolo Maldini believes that the Scudetto race is not yet over for his side, especially following the latest results, which proved that Inter are far from perfect.

Maldini feels that the Nerazzurri are not as strong as they were depicted until a few weeks ago and has stated that the Rossoneri will do their utmost to topple their city rivals from the first place.

"There's the sensation that Inter are not unbeatable," declared the Rossoneri's captain.

"We will have to believe [that we are capable of winning the league] until the end [of the season] and we must not demoralise ourselves.

"The league is long and our main competitors will have to play in the Champions League, therefore, we can even continue dreaming about winning the Scudetto."

Milan are three points behind Juventus and six points behind Inter as the title race heats up with the start of the second round in Serie A.

Source - Goal.com

KaKa Saga Aftermath

Milan President Silvio Berlusconi Cancels Kaka Deal At Last Minute

It was all settled: Kaka was joining Man City. Then Berlusconi stepped in at the last minute, and incredibly called off the deal...


Milan President Silvio Berlusconi Cancels Kaka Deal At Last Minute
Following one of the most astonishing turnarounds in transfer history, Kaka's move to Manchester City has now officially fallen through.

It was reported on SKY Italia at just past 2230 CET that Milan and Manchester City had agreed a fee, and that a transfer was almost certain, with only Kaka's signature required to complete the deal.

However, in an incredible turnaround, Milan President Silvio Berlusconi stepped in to call off the deal, claiming Kaka is "unsellable" and "will be staying at Milan."

Crunch talks were held this evening in Milan between Bosco Leite - Kaka's father and agent - as well as City chief executive Garry Cook and Milan officials.

There were rumours that Kaka would be announced as a City player in the morning. The 26-year-old was escorted by police from his house this evening, shortly after he was seen holding aloft a Rossoneri shirt and applauding protesting fans.

Berlusconi has now appeared live on SKY Italia and declared: "I am very happy.

"Kaka is not only a great player on the pitch, he is also a very honourable man.

"Not only is money not everything to him, he is happy to stay at Milan with all his friends.

"He is touched with everything he has received from all the fans in Milan who pleaded him to stay.

"Kaka has never held Milan to ransom by trying to up his own contract while considering Manchester City's offer.

"He hasn't asked for an extra penny to stay here - he is a very honourable man.

"What has happened over the last week with Man City proves that money is not everything in football.

"Milan told Kaka about the offer of Man City, just like we did with Sheva [Andriy Shevchenko] about Chelsea.

"The offer Kaka received was substantially more, but he never held Milan to ransom, and chose to stay.

"Me personally, as a football fan, I am very, very happy

"He's very strong spiritually. Underneath his shirt, he wears 'I belong to Jesus' so he's very spiritual.

"He is an extraordinary boy."

Manchester City have just issued their own take on the events, and they claim that it was them, and not Berlusconi, who called off the deal.



Kaka: I Belong To Milan

The Brazilian superstar has declared that he was never going to leave the club, despite reports suggesting he was close to an exit.

Late last night, Milan president, Silvio Berlusconi, confirmed that the club’s star man, Kaka, would be staying put in the fashion capital, after calling off the Brazilian’s reported deal to Manchester City at the very last moment.

The Rossoneri supremo deemed that a player of his stature was “unsellable”, and just like that, Kaka’s move to Eastlands was over, following weeks and weeks of speculation and high drama.

For the first time since the announcement, the Brazilian spoke to Milan Channel, to give his thoughts on what recently took place.

"Not even for thirty seconds did I think about leaving," he stated.

“I never wanted money or anything. I am doing very well in a place where people respect and love me, and I am therefore happy to be here.

“My family has been very good to me as always, however I had no doubts as to what I would be doing this time around.

“I went with my heart, as it was never going to be an economic choice for me.

“At Milan there are wonderful people, and just to confirm, I have never, and will never, ask for an increase in my wages at this club.

“Everyone here is very good to me, and for this I can only thank them,” he added.

“I will be celebrating at home with a couple of friends now that this is all over, and I’m just looking ahead to moving forward with Milan.

“I am a strong believer in God; however it is not always the most logical path that God chooses for us.

“If the club had accepted an offer, I would have been very upset and disappointing in leaving.

“My companions have been exceptional to me as well over this time, even though they knew that I was never going to join Manchester City.

“I would like to embrace all those who have sent me messages recently, so thank you all very much,” he concluded.

It’s back to business for Kaka and Milan this weekend, when they travel to Bologna to face the promoted outfit.



Maldini: I Was Scared Of Losing Kaka

Il Capitano admits he was dreading the news of Kaka leaving following a turbulent week for the club...

Milan legend Paolo Maldini has revealed his own nightmare scenario regarding the Kaka to Manchester City saga.

The deal which was supposed to see the Brazilian move to the Premier League side was scuppered at the final minute by Milan president Silvio Berlusconi.

Kaka will continue to to play at San Siro, much to the relief of the captain. Maldini did fear losing Kaka, but he is delighted with the outcome.

"There was a moment where I was scared of losing him," Maldini told Datasport.

"I wasn't expecting all this, but luckily it all ended well."

"I am surprised for Milan in general, but the passion is there. The fans showed this and Ricky stayed as a result.

"He is a great player and he has an effect on everyone in general."

The atmosphere around Milan is of relief as reports suggest the Brazilian was on the verge of leaving.

Berlusconi: I Told Kaka To Stay

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi insists his words helped Kaka make-up his mind over the Manchester City saga...

Berlusconi: I Told Kaka To Stay

Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has revealed that he didn't push Kaka to sign for Manchester City, but he did play a part in convincing the Brazilian to stay.

The Brazilian attacking-midfielder was on the verge of leaving San Siro for Eastlands on Monday night before Berlusconi claims he showed his hand to ruin the deal.

Reports have been rife with speculation over who exactly said no to the move. Berlusconi insists his words played a part in influencing Kaka to stay.

"I didn't say a single word to push him to City, but what I did say was enough to convince him to remain [with Milan]," Berlusconi told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"I am really happy that Kaka is still in Milan as he has shown that he not someone who just looks at the money, but someone who has principles and values, such as the attachment to the Milan shirt.

"He also has the recognition of the club and president who launched his career."


Shevchenko Advised Kaka About Manchester City

Andriy Shevchenko has revealed today that it was he who advised Kaka to stay put in Italy...

Shevchenko Advised Kaka About Manchester City

The lengthy saga that has alternately seemed to fascinate, disgust, amaze and appall observers seemed finally to end today, with Kaka staying put at Milan. One player who didn't enjoy much success himself in the Premier League has hinted today that he helped advise Kaka to stay with Milan.

Andriy Shevchenko today said that Kaka "did the right thing" in rejecting City's approach with its stratospheric fees and wages, and after the deal collapsed last night he hinted that Kaka was never likely to move.

"He did the right thing and I did not fear Milan would lose him," Shevchenko is reported as saying by Channel 4.

"I knew from the start what choice Ricardo would make. We had spoken about it a great deal."

Shevchenko himself moved from AC Milan, where he is considered something of an icon, to Chelsea in 2006 for £30 million, where, it's fair to say, he flopped, netting only nine times in 47 appearances for the Pensioners.

The Ukrainian was coy about the specifics of anything he might have told Kaka though.

"I cannot say if he asked me advice. He asked me many things… Besides, our situations were different, certainly," Shevchenko added.

"I think he made a choice with his heart. With him Milan will get even stronger."


Antonini Believes Fans Swayed Kaka To Stay With Milan

Milan defender Luca Antonini believes the fans' affection played a major role in Kaka's decision to stay with the Rossoneri...

Antonini Believes Fans Swayed Kaka To Stay With Milan
The Kaka transfer saga has finally come to an end with the Brazilian attacker opting to stay with Milan.

Rossoneri defender Luca Antonini is thankful that the Brazilian player will remain with the club and believes that the fans had plenty to do with his ultimate decision.

"I think that Ricky [Kaka]'s choice was because of the fans, because he saw all of their affection. I had never seen a display like that before," the 26-year-old revealed, according to Tuttomercatoweb.

"There were many people in front of his house singing and seven million people sent him notes of warmth and friendliness."

It's been suggested that Kaka would have earned much more than he does with Milan had he moves to Eastlands and that some of his family would have preferred he accepted the move.

"Money is important, but not everything. he already earns so much," claimed Antonini. "Now, I have seen that he is quiet, relaxed, and happy. He's already lived through all this tension. It was not an easy choice, as it involves the fate of his family."

Antonini has made six appearances in Serie A for Milan this season.

Source - Goal.com

Cook: Kaka's dad got too greedy

Garry Cook claims the decision to lure Kaka to Manchester City boiled down to money - and says the AC Milan forward's father was greedy.

Manchester City executive chairman Cook and the City delegation flew home from Milan on Monday night having failed to land the Brazilian from Milan.

City feel Milan simply 'bottled it,' becoming suddenly aware of the scale of unrest the decision would cause among the Rossoneri.

Cook claimed: "We truly believe Kaka is a humanitarian of the highest order.

"We would have put resources there to help build his foundation and send a message to global football about what great players can do.

"Kaka has the capability to be the next global ambassador for the game.

"But his father (Bosco Leite) just wanted an offer. He did not want to sit and talk about the rest of the stuff.

"He used the term 'it is not just about money'. It's ironic that it was."

The presence of three City lawyers at the talks surrounding the Brazilian's future emphasised the complexity of what was being proposed.

Cook estimates Kaka has 20 personal sponsorship deals, all tied in to his commitment to AC Milan. City knew, if agreement could be reached with the player and his club, those individual deals would all require negotiation.

Either the transfer just became too complicated or Leite was not prepared for the groundwork Cook and his team had done.

Cook explained: "It was just too sophisticated. Bosco does not have a lawyer so when we asked whether we could see the contracts to know what we were dealing with, he just said 'show me the offer'. It was very frustrating."

It could be argued Cook got his strategy wrong, having also missed out on Ronaldinho last summer following an equally protracted courtship,

However, he said: "I look at myself. I look in the mirror and say 'is it us?'.

"I truly believe that as a business with a core of football, our owners and investors would expect us, when that level of investment is applied, to have a good business case.

"Over the five-year period, if everything went well, we would show a return on the investment and satisfy the needs of the fans, financial community and employees.

"It was all coming together but when we got down to it, the father just wanted to know how much we were going to pay him."

Cook added: "Milan bottled it. They lost their nerve. They had agreed to sell their prize possession and we had agreed to buy him."

Despite the rejection, Cook insists City have moved forward as a club just by getting round a table with an institution like Milan to discuss the potential purchase of one of the best players in the world.

"We are undeterred," he said. "We will keep plugging on. This club has been around a long time and my job is to keep putting us at the table.

"Maybe we are not quite ready yet. But I truly believe we are going on a journey.

"It is a shame because if the player had been able to come with us that journey may have been accelerated by a couple of years. But it doesn't deter us from what we are trying to do.

"If we don't get Kaka it is not the end of the world. We got Craig Bellamy."

Meanwhile, Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani was understandably pleased the player rejected an offer to almost double his wages.

He said:

"The heart has prevailed against reason - yet again we have to thank (owner, Silvio) Berlusconi.

"The financial sacrifice has fallen on him as he has made a huge act of love for this club.

"It was a strong temptation, a stratospheric world-record sum.

"We have turned down a huge sum, that in any case would have been used to make other signings. Had Kaka left, we would have brought to Milan other champions.

"Kaka didn't even want to wait for the final offer which would have been much higher than what he currently gets at Milan, almost double.

"Without Kaka, it would have been another Milan. We have simply grown accustomed to his magic.

"He has something special and he is a great example for youngsters."

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti added: "I am truly delighted.

"With this decision, we have had further demonstration that Milan is a special club.

"It's a family, where everyone is well and no one wants to leave.

"The fans were fantastic, they made Kaka understand how important he is for Milan.

"The show of affection at the San Siro on Saturday night was touching.

"Those are things you don't forget.

"When you feel the love of the people and if you have a heart, and Kaka has a big one, you obviously take that into account."

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Latest Football News

Man City owner tops British football's rich list



Manchester City's hugely wealthy owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has toppled Roman Abramovich to head British football's rich list.

Sheikh Mansour, a member of the royal family of Abu Dhabi, has a personal fortune of £15billion according to the Football Rich List, researched and published by FourFourTwo magazine.

The 38-year-old bought City in the summer, while Abramovich, Chelsea's Russian owner, has slipped to third in the list - his wealth is estimated at £7billion and he has been said to have lost over £3billion in the economic downturn.

He has also been overtaken in the list by Lakshmi Mittal, the 58-year-old Indian industrialist worth £12.5billion who joined Formula One's Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore investing in Queen's Park Rangers.

David Beckham remains the richest player associated with British football - his personal fortune of £125million being streets ahead of his closest rivals Michael Owen (£40million) and Wayne Rooney (£35million).

Beckham is 38th in the overall list, while England head coach Fabio Capello is at number 73 worth an estimated £25million with a £6million-a-year contract and a £10million private art collection.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is at number 78 in the list (£22million) and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger at number 92 (£14million).

Celtic shareholder Dermot Desmond, the Irish entrepreneur, is the richest person in Scottish football - he is eighth on the list and said to be worth £1.2billion. Rangers chairman Sir David Murray is 19th on the list, worth £600million.

Despite the huge fortunes of the wealthiest owners, football finance experts fear British football's bubble may be about to burst.

Professor Tom Cannon told the magazine: ``Season-ticket numbers will probably be down by about 10% but renewals will be down by at least 15 or 20%. That's where the problems will be as you go down the divisions.''

Rich List Top 20
1 Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Man City) £15billion
2 Lakshmi Mittal and family (QPR) £12.5bn
3 Roman Abramovich (Chelsea) £7bn
4 Joe Lewis (Tottenham) £2.5bn
5 Bernie and Slavica Ecclestone (QPR) £2.4bn
6 Stanley Kroenke (Arsenal) £2.245bn
7 Alisher Usmanov (Arsenal) £1.5bn
8= Lord Grantchester & the Moores Family (Everton) £1.2bn
8= Dermot Desmond (Celtic) £1.2bn
10= Lord Ashcroft (Watford) £1.1bn
10= Malcolm Glazer and family (Man Utd) £1.1bn
12 Simon Keswick (Cheltenham) £966m
13 Trevor Hemmings (Preston) £900m
14 Mike Ashley (Newcastle) £800m
15 Randy Lerner (Aston Villa) £750m
16 Tom Hicks (Liverpool) £700m
17 The Walker Family (Blackburn) £660m
18 Mohammed Al Fayed (Fulham) £650m
19 Sir David Murray (Rangers) £600m
20 Steve Morgan (Wolves) £400m

Top 20 players: (overall position in the main list in brackets)
1 David Beckham £125m (38)
2 Michael Owen £40m (56=)
3 Wayne Rooney £35m (61)
4= Rio Ferdinand £28m (69=)
4= Robbie Fowler £28m (69=)
4= Sol Campbell £28m (69=)
7 Ryan Giggs £23m (77)
8= Michael Ballack £20m (80=)
8= Frank Lampard £20m (80=)
10 Steven Gerrard £19m (86)
11 Cristiano Ronaldo £18m (87)
12 John Terry £17m (88)
13 Didier Drogba £15m (89)
14= Nicolas Anelka £14m (92=)
14= Damien Duff £14m (92=)
16= Dimitar Berbatov £13m (96=)
16= Ashley and Cheryl Cole £13m (96=)
16= Fernando Torres £13m (96=)
19 = Emile Heskey £12m (100)
20 Gary Neville £11.75m (101)

Hughes preparing to make bids for new players

Mark Hughes will step up his bid to strengthen his struggling Manchester City squad this week, revealing he is almost ready to show his hand.

GettyImages

Defeat to Forest added further pressure

Hughes has come under increasing pressure due to City's poor form, culminating in the horrendous 3-0 home reverse to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup. He knows it's make or break time with big names expected to come through the door at Eastlands.

Hughes has already snapped up Wayne Bridge from Chelsea in the first of a number of new faces to move to the City of Manchester Stadium. Roque Santa Cruz, Shay Given, Kolo Toure, Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker have all been heavily linked.

And Hughes is keen to bring in additional reinforcements quickly.

"I am sure we will be making more offers this week,'' Hughes told the Manchester Evening News. "It is about getting the balance and the pitch of the offer right. If you do that, more often than not a deal can be concluded quickly.

"Long drawn-out deals tend to test everyone's patience so it is better to look at the market, look at what you think the club that has the player would want and go in at that level.''

Hughes has handed his list of preferred signings to executive chairman Garry Cook, who has already pledged his backing for the Welshman even though a large number of fans voiced their displeasure at his management against Forest.

Owner Sheikh Mansour has consistently preached a need to adopt a pragmatic approach to the new riches he has brought to Eastlands and appears willing to give Hughes time to build a squad he feels is robust enough to challenge on all fronts.

Joorabchian hints Tevez could leave Old Trafford

It appears increasingly likely that Carlos Tevez's future lies away from Manchester United after his agent refused to rule out a move to another club.

Carlos Tevez

ShaunBotterill/GettyImages

Carlos Tevez: Could be on his way out

Speculation regarding the striker's future has intensified recently with Sir Alex Ferguson failing to tie up a permanent deal. At present he remains on loan from agent Kia Joorabchian's investment company Media Sports Investments (MSI) and it has been rumoured a fee of £32 million has been quoted.

Tevez is now being strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid and with United seemingly unwilling to pay such a large sum for a player who has struggled to hold down a regular place in the team the writing is on the wall it seems.

Added to that, United seem loath to pay out so much money to what is, in effect, a third party rather than another football club.

And with Tevez highlighting the fact he had yet to be offered a deal at the start of this week things may now come to a head.

Joorabchian was vague when asked if Tevez would be at Old Trafford past the end of this campaign.

"It's very hard to predict,'' Joorabchian told BBC Radio Five Live. "It's football. Things change by the minute, by the hour. It's not a no. You never know.

"All Carlos said in the interview was that it was not true, he has not rejected an offer from Manchester United, he has not made crazy demands. He just wanted the fans and the people to know that we haven't had any contract talks.

"That's the bottom line. He wanted to say 'How could I reject something if I've never spoken about it'?

"Carlos has never made an issue or a problem. He doesn't have a problem at all with Sir Alex (Ferguson). He's never had a fight with Sir Alex or any arguments.

"All of these things are being created around a simple story that Carlos wanted to put straight.

"He's saying 'I'm happy to continue doing what I do best. If I get a new contract and everything works out, fantastic. If it doesn't, I'll go to another club'.''

Ferguson is unlikely to give a public airing to his private views over Tevez, although it is likely to have been pointed out to the Argentinian his manager actually said it was an attempt to bring forward talks on the South American's future that have stalled, not the negotiations themselves.

However, it is now clear the longer an impasse between the two parties remains, the more scope for speculation and rumour-mongering, which could cause further friction.


Angry Boro shut door on talk of Downing move

Middlesbrough have denied rejecting a third bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Stewart Downing, insisting he is not for sale and refusing to make any further comment on media specualtion regarding the player's future.

Stewart Downing

MikeEgerton/Empics

Stewart Downing: Eager to leave Boro

The England international has had a transfer request turned down by the struggling Premier League club in a bid to engineer his move to White Hart Lane. But that has not dissuaded Spurs boss Harry Redknapp from moving for the winger with bids of £6 million and £11 million.

On Wednesday morning, Boro rubbished reports they had rejected a new offer of £12.5 million with another £2 million in add-ons.

And now chief executive Keith Lamb has issued a short, sharp statement to underline the club's determination to hold on to Downing.

"We again reiterate that no senior players will be leaving this football club during January," said Lamb. "That is the end of the matter.

"Any ongoing media speculation is therefore meaningless and we will not continue to respond to it.''

Boro chairman Steve Gibson had already stated that none of his star players would leave the club during the mid-season transfer window as the Teesside outfit battle to stay in the top division. Recent poor form has seen them drop closer to trouble and they are currently only out of the relegation zone on goal difference.

Boss Gareth Southgate, whose position at the helm is now being brought into question, will be heartened by the club's stubborn stance when many crumple after a transfer request has been handed in.

Gibson said this week: "The January transfer window is feeding time for the sharks. But we will fight to keep this squad together because we know we have a lot of quality.

"Stewart Downing, and in fact all of our players, should fight to turn this club around. The players owe it to the club and to the fans and they owe it to the manager.

"As far as Stewart is concerned, we understand the background that has led to this transfer request and we believe his head has been turned. We will work hard to try to convince him to stay. I am adamant nobody will be leaving."


Lampard: Chelsea are well placed to take title


Frank Lampard insists Chelsea are still well placed to catch Premier League leaders Liverpool despite dropping valuable points over the Christmas period.

Chelsea face Manchester United this weekend and defeat could leave them lagging further behind in the title race.

The Blues dropped two crucial points in an away draw at Fulham which allowed the Reds to open up a gap at the summit.

Blues midfielder Lampard is well aware of the importance being placed on the upcoming fixture, but is confident Luiz Felipe Scolari's men can claim a positive result.

"We've dropped some easy points over the last few weeks but no one has pulled away, we're all starting pretty much level.

"A game against Manchester United will always be a table-topping clash and it's in our minds that we dropped some relatively easy points over the last few weeks, so we're in a position now where we really want to get a result.

"We go to win the game or not to get beaten, there is still a long way to go regardless but it is a very important game.''

Chelsea sit three points behind leaders Liverpool at present, with six draws in their last 10 games hindering their pursuit of top-flight glory.

"The publicity around Chelsea now is that if you drop a few points people jump on it straight away, but Liverpool and United have dropped points, no-one has pulled away from us, and Arsenal are behind us,'' added Lampard.

"It's the same for everyone, now we're starting all pretty much level. We need to start this part of the season very strong.''