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Monday, June 02, 2008

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Netherlands winger Arjen Robben thrills fans in 2-0 friendly win over Wales
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/soccer/wires/06/01/2080.ap.eu.spt.soc.netherlands.robben.0527/index.html

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) -Just getting the ball at his feet was enough for thousands of Netherlands fans to get off their seats in anticipation. It means Arjen Robben is at his best. The Real Madrid winger woke the Dutch team from a slumber in the 35th minute with an electrifying solo effort to put it on the way to a 2-0 win over Wales in front of 50,000 fans at De Kuip stadium. A fake here, a step there, shocking acceleration and cool finishing - Robben had it all Sunday, and it already added to his good display in a 1-1 draw against Denmark on Thursday. And as Robben kept weaving his moves of the unexpected, he made sure coach Marco van Basten would not be able to disregard him at the European Championship. "He exudes happiness and joy,'' Van Basten said. "Arjen means action and pace. It was evident from the goal.'' The Dutch certainly will be able to use an element of surprise when they face world champion Italy in Bern on June 9. They also play France and Romania in Group C. It is almost a surprise in itself that Robben is in shape to play. Since moving from Chelsea to Real Madrid last year, he was injured five times, the last a twisted ankle.
He was out for five months this season before coming back and scoring goals in Madrid's run on the Spanish league title. He even had to prove to Van Basten he could go through a streak of games before he would be considered for the championships. He finally found that his recurring problems were linked to a bad back and treatment has paid off. While others are now feeling the strain of a long season, Robben is fresh. "I'm ready for it,'' Robben said. "I have been out for a while and now I'm ready. I feel very fit and very strong. "It has been frustrating'' to suffer so many injuries this season, "but that is why I am even more happy about where I am now,'' Robben added. He can even seem too eager. Twice a teammate was running clear in the center of the area yet he decided to take his chance from a near impossible angle. Van Basten, though, himself a former standout striker, knew that once committed to a move, it is tough to keep overall vision. Another advantage is that Robben is surrounded by two other Real Madrid players - Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wesley Sneijder. It showed last Thursday when a smooth combination move between the three set up the goal for Van Nistelrooy in the 1-1 draw. At 24, Robben scored his ninth goal in 33 internationals on Sunday. With injuries it surely would have been more. As a 20-year old, he set the last European Championship alight with sparkling play. When Netherlands coach Dick Advocaat replaced him with the team leading the Czechs 2-0 only to lose 3-2, it created a scandal that led to the demise of the coach.
http://footylatest.com/

Ronaldo wants to move to Real Madrid

One more step, and Madrid will get Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo for the next season. Personally the right winger has expressed an interest in joining the Spanish champions.His godfather, Fernao Sousa, released a statement that says Ronaldo has decided to move to Real. "I believe that he has decided he is going to Real Madrid but he is not going to say so until after the European Championship.", said Sousa.It is believed that this won't be just a rumour or a speculation since Sousa has a big influence in Ronaldo's football career. He took Ronaldo to Sporting Lisbon for his career debut when he was only 11 years old. And then his advice also took Ronaldo to Manchester United. Now, if once again Sousa advises him to take Madrid's offer, then it looks as if no one can stop his move. However, Ramon Calderon, Real's president tries to calm the situation down. He said "Manchester have already said that they are not selling the player and we can't buy something that the owner doesn't want to sell. We've said it many times and also we don't want a conflict with a club like Manchester with whom we have good relations. Things are as they are and we have to forget about it." But with many voices persuade him to move there, looks like he'll take the chance and Man Utd will let him go. His mother also give a support for that Madrid move : "Madrid is my team, the best team in the world, and I'd like him to go there. I love Madrid and I would go and live with him."

Vela´s Arsenal dream comes true

Carlos Vela’s dream of becoming an Arsenal player will immediately become fact. After impressing in La Liga, the ex-Guadalajara youngster has been belatedly granted permission to join the Arsenal squad, which he will do this July for pre-season training. Carlos Vela have covered a lot of ground to reach his dream. He was blocked from playing in England due to FIFA’s strict rules regarding work permits when Arsenal bought him two years ago. Consequently, the 19-year-old has spent the last three seasons on loan in Spain, enduring stints with Salamanca, Celta Vigo and most recently Osasuna.Vela is thrilled to finally get his opportunity to crack the Premier League, and believes his time in Spain has provided the required grounding to help him succeed in the world’s most popular league. “I’ve been waiting two years for a work permit,” Vela said. “Now my dream has come true. “I have to take advantage of this opportunity to stay in England. I hope I’m lucky enough to be at Arsenal for a long time. “I’ve achieved a lot in Spain. It has been a useful experience to play for several different teams and move around. “At Osasuna I had a difficult experience because of the relegation battle but I always had a place in the team. I played well all season. But I expect to have a much better season next year. “I’m sure all my efforts will pay off. I’ll be playing in one of the best teams in the world that plays competitions like the Champions League - I want those games as soon as possible. “I have changed a lot, I’m more mature as a person and player. I feel ready for Arsenal.” Arsene Wenger has likened Vela to Eduardo and sys that although he has been playing on the wing for Osasuna, his rightful place is an out-and-out striker, like Eduardo.

Arsenal-Nasri will sign very soon

Arsenal will complete the long delayed signing of Samir Nasri from Marseille early next week, as the French club's desired swap for Lyon's Ben Arfa fell through.There was also reported interest from Juventus and Real Madrid, which could have hijacked the deal, but no firm offers have been received. With Alexandr Hleb announcing to Wenger that he will definitely be leaving it has become more urgent for the Arsenal boss to secure an adequate replacement.His close friend, and fellow France international Franck Ribery confirmed Nasri´s move yesterday from the French team's training ground:"It is good for him," Ribery told reporters, "Arsenal is a good club with many young people."But the English championship is completely different, he will have to adapt in order to impose himself."It is damaging to Marseille that Samir leaves - he has lived there all his life but it is important for him to see other places."Nasri will sign an intial four-year contract with the Gunners.

End of an era-Ronaldinho and Eto'o will leave Barcelona

Joan Laporta, the Barcelona president, has made it clear that both Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o can leave Barcelona as the new "Guardiola" era begins, but says that they can both be proud of their achievements with the Spanish giants."Ronaldinho needs new challenges and it's normal that when a cycle ends the most emblematic people from that cycle leave," Laporta said."I'd like him to go like Frank Rijkaard, with his head held high, because he has given us so many glorious moments." "Eto'o is a player who is loyal to the club colours, who gives so much and who makes you love him," Laporta added. "He has also been one of the most emblematic players of this cycle and if he has to go then he deserves to do so with his head held high too, and with honour."Ronaldinho is expected to join one of the Milan clubs, but Man City are also in the race, and Eto'o is widely reported to be on his way to Tottenham. If these two players could grace the Premier League next season we are all in for a treat.


Auction begins for Arsenal’s Hleb

Up to five European heavyweights have joined in the hunt for Arsenal’s Alexander Hleb Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, Inter Milan and now Juventus have all expressed their interest in the 29 year old BelarusianThe favourites appear to be Barcelona who are prepared to outbid all rivals and meet the players wage demands, though Real Madrid are stepping up efforts.Real Madrid who finally appear to have given up any hope of a sensational snatch of Man Utd star Ronaldo have turned their attention now to Hleb and they rarely fail once they smell an opportunity, this time however they may be thwarted by Barcelona who it is reported in Spain have already approached ArsenalHleb originally would have liked to have gone to Italy but with AC Milan out of the champions league, Inter likely to appoint Mourinho and Juventus unable to meet his wage demands the Spanish duo of Barcelona and Real Madrid look to be his favoured destination.Arsenal have history of selling players to both clubs at inflated prices and will be keen to offload a player that has made it clear he no longer wants to stay at the Emirates.Arsenal are happy to sit back and see what offers come in but it will be down to the player in the end and that end looks likely to be much sooner than expected.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/

Capello: Becks captaincy not a PR move

England boss Fabio Capello insisted David Beckham's return as captain in Sunday's international against Trinidad and Tobago was not a cynical move designed to earn votes for their 2018 World Cup bid.

The Los Angeles Galaxy star will wear the armband for the first time since the 2006 World Cup quarter-final against Portugal in Germany when England take to the field for their final match of the 2007-08 season in Port of Spain.
Two years ago Beckham ended the Portugal game in tears after suffering an ankle injury and gave up the captaincy in an emotional statement 24 hours later.
But now he is set to lead out his country for the 59th time.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is the fourth different captain of Capello's six-month reign after Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry.
England's end-of-season trip to the Caribbean has been viewed in many quarters as a way of gaining favour with FIFA vice-president and Trinidad and Tobago football federation special advisor Jack Warner ahead of the Football Association's expected bid to host the 2018 World Cup bid.
But Capello is adamant he was put under no pressure by the FA to aid that campaign by giving 33-year-old Beckham the captaincy.
Capello said: 'Beckham will be captain tomorrow but the appointment is not a political move. I work for the game - not the political side of things.
'The political side is for the FA and they have not suggested to me that Beckham should be captain tomorrow. There was no pressure put on me.
'No-one could do that to me. I decided as I have decided throughout my life and when I was manager of a club. Beckham was very happy when I told him today.'
Capello knows all about Beckham's qualities after the midfielder won over the Italian during his time in charge of Real Madrid after vowing at one stage he would never pick Beckham to play for the Spanish giants again.
Now he seems to be a strong candidate to start England's World Cup campaign after it appeared his international career was over after being frozen out for a year by Steve McClaren.
He said: 'I know David very well from our time together at Real Madrid and he did well for me after some problems at the start.
'I can change my mind about things and only stupid people never change their mind. He was very important for Real at the end.'
Capello revealed he had Beckham in mind to lead the side for at least one game after he became England coach six months ago.
He said: 'We had the four games and he was one of the players I was considering to be captain for a game along with Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry.
'I know he gave up the England captaincy a couple of years ago but you can never say never. He was captain for a long time.
'Will he start the World Cup qualifiers? We will have to wait and see but David Beckham played well in the first half against the USA and will be captain tomorrow.'
Capello insisted the game in Port of Spain was an important exercise even though seven of the players who took part in the Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea have been excused duty.
He said: 'It is an important game. You want to know if the players have confidence when they play away from England. It will be important to see if that is the case.'
Manchester United captain Ferdinand will be in action and Capello revealed: 'He wanted to be part of things out here.
'He could have had a rest and have not come. It was his decision. He wanted to be involved.'
The likes of Joe Hart, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and Theo Walcott could play some part and Capello admitted: 'I have some idea to give some players a chance for the first time.'


Ronaldo to announce decision this week

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he will make an announcement on his future plans in the next 'two to three days'.

Ronaldo has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent weeks although United are determined to hold on to their prize asset and have even threatened to report the Spanish champions to FIFA over what they claim are attempts to unsettle him.
The 23-year-old is hoping an announcement will end the speculation.
Speaking after Portugal's 2-0 win over Georgia, Ronaldo told A Bola: 'Let's see, I hope there will be news soon. In two to three days I will announce my decision.'
If he decides his future lies away from Old Trafford, Ronaldo would have a fight on his hands to secure a transfer to the Bernabeu.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson on Sunday claimed the Glazer family, the club's owners, would rather keep the player even if a hypothetical situation arose where he refused to play for the Red Devils.
The Scot said: 'I've had a couple of meetings with the Glazers.
'Their attitude is, 'to hell with them'. They'd sit a player in the stand, I'm telling you, absolutely no doubt about it, just to prove a point. Not to give in to these people.
'They've got balls, I can tell you. I've been delighted with them in that respect.'
The Glazers took over United in an £800million deal in the summer of 2005. Their arrival caused huge ructions among fans due to the debt they placed on the club.
Ferguson, however, has been delighted with the support of the Americans since their regime began.
'They've been good to this club, believe me,' he added. 'They have been brilliant owners.'

Inter consider Mourinho theirs
http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/06/01/Serie-A-Moratti-on-Mourinho/

Inter president Massimo Moratti has spoken about Jose Mourinho as if he was already the Nerazzurri’s boss.
Roberto Mancini has been shown the Giuseppe Meazza’s exit door and 'The Special One', who has reportedly been negotiating his move to Italy in the last few months, is expected to be appointed on Tuesday.
Before any official announcement has been made, Moratti has backed the Portuguese tactician to help Inter win the Champions League.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso will still be key players for the Nerazzuri next season despite the arrival of a new boss.
“I appreciate Mourinho’s professionalism,” Moratti told Quotidiano.net.
“He is a coach with plenty of experience and he is capable making this side lively and take it back to the pinnacle of football.
“With Mourinho there will be less suffering and success will arrive much easier.
“Next season we will base everything around the team we have at our disposal so we will be relying on Ibrahimovic, Zanetti and Cambiasso.
“We will not revolutionise the side as we have plenty of up-and-coming players like Balotelli in our team.”


Inter president Massimo Moratti has spoken about Jose Mourinho as if he was already the Nerazzurri’s boss.
Roberto Mancini has been shown the Giuseppe Meazza’s exit door and 'The Special One', who has reportedly been negotiating his move to Italy in the last few months, is expected to be appointed on Tuesday.
Before any official announcement has been made, Moratti has backed the Portuguese tactician to help Inter win the Champions League.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso will still be key players for the Nerazzuri next season despite the arrival of a new boss.
“I appreciate Mourinho’s professionalism,” Moratti told Quotidiano.net.
“He is a coach with plenty of experience and he is capable making this side lively and take it back to the pinnacle of football.
“With Mourinho there will be less suffering and success will arrive much easier.
“Next season we will base everything around the team we have at our disposal so we will be relying on Ibrahimovic, Zanetti and Cambiasso.
“We will not revolutionise the side as we have plenty of up-and-coming players like Balotelli in our team.”


Robinho: I Could Leave Madrid
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=719317
Robinho has stated that he would not have any problem leaving Real Madrid should the club tell him that they have accepted a bid from either Manchester United or Chelsea.

The Brazilian star has been strongly linked with offers from the two Premier League outfits, but has always stated that his first wish is to stay at the Bernabéu.While professing his desire to continue at Madrid, however, Robinho and his agents have continued to demand that he be paid the same as the club's top earners.Those demands have led to a stand off and led to both United and Chelsea reportedly making tentative enquiries about his availability."I have never hidden my desire to remain at Real Madrid, but if they negotiate something concrete, then I would have not problems in leaving," Robinho said.Currently on duty with the Brazilian national team, the 24-year-old is awaiting the outcome of talks between his agent and Madrid over an extension to his current dealLucas Brown, Goal.com




Man City to unveil Hughes, Jo this week tribalfooball.com - June 01, 2008


It could be an exciting week for Manchester City fans with a new manager and big-money striker set to be unveiled.
Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes is expected to be unveiled as new City manager on Thursday and during the media conference, the Blues could also announce the record signing of CSKA Moscow striker Jo Alves, says the Daily Mail.

Man Utd's Glazers say "s*** Real Madrid" tribalfooball.com - June 01, 2008

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the Glazer family have dismissed Real Madrid's demands for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Fergie told the News of the World: "The thing people miss the point about is that I've had a couple of meetings with the Glazers. Their attitude is: 'S**** them'.
"They would sit a player in the stand - absolutely no doubt about it - just to prove a point.
"They will not give in to these people. They've got b***s. I've been delighted with them in that respect.
"They have been good to this club, believe me. They have been brilliant owners."

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