Modric completes €42m Real Madrid move from Tottenham

Real Madrid have completed the signing of Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric for a fee of €42 million, the Spanish giants have confirmedModric arrives on a five-year deal, and will wear the No.19 shirt at Santiago Bernabeu, as the No.14 he wore at Spurs is already taken by Xabi Alonso..

Rodgers:Manchester City gave me back confidence

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has thanked Premier League rivals Manchester City for giving him back his self-belief.

As Rodgers prepared to face City at Anfield this weekend, he reflected on how easily he could have ended up working for Roberto Mancini. City manager Mancini offered Rodgers the chance to join his coaching staff in January 2010, and the two men met in Italy to discuss a role.

The opportunity came up when Rodgers' fledgling managerial career had taken a dip, with Reading having sacked him in December 2009 after only six months. He rejected the chance to join Mancini, instead taking charge of Swansea the following July and guiding them to the Premier League in his first season..

Song: I never wanted to leave Arsenal....

New Barcelona signing Alex Song has laid bare his frustration at Arsenal's decision to repeatedly postpone his contract talks - but insists he never wanted to leave the club.

Song made the move to Barcelona earlier this month for a reported fee of £15 million, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger subsequently suggesting the Cameroon international had expressed a desire to move to Spain..

Owen: I just need to pick the right team

Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen insists that he is close to signing for a new club and just has to decide between his many offers.

Once seen as the future of English football, Owen was released by United at the end of last season after three years at Old Trafford after struggling in spells with Real Madrid and Newcastle after he left boyhood club Liverpool..

Rooney 'out for four weeks' after being hospitalised with serios thigh injury

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney faces the possibility of four weeks on the sidelines after suffering a deep gash on his thigh and knee in Saturday's victory over Fulham.

The striker looks set to miss a considerable amount of playing time for both club and country, with England set to take on Macedonia and Ukraine in early September, while United face up against Southampton, Wigan and Liverpool within the next month.

Coming off the substitutes' bench with just over 20 minutes remaining, a clash with Hugo Rodallega in injury time forced the England international to be stretchered from the pitch as he blocked a shot, with the Fulham striker's studs catching him on the follow-through..

Arsenal Frustrated in Second draw with Stoke City

Stoke City held Arsenal to their second consecutive goalless draw as the Gunners continued their uninspiring start to life without Robin van Persie.

The north London side dominated large periods of the game, with Santi Cazorla prominent in every attack but, despite looking resolute in defence, their cutting edge in the final third deserted them at the vital moments.

Drogba: I Did not join Shanghai Shenhua for Money but for Experience

Didier Drogba has insisted that money was not the motivating factor behind his decision to join Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua after leaving Chelsea.
The Ivory Coast international made the move east in June after an illustrious eight-year spell at Stamford Bridge and claims that the deal was a genuine "career choice"..

Redknapp want English Premiership Return

Harry Redknapp has stated his desire to make a return to a managerial role if the “right job” became available, although he insists that it would have to be a special offer to lure him away from the Premier League.

Redknapp started the new season without a managerial role for the first time since 2001-02, and revealed his eagerness to get back into the game – but added that his eyes are firmly set on staying within the English setup..

Swansea admit Sinclair is set for Man City

Swansea first team coach Alan Curtis has admitted that it is just a matter of time before winger Scott Sinclair signs for Manchester City.

Sinclair has long been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium in the last few weeks, and Curtis has confirmed that a bid for the 23-year-old former Chelsea player has been made by Roberto Mancini..

Chelsea set to sign for Azpilicueta

Cesar Azpilicueta is keen to join Chelsea, according to L'Equipe on Tuesday.
Chelsea have been linked with Azpilicueta throughout the summer, and could be set to complete a deal before the end of the week.

Azpilicueta, 22, has played in both of Marseille's Ligue 1 games this season and Sunday's 2-0 win at home to Sochaux could prove to be his last appearance for the club. Marseille could go to Moldova on Thursday for their Europa League play-off tie against Sheriff Tiraspol without the player..

Llorente set to join Man utd or Arsenal

The agent of Spurs target Fernando Llorente has revealed it is "very, very possible" the Athletic Bilbao striker will move to the Premier League before the transfer window closes.

Llorente, a Spain international, was believed to be on the verge of completing a move to Serie A champions Juventus this summer, having expressed his desire to leave Athletic in search of a new challenge..

Ferguson Disappointed with Van Persie's Perfomance

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his team failed to get the best out of £24 million striker Robin van Persie in the short time he was on the pitch in the 1-0 defeat at Everton.
Van Persie, United's big summer signing from Arsenal, was brought on for the last 22 minutes with his side trailing to a goal from the excellent Marouane Fellaini. However, the 29-year-old did not register a shot on target as United failed to threaten Tim Howard's goal in search of an equaliser and Ferguson admitted they lacked a cutting edge..

Arsene Wenger wants two more players

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he is hopeful of making two more signings before the transfer widow closes, with one of them expected to be Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin.
The Gunners have lost both Robin van Persie and Alex Song this summer, with Song completing his switch to Barcelona on Monday.
At the weekend, Wenger said he would try to bring in a midfield replacement for the Cameroon international, with Sahin widely tipped to arrive on loan for the season..

Mourinho unhappy with Real draw

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said he was disappointed with his side's performance in their 1-1 draw against Valencia on Sunday.
Real took an early lead through Gonzalo Higuain but soon sat back and allowed the visitors to equalise, with Jonas heading the ball home.

Valencia then had their goalkeeper Diego Alves to thank for a string of saves that ensured they left the Santiago Bernabeu with a point.

"I expected more from my team. Last season it was (Valencia goalkeeper Vicente) Guaita (who denied us) and this year it was Diego Alves. We did not have a great game but we did more than enough to win," Mourinho said in his post-match press conference.

"Alves was the best, he made some very good saves. If we had played better we would have created more chances.

"We always want to win. We are not content with draws. We could not lose this match because the opponent did not create chances..

Man City prepared to sell Johnson

Manchester City are prepared to allow Adam Johnson to leave in a bid for first-team football.

Liverpool, Everton and Sunderland are all interested in the England winger, who only started 10 Premier League games last season..

PSG kills hope as they Draws for the Second time

Following his side's goalless draw at AC Ajaccio, Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted he was "not worried" by a second successive Ligue 1 draw but admitted his players showed signs of complacency.
Les Parisiens came into the season as overwhelming favourites for the French title after a summer of heavy spending but after needing a Zlatan Ibrahimovic brace to rescue a point in their opening game against Lorient, Ancelotti's charges were held again on their visit to Corsica..

Messi: Barcelona want to win it all

Lionel Messi says he is happy with Barcelona's 5-1 win over Real Sociedad in Sunday's La Liga opener at Camp Nou.
The Argentine netted two goals to get the Catalans off to a winning start, and Messi is full of ambition for the remainder of the 2012-13 campaign..

Manchester City Displayed their Championship charater

This is simply how Manchester City do it, part of the fabric at a club that has always chosen the difficult way over the easy way.

A home fixture against newly promoted cannon fodder looked on paper like the simplest of starts as Robert Mancini’s side began their title defence on Sunday.
City came up against a Southampton side with absolutely nothing to lose, determined to make the most of the occasion after returning to the top flight from the depths of League One.
The Saints did absolutely everything they could, combining their defensive work-rate with menace on the counterattack and scoring two goals to stun the Etihad Stadium..

Sir Alex Ferguson in state of confusion over Kagawa and Van persie

Manchester United’s headline-grabbing capture of Robin van Persie means their fans go into a Premier League season with the most optimism they have had since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club to join Real Madrid in 2009..

Angry Arsenal Fans Force Robin Van Persie’s Wife Bouchra, To Abandon Twitte

Still seething with rage over the transfer of their talismanic captain Robin van Persie to Manchester United, Arsenal fans have vented their frustrations on the striker’s wife.
Van Persie’s wife Bouchra, 28, was bombarded with abusive Twitter messages after the 24 million pound deal.

While some fans posted videos of them burning their van Persie shirts on YouTube, many directed their fury at Bouchra. The mum-of-two was branded a gold-digger and threatened by sick supporters blaming her for the switch to their title rivals.Angelo_156 Tweeted: “I wish death upon you. I hate you, you scumbag. I hope your whole family drops dead..

To stop Ronaldo, you will need €100m - to sign him for your own team

New Valencia signing Joao Pereira has said that he believes the best way to stop fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo is to sign him for €100 million.

The Portuguese international makes his debut for Los Che against Ronaldo's Real Madrid on matchday one of La Liga on Sunday evening..

Sir Ferguson is Far better than me, Mourinho confess

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says that following the success of Sir Alex Ferguson at the La Liga champions would be very difficult.

The long-serving manager of the most successful Premier League side is a coach to aspire to, with his huge haul of trophies, and Mourinho does not believe that he will match his counterpart's record while at the Spanish capital..

Manchester City linked with Jovetic bid

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Vincenzo Montella remains hopeful that Stevan Jovetic will remain at Fiorentina after reports in Italy suggested the club had turned down an offer from Manchester City for the forward.
According to the La Nazione, City sent scouts to Florence on Saturday to see Jovetic captain the Viola to a 2-0 Coppa Italia win against Novara..

Lorient Dazzles Montpellier's fate

Reigning Ligue 1 champions Montpellier were left shellshocked after seeing Lorient snatch a 2-1 victory from the jaws of defeat with two stoppage-time goals.

After being held 1-1 at home by Toulouse in their opening fixture, Montpellier would have been determined to pick up a three-point haul this weekend and they looked set to do just that after taking a 37th-minute lead through Emanuel Herrera..

Barcelona agrees Song bid

Barcelona have announced they have agreed a deal with Arsenal for midfielder Alex Song, thought to be in the region of £15 million
Song, 24, joined Arsenal from Bastia, initially on loan for 2005-06 before signing permanently a year later for just £1 million. Despite initial question marks over his potential, he has emerged as a key player for the Gunners.
The Cameroon international made 46 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season, but this summer speculation has arisen over his future, amid interest from Barcelona.
Following the exit of Robin van Persie to Manchester United, manager Arsene Wenger confirmed Song could also leave the club. On Saturday, after their 0-0 draw with Sunderland, Barcelona announced a deal had been struck..

Ferdinand will miss Everton clash

Rio Ferdinand is set to miss Manchester United's Premier League opener at Everton on Monday night with a groin injury that could keep him out for a month.

Former England captain is understood to have suffered the injury during training on Friday. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is already stretched in defence for the trip to Goodison Park, as he is without Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans..

Everton conclude Miirallas deal

Everton have announced the signing of Belgium international Kevin Mirallas from Olympiakos on a four-year deal.

Mirallas, 24, scored 20 goals in 25 games for the Greek side last season, with the Toffees winning the race for his signature after agreeing a fee - believed to be around £6 million - on Friday evening.
The forward agreed personal terms and signed a medical on Saturday, with the deal formally announced on Sunday morning..

Mancini: RVP makes Utd favourites

Roberto Mancini believes Robin van Persie's move to Manchester United makes Sir Alex Ferguson's team firm favourites to lift the title this season.
Manchester City were interested in taking Van Persie to the Etihad Stadium but, for the first time since Dimitar Berbatov preferred the red half of Manchester in 2008, they have missed out on a player to their rivals.

However, Mancini has said a deal to take Van Persie to City would not have been possible, given that his quartet of forwards - Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez - all remain at the club.
"We have four strikers," Mancini said. "It was impossible for us to put in another striker."

Messi is a better Footballer than Maradona, no need for comparison, says macherano

Javier Mascherano believes there is no point comparing his team-mate Lionel Messi and Argentina legend Diego Maradona.
The midfielder has played alongside Messi for many years for the national side and for the past two seasons has also played his club football with the 25-year-old after completing a move to Camp Nou from Liverpool in 2010..

Sanchez tips Hernandez for succes

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has a future at the club, according to Mexico and Real Madrid legend Hugo Sanchez.

After the arrival of former Arsenal forward Robin van Persie, United now have an embarrassment of riches up front and the 24-year-old faces some stiff competition from the likes of Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck, while Dimitar Berbatov is still at the club..

Ferguson still amazed by Van Persie capture

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he did not think the club would be able to sign striker Robin van Persie from Arsenal.

The 29-year-old Netherlands international officially moved to Old Trafford on Friday, and Ferguson revealed the club's interest was only turned into a formal approach once the Dutchman refused to sign a new deal in north London..

former Chelsea defender Bosingwa joins QPR

QPR have clinched the signing of Jose Bosingwa on a three-year contract following the player’s release from Chelsea.
In what has been an extremely busy transfer window so far for the club, the right-back becomes manager Mark Hughes' eighth signing of the summer.
And Boswinga, who brings a wealth of experience to Loftus Road after four years at Chelsea, spoke of his delight at extending his stay in the Premier League upon confirmation of the deal.
"I'm really pleased to be here. I had the pick of many clubs, but the project here excites me greatly," Bosingwa told the club's official website.
“I spoke yesterday with the manager and owner and they showed me what they want for the future of the club.
“I played for Chelsea for four years and I love Premier League football and the supporters. It is fantastic for me to stay in England. I’m happy and all of my family are happy, and that is most important.
“This is maybe the most important challenge of my career. I want to help my team-mates and the team with my experience..

Barcelona and Real Madrid not to be view in on free TV for now

Barcelona and Real Madrid matches will only be available on pay-per-view televison in Spain for the next three seasons.
After the start of the new La Liga season was left in jeopardy following an uprising from several clubs, Spain's broadcasting companies have come to agreement in the hope of working together in the future..

Van Persie: The little spirit inside me shouted 'Manchester United!

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie insisted that there were no hard feelings between him and former club Arsenal after completing his move between the two sides.
At his press conference unveiling, it was revealed that Van Persie would be taking the No.20 shirt for the coming campaign, after Fabio vacated it after he moved to QPR on a season-long loan deal this summer.
The Dutch international and current PFA Player of the Year was keen to explain his reasoning behind the controversial switch, insisting that there was no ill will between Arsenal and himself, but that he simply couldn't turn the chance down.
"From my side and Arsenal's side, there is no hard feeling. No one is angry with me and I'm not angry with them," Van Persie told reporters..

Paris Saint-Germain Suppose to win every match, Pastore says

Javier Pastore has admitted that there are high expectations of Paris Saint-Germain after the club made a number of high-profile signings earlier in the summer.

The Argentina international made 33 appearances in Ligue 1 for the club last season, as they finished runners-up to the division's surprise package, Montpellier.
Speaking to the club's official website, the 23-year-old considered the expectations that people have of the team this season..

Maradona in fresh Controversy

Diego Maradona is at the centre of a new controversy regarding a forged signature allegedly signed by his former assistant.
Maradona is said to be prepared to sue two Chinese companies, Sina and The 9 Limited, after they used his image and name without permission for their football game, 'Hot Blooded Soccer'. It was assumed that they had received an authorised signature from the former Argentina manager, but Maradona claimed he never signed the agreement..

Everton accept City bid for Rodwell

Manchester City are on the verge of signing Jack Rodwell from Everton after the Toffees confirmed they have accepted an undisclosed offer for the midfielder, who will undergo a medical on Sunday.
Rodwell, 21, made his debut for Everton in 2007 after progressing through the club's academy but will now look to take a step up in his career with the reigning Premier League champions.

Torres to face the most important season of his Career

Manchester City playmaker David Silva believes Chelsea's Fernando Torres is set to embark on "the most important season of his life" as the duo prepare for Sunday's Community Shield clash.

Silva and Torres helped Spain to the Euro 2012 title earlier this summer, capping a memorable 12 months for the pair. However, Silva insists Torres' true test will come next season as he aims to fill the void left by Didier Drogba..

Mexico kills Brazil's Dream to claim the Olympic Gold

Brazil's Olympic curse struck again as Mexico secured arguably the greatest triumph in their history by winning London 2012 gold at Wembley.
Oribe Peralta wrote his name into Mexican folklore with a deadly double against the five-time world champions, who many believed were destined finally to end their agonising wait for Olympic glory.

Ferguson Begins Van Persie Chase

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson missed his side's pre-season friendly with Hannover on Saturday night as he steps up his efforts to sign Robin van Persie.
Shinji Kagawa scored the winner as United came back from two goals down to gain a 4-3 victory in Germany, but Ferguson stayed in England to help Red Devils chief executive David Gill work on a deal to bring Van Persie to Old Trafford.
Gill has been in London negotiating with the Gunners this weekend, with United having already had a £15 million offer rejected for the PFA and Football Writers' Association's Player of the Year.
United are likely to have to increase that to £20 million to persuade Arsenal to sell Van Persie, whose contract expires next summer.
The official reason given for the absence of Ferguson, who also missed last weekend's friendly against Valerenga in Norway, was that he was on "other club business"..

Ibra brace saves PSG from Lost

Big-spending Paris St Germain almost fell at the first hurdle as they drew their first Ligue 1 game of the season 2-2 with Lorient in a thrilling match at the Parc de Princes.
Lorient took a shock fourth minute lead through a Maxwell own goal and held on as PSG started to look for an equaliser. But before half-time they were 2-0 up as Jeremie Aliadiere raced through to slot past Nicolas Douchez..

Barca Humbled Dinamo Bucharest to end pre season

Barcelona continued their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 win over Dinamo Bucharest at the Arena Nationala with goals from Lionel Messi and Ibrahim Afellay.

The Catalan side were ahead inside five minutes as Messi, who scored 74 in 66 games last year and has bagged five already in the warm-up games this summer, turned away from Dinamo defender Dragos Grigore and smashed the ball into the net from just inside the area..

Vilanova Excited with Villas' return

Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova hailed David Villa as a player who "guarantees goals" after the striker made his long-awaited return to first-team action on Saturday night.
Villa, 30, had been out of action since breaking his leg in Barca's Club World Cup win against Al Sadd last December but made his comeback as a 73rd-minute substitute against Dinamo Bucharest.
And while the Catalans won the match 2-0 thanks to goals from Lionel Messi and Ibrahim Afellay, the return of Spain striker Villa was the biggest positive for Vilanova.
"Last year we missed him because he's a player that guarantees goals,'' Vilanova told the club's official website. "He's very important to the side..

Rooney and Kagawa strikes to seal comeback from 3-1down

Manchester United completed their pre-season preparations by edging a seven-goal thriller in Germany. Wayne Rooney scored twice - one a free-kick and the other a penalty - and new recruit Shinji Kagawa netted the winner as the Red Devils came back from 1-0 and 3-1 down to win.
The win sets United up nicely as they seek to wrest back the Premier League title from Manchester City. United take on Everton a week on Monday in their first league fixture..

Manchester United sells shares at low price

Manchester United will begin trading shares in New York on Friday in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) at a lower figure than had originally been planned.
United said they would sell shares at $14 each, having previously announced that the shares would be worth between $16 and $20. They are selling shares representing 10% of the club and will raise $233 million - $100 million less than envisaged..

Chelsea loan Lukaku to West Brom

Chelsea youngster Romelu Lukaku has joined West Brom on a season-long loan, ending speculation over his future.

Lukaku, 19, heads to West Brom after a stop-start first year as a Chelsea player, in which he failed to make an impact at first-team level, following a high-value transfer from Anderlecht.
Fulham had been strongly tipped to secure the striker's services for the coming campaign, but that move was ruled out by his agent earlier this week.

Mancini Angry for Inadequate of signings

Roberto Mancini blamed sporting director Brian Marwood as he declared himself unhappy that Manchester City have failed to sign any players this summer.
City are the only club in the division who are yet to bring anyone in and Mancini has been frustrated in his attempts to buy Robin van Persie, Daniel Agger and Eden Hazard.
"I am not happy but I won't say anything at the moment," he said. "For this you should talk to Brian Marwood."
City have also failed to sell any of their unwanted players

FIFA to Probe Bin Hammam

FIFA's ethics committee has opened official proceedings to investigate Mohamed bin Hammam.
Bin Hammam, 63, was banned from all football activity for life last year after being found guilty of bribery by a FIFA ethics committee..

Liverpool to face Hearts in play-off

Former European champions Liverpool have drawn Scottish side Hearts in an all-British Europa League play-off tie.

The Reds cruised into the final qualifying round of the competition with a 4-0 aggregate win over FC Gomel of Belarus, while Hearts qualified for this stage by virtue of winning the Scottish Cup.
It's will be a welcome draw for Brendan Rodger's team, who have avoided an energy-sapping foreign trip three days before their second Premier League match of the season against Manchester City.
Hearts manager John McGlynn was thrilled with the draw. "What a prospect for all the young players to be playing Liverpool," he said.

Mancini: Manchester United are the favourites for the title

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has stated that he think rivals Manchester United are the favourites for the Premier League title going into the new season.