Thursday, June 07, 2007
Madrid president claiming Robben contact!
Is Chelsea loosing the Plot!
'We are in talks with Chelsea and the player, they are at an early stage, but we hope to sign him,' Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon told reporters at the European Parliament in Brussels.
'Bringing Robben was one of my pledges when I was running for president and still remains the case,' he added.
The 23 year-old Robben was reported close to signing a new contract to keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2012 having turned down Bayern Munich, but Real are still hopeful of prising him away from London.
Jude
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Carrick Eager for Euro Chance
Reds midfielder Michael Carrick says the chance to play in the Champions League was a major deciding factor in his move to Old Trafford this summer.
United shelled out an initial £14million for the former Tottenham midfielder. And although United's interest alone was appealing enough, his decision to leave White Hart Lane was made more enticing by the chance to play in Europe’s top competition.
"I've come here to win things but everyone expects us to do that," he told Inside United, the official magazine. “The squad believes we're capable of it. Whatever competition United are in, we're always going to be contenders. Champions League, Premiership, FA Cup, and Carling Cup - we're always looking to win them. That's the big attraction.
"Playing in the Champions League was a massive factor in coming here,” Carrick added. “To be able to take part in some of the huge games I've watched on the tally in the past is very exciting.
"It's another test, going up against the best in the world. It really is the highest level. Some say Champions League games are on a par, if not better, than the World Cup. I can't wait to be part of it.”
Carrick should make his home debut against his former club Spurs at Old Trafford on Saturday, and he is eagerly anticipating being a part of the team every week and challenging for honors.
"This is one of the biggest clubs in the world and to play in that stadium every week is going to be a great experience,” he said. “The expectation and the belief within the squad are so high. I'm looking forward to being part of it, improving my game and becoming a better player. It's exciting times."
Jude
Friday, September 01, 2006
A lot of things happen but its hard to believe this happened
Hammers complete Tevez, Mascherano deal
West Ham have completed the sensational double signing of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano from Corinthians on permanent contracts.
Argentina team-mates Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano
The Argentinian duo, who both starred for their country at the World Cup this summer, move to Upton Park for undisclosed fees.
A statement on the West Ham website read: 'The transfers represent a massive coup for the Hammers, who have beaten off some of Europe's biggest clubs to secure the services of the duo.'
West Ham have refused to divulge details of the double deal but Tevez and Mascherano commanded £15million transfer fees when they signed for Corinthians from Argentinian clubs Boca Juniors and River Plate.
There has also been speculation that West Ham have managed to steal a march on bigger rivals with a view to selling them on next season.
But Hammers media spokesman Phil Hall insisted: 'There is no way West Ham would act as a feeder club for others.
'These are exciting signings for us but, of course, if we were offered major fees for the players at a later date we would have to consider it - as we would with other players.'
Corinthians president Alberto Dualib has admitted that talks with MSI are likely to clarify the situation of the two stars on Wednesday, with the Argentinian media suggesting that the duo are expected to make their way to England.
The duo's agent Adrian Ruocco was believed to be personally involved in negotiations with West Ham to complete the deal before tonight's transfer deadline.
Whilst Tevez had been expected to leave Corinthians after staying away from the club for the past week, Mascherano had also also gone AWOL with arguments continuing over his availability for the Brazil friendly.
Corinthians were not keen on the midfielder travelling for the tie, even though he is suspended domestically, and relations between the parties reached a new low after coach Leao confirmed Mascherano had skipped training.
Leao said: 'I began the practice at 8.30 am and there was no sign of Mascherano.
'I have not received any official message from him and the case has been passed to the directors.'
Both players are available for West Ham's next Barclays Premiership match - at home to Villa on September 9 - but manager Alan Pardew is likely to hold them back for the UEFA Cup clash with Palermo at Upton Park few days later.
West Ham have completed the sensational double signing of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano from Corinthians on permanent contracts.
Argentina team-mates Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano
The Argentinian duo, who both starred for their country at the World Cup this summer, move to Upton Park for undisclosed fees.
A statement on the West Ham website read: 'The transfers represent a massive coup for the Hammers, who have beaten off some of Europe's biggest clubs to secure the services of the duo.'
West Ham have refused to divulge details of the double deal but Tevez and Mascherano commanded £15million transfer fees when they signed for Corinthians from Argentinian clubs Boca Juniors and River Plate.
There has also been speculation that West Ham have managed to steal a march on bigger rivals with a view to selling them on next season.
But Hammers media spokesman Phil Hall insisted: 'There is no way West Ham would act as a feeder club for others.
'These are exciting signings for us but, of course, if we were offered major fees for the players at a later date we would have to consider it - as we would with other players.'
Corinthians president Alberto Dualib has admitted that talks with MSI are likely to clarify the situation of the two stars on Wednesday, with the Argentinian media suggesting that the duo are expected to make their way to England.
The duo's agent Adrian Ruocco was believed to be personally involved in negotiations with West Ham to complete the deal before tonight's transfer deadline.
Whilst Tevez had been expected to leave Corinthians after staying away from the club for the past week, Mascherano had also also gone AWOL with arguments continuing over his availability for the Brazil friendly.
Corinthians were not keen on the midfielder travelling for the tie, even though he is suspended domestically, and relations between the parties reached a new low after coach Leao confirmed Mascherano had skipped training.
Leao said: 'I began the practice at 8.30 am and there was no sign of Mascherano.
'I have not received any official message from him and the case has been passed to the directors.'
Both players are available for West Ham's next Barclays Premiership match - at home to Villa on September 9 - but manager Alan Pardew is likely to hold them back for the UEFA Cup clash with Palermo at Upton Park few days later.
Jude
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
As I near the end of my soccer news lets today look at something which everybody saw and was aware of but most were not willing to give the guy a break.
EXCLUSIVE
Rooney beats red ban
WAYNE ROONEY will today escape a ban following his pre-season red card for Manchester United.
But Paul Scholes is to be hit with a three-match suspension for his sending off in the same game against Porto in Amsterdam.
An FA disciplinary commission will judge United’s appeal against both dismissals at lunchtime with a verdict expected around 3pm.
Rooney was sent off after jumping for a high ball and catching Porto player Pepe in the face with his forearm.
The commission will decide if the referee made a mistake sending him off.
It will look to see if the contact was intentional and violent, or minimal not warranting the red card.
Jude understands the commission will be lenient as senior FA figures already believe the striker was hard done by.
Rooney has already publicly pleaded his innocence.
He said: “If you watch the video you will see I have not taken my eyes off the ball once".
Jude
EXCLUSIVE
Rooney beats red ban
WAYNE ROONEY will today escape a ban following his pre-season red card for Manchester United.
But Paul Scholes is to be hit with a three-match suspension for his sending off in the same game against Porto in Amsterdam.
An FA disciplinary commission will judge United’s appeal against both dismissals at lunchtime with a verdict expected around 3pm.
Rooney was sent off after jumping for a high ball and catching Porto player Pepe in the face with his forearm.
The commission will decide if the referee made a mistake sending him off.
It will look to see if the contact was intentional and violent, or minimal not warranting the red card.
Jude understands the commission will be lenient as senior FA figures already believe the striker was hard done by.
Rooney has already publicly pleaded his innocence.
He said: “If you watch the video you will see I have not taken my eyes off the ball once".
Jude
Monday, August 07, 2006
Rooney wants to become a United veteran
Wayne Rooney wants to follow in the footsteps of Manchester United veterans Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs by staying at the club 'as long as they have'.
Rooney, 20, arrived at Old Trafford in 2004 and although he is tied to a long-term contract would be willing to extend his deal.
Rooney told the Sunday Mirror: 'People say I could now have my pick of clubs but this is where I want to be. I want to extend my contract at Manchester United. I don't want to go anywhere else.
'I look at people like Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs and I want to be here as long as they have. This is a big club and no-one I know ever wants to leave.'
Friday, August 04, 2006
Ferguson reveals 'painful' break-up with Ruud
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said he sold striker Ruud van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid because the Dutchman could not deal with being dropped.
Ferguson told a news conference in Amsterdam on Thursday that most players accept losing their place in the team but Van Nistelrooy, who has moved to Real for £11million ($20.60million), was different.
'It's how they react and adapt to being left out that counts,' said Ferguson. 'Ruud was different in that way and so that's what happened.'
Van Nistelrooy, 30, who scored 150 goals for United in 219 games, was dropped for February's League Cup final win over Wigan Athletic in favour of France striker Louis Saha and later struggled to guarantee a first-team place.
He has described the breakdown in his relationship with Ferguson as 'very painful.'
Ferguson added: 'The difficulty with footballers today is the satisfaction you have to give them in terms of picking the team.
'So every time you pick a team there are two or three players you're hesitant about telling they are not playing.
'Maybe they are big players or have been a big player for you in the past. Or maybe you have a special relationship with them.
'You hope they will agree with reasons for leaving them out but sometimes a player doesn't and I can understand that.'
Ferguson was promoting the Amsterdam Tournament which begins on Friday when United play Porto.
He took the opportunity to meet Ajax's defender Jaap Stam with whom he famously fell out before selling him five years ago to Lazio and the pair exchanged a friendly chat and a handshake.
'He was a great player for me, won the European cup with me, what can I say?' said Ferguson.
'Business is business, sometimes you get an offer you can't refuse and that's the way we felt about it, nothing else.'
He also confirmed United's interest in Villarreal's Spain midfielder Marcos Senna, but added: 'There is interest in other players as well.'
Jude
Monday, July 17, 2006
"Stamp on Carvalho was not deliberate, insists Rooney"
and I believe Him
England striker Wayne Rooney insists his stamp on Ricardo Carvalho during the World Cup quarter-final defeat to Portugal was not deliberate.
Rooney, 20, was dismissed after the challenge on the Chelsea centre-back and a subsequent confrontation with Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
England held on to a goalless draw against Portugal but went on to lose on penalties.
In his book serialised in the Mail on Sunday, Rooney said: 'In being forced back, I had trod on the player on the ground.
'It turned out to be Carvalho. And I was aware that my foot had landed between his legs, which, of course, is about the nastiest place to get hurt, but it was an accident.
'I couldn't believe that the ref, who was so near, hadn't realised that. Perhaps he was too near.'
Rooney added: 'I'll go to my grave and still maintain it was a complete accident. I hadn't intended to do it. I had my back to the player. I couldn't see him, or where I was putting my foot.
'If you think about it, if I'd done it deliberately, if it had been a definite stamp meant to harm him, the fella would still be in hospital to this day. But he was up on his feet in minutes, no worse for wear.'
Rooney insists Cristiano Ronaldo did not try to wind him up in the tunnel before England's World Cup quarter-final defeat to Portugal in Gelsenkirchen.
The Manchester United pair were pictured before the game, with suggestions Portugal winger Ronaldo was attempting to provoke Rooney into losing his temper when the match kicked off.
Rooney said: 'First of all, in the tunnel, we wished each other good luck in the game, hoped it went well, which is what you say to a team-mate. Okay, he wasn't in my team that day but you still wish a fellow professional a good game.
'Then he asked me if I'd heard where Quinton Fortune was going. I said no, did he know where he was going? Quinton's a friend and club-mate of both of us and he was reported to be leaving United.
'Neither us knew the latest. So that was it. We said good luck to each other, once more. And then the game began.'
Defeat to Portugal also marked the end of Sven-Goran Eriksson's reign as England manager, and Rooney enjoyed playing for the Swede despite never seeing him 'lose his temper or shout'.
He added: 'I felt a bit sad though that Sven was leaving. I think he was forced out by the press. They backed him into the corner. I always found him a very clever man and a good manager.
'They said he wasn't emotional enough and it's true I never saw him lose his temper or shout. But I think he was emotional, deep down. He did care. With him, it was always inside his body. I always liked his style, his calm manner.
'He did do his homework and prepared well, got his points across clearly. Most of all, he always trusted the players 100 per cent. I like a manager who does that, who doesn't treat us like kids.'
Jude
