SOCCER TALKS: 2016

Thursday 28 January 2016

Allegri stays grounded after Juventus demolish Inter

The champions cruised to a 3-0 win in their Coppa Italia semi-final first leg but their head coach is not getting carried away.Massimiliano Allegri says the job is still not done for Juventus despite watching his side demolish Inter 3-0 in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg on Wednesday.Alvaro Morata struck twice – the Spaniard's first goals since October 4 – and Paulo Dybala came off the bench to add a third for the holders as Inter were outplayed in Turin. To compound the visitors' woes, Jeison Murillo was sent off for a second bookable offence late on.And despite the Nerazzurri now needing a remarkable comeback in the second leg at San Siro on March 1 to prevent Juve from reaching the final, Allegri is still demanding improvement from his players.

John Terry has expressed his sadness at Ramires's departure from Chelsea after the Brazil midfielder signed for Chinese club Jiangsu Suning.Ramires won all five major club honours on offer during his five-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge, scoring the decisive goal in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona in 2011-12.He joins Jiangsu for a reported £25 million fee and Chelsea captain Terry has admitted he is disappointed to see him leave west London.
Very sad to see [Ramires] leave the club, Terry posted on Instagram. Great player and a great man. Good luck mate.Chelsea visit MK Dons in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.

Blow for Man City as De Bruyne suffers suspected medial ligament injury

Kevin De Bruyne was stretchered out of Manchester City's League Cup semi-final second leg victory over Everton, with Manuel Pellegrini fearing the Belgian has suffered a medial ligament injury.The Belgian was introduced as a second half substitute and scored just four minutes after coming on with City chasing a win which would see them face Liverpool at Wembley.But De Bruyne suffered what appeared to be a muscle injury as his studs got caught in the ground and he went down under a challenge from Ramiro Funes Mori in stoppage time.De Bruyne was carried off on a stretcher, with his right leg heavily strapped up, leaving City to see the game out with 10 men having used all of their substitutes.City boss Manuel Pellegrini said after the game that the injury to De Bruyne was not an 'easy' one to recover from.

Sergio Aguero booked Manchester City's place in the League Cup final with a decisive late goal in their 3-1 victory over Everton.Ross Barkley gave the Toffees a 3-1 aggregate lead after 18 minutes at the Etihad Stadium but Fernandinho's deflected effort put City back on track.Kevin De Bruyne netted a second - though the ball appeared to have gone out for a goal kick in the build-up - before Aguero headed home the Belgian's cross to make it 4-3 on aggregate and set up a clash at Wembley against Liverpool on February 28.The evening ended on a sour note for Manuel Pellegrini, however, when De Bruyne was stretchered off with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.City began on the front foot as they looked for an early leveller in the tie, though one surging run by Deulofeu gave the hosts a warning of Everton's counter-attacking threat.Roberto Martinez's side netted the opening goal through a similar break when Barkley turned away from Nicolas Otamendi's challenge, drove towards the edge of the box and rifled a low shot into Willy Caballero's bottom-right corner.

Alvaro Morata ended a 20-match wait for a goal by scoring twice as Juventus built a commanding 3-0 lead in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final clash with Inter.Morata, who had not found the back of the net for The Old Lady since scoring in the 3-1 Serie A victory over Bologna on October 4, thrashed home a first-half penalty to end his four-month goal drought after Jeison Murillo had brought down Juan Cuadrado in the box to give the hosts control of the tie.The Spaniard then celebrated ending his barren spell by adding a second after half-time, as the holders took a major step towards retaining the trophy.Inter hobbled to the end of the game with 10 men, following Murillo's dismissal for a second bookable offence, and the chances of a Milan derby final were dealt a huge blow when Paulo Dybala came off the bench to fire home a third with six minutes remaining.The home side controlled proceedings for almost the entire encounter in Turin and wanted a penalty after just 13 minutes but referee Paolo Tagliavento waved away their fervent claims when Cuadrado's free-kick struck the arm of Gary Medel.Colombian Cuadrado then drifted past two Inter defenders and fired wide midway through the opening period as the hosts piled on the pressure.

New York Red Bulls defender Matt Miazga's seemingly inevitable move to the Premier League is drawing closer, with Chelsea heavily linked to the centre-back on Wednesday.As reported by Goal USA in December, Miazga has attracted interest from a number of clubs and has his heart set on a move to Europe in 2016.The 20-year-old signed with an agency backed by Kia Joorabchian in the spring of 2015 and is represented specifically by former Blackburn, Tottenham and QPR defender Ryan Nelsen.The Red Bulls are reluctant to sell Miazga, but the centre-back is entering into the final year of his contract and the club understands they must balance the prospect of losing him for nothing at the end of next season with the option of selling him now and securing a transfer fee.The MLS club have been locked in a battle with the player's representatives for months, with sources telling Goal USA that attempts were made to have the Red Bulls sell Miazga to a club in Cyprus that his agents have been linked with in the past.

The 30-year-old wants to write his name into the club's history books by claiming silverware with Pal Dardai's side. Salomon Kalou believes capturing a trophy for Hertha Berlin or helping the club into Europe would be on a par with his Champions League-winning exploits at Chelsea.Kalou has scored nine times in the Bundesliga this season to help Pal Dardai's men into third place, prompting talk of a return to the Champions League for the first time since 2000.Hertha enjoyed regular appearances in the Uefa Cup and took part once in its successor, the Europa League, prior to being relegated from the Bundesliga in 2010 and again in 2012.They are enjoying a fine top-flight campaign this season, though, and continue their bid to win the DFB-Pokal with a quarter-final against second-tier Heidenheim next month.Kalou helped Chelsea to their first and only Champions League title in 2011-12 and wants to become part of Hertha folklore over the coming years.

Benzema flourishing under Zidane at Real Madrid

The France international has been able to put his off-field worries to the side with some electric form since his countryman succeeded Rafa Benitez at the Santiago Bernabeu

Karim Benzema has enjoyed some of the most impressive form in Europe over recent weeks, the Real Madrid striker flourishing after Zinedine Zidane's ascent to the coach's position at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Though off-field matters have been in the spotlight for the French striker and affected his opportunities with the national team, his record for Los Blancos since the departure of Rafa Benitez is nothing short of superb.

The most prolific forward around, in terms of minutes on the pitch to goals in the bag, Benzema has a chance to extend his scoring streak on Sunday when Madrid take on Espanyol in La Liga.

Could his form take him all the way to the European Golden Shoe? Check out the video above for all the details behind Benzema's incredible performances.

Meet Bayern Munich target Mustafi

The Bundesliga leaders have denied they will sign anyone this month, but Goal understands they have been tracking the Germany international who is impressing in Spain
Weeks after Manchester City splurged on Valencia’s Nicolas Otamendi in August, there were tongue in cheek comments emanating from Mestalla that the Premier League club had signed the wrong centre-back. Perhaps, they quipped, they should have signed Shkodran Mustafi instead.

Mustafi struck up an impressive partnership with Otamendi last year and the German defender picked up where he left off at the start of the new campaign. He certainly didn’t seem too down about the departure of his Argentine friend when the first ball of the new season was kicked.
Naturally then, given his form and his nationality, the 23-year-old has emerged as a candidate to fill in for the injured Jerome Boating at Bayern Munich. Boateng, injured in Friday’s win over Hamburg, is set for a three-month spell on the sidelines and Philipp Lahm admitted to Goal on Monday that his absence comes as a huge blow to the Bundesliga leaders.

Bayern’s chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says there will be no signings in January, though, because “there are no good players on the market.” However, Goal understands the Bavarian club have been following Mustafi for a while and even if they’re not tempted by a move this month, they may be in the summer.They may face competition, too. The defender’s agent has already confirmed interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona. “I’ve had contact with both clubs, but there have not been any more [advanced] talks,” Ali Bulut told Bild last summer. Shkodran has a contract with Valencia, who are a great club.
Since Bulut made those comments, circumstances have changed. Not only has Otamendi left Valencia, but so has Nuno Espirito Santo, replaced as manager by Gary Neville. While this has been going on, the Spanish club have been knocked out of the Champions League and are currently on a 10-game winless run in La Liga.

Luis Enrique Confident Neymar Will Sign New Barcelona Deal

The coach is not concerned about speculation linking the Brazil star with a move away from Camp Nou and says he will be available to return to the team against Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is confident Neymar will sign a new contract.
The Brazil forward's existing deal is due to expire in June 2018 and Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation at Camp Nou.

But Luis Enrique expects the 23-year-old to renew his contract with the Spanish and European champions.
he says believe Neymar will end up signing a new contract here, the Barcelona boss said at a press conference on Tuesday.

Neymar missed Saturday's 2-1 win over Malaga due to a minor hamstring problem, but Luis Enrique expects him to be fit for Wednesday's Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao. Neymar is fine, he said. There is no risk with him. He has trained and is in perfect condition.

Tuesday 26 January 2016

Diego Costa is a serial cheat who gets away with it

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been branded a “serial cheat” who “gets away with it” following the champions’ 1-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates.Former Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood hit out at the Spain international after Per Mertesacker saw red for a foul on the striker, leaving the Gunners down to 10 men after just 18 minutes.Costa then went on to score the winning goal as Arsenal slumped to yet another defeat to Chelsea but Hill-Wood could not contain his anger after the loss.He is a serial cheat and he gets away with it, Hill-Wood told the Daily Star. I think he deliberately ran in front of Mertesacker, who hardly touched him.Yet Costa rolls around as if his legs have been cut off. Once the red card’s been shown, he’s suddenly perfectly alright again.“That’s because there’s absolutely nothing wrong with him. There certainly wasn’t soon after when he scored that goal.

The Welsh star is proving he can become integral at the Bernabeu but Ronaldo remains the lynchpin and is irreplaceable, the ex-Blanco chief believes.Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes Gareth Bale will become a great player for the club, but insists there is no substitute for Cristiano Ronaldo.Bale, sidelined with a calf injury sustained in the 5-1 win over Sporting Gijon on January 17, has scored 13 goals in 15 Liga appearances this season and looks on course for his most prolific campaign since arriving from Tottenham in 2013.Nine of those strikes have come in the Welshman's last five top-flight outings, and Calderon thinks such form ensures he has a bright future at the Santiago Bernabeu.He told Omnisport: Bale is exceptional and an awesome player who can have a long run here at Real Madrid. The injuries are not good… but he is growing.I think Real Madrid made a great decision and if he plays like he is doing right now he will be very important for the club.

The Spanish club insist they have not broken any rules in their registering of players under the age of 18 and do not deserve the sanctions imposed by the governing body.Atletico Madrid have lodged an appeal against the two-window ban on registering new players handed to them by Fifa.On January 14, Atletico and Real Madrid were handed sanctions by the governing body's Disciplinary Committee as a consequence of breaching regulations "relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18".The punishment prohibits the club from registering new players in the next two transfer windows and included a fine of 900,000 Swiss francs (€820,000).

Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has announced that he will retire from football following the 2018 World Cup. The 37-year-old has enjoyed an illustrious career, winning the World Cup in 2006 with the Azzurri and claiming six Serie A title with Juventus. But the former Parma player, who moved to the Old Lady for a record fee for a goalkeeper in 2001, will play out the tournament in Russia and then end his career. I will try to make the next World Cup and then it may be time to close the door. It will almost certainly be at the end of the 2018 World Cup," Buffon signaled as he picked up the Gianni Brera award for Sportsman of the Year. The goalkeeper also referred to the recent Ballon d'Or prizes, and repeated his indignation at being snubbed from the shortlist. I deserved to be up there in the Ballon d'Or, but I knew it would be impossible to win, he said.

Reaching the League Cup final could give Liverpool the boost they need to finish in the Premier League's top four, according to former captain and boss Graeme Souness.Souness won the competition in four consecutive years as a player with the Reds between 1981 and 1984, and managed Blackburn Rovers to success in the tournament in 2002.Liverpool, whose eight League Cup titles is a record, hold a 1-0 aggregate lead over Stoke City going into the second leg of their semi-final tie at Anfield on Tuesday.What I would hope to happen - and I think all the managers will see it that way - if you get to the final, the momentum between now and the final will give a feel-good factor around the club," he told Omnisport.Everyone's tail is up, and you would hope results in the league would kick on. Even Stoke - although they won't talk about it – they will be thinking that if they put a run together, they could get into the top four.Liverpool will certainly be thinking that, so the confidence by getting to the final would obviously help. Then when you get to the final, if you were to win it, the confidence that would give you for the rest of the season.

Wenger: Cech signing one of my hardest decisions

The goalkeeper joined the Gunners for £10 million in the summer but his manager came close to keeping faith with his other options between the posts. Petr Cech has been one of Arsenal's best players this season, but Arsene Wenger has revealed signing the goalkeeper was one of his toughest decisions.The Czech Republic international moved to the Emirates from Chelsea in a £10 million deal in the summer after Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina failed to convince between the posts.However, Wenger says he came close to keeping faith in the Ospina before opting to make a move for Cech.

The Dutchman has admitted it will be "very difficult" to better the results of the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City but says his team will keep fighting to make up the ground. Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United can win the Premier League title - but admits it will be "very difficult" to better the results of rivals Arsenal and Manchester City.United are seven points behind the Gunners following their 1-0 victory over Liverpool last weekend and remain outside the Champions League places in fifth position.The Red Devils have won three and drawn one in all competitions since the turn of the year to ease the pressure on Van Gaal but the Dutchman admits his team are still fighting against the tide."The difficulty is that four clubs are above us," he told reporters. "So you have to beat these four clubs in terms of the results. So it shall be very difficult but it’s not impossible, and that’s what I’ve said."It’s still very difficult but we have seen not only in the Premier League, but other leagues. So it’s possible and we have to believe in that.But I and my players know it’s going to be very difficult. You have to apply pressure on the leaders. "Last season we were at that moment when we played Chelsea away and gave a lot of pressure, but we didn’t win that game.

The Blues employee has been dismissed after suggesting that the playmaker still had allegiances to Arsenal as he walked past him at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea have sacked a steward for branding midfielder Cesc Fabregas a "snake" after a video of the incident emerged on Friday. The club have acted to remove the employee who spoke out to the Spanish midfielder as he walked past him following a match at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season.Footage shows the 28-year-old walking inside the stadium wearing a Chelsea tracksuit and carrying a suitcase when he is called a "snake" and told "you're Arsenal" by the steward.

Euro 2016 & Champions League to utilise goal-line technology

The new assistance for match officials will be introduced in Europe's top club competition next season after being rolled out on a continental basis for the first time this summer.Uefa has approved the use of goal-line technology (GLT) at the European Championship in France later this year as well as in next season's Champions League.The decision, announced following the governing body's executive committee meeting in Nyon, means the system will work alongside additional assistant referees who will "continue to monitor all activity in and around the penalty area".Uefa's chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina explained: "It's not a decision taken quickly. We went through a long consultation after president Michel Platini told us, one-and-a-half years ago, to investigate whether additional assistant referees and goal-line technology together would have been worth it.

The confederation's original candidate, Michel Platini, withdrew from the race earlier this month due to his eight-year ban from all football activity.Uefa has unanimously endorsed Gianni Infantino's candidacy for the Fifa presidency at next month'selection. Infantino entered the race to replace the suspended Sepp Blatter in October and the Uefa general secretary has been the favourite to secure his federation's nomination since president Michel Platini was provisionally suspended from all football activities alongside Blatter earlier that month.Platini and Blatter are now serving eight-year bans in relation to a payment made from Fifa to the former France captain in February 2011.Earlier this month, Platini confirmed his withdrawal from the race, clearing the way for Uefa to back Infantino following this week's executive committee meeting in Nyon.

The forward will miss Saturday's game, but the Catalans have been boosted by the return of Lionel Messi, who has recovered from a hamstring problem. Barcelona forward Neymar has been ruled out of Saturday's La Liga match at Malaga.The Brazil captain will not be risked after picking up a hamstring problem that prevented him from training with the rest of his team-mates on Friday.Defender Gerard Pique is also out of the game through suspension, while Jordi Alba and Rafinha are still injured.However, coach Luis Enrique did confirm Lionel Messi had shrugged off a hamstring problem of his own to play and he is named in the 18-man party for the game.

Manchester United accused of overworking Depay

The Netherlands international has struggled since joining from PSV but a Dutch fitness expert believes the winger's introduction to the Premier League hasn't been managed well.Manchester United have been accused of overworking Memphis Depay and failing to acclimatize the winger to the Premier League.The 21-year-old moved from PSV to Old Trafford last summer but has struggled to find form under Louis van Gaal this season.Depay has not started a match since he was replaced at half-time in United’s 2-0 defeat to Stoke City on Boxing Day, but Dutch fitness coach Raymond Verheijen, who has worked with the Netherlands national side, as well as South Korea and Russia under Guus Hiddink, insists the winger’s conditioning has been poorly managed.”If you look at Memphis Depay, you can use an objective reference, in this case a metaphor, to explain his situation,” Verheijen told Squawka.

The Premier League champions are still keen on the Everton defender and are willing to pay up to £50m in order to land him this month.Chelsea have set aside £50 million in order to sign John Stones from Everton this month, according to talkSPORT.The report claims that the Premier League champions are still keen on the centre-back and are planning a move before the end of the January transfer window.Chelsea have had four bids rejected for the 21-year-old rejected, but he remains top of the club’s wanted list.

Guardiola meets with Manchester United officials in Paris

The Bayern Munich boss met with United's chiefs in a hotel in the French capital to discuss a potential summer move to Old Trafford. Manchester United chiefs met with Pep Guardiola last week in Paris, according to L’Equipe.The report claims that the Bayern Munich boss met with United officials at Le Bristol Paris hotel to discuss a potential move to Old Trafford.Goal understands that Manchester City are confident of landing the Spaniard this summer after he publicly revealed his decision to leave Bayern at the end of the season.

Wayne Rooney sparked Manchester United’s dressing room into life with a motivation speech at half-time in the win over Liverpool, according to The Sun.The report claims that the England and United captain ‘took charge’ of the dressing room in Sunday’s 1-0 victory at Anfield, and told his team-mates what needed to be done after a woeful opening 45 minutes.It’s also claimed that Liverpool’s players could even hear shouting from United’s dressing room because of the heated exchange.

The former Arsenal striker is available on loan, although Alan Pardew admits that former Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor is still on the radar.Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has revealed that he is considering a move for Wolfsburg forward Nicklas Bendtner.The 28-year-old, who left Arsenal in 2014 when his contract expired, has played just 297 minutes in the Bundesliga this season.Pardew, whose side have lost their last three Premier League games, has reiterated his desire to sign a forward this month and admits former Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor remains on the radar.

The Brazilian wing-back has made just one appearance in all competitions this season and will head to Genoa in a bid to revive his career in Serie A.Inter wing-back Dodo has joined Sampdoria on loan until the end of the season.The defender had been linked with Sampdoria for a number of weeks and joined his new team-mates on the training pitch for the first time on Thursday after passing his medical in the morning.Dodo joined Inter from Roma in July 2014 and made 20 Serie A appearances in his first season at the Giuseppe Meazza. However, he made just one appearance in all competitions in the first half of the 2015-16 campaign and had been deemed surplus to requirements by head coach Roberto Mancini.

Vidal: Bayern situation is strange... but Guardiola and Ancelotti are world's best

Bayern Munich midfielder arturo Vidal has admitted Pep Guardiola's pending is strange but praised the Catalan and Carlo Ancelotti as the best coches in the world. Ancelotti will replace Guardiola in the summer fater the former Barcelona coach announced his intention to move to the Premier League. Vidal has set his sights on claiming the three major trophies available to Bayern to send him off on the right note but is confident Bayern's recent success will continue under Ancelotti."It's a bit strange to know at this time of the year that in summer a coaching change will take place," he told Sport1.

Hagi: My son Ianis is ready for Fiorentina

Hagi the Romanian football legend has tipped his son who is 17 year old to break into Fiorentina's first team next season. He believes his teenage son is set to make an impact in Serie A. The teenager is currently on loan at Vitorul Constanta, the club owned by the Romanian legend and where the Ianis started before Fiorentina purchased him in June 2015. He will play for Fiorentina, in the summer we will see if he is ready to come to Italy.

Chelsea to cash-in on Pedro

The Spainish player has appeared only three times for the premier League champions since he left Barcelona and will be sold at the end of the season. Chelsea looks to sell Pedro during summer accordinng to the Daily Express.The Spainish international moved to Chelsea in August for £21 million but has failed to hold down a regular berth in the starting XI, scorinng just three goals in his 24 appearances.

Sunday 17 January 2016

Ferguson would return if Van Gaal is sacked

The 74-year-old retired in 2013 but would help advise Ryan Giggs should he have to take over the reins at Old Trafford, though the Scot would not return to the dugout.

Ronaldo wins 'Nobel Prize for physical perfection'

The Real Madrid winger bares almost all on the latest cover of GQ and has been handed a fictional award for the state of his sculpted body.Cristiano Ronaldo has appeared on the latest cover of GQ, and has won the Nobel prize for physical perfection to boot!The Real Madrid superstar - who takes great pride in his body and his ability to put every other male human to shame with his six pack - bares almost all on the new issue, along with supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio. The 34-year-old Brazilian clings on to the superstar's shoulders, pulling down on a chain Ronaldo is wearing.

The Italian is seen as the ideal January signing at Upton Park as Slaven Bilic looks for reinforcements following injuries to Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini.West Ham United could offer Mario Balotelli the chance to return to the Premier League in January, according to reports.Balotelli is currently on loan from Liverpool at AC Milan and has featured just four times in Serie A so far this season, scoring once.

After his brace against Crystal Palace, Manchester City striker Aguero looks to have refound his goal scoring touch.Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini believes Sergio Aguero will get better as the season progresses following his starring role in the 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace.The Argentina international scored twice after Fabian Delph's opener at the Etihad Stadium and unselfishly squared for David Silva to bury the fourth in Saturday's rout.With Aguero having shaken off his most recent hamstring problem, Pellegrini is confident his form will improve over the second half of the campaign."In the last game [against Everton], he didn't score because Tim Howard made two beautiful saves," he said. "But he was making all the moves he normally does when he is 100 per cent fit."In every game, he will continue to improve."

Arsenal out for more midfield reinforcements after Elneny arrival

The Gunners continue to monitor long-term targets such as Victor Wanyama, William Carvalho and Lars Bender and could bolster their ranks again in the summer.Arsenal will look to further bolster their midfield in the summer despite signing Mohamed Elneny from Basel, according to the Daily Telegraph.The Gunners wrapped up a deal worth a reported £5 million deal for the Egyptian on Thursday but could be back in the market at the end of the season with the future of a number of their current players in doubt.

The star duo have been heavily linked with moves away from Santiago Bernabeu but the club's upcoming transfer ban means they will not be allowed to move elsewhere.Real Madrid stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale will not be allowed to leave the club in the summer, according to the Daily Telegraph.Ballon d'Or runner-up Ronaldo has been linked with both Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United while Bale has also been tipped to move to Old Trafford this summer.But neither player will now be allowed to depart Santiago Bernabeu in 2016 with the Blancos having been hit with a year-long transfer ban.And though they plan to appeal, the club are very reluctant to let any of their big names leave when replacements cannot be sought.

Lacazette: I am ready for summer Premier League move

The Lyon forward has ruled out a January move and has warned he will not go to a club just to sit on the bench.Alexandre Lacazette says he wants to move to the Premier League and feels he will be ready to play in England this summer.The Lyon forward was strongly linked with a transfer to England ahead of this season after a stunning 2014-15 that saw him score 31 goals in all competitions.The 24-year-old says the speculation did unsettle him at the time but that he is now keen to move to the Premier League, although he warns he is not willing to sit on the bench.“Now I am used to dealing with all the rumours. But when they started, maybe two years ago, I was destabilized a little by it,” he told The Telegraph.“But now I am used to it. For me, it’s not so hard because I was not ready [to leave] two years ago or even last season.“I was not ready then and my goal is not to go to England for the sake of going to England and I don’t want to go to a club and sit on the bench.
“So at that time it was not hard for me to stay here. It was a question of waiting until I was ready and I am now ready this summer.

The Spanish league has described the transfer sanctions handed to the two clubs as "disproportionate" and "excessive".La Liga has offered its support to Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid after the clubs were hit with Fifa transfer sanctions.Both Madrid giants will be unable to register new players during the next two complete transfer windows as a consequence of breaches "relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18".Earlier on Thursday, Madrid and Atletico protested their innocence and announced they will appeal against the punishments, with La Liga confirming it will stand by each team.The league believes that the penalties imposed are "disproportionate" and represent "excessive punishment".In an official statement, La Liga said: "Following the sanction of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee to Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid, as a result of having infringed the rules on international transfers of minors, La Liga wishes to express that Spanish football through its clubs supports the policy of protecting minors and the concern for their development and for their training."Furthermore, it also proposed to the RFEF [Royal Spanish Football Federation] an adequate system of compensation for training clubs, perfectly compatible with the development of minors.

The former AC Milan forward has repeatedly been linked with a host of Premier League sides and is now moving close to joining the Stamford Bridge outfitChelsea are in talks to sign Corinthians forward Alexandre Pato, according to Brazilian publication Lance.The former AC Milan man has been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal in recent transfer windows as he looks to secure a move to the Premier League.And now he looks set to finally get his wish, with the Stamford Bridge outfit looking to secure a deal for the Brazil international.

Fantastic Ancelotti the ideal man to replace Guardiola - Ziege

Bayern Munich are set to swap one fantastic head coach for another by recruiting Carlo Ancelotti to replace Pep Guardiola, according to Christian Ziege.Former Barcelona boss Guardiola will remain in charge of the Bundesliga champions until his contract expires at the end of the season, when he has revealed he is keen to take a job in the Premier League.Ziege, who played for Bayern between 1990 and 1997, thinks his old club have made an excellent choice in ex-Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain head coach Ancelotti."I think [they] are fantastic coaches," Ziege told Omnisport."Pep Guardiola showed at Bayern Munich in the last two-and-a-half years how fantastic he is as a coach. How the team improved and the way they played football is outstanding. "But at the same time Ancelotti proved a lot at different clubs how good he is as a coach. He can have success."I think the last thing he did was against Bayern Munich [in the semi-finals] when they [Madrid] won the Champions League for the 10th time. So one good coach is going and they have, already, a fantastic coach for the new season."

Real Madrid and Atletico given transfer bans

The two Spanish giants have been found guilty of the same irregularities as Barcelona and, after the current window closes, will then be unable to sign new players until 2017.Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have been handed transfer bans for the next two transfer windows for breaching rules regarding players under the age of 18, Fifa have confirmed. The two clubs will be able to register players during the current January transfer window but will then be unable to make signings for the two subsequent transfer windows due to irregularities over the "international transfers of minors".Barcelona were handed the same punishment for a similar breach, with their ban lifted this month, and neither of the Madrid-based clubs will be able to make another signing until the summer of 2017.Real have been linked with a host of elite players, such as David de Gea and Eden Hazard, but will need to act now or wait 18 months in order to sign them.

The Gunners have reportedly paid around £5 million to land the Egyptian midfielder, with Arsene Wenger having been keen to bring in cover following Francis Coquelin's injury.Arsenal have completed the signing of midfielder Mohamed Elneny from FC Basel on a long-term contract, the Premier League club have confirmed.The Egyptian's arrival has been imminent since he missed training on Monday to hold talks with the Gunners and undergo a medical, and he has now put pen to paper on a deal worth a reported £5 million.Elneny becomes the first outfield player Arsenal have signed in a year, since Gabriel arrived from Villarreal last January, with Petr Cech infamously the only signing made over the summer."The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes," read a statement from the club. "Everyone at Arsenal would like to welcome Mohamed to the club."

The Barcelona coach has voiced his admiration for the centre-back following his most recent performances and is pleased with his fitness.Luis Enrique has hailed Thomas Vermaelen as a "top class" player for Barcelona in the wake of Wednesday's 2-0 Copa del Rey win over Espanyol.The Belgium international joined Barcelona from Arsenal in August 2015, but made just one appearance in all competitions in his debut season due to recurring physical problems.He has featured more regularly this term, though, starting in Barca's two most recent games and Luis Enrique is pleased with the centre-back's contribution."Vermaelen is a top class player," the Barcelona coach said at a news conference.

The former Atletico Madrid, Mexico and Japan coach opened up over what has transpired in the past 12 months after allegations of match-fixing.Javier Aguirre says he is remaining calm despite an ongoing investigation into match-fixing during his time in Spain, which led to his dismissal from the Japan national team 12 months ago.Investigations against the Mexican coach are focusing on a La Liga clash with Levante in May 2011 when Aguirre was in charge of Real Zaragoza.Aguirre has since taken over at Al-Wahda in the United Arab Emirates, and has opened up on the events that took place last year.Asked by ESPNFC if he was sacked by the Japanese FA as an excuse after a disappointing Asian Cup, Aguirre said: "Good question. I don't know."[Japan Football Association president Kuniya] Daini told everybody after the Asian Cup, on the record, I am staying. But 10, 12, 15 days later, they decided."Maybe it was an excuse. I don't know and I don't care."The 57-year-old insisted he is not letting the ongoing investigations bother him.

Louis van Gaal is again facing the prospect of the sack if Manchester United lose to Liverpool on Sunday, according to The Times.Speculation surrounding the Dutchman’s future reached fever pitch during the festive period following defeat at Stoke and a goalless home draw against Chelsea.Despite intense pressure from certain sections of support, United chiefs have neglected the opportunity to move for Jose Mourinho, currently unemployed after he was dismissed by Chelsea in December, and gave Van Gaal their backing.United’s form has scarcely improved since the turn of the year, however, and the last minute equaliser they conceded in Tuesday’s pulsating 3-3 draw at Newcastle means they are now entrenched in a battle for a top four position, having fallen nine points behind leaders Arsenal.

The war between Barcelona and Espanyol continued in Wednesday’s Copa Del Rey clash - but Lionel Messi produced the perfect response after being insulted by his opposite number.Towards the end of Barcelona’s 2-0 victory, several reports in Spain claim that Alvaro Gonzalez said to Messi: “you’re really short”, after the pair clashed.But Messi immediately shot back at Gonzalez with: “You’re really bad.”Both Messi, who won his fifth Ballon d'Or trophy on Monday, and Barcelona had the last laugh as Munir El Haddadi’s double sealed a 2-0 win to make it a 6-1 victory on aggregate.

Alonso: I want to know what it's like at Arsenal

The Bayern Munich midfielder remains in contact with his childhood friend Mikel Arteta and admits he asks "how it works" at the Gunners.Xabi Alonso has revealed that he keeps in touch with Mikel Arteta and admits he is keen to know what life is like at Arsenal.The duo grew up together in San Sebastian before Arteta made the move to Barcelona at the age of 15. Alonso, meanwhile, joined Real Sociedad and eventually ended up facing his childhood friend in the Premier League during Liverpool’s Merseyside derbies with Everton.“I follow him very closely because we have kept in touch forever, from when he move from Everton to Arsenal,” Alonso told Arsenal’s official YouTube channel.“I want to know how it works there in Arsenal, and he’s enjoying it so far.”Arteta, meanwhile, believes Alonso is a great example for young footballers to follow.

The 23-year-old midfielder joins from FC Basel in a deal worth around £5 million and could be registered in time for Sunday's trip to Stoke City.Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Mohamed Elneny has completed his move to Arsenal.The midfielder joins from FC Basel in a deal worth around £5 million and was in London on Wednesday to finalise his move.The 23-year-old, who has been capped 39 times by Egypt, need to be registered by midday on Friday in order to be available for Arsenal's trip to Stoke City on Sunday."Elneny will of course join us," Wenger said after Arsenal's 3-3 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday evening.

The Gunners twice came from behind but drew 3-3 with Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday night after Joe Allen scored a late equaliser for the hosts.This was Arsenal in a nutshell. Breathtaking attack matched by brainless defending, a draw that will feel like defeat and poses the question - will they once again end the season as nearly men?For much of the second-half, Arsenal's pulsating clash against Liverpool on Wednesday night looked like it might prove a defining evening in this season’s Premier League title race.Having twice fallen behind, Arsenal showed the mental character of champions to fight their way back into the game and take the lead. As the clocked ticked towards 90 minutes, the Gunners looked set for a victory that, with Manchester City only managing a draw against Everton, would have made Arsene Wenger’s side heavy favourites to win the title.Instead, they leave Anfield only with a sense of deep disappointment that they could not hold on for all three points after Joe Allen ensured that a gripping game ended in fitting drama with a last-minute equaliser.

Premier League
Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GS	GA	+/-	Pts
1	Arsenal	21	13	4	4	37	21	+16	43
2	Leicester City	21	12	7	2	38	25	+13	43
3	Manchester City	21	12	4	5	39	21	+18	40
4	Tottenham Hotspur	21	9	9	3	34	17	+17	36
5	West Ham United	21	9	8	4	33	24	+9	35
6	Manchester United	21	9	7	5	27	20	+7	34
7	Stoke City	21	9	5	7	24	22	+2	32
8	Crystal Palace	21	9	4	8	23	20	+3	31
9	Liverpool	21	8	7	6	25	27	-2	31
10	Watford	21	8	5	8	25	24	+1	29
11	Everton	21	6	10	5	36	29	+7	28
12	Southampton	21	7	6	8	28	24	+4	27
13	West Bromwich Albion	21	7	6	8	22	27	-5	27
14	Chelsea	21	6	6	9	28	31	-3	24
15	Norwich City	21	6	5	10	24	35	-11	23
16	AFC Bournemouth	21	5	6	10	23	37	-14	21
17	Swansea City	21	4	7	10	19	30	-11	19
18	Sunderland	21	5	3	13	26	41	-15	18
19	Newcastle United	21	4	6	11	22	38	-16	18
20	Aston Villa	21	2	5	14	17	37	-20	11