Pearson apologises for 'ostrich' jibe

The Leicester City boss expressed his regret to a reporter for likening him to the large flightless bird after Wednesday's defeat to Chelsea.The journalist that Nigel Pearson called an "ostrich" has received an apology from the Leicester City manager.Pearson launched into an extraordinary rant after Wednesday's 3-1 Premier League loss to Chelsea, comparing reporter Ian Baker to the bird that is widely - and incorrectly - thought to bury its head in the sand.The City boss - who also labelled Baker "stupid" and "daft" after taking exception to one of his questions about criticism of his players - was in front of the media again on Thursday ahead of the match against Newcastle and said sorry for his outburst.He said: "Apologies for last night. I think it is right to do it in front of the cameras and hope it does not ruin our relationship."Baker later tweeted to confirm that he had accepted the apology.

Schneiderlin out for remainder of season

The 25-year-old, who has been limited to 26 appearances due to persistent groin issues, picked up a knee problem against Tottenham on Saturday.Morgan Schneiderlin has been ruled out for the rest of Southampton's season due to a knee injury sustained against Tottenham.

Gregory Mertens passes away

The 24-year-old collapsed with a cardiac arrest in his side's clash on Monday and was placed in an induced coma, but the club have revealed he has lost his fight for survival.Gregory Mertens, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a reserve fixture against KRC Genk, has passed away, Sporting Lokeren have announced on their official website.

Messi: I'm going to be a father again

The Argentine revealed over Facebook that he and girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo are expecting another child.Lionel Messi has revealed that he will become a father for the second time.The Barcelona star and girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo celebrated the birth of Thiago, their first child, in November 2012, and revealed on Facebook that they will become parents once more.The 27-year-old posted a picture of the pair's son kissing his mother's stomach, with the Argentine adding the message: "Can't wait to welcome you into our world!!! We love you! Thiagui, mum and dad," to the post.He also posted the same picture on Instagram, saying "Waiting for you baby! We love you".There has been no announcement as to when the child is expected or how far along Roccuzzo is in her pregnancy.

AC Milan keep faith in Inzaghi

Reports emerged after the defeat to Genoa on Wednesday that the coach would be dismissed after a poor season, but the club have announced he will remain at the helm.AC Milan have confirmed that they are not set to sack head coach Filippo Inzaghi after the side suffered another disappointing loss on Wednesday night, going down 3-1 at home to Genoa.

I hope Neymar surpasses me - Ronaldo

The 2002 World Cup-winner expects the Barcelona forward to outdo his achievements for club and country.Brazil legend Ronaldo believes Barcelona star Neymar is destined for greatness and can achieve even more success than him.

West Ham have squandered a great opportunity, says Allardyce

The Hammers had an excellent start to the season and were in the top-four frame at Christmas but have fallen away and their manager feels that they "should have done a lot better".West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has revealed his frustration at the club's season and believes they have wasted an opportunity to "nail their best finish for years".

New injury pain for Everton defender Oviedo

The Costa Rica international has spent a lot of his time at Goodison Park on the treatment table and will now miss the end of the season with a fractured metatarsal.Everton manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed Bryan Oviedo suffered a fractured metatarsal in training and will miss the remainder of the Premier League campaign.

Depay is '99.9%' certain to move to the Premier League - Arnesen

With Manchester United and Liverpool tussling for his signature after a superb season with PSV, the 21-year-old has been backed by the Dane to be a huge success in England.Memphis Depay is "99.9 per cent" certain to join a Premier League club from PSV, according to former Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen.

Llorente: Juventus can shock Real Madrid

The Spanish attacker is confident the Serie A champions can cause an upset and was delighted with his goal in the 3-2 win over Fiorentina on Wednesday.Fernando Llorente believes Juventus have what it takes to spring a surprise against Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Pogba could face Real Madrid - Allegri

The midfielder has been absent for the last month but should return to training next week ahead of the meeting with the Champions League holders.Massimiliano Allegri  has revealed Paul Pogba could return for the first leg of Juventus'  Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

Aston Villa to demand €42m for Liverpool target Christian Benteke

Brendan Rodgers is desperate to improve his struggling strikeforce by signing a proven goalscorer this summer but would have to pay a big fee for the Belgium striker.Aston Villa will demand €42 million for Liverpool target Christian Benteke this summer.

Gary Neville: Chelsea boring? Nonsense!

The former Manchester United defender says the Blues' early-season form and consistency should be admired and criticised the quality of the Premier League.Gary Neville has waded into the debate over Chelsea's playing style, branding claims that the champions-elect are boring as "absolute nonsense".

Arsenal & PSG favourites to sign Cech

Arsenal and PSG are battling it out to sign Petr Cech who is set to leave Chelsea this summer after losing his place to Thibaut Courtois

Source: Daily Mirror 

Leicester boss Pearson slams journalist: I think you're an ostrich!

The Leicester City manager reacted angrily to a question relating to the criticism and his players have faced, suggesting the reporter in question must have his head in the sand.Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson labelled a journalist an "ostrich" in a bizarre rant in his post-match press conference following Wednesday's 3-1 defeat to Chelsea.

Arbeloa: Ronaldo rage doesn't bother me

The defender says he understands his team-mate's desperation to score goals to keep pace with Lionel Messi and claims critics were too quick to write off James Rodriguez.Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa insists he was not perturbed by Cristiano Ronaldo's angry reaction to his goal against Almeria on Wednesday.

Mourinho: Every team wants to be like Chelsea

A second-half comeback saw the Blues beat Leicester City and the Portuguese was full of praise for his team, who are one victory away from championship glory.Jose Mourinho believes every team wants to be like Chelsea after they moved to within three points of the Premier League title.

Tevez's title - Juventus Scudetto stroll is all thanks to goal machine

The Argentine striker struck twice more in the Bianconeri's 3-2 victory over Fiorentina which leaves them just a point away from another league triumph

'Ribery won't return for France' - agent

The Bayern Munich ace quit international football last year and his representative has revealed that his client felt picked on during his time with Les Bleus.Franck Ribery's agent does not believe that there is any chance of the winger reversing his decision to stop playing for France.

Real Madrid have proven their strength in depth - Pepe

The defender hailed his his side's win over Almeria despite the changes to the starting line-up, while Emilio Butragueno moved to allay concerns over a transfer ban.Real Madrid defender Pepe believes his side have proven the quality they have throughout the squad following their 3-0 win over Almeria.

Leicester City 1-3 Chelsea: Title in sight for Blues thanks to second-half fightback

Marc Albrighton has given the Foxes, who were on a four-game winning streak, the lead, but goals from Didier Drogba, John Terry and Ramires mean just one more win is needed.Chelsea can win the Premier League title on Sunday after John Terry and Ramires struck late to give them a 3-1 come-from-behind victory at Leicester City.

Seeing double: Real Madrid duo try to take throw-ins at the same time

Fabio Coentrao and James Rodriguez both tried to restart the game but with different balls during the Blancos' Liga meeting with Almeria.Real Madrid fans thought that they were seeing double at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday as two of their players tried to take throw-ins at the same time.

Lewandowski & Robben injuries make Barcelona favourites - Alonso

The midfielder admits the mood in the Bayern camp "could be better" but is determined to put their damaging semi-final loss to Borussia Dortmund behind them quickly.Xabi Alonso has claimed the loss of Robert Lewandowski and Arjen Robben has made Barcelona the favourites for the Champions League semi-final.

Leicester to utilise Cambiasso's knowledge of Mourinho

The 34-year-old worked with the Chelsea boss during his time at Inter and Nigel Pearson admits they hope he will help to mastermind a shock victory.Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson admits the club will utilise Esteban Cambiasso's knowledge of Jose Mourinho as the Foxes prepare to take on Premier League leaders Chelsea on Wednesday.

Official: PSG complete permanent Aurier signing

The Cote d'Ivoire international says he wants to help take the club to the very top of the European game after agreeing a four-year contract.Paris Saint-Germain have completed the permanent signing of full-back Serge Aurier from Toulouse.

Inter will try to sign Dybala, confirms Zanetti

EXCLUSIVE: The Nerazzurri are ready to join the race for the Palermo forward, while they are confident Mauro Icardi will soon sign a new deal.Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti has admitted that the Giuseppe Meazza side are keen to sign Palermo sensation Paulo Dybala, but added that the Financial Fair Play regulations could frustrate a potential deal.

Abidal: Barcelona have never been better

The former Catalans defender lauded the club's sublime form and praised the attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.Eric Abidal believes Luis Enrique's Barcelona are even stronger than Pep Guardiola's side that conquered Spain and Europe between 2008 and 2012.

Man City must learn to win ugly like Chelsea - Clichy

The left-back admits that Manuel Pellegrini's side may need to take a leaf out of the Blues' book if they are to reclaim their English title next season.Gael Clichy thinks Manchester City must learn from Chelsea's ability to win at all costs if they want to return to the top of the Premier League.

Robben out until next season; Lewandowski diagnosed with broken jaw and nose

Pep Guardiola will be without the Dutch forward for the rest of 2014-15, while the Poland international also faces a spell on the sidelines.Bayern Munich have confirmed that Arjen Robben will be out of action for the remainder of the 2014-15 campaign after suffering a tear in his left calf muscle in the DFB Pokal semi-final match against Borussia Dortmund, while Robert Lewandowski sustained a broken nose and jaw in Tuesday’s encounter at the Allianz Arena - which ended 1-1 after 90 minutes before BVB eventually emerged victorious after penalties.

Kehl: Bayern always whine about the referee if they lose

The 35-year-old has taken a dig at the freshly crowned Bundesliga champions and cheekily advised them to practice penalties in training.Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sebastian Kehl has hit out at Bayern Munich in the wake of Tuesday's DFB-Pokal semi-final - which BVB won after penalties - and has accused the Allianz Arena side of always trying to blame the referee for any defeats.

Guarin: Inter can win every remaining match

The Nerazzurri vice-skipper aims to end 2014-15 on a high in order to qualify for European football, while Mauro Icardi dreams of being top scorer.Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin has urged his team-mates to give everything within their powers to win all remaining matches this season.

Balotelli's doing his best, says Rodgers

The striker, who has just one goal in 16 Premier League outings, again failed to impress as Hull City all but ended Liverpool's Champions League hopes on Tuesday.Brendan Rodgers has again backed underperforming Mario Balotelli to come good at Liverpool despite acknowledging his ongoing struggles.

Simeone is like Mourinho, says Paunovic

EXCLUSIVE: The Serbia Under-20 coach has hailed the successful coach's methods, while also singling out attacker Fernando Torres for special praise.Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Veljko Paunovic has voiced his admiration for Diego Simeone and believes his coaching methods are quite similar to those of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho .

Debate: Should Benzema replace Chicharito when he returns from injury?

The Mexican striker has scored three goals in two games to keep Real Madrid alive in two competitions, so does he deserve to keep his place when the Frenchman is available again?.Only recently, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was loathe to tinkering with his famous front three, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Garath Bale and Karim Benzema all guaranteed starters. But an injury to the France forward forced the Italian's hand - and Javier Hernandez hasn't looked back.

'Herrera's been great Man Utd addition' - Scholes

The Spaniard initially struggled to get into the first team but is now enjoying a superb run of form, and has been praised by the ex-England international.Paul Scholes believes Ander Herrera has proven to be the pick of Manchester United’s summer signings, and says he will only get better.

Xavi from another galaxy, says Luis Enrique

The experienced midfielder was in fine form against Getafe and the Blaugrana coach hopes he will stay at Camp Nou for another season.Luis Enrique lauded veteran midfielder Xavi in the wake of Barcelona's 6-0 win over Getafe on Tuesday.

Neuer: Bayern let Dortmund escape

The goalkeeper was unable to hide his disappointment with Tuesday's loss and feels Bayern should have decided the game over 90 minutes.Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has voiced his frustration with his side's DFB Pokal semi-final defeat to Borussia Dortmund on penalties.

Januzaj to join Everton on season-long loan

Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj will join Everton on a season-long loan this summer having barely featured for the Red Devils under Louis van Gaal

Source: The Sun

Casillas wants Arsenal move

 Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is keen on a move to Arsenal and is set to let Arsene Wenger know his intentions with Real Madrid set to move for David De Gea.

Source: The Sun

Lahm 'extremely bitter' after defeat to Dortmund

The right-back slipped and missed his penalty in the shoot-out as Jurgen Klopp's men went on to reach the DFB-Pokal final.Philipp Lahm admitted he was "extremely bitter" after Bayern Munich lost to Borussia Dortmund on penalties in the DFB-Pokal semi-final on Tuesday.

Mourinho hails Lampard legacy as Chelsea close in on title

The midfielder ended a 13-year stay at Stamford Bridge last summer, but the manager is now looking forward to building a new generation of title-winners.Jose Mourinho has hailed Frank Lampard's legacy at Chelsea as the club close in on their first Premier League title without their all-time top goalscorer.

Rodgers rues shot-shy Liverpool as Champions League hopes fade

Tuesday night's 1-0 loss at relegation-threatened Hull City leaves the Reds seven points off fourth place, while Steve Bruce insists there is still work to do at the KC Stadium.Brendan Rodgers lamented a lack of cutting edge from Liverpool after Tuesday's 1-0 loss at Hull City all but ended their Champions League qualification hopes.

Mancini: Podolski will return to Arsenal

The forward scored his first goal for Inter on Tuesday but his coach revealed he will return to the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season.Roberto Mancini has confirmed Inter will not sign Lukas Podolski on a permanent deal, with the player set to return to Arsenal in the summer.

Guardiola: I've never been so proud of my players

The coach refused to blame his players after watching them crash out of the DFB-Pokal at the semi-final stage on penalties.Pep Guardiola says Bayern Munich should not feel any shame after they lost to Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal semi-final on Tuesday.

Suarez: Barcelona in fine form for Bayern Munich clash

The Uruguay striker was elated with his side's performance and feels their current 15-game unbeaten run puts them in a good position heading into the meeting with the Bavarians.Luis Suarez has urged Barcelona to maintain their run of strong performances heading into their Champions League semi-final with Bayern Munich.

Luis Enrique: Barcelona can get even better

Despite beating Getafe 6-0 on Tuesday night, the coach feels his team can still improve on the physical and tactical side of their game.Luis Enrique believes Barcelona have the attacking power to beat any side in the world but is convinced they can still get even better after dispatching Getafe 6-0.

From endangered species to the top of the food chain - Carpi's promotion 'not by chance'

The little provincial club have ended a 100-year wait for their first appearance in Serie A, just 15 years after facing complete extinction.Carpi have secured promotion to Italy's Serie A after a 100-year wait, with their goalless draw with Bari on Tuesday ensuring the town with a population of around 70,000 will play top-flight football next season.

Robben limps off out of Bayern clash

The attacker made his first appearance in over a month when he came on in the DFB-Pokal semi final but another injury saw him replaced after just 14 minutes.Arjen Robben's injury woes look set to continue as he limped out of Bayern Munich's DFB-Pokal tie against Borussia Dortmund.

Mr Bee and Berlusconi set for Milan takeover talks

The Thai entrepreneur will meet the Rossoneri president after returning to Milan from a trip to Geneva.Bee Taechaubol will meet Silvio Berlusconi in Milan on Wednesday to thrash out a deal to buy AC Milan, a spokesperson for the Thai entrepreneur has told Goal.

Van Persie set for second Man United Under-21s game

The former Arsenal forward made his first senior appearance since February 21 against Everton and is set for the chance to further prove his fitness at Craven Cottage.Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is set to continue his recovery from injury by playing for the club's Under-21s side in their trip to Fulham.