United Seal Rojo Deal
By Loaning Nani
Marcos Rojo has confirmed he is heading to Manchester United
after the Red Devils agreed terms on a £15.9million plus Nani deal. United
have been locked in negotiations with Sporting Lisbon for Rojo in the last few
days, and despite rows over third party ownership, an agreement has finally
been reached. Italian reports say the deal is for United to pay £15.9million
while fringe winger Nani will return to former club Sporting on-loan until the
end of the season. The news was confirmed by Rojo who is now preparing to fly
to England to complete a medical and sign a five-year contract. “I’m living
this like a dream,” he told Argentina radio. “United are a fantastic club. I
spoke to Juan Veron about his opportunity and he gave me some advice. It wasn’t
easy to leave Sporting.” Rojo is thought to be just the first of a number of
players United are hoping to sign in the coming days, as they look to bounce
back from the opening day defeat to Swansea.
Real Madrid boss
Carlo Ancelotti admits he is not certain where Angel Di Maria’s immediate
future lies, amid increasing interest from Manchester United. The Argentine
winger has been linked with both United and French champions Paris
Saint-Germain this summer, although Laurent Blanc’s side last week admitted he
may prove too expensive for them. Reports today suggested Man United are ready
to spend whatever it takes to land Di Maria before the transfer window closes
at the end of the month. And boss Louis van Gaal will be further encouraged by
Ancelotti’s latest comments on the player’s future. “I’m not entering into the
issue Di Maria, because I’ll lose focus in the game [against Atletico on
Tuesday],” he said. “I do not know what
he has decided, just know that he is ready to play tomorrow, and until August
31 will be here in principle. If from there he stays or is no longer, we will
think about it later.”
Chilean international
and Manchester United transfer target Arturo Vidal is set to stay with current
Italian champions Juventus, according to new boss Massimiliano Allegri. The
27-year-old playmaker has been rumoured to be closing in on a move to the Red
Devils in recent weeks, yet the Old lady’s manager has played down his star’s
exit from the Bianconeri. “I don’t think he’s on the market, if that’s
what you want to know,” the former Milan tactician told Italian
publication Tuttosport. “Great players are always talked about. Big clubs
are only looking for great players, but Juventus are a great club. Obviously
Bayern or United or Real Madrid can think about him as much as they want.”
David Moyes says one
of the main reasons for his failure at Manchester United is because the
powers-that-be did not sign him players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
The Scot took over from Sir Alex Ferguson at the start of the 2013/14
season, but was relieved of his duties before the end of the campaign as the
club finished a disastrous seventh. And Moyes, speaking for the first time
since his sacking, says he was not backed during the transfer window. “It’s
been well documented that we wanted [Cesc] Fabregas, Bale and Ronaldo,” he told
the Daily Mail. “There was talk of Ronaldo when I first arrived. We were close
to getting a couple of major names. I’m not getting in a blame game here, but
things just didn’t materialise. I had taken over from the most successful
manager in history. The chief executive [Ed Woodward] had taken over from one
of the most renowned administrators in the game [David Gill]. So it was a new
job for two people.” Moyes adds that it was ‘near impossible’ to succeed
Ferguson. “It was a step into the unknown and, looking back now, it was near
enough the impossible job. But it was the right job for me.”
It seems the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s reduction of
Luis Suarez’s ban passed hundreds of Twitter users by. The Uruguayan
was initially banned for four months from all football activity, including
training and friendlies, by FIFA. But last week CAS ruled that he would be
allowed to train and play in friendlies, and that he was only banned from
competitive fixtures until the 26th October. Therefore Suarez was handed his
Barcelona debut in tonight’s 6-0 friendly win over Mexican side Leon, in which
Neymar scored two beauties. The former Liverpool man only played for 15 minutes
as a substitute but he’ll have been delighted to be back on the pitch having
not played since the fateful biting incident in the World Cup group stage back
in June. However, it seems not everybody was paying attention as ‘How is Suarez’
ended up trending worldwide.
Manchester United
manager Louis Van Gaal has admitted that he needs “better players” after their
disappointing start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 home defeat to
Swansea on Saturday. Van Gaal reflected on his dismal start as the United
boss and warned that his players need to show that they can handle the pressure
of playing at Old Trafford. “It is very disappointing for the players, the
fans, for me, my staff. When you have preparation time and you win everything
[in pre-season] and then lose your first match; that cannot be worse. It is not
good because we have built up a lot of confidence and it shall be smashed down
because of this result. But we have to know it is only one game of many games
and you shall not be the champion at this moment, you shall be the champion in
May.” Asked whether the current United squad was good enough to win the title
or whether he needed to bring in new faces, the former Netherlands manager
admitted to being short at the back. That is not a question because I knew that
before this game. Of course we need defenders. It is also the question if we
can play like a team and if we can reach the [right] level. Today, we didn’t
reach that level. When you don’t play like a team, when you miss the chances,
it is very difficult because every team shall create chances against us because
we are playing with a big space behind us. With Van Persie still working on his
fitness, after an extended post-World Cup break, the Dutch coach said the
striker could well feature in their next match against Swansea, but added that
he needed to patch up a few positions before the close of the transfer window
at the end of the month. “I thought that
before this match. When we were playing in the United States I saw the same. I
know in what positions we need better players but I won’t discuss [how many]
with you.”
Germany centre-back
Per Mertesacker has announced his retirement from international football. The
29-year-old was part of a triumphant Mannschaft side that lifted the Fifa World
Cup earlier last month, and despite his relative young age, the Arsenal
defender felt it was the right call to make as he focuses on his club career. “The
main thing for me was that I wanted to be able to decide when my international
career would end after ten years myself,” he said. “There is no
reason to fear the future. Young players will come through. Germany are in
better shape than ever before. I now want to win the Premier League title with
Arsenal and make an impact in the Champions League.” Mertesacker made his
debut for the European giants ten years ago, massing 104 appearances for the
four-time Mundial winners.
Spain international
Javi Martinez has been ruled out for the rest of the year following an injury
picked up in Bayern Munich’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund in
the German Super Cup on Wednesday night. The 25-year-old was stretchered
off on the half-hour mark after challenging opponent Marcel Schmelzer for the
ball, with later tests revealing he had torn his anterior cruciate ligament
(ACL). Initial reports reveal the
Spaniard will be out for seven months, meaning he will only likely feature for
the reigning German champions again next year.
Argentine ace Sergio
Aguero has signed a new five-year contract with current English Premier League
champions Manchester City which will see him remain at the Etihad until 2019. The
26-year-old, who joined the English club three years ago from La Liga outfit
Atletico Madrid, has been a key figure in the City line-up, scoring 75 goals in
122 appearances for the Citizens, his most memorable being the late winner two
years ago which handed the club their first League title in 44 years. “This
club is special; the fans, the stadium, the staff, the atmosphere, the new
facility we’re moving into – everything! We have enjoyed lots of success and
some incredible moments but the overall vision for the future and where we are
going are the reasons why I wanted to stay here, to win trophies and to keep
making history through my best years.” Aguero joins a host of club stars who
recently extended their contracts with the English champions, including Davis
Silva, Samir Nasri, Aleksandar Kolarov and captain Vincent Kompany.
Liverpool are
continuing to hold talks with Radamel Falcao’s agents over a big money switch
to Anfield from French club Monaco. Falcao is Liverpool’s number one
transfer target this summer as manager Brendan Rodgers looks to replace the
goals lost by Luis Suarez’s exit to Barcelona. And despite already having one
bid to land the Colombian striker knocked back, the Daily Mail says the Reds
are still hopeful of doing business. The newspaper says Liverpool remain in
touch with Falcao’s representatives and are still pushing to do business. Real
Madrid and Juventus are both offering competition to sign the player but they
would prefer a loan switch, and must trim down their squads first. Liverpool
have PSG striker Edinson Cavani and former Chelsea man Samuel Eto’o on their
list of alternatives if a deal can’t be agreed for Falcao.
Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner has completed a switch to
Bundesliga club Wolfsburg on a free transfer from Premier League side Arsenal.The
26-year-old penned a three-year deal with the German outfit, having spent a
decade at the Emirates after joining the Gunners as a teenager in 2004.
Bendtner never quite reached his maximum potential in London, enduring loan
spells at Birmingham, Juventus and Sunderland, and totalled 47 goals in 171
games under Arsene Wenger. The Bundesliga club were well-pleased with their
newest acquisition, and believe he still has the ability to help his new team
achieve success in the coming year. Bendtner will hope to be in action on the
first matchday of the new season as Wolfsburg face reigning Bundesliga
champions Bayern Munich.
Ghanaian winger
Christian Atsu has signed a season-long loan with Premier League outfit
Everton. The 22-year-old, who is currently on the books of London club
Chelsea, spent last season on loan in the Eredivisie with Vitesse Arnhem, and
after not falling into Jose Mourinho’s plans at Stamford Bridge this season,
was sent out on another loan spell, this time at Goodison Park. This will be
Atsu’s first stint in England, and the former Porto player revealed his delight
at being able finally ply his trade in the Premier League. He’s a player who
fits in with the culture and the way we want to play,” said the Spanish coach. Atsu
was part of the Black Stars squad that featured at the Fifa World Cup in Brazil
this year. He has featured for his country on 24 occasions, scoring 5 goals.
New Paris
Saint-Germain signing David Luiz believes former side Chelsea will miss him in
the upcoming season. The Brazilian defender penned a five-year, £50-million
deal with the Ligue 1 champions prior to this year’s Fifa World Cup, and
believes he will be an asset to his new side, while believing he will be sorely
missed in London. “I have to believe that Chelsea or any team will miss
me,” Luiz told The Sun. “I’m not arrogant but I’m confident in my own
abilities. Paris paid a lot for me so they obviously believe in me. It is nice
to be at a club where they really want you and where they show belief in you.” Luiz’s comments come after Chelsea boss Jose
Mourinho stated the club are stronger without the Selecao vice-captain.
Atletico Madrid
confirmed their ninth signing of the season after securing the services of
Mexican striker Raul Jimenez. The 23-year-old arrives from Club America on
a six-year deal, believed to be worth around €10 million (R141 million). Atletico
sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero was thrilled with the club’s latest
acquisition. “Jiménez is a player with tremendous projection and he will
complete our offensive line,” he told the club’s official website. “He’s very
eager to succeed in his leap to European football and his enthusiasm will make
him adapt quickly to our League. He stands out in the air game, he protects the
ball perfectly to await the arrival of his teammates and has a very powerful
shot. “He will provide us with interesting alternatives to meet our objectives
this season.” The Mexican international, who was part of the El Tri squad that
reached the Last 16 of this year’s Fifa World Cup, will most likely be used as
back-up for Mario Mandzukic, who was brought in from Bayern Munich to replace
the out-going Diego Costa, who has since joined Chelsea. The reigning La Liga
champions have flexed their financial muscles in the transfer window, bringing
in the likes of Brazilian left-back Guillherme Siqueira, French international
Antoine Griezmann and Croatian frontman Mario Mandzukic as they aim to remain
competitive alongside Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona this
season.
French winger Franck
Ribery has announced his retirement from international football. The
31-year-old made his debut in 2006, but missed out on the 2014 World Cup after
suffering a recurrence of an old back problem just before the tournament kicked
off. “I find that this is the moment,” the Bayern Munich man told Kicker. “I
want to dedicate myself more to my family and concentrate on the tasks at
Bayern, and also leave a place in the national team for the many great young
players. One has to know when to stop. I’ve seen so much; now it is time for
others to move forward. There were ups and downs, but now the time has come for
a new chapter in my life.” Ribery won 82 caps for his country, scoring 16 goals
in the process.
Former Barcelona
manager Gerardo Martino has been appointed as new coach of World Cup runners up
Argentina. The 51-year-old replaces former tactician Alejandro Sabella who
left the Albiceleste following their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Germany in the
final of this year’s World Cup in Brazil. This will be Martino’s second stint
at the helm of a national team, following his five-year tenure in charge of
South American rivals Paraguay. The Argentine was appointed as Barcelona boss
in 2013, winning 40 of his 59 games in charge, but failed to deliver any
silverware at the Camp Nou last season.
Liverpool have agreed
to sign left-back Alberto Moreno for £12m from Sevilla. The Reds have been
tracking the Spain U-21 international throughout the summer. He is the Reds
manager Brendan Rodgers’ eighth new signing. The others are: Adam Lallana,
Dejan Lovren, Rickie Lambert, Emre Can, Lazar Markovic, Javier Manquillo and
Divock Origi, with the latter returning to Lille on loan for the 2014/15
season.
CAF have announced
the disqualification of Rwanda from the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Rwanda
were in Group A along with South Africa, Nigeria and Sudan, but will now be
replaced by Congo, whom they had defeated in the second round of qualifying. Congo
had lodged a complaint over the eligibility of Birori Dady, and CAF have found
enough evidence to now disqualify Rwanda. A statement read: “The protest by
Congo contested the eligibility of the player Birori Dady aligned with Rwanda,
and plays for the AS Vita Club of Kinshasa with Congolese (DRC) passport as
Etekiama Agiti Tady, and a different age. Following investigations by CAF and
on the basis of documents provided by the federations of Rwanda, Congo and DR
Congo, and hearing the player’s testimony on 11 August 2014 at CAF headquarters
in Cairo, CAF established that the two identities only referred to a single
person. While the Rwandan Football Federation (FERWAFA) maintained that to
their knowledge the player Dady Birori had one identity, investigations
revealed that he was summoned as Etekiama Agiti Tady by FERWAFA to join the
national team of Rwanda.”