Barca Win Race To
Sign Turan
Spanish giants Barcelona have confirmed the signing of
attacking midfielder Arda Turan from rivals Atletico Madrid.The
Turkey international had already stated he would not be extending his contract
with the 2013/14 La Liga winners, as last season’s treble winners confirmed the
new addition to their star-studded squad for a reported fee of €34m, with €7m
to come by way of add-ons. “OFFICIAL- FC Barcelona announce the signing of Arda
Turan. Welcome Arda!” read a statement released by the club on Twitter. The
28-year-old has spent the last four years at Atletico, scoring 22 goals and
providing 32 assists in 177 games. Turan – who has 81 caps for Turkey – will
only be allowed to play for the Catalans as of January next year, as the
Blaugrana serve out their transfer ban.
Barcelona president
Josep Bartomeu has ruled out signing Juventus star Paul Pogba in 2015. The
treble winners had a €80 million bid for the 22-year rejected last week. “We
will not buy Pogba this year,” Bartomeu said. “We are not planning with
him for next season. He is not part of our sporting plans for 2015-16 at this
stage.” Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United are also thought to be
interested in Pogba, who is under contract in Turin until 2019. The France
international has won three consecutive league titles with Juve since his
arrival in 2012 on a free transfer from United.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is keen on a move to
Portuguese outfit FC Porto. The 34-year-old has spent 15
trophy-laden years at the Santiago Bernabeu since his first team debut in the
1999/2000 season, yet is keeping his options open with Madrid’s growing
interest in Manchester United shot-stopper David De Gea. And the agent of the
Spanish international has revealed that his client is closely considering a
move to Portuguese powerhouse Porto. “Casillas is pretty excited about the
opportunity to join Porto. We hope Real Madrid will allow him to move on and
give him an easy exit.” In just over 700 appearances for Los Blancos,
Casillas has won five La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, three
Champions Leagues crowns , two Uefa Super Cups, the Fifa Club World Cup and the
Intercontinental Cup. His contract with the Galacticos is set to expire in June
2017.
Italian giants AC
Milan have chosen not to keep Ghanaian midfielder Sully Muntari at the San Siro
next season. The 30-year-old, who has spent the last three seasons with the
Rossoneri, featured in just 17 matches in all competitions last season, and
after falling out of the team, has now parted ways with the club via mutual
consent. The well-travelled Ghanaian has featured for Milan’s Italian rivals
Inter Milan and Udinese in the past, while also playing his trade with
Portsmouth and Sunderland.
Journeyman Nicolas
Anelka has been named as the new player-manager of Indian Super League team
Mumbai City. The Frenchman, who has featured for 13 different clubs in his
career including Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Real Madrid,
will continue in India as a player while helping in a coaching role as well,
similar to what he did at Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua in 2012. The 36-year-old scored two goals for Mumbai
last season as the side could only manage a seventh-place finish in the
inaugural eight-team ISL, yet is looking forward to his new player-manager
role. The ISL will start on 3 October
this year, with the final set for 20 December.
Premier League champions Chelsea have officially announced a
one-year loan deal for Monaco striker Radamel Falcao. “Chelsea Football Club is delighted
to announce we have agreed terms with Monaco for the season-long loan of
Radamel Falcao,” read a statement on Chelsea’s official website. The Colombian
captain spent last season on loan at Manchester United, managing just four
goals in 26 appearances for the Red Devils. Falcao seems to have been brought
in as a back-up for regular forward Diego Costa following the departure of
veteran Didier Drogba, with Loic Remy another forward at Chelsea’s disposal.
The 29-year-old, who has previously turned out for River plate, Porto and
Atletico Madrid, has scored 195 goals in 322 appearances across all
competitions for his various clubs. Falcao joins former Atletico team-mates
Thibaut Courtois, Filipe Luis and Diego Costa, as well as international
colleague Juan Cuadrado at Stamford Bridge.
confirmed the signing of FC Barcelona right-back Martin Montoya on a season-long
loan, with an option for a further year. The Italian side have snapped up
another new addition to their ever-growing squad ahead of the new season. Coach
Roberto Mancini has already brought in Geoffrey Kondogbia, Miranda and Jeison
Murillo in the close-season, with Montoya now added to the list. FC Barcelona
have confirmed the move on the club’s official website, detailing that the loan
deal is for one season with an option for a further 12 months should the
Spanish international make a certain number of appearances. The 24-year-old’s
move away from the Camp Nou comes following the contract extension of Brazilian
right-back Dani Alves for a further two years, as well as the signing of Alex
Vidal from Sevilla.
AC Milan have confirmed the signing of striker Carlos Bacca
from Sevilla. The Colombian, who was also linked with Roma and
Liverpool, will complete the switch pending a successful medical in the Italian
capital. Both Milan and Europa League holders Sevilla confirmed the prospective
deal last Thursday. While neither club disclosed a transfer fee, speculative
reports suggest the Rossoneri paid €30 million for Bacca. The 28-year-old
scored 34 goals in 71 appearances for Sevillistas since his arrival from Club
Brugge in 2013.
AC Milan have been busy in the current transfer window,
securing their third major signing following the arrival of striker Luiz
Adriano from Shakhtar Donetsk. “AC Milan would like to announce the
signing of Luiz Adriano on a permanent transfer from F.C. Shakhtar Donetsk,”
read a statement on the club’s official website. “The player has signed a
contract that will tie him at the club until June 30, 2020 and he will join up
with the rest of the squad in the coming days.” Adriano’s contract in Ukraine
was set to expire at the end of the year, with the club receiving a reported €8
million for his switch to Italy. The 28-year-old Brazilian has spent the last
eight years in Ukraine, scoring 128 goals in 265 appearances as he helped his
side win six League titles, three domestic Cup competitions and the 2009/09
Europa League. Adriano has been given the number nine shirt to wear for the
Rossoneri, who are looking to rebuild following their tenth place League finish
last season. The club earlier this week confirmed the signings of Italian
midfielder Andrea Bertolacci as well as Colombian and Sevilla forward Carlos
Bacca.
Fifa president Sepp
Blatter has insisted he is not guilty of any wrong-doing, believing that he is
“going to heaven one day”. The 79-year-old stepped down as leader of
world football’s governing body last month following investigations into
various corruption allegations, yet Blatter is insistent that none of those
pertain to him. “Anybody who calls me corrupt because Fifa is corrupt, I
can only shake my head,” he said. “Everybody who says something like
that should go to jail,” he added. Blatter then revealed that he is a
religious person, using his beliefs to get him through difficult times, and
feels he is “going to heaven one day”. “My faith has given me strength
during the last week. I am a religious person and pray, too. I own a golden
cross that has been blessed by Pope Francis,” said Blatter. “I
believe I will go to heaven one day. But I believe there is no hell. I disagree
with the Pope on that.”
Serie A club Inter Milan have completed the signing of Brazil
international defender Miranda from Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid. The
30-year-old, who was part of the Brazil team that got knocked out of the Copa
America currently being played in Chile, has joined the Nerazzurri in a deal
worth a reported £10.6-million. Miranda helped Atletico win the 2013/14 La Liga
title and reach the 2014 Champions League final during four years in Spain. He
also won the Copa del Rey and the Europa League. “Miranda is another great
addition to Roberto Mancini’s squad for our new Inter,” club president
Erick Thohir, an Indonesian businessman who owns a majority stake, told the
club’s official website. “He is an experienced player who is as eager as we are
to get started on our new adventure. The new season is just around the corner
and this will be an exciting moment for us and for the fans. Forza Inter!”
Roma attacker
Gervinho has denied he requested a helicopter and a private beach as part of
his proposed move to Al-Jazira. Gervinho was rumoured to have made the
extravagant demands, but he insists there is no substance to such talk. The
Ivory Coast international told France Football: “I read of helicopters,
private beaches and plane tickets. I have no idea where that information comes
from, but I have never demanded such things. “When I sign a contract I
don’t care about those things: everything that has been said about me is
false.” Al-Jazira added: “We confirm that we stopped negotiating with
Gervinho but this was purely because of technical details and not because of
the player’s demands, as reported by some online sources.”
Meanwhile, Roma have
signed Iago Falque on a one-year loan deal from Genoa with a view to making the
move permanent. The Eternal City outfit have paid an initial fee of €1m for
the 25-year-old Spaniard which could rise to €9m. Falque netted 13 goals in 32
games in Serie A last season.
Fenerbahce have completed the signing of Nani from Manchester
United.The Turkish giants announced the deal on Monday after the winger
underwent a medical in Istanbul. The 28-year-old penned a five-year contract at
Old Trafford in 2013, but spent last season on loan at Sporting Lisbon, scoring
12 goals in 37 matches. Nani played almost 150 games for United, while he has
86 caps for Portugal.
Bayern Munich coach
Pep Guardiola has “destroyed” Mario Gotze, according to the
midfielder’s agent Volker Struth. Gotze, who scored the winner for Germany
in the 2014 World Cup Final, netted 15 goals and provided seven assists in 48
outings for the Bundesliga champions last season. Struth, however, is unhappy
with his client’s progress under Guardiola. “Guardiola has destroyed
Gotze. He feels like the coach doesn’t have faith in him and yet still he is
asked to be decisive when he gets on the pitch,” Struth told Bild. “I’m
surprised that Guardiola didn’t use Gotze in important matches like the German
Cup and Champions League semi-finals. He only plays in the easy games. I wonder
why no-one at the club has realised that and defended Mario. Bayern need a
figure like former president Uli Hoeness again.” Gotze joined the
Bavarians from Dortmund for €37 million in 2013.
Real Madrid star
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed how critics believed he was too skinny to make
the grade as a professional footballer. The Portuguese star enjoyed his
most prolific season this past campaign, netting 61 goals in 54 appearances in
all competitions for Los Blancos, yet reveals how he had to prove his doubters
wrong by putting in the extra hours in the gym. “You have to work so
hard,” the forward said in a promotional video. “I do this every day.
This is why I have been at the top level for many, many years. It’s not a
coincidence. I do so much extra work outside of the pitch. When I was younger
most people told me: ‘Cristiano, you are a very talented player but you are too
skinny.’ So I put it in my mind that my body can improve. With dedication and
hard work in the gym I improved a lot on that – at the end of the day it’s down
to the person’s mindset.” Ronaldo believes that keeping in good shape has
contributed a lot to his success, as he aims to maintain his strong build. “Athleticism
also means a huge amount – these small details make a huge difference,” he
said. “So it’s very important to do this work and it’s going really well for
me. That’s why I’m always in good shape all year round. I do that kind of work
because I have to, it’s part of me.”
Asmir Begovic is set to sign for
Chelsea this week despite late interest from Manchester United.Following the departure of Petr Cech to Arsenal
last week, the Blues needed a back-up for Thibaut Courtois and have swiftly
moved for the Bosnian. The report claims Chelsea will pay £8m for Begovic with
winger Victor Moses or striker Patrick Bamford going to the Britannia on loan.
Moses spent last season at Stoke and made 19 appearances before suffering a
hamstring injury, which ruled him out for the rest of the season. While Bamford
led the line for Middlesbrough last season, scoring 19 goals, as they reached
the Championship play-off final but missed out on promotion after losing to
Norwich. Man United’s interest stems from concerns over David De Gea, who has
been heavily linked with Real Madrid.
Former Brazil and
Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos has been appointed coach of Indian Super League
side Delhi Dynamos. The 42-year-old, who has previously managed Anzhi
Makhachkala, Sivasspor and Akhisar Belediyespor, replaces Harm van Veldhoven at
the club. Delhi finished fifth in the standings last term, with the new season
kicking off in October.
Fiji set a Pacific
Games record with a 38-0 walloping of Federated States of Micronesia on Sunday.
Atonio Tuivuna cashed in with 10 goals in the match, helping his country in
their bid to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympics. Micronesia, who lost 30-0 to Tahiti
two days earlier in the Oceania Football Confederation tournament, are
ineligible for the Olympics as they are not affiliated to the International
Olympic Committee. The biggest victory for a Fifa-recognised match is
Australia’s 31-0 thrashing of American Samoa in a qualifier for the 2002 World
Cup.
Steven Gerrard is
itching to get started at his new MLS club LA Galaxy following his official
presentation on Saturday. The former Liverpool stalwart was unveiled as
Galaxy’s new player at half-time of his side’s 4-0 League victory against
Toronto FC in front of a capacity home crowd. “I just wish I could play
tonight. The first game can’t come quick enough,” the 35-year-old said. “I’m
really looking forward to a successful future.” Gerrard went on to thank his
new teammates for helping him settle in at his club. “Already I’m starting
to feel settled and I’m looking forward to playing with the guys,” he
said. “We’ve already got a good team here, full of wonderful players – so
if I can add a little bit to that, I think the future’s going to be good.”
The English midfielder is expected to make his MLS debut in Galaxy’s California
Clasico against San Jose Earthquakes on 17 July, with his side third in the
Western Conference of the MLS League, a point behind leaders Seattle Sounders
who have played two matches more.
Nigeria have sacked
Stephen Keshi, ending the unsettled relationship between the federation and the
head coach. The 53-year-old, who only three months ago signed a two-year
contract with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), has been relieved of his
duties for “lack of commitment” after allegedly applying for the vacant Ivory
Coast head coach job. “Having thoroughly reviewed the reports/findings of
the NFF Disciplinary Committee and NFF Technical and Development Committee, as
well as having reviewed the actions and inactions of Mr. Stephen Keshi, in the
performance of his duties as Super Eagles’ head coach, which we found to lack
the required commitment to achieve the Federation’s objectives as set out in
the coach’s employment contract,” read a statement on the NFF’s official
website. “To this end, the Nigeria Football Federation has decided to exercise
its option to summarily terminate the employment contract of Mr. Stephen Keshi
with the Federation with immediate effect.” Keshi was first appointed as
Nigeria coach in 2011 before resigning two years later, but then reversed his
decision as he continued until the 2014 World Cup. He was replaced by Shaibu
Amodu in October last year, but then re-instated two weeks later, yet after
failing to take Nigeria to Afcon 2015, was replaced by interim coach Daniel
Amokachi, before being handed another chance, signing a two-year deal this
April. Following his most recent dismissal, the NFF announced that assistant coach
Salisu Yusuf will take charge until a new head coach is named.
Manchester United have agreed a fee with Torino for Italy
international right-back Matteo Darmian, according to Sky Italia sources. Talks
between the clubs have been ongoing and, after rejecting United’s first two
bids, Torino have agreed to sell their prized defender for £12.7million (€18m).
Darmian is a versatile defender who is capable of playing in either full-back
spot, though his favoured position is on the right, but also has experience at
centre-half and at 6ft tall offers a strong aerial presence. Louis van Gaal was acutely aware of United’s
vulnerability at set-pieces last season and it cost the team on more than one
occasion, including in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea in October, when 5ft 7in
Rafael was left marking Didier Drogba at a corner with costly results. Speaking
in November, van Gaal said: “In set plays, it is very difficult but that
is because of the height of the team – maybe you can advise me to buy tall
players.” United have made upgrading their right-back position a priority
this summer after Antonio Valencia – who has spent the majority of his career
in midfield – was forced to assume the role last season. Brazilian right-back
Rafael featured just 11 times for United last season after struggling with
injury and subsequently falling out of favour with van Gaal.
Robin van Persie is
set to leave Manchester United for Fenerbahce after agreeing terms with the
Turkish club, according to reports. The 31-year-old’s contributions at
United have dropped over the last two seasons, partly due to injuries, and it
now appears an exit is close. The Dutchman was understood to have only been
keen on leaving Manchester if the move was right for his family, and the UK
Guardian reports that his wife has warmed to the idea after spending the last
week in Istanbul. The two clubs are still negotiating a transfer fee and if an
agreement is reached, the striker will reportedly sign a four-year deal. Van
Persie joined the Red Devils from Arsenal for £24-million in 2012 and scored 28
goals to fire United to the Premier League title in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last
season in charge.
Galatasaray have
completed the signing of German international forward Lukas Podolski from
Arsenal on a three-year deal. The Super Lig champions will pay Arsenal just
under £1.8m up-front and then £2.1m per season for three years thereafter. The
club also has an option for a further year. Podolski decided to leave the Gunners
after falling down the pecking order at Emirates Stadium. He was warned by
Germany manager Joachim Low that he needed to find regular football before Euro
2016. The 30-year-old signed for Arsenal from Cologne in 2012 and made over 80
appearances, scoring 31 goals in all competitions. He spent the second half of
last season on loan at Inter Milan, making 17 appearances.
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have confirmed that they
have signed Brazilian midfielder, Douglas Costa, for a fee of £21 million from
Shakhtar Donetsk. The 24-year-old was part of Brazil’s
Copa America squad in Chile and has now penned a five-year deal with the
Bavarian giants. Bayern’s sporting director, Matthias Sammer, said he was
delighted that the club has signed Costa and believes he will be a good fit for
the team. “Douglas Costa will be good for our team,” said Bayern
sporting director Matthias Sammer. “He has great technical ability, a
powerful left foot, he is very agile and extremely quick.” The Brazilian
was over the moon at the unveiling and even described the move as a dream come
true. Costa scored 29 goals in 149 league games for Shakhtar, where he won five
league titles.
A video which appears
to show Copa America tournament organisers removing the Best Player award from
the stage at the final has appeared online, amid rumours that Lionel Messi
refused to accept it after his Argentina side lost 5-4 on penalties. The
footage shows the Best Player trophy being taken away from the winners’ podium
immediately after Ever Banega punted his penalty over the bar, condemning
Argentina to more tournament failure. Messi was brilliant throughout the
tournament, producing one of his best ever displays in the semi-final thrashing
against Paraguay and controlling games on his way to the final despite only
netting one goal. A similar situation unfolded at the Brazil World Cup, when
having just lost the biggest game in football after single handedly dragging
Argentina to the final, Messi was forced to parade his Golden Ball trophy next
to a beaming Manuel Neuer, who clutched the alchemised body of Thing. After that World Cup final, Messi said: “Right
now I do not care nothing, not about my prize, nothing. I just wanted to lift
the cup and bring it to Argentina. The pain is very great.” Famously
disconsolate when he loses, Messi appeared to abandon hope of winning the Copa
America the very second Banega’s penalty flew over the bar. As his teammates
followed the ball’s path into orbit, Messi turned around, head sunken, as
though he knew exactly what was about to happen. Again, he was one step ahead
of everybody else in the stadium.
Peru beat Paraguay
2-0 to claim third place at the Copa America tournament being played in Chile. Jefferson Farfan dropping to the bench was
the only change to Peru’s first team, while Paraguay made seven changes from
their semi-loss to Argentina. Andre Carrillo opened the scoring for Peru three
minutes into the second half with a volley from close range. Jose Paolo
Guerrero ensured the result for Peru in the 89th minute when he finished from
close range.
New York City FC have announced the signing of Juventus
midfielder Andrea Pirlo on a reported record-breaking $8-million annual salary.The 36-year-old will join the club on July 21 and will be available
for selection immediately joining the club’s two other Designated Players –
David Villa and Frank Lampard. Pirlo’s reported salary makes him the
highest-paid MLS player ever. “I have been wanting this experience for a long
time and now that the opportunity materialised I wanted to take it,” Pirlo told
the club’s official website. “This is a club on the rise and shares my same
hunger to achieve important results in the League. I am hoping to win. I had
several opportunities to play outside of Italy, but I never had a doubt in
picking New York for the enthusiasm of the people that come watch the team. I
met with the coach, Jason Kreis, and he gave me a fantastic impression of the
club. He has well defined ideas in mind, and I am sure we will get on well and
create a good relationship to train well and try to win together.”
Liverpool have
confirmed the appointment of Sean O’Driscoll as the club’s new assistant
manager. The former Doncaster Rovers boss has come to an agreement with The
FA to leave his role as England under-19 coach, and replaces Colin Pascoe as
Brendan Rodgers’ number two. And Rodgers is delighted to have secured the
services of such a highly-regarded coach. “I have made these appointments
because I want to take us in a new technical direction, in terms of
coaching,” he told the club’s official website. “I believe the entire
first-team set-up will benefit and I am extremely positive and excited about
what we can achieve, as a group, going forward. My admiration for Sean, as a
professional, is well documented. He is someone with a clear vision and
philosophy and has proved he has the ability to transfer that knowledge,
through his coaching, to the players. I am looking forward to working with him
and also learning from his experiences and gaining valuable knowledge from his
expertise.” Academy coach Pepijn Lijnders will also be stepping up to join
the first-team backroom staff but academy director Alex Inglethorpe, linked to
the role, has no desire to leave his current post and will remain in charge of
the club’s youth ranks. Former Liverpool assistant Pako Ayestaran and ex-Reds
defender Sami Hyypia were both candidates to replace Pascoe but were overlooked
in favour of O’Driscoll. Hyypia may be given an opportunity to return at
Anfield as a replacement for departed first-team coach Mike Marsh, but is
understood to prefer a more senior position or return to management elsewhere.