Football news

Highlight: Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid (1-0).

2014-08-22T23:41:00.000+01:00

Mandzukic early goal secures Atletico victory over their opponent Real Madrid in SuperCopa.

Video:Arsenal 3 : Manchester City 0 (FT Highlight)

2014-08-10T18:51:00.001+01:00

Arsenal beat Manchester City to win the Community Shield.

Highlight below:

Barcelona seal Vermaelen move.

2014-08-10T14:11:00.000+01:00

Arsenal defender complete move to Barcelona.

The Belgium international, who played 150 games for Arsene Wenger’s side in five seasons, moves to the Nou Camp for a undislcosed fee, widely believed to be £15m.
"Thomas Vermaelen is now officially an FC Barcelona player,” confirmed the Spanish giants.
"A few minutes past 11:15am, the player signed a contract with the Catalan club. It is an agreement that binds him with the club for the next five seasons, until 2018/19."
“I feel very happy" Vermaelen told Barca TV. “I’m very excited to play for this beautiful club; it’s one of the best in the world.
“It’s a dream of a lot of people to play for this club, you play with the best players in the world and I'm very honoured to play with them in this team.
“I expect pressure like always; I played for Arsenal as well and it’s not different from this club, you need to win every single game, so I understand there will always be pressure to deliver a good performance.
“My first goal is to adapt as quickly as I can; it’s a different country for me, a different language as well and coaches, so I need to adapt and see how far we can go.”
The fee is undisclosed for a player who had been club captain for the Gunners for the past two seasons but was frequently on the bench last term, with Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny the first-choice pairing at centre-back.
He made only 13 starts in all competitions and 21 appearances in total for Arsenal during the campaign, which concluded with him being an unused substitute in the Gunners' FA cup final win.

Tomas Rosicky eye Premier League Title.

2014-08-09T13:05:00.000+01:00

Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky eye EPL top spot.

Rosicky says they are determined to win the title this term.
"Last season we were there for a big period of time. We didn’t make it to the end.
"We had troubles at the end. We showed last season we are there and now we have some great new players.
"I think we will be up there at least. It’s our goal to win it.”
Rosicky, who is entering his ninth season at Arsenal after arriving from Borussia Dortmund, insists he never thought of leaving as he was determined to help the club win silverware.
"It is a big club with big ambition and for me it was always worth fighting for it.
"That’s why I have been here so long.
Was I happy that we didn’t win for so long? Of course I wasn’t. I just wanted to stick around and fight for it. This is a club that is worth fighting for.”

Pepe Reina seal Bayern move.

2014-08-08T17:28:00.000+01:00

The 31-year-old arrived in Germany on Thursday to finalise a reported £2.5m switch and has signed a three-year contract with the Bundesliga champions after passing a medical.Reina moves to Bayern in search of more regular playing time, having fallen out of favour at Anfield under Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.
However, he will almost certainly play understudy to current number one, and World Cup winner, Manuel Neuer.
The Spain international enjoyed a successful eight years as the Reds’ first choice man between the sticks, having joined from Villarreal in 2005, though the favourite’s role was marginalised upon the arrival of Simon Mignolet last summer.
Reina then spent an impressive season on loan at Napoli reunited with former Reds manager Rafa Benitez who were thought to be keen to bring the Spaniard back to Italy this
summer.But reports suggest a move broke down due to wage demands, and the German giants moved quickly to snap up the unsettled stopper.
Reina won the FA Cup League Cup and UEFA Super Cup during his 394 appearances for the
Merseyside outfit, and was awarded the Premier League Golden Glove award for the third consecutive season on 2008.
Commenting on his move, he told Bayern’s official website: "I came here as I want to win as many trophies as possible."

Drogba retire from international football.

2014-08-08T16:09:00.003+01:00

Chelsea legend retire from international football.

The 36-year-old, who rejoined the Blues from Galatasaray last month,
has made 104 appearances for his country and scored 63 goals.
He won his final cap in the Ivory Coast's last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Greece at the World Cup in Brazil on June 24.
Drogba issued a statement on his personal website which read: "It is with much sadness that I have decided to retire from international
football.
"These past 12 years in the national team have been full of emotions. From my first call up to my last match I have always tried to give my best for my country.
"I am very proud to have been captain of this team for eight years and to have contributed to placing my country on the world stage of football taking part in three World Cups and two Africa Cup of Nations finals.
"I cannot convey enough thanks to the fans for all the love and support during these years. All my goals, all my caps, all our victories are for you – I love you.
"I also owe much gratitude to my team-mates – the players with whom I have shared all these emotions and I wish you all much success for the future and a very warm welcome to the new manager."

Arsene Wenger 'assures' Giroud will be fit.

2014-08-04T16:02:00.000+01:00

Wenger believes France international Olivier Giroud will be fit, following his return to training late after his world cup campaign with France.

The striker performed below expectations in Gunners 1-0 loss to Monaco.
Wenger said:"He had only three weeks rest, it was not an eternity and he had to come back quickly.
"But sometimes when you come back late you want to work hard and in a game you are not as sharp.
"He's not put weight on, he's not out of shape, he's worked very hard this week and not recovered from the work he has done".
Arsenal deep lying foward Olivier Giroud also said:"It was really hard for me physically and i didn't feel really well in the game.
"But it is ok as i have this week to work because we have to be ready for City.For pre-season preparation you have to work hard and there is less than one week to be ready".
Arsenal will need to bounce back quickly from their loss and prepare seriously for their match against Manchester City in the community shield at wembly, just six days to go.

Werder Bremen thrash Chelsea fc.

2014-08-03T22:18:00.000+01:00

Chelsea recorded their first pre-season loss, a 3-0 loss against Werder Bremen in Germany.

Eljero Elia opened the scoring from the penalty spot, after former England international John Terry handled the ball on 18 minutes.
The second goal of the game was from Ludovic Obraniak's header, as he beneffited from Chelsea poor defending and Thibaut Courtois lapse in concentration.
Half time saw little changes, as Chelsea legend Dider Drogba replaced Diego Costa but Chelsea still made little impact in the second half.
Werder Bremen Felix Kroos slotted in the third goal with a powerful freekick conceded by Nathan Ake from 12 yards.
Chelsea fc are left with two pre-season matches at hand with games against Ferencvaros and Real Sociedad.

Lukaku happy with move to Everton.

2014-08-03T21:49:00.000+01:00

Lukaku sealed his £28m move to Everton this week and the Belgium man has spoken publicly on how happy he was with the chance to work with Roberto Martinez.

He said:"For me it's easy.I just want to improve and get better year after year".
"I'm not saying Chelsea are not a good team but i needed to be in a place where it felt right.
"It almost feels that i belong here.That's why i came back.I have a very good relationship with the staffs and players.
"Roberto Martinez has been very influential.He's someone who knows football.Someone i can develop under as a player.
"I want to become one of the best and he wants to make our team one of the best teams in England".

Cristiano Ronaldo open to Manchester United move.

2014-08-02T18:49:00.001+01:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to rule out a move to his fomer club Man Utd.

The Real Madrid was questioned concerning his future ahead of Real's international champions cup friendly clash with United.
He told the Manchester Evening News:"Of course, it was one of my favourite clubs, the Manchester.
"I love Manchester, to be back, I never know, you never know, football you never know.
"I appreciate this club, for me it’s one of the best clubs in the world and I have passion for this club.
"Of course I'm happy at Real Madrid, it's my home, it's my club but Manchester treat me
unbelievable so we never know."
The Portugese star joined Madrid in 2009 for a then world record £80m.

Latest Arsenal news:Wenger plans to sign more players and Vermaelen could leave.

2014-08-01T19:29:00.000+01:00

Arsene Wenger plans to make more signings and admits that captain Thomas Vermaelen could leave the Emirates.

The Gunners boss has already splashed the cash on Debuchy, Sanchez, Ospina and Chambers, and the Arsenal manager is confident of bringing in more players.
He said:"I'm still open to do more and let's not forget we are on the first half of August today and the transfer window closes on the first of september.
"For years, it has been a long time sitting with you here on the first of August having done quite a lot so we are a bit ahead of what we usually do.The availability on the market was bigger and heavier than before".
Wenger was asked to shed more light on the future of Vermaelen, he said:"At the moment, he is here.
"It could happen.Yes, it's a posibility that he goes and if he goes we have to replace him because he is an important player in our squad.
"I expect him to stay but of course he did not play enough games last season.For me he is a very important player but i couldn't give him the games that he wanted last season so i will see".

Netherlands appoint Van Nistelrooy as assistant coach.

2014-08-01T17:05:00.001+01:00

Holland appoints former Real Madrid striker as assistant coach.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker has been named as one of Guus Hiddink's assistant coaches with the Holland team.

Netherlands also appointed Patrick Lodewijks as goalkeeping coach to replace Frans Hoek.

Pierre Van Hooijdonk, Aron Winter, Sonny Silooy and Michael Reiziger have also been appointed to various jobs with the junior teams.

Van Nistelrooy scored 35 goals in 70 internationals for his country.The fomer Real Madrid former Madrid foward will work alongside Danny Blind, who will take over from Hiddink in 2018.

Mourinho rules out Torres sale.

2014-07-31T19:32:00.001+01:00

Jose Mourinho rules out Fernando Torres sale.

Jose Mourinho has ruled out the sale of Fernando Torres.

The Chelsea manager told Sky Sports news in an interview that the Spanish striker would not be sold during this transfer window.

He said:"We have a good squad".

"The perfect squad would be with this 18 players, not 17 or 16, but rules are rules and we are working hard even here, for not to have these kind of problems in the future.

"So at the moment we have to make a decision about one player not to be on that list".

And the former Inter and Porto manager was asked whether Fernando Torres was the one player, he replied:

"No, three strikers is fundamental in a squad and we have three strikers; Fernando Torres, Dider Drogba and Diego Costa, so one of them is not for sure".

Jose Mourinho happy with squad.

2014-07-31T15:25:00.000+01:00

Jose Mourinho happy with new players.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is happy with the players at his disposal.

The blues made changes at Stamford Bridge this summer, deals for Diego Costa, Dider Drogba secured blues frontline.

It is not just Chelsea frontline changes have been made, Cesc Fabregas(midfield), and Luis Filipe (defender) were also injected into the squad.

In a statement, Mourinho said:"We have the squad we want and, i repeat, the club was fan taste in the way they worked so hard and so fast to get Diego, Filipe and Fabregas.

"We are so happy with the squad we have.We felt that the correct squad is exactly this type of squad we have, with people like Dider Drogba and John Terry, but at thesame time people like Christensen and Ake also excite fans".

Chelsea last game was the 3-1 pre-season friendly against Vitesse Arnhem, goals from Salah, Fabregas and Matic secured a win for the blues.

Everton sign Romelu Lukaku for £28m.

2014-07-30T22:24:00.000+01:00

Everton splash cash on Lukaku.

Romelu has agreed a five-year deal with Everton fc, and for a record transfer fee of £28m exceeding the £15m fee paid for Fellaini.

Lukaku said:"I am really excited about rejoining Everton.I had a fantastic experience last season and a great relationship with the manager, the chairman, the staff, the players and the fans.I can't wait to get started again and i'm looking foward to a successful season.
"I think i can improve in every aspect.My goalscoring record is good but i want to get better in every area, the 21-year old added.
Happy Martinez said:"It's a very significant day in the history of our club, signing Rom is every Evertonian's wish.
"We know that Romelu is still a young man and the potential he has is quite unique, and we are desperate to see him enjoying his football and to watch him grow as a footballer in the years to come".

EPL to adopt the use of vanishing spray.

2014-07-30T17:52:00.001+01:00

EPL to adopt the use of vanishing spray for next season.

The English Premier League would adopt the use of vanishing spray, which was used at the 2014 world cup in Brazil, this coming season.

The use of the spray by referees is to ensure defensive walls do not exceed their mark during freekick, (more than 10 yards, 9.15 metres).

In a statement Chief Executive Richard Scudamore told the EPL's official website:

"At the Premier League we are open to developments that enhance the competition and it was clear after watching the 2014 FIFA world cup in Brazil that vanishing spray benefitted referees, players and all those who watched the matches.

"Having witnessed that, and following consultation with our clubs and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, we have decided to introduce it in the Barclays Premier League and look foward to having it in place for the 2014-15 season".

Atletico sign Antoine Griezmann.

2014-07-29T16:24:00.001+01:00

Atletico Madrid finalize Griezmann move.

Atletico Madrid are believed to have signed Griezmann from Real Sociedad for a fee believed to be worth around £24 million after agreeing terms with the La Liga club on a six-year contract.

Speaking on the club official website, Atletico sporting director Jose Caminero said:

"I'm very happy that we have secured a deal for his arrival.

"Antoine was a priority for us and thankfully we've made it a reality.He is one of the best players in our League, as he demonstrated with Real Sociedad.

"He can play perfectly on the wing or behind the striker due to his speed, he can score goals, he has a great shot on him and he is a magnificent assist provider.

"His signing is a great news for our club".

The France international scored 20 goals for Real Sociedad last season.

McCarthy excited by Man Utd rumours.

2014-07-29T15:28:00.005+01:00

McCarthy flattered by United interest.

Everton midfielder James McCarthy is excited by recent rumours linking him with Manchester United.

The Ireland international enjoyed a fantastic campaign for his Premier League side Everton after joining from relegated Wigan Athletic last season.

Speaking with Everton Standard, the 23-year old said:

"If a club like Manchester United are interested, obviously you are doing a good job.

"We will see what happens".

Clubs reported to also be in the race to sign the talented midfielder are Tottenham and Arsenal fc.

"Tottenham didn't come up with the money but Everton did within the last couple of hours.

Obviously it was just one of those things with Tottenham", the highly sort-for Everton midfielder said.

McCarthy also indicated that he was happy with the performance of Everton last season.

"You would like to get into the Champions League but, thankfully, we've got the Europa league.

"People say the Europa League is not such a big thing but it was a massive achievement for everyone at the club", he added.

"Obviously we are not different from any other club.Our main aim is to get into the Champions League.We want to improve on last season and push even further".

McCarthy played 31 league games, three as a substitute and he scored a goal.

Van Gaal to take his time in transfer market.

2014-07-29T07:38:00.000+01:00

Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal will not rush to buy players.

Van Gaal insist he will take his time in transfer market.

Assessing his squad Van Gaal said:"I didn't buy players for the sake of it.I buy players to improve my selection".

"First i must see what i need in all the positions from the system we shall play and, at this moment, i don't know for sure".

In Man Utd opening two matches at their pre-season tour, Van Gaal has opted to use tactics best suited for players at his disposal, and that has worked perfectly.

Talking about the tactics he has used in his pre-season match, and with many questions on how Rooney, Mata and Van Persie can all fit into thesame United XI.

He said:"That's why i choose this system, i can play them all.But Hernandez can play also in the striker's position, so can welbeck.

"Rooney can play at No. 10 and No. 9 and he tells me he can also play at No. 11 and No. 7 but i prefer him at No. 9.

"When you look at the quality of your players, you see Rooney, Van Persie, Hernandez, Mata, Welbeck, Fellaini, Herrera, a lot of players can play this system.

"So with this system, two strikers can play, the No. 10 can play, two midfielders can play, so the specialist become the wing-back.

It might be the early days and not yet the start of the season but new manager Louis Van Gaal is beginning to impress.

Arsenal fc sign Calum Chambers.

2014-07-28T16:17:00.000+01:00

Arsenal sign Calum Chambers from Southampton.

Arsenal fc have signed Calum Chambers for a reported £12 million.

In a statement Arsene Wenger said:"He can play at centre-back, right-back and central midfield.I hope he will give us competition for players in these positions.
"He hasn't played many games but the English players on the market in England are very expensive and at the end of the day i was ready to take a gamble because he is a player for the future".
The southampton teenager Calum Chambers will join Sanchez, Debuchy and Ospina at the Emirates.

Rooney wants Man Utd captaincy post.

2014-07-26T13:08:00.001+01:00

Wayne Rooney wants to be Manchester United captain.

Man Utd attacking foward Wayne Rooney is hoping to be given the captaincy role on a more permanent basis.

In a statement, he said:"Of course i would like the captaincy but its the manager's decision who he chooses.

"I think he wants to work with the players and then choose a captain from there.

"I don't think he was ever going to just walk in and choose a player from the off.I am sure he will look at the players now and make his decision in a couple of weeks".

The England international scored twice in the 7-0 demolition of LA Galaxy.

Rooney might be a good person for the post, but other players that might compete with the attacking foward, for the captaincy post are Darren Fletcher and Robin Van Persie.

Injury set-back for Liverpool new signing Lallana.

2014-07-26T07:41:00.000+01:00

Liverpool new player Adam Lallana to miss start of EPL.

Adam Lallana look set to miss the start of the English Premier League season after suffering a knee injury in training.

A statement on Liverpool website read:"Lallana sustained a knock to his lateral collateral ligament during a training session at the Reds' Harvard University training base in Boston.

"Lallana has been assessed by Liverpool's medical staff and does not require surgery.

"No specific time frame has been placed on a return to fitness, but injuries of this nature can result in a spell anywhere up to six weeks on the sidelines.

Liverpool has just recently signed the 26-year old midfielder Adam for £25 million.

Drogba makes sensational return back to Chelsea fc.

2014-07-25T19:03:00.000+01:00

Chelsea fc brings back club legend Dider Drogba.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho have announced the re-signing of legendary striker Dider Drogba on a one-year contract.

Mourinho told the club's website:"He's coming back because he's one of the best strikers in Europe.I know his personality very well and i know if he comes back he's not protected by history or what he's done for this club previously.He is coming with the mentality to make more history.

Dider Drogba who was named Chelsea's greatest player in a poll of fans in 2012 said:

"It was an easy decision.I couldn't turn down the oppurtunity to work with Jose again.

Everyone knows the special relationship i have with this club and it has always felt like home to me.

"My desire to win is still the same and i look foward to the oppurtunity to help his team.I am excited for this next chapter in my career".
The Chelsea striker scored 157 goals in 341 games in his first spell, winning 3 premier league titles, 4 FA cups, 2 league cups, as well as the historic champions league triumph over Bayern Munich.
The Ivory Coast sensation is also not new to records, as he has scored nine goals in nine finals for the blues, 34 goals in European competition for Chelsea and the last but not the least Arsenal fc worst nightmare.

Ranieri is new Greece manager.

2014-07-25T15:22:00.000+01:00

Former Chelsea fc manager Ranieri appointed as Greece manager.

Greece have appointed former Chelsea boss as their new manager.

The former blues boss has signed a two-year deal with the Greece national team, and his main aim is to make sure his side qualifies for Euro 2016 which will take place in France.

A statement from the Greek Football Federation read:

"The Italian coach with service at many major European clubs, is expected to lead our group to new successes with Euro 2016 on the horizon".

Ranieri got sacked at his former job with Monaco, where he secured a second-placed finish in Ligue 1 in 2014, finishing the season with 80 points.The 62-year old takes over from Fernando Santos whose contract expired.

Euro 2016

Group F:

Greece

Romania

Finland

Nothern Ireland

Faroe Islands.

Cech aim to keep no.1 spot.

2014-07-25T12:51:00.001+01:00

Cech hope to keep no.1 spot despite close competition.

Chelsea fc goalkeeper Petr Cech is hoping to keep his no.1 spot at Stamford Bridge despite close challenge from Belgium sensation Thibaut Courtois.

Cech told reporters on the club's pre-season tour of Austria that:
"I always give my best.That i can do.I will do my best and i will do everything i can to be as ready as possible when the season starts.
"Jose Mourinho will make the choice how his team is going to look for the first game.Its up to us players to show that we are ready to play and make him pick us.
"I'm not different, i'm doing everything to make him pick me.I don't want to be on the bench as i said i will do everything not to be".
The blues keeper will face close competition from 22-year old Courtois who has been labelled "the best young goalkeeper in the world" by Mourinho.