Football Lastest News

Ronaldo loses control of car

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:03:00 +0000

Cristiano Ronaldo was showing off his fancy driving skill this week - by sliding his car off the road.

The Manchester United winger, 23, found himself facing the wrong way on a roundabout, after scoring two goals against rival football team Fulham on Monday night.

The soccer playboy, originally from Madeira, Portugal, was showing off his brand new $200,000 Audi R8 - when he lost control, spinning the car 180 degrees.

A source told British newspaper The Sun: “Cristiano had a real fright. He was giving it some welly on his way home from the game, in great spirits after a brilliant performance.

“The road was a bit slippery and he ended up losing control, power-sliding around the roundabout. He did manage to turn the car safely and avoid any damage...but he’s had a proper scare.”

Cristiano Ronaldo in Roman orgy with 2 vice girls

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:45:00 +0000

Cristiano Ronaldo has been up to his old prostitute loving tricks again - by jetting off for a sleazy orgy with two Roman vice girls.

The 22-year-old winger - whose mother is battling breast cancer, sneaked off to Italy after Manchester United's FA Cup victory over Aston Villa on Sunday —and made a beeline for a seedy dive in Rome's red light district.

A strip joint insider told Britain's News of The World newspaper: "Ronaldo and a pal arranged for two girls to go to his hotel after leaving the club.

"They paid for sex with the girls then swapped over so they could bed both of them."

Only four months ago - Ronaldo - who recently dodged rape allegations, hired five prostitutes for a sex bash with Portuguese team-mate Nani, 20, and Brazilian colleague Anderson, 19, at his home outside Manchester.

Another guest who saw the soccer star arrive back at the hotel, said: "He came in a cab on his own but his pal followed later with two girls.

"One was Spanish-looking, very curvy and with long dark hair. I'd estimate the girls were up there about two hours so they must have had some fun.

"I saw Ronaldo the next day and he had a big grin on his face."

New girl friend of Ronaldo

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:21:00 +0000

Rumors are swirling that Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has started dating Italian beauty queen-turned-TV presenter Letizia Filippi, 30. Ronaldo, 23, met the striking brunette while vacationing with ex-girlfriend Nereida Gallardo in early July

According to British newspaper The Sun, Letizia -- who is seven years older than Ronaldo -- is the reason why he ended his seven-month relationship with the Spanish model.

Ronaldo and Gallardo reportedly had dinner with Letizia and her then-partner onboard a yacht, during which the Man Utd ace and his latest lover "exchanged a number of glances".

Ronaldo, who has been described as a "modern day slave" by the President of FIFA, was "totally bewitched" by Letizia and attempted to give her his number at the end of the night, which she rejected.

However Ronaldo was not put off -- he "inundated her with texts and flowers" before eventually winning her over.

Letizia lives in Rome and rose to fame in her homeland by finishing third place in the 1994 Miss Italia.

A career in TV followed and she caught the attention of Italian ski champion, Alberto Tomba, whom she dated for two years.

Meanwhile, Gallardo was yesterday said to be "furious" over Cristiano's recent womanizing.

He has been snapped getting cozy with a number of other women while holidaying in Los Angeles, much to her fury. Several reports have also claimed that at least four women have been invited back to Ronaldo's hotel room during his stay.

Gallardo last week blasted rumors she had split from Cristiano, and has also insisted she had been assured by the footballer their relationship is still on.

Nereida reportedly told a pal, "I've believed my man when he said he was being faithful - but these pictures look like he is a rat. He has some explaining to do."

A source close to the model told Britain's Daily Star newspaper, "If she texts him to ask what is going on, he texts back saying not to worry.

"But when she tries to call him he doesn't pick up the phone. She knows he's ignoring it - it just makes her more furious."

Barcelona ready for new €25m Trezeguet bid

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:31:00 +0000

Juventus hitman David Trezeguet has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona over the past couple of months, and new Coach Josep Guardiola is said to be desperate to sign the prolific marksman.

In the last few weeks the 30-year-old’s name has not been associated so strongly with the Bluagrana as it had been earlier in the summer, however this has changed in recent days.

It is believed that Guardiola has resurrected his ambitions to sign Trezeguet, and indeed the Corriere dello Sport today claims that he is ready to table an offer of €20m to €25m.

Juve have always stated that the prolific marksman, who arrived in Turin from Monaco in 2000, would be staying but their resolve will surely be put to the test should they receive such an offer.

With Trezeguet set to turn 31 later this year, and with a host of top class strikers already at the club, such as Del Piero, Amauri, Iaquinta and Giovinco, Juve may decide that the money is too good to turn down.

If Trezegol were to sign for Barca, he would hook up with old Monaco pal, and good friend Thierry Henry.

New Lionel Messi

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:25:00 +0000

Napoli and Juventus are fighting it out for the signing of Argentine prodigy Diego Buonanotte. He is widely regarded as one of the world’s best young talents, and the 20-year-old is already being labelled in many circles as the “new Lionel Messi”.

The Bianconeri were tipped off about Buonanotte some time ago by agent Nestor Sivori, who is the son of former Juve and Napoli legend Omar Sivori.

However Juventus transfer directors Alessio Secco and Jean-Claude Blanc dithered over the youngster, thus allowing Napoli to step in front of them in the queue.

The Partenopei could be ready to table a bid for the wonderkid, and are confident of succeeding due to director general Pierpaolo Marino’s contacts in South America that have already enabled him to capture both fellow Argentines Ezequiel Lavezzi and German Denis, as well as the Uruguayan Walter Gargano.

Buonanotte will be on show for Argentina at next month’s Olympic Games in Beijing, along with Lavezzi.

SCOLARI - LAMPARD RUMOURS

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:07:00 +0000

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari admits speculation over Frank Lampard's future will continue until the end of the summer transfer window.

The England international has been strongly linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

Italian giants Inter Milan have made no secret of their desire to sign the 30-year-old, with former Blues boss Jose Mourinho keen to bring Lampard to the San Siro.

Scolari is confident Lampard will start the new season with Chelsea, however it has been suggested that he may depart the club for free when his contract expires next summer.

Lampard was on target in Chelsea's 4-0 friendly triumph over Guangzhou Pharmaceutical on Wednesday, and Scolari feels his involvement in the pre-season tour of China demonstrates his commitment to the club.

"I have said before, Frank is here, he is with us training and playing very well, he is an important player for us," said Scolari.

"The speculation is normal because until 31st August there will be a lot of speculation."

Worst Injury Of My Career

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:03:00 +0000

The Frenchman suffered ruptured ligaments in his left ankle during his countries’ Euro 2008 loss to Italy this summer.

Despite fears that the injury was a lot more serious, he has undergone successful surgery but is as yet still without a concrete date for his return to action.

"It's without doubt the most serious injury I suffered in my career" he told L'Equipe.

"But it could've been even worse. That's what I feared at first, thinking my knee was injured too. I've been lucky.

"Frankly, it's impossible to say when I'll return. I'm simply hoping to start running again in September. I hope everything is going to go well" he added.

"I feel a lot better though, and in terms of morale I feel great" he said

"I'm happy to be back with my club, the directors and my team-mates. That makes me feel good. At present, I hope to get back into competition as soon as possible. But I have to be careful, as it's an injury that takes time to heal" he concluded.

Foster can be England's no 1

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:26:00 +0000

Sir Ferguson believes Foster can go and become England's goalkeeper now he has fully recovered from a knee operation.

Foster returned to the team ahead of schedule in March against Derby following surgery, and was impressive in the 1-0 friendly win over Orlando Pirates in South Africa on Tuesday night.

He is now expected to challenge Edwin van der Sar for the jersey in the coming season.

Ferguson said: "I still believe Ben will be England's goalkeeper for the next few years.

"We did not expect him to get fit so quickly last season and I did not include him in our European squad.

"When I saw his performance against Derby there was maybe some regret on my part.

"The ability he has he is going to be challenging for a first team place next season. That can only be good news for England.

"With an experienced goalkeeper like David James coming back in the squad it tells you there is an opportunity for someone like Ben."

Ferguson confirmed that Van der Sar would be his number one next season.

"It will be difficult for Ben only because he is in competition with one of the best goalkeepers of all time," said the United boss.

"Edwin is a man of great experience and consistency and has looked after himself so well.

"He can play until he is 40. Ben is 24, so can play for the next 14 to 15 years. There is no need for the boy to panic. His time will come."

Ferguson was pleased with the way his side applied themselves against physical opponents.

He said: "I thought we played well in the first 25 minutes but it sometimes happens to young players, they lose their concentration.

"In the second half when Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes came on we started to get our composure back a little bit.

"But the Pirates played with fantastic aggression. They had speed up front, which caused us bother at times. We were a bit lucky we did not lose a goal."

Chelsea start with Victory

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:14:00 +0000

Luiz Felipe Scolari's Chelsea reign began with a comfortable 4-0 win over Guangzhou Pharmaceutical as Salomon Kalou, Frank Lampard, Argentinian teenager Franco Di Santo and Shaun Wright-Phillips scored to secure their victory over the Chinese Super League side.

The Blues dominated the opener of their five-game pre-season tour of Asia and Russia at Guangzhou Olympic Stadium, with the only concern for Scolari seeing summer signing Jose Bosingwa substituted after 20 minutes with a slight thigh injury after a brief but impressive debut at right-back.

Scolari fielded a strong side from the start, with Deco making his debut in midfield alongside Lampard, who played the entire game, with Joe Cole and Andriy Shevchenko not included in the squad due to minor injuries.

the best position for Rooney

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:55:00 +0000

The location of Rooney's best position is still open to debate, not least because he has rarely occupied the same role for Manchester United for a sustained period. Last season, in order to accommodate Cristiano Ronaldo as a centre-forward, Rooney even found himself being asked to operate as a backtracking left winger.

"We need to define his role better," conceded Ferguson said. "And I think I have to take a bit of responsibility for that.

"I think he sacrificed himself for the team, which says a lot about the lad because he never complained. We've played him wide and in other positions. He will score goals...but we kept using him in different positions. In the European Cup final, when Chelsea got control in the second half, we had to stem that and play three midfielders, and once we did that we controlled the game again.

"He will score goals. He scored a couple against Aston Villa after not scoring for seven or eight games and I thought that would have catapulted him into a good run, but we kept using him in different positions - he would play centre-half if you asked him to. I think his best position is through the middle, either a front role or tucking in just behind. He is aggressive, has got two good feet, good pace, has the courage to go into the box. There's no reason he can't get a good supply of goals."

Ferguson's remarks could be interpreted as a calculated ploy to mollify Rooney whose volatile temperament has come under scrutiny again during United's pre-season tour of South Africa. The England forward has also had to face fresh criticism over his lifestyle after he was outed by newspapers as a smoker.

To date, Rooney has never scored more than 16 league goals in a season, a modest tally that Ferguson believes will be bettered once he enjoys the company of an experienced centre-forward alongside him.

"He may have benefited by having someone with more experience alongside him," said Ferguson. "That always happens with young strikers. At 22, he was never going to be the finished article. We signed him for his potential, which is why we paid £26 million for him. In a few years' time, we will be saying that is really brilliant business."

New Buffon from Sampdoria

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:46:00 +0000

The 18-year-old Fiorillo is regarded by many as the most promising young goalkeeper that Italy have produced since Gianluigi Buffon, and his style has led to him acquiring the label as the ‘new Buffon’.

Fiorillo, who made his Serie A debut for Sampdoria at the age of just 17, is currently earning rave reviews for the Italy Under-19 side in the European Championships in the Czech Republic, where his fine displays have helped lead Italy into the semi finals.

These performances have not passed unnoticed, and Tuttosport claims that Juventus have sent scouts to the Euros to watch Fiorillo and his Sampdoria team-mate Andrea Poli, who has also impressed during the tournament.

Both Fiorillo and Poli were part of the talented Sampdoria youth side who won the Primavera Cup last season, the first in the club’s history.

Fiorillo was particularly a protagonist in the final win against Atalanta, saving two penalties in the victorious shootout.

Mafia tried to buy Lazio

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:27:00 +0000

ROME - A notorious Italian organized crime gang tried to buy soccer club Lazio through third parties using funds gained from violence and intimidation, authorities said on Tuesday.

The plan by the Casalesi clan of the Camorra, the Naples version of the mafia, came to light as police in Rome served arrest warrants to 10 people including former Lazio player and president Giorgio Chinaglia.

In 2006, Lazio president Claudio Lotito was given police protection after receiving threats from "ultra" fans who were allegedly trying to intimidate him into selling to a consortium led by Chinaglia.

Chinaglia was charged with market-rigging linked to his bid and had since been a fugitive in the United States. Allegations that the mafia were behind his bid have only now been revealed.

"He had a significant role because he was used as an external point of reference for the attempted acquisition," a source close to the investigation, codenamed "Broken Wings," told Reuters.

Besides his playing career in Europe, Chinaglia starred in the defunct North American Soccer League for the New York Cosmos from 1976 to 1983, leading the circuit in scoring in 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1982. and helping lead the Cosmos to league titles in 1977, 1978, 1980 and 1982.

Chinaglia said at the time of the bid that he represented Hungarian pharmaceuticals group Richter Gedeon. The company denied any interest.

Lazio, who won the second of their two Italian titles in 2000, are stretched financially and finished 12th in Serie A last season. They are not expected to challenge the top sides this term.

Fergie content with squad

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:07:00 +0000

Sir Alex Ferguson has suggested he would be happy to start the new season with his current Manchester United squad despite being hot on the trail of Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Ferguson is thought to have tabled a £20million offer for Berbatov, but the veteran Scot has hinted that a failure to land the Bulgaria striker would not be a devastating blow ahead of the new season.

Last summer United spent around £50million adding the likes of Owen Hargreaves, Carlos Tevez, Nani and Anderson to the Old Trafford squad.

"We did a lot of stocking up last summer and bought players who were at the right ages," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"That was part of a policy we developed two years ago - to bring in young players. We're delighted with how that's gone and we think they can progress even further.

"If you take the squad I had in Moscow for the Champions League final, I had 23 players and those 23 players will still be there.

"It's a strong squad so we're happy with it at the moment. Obviously we always try to improve but it can be difficult to get the right kind of players.

"There are always reasons why clubs don't want to sell, just like we don't want to sell our best players, so that makes things a little difficult.

"But I'm very happy with the squad I have."

RAUL REFUTES FERGIE`S RON CLAIMS

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:53:00 +0000

Real Madrid captain Raul has hit back at Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Cristiano Ronaldo would be making a big mistake if he joined the Spanish champions.

Real have made no secret of their desire to sign the Portugal star, who has repeatedly fanned the flames by refusing to commit to United and admitting a move to the Bernabeu is his dream.

Ferguson remains confident Ronaldo will be at Old Trafford next season and on Monday went so far as to claim the winger would be risking his career by moving to Real.

However, in a press conference on Tuesday, Raul retorted: "Madrid is the best thing that could happen to anyone.

"I have been here 14 years and I would not change it for anything."

The former Spain international also dismissed suggestions there would be dressing room unrest if Ronaldo joined on a lucrative deal.

"Any club would like to have Ronaldo. He's one of the best, one of the most tricky players in the world of football," said Raul.

"I think the good atmosphere would continue regardless of who comes in or what they earn. That unity can't be broken."

Ronaldo Not for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:45:00 +0000

Real are refusing to give up on their pursuit of the Portuguese star with club president Ramon Calderon determined to lure him to El Santiago Bernabeu.

Ronaldo's future has been dominating the headlines all summer with the player refusing to rule out a move away from Old Trafford.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Ronaldo off making a move to Madrid saying it would be a mistake and now Gill says United have told the Spanish titans they have no plans to sell the skilful attacker.

"We made it clear to them [Real Madrid] from day one we wouldn't welcome a bid, it wouldn't be accepted and therefore I don't think there is not much point in putting one in," Gill told Sky Sports News.

"That's where we are at with the situation.

"Obviously there has been lots of paper talk and a lot of coverage in the media about it and we understand that.

"But the reality of it is we have been very firm from day one. Straight after the Champions League final, if you wind back the clock to say Cristiano is a great player, a great asset of Manchester United, he is on a long-term contract with Manchester United and hence we will keep him at the club."

We Need You Drogba

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:19:00 +0000

Essien has just put pen-to-paper on a new five-year contract at Stamford Bridge and is hoping that his fellow African will prove his commitment to the club as well.

"Hopefully things will work out for Didier because we need him to stay," said the Ghana star.

"If he can make up his mind it will be good for us. He knows what he wants so it is up to him."

The latest speculation concerning Drogba's future is less than encouraging from a Blues' perspective, however, as the Ivorian hit-man is keen to try one last new challenge in his career and is now looking an increasingly good bet to join Barcelona.

Essien, 25, at one point was tipped to follow Jose Mourinho to Inter, but he has now effectively put those rumours to bed by enthusiastically committing to a long-term deal.

"I am really pleased to sign a new contract with Chelsea," boomed the Bison.

"I came here to stay longer, I like the team and I love the fans and I think we have got a great squad. I did not consider any other options, I love playing for Chelsea."

"We have one of the best coaches in the world," he added over the freshly appointed Luiz Felipe Scolari. "He has a different way of working so hopefully things will work for us."

Essien originally signed for Chelsea in 2005 from Lyon, and at that point his £24m transfer made him Africa’s most expensive player ahead of Drogba.

Milan is not just Ronaldinho-Kaka-Pato

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:51:00 +0000

An all Brazilian front line consisting of Ronaldinho, Kaka, and Pato is enough to send shivers to even the most resolute of Italian defenders. However, the Rossoneri are having to ward off interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea, in order to keep Kaka in Italy. Ronaldinho, the clubs new number 80, is also playing his part.

Channel4.com quote the former number 10 as saying: "I hope Kaka will stay at Milan for as long as possible, because we are going to have great fun together."

On playing in a team consisting of some of his fellow countrymen, he said: "Milan is not just Ronaldinho-Kaka-Pato, but a whole team, so it is not right to just focus on us."

A statement published on Milan's official website reminded Barcelona fans of Ronaldinho's gratitude to them: "Football is a game, a party, a sport to enjoy. You have to play football with a smile. Thank you for having smiled with me."

Fergie's Bad Desicion

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Unwilling to open old wounds, Ferguson said of allowing Stam's departure: "I sold Jaap to Lazio because of the money that the club could earn. His sudden departure had nothing to do with the publishing of his book.

"As manager I must look after the club's money. Lazio offered a lot of money and I gave into to that - I regret it.

"It was a huge blunder of mine - I don't make them often. Jaap was extremely popular with the fans, but every manager makes a bad decision at some time."

Stam started his career with DOS Kampen, before moving through the ranks in his homeland and winning a PSV switch. After United, he had mixed success, hampered by injuries and illegal steroid use, during stints with Lazio, Milan and Ajax. He retired in the later part of last year.

Paying tribute, Ferguson continued: "I admired in Jaap's game his speed, his enormous power and he had an exceptional sharp tackle. He also had a great mentality.

"He was always focused and he never slacked, even during training. Others could take an example from that. In one-on-one situations he was the best in the world; I have never worked with a better defender than Jaap Stam."

Germany is host World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:59:00 +0000

The DFB have moved quickly to refute a report in the Daily Telegraph which claims that Uefa have asked the Germans to step in and host the 2012 European Championships as co-hosts with Poland.

The proposed stadium upgrade s in the Ukraine are well behind schedule and the Telegraph claim that Germans, who hosted the World Cup in 2006 have been called upon to help out.

"We are not getting involved in any imaginary games or speculation about the 2012 European Championship" DFB president Theo Zwanziger told Bild.

"Should there be any difficulties, then UEFA president Michel Platini will make suggestions."

The Germans have also recently been linked with taking over the 2010 World Cup from South Africa. These reports have also been strenuously denied by the DFB.

Robinho close to Chelsea

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:51:00 +0000

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has made no secret of the fact that the Stamford Bridge men are in a buying mood this summer. Nor has he made any secret of the Blues' willingness to consider 24-year-old Brazil ace Robinho.

Now, though, Kenyon is determined to turn up the transfer heat on Real Madrid, for a change, and has candidly expressed his desire to strike a deal that would see the attack-minded man swap Blancos for Blues.

Despite Robinho telling Marca this week that he wants "to continue at Real Madrid for a long time," Kenyon is seemingly determined to further unsettle the player, who is already miffed by Los Merengues refusal to let him go to the Olympics.

Kenyon told Chelsea TV: "I think as far as Robinho is concerned it is quite right he has been one of our targets.

"We have had several conversations with Madrid and he is a player we think that would add a great deal to Chelsea.

"We have got a fantastic squad and that has been strengthened with [José] Bosingwa and Deco. I think the [Luiz Felipe Scolari] is just looking for one more to complete what he thinks is the perfect squad.

"There is still a long way to go on that one, but we are very, very interested and the clubs are in dialogue."

Barça Ready €25m For Drogba

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:47:00 +0000

Barcelona will have to pay €25m if they are to prise Didier Drogba away from Chelsea.

Chelsea have been reluctant to sell, but Drogba is keen to try one last new challenge in his career and sees a stint at Barcelona as the perfect move.

While Luis Felipe Scolari has said publicly that he wants the player to stay, it is believed that if a suitable replacement can be found then he will agree to the transfer.

Drogba has wanted to move away from Stamford Bridge since José Mourinho's departure last season and has already agreed that he woujld sign a three-year deal at Camp Nou.

Money is not an issue because the London outfit would be able to top what is on offer at Barcelona and it is simply a question of ambition at this stage in his career.

After turning 30, Drogba wants to taste life in either the Spanish or Italian leagues and Pep Guardiola's interest has swayed him towards a move to la Primera.

Barça's interest could well see Mourinho move to make a bid for his former goalscorer, but he is still keen on prising Frank Lampard away and knows that talks over another Blues player could jeopardise that.

Now Drogba is believed to want to wrap up a deal quickly in order to avoid the saga becoming tiresome and will use his absence from Chelsea's tour of the Far East to leave the club.

Didier Drogba absence from the trip

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:55:00 +0000

CHELSEA have left for their pre-season tour of Asia without striker Didier Drogba.

The 30-year-old, who scored eight times in the Barclays Premier League last season, has been linked with a transfer away from Stamford Bridge this summer although the Blues claim his absence from the trip is due to the need to recover from a knee injury.

Drogba's omission seems certain to raise further questions about his future, however, with a virtually full-strength squad travelling to play games in China and Malaysia before returning to Europe for the Railways Cup in Moscow.

Another player rumoured to be on his way from the Londoners, Inter Milan target Frank Lampard, is included in the party.

New boys Deco and Jose Bosingwa are in Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad, while Michael Ballack will link up with them in China after finishing a post-Euro 2008 holiday.

Scolari will take charge of his first match as Chelsea manager on Wednesday against Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals.

"The players are not ready yet totally, but we are starting to build a new team and a new philosophy," the Brazilian told www.chelseafc.com.

"This is just the beginning, and I expect after these five games that I will have a general idea about all the players and a system."

Meanwhile, Italy coach Marcello Lippi says he wants his players to copy the selfless style of Manchester United's England forward Wayne Rooney. "What counts more than the formation is the philosophy, the desire of great players to put themselves at the service of the team when the opposition have the ball. Like Rooney does at Manchester," Lippi told yesteday's Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 2006 World Cup-winning coach, who returned to the Azzurri dugout in place of Roberto Donadoni after Italy's unsuccessful Euro 2008 campaign – they lost to eventual champions Spain in the quarter-finals – said self-belief will be crucial if his side are to triumph again in South Africa in two years' time.

"The first time there is the metaphor of the great hunger. Now we have to find new motivation," he said.

"The team must feel strong. The important thing is that self-confidence does not become presumption, but there's no risk of that."

Cristiano Ronaldo will not receive a pay rise

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:42:00 +0000

MANCHESTER United chief executive David Gill is adamant that Cristiano Ronaldo will not receive a pay rise.

The 23-year-old is recovering from an ankle operation which will keep him out of action for three months, but Sir Alex Ferguson has already told the Portugal forward he will not be sold to Real Madrid after a very public transfer saga since the end of the last season.

When asked if Ronaldo would be offered a new contract, Gill said: "No. He only entered into the previous contract 18 months before and in terms of where he's at in our wage hierarchy he's doing pretty well."

When asked if the player's behaviour was partly to get a higher salary from United, Gill said: "Possibly, but not necessarily, and if the figures bandied around that Real Madrid are talking about are true, we wouldn't go anywhere near that. That would be lunacy."

Instead, Gill called on the player to show "commitment and loyalty".

He added: "The player is under contract so the strength and the rights are with Manchester United.

"I think we've been pretty clear all along that Ronaldo has got a contract until 2012. He's a valuable member of the team and that's the situation.

"Obviously there's some issues there, but that's for Alex and is why Alex had the meeting (at the end of last week], to discuss things and put our point of view.

"I'm sure Cristiano put his point of view and hopefully we can move forward.

"All we were doing, effectively, is saying we clearly have a player who is one of the best in the world. He entered into a new contract, his third with us, only 18 months after his previous one.

"With that, we believe, go some responsibilities and obligations. There was an increased salary and we clearly feel there has to be some commitment and loyalty and he can't just say, 'I've entered into it, but I'll leave a year down the line', especially after the season we've just had.

"It's a two-way street and contracts are entered into with a view to getting that kind of commitment."

The player himself did nothing at the weekend to clear up the issue of his future, refusing to confirm Ferguson's claim that he will remain at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo is on holiday in America as he recovers from ankle surgery, and claims he has still to make a firm decision on his future.

"I've had hundreds of questions about Manchester United and Real Madrid," he told ESPN. "What do you want me to say? That I'm going or I'm staying?

"I don't know about the future, only God knows it. I can't say any more.

"Great players are always hounded by great clubs. It's a normal situation. I have always been hounded, not only this year. It's not strange for me, to see what happens."

Ronaldo, who will be out for three months with his ankle injury, claims that any decision on his future will not be based on money. "I want to be happy regardless of where I play," he added. "I can be happy everywhere, if I am with people I like, if I am animated, motivated.

"Am I motivated to continue at United? I am always motivated. I am ambitious and I want to always improve. I don't know the future, but I will be motivated."

Meanwhile, Ferguson is keen for Rio Ferdinand to play some part in the Vodacom Challenge match against Orlando Pirates tomorrow.

The squad head off to Durban today to prepare for the game following the 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs at Newlands Stadium, where Chris Eagles grabbed the equaliser. Ferdinand was named in the team after sitting out the 2-0 friendly victory against Aberdeen the previous week.

However the England defender suffered a back spasm just before kick-off and was not risked, with Wes Brown taking his place. Ferguson is hoping Ferdinand will recover in time for the second game of the tournament.

"I will make some changes for the next match because we have to give everyone some minutes on the clock, Rio Ferdinand in particular," said Ferguson. "He missed the game at Aberdeen and is behind schedule in terms of games.

"But I would like to think he will be fit to take part on Tuesday."

Sacked for being too fat

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:25:00 +0000

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC have sacked high-earning midfielder Michael Keane for being too overweight.

The 25-year-old, who takes home a weekly wage in excess of €3,000, was summoned to Richmond Park on Thursday and informed that he was being let go as he had failed to adhere to an ultimatum set down earlier this year regarding his physical condition. Keane is now set to appeal the decision, with the matter destined to go through the Eircom League's legal channels. If successful in fighting his case, Keane will look for the Saints to pay out the remaining 18 months of his contract, which would amount to more than €200,000.

However, the Saints sought legal advice before expelling Keane and are confident that he is in breach of a clause in his contract regarding a player's physical fitness.

As a teenager, Keane was tipped for big things after breaking into the first team at Preston North End. Alas, he did not follow through on that early promise and returned to Ireland after stints with Hull, Grimsby and Rotherham.

He was a regular in the Saints side last season after his arrival in July despite concerns about his size, but this year Keane has been out of favour with manager Johnny McDonnell, making just two appearances as a substitute in the league.

Keane received a letter from the club earlier this year instructing him to lose weight and was given a target to aim towards. Failing to meet that goal was the reason offered for his dismissal. In his defence, the player will argue that he hasn't missed a training session during his time with the club. Should the Saints survive any appeal decision by Keane then it could prove to be a landmark case. The PFAI fear that other clubs would use it as a reference point for removing players from their wage bill.

Defender David Partridge is also on his way out of Richmond Park, with his situation complicated by the fact that he is sidelined for the next three months with an arm injury sustained in an off-the-field incident.

Ronaldo's Staying

noreply@blogger.com (honestkr) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:19:00 +0000

“The future is that he signed a five year contract with the team last year and he has four years left. That’s definite, I’ve seen his signature,” said Ferguson.

“After the Champions League final Ronaldo was the happiest boy in the world. I think he knows where the best club is to be, and that is Manchester United.

“I honestly believe that going to Real Madrid would be the worst thing he could do. He’s 23 years old and is at a fantastic club.”

Ferguson surely about Ronaldo's staying.