Ibra who ?

Real Madrid line up Hazard as Ronaldo replacement

Madrid could try to sign the Belgian next summer, with Ronaldo potentially on the way out of the Bernabeu

In a sensational move, Eden Hazard is being lined up as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, according to reports today. The future of the Portuguese international has recently been up in the air, with the player thought to have fallen out with club executives.

It means that the ex-Man United man could be set to quit the Bernabeu at the end of the season and it has lead to Real reportedly drawing up a list of replacements, with Eden Hazard top of that list. Any move is currently unlikely but if Ronaldo does indeed end up forcing a move away next year, then Madrid will move to sign the Belgian.

If these two deals are done, they will most certainly be mega-money moves. The Blues themselves would likely demand at least £60m for Hazard, with Jose Mourinho determined not to lose any key players. As for Ronaldo, a move would be worth even more and could break the current world-record transfer fee if he was to leave.

It was former team-mate Angel Di Maria who cast the winger’s future into doubt, as he said this about the Poruguese man: “I don’t know how much longer Ronaldo can put up with it at Madrid.

“I get the impression that he is not very happy.”

Chelsea would more than happily sign Ronaldo and could potentially offer Hazard in some kind of swap deal, but if Ronaldo was to return to the Prem, he would much prefer a move to old club Man United. The player himself said this last week about the Red Devils: “I love Manchester. Everyone knows that. Manchester is in my heart. I left many good friends there.

“The supporters are amazing and I wish I can come back one day.”

Only time will tell if Ronaldo does make a move away from Spain and whether Hazard makes the move to the Bernabeu or not.

‘Hazard can be the new Zidane’, says Mourinho

Chelsea boss backs Belgium to become one of the world’s best

Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, has backed midfielder, Eden Hazard, to go on to become the next Zinedine Zidane.
The Belgium international is all set to sign a new lucrative five year deal at Stamford Bridge, worth roughly £200k-a-week, and Mourinho has continued to heap praise on the 23-year-old by suggesting he could become the new Zidane, who is classed as one of the best midfielders ever.
Hazard, who was scouted by Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid over the Summer, wants to make it aware he is committed to Chelsea, and that is why he will sign a new deal keeping him at the club until 2019, and Mourinho is hopeful that he can continue to progress and develop at the club.
“Can he be another Zinedine Zidane? The first point to compare is the size!” Hazard is a diminutive 5ft 8ins, while Zidane was a solid 6ft 1ins.
“To have that ambition is good. I like that,” Mourinho added. “I don’t care about shirts and numbers. The players decide, they ask, they change.
“Eden means a lot to us because he’s a fantastic player. We are seeing day by day his motivation to work hard and improve.
“We have big hopes that he will go from the top talent he is at this moment to one of the greats of his generation. His talent will allow that.
“He is a player we want to keep. It’s true Chelsea are trying to have an agreement with him over a new contract, and that he wants to stay. It’s a question of time.”

Real Madrid preparing Strootman bid

The Spanish giants are plotting a £30m bid for the Man United target in January

 

 

Man United will now have to fight off interest from Real Madrid to sign Kevin Strootman. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Spanish giants are preparing to make a big offer for the Roma man in January to end the Red Devil’s hopes of signing him themselves.
The fee that is on the table is rumoured to be £30m, which is quite a large fee considering that Strootman is still recovering after suffering a knee injury. However, if United were to offer the same fee, they would have the upper hand in negotiations, as the 24-year old has played under Louis Van Gaal for the Dutch national team before.
Plus, many are wondering WHY Madrid are prepared to make this offer for the midfielder, when they have Sami Khedira, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos all capable of playing in Strootman’s position. Either way, if the Spanish reports are true, then the Red Devils are going to have to think about making a reasonable offer for the Holland man before Madrid do.

Liverpool offers £42,5M for STRIKER

Liverpool keeping tabs on Benzema

The Reds remain keen on French hitman despite contract renewal

Liverpool are monitoring Real Madrid star Karim Benzema’s situation at the club despite renewing his contract until 2019.
The French forward has comitted his future to the Spanish Giants, but has recieved heavy criticism in the past few months for his failure to score in many games.
The 26 year-old suffered a dip in form at the end of last season and appears to have carried it through to this La Liga season and could be asked to move on once the transfer window reopens in January.
Liverpool were strongly linked with Benzema during the summer window but talk of a switch to Anfield was played down as the striker penned a new deal until 2019 at Madrid.
It is understood that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has not given up hope of signing the striker and will attempt to land the former Lyon player in the future.

'My future is at Madrid' - Cristiano Ronaldo dismisses Manchester United rumours

Ronaldo has openly spoken about his desire to return to Old Trafford in the future, and Goal understands he wants to surpass Raul's mark of 323 goals for Madrid before heading back to the club where he made his name.

Talk of a transfer at the end of the current season has intensified in recent weeks after the Portuguese made his feelings known over the sales of Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso, but he insists he is paying no attention to the growing rumours.

"It's all speculation, speaking about my future … My future is Madrid. I'm happy," he told reporters.

"The season is going well and I'm not talking about my future, it doesn't make sense."

Ronaldo scored four goals for Madrid in their 5-1 victory over Elche on Tuesday night, three days after netting a hat-trick in an 8-2 win against Deportivo.

The 29-year-old has already scored nine La Liga goals in just five appearances so far this season, though Madrid are fourth in the table, three points behind leaders Barcelona have played one game more.

Real Madrid VS Elche 5-1

Kroos exposed: Real Madrid will suffer without midfield protection

When Real Madrid paid Bayern Munich an undisclosed fee in the region of €25-30 million for the services of Toni Kroos, the transfer was almost unanimously hailed as one of the best deals of the summer.
And understandably so. After all, in an inflated market which saw unproven upstarts like Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera and Eliaquim Mangala move for much bigger prices, Kroos represented outstanding value – regardless of the fact he had just 12 months to run on his Bayern contract.
This is a player who was instrumental in Germany’s World Cup success and by the age of 24 has already won over 50 caps, as well as 12 club trophies with Bayern – including three Bundesliga crowns and the Champions League.
"Congratulations, you have signed the best player from the World Cup," was the verdict of Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
Technically and creatively, Kroos is a top class footballer. He dictates and directs the play, sets the rhythm for his team and has a range of passing comparable to almost anyone. Aesthetically, he seems perfect for Real Madrid - this most mythical of clubs that prides itself on artists who capture the imagination. In the opening two rounds of the Liga campaign, Kroos has the joint-most assists and only three players have created more goalscoring chances – one of them Lionel Messi.
However, statistics are often misleading and there have already been some serious tactical warning signs this season that Madrid (and Germany) must not ignore if Kroos is to truly flourish in the Spanish capital.
Germany’s exertions over the last week have shown that in a double pivot Kroos is a liability unless he is protected by a top-class holding midfielder. He is too slow and lacks the physical and mental qualities to be the primary provider of defensive cover. Germany were torn apart in the 4-2 friendly loss against Argentina when Kroos was partnered by Christoph Kramer at the base of the midfield. Time and time again, the South Americans burst through the space that Kroos and Kramer were supposed to be occupying. Ex-Madridista Angel Di Maria was particularly devastating.
Four days later when Germany registered a fortuitous 2-1 win in their first Euro 2016 qualifier in Dortmund, the duo experienced similar problems as they were overrun in the second half by Scotland’s attacking midfielders. In transitional phases and when the game is too open, Kroos needs expert help – and Kramer clearly doesn’t fit that description right now.
"Kroos has incredible skills and has some mouthwatering actions each game. But he then loses the ball, walks on and is found missing in defence," Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Bayern, Hermann Gerland, once remarked.

Marco Reus: deal between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund

• The signing could be next summer

• Reus and Borussia have rejected offers

Marco Reus could be the next signing of Real Madrid. The club and Borussia Dortmund have a verbal agreement whereby the german company is committed to talk to Real when they decided to consider offers for his international player, as has said the spanish journal ‘El Confidencial’.

According to this information, Borussia Dortmund has decided not to sell Reus in this season because they see him as the leader of the team, but Real Madrid knows that the forward will probably be interested to leave next summer, and that´s why they have been interested in him and so they told Borussia.

Reus is one of the best ofensive players in Europe, and Manchester or Barcelona have also been interested in him. Even so, Real Madrid would be quiet due to treatment that they have made with the german club.

UCL 2014-15

5 managers who face the sack if they don't win silverware this season

1 Jose Mourinho (Chelsea)

 

 

Chelsea have had 9 different managers during the reign of Roman Abramovich. That’s 10 managers at the rate of a one manager per season. Surprisingly that’s also the average career span of a Premier League manager. So can you still say Abramovich is too harsh? That’s a discussion for another day.
Roman Abramovich has done it before and he won’t shy away from doing it again. Jose Mourinho might have a god-like stature amongst the Chelsea faithful, but for Abramovich, it’s the end result that matters. Mourinho has already had his trial-run last season. This season it’s time to bring the trophies home.
Even Ancelotti couldn’t survive the “Wrath of Roman”; getting the sack after finishing runners-up in 2011 (and winning the FA Cup), just a season after the Italian had led Chelsea to their third Premier League title.
Chelsea have splashed the cash to bolster every part of their squad. Diego Costa and Didier Drogba have come in to rid Chelsea of their striking woes, while Cesc Fabregas was brought in to bring even more quality in the middle of the park. Filipe Luis was also brought in at Stamford Bridge to strengthen an already impressive defence.
With Abramovich ready to loosen the purse strings as always, Mourinho has been allowed to bring in his own players. Now, “The Special One” will be expected to provide some special results

2 Massimiliano Allegri (Juventus)

 

 

 

The appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as the successor of Antonio Conte was met with general surprise and not very positively at that by the Juventus faithful. His disastrous spell (following the Scudetto triumph) at AC Milan is still fresh in the minds of all Italian football fans and what prompted Andrea Agnelli to give Allegri the job, still remains a mystery to most.
In his three years at Juventus, Antonio Conte delivered three Scudetto and transformed the club from a contender to the primary benchmark setter in Italian football. Whatever feelings Juventus fans might harbour for the ex-Milan manager, one thing is for sure: Allegri has some big boots to fill in the dugout at the Juventus Stadium.
Conte has left behind a legacy and more importantly a squad that can challenge the best in Europe. With such talents at the disposal of Allegri, any major mishap in his first season at Turin might result in the swift departure of the 47-year old.
While Allegri has a chance at redemption following his largely unsuccessful time at AC Milan, the star power at his disposal will also be the reason for pressure to be perpetually piled on the new Juventus boss.

3 Laurent Blanc (Paris Saint-Germain)

 

 

 

 

Laurent Blanc enjoyed a reasonably successful first season at the helm at Paris Saint-Germain last season, but the pressure to perform won’t be any less on the Frenchman this season.
Ever since being taken over by Qatar Sports Investment in 2011, Paris Saint-Germain have returned to prominence not only in France but also in Europe. The middle-eastern group headed by Nasser Al-Khelaifi have stood by their name and provided a sizable investment in the club, resulting in the arrival of multiple world-class stars at the Parc des Princes.
With Al-Khelaifi pumping in the money, the Parisians have seen superstars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Beckham, Thiago Silva and Edinson Cavani amongst others arrive at the French capital. The household names haven’t fluffed their lines either, leading PSG to their first domestic title in 19 years in 2013.
The team experienced a successful transition last season as Laurent Blanc took over, spearheading a successful defence of a domestic league-cup double and a reasonable display in the Champions League. His managerial skills will again be put to the test this year as the "Dream Bigger" project will continue to demand more success from the former French international.
While the Ligue 1 title should be the nominal target, further progress in the Champions League will be what Al-Khelaifi will be looking at after the Parisians bowed out at the quarter-finals stage of the competition last season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Pep Guardiola (Bayern Munich)

 

 

Football is a funny game and many statements made today can be made to look ridiculous if looked back upon in a few years time.  One whole season is long enough to change one’s perspective, beliefs and make them second guess themselves.
Such is the case with Pep Guardiola and Bayern Munich. While the Bavarians have given their full backing (going as far as to say that they will “never sack Guardiola”), things might need to be quickly revisited in a year’s time if it doesn’t go to plan this season.
Guardiola, however, remains realistic about Bayern’s lofty targets and he himself admitted last month that he fears of being let go if he doesn’t meet the ambitions of bringing home the main prize. While Bayern remain the favourites to retain the Bundesliga (and winning everything there is to win in Germany), the German champions’ true aim is to be crowned champions of Europe.
Its all about the business of winning and winning at any cost at Bayern.  We are all too familiar with the ruthlessness of the Bayern hierarchy. Guardiola himself replaced Jupp Heynckes after the German had won it all in his final season in charge of the Bavarians. For Guardiola and the Bayern the season might just turn out to be “treble or bust”.

 

 

 

 

5 Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)

 

 

 

 I don’t believe there is any other club in the world that shares quite the insatiable appetite for success like Real Madrid.  And that is exactly the reason that legendary Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti can expect the sack if he fails to bag either the La Liga or the Champions League.

Florentino Perez is as hungry a man as there is the world of football and there is little that he would spare to make sure his team achieve their objective. You just have to send your minds back rushing 12 years to gain some perspective. Perez and Real Madrid decided not to renew a certain Vicente del Bosque’s contract even after the Spaniard had led Madrid to a Champions League triumph. And that was after del Bosque had steered them to 2 La Liga titles and 2 Champions League triumphs in his four years at the club.
With Madrid, bringing in the like of Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez to the Bernabeu this season, the pressure will be firmly on Ancelotti to not only replicate last year’s triumph, but also better it.
Perez, quite alike Bayern will not only look for triumphs in the domestic scene, but also will eye the Champions League as the main prize. If Ancelotti fails to deliver, it might well be lights out for the Italian.

 

 

 

 

Real Madrid Transfer News: Falcao Update; Angel Di Maria, Sami Khedira Or Xabi Alonso In Exit Rumors

With eight days remaining until the summer transfer session ends, Radamel Falcao remains one of the most coveted players in Europe. Many clubs would openly state their intentions to bring Monaco’s Colombian star to their grounds, but the 28-year-old has reportedly made it known that he wants a stay with Real Madrid. There has been no word if Bernabeu officials share Falcao’s desire, but some clubs do stand in Madrid’s way if they decide to make a bid.
Following their sale of striker Mario Balotelli to Liverpool, AC Milan are evidently eyeing Falaco as well as Porto’s Jackson Martinez as a replacement, according to Express. The bidding for Falcao could start at £50 million, even though he’s still rediscovering his form after serious knee injury limited him to half the 2013-14 Ligue 1 term.
The Reds were also angling for Falcao’s services, but that was before he rebuffed their approach, and they subsequently purchased Balotelli for £16 million. Even though Liverpool have been big spenders this summer, Balotelli’s signature likely removes them from contention for Falcao.
Another Italian side is interested in Falcao, Juventus. Earlier this week, the reigning Serie A champions were keen on a loan deal for Falcaco, and were willing to go so far as to sell Fernando Llorente to Valencia, Daily Mail reported.
There’s been very little word out of the Bernabeu regarding Falcao, and Los Blancos already matched rival Barcelona’s deal for Luis Suarez by signing Falcao’s Colombia teammate and World Cup hero James Rodriguez, along with Germany’s Toni Kroos. It’s also possible Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti may have some reservations about how he could use Falcao, and whether a move would unsettle Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ancelotti must also squelch the heavy transfer speculation regarding star midfielder Angel Di Maria. The Argentine’s ceaseless contract negotiations with Madrid have reached an impasse, and Daily Star reports Di Maria has put in a transfer request to Ancelotti.
Manchester United have long been the favorites to land Di Maria, and now that Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly pulled out due to violation of Financial Fair Play rules, there’s a much stronger chance the 26-year-old winds up at Old Trafford. There was one intriguing report out of Spain that Barcelona placed a £48 million bid for Di Maria, but Madrid promptly rejected it.
Other there than Di Maria, there were reports that Madrid’s midfield could also see the departures of Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso. According to Daily Mirror, Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer hopes the German side beat out Arsenal for Khedira’s signature.
"Khedira would be good in any team. He would be excellent at Bayern,” Beckenbauer said. “He is extremely talented in the No 6 role. He could play alongside Schweinsteiger or Lahm. He would be very good."
His market value rising to £31 million since capturing the World Cup with Germany last month, Khedira’s contract is up next summer, and though he’s still an integral player in Ancelotti’s lineup, Madrid is looking to sell him now rather than risk gaining nothing in return. Arsenal and Chelsea have chased Khedira as well, but they could be spurned if United manage to swoop in and snag Alonso.
The inclusion of Alonso in any trade speculation might be a shock to some Bernabeu supporters, but Express reports that Madrid were actually concerned and “unhappy” by how much weight the 32-year-old had lost over the summer. United are now making a play for Alonso with their pursuit of Juve’s Arturo Vidal going nowhere. If United pull off the deal, Madrid may be reticent to part with Khedira.

Milan want Torres as Balotelli replacement

AC Milan have begun their search for a replacement for Liverpool-bound Mario Balotelli. The Rossoneri are ready to make an offer for Chelsea flop Fernando Torres, though Porto's Jackson Martinez remains the Italian side's No.1 target.

Napoli enter Khedira Race

Napoli have joined the race with Arsenal to sign Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

Manchester United close in on £48m Di Maria deal

Manchester United are closing in on a £48m deal for Angel Di Maria. The Argentina international is expected to complete his move to Old Trafford next week and will wear the famous No.7 shirt.

Karim Bellarabi creates history as he scored the fastest goal ever in Bundesliga

Bayer Leverkusen winger Karim Bellarabi scored a sensational 9-second-wondergoal against Borussia Dortmund to register the fastest ever goal in Bundesliga history. Bellarabi’s stunning goal beats the three 11-second goals from Giovane Élber, Paul Freier and Ulf Kirsten, respectively.

http://gfycat.com/ElaborateIllinformedInvisiblerail

Di Maria has requested a transfer, confirms Ancelotti

The Real Madrid coach has confirmed that the winger has told the club he wants to leave amid ongoing reports linking him with Manchester United

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Angel Di Maria wants to leave Real Madrid and that they are looking for a solution before the end of the summer transfer window.
The Argentina international has lost his starting berth at Madrid following the arrival of James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos this summer and is keen to move on in order to get regular first-team action elsewhere.

Di Maria has been heavily linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United in the past few months, but the Ligue 1 champions recently stated that they are no longer interested in signing the winger due to financial reasons, leaving United seemingly as the main contender to lure him away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

"The player has requested a transfer this summer. He rejected the club's offer to stay at Madrid, so we are looking for a solution," Ancelotti said at a press conference.
"We will find a solution for Di Maria before the end of the transfer window, but he remains a Madrid player for now. We are in a situation that the player has to fix himself.

"I'm surprised that it seems as if we are not all in agreement about the situation, but this is not the case. We are all on the same line here.

Manchester United goes crazy for Di Maria

Manchester United is ready to push the boat out to gain the services of Angel di Maria. As reported in the British newspaper Daily Mail,the team coached by Louis causes that Van Gaal is willing to spend 125 million euros! by taking the services of the Fideo.

It should be noted that this amount is included: the transfer (about 65 million) and player’s salary. The poor start of United in the Premier League, together with the need generated by his disastrous last season causes that Van Gaal pushes for signings.

Coach wants a central defender and a player for the medium. According to this publication they would pay 250,000 euros a week to to Di Maria, a salary up to Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie.

According to published by  ‘Te interesa’ a few days ago, Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal has contacted the Argentine to convince him to accept the offer and assure him that will be very important in his project. The quoted media said that Real Madrid has given freedom to Di Maria to talk with United waiting to know if there will be new PSG (which has been pushed aside by his high price) and Monaco (which has not convince the Fideo).

Cristiano Ronaldo’s son was told his mum was dead and he still has no idea who she is

• Real Madrid star’s family told Cristianinho ‘she was in Heaven’
• Boy’s mother’s identity unknown, believed to be a surrogate
• Four-year-old is raised by Ronaldo and his mother Dolores

Cristiano Ronaldo’s four-year-old son still has no idea who his mother is, and his family have no intention of telling him.

Ronaldo’s sister, Elma, revealed that Cristiano Jnr, sometimes known as Cristianinho, has stopped asking about his mum after they told him she was dead.

The Real Madrid star, 29, had the child with an unknown woman, believed to be a surrogate, in 2010.

Father and son: Cristiano Ronaldo with Cristianinho in Madrid where the boy lives with his dad and grandmother

Unknown: Cristiano Jnr has not been told the identity of his mother, believed to be a surrogate

Upbringing: Ronaldo’s mother Dolores has helped raise the child in the absence of his mum

Elma said: ‘Once we told him she was in Heaven, but my brother and mum asked us not to repeat it.

‘We say now his mum went traveling. He goes silent, forgets about at and doesn’t ask any more.’

Cristianinho lives with Ronaldo and his mum Dolores in Spain. She has recently released an official biography in which she said that the footballer insisted: The mum will never be known’. 

However, Elma added: ‘If later on Cristianinho wants to know who his biological mum is, it will be his decision and no one’s going to stop it.’

AC Milan finalise Diego Lopez deal

 

The 32-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the San Siro side while Pablo Armero has completed his season-long loan move from Udinese

AC Milan have completed the signing of Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez, who joins the San Siro club on a contract that lasts until 2018.

Lopez was first choice in La Liga for Carlo Ancelotti's side last season but found his chances of regular football curtailed following the summer signing of Keylor Navas from Levante.

The 32-year-old underwent a medical alongside defender Pablo Armero on Tuesday and paid tribute to Madrid as he prepared to join Pippo Inzaghi's side.

And the experienced keeper has now completed his move to San Siro, with Milan confirming via their official website that he has agreed a contract until June 30, 2018.

Madrid also confirmed the player had finalised his transfer, adding: "The club wishes to express its appreciation for the dedication and professionalism displayed, and wish him luck in his new career."

Armero, meanwhile, has finalised his season-long move from Udinese and will stay with the club until June next year.

Inzaghi had spoken of his delight at reaching a provisional agreement with Lopez earlier this week as the Rossoneri look to bolster their squad following a dismal 2013-14 campaign.

Ancelotti had made it clear earlier this summer that he considered Lopez a valuable member of his squad, but the keeper's relationship with the Madrid hierarchy deteriorated once it became clear that Iker Casillas had regained favour and would battle new signing Navas for the No.1 spot.

Lopez, who was brought to Madrid by Jose Mourinho as cover for the injured Casillas during the 2012-13 season, becomes Milan's sixth new signing of the summer, following Jeremy Menez, Alex, Michael Agazzi, Michelangelo Albertazzi and Adil Rami to the club.

The arrival of Amero takes the number of new players to seven as Inzaghi looks to finalise his squad prior to the start of the Serie A season.

UEFA SUPER CUP CHAMPIONS : REAL MADRID

Manchester City seal deal for Porto defender Elaquim Mangala at record price of £42.9m

Eliaquim Mangala with the Manchester City shirt

Manchester City have completed the signing of FC Porto’s French international defender Eliaquim Mangala for a reported £42.9m., the Premier League champions announced.
This makes the Mangala the most expensive defender in Premier League history.
Mangala was part of French squad for the World Cup in Brazil, but failed to get on to the pitch for Les Bleus.

Related

• Reports: Manchester City agree a fee for Chelsea target Eliaquim Mangala
• Rumour: Porto's Eliaquim Mangala stalls on Manchester City deal, amid Manchester United and Chelsea interest
• Rumour: Eliaquim Mangala reportedly close to completing £32m move to Manchester City

The sturdy centre-back has been the topic of immense transfer speculation this summer with City’s Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea also linked with the Frenchman. However, Manchester City’s willingness to bring out the extra dough seemed to have finally made the difference.
It was widely believed that the deal was one of the worst kept secrets in football this summer as Mangala was pictured in the city of Manchester a month.
However, the third-party ownership issue (which is outlawed in the Premier League) kept the deal from coming to fruition. Porto released a statement to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) indicating they were paid £24.4m for just 56.57% of the player’s rights.
The rest of the cash will supposedly be distributed between super-agent Jorge Mendes (£14.2m) and Mangala’s former club Standard Liege (£4.3m).

Pellegrini: Mangala has all the attributes to become one of Europe’s best defenders

City manager Manuel Pellegrini expressed delight in having finally completing the deal for the Frenchman.
“He is already a fine player but in my opinion, he has all of the mental, physical, technical and tactical attributes to become one of Europe’s very best defenders,” he told the club website.
“Eliaquim is a player I believe will make an immediate impact in the Premier League, thanks to his physicality, his reading of the game and quality on the ball.”
Manchester City have been on the lookout for someone to pair with Vincent Kompany at the back, with Pellegrini unconvinced by the emerging talents of Matija Nastasic and Dedryck Boyata. The Chilean even opted to bring in the veteran Martín Demichelis last season to give some stability to Manchester City’s backline.

Official: Manchester City sign Mangala from Porto

Manchester City have announced the signing of defender Eliaquim Mangala from Porto.

The France centre-back was in Manchester in July to complete a medical after the two clubs agreed a €40 million deal.

City had tried to sign Mangala during the January transfer window but the Portuguese club held firm, despite the investment trust that owns part of his economic rights willing to do a deal.

The Premier League champions also unsuccessfully attempted to sign Mangala's team-mate, Brazilian midfielder Fernando, in the winter window, but announced his signing during the World Cup.

“City is a top club in Europe," Mangala told the club's official website. "For me, it was an important step to leave Porto and join Manchester City in order to continue my progress.

"I want to win titles and I believe I can do this. I am ambitious and this is why I am here.

“I’m very happy to come to England because for me, the Premier League is the best league in the world. It is a very intense and very aggressive competition. There are plenty of goals, so it is also really nice to watch and I can’t wait to get started!

“The fact that Fernando is here is better because I played with him at Porto but there is also other players that I know like [Bacaray] Sagna, [Gael] Clichy and [Samir] Nasri."

City had prioritised the capture of an elite central defender to partner Vincent Kompany, and the 23-year-old Frenchman becomes the club's sixth summer signing after Sagna, Fernando, Willy Caballero, Frank Lampard and Bruno Zuculini.

Real Madrid asks Torino by Matteo Darmian

Real Madrid has asked Torino by Matteo Darmian. As reported ‘Sky Italia’, the white club would have thought in the possibility of taking the services of the Italian of 24 years old. According to this method, there is not any formal offer yet, but on the agenda of European champions could be the name of Matteo.

Specifically, the name would be proposed by Carlo Ancelotti . And, the Italian coach made him debut with the first team at Milan when he was only 16 years, becoming the second youngest player to wear the Milan jersey after Paolo Maldini . Ancelotti opted for him in 2006 in a match of the Italian cup against Brescia . After playing three more matches with the Rossoneri and becoming the second team captain, Matteo was loaned to Calcio Padova. One year later, after overcoming an injury, he moved to Palermo, but another unwelcome ailment prevented him prove himself. Therefore, he ended up in Torino, who was active in the Serie B. With Torino club won promotion in 2012 and has had the opportunity to go with the Italian national team. In fact, in Brazil’s World Cup was an essential player for  the ‘Azzurri’.

Matteo is a right back who stands out for his versatility. He is right and usually acts on the right hand side, although he also could play on the left side. Even in his last season in the ‘Toro’ has played as forward.

Darmian is a defender with future who grows daily. If Madrid needs to strengthen one of his sides, the Italian would be a very valid option.

Cruyff: "Barça used to sign ballplayers; now Real have"

Johan Cruyff gave his take on Real Madrid and Barça's summer signings during an interview with newspaper 'Última Hora'.
On Real Madrid's recruits, he stated: "Kroos was one of the best players at Bayern and at the World Cup; he sprays the ball around really well. James is a terrific ballplayer. Barça always used to sign lots of ballplayers, but now Real have done so".
As for Barça's captures, he claimed that, "They've gone in a new direction and we have to give them the benefit of the doubt. They've spent a lot of money, which always brings a lot of scrutiny, and we'll have to see how it goes".
Cruyff said that he has been impressed by new Barcelona coach Luis Enrique's enthusiasm "to get down to work and give his all in his new role". "The onus is on him to win over the players. You can bet that he won't win over one or two and that's when he'll have to make some tough, strong decisions", he added.
The Dutch legend also expressed misgivings over whether Leo Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez, all of whom he called "fantastic payers", can play together. "I don't know if the team won't end up unbalanced", he noted.
With regards to Messi's status and his finances, Cruyff said, "You'd have to be on the inside to know exactly what the situation is. Hopefully Luis Enrique will be able to bring him into line so he does what he's there to do. Leo is hugely talented, but his whole inner circle has changed. Before he was an 18-year-old kid and he's gone from being poor to being a multimillionair.

Johan Cruyff gave his take on Real Madrid and Barça's summer signings during an interview with newspaper 'Última Hora'.
On Real Madrid's recruits, he stated: "Kroos was one of the best players at Bayern and at the World Cup; he sprays the ball around really well. James is a terrific ballplayer. Barça always used to sign lots of ballplayers, but now Real have done so".
As for Barça's captures, he claimed that, "They've gone in a new direction and we have to give them the benefit of the doubt. They've spent a lot of money, which always brings a lot of scrutiny, and we'll have to see how it goes".
Cruyff said that he has been impressed by new Barcelona coach Luis Enrique's enthusiasm "to get down to work and give his all in his new role". "The onus is on him to win over the players. You can bet that he won't win over one or two and that's when he'll have to make some tough, strong decisions", he added.
The Dutch legend also expressed misgivings over whether Leo Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez, all of whom he called "fantastic payers", can play together. "I don't know if the team won't end up unbalanced", he noted.
With regards to Messi's status and his finances, Cruyff said, "You'd have to be on the inside to know exactly what the situation is. Hopefully Luis Enrique will be able to bring him into line so he does what he's there to do. Leo is hugely talented, but his whole inner circle has changed. Before he was an 18-year-old kid and he's gone from being poor to being a multimillionair.

Read more: Cruyff: "Barça used to sign ballplayers; now Real have" - MARCA.com (English version) Johan Cruyff gave his take on Real Madrid and Barça's summer signings during an interview with newspaper 'Última Hora'.
On Real Madrid's recruits, he stated: "Kroos was one of the best players at Bayern and at the World Cup; he sprays the ball around really well. James is a terrific ballplayer. Barça always used to sign lots of ballplayers, but now Real have done so".
As for Barça's captures, he claimed that, "They've gone in a new direction and we have to give them the benefit of the doubt. They've spent a lot of money, which always brings a lot of scrutiny, and we'll have to see how it goes".
Cruyff said that he has been impressed by new Barcelona coach Luis Enrique's enthusiasm "to get down to work and give his all in his new role". "The onus is on him to win over the players. You can bet that he won't win over one or two and that's when he'll have to make some tough, strong decisions", he added.
The Dutch legend also expressed misgivings over whether Leo Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez, all of whom he called "fantastic payers", can play together. "I don't know if the team won't end up unbalanced", he noted.
With regards to Messi's status and his finances, Cruyff said, "You'd have to be on the inside to know exactly what the situation is. Hopefully Luis Enrique will be able to bring him into line so he does what he's there to do. Leo is hugely talented, but his whole inner circle has changed. Before he was an 18-year-old kid and he's gone from being poor to being a multimillionair.

Didier Drogba announces retirement from international football

Didier Drogba in action for Ivory Coast

 

 

 

 

Didier Drogba has decided to bring down the curtains on his international career today. The Ivory Coast forward brings an end to an illustrious career which spanned over 12 years.
The news was unveiled by the talismanic forward himself through social networking media, Twitter.
In 12 years of international football, Drogba was capped 104 times by Les Éléphants. He is Ivory Coast’s highest ever scorer with 65 goals for the Africans.
However, the only thing missing from his glorious career would be a trophy with his countrymen. The closest he got to bringing back some silverware was in the African Cup of Nations
They finished runners-up in the 2006 edition of the tournament after succumbing to Egypt on penalty shoot-out in the final.
Six year later in 2012, luck would again not be on their side as it was Zambia on this occasion to deny Drogba and co., again via penalties.
The Chelsea legend however brought his nation the first taste of FIFA World Cup with their first ever qualification to the tournament in 2006.
Ivory Coast would qualify for the World Cup again in 2010 and 2014 under the captaincy of Drogba.
Drogba was voted Ivory Coast Player of the year on three separate occasions in 2006, 2007, and 2012; while also winning the African Footballer of the year award in 2006 and 2009.

Manuel Neuer Plays as a Striker and Scores a Goal

Keylor Navas, Iker Casillas and Diego Lopez ‘struggle’ for being the starter goalkeeper

In the first training of Keylor Navas as new player of Real Madrid we could see a session in which the three goalkeepers were at a high level. The Costa Rican, Iker Casillas and Diego López allowed to see their reflexes when complying with exercises that commanded the goalkeeping coach, Villian Vecchi.

As regard to Keylor Navas, he showed what he had promised in his presentation, he had come to work and fight for a place. Diego López , who is located outside the team, he was very motivated and focused, like Iker Casillas who left some intervention ‘house brand’.

All three performed different exercises within 15 minutes of training open to the press. First they had to catch bouncing balls, then they were ‘shot’ from a short distance, and finally, once integrated into the group, defending the goal in offensive plays.

Home / Transfers / Real Madrid will hear bids for Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid will hear bids for Xabi Alonso

• August 6, 2014
• Image: www.realmadrid.com

The market remains open and Real Madrid have more news. According to ‘The Confidential’, white club is meditating listen to offers for Xabi Alonso, who according to this media has begun the season with a lower physical tone than other campaigns and the coaching staff is worried about his status.

Besides Alonso, other players still could leave Real Madrid. Khedira and Di Maria are who have most ballots , and the club is interested in Luiz Gustavo to strengthen the midfield if needed.

Also, Real Madrid does not rule out to sign another forward to replace the loss of  Morata, so there will be movement in the offices of Real Madrid in the coming weeks.