Sunday, 31 May 2015

Clasie a target if Schneiderlin leaves Southampton - Koeman

The Southampton boss has revealed a move for the Feyenoord captain is dependent on whether his star midfielder leaves St Mary's this summer

Feyenoord captain Jordy ClasieRonald Koeman has revealed Feyenoord star Jordy Clasie is a potential replacement for Morgan Schneiderlin should the Frenchman leave Southamptonin the upcoming transfer window.

The Saints have been reported to be plotting a move to lure Clasie away from Feyenoord - the club Koeman left to take over at St Mary's last June.

Koeman signed Graziano Pelle from Feyenoord shortly after his arrival at Southampton, and Netherlands international Clasie - the Eredivisie side's captain - recently admitted that he could also leave De Kuip.

Schneiderlin, meanwhile, is the subject of interest from Arsenal and Tottenham, though Saints have placed a €35 million asking price on their star midfielder, who revealed on Monday that he wants to join a club in the Champions League.

Koeman told Fox Sports: "At the moment there has not been any contact [for Clasie]. There is interest for a number of our players, including Schneiderlin. If Schneiderlin leaves, Jordy Clasie is on our list."
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Dani Alves staying at Barca, not joining PSG - Blanc

The Parc des Princes coach is convinced the Brazilian is "playing a game" with the Catalans, though he feels Paul Pogba is an ideal potential signing

Dani Alves, terzino del BarcellonaDani Alves will not be leaving Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season, according to Laurent Blanc.

The right-back, 32, has been heavily linked with a switch from Camp Nou to Parc des Princes all season long due to his contract expiring on June 30.

Just last week Alves appeared to suggest he would not be staying with the Catalans by saying he had “both his feet and his head of out of the club” due to “disrespect” from board members.

But PSG coach Blanc does not think the long-mooted transfer of the Brazil international will happen as he thinks the player is engaged in a staring contest with his current club.

"Daniel Alves will not come to PSG," he told BeIN Sports. "I do not think so anyway. He is out of contract but his intention is to extend with Barca.

"It is a game he is playing with his club, he's awaiting their proposal. It's nice for the press to have something to talk about, but there has been no contact that I know of."

The former France boss also discussed the club's interest in Juventus' Paul Pogba, whom they are believed to have had a bid accepted for, though he is aware other clubs are desperately trying to lure the midfielder from Turin.

"I am among those who think that Pogba is the perfect recruit for PSG," Blanc continued. "He interests us but we are not the only ones interested and he will not be free.

"Many teams wants him, though maybe he will stay at Juventus. He has many options right now, it's good for him and his agent. And if Juve sell him it would also be good for them financially."

Irrespective of whether Blanc can convince Pogba or Alves to join France's first-ever domestic treble winners this summer, the coach says the upcoming transfer window will see plenty of fresh blood brought in and plenty of familiar faces leaving PSG.

"There will be arrivals and departures," he added. "When you win, you must regenerate the squad.

"The president wants to do it - he is right and I agree with him. We hope to regenerate in a consistent manner.

"There will be an open door for departures, too. We must be careful with the speed of how we regenerate, especially with the Financial Fair Play regulations, which can be quite heavy."

PSG's 1-0 triumph over Auxerre on Saturday added the Coupe de France trophy to the Ligue 1 and Coupe de la Ligue titles they had already secured in 2014-15.
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PSG have conquered France - now it's time for the Champions League- David Luiz

Laurent Blanc's side completed a domestic treble on Saturday and the defender has now set his sights on European glory.

Paris Saint-Germain's David Luiz
David Luiz was delighted to round out a "great season" with Paris Saint-Germain by completing an unprecedented domestic treble - and has now set his sights on Champions League glory with the French club.

Edinson Cavani grabbed the only goal of the game as PSG defeated Auxerre 1-0 in the final of the Coupe de France on Saturday, having already won Ligue 1 and the Coupe de la Ligue.

It was also the perfect finish to Luiz's debut campaign in France, the defender having moved to Paris from Chelsea ahead of the 2014-15 season.

"It was a great season for us, we're very happy here," he said. "It is never easy to win one title in a season and we have won three.

"It is a pleasure to play for this club, thank you to the club, the staff, the fans, every single person who works at the club. It is a real family, human club, so it is a pleasure to play here."

The Brazilian is now determined to help the big-spending French side go on and be successful in Europe.

PSG reached the quarter-final stage this year, knocking out Chelsea in the process, before losing 5-1 on aggregate to Barcelona.

"Not bad, not bad, no? For my first season here," Luiz added. "This is a big club, you have to have ambition to win every single competition. We have raised our game now, so we need to keep it that way. Of course, we also want to make the jump in Europe.

"It's our dream to win the Champions League. This season we lost to one of the best clubs in the world, but we're on the right track.

"I am very happy here so for sure one day before I leave this club, I would like to stay here for 10 years, I don't know how many years the president will give me a contract, but I would like to win the Champions League."

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Di Maria would be a good signing for Paris Saint-Germain, says Fellaini

The Belgian insists his Manchester United team-mate, who has been linked with a summer move to the French champions, is a "world-class player"

Angel Di Maria, attaccante del Manchester UnitedMarouane Fellaini claims his Manchester United team-mate Angel Di Maria would be "a good signing" for Paris Saint-Germain.

Following his €75 million arrival from Real Madrid last August, the Argentina international struggled in his debut season at Old Trafford and has been linked with a move to the French champions this summer.

Fellaini believes Di Maria would be a big hit at Parc des Princes but insists the Argentine would be better served by turning down a summer move.

"Angel Di Maria would be a good signing for PSG," Fellaini told Telefoot. "He is a world-class player.

"He was successful at Real Madrid so he could be successful anywhere. What would I do if I were him? Stay at Manchester United."

Di Maria's campaign at United was disrupted by a pelvic injury as well as an attempted break-in at his Cheshire home in January.

The 27-year-old, who was forced to relocate to a hotel after the failed burglary, scored just four goals in 32 appearances last term and was unable to force Ashley Young out of his place on United's left flank.

When asked about Di Maria's future at the start of May, Louis van Gaal insisted he wanted the winger to stay but hinted that United could be open to a deal for the Argentine.

"The manager and the club is always dependable on the opinion of the player himself. The player decides; we shall see what he decides," said the Dutchman.

"He cannot say that he has had a marvellous season here. The decision is not only to him because now we have a contract so we shall speak always with every player, evaluation, as I always do. Then we speak with each other about the future and that is with every player.

"I am pleased with his attitude, so that is not a problem. I think Di Maria shall stay and he is working very hard."
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Arsenal's FA Cup trophy parade|PHOTOS


imageArsene Wenger gives the fans the thumbs-up


imageJack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck are all smiles

imageWilshere crowns himself the FA Cup king

image...before grabbing the mic to lead Arsenal players in a song
imageWilshere holds the trophy as he enjoys the rain in north London
imageThe England playmaker points the bus in the right direction
imageAaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs enjoy the celebrations

imageMathieu Flamini poses with the FA Cup
imageWojciech Szczesny - shades and all - takes to the MICROPHONE 
imageMikel Arteta shows his appreciation to the rain-soaked crowd

imageArsene Wenger and Laurent Koscielny take in the sights

imageWenger celebrates becoming the most successful manager in the history of the competition

imageArsenal pose with the trophy outside Islington Town Hall

imageThe Arsenal squad arrives back at the Emirates Stadium to celebrate with the fans
Image credit: 






































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Cristiano Ronaldo enjoys holiday with friends on luxury yacht‎|PHOTOS


(Cristiano Ronaldo enjoying the sun in St Tropez as he enjoyed a break at the end of the season. Photo: Spread Pictures)

Despite the trophy-less season for his clubReal Madrid, Portugal striker, Cristiano Ronaldo decided to put that aside by storming St Tropez in the south of Francewith his friends to chill on a luxury yatch on Saturday, May 30, 2015.

Ronaldo suns himself on a yacht in south of France after Real Madrid missed out on Champions League final
The 30-year-old Real Madrid forward relaxes with friends on the luxury yacht while on holidayThe 30-year-old Real Madrid forward relaxes with friends on the luxury yacht while on holiday
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Willian, Filipe Luis & Cuadrado to miss start of Chelsea season

The two Brazilians and one Colombian will be in need of a rest after their efforts in Chile, according to Jose Mourinho, with the tournament starting in less than two weeks' time

Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Chelsea's South American players involved in the Copa America will miss the start of the new Premier League season.

The newly crowned champions have three players who will play at the tournament that starts on June 11 in Chile - Brazilian duo Willian and Filipe Luis, as well as Colombia's Juan Cuadrado.

With the Copa America ending just over a month before the beginning of the new league campaign, Mourinho said he will have to make do without the trio for the start of Chelsea's title defence.

"They need holidays. It's very important for them they have their proper rest," Mourinho told reporters.

"The squad are at the limits of their physical and mental energy. In a couple of weeks they will have their month's holiday to prepare for pre-season.

"The players in the Copa America will need a rest after that. Willian, Cuadrado and Filipe will not start the season with us, for sure."

Mourinho was speaking at a news conference ahead of their clash with Graham Arnold's Sydney FC on Tuesday, a game in which the manager insists his team will not approach lightly.

"When the opponent has the ball you have to park the bus all the time, if you don't concede goals you have more chances to win," Mourinho said.

"I can give the coach Arnold my team. The front three I will play will be Loic Remy, Diego Costa and Eden Hazard. If we park the bus with these three in attack I'm sure we will be ok.

"We want a very good match. We feel always responsibility. You cannot lose, you cannot just play for fun, you have to go for a result.

"We are still celebrating the league title, but we are already thinking about next season and Tuesday is our last game of the season as a club. We want to compete, we want to give a good show.

"It's very important for us as a club, it's been a very long time since Chelsea has been here and to come just a week after we are champions is even a bigger responsibility for us."
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Rampant Super Falcons massacre Woodbridge Ladies 9-0 ahead of World Cup

The Super Falcons recorded a healthy victory against the Canadian Women League One outfit played on Sunday morning as they fine tune their preparation for the Women's World Cup ...

Super FalconsNigeria's senior women national team whitewashed WoodBridge senior women club 9-0 in their second pre-World Cup friendly match played at the WoodBridge Soccer Centre on Sunday morning.

Substitute Francisca Ordega's hat trick, Courtney Dike's brace and a goal each from Asisat Oshoala, Ngozi Okobi, Francisca Ordega, Perpetua Nkwocha and Esther Sunday boosted Edwin Okon's team ahead of the Fifa Women's World Cup.

The Super Falcons sailed in front from the start as Okobi netted the opener in the fourth minute through Ebere Ngozi's cross against the Toronto-based side.

WoodBridge could not resist the Falcons' attack for long as reigning African queen Oshoala doubled the lead in the 38th minute to ensure the Nigerian side secured a 2-0 lead before the break.

In the second half, substitute veteran striker Nkwocha made it 3-0 in the 50th minute before Ordega and Sunday snatched the fourth and fifth in the 55th and 65th minutes respectively.

The unstoppable African champions socred a sixth goal as Ordega grabbed her brace before substitute Dike netted her own brace in the 74th and 79th minutes.

Washington Spirit forward Ordega wrapped it up for 9-0 with her third goal of the day in the 81st minute against WoodBridge to lift the spirit of the ladies at the blast of the whistle.

The victory, though against an unrated club side, has lifted the hopes of the Okon-led technical crew as his side regained their firing power after failing to score against the Canadian senior women national team.

The African representatives have been grouped with former champions USA, Sweden and Australia in the Group D of the World Cup scheduled to hold from June 6 to July 5 in Canada.

Nigeria will begin their campaign against Sweden at the Winnipeg Stadium on June 8.
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Yaya Toure staying at Manchester City after Mansour intervention - Agent Claims

The Ivorian's outspoken agent had previously insisted his client was "90 per cent likely" to leave the Etihad Stadium but the club's owner has blocked any exit

Manchester City midfielder Yaya ToureYaya Toure will stay at Manchester City next season following an intervention from the club's owner Sheikh Mansour, according to agent Dimitri Seluk.

The Ivorian appeared set to leave the Etihad Stadium after an inconsistent season in which Seluk claimed his client was being unfairly singled out for City's struggles.

A reunion with former boss Roberto Mancini at Inter looked the likeliest option for Toure and Seluk previously insisted that his client was "90 per cent likely" to leave City, but he has now revealed that Mansour has put a stop to any exit plans.

"Yaya is staying - because Sheikh Mansour told him he must stay," Seluk told The Sunday Mirror.

"Mansour told Yaya that he is still a very important player and that he was the first big player to join City after the takeover.

"He told him that City wouldn't even discuss a sale.

"This is good. People have tried to say that Yaya only wanted more money, but it was never about money. It was only about respect."
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Giroud: Arsenal will enjoy FA Cup win - but we want more next year

The striker says they must start the Premier League campaign as strongly as possible and described his goal against Aston Villa as "a little wink" to Thierry Henry.

Olivier Giroud kann mit einem Sieg Platz drei für die Gunners klarmachenOlivier Giroud says Arsenal are setting their sights on the Premier League after winning the FA Cup for the second consecutive season.

Arsenal dominated against Aston Villa at Wembley and clinched the 12th FA Cup in the club's history with a 4-0 win.

Giroud came off the bench to score the final goal in stoppage time and is hoping to fire his side into the title race next season.

"Now we can just enjoy this trophy, next we want more," he told Sky Sports News during Arsenal's open-top bus parade.

"It's been three years I've been here, I really enjoy playing for this club. It's an honour for me and we really want to start the season strong next year and join the title race. We want more."

He said in an interview with Telefoot: "We're full of ambition in this group. We hope to keep our best players and why not one or two players in reinforcement. This can only help us improve. I was brought on during the cup final and I tried to bring something."

Asked if his goal was a response to recent criticism from Gunners legend Thierry Henry, Giroud responded: "Of course not. I give him a little wink, he must be happy for us."
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Messi’s goal was from another galaxy - Luis Enrique

The Spanish boss has suggested that he was not pleased by Neymar's showboating at the end of the fixture as Barcelona moved close to the treble

Lionel Messi celebrates another wonder-goalLuis Enrique has showered praise on Lionel Messi after the forward produced a brilliant display in Barcelona's 3-1 Copa del Rey final win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

The Argentine enjoyed another memorable match as he scored an incredible solo goal to break the deadlockbefore adding a third for his side in the second half following a Neymar tap in.

Luis Enrique has joined the chorus lauding the 27-year-old and suggested efforts like his wondergoal opener - which he conceded he had not seen from a good angle yet - are witnessed all of the time in training.

“We're used to this Messi. We’re lucky to enjoy him every day in training, when we see him wriggle away from three challenges before shooting. His first goal was from another galaxy,” the coach said.

“I can’t wait to see the goal on television – being a coach made it difficult to see properly.”

Neymar, another arm of Barcelona’s forward trio who set a new Spanish record of 120 goals this term, came under fire from Athletic after the game for a perceived lack of respect and Luis Enrique empathised with their frustration.

“If I were an Athletic player I would have reacted the same or worse,” he said. “But in Brazil, this is normal.”

Meanwhile, the coach is unable to know for certain if Andres Iniesta will be fit to feature in next weekend’s Champions League final in Berlin against Juventus when the winner will wrap up a major trophy treble this season.

“Iniesta’s fine, he had some discomfort. There'll be tests and we'll see if he can play next week,” Luis Enrique added.
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Real Madrid vice-president confirms Benitez deal

The club official said he is looking forward to which players arrive to work under "an exceptional coach", saying the Spaniard will be one of the best in the world

Outgoing Napoli coach Rafael Benitez

Real Madrid vice-president Eduardo Fernandez de Blas has revealed the club's intention to appoint Rafael Benitez as coach, hailing him as one of the world's best.

Benitez is widely anticipated to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu, after the Italian was sacked on Monday following a season in which the club missed out on the league and Champions League titles.

Fernandez de Blas is reported as telling a meeting of a Madrid members' group: "Ancelotti is an absolute phenomenon - a gentleman whom I have great affection for, and I think everyone else at Real Madrid does too.

"Until three days ago he was the best trainer in the world, as two years ago it was Jose Mourinho, and from this week onwards it will be Rafa Benitez.

"I'm excited and looking forward to July 30 to see how the best players in the world work under an exceptional coach."

The executive added that, despite his sacking, Ancelotti's reputation has been boosted by his time in the Spanish capital.

"Carlo now has more to his name than when he came, but we're here to make decisions, which we think are best for the club. We live and die by them."

Former Valencia, Liverpool, Inter and Chelsea boss Benitez announced his impending exit from Serie A side Napoli on Thursday.

Sunday's clash with Lazio will mark his final game as Napoli coach, with a place in next season's Champions League on the line.
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Cavani will never leave Paris Saint-Germain - Al-Khelaifi

The "best striker in the world" has been linked with a move away from the French capital this summer but the club's president insists he is going nowhere

Edinson Cavani Auxerre Paris SG Coupe de France 30052015Edinson Cavani will not be allowed to leave Paris Saint-Germain in the upcoming transfer window, according to president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

The Uruguay attacker has been frustrated by being pushed out onto the wing to accommodate for star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic since his arrival in the French capital in two years ago.

Cavani has been linked to a move away from PSG for some time, but the club's chief executive says he is going nowhere, hailing him as the world's best forward.

"I've always defended him. He will stay with us and never leave," he told Telefoot.

"He is fine at Paris and, for me, he's the best striker in the world."

The 28-year-old, who joined PSG from Napoli in 2013, scored 31 times in 52 appearances in all competitions to finish ahead of Ibrahimovic as the club's top marksman.
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Gundogan to United is a done deal


Gundogan to United is a done deal
Ilkay Gundogan will join Manchester United for a fee of 28 million €. This will be announced already this weekend after Dortmund played the cup finals against Wolfsburg on saturday
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Walcott: I'm sure my Arsenal future will get resolved

The 26-year-old scored the opening goal in the 4-0 rout of Aston Villa at Wembley in Saturday's FA Cup final and adds that this will be a springboard for greater success

HD Theo Walcott, ArsenalArsenal forward Theo Walcott believes his future at the club will be resolved soon and says their FA Cup win has to be a stepping stone to greater success.

The Gunners retained the FA Cup with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Tim Sherwood's Aston Villa, with Walcott scoring the opening goal.

However, the 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Liverpool and Chelsea, but he says he feels he'll sign a new contract this summer.

Speaking at the club's trophy parade on Sunday, he told reporters: "I'm sure things will get resolved. I just want to enjoy today.

"I've obviously got England coming up and then I'm sure we can think about that process. It'll take time.

"I have the belief in this team, the manager does. Each player's got to trust in each other now as well. This has got to be a stepping stone even more so now to challenge for the title. That's the ultimate goal. That's what everyone wants. These fans; we need to do it for them. They've been waiting a long time and they enjoy these moments like every player does.

"I haven't really watched the goal. I have recorded it at home. I'm sure me and the old man and my family will be watching it quite a lot."

Walcott's strike followed up his hat-trick against West Brom last weekend as Arsenal cruised to their 12th FA Cup win, and he paid tribute to the club's supporters as he spoke of another year of improvement under Arsene Wenger.

"I can't thank the fans enough," he added. "They made this happen. The players, everyone that's taken part in the FA Cup final has contributed.

"We just showed it's been a great success this year. It's been a step up. To finish third and win the FA Cup in consecutive years. We want more and more of this.

"Even with the weather being terrible, as you would expect [the fans have turned out for the parade]. It just shows the amount of support we have, across the whole country and across the world. It's amazing to see. I can't thank them enough."
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Klopp gave Dortmund our smile back - Watzke

It may have finished on a disappointing note for the coach, but his efforts at the club have been branded as "exceptional"

Jurgen Klopp gave Borussia Dortmund their smile back in his seven years in charge, according to sporting director Hans-Joachim Watzke.

In his seven years in charge at Signal Iduna Park, Klopp won two Bundesliga titles, a DFB-Pokal and two DFB Supercups as well as finishing second in the Champions League.

However, his side only just scraped a place in the Europa League for next season after a disappointing campaign and lost 3-1 to Wolfsburg in the DFB-Pokal final on Saturday - his final game in charge.

Despite that, Watzke was full of praise for the 47-year-old as he waved goodbye to the club.

"I've been trying for weeks to put off saying goodbye," Watzke said. "But now the time has come.

"What Klopp has done is exceptional and it has never been so before. He came at a difficult time and has returned the smile to us."

Klopp had his own goodbyes for the German side after the final.

"It is not important what they think about you when you come. It is important, what they think about you when you go," he stated.

"No matter what happens, we will never forget our time here."

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Barcelona and Bayern close in on Gundogan

The midfielder will not renew his contract at Borussia Dortmund and has been linked with a move to the German and Spanish champions as well as Manchester United.

Gundogan masih berstatus pemain Dortmund.Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has confirmed that he is in talks with other clubs over a transfer this summer and has hinted that Barcelona or Bayern Munich could be his destination.

The Germany international, whose contract expires in 2016, had been linked with a move to the Premier League, were Manchester United and Arsenal were among the suitors, but the 24-year-old has hinted he is set to snub those approaches.

While a move to Barcelona would be impossible this summer because of their transfer ban, the midfielder was asked if he is in the process of learning Catalan or Bavarian, to which he replied: "We are holding talks yes, but no decision has been made. I can't say more than that on this."

He added that his future does not definitely lie away from Dortmund.

"I'll leave it open as to whether they continue with or without me.

“BVB are a great team and a really good coach is coming.

“I don’t know how the team will look next season. The challenge will be to get the great potential of this team back on the pitch. We managed to do that too little during the last year.

"In some ways we're glad this difficult season is over now."

Dortmund spent the campaign off the pace in the Bundesliga and only qualified for the Europa League on the final day of the season. On Saturday, they lost the DFP-Pokal final 3-1, ending the reign of coach Jurgen Klopp on a disappointing note in the process.
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Saturday, 30 May 2015

I want Ancelotti & Ibrahimovic back with AC Milan- Berlusconi

The club supremo says supporters have encouraged him to persuade the sacked Real Madrid coach to take over at San Siro.

Carlo Ancelotti Zlatan IbrahimovicAC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi says he is determined to convince Carlo Ancelotti and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to return to the club this summer.

The Rossoneri have been vocal in their desire to bring former boss Ancelotti back to San Siro following his sacking by Real Madrid.

And Berlusconi claims he has the backing of the supporters as he attempts to appoint the three-time Champions League winner in Filippo Inzaghi's place.

"I hope Carletto comes back to us, we are willing to invest in him. I hope there is a good chance he'll be the next coach of Milan," he told Sport Mediaset.

"Galliani and I are not the only ones who want him to come back. All Milan fans I've spoken to want him back."

Ancelotti himself says he intends to take a year out of the game in order to have surgery on a small issue in his back.

Berlusconi, however, hopes the operation will not scupper his plans and admits he is not currently contemplating any other candidate.

"He needs a small operation and he'll make a decision afterwards, which also takes into account his family," he said.

"I don't want to think of another possibility if it isn't Ancelotti. If he doesn't come then we'll look at other options."

Berlusconi also admitted he is determined to bring Ibrahimovic back to the club from French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

"I'm fixated on his return, although it's a very difficult thing to make happen, and it will take patience," he added.
"But he's magnificent on the pitch."
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Khedira on verge of Juventus move - Marotta

The Bianconeri club chief has revealed the Real Madrid man should be leaving Spain imminently and stressed they do not want to sell Paul Pogba

Sami Khedira GermanyJuventus managing director Giuseppe Marotta has claimed Sami Khedira is on the verge of being announced as the club's first major signing of the summer.

The Real Madrid midfielder, 28, has only featured for his current club once since January and is certain to depart the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer transfer window.

Khedira has been linked with a string of sides, including Arsenal and Manchester United, but Marotta has revealed the Germany international is extremely close to putting pen to paper on a contract with the Scudetto holders.

"We are very close to signing Khedira," he told Sky Sport. "The official confirmation will only happen when he has signed the contract.

"We moved quickly in the transfer market to get him. This is a winning team and we are taking the right opportunities to better it further."

Marotta also insisted Juve have no intention of cashing in on Paul Pogba before the start of 2015-16, despite Paris Saint-Germain having had an offer of €80 million accepted for the French midfielder.

"Pogba is a player who has grown up in such a short amount of time," the club chief added. "Juve are used to winning and to continue doing so we need to keep hold of players like him."

Juventus ended their victorious Serie A campaign with a 2-2 draw against Hellas Verona on Saturday and will now prepare for a Champions League final against Barcelona next weekend.
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Auxerre 0-1 PSG: Cavani goal bags domestic treble in Coupe de France final

The Uruguayan striker scored the only goal of the game to wrap up the third major piece of silverware for the Parisiens this season after Ligue 1 and Coupe de la Ligue triumphs

Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson CavaniParis Saint-Germain have become the first club in French football to claim a domestic treble after Edinson Cavani clinched a 1-0 Coupe de France final victory over second-tier Auxerre on Saturday.

Laurent Blanc's men had already ensured a successful season after winning a Coupe de la Ligue and Ligue 1 double, but the defeat of Auxerre completes an historic clean sweep, increasing their undeniable dominance of French football.

PSG had little problem exerting control during an immensely one-sided first half, although a combination of the post and Auxerre goalkeeper Donovan Leon ensured a frustrating 45 minutes for Blanc's side. 

Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – back in the team following a calf injury – were typically threatening, though neither could beat Leon, and Thiago Motta saw a powerful strike cannon back off the post just before the break.

The second period followed a similar pattern but Cavani did finally make the breakthrough with 64 minutes played, heading in his 31st goal of the season across all competitions

A late PSG collapse never appeared likely as the Ligue 1 champions tightened their grip, crossing the line with minimal fuss to lift the trophy for the ninth time.

Auxerre unsurprisingly looked to soak up pressure right from the start and such a setup resulted in some frustration for PSG, who appeared to be missing the creative ingenuity of the suspended Javier Pastore.

Blanc's side used the ball well in midfield, forcing Auxerre to work supremely hard without possession, and eventually crafted an opportunity in the 16th minute.

Cavani peeled away from his marker at the back post and met Thiago Motta's left-footed delivery on the volley, but his scuffed effort slammed against the floor and bounced over the goal.

The Parisians' next chance arrived 10 minutes later, but this time goalkeeper Leon was alert to the danger, rushing out to block Lucas Moura's poked effort from point-blank range following Ibrahimovic's knockdown. 

Leon continued to keep PSG at bay, thwarting Ibrahimovic twice in quick succession from close range just after the half-hour mark.

But he was rendered helpless in the 40th minute, as Motta's fierce drive beat the goalkeeper only to come back off the right-hand post.

Auxerre began to offer more of an attacking threat at the start of the second half, although that only seemed to encourage PSG, who should have broken the deadlock in the 56th minute - Cavani sending a header straight at Leon from Maxwell's pinpoint delivery.

The Uruguayan was not to be kept out eight minutes later, though. This time, following a cross from the right,Cavani nipped ahead of his man at the last second and sent an emphatic header in off the crossbar, leaving Leon with no chance.

Auxerre's inability to force Nicolas Douchez into any meaningful saves left PSG sensing their solitary goal was enough to claim a third Coupe de France in the last decade.

Ibrahimovic could have made the result a little more comfortable when he agonisingly failed to connect with Gregory van der Wiel's cross in the 85th minute, but it mattered little as PSG held on to bring their dominant season to a fitting and triumphant close.
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Athletic Bilbao 1-3 Barcelona: Messi and Neymar fire Catalans to Copa del Rey glory


The South American attackers were in fantastic form as Luis Enrique's men wrapped up their second trophy of 2014-15 ahead of next weekend's Champions League final

Leo Messi Neymar Athletic Barcelona Copa del ReyLionel Messi and Neymar fire Barcelona to Copa del Rey at Camp Nou with a mesmerising performance to finish 3-1 victors over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
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SerieA: Atalanta 1-3 AC Milan: Rossoneri end poor season on a high note

Daniele Baselli's opener for the hosts made it look like Filippo Inzaghi's men were in for a rough ride, but Giampaolo Pazzini and Giacomo Bonaventura completed a comeback.

Stephan El Shaarawy Davide Zappacosta Atalanta-Milan Serie A 05302015AC Milan finished a poor Serie A season on a high note as a Giacomo Bonaventura secured a 3-1 victory overAtalanta on Saturday.

Early on, it looked like another defeat was on the cards for Filippo Inzaghi's men as Daniele Baselli headed home emphatically to cap an excellent start for the home side.

A limp-looking Milan did at least show some fight to turn the game around, although the irony is that the damage was done by two players who began their careers at Atalanta.

First Giampaolo Pazzini won and dispatched a penalty with 36 minutes on the clock before Bonaventura tapped home two minutes later to turn the game on its head.

Bonaventura ended the game as a contest with 10 minutes remaining, scrambling in his second after a scruffy effort had hit the post.

Milan have been waiting for the season to end from almost the very start and the same appeared to be true of their final game as 17th-placed Atalanta dominated the opening stages.

With just eight minutes played, Luca Cigarini's ball over the top of the Milan defence was misjudged by Gabriel Paletta forcing Chrtistian Abbiati to make a brave close-range stop from Baselli.

The 23-year-old midfielder was not to be denied for long though as another excellent run into the box was picked out by Maximiliano Moralez's cross, allowingBaselli to head beyond Abbiati and into the net with 21 minutes played.

Milan, reacted strongly, however, and Pazzini stroked home the equaliser from the penalty spot with 10 minutes of the half remaining after Andrea Masiello had pulled him back in the area.
That goal brought about another for the visitors just two minutes later as Stephan El Shaarawy's cross got all the way to Pazzini at the far post.

The 30-year-old smashed his shot against the post but another Atalanta old-boy in the form of Bonaventurawas on-hand to tap home the rebound.

The second-half began as the first had, with Atalanta dominating the ball and the chances but on this occasion, they could not find a way beyond Abbiati.

Cigarini went close with a powerful free kick from just outside the area with an hour played before Milan survived a real scare five minutes later.

Abbiati could only parry a low Davide Zappacosta cross back out into the heart of the penalty area but Alejandro Gomez could not quite reach the ball and Palleta cleared to safety.

Bonaventura made them pay for that miss 10 minutes from the end with a very similar goal to his first, calmly passing the ball into the net after he had prodded Andrea Poli's cross onto the post.
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Allegri warns Pogba to 'stop showboating' ahead of Barcelona clash

The midfielder has been criticised by his coach for making silly mistakes following their 2-2 draw with Hellas Verona on Saturday.

Paul Pogba Juanito Gomez Verona JuventusMassimiliano Allegri has warned Paul Pogba he must "stop showboating" to cut out mistakes affecting his game ahead of Juventus' Champions League final clash with Barcelona.

The France midfielder was not at his best against Hellas Verona on Saturday as the Bianconeri finished their victorious Serie A season with a 2-2 draw, and Allegri has called for Pogba to simplify his performances.

"Pogba has enormous qualities but, when he lowers his concentration, he makes mistakes that are avoidable," the Juve coach told Sky Sport. "This is an important point of his growth, he needs to stop showboating in midfield."

Juve were set to head into next Saturday's clash with Barca in Berlin with a triumph, thanks to goals from Roberto Pereyra and Fernando Llorente, but Juanito added to Luca Toni's earlier effort in stoppage-time to deny the Italian table-toppers all three points.

"We alternated between good aspects of our game and bad aspects," Allegri added. "Our lead was handled badly, to be honest, regardless of the missed penalty from Carlos Tevez late on. Winning would've been a better way to end."

Allegri also passed his opinion on ominous quality that Barca have in their ranks but stressed he is not having any sleepless nights at the prospect of facing Luis Enrique's men.

"It’s borderline impossible to stop Barcelona being dangerous," the coach continued. "We have to not only focus on that, but on attacking and making life hard for them.

"Barcelona play in a different way with Luis Enrique at the helm to how they did under Pep Guardiola. They have less possession and play with a centre-forward, which they didn’t use before.

"I'm not losing any sleep, I sleep pretty soundly. It’s a game we have to prepare for but there’s no need to fire up the team for a Champions League final.

"Nobody expected Juventus to reach the final, and this doesn’t happen often in one's life, so we must do our best to bring the trophy home."
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It's Premier League title time for Arsenal- Walcott

The England international says the Gunners are "very close" to winning the title and feels the current squad is the best he has played in during his time at the Emirates

Theo Walcott ArsenalTheo Walcott says Arsenal now plan to win the Premier League title after retaining their FA Cup trophy with a 4-0 victory over Aston Villa at Wembley.

The 26-year-old scored the opening goal as the Gunners eased to a comfortable win with Alexis Sanchez, Per Mertesacker and Olivier Giroud also on the scoresheet.

Victory means Arsenal are now the most successful team in the competition having recorded their 12th FA Cup win and Walcott says the Gunners must now kick on and claim the title.

"We are very close to winning the title. We just need to start well. I've been here for a long time and this is one of the best squads I've been part of," he told BBC Sport.

"We should be achieving much more. That's two FA Cups, Premier League is the next big target."

Arsene Wenger opted to start Walcott ahead of Giroud for the final and the attacker has thanked his manager for keeping faith in him.

"It's amazing. Any win is fantastic. The manner we did it today was great. We played great football, kept a clean sheet," he added.

"We always knew if we kept a clean sheet we'd score goals and win the game. I've got to thank the manager for having the faith in picking me and repaying him but this team is blessed. It's got to be many more next year.

"I missed this. I was at home, on FaceTime. To be part of this today is a dream. My family's here. I've worked so hard like the staff and the players. I want to thank the physios and everyone's that looked after me but this is massive for me."
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Messi, Suarez and Neymar set Spanish goalscoring history

Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain had previously held the record, but first-half efforts in the Copa del Rey final allowed the Barcelona trio to surpass it.

Athletic Barcelona Copa del ReyBarcelona attackers Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar have set history in the Copa del Rey final by breaking the Spanish record for most goals scored in a single season by a trio.
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Messi, Suarez and Neymar set Spanish goalscoring history

Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain had previously held the record, but first-half efforts in the Copa del Rey final allowed the Barcelona trio to surpass it.

Athletic Barcelona Copa del ReyBarcelona attackers Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar have set history in the Copa del Rey final by breaking the Spanish record for most goals scored in a single season by a trio.
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Marcelo out of Brazil's Copa America squad

The Real Madrid full-back has been replaced after the Selecao team doctor confirmed he is suffering from a back injury.


Real Madrid full-back Marcelo has been ruled out ofBrazil's Copa America squad due to a back injury, with Internacional's Geferson called up as his replacement.

The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed Geferson's promotion on Friday with a statement on their website, before Madrid confirmed Marcelo's injury following a hospital visit.

"We were told by Real Madrid doctors that, in a training session, he went to jump and since then he's been suffering severe pain in the lumbar region," Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar told AS.

"We did some tests and he won't be able to start to train with us on Monday. He'd need around three weeks, more or less, to be able to train. Today he has real problems, he can't walk. There's no other solution."

Geferson, 21, will join Dunga's squad ahead of Brazil's friendlies against Mexico and Honduras, and he will make his senior international debut if given game-time in any of the upcoming matches.

Brazil have been grouped with Colombia, Peru and Venezuela for next month's Copa America in Chile.

Dunga's side will start their campaign against Peru on June 14.
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I have the hunger to continue at Arsenal- Wenger

The Frenchman expressed his desire to stay on at the club after guiding his side to a record 12th FA Cup triumph at Wembley by the biggest winning margin in 21 years.

Arsene Wenger ArsenalArsene Wenger says he still has the hunger to continue at Arsenal after watching his side retain their FA Cup trophy with a 4-0 win over Aston Villa at Wembley.

The victory sees the Gunners boss become the joint most successful manager in the competition's history with six trophies, alongside former Villa boss George Ramsey.

Wenger - whose future has been the subject of some speculation throughout 2014-15 - insists he would like to have the chance to claim the record outright while with the Emirates club.

"I have two more years left on my contract," he toldBBC Sport.

"I will just sit down with my directors and see how much they believe and trust in me. My hunger is great but I want to do well."

Wenger said that the latest addition to Arsenal's trophy cabinet has proven his side's pedigree, especially after an inconsistent start to the season.

"It's a continuation of how we've played recently," he said. "Overall we have shown again that we're a real team, we've made progress.

"We can deal with pressure. I would like to congratulate everybody: my staff, the players and the fans, who were great again today. After an indifferent start, the season has finished well so we are very happy.

"Honestly, I had a difficult week. I had very difficult decisions to make, from the keeper to the centre forward. But when the confidence is good and the spirit is so high in our team it helps. I'm very proud that our club is doing well."
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Dortmund 1-3 Wolfsburg: DFB-Pokal won by De Bruyne and Dost

Although Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put BVB into the lead after five minutes, Jurgen Klopp's BVB farewell ended in heartbreak as Dieter Hecking's men bounced back in style

Kevin De Bruyne | Borussia Dortmund v WolfsburgJurgen Klopp's last game as Borussia Dortmund boss ended in misery as goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Bas Dost gave Wolfsburg a 3-1 triumph to win the DFB-Pokal final.
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  1. Borussia Dortmund vs Wolfsburg DFB Pokal Final 2015 Highlights • Dortmund 1-3 Wolfsburg DFB Final










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