Brazil international Dani Alves is planning to leave Barcelona at the end of this season and join an English club, the fullback said on Wednesday. . “I am moving to England next year,” he told Rio de Janeiro’s O Globo newspaper. “I am going to play in the cradle of football. This will be my last year at Barcelona.” . He did not say which club he might join or why he wanted to leave the Spanish giants. . The 31-year old joined Barcelona in 2008 and has won four La Liga crowns and two Champions League titles.
Author: David F.
Frustrated Arsenal winger Lukas Podolski hinted on Thursday he might leave the Premier League club before his contract expires in 2016 because he was not playing enough. . “I am a full blooded player, a street player and I love competition,” the 29-year-old told RTL television. . “If I don’t have this competition every weekend then a change must occur.” . Podolski, who has scored 47 goals for Germany in 118 internationals, joined the London club in 2012. . He was not involved in the opening four matches of the season following Germany’s successful World Cup in Brazil, and has…
Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has many detractors in Spain and in his native France but scoring important goals like his winner in Wednesday’s Champions League game at Ludogorets will help silence them. . Benzema’s critics say he should be a lot more prolific, while his supporters, including Real president Florentino Perez and coach Carlo Ancelotti, highlight his work for the team, which they say often goes unnoticed. . The 26-year-old came off the bench in the second half in Sofia and his strike 13 minutes from time to make it 2-1 helped Real complete a comeback from a goal…
Atletico Madrid can repeat last season’s successes if they maintain the same intensity and work rate that helped secure a 1-0 win at home to Juventus in Champions League Group A, according to fullback Juanfran. . With an unspectacular squad fuelled by fierce commitment and self-belief, Atletico won their first La Liga title in 18 years in 2013-14 and were pipped in the final of Europe’s elite club competition by Real Madrid. . Wednesday’s Group A victory over Italian champions Juventus at the Calderon again showcased Atletico’s ability to fluster illustrious opponents with their pressing game. . It was also…
Arsenal fans appear to have found a new god to worship after Danny Welbeck smashed home a hat-trick in the 4-1 win over Galatasaray last night. . Welbeck completed a £16million move from Manchester United on transfer deadline day last month and has since impressed at the Emirates. . But, if the FA are to be believed, he’s still a Manchester United player. Is he loan at Arsenal? If he is then a £16million loan fee is a bit excessive, don’t you think? . Either way, at least he’s scoring goals for Arsenal. Which is more than what can be…
The teenager moved to Old Trafford from Southampton for £27m in the summer but has so far only started one game – last weekend against West Ham – due to various fitness concerns. . United are suffering something of an injury crisis in defence at present, meaning that Shaw will likely be needed to start against Everton on Sunday, and the England international has revealed he held talks with Neville prior to his move. . “I speak to him and we chatted a lot at the World Cup finals in Brazil,” Shaw told the Daily Mirror. . “Obviously, at that…
Manchester United’s injury woes show no sign of abating with Ander Herrera facing the prospect of up to six weeks out with a fractured rib. . The Spaniard came off in the second half of the 2-1 victory against West Ham at Old Trafford and was assessed by United’s medical staff. . United said in a statement on their official website that they will “monitor his progress over the next few weeks”.
Manchester United have been sent crashing back down to earth after a comeback from City saw them lose a seemingly comfortable tie 5-3. United were 3-1 up after Ander Herrera’s 53rd minute goal and seemingly cruising – but goals from David Nugent, Esteban Cambiasso, Jamie Vardy and Leonardo Ulloa saw City complete a fantastic and memorable victory. . But that does not tell the whole story. United’s capitulation was inexcusable but so was the abysmal refereeing display from Clattenburg. . He failed to award a foul before then giving a penalty against the Brazilian who was rtightly feeling aggrieved. He…
Manchester United have been sent crashing back down to earth after a comeback from Leicester City saw them lose a seemingly comfortable tie 5-3. United were 3-1 up after Ander Herrera’s 53rd minute goal and seemingly cruising – but goals from David Nugent, Esteban Cambiasso, Jamie Vardy and Leonardo Ulloa saw Leicester City complete a fantastic and memorable victory. . But that does not tell the whole story. United’s capitulation was inexcusable but so was the abysmal refereeing display from Mark Clattenburg. . He failed to award Rafael a foul before then giving a penalty against the Brazilian who was…
Manchester United interim manager Ryan Giggs says Phil Jones and Wayne Rooney will both be fit to play for England at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil. . United defender Jones, 22, injured his shoulder in Tuesday’s 3-1 win against Hull, while forward Rooney, 28, has had a minor groin problem. . England manager Roy Hodgson will name a provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup on Monday. . On Rooney, Giggs said: “He is training and will be fine for the World Cup.” . The Welshman added: “He has just started over the last couple of days. Sunday is…