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VIDEO: PSG players filmed discussing a possible Champions League exit before defeat to Barca

Paris Saint-Germain quartet Marco Verratti, Blaise Matuidi, Thomas Meunier and Julian Draxler feared a monumental collapse against Barcelona despite heading to the Nou Camp with a 4-0 lead.

Prior to Wednesday’s game, no Champions League team had ever overturned a first leg deficit of more than three goals. But Barcelona broke that record against the Ligue 1 champions, scoring three times in the final seven minutes to complete a sensational comeback.

PSG’s 4-0 lead should have given them confidence heading to Spain, but it has now emerged that not even that advantage was enough for them to banish their fears prior to the match.

In a video shot before the second leg, Verratti, Matuidi, Meunier and Draxler were filmed discussing their previous experiences of blowing first leg leads against big sides.

“The first 20 minutes is going to be tough,” said Matuidi. “The pitch is huge. When Neymar has the ball, you’re always one-on-one.”

Draxler interjected: “Last year with Wolfsburg, we won [against Real Madrid] 2-0 at home. After 20 minutes in the Bernabeu, it was 2-0 to Real. Then, in the 80th minute, Ronaldo scored – 3-0.”

He added: “I think the coach and the team were afraid because we didn’t attack.”

Recalling PSG’s collapse against Chelsea, Matuidi added: “It was the same with us against Chelsea. We won 3-1 at home. You think ‘it’s all good, we are qualified’. When we landed there I think we were afraid, we didn’t attack. [We lost] 2-0. Eliminated.”

In the end, Wednesday’s result eclipsed all previous European collapses, and PSG’s players were treated to a volley of abuse when they landed back in the French capital.

A statement from the club read: “On Wednesday night, upon their return from Barcelona, the Paris Saint-Germain players were confronted and threatened by several individuals at Bourget Airport, despite the club and authorities reinforcing security.

“These individuals verbally insulted the players before vandalising their cars. Several vehicles were damaged.

“In this extremely hostile and aggressive climate, all vehicles were escorted to ensure the safe passage of the players, their families and club staff members. One individual was struck by a car trying to escape the crowd that was physically threatening the players and their families.

“A police investigation is under way to establish exactly what happened.

“The club, and all those present, have informed the investigators of their readiness to help the investigation, to get to the bottom of this regrettable incident.

“The club strongly condemns the actions and behaviour of the individuals in question.”

James: Zidane’s rotation does not affect Real Madrid

After making seven changes against Espanyol, the Real coach plans more for the trip to Valencia – but the midfielder is confident

James Rodriguez believes Real Madrid can cope with any rotation from head coach Zinedine Zidane because so many of the squad are in fine form.

 

Madrid travel to Valencia in La Liga on Wednesday for one of their two games in hand on title rivals Barcelona and Sevilla.

Zidane made seven changes for Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Espanyol and has promised further alterations at Mestalla as his side cope with a busy run of fixtures.

But James, who will hope to get the nod from Zidane having started just four times in the league this season, is confident Madrid will readily adapt whenever any star players are given a break.

“Regardless of how many changes are made, we are all on good form and that is down to the fact that we have got such excellent players,” the Colombia international told the club’s website.

“We are doing well, everyone is on good form and you can see that in the performances.

“We now face the rearranged fixture and we have got to go into it with real discipline and show great desire.

Cristiano Ronaldo Is A Bad Influence On James Rodriguez – Asprilla

Faustino Asprilla believes Cristiano Ronaldo is a bad influence on James Rodriguez, with the Colombia international replicating many of his Real Madrid colleague’s more unfortunate on-field actions.

James is the star turn within his national side’s ranks, as a performer gracing the books of one of world football’s biggest teams.

That can only be considered a positive for the South American nation, but Asprilla fears that time spent working with global superstars has gone to the 25-year-old’s head.

He has seen too much negative body language from the talented playmaker of late, with his gestures towards team-mates that do not pass him the ball or perform as he expects mirroring those often seen from Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Asprilla, who won 57 caps for his country during his playing days, told ESPN of James’ actions during Colombia’s 3-0 defeat to Argentina on Tuesday: “Lately what I am seeing from James – who I love and respect a lot – is that his friendship with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid is damaging him.

“He has the same gestures when they don’t give him the ball [in the Colombia team]. When they don’t give Cristiano the ball he gesticulates to everyone. In Colombia [James] waves his arms at his teammates.”

“At the start of the game he scowled at Alavarez Balanta and made a gesture. I don’t know if it was because he didn’t pass the ball or not.”

Former Newcastle and Parma forward Asprilla believes James needs to show greater respect to his teammates – many of whom look up to him – saying that it is likely that he would ‘get a slap’ if he tried his international antics in any other team.

He added: “The first thing James needs to do is help his teammates improve because he’s playing in a team of youngsters who respect him and no one dares say anything to him.

“In another team they’d give him a slap. At least in the Colombia side I played in we wouldn’t stand for it.

“It’s normal to argue with the referee and quarrel with rival players, but with your teammates it’s not.

“You can quarrel, but doing it because one of your teammates didn’t pass the ball is the ugliest thing you can do as a footballer. He’s picked up that habit from Cristiano Ronaldo, who does it every eight days.”

Gareth Bale Declares Intention to Retire at Real Madrid After Signing New Deal

Real Madrid ace Gareth Bale wants to finish his career as a Madridsta, per  The Guardian, after the Welsh attacker, who signed from Tottenham Hotspur three years ago, extended his deal with the Spanish club on Monday, putting pen to paper on a contract set to expire in 2022.

Bale has been linked with a return to the Premier League for the past two seasons, but this new development should do a lot to pour cold water on all of the rumours.

Gareth Bale Signs New Contract at Real Madrid

Bale held a press conference at the Bernabeu after signing his new deal, and was asked whether he sees himself ending his career at Madrid, to which he replied: “Yeah, for sure. The reason I signed here for so long is because I’m very happy here.

“I feel more comfortable every year that I’m here as well. I’m improving my Spanish, my family’s more settled.

“I fully intend to see out my contract here. Obviously in the future, I don’t know when I’m going to retire, but I’m very happy here at the moment and for the next six years I’m not looking past that really.”

Real Madrid CF v Athletic Club - La Liga

The 27-year-old has been linked with Manchester United a long time, and many thought that they would go for him during the summer, yet Bale insisted that he didn’t even know who was interested in signing him.

“I couldn’t tell you if anyone’s been interested. Since I’ve been here I’ve been fully concentrated on playing for Real Madrid. I’m very happy here which shows why I’ve signed another six-year deal and we never really speak about these things.

“If [United] have [shown an interest] they have, I don’t know about it. The main thing for me is to concentrate on my football and everything else is dealt with behind the scenes.”

He also pointed out that the transition was not an easy one, especially with him being a British player, but Bale has transcended that to become an absolute star in one of the world’s biggest clubs.

TOPSHOT-FBL-ESP-LIGA-REALMADRID-ATHLETIC

“There have been bad moments, that always happens wherever you are, but the most important thing is how you react. It would be easy to pack up and leave and go elsewhere, but it takes more character to stay here, fight and make things work.

“It’s been difficult journey. It is difficult for British players to come to any European club.

“I’ve had difficult times and good times. It’s all a learning curve.

“I have grown as a person and enjoyed the experience. I am happy here and feel loved by the fans. I am going to try and win all the trophies I can. I always believe that if you keep working hard you will get your rewards.”

Real Madrid Doesn’t Need A Manager Like Me – Guardiola

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he would not be a good fit as Real Madrid manager.

It has been claimed by Guardiola’s biographer, Marti Perarnau, that Madrid president Florentino Perez approached the Catalan to take over at the Santiago Bernabeu before sacking Rafa Benitez in January.

Perarnau insisted the idea was “out of the question” from the start and, on Friday, Guardiola made it clear that he would not be interested in moving to the rivals of his boyhood club Barcelona.

“I am a Barcelona fan, I don’t think Real Madrid needs a manager like me and I wouldn’t fit there either,” he said.

Guardiola is preparing his Manchester City side for their game at West Brom on Saturday as they look to end a winless streak that now spans six matches.

City face Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday but he rejected the suggestion that he would rest certain players at the Hawthorns.

“No, no, game by game, tomorrow we have to try again as soon as possible,” he added. “We have to turn as quickly as possible the situation.”

Guardiola was also unable to shed any light on the injury situations of Kevin De Bruyne, Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna.

“They are getting better, right now I cannot answer, sorry. I don’t know if they are able to play in tomorrow’s game against West Brom.”

My sack is imminent- Zidane

Real Madrid boss, Zinedine Zidane has revealed he is not afraid of getting the sack.

This follows mounting pressure after a poor run of form in recent matches.

“I’m not afraid of being fired, anyway, it will happen”, Zidane told RMC

“I thoroughly enjoy what I do. I have an incredible opportunity, I am happy wth what I do. I enjoy my job, which is not always easy.

“But I want to learn and advance. Working with these great players I learn every day. I am dedicated to what I do on the field. What is interesting to me is the week [of training], more than the matches.

“I have an exceptional group, whether we win or we lose they are good people.”

“What’s important it’s to find solutions and I’ll find the solution. There is nothing catastrophic, but it’s not trivial.

“I don’t think it’s a physical problem. It’s the first minutes of the games that are penalising us. The content of these games in LaLiga were very bad, especially against Villarreal.

“It’s psychological. We are trying to find the problem.”

Xavi Hernandez backs Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo to win Ballon d’Or

Xavi Hernandez has extended an olive branch to Cristiano Ronaldo by saying the Real Madrid star “has the numbers” to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.

The former Barcelona midfielder unintentionally started a war of words with Ronaldo in September when he said that Ronaldo cannot be compared to his former teammate Lionel Messi. Ronaldo retorted by bragging about the fact he’s won the Ballon d’Or on three occasions and mocking Xavi’s decision to move to Qatari side Al-Sadd for the final years of his professional career.

However, Xavi has not risen to the Portuguese international’s comments, instead of backing him as the primary candidate to be crowned as football’s best player for the fourth time.

“Cristiano has the numbers to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, having won the Champions League and the Euros [with Real Madrid and Portugal],” he said at the ASPIRE4SPORT Congress & Exhibition in Amsterdam.

“But I also think that it’ll be very competitive, because Messi will be there, of course.”

The dispute between the two players started when Xavi was recently asked to compare Ronaldo and Messi in an interview with Cadena SER.

“Ronaldo is a player of his time,” he said, “but the problem is that there is another player who has been pretty much the best player in history.

“Ronaldo is extraordinary but compared to Messi, for me and for everyone who likes football, there can be no comparisons.”

Asked about the comments, Ronaldo replied: “I couldn’t care less about what Xavi says about me, he plays in Qatar or I don’t even know where.

“He’s won every collective trophy, including a World Cup and the European Championship, but he’s never won a Ballon d’Or.”

In August, Ronaldo was named UEFA Best Player in Europe ahead of Madrid teammate Gareth Bale and Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann.

This year’s Ballon d’Or will be voted on exclusively by journalists after France Football ended its six-year association with FIFA in September.

That relationship had seen the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s World Player of the Year combined for the last six years, with journalists and national team captains and coaches voting on the world’s best player.

FIFA have not announced their plans for the World Player of the Year award going forward.

‘I Will Make Real Madrid Return Against Osasuna’ – CR7

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he will return for Real Madrid in Saturday’s Liga clash with Osasuna.

The 31-year-old has been nursing a knee injury that he picked up in the European Championship final and has only returned to Madrid training this week.

The Portugal captain insists he is ready to return, however, telling reporters at a promotional event: “Yes, I will play [against Osasuna].”

More to follow…

Ramos: Neymar to Real Madrid? Football Is Unpredictable

The defender has admitted he wouldn’t be surprised to see the forward move to the Bernabeu in the future but ruled out ever joining Barcelona

Sergio Ramos has admitted “football is unpredictable” after being asked if he thought Neymar would ever join Real Madrid.

The former Santos man was reported to have met with a Madrid delegation ahead of the Fifa Ballon d’Or gala in Zurich.

The 23-year-old quickly denied such a meeting ever took place, while Barcelona coach Luis Enrique revealed last week that he expects Neymar to sign a new contract sooner rather than later.

That has not stopped Ramos from hailing the Brazil captain’s talents, however.

“Neymar is a great player who can make the difference,” the defender told reporters.

“Football is unpredictable and there will always be transfer rumours.

“But the one thing you will never see is Sergio Ramos joining Barcelona.”

Madrid supposedly see Neymar as the long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been linked with Manchester United, PSG and a move to MLS in recent months.

However, Ramos is keen for the Portugal international to stay at the Bernabeu for many more years to come.

“As Madrid captain, I would like to see Cristiano here for many more years,” he added. “He is a real star.”

Real Madrid Deny All Charges And Will Appeal Fifa’s Transfer Ban Decision

Real Madrid have confirmed that they will appeal Fifa’s decision to hand them a transfer ban for the next two transfer windows, insisting they have done nothing wrong.

Both los Blancos and city rivals Atletico were handed the sanctions for irregularities regarding the transfer of players under the age of 18, but Real have outlined the steps taken to ensure they followed the appropriate procedures in a new statement.

Atletico have also confirmed that they will appeal the ban, though both teams are free to continue signing players in the current January window.

“Consequently, Real Madrid will appeal this decision by Fifa using all sporting bodies, considering it absolutely unacceptable,” concluded Madrid’s length statement released on Thursday afternoon.

More to follow…

News Alert!! Real Madrid Expelled From Copa Del Rey

Real Madrid have been expelled from the Copa del Rey after the suspended Denis Cheryshev was selected to take on Cadiz.

The winger opened the scoring on Wednesday night but it soon materialized he should have sat out the clash after picking up a ban in the competition while playing for Villarreal last term.

More to follow…

The Usual Suspects Messi & Ronaldo And A New Nominee Neymar, Make Ballon d’Or Final Shortlist

The original 23-man list has been reduced to just three names and includes two Barcelona players, with the winner to be revealed at a ceremony in Zurich on January 11, 2016

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar will contest the 2015 Ballon d’Or competition after the shortlist was whittled down from 23 names to just three.

Messi is the favourite to land the accolade, having led Barcelona to a famous treble last season, while Ronaldo is looking to defend his crown and draw level with the Argentine for overall wins.

Were he to pick up the Ballon d’Or at the ceremony in Zurich on January 11, 2016, it would be Messi’s fifth World Player of the Year title, more than any other player.

This year he is joined on the podium by Barca team-mate Neymar, who netted 10 goals en route to Champions League glory, including scoring in the final against Juventus in Berlin.

The Brazilian was also the joint-third top scorer in La Liga last season with 22 goals – and already has 14 this term – though his haul was put in the shade by those of Messi (43 goals) and topscorer Ronaldo (48).

For the sixth straight time, the final three-man Ballon d’Or shortlist does not include a single Premier League player, while it is a decade since an Englishman last made the final three (Frank Lampard in 2005).

The women’s nominees for their respective prize are the USA’s Carli Lloyd, Japan’s Aya Miyama and Germany’s Celia Sasic.

Barcelona Or Real Madrid Wouldn’t Win The Premier League – Pique

The Catalan defender, who has played for Manchester United, believes it would be too tough for Spain’s biggest clubs to win the title in England

Barcelona would not win the Premier League if they were given the chance to compete in England’s top flight, according to the Catalan side’s defender Gerard Pique.

The 28-year-old, who played for Manchester United between 2004 and 2008, says that neither Barca nor Real Madrid would stand a chance in their first season because going to places like Stoke City is “really tough”.

Manchester City have been knocked out of the Champions League to Luis Enrique’s side for the last two seasons, while Madrid and Atletico have both accounted for Manchester United and Chelsea recently.

Pique, however, doesn’t believe dominance in Europe would be reflected if Spain’s biggest clubs tried their luck in the English league.

“I think that if Barcelona or Real Madrid goes to the Premier League then the first year of playing there, there is no chance of winning it,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

“I think [this] because if you go to Stoke, or other types of teams, then it will be really tough.”

The Spain international, who recaptured his best form last season as Barca won the treble, also feels that English teams would struggle if they had to make the move to the Mediterranean.

“It’s a debate – we could spend hours on it,” he continued.

“If Manchester United or Chelsea go to Spain then the same. No chance to win the league.”

Official: De Gea Signs New Deal With Manchester United

David De Gea has signed a new four-year contract with Manchester United, with the option to extend for a further year.

http://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/642291550987358208/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

“I am delighted to be starting this new chapter in my United career,” said De Gea.

“I have always enjoyed playing with these great players in front of our fantastic fans. Manchester United is a special club and Old Trafford is an ideal place for me to continue to develop my career.

“I’m looking forward to putting a difficult summer behind me and concentrating on working hard to improve and help my teammates to be successful.”

More to follow…

Benitez A Better Coach For Real Madrid Than Mourinho – Perez

The Blancos president believes the current manager at Santiago Bernabeu is the best he has worked with, though he did praise the Chelsea boss for his time in Spain.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has no plans to bring Jose Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabeu, labelling Rafael Benitez “the best coach I’ve ever had”.

Mourinho’s Chelsea have started the Premier League in dreadful fashion with just four points from as many games, prompting rumours owner Roman Abramovich may lose patience with the Portuguese.

But if Mourinho does lose his current job, it looks unlikely he could turn to Madrid for rescue.

Under Benitez, Madrid have four points from two La Liga fixtures, while there is the not-so-small matter of Mourinho’s final season at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he fell out with Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas, the media and fans.

Speaking to Cadena COPE , Perez said: “I have no intention of re-signing him [Mourinho], although he did give us an important step up in terms of quality.

“Before him, we struggled to make it past the last 16 in Europe and that wasn’t good enough.”

Perez added: “[Benitez is] the best coach I’ve ever had.”

De Gea & Van Gaal Set For Crunch Talks

The Manchester United goalkeeper is determined to win his place back from Sergio Romero after his deadline day move to Real Madrid fell through at the last minute.

David de Gea is set for crunch talks with Louis van Gaal on Wednesday with the Spaniard determined to win his place back in the Manchester United starting XI following the dramatic collapse of his move to Real Madrid.

The goalkeeper has yet to play for United this season as Madrid’s continued interest led manager Van Gaal to exclude him from the first team, claiming the club’s Player of the Year was not in the right place, mentally, to play.

“In spite of the fact that David de Gea wants to play, we think that it is better for him [not to],” Van Gaal explained when dropping De Gea.

“For me it’s not normal that [Sergio Romero] is playing but I think in circumstances as this, it is the best decision.”

But after his much anticipated move to Madrid fell through on Spain’s transfer deadline day, De Gea is now back in contention to start against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.

De Gea returns to Manchester on Wednesday after starting his first game of the season in Spain’s 1-0 away win against Macedonia on Tuesday, and the 24-year-old insisted he is ready to play for United once more.

“I felt good. I really liked playing again,” De Gea told reporters after the match in Skopje. “Now I have to keep working, and I hope to be lucky now with my club.

“All of the support I received is very important to me. I have great friends and I’m very grateful to all of them.

“I will do in the future exactly what I do now: to be calm, and to keep working and improving. Definitely, I’m enjoying football. I’m happy.”

Romero has started all six of United’s competitive fixtures this season in De Gea’s absence, but the Argentine came under fire for his part in the loss to Swansea City last time out.

And with De Gea’s future now resolved for the short term at least, Van Gaal could give the former Atletico Madrid man the nod to return to the starting line-up for Saturday’s high-profile fixture against Liverpool. 

Real Madrid: We Did Everything Necessary In De Gea Transfer From Man Utd

The Spanish outfit has stated that they did as much as they possibly could to sign the goalkeeper before the national deadline closed on Monday.

Real Madrid have claimed they did everything possible to sign goalkeeper David de Gea from Manchester United.

The £29 million deal to sign the Spain international would have seen Keylor Navas go in the opposite direction for around £10m, but the necessary paperwork was not completed before Monday’s midnight CET deadline.

In a written statement on the club’s official website, Madrid have revealed a timeline of events to support their assertion that they could have done nothing more to secure De Gea’s services.

After explaining that United had not agreed to talks relating to a transfer until Monday morning, Madrid say they responded as quickly as possible at every stage of the process.

“Manchester United entered the TMS data from the operation of David de Gea, but not those of Keylor Navas, at 00:00 Spanish time, simultaneously referring to Real Madrid signed transfer contracts,” said the club statement.

“Real Madrid received the full documentation at 00:02 and tried to access the TMS but it was already closed.

“At 00:26 Spanish time the computer system of Fifa TMS made an invitation to Real Madrid to fill in data for the player David de Gea, given that the deadline for registration in England remains open to this day.

“Real Madrid, in the eventuality of a possible contest regarding the transfer of the player, decided to refer the contract to the Professional Football League (LFP), despite knowing that the deadlines had expired.

“In short, the Real Madrid has done everything necessary, and at all times, to implement these two transfers.”

The Madrid statement makes no mention of a potential appeal to the LFP, with the club now believed to have accepted that their quest for De Gea’s signature has come to an end.

Cristiano Ronaldo Spends N6.1million On Waxwork Of Himself

Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has spent £20,000 on a waxwork of himself to take pride of place in his Spanish mansion.

The Real Madrid player paid for the sculpture after making numerous visits to see a similar statue of himself  (pictured above) in the Spanish capital’s Museum of Wax. Ronaldo, who used to play for Manchester United, hired British waxwork sculptor Michael Wade to make the replica at his renowned studio in Bridport, Devon. See the replica after the cut.

The 30-year-old vain footballer even got his personal hairdresser to ensure the wax figure has his
trademark hairstyle.

 

Romero Hopes De Gea Snubs Real Madrid & Stays At Manchester United

The Spain international has been omitted from Louis van Gaal’s first three matchday squads as speculation continues to link him with a move to the La Liga giants.

Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero hopes David de Gea remains at Old Trafford amid speculation linking him with an imminent move to Real Madrid.

Spain international De Gea has long been on the Liga club’s radar, with Louis van Gaal taking the decision to not pick the 24-year-old in any of his matchday squads for the opening three fixtures of the season.

That has opened the door to Romero, who only joined United on a free transfer in the summer, but the former Sampdoria goalkeeper, who has conceded one goal in his three starts thus far this season, wants De Gea to stay.

He told reporters: “The truth is that I have no idea [if De Gea will join Real Madrid]. But for me I hope that De Gea stays here because he’s a good team-mate who always works hard and that is best for the group.


DE GEA’S 14-15 PREMIER LEAGUE STATS

“He works hard every day [in training]. The truth is he is a great team-mate, a great professional, a great person. It happened to me last year in Sampdoria. I was not playing but I was working as if I was going to play.

“It surely is a difficult situation for him but when one is a great professional like he is and one has a good head like his you keep training to get better day by day because, you never know, he could play on a Sunday.”

Romero also discussed Memphis Depay’s impact in the 3-1 win over Club Brugge on Tuesday and has urged caution as United head into the second leg of their Champions League play-off tie with a two-goal cushion.

He added: “We are not through yet. We have to work hard. We are a team that is in progress, that day by day is trying to improve. Next we hope to have a good match at home to Newcastle and another great match against Brugge.

“He [Depay] is a very important player for us. Even though he is young, he has a lot of experience in big clubs because he has played for PSV, an important club in Holland and today he has shown why he was signed here. He scored a beautiful goal and he was always dangerous.”

Source – goal.com

Sergio Ramos signs new five-year deal with Real Madrid

29-year-old Real Madrid defender, Sergio Ramos, has shut down speculations of moving to Manchester United this summer  after signing a deal to stay with the club until 2020.

ramos

In a statement,  he said…

“I know this renewal has taken a while but my heart and head have always been with Real Madrid so I couldn’t be happier,” explained Ramos at a press conference on Monday, standing alongside Perez.

“Whatever the press want to say I respect but the reality is a bit different.

“I have never said I wanted to leave Real Madrid, my idea was to always be here and I always wanted to retire here.

“Honestly, if it was an economic decision I wouldn’t have stayed. It wasn’t a question of money.

“I was quiet. I never said anything out of respect for my team-mates. I want to stay here for the rest of my career.”

Ramos joined Madrid from Sevilla in 2005 and has won La Liga three times, the Copa del Rey twice and the 2014 Champions League during his time at the Bernabeu.

‘Man Utd Need A Superstar… But It Won’t Be Ronaldo’ – Van Gaal

The Real Madrid superstar has been heavily linked with a return to Old Trafford in recent weeks but the Dutchman says such a swoop is unlikely, while seeking a ‘creative’ player

 

Louis van Gaal says Manchester United need to sign a world-class “creative” player, but insists that Cristiano Ronaldo will not join the club this summer.

United have been heavily linked with a move for the Real Madrid superstar in recent weeks, with Van Gaal hinting at a “surprise signing” in attack.

United have embarked on a major summer recruitment drive, acquiring Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Matteo Darmian and Memphis Depay, but Van Gaal is keen to add creativity to his squad.

Having spent in excess of £70 million already thus far, however, Van Gaal concedes that former club hero Ronaldo is out of his reach.

“We can use much more creativity,” he told reporters in the United States. “We have Wayne [Rooney], [Juan] Mata, [Memphis] Depay, [Ashley] Young, [Adnan] Januzaj, [James] Wilson, [Ander] Herrera. Young has had a fantastic season, but he is not a Neymar and we have to compete with that kind of class.

“When it is possible to buy, for a reasonable price, players from that level, we shall do that because they can contribute as they are better.

“Ronaldo? He may come, but it is not possible. Why not? Because you have the club [Real], Ronaldo and then you have Manchester United and how much Manchester United want to spend.”

The transfer window is set to shut in six weeks and Van Gaal maintains that the club must flex their considerable financial muscle if they are to mount a serious assault on the Premier League title in 2015-16.

Indeed, the Dutchman says that the club’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in April is serving as a motivation to recruit a player in the mould of Eden Hazard, who scored the winner at Stamford Bridge.

“Chelsea have Hazard,” Van Gaal added. “He can always make goals, he can always make an action and decide a goal. Chelsea also have Willian and Oscar. Manchester City have [Sergio] Aguero, it’s the same type. Barcelona has [Lionel] Messi, Neymar and [Luis] Suarez. We as Manchester United have to compete with these clubs, so we have to look also for that kind of players.

“You need creative players. You need that because you have to disorganise [teams that park] the bus and, next year, there might be more teams who are parking the bus, so we must look for more creativity.”

Van Gaal, though, is satisfied with his business thus far, and believes United are a better team now than they were when he took the reins at the club last season.

“With Morgan Schneiderlin, with Bastian Schweinsteiger, with Memphis Depay, with Matteo Darmian, we are better than last year. But we have to be much better and I say to you that means the creativity of my players in the front,” he said.

“At Chelsea, we didn’t score and they scored and that is the difference in the game. If we had won that game, the gap would have been five points and the pressure was high [on Chelsea].”

Rafael Benitez Named New Real Madrid Coach

Rafael Benitez will take charge of Real Madrid next season after the club confirmed he had signed a three-year deal with the Spanish giants on Wednesday.

“Real Madrid will present today, Wednesday, June 3, Rafa Benitez as the new coach of the first team for the next three seasons,” the club said in a statement.

Benitez will give a press conference at 1100GMT at the club’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The appointment brings Benitez’s coaching career full circle as he returns to the club where he made his first steps as a youth team coach in the early nineties.

Benitez is also returning to Spain for the first time in over a decade after making a name for himself with two league titles in three years at Valencia between 2001 and 2004.

However, commentators and fans have been skeptical at his appointment at the expense of the well-loved Carlo Ancelotti, who was sacked by the club last week.

Ancelotti ended a 12-year wait to land Madrid’s much desired 10th Champions League last season, but paid the price for failing to deliver a major trophy this season with eternal rivals Barcelona on the brink of sealing a treble.

Moreover, Benitez has failed to land a league title in the 11 years since he swapped Valencia for Liverpool.

The 55-year-old’s greatest achievement in that time came in winning the Champions League in his first season at Liverpool. However, he delivered only the UEFA Super Cup and the FA Cup in 2006 in the five years that followed at Anfield.

Benitez then had a nightmare experience following in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan where he lasted just six months and another short-lived unhappy spell at Chelsea followed as he was never accepted by the fans despite winning the Europa League in 2013.

A two-year spell with Italian giants Napoli also came to an unsatisfactory end on Sunday with a 4-2 home defeat to Lazio which ensured they did not qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Benitez could face a frosty reception from Real’s horde of ‘galacticos’ who were very much against Ancelotti’s sacking.

“Great coach and amazing person. Hope we work together next season,” World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo posted on his official Twitter days before the Italian’s dismissal.
Meanwhile, a host of other players including Sergio Ramos, James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos also took to social media to thank Ancelotti for his time at the club.

In contrast to the affable Ancelotti, Benitez is known for being a strict disciplinarian and obsessive tactician which will put new demands on the most expensively assembled squad in football history.

Former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel caused a stir last week when he tweeted: “Benitez on his way to Real? He will make Ronaldo a great defender…”

However, another of Benitez’s perceived faults during his time in England, his persistent squad rotation, has helped him to land his dream job.

Whilst Barcelona boss Luis Enrique gave his players a rest at every opportunity early in the season, Ancelotti rotated very little even in Madrid’s easiest games and consequently saw his side run out of gas at the business end of the season.

Benitez will get his first taste of the demands at Los Blancos on a gruelling pre-season tour to Australia and China for friendlies against Roma, Manchester City, Inter Milan and AC Milan in July

Cristiano Ronaldo Shows Off His Dance Moves Aboard Luxury Yacht

The 30 year old footballer was seen busting some moves aboard a yacht in St. Tropez. Cristiano was on board with his rumoured girlfriend Chloe Green, the Topshop heiress. The boat is owned by her dad, billionaire Sir Philip Green.

The Portuguese hunk happily showed off his honed footballer physique in all its glory and looks like he may have taught his buddies some of his moves. More photos below…

 

Guardiola: Bayern Were In Control… Then Messi Showed His Class

Lionel Messi‘s class was the difference between Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the German champions’ 3-0 defeat on Wednesday, according to Pep Guardiola.

The Argentine – who shot to worldwide prominence while Guardiola was in charge of Barcelona – put the Bavarians to the sword with a late double which turned the well-balanced Champions League semi-final tie on its head at Camp Nou.

Neymar added insult to injury with a stoppage-time strike, avenging the three-goal triumph secured by Bayern on their last trip to Catalunya in 2013 and leaving the German champions with an almost impossible task in the second leg.

“Bayern did well for a long time,” Guardiola, whose side restricted Barca to their lowest possession in a Champions League game since 2006, told reporters. “But then Messi showed his class. Barca aren’t just him, though – they’re a strong team, with other top individuals like Luis Suarez and Neymar.

“Barca are so good that they find spaces wherever they want to. It’s the talent of their team that left us on the losing end, playing at Camp Nou is so hard.

“However, I think we actually controlled the game until the first Barca goal. We lost our grip after that, though, but I won’t blame any of my players. The team have gone through a lot of difficult situations this season.”

Guardiola was unremittingly bleak when assessing the Bundesliga champions’ chances of reaching the final in Berlin on June 6, adding: “You can turn around a one or two-goal deficit, but three goals is tough.”

Bayern now host Augsburg on Saturday – when they are almost certain to field a second-string side, having already wrapped up the league title last month – before playing host to the Catalans next Tuesday.

The winner of this semi-final will face either Real Madrid or Juventus, with the Italians holding a 2-1 advantage after the first leg on Tuesday in Turin.

Champions League Draw: Barcelona Face Bayern Munich, Real Madrid Take On Juventus

Barcelona will take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals while Real Madrid have drawn Juventus.

Luis Enrique’s side defeated Paris Saint-Germain 5-1 to progress to the last four, but they will not face their fierce rivals, who ran out 1-0 winners over fellow La Liga club Atletico thanks to a late Javier Hernandez goal.

Barca will instead take on Bayern, with Pep Guardiola set to return to the Camp Nou for the first time since leaving the club to go on sabbatical, and the Spanish side will be out to avenge their 7-0 aggregate defeat to the German giants in 2013.

Bayern defeated Porto 7-4 over two legs to progress to the semi-finals, while Juventus beat Monaco to earn their clash with the current Champions League holders.

The draw throws up the possibility of an all-Spanish final for the second successive year, with Real defeating Atletico after extra-time last season.

Bayern last reached the showpiece in 2013, when they beat Borussia Dortmund, while Barcelona defeated Manchester United in 2011. Juventus, meanwhile, have not reached the final since 2003, when they beat AC Milan on penalties at Old Trafford.

Five Things We Learnt From Barca’s Win Over Real Madrid

Barcelona took a huge step towards a fifth La Liga title in seven years with a 2-1 win over Real Madrid thanks to Luis Suarez‘s stunning strike on Sunday.

Here, AFP sports looks at five lessons to be learned heading into the final 10 games of the La Liga season.

1. Suarez sinks his teeth into Madrid

The Uruguayan made his Barca debut in the first game between these two sides as Madrid ran out convincing 3-1 winners back in October after completing a four-month ban for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.

This time it was Madrid who were wounded by the former Liverpool star as he capped his rapid rise in recent weeks with what he described as his “most important goal for Barca” and the one that could land them the title.

2. Ronaldo wins the battle, Messi the war

In the clash between the world’s two best players, Cristiano Ronaldo won 1-0 as his first-half equaliser moved him level with Real legend Raul as the third highest scorer in El Clasico history.

However, it was Lionel Messi who emerged victorious on the evening despite a subdued display until space opened up for Barca as Madrid chased the game in the final 20 minutes.

3. Pique’s turnaround at the heart of Barca revival

Barca had also scored first at the Bernabeu earlier in the campaign, but a stupid handball inside his own area from Gerard Pique handed them a route back into the game and they took full advantage.

That was just one of a series of errors from the Spanish international in the opening months of the season, but his remarkable turnaround in performance since the turn of the year has been one of the hallmarks of Barca’s run of 18 wins in 19 games.

Pique claimed he wanted to return to being the best centre-back in the world a few months ago and Barca boss Luis Enrique said he was “well on the road” to doing so after a solid display to hold the Barca defence together in the face of some incessant first-half pressure from Madrid.

4. Modric offers Madrid hope

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti took solace from his side’s much improved display for the first hour of the match in comparison to their wretched form in recent weeks.

That upturn had much to do with the return of Luka Modric in midfield after four months out as the Croatian played a major role in the lovely move which culminated in Ronaldo’s equaliser.

It was no coincidence that Ancelotti’s men faded as the former Spurs man’s legs wilted in the second-half after such a long spell on the sidelines.

5. Bale, Neymar still have much to prove

The two blockbuster buys of the 2013 summer transfer window were seen as the heirs to Messi and Ronaldo’s thrones at the Spanish giants.

Yet, this was another showing in which neither covered themselves in glory.

Bale was unfortunate to see a goal ruled out for Ronaldo being in an offside position in the first period, but fluffed his lines when firing wide with a good chance to send Madrid in 2-1 at the break.

Neymar passed up even better chances, most notably seconds before Ronaldo’s leveller, and was also too selfish on a number of occasions after the break with teammates better positioned to add the finishing touch.

CreditAFPsports

Di Maria was Sold By Real Madrid For Being ‘Too Ugly’, Claims Barcelona Chief

Di Maria was sold by Real Madrid for being ‘too ugly’, claims Barcelona chief – Goal.com

Angel Di Maria was sold by Real Madrid because he was “too ugly” for the club, claims Barcelona‘s assistant director of football, Carles Rexach.

After helping Madrid win the Champions League last year, the Argentina international joined Manchester United for a British-record fee of £59.7 million but has struggled to find form under Louis van Gaal this season.

And Rexach believes that Madrid’s concerns over their brand and image was the main reason behind Di Maria’s departure.

“Florentino Perez [Madrid’s president] looks at the world market and wants a team of Galacticos for everyone to admire. Do you understand what I mean?” Rexach told Regio7.

“[Cristiano] Ronaldo is the flagship of the club. Perez is selling an international brand.

“Vicente del Bosque and Di Maria are too ugly for Real Madrid. They are different from Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez.”

Ancelotti: I Was Surprised To See Barcelona Lose

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that he was shocked by Barcelona‘s 1-0 loss at home to Malaga but still expects the Liga title race to continue until the last day of the season.

The Catalans had been on an 11-game winning streak in all competitions before succumbing to an early goal from Juanmi at Camp Nou on Saturday.

Madrid then triumphed 2-0 at Elche 24 hours later – courtesy of goals from Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo – to pull four points clear of Barca, much to the delight of Ancelotti.

“It was an important game after what happened to our rivals on Saturday and above all to take a bigger lead over Barcelona,” the Italian told reporters.

“It is clear that their defeat surprised everyone, as Barca had been in very good form, playing very well.

“We do have a lead now, but as I have said many times this title will be decided on the last day of the season.”

Madrid were rocked by a 4-0 derby defeat at Atletico on February 7 but have since responded with three consecutive 2-0 wins in all competetions.

Ancelott was thus particularly pleased to see his players keep their clean sheet record going at Elche, in what was his 100th game in charge of the club.

“These 100 games with Real Madrid have gone well,” the former Chelsea boss added.

“But I hope to improve in the next 100 and with the attitude of this game we will win many more. We have been focused and everyone has worked very well. 

“After Atletico we have improved on our defensive work. Elche’s players have got great quality, but we have not allowed them to prove it. I had no doubts that we would win this game.”

Has Cristiano Ronaldo Split With Girlfriend Irina Shayk? Model Unfollows Real Madrid Star On Twitter After Ballon d’Or No Show

Cristiano Ronaldo may have just won the Ballon d’Or for the second successive year in a row, but has the Real Madrid ace lost his trophy girlfriend?

The Portuguese star has reportedly been dumped by Russian beauty Irina Shayk, his partner of four years.

The 29-year-old supermodel was not in attendance as Ronaldo collected the award in Zurich on Monday, the third of his career.

And there was also no mention of the Russian in the Real Madrid striker’s acceptance speech, meaning rumours of their break up is rife.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Irina Shayk get close and share a joke during happier times 

Cristiano Ronaldo and Irina Shayk get close and share a joke during happier times

Irina has been sunning herself on the beach and was not in Zurich with Ronaldo
The Real Madrid ace scooped the third Ballon d'Or of his career but Irina was nowhere to be seen

Is this the end? Irina (left) was not in Zurich to see Ronaldo pick up his second succesive Ballon d’Or trophy

The duo were both in attendance when Ronaldo won the award last year, with the happy couple taking to social media afterwards to celebrate his achievements with fans.

However, this time round there was no words of congratulations from Irina, instead she is even believed to have unfollowed the former Manchester United man on Twitter.

Just weeks ago the Russian model fell out with Ronaldo’s mum over Christmas plans and it looks as though she may finally have had enough.

The couple have been together for the past four years, but it seems there may be trouble in paradise with rumours circulating that she had dumped the Real Madrid man

My Girlfriends Obsession For My Boxers Makes Her Steal Them – CR7

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, has revealed that his model girlfriend Irina Shayk, has developed a funny obsession for his CR7 boxers and her wardrobe is full of them.

The Portugal captain, who launched his range of underwear in October 2013, was asked “What item in your wardrobe does your girlfriend steal” by Vogue.

His response was: “She steals my boxers all the time. She wasn’t in the house and I opened her wardrobe and there were many CR7 boxers. It is funny.”

Ronaldo is currently on duty with Madrid at the Club World Competition in Marrakech, Morroco.

Ronaldo On Track To Beat Messi’s Record Of 73 goals In A Season

Real Madrid‘s Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona‘s Lionel Messi continue to exchange heavyweight blows in their relentless pursuit of records.

During a remarkable spell in November, the Argentine scored successive trebles to become the all-time top scorer in both La Liga and the Champions League, beating his great rival to Raul’s mark in the process.

Last weekend, both hit incredible domestic milestones. On Sunday, Messi became the first player to reach 400 goals in La Liga with a hat-trick in the derby against Espanyol. Less than 24 hours earlier, Ronaldo had scored a treble of his own to bring up a personal tally of 200 in Spain’s top flight.

While the former Manchester United man might trail the South American in Primera Division strikes, he has established himself as the favourite to win the 2014 Ballon d’Or thanks to a remarkable domestic scoring streak.

In his 13 league appearances this season, Ronaldo has been shut out only by Malaga. While this in itself is a staggering statistic, the sheer weight of goals from the 29-year-old is even more astounding. He has 23 to his credit at a rate of close to two a game.

Throw in four more goals in the Champions League and another two from the Uefa Super Cup, and Ronaldo is on course to break Messi’s record of 73 club goals in a single season.

When that was achieved by the Argentine in 2011-12, it was a total that seemed impossible to reach. Although the Portuguese has played 21 times already this season, there are still potentially a further 40 games in which he could feature, should Madrid go all the way in the Copa del Rey, Champions League and Club World Cup.

Ronaldo’s current strike-rate equates to 1.38 goals a game. If he was to maintain that standard for the duration of a 61-match campaign, he would finish 2014-15 with 84 club goals.

“Ronaldo is doing very well at that moment, he is extraordinarily motivated and physically he is at his peak,” coach Carlo Ancelotti said of his star man at the weekend.

Of course, it is impossible for even a player of Ronaldo’s standard to remain in prime condition over the course of an entire season – and there is also the possibility of injury, too.

The Portuguese has given himself a healthy margin for error, however, as he chases down perhaps the most remarkable record in the modern game.  

Source – goal.com

Man City Would Be The Last European Club I Play For – Kun Aguero

Sergio Aguero has pledged his commitment to Manchester City.

The striker continues to be linked with Real Madrid.

“I want to be here and stick to the new contract I signed a few months ago,” he told City’s site.

“I want to keep winning things with the club and I want to stay at this level, scoring goals and having individual success. But the most important thing is to win titles. Ideally we would win one title every year.

“I want to be at City until my contract ends and then my plans are to go back to Argentina in the long term future. I want to be at this level while I am here and I want City to be the last team I play for in Europe.”