Latest La Liga News

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

La Liga On TV: More Specifics Revealed From ESPN

With the new season of La Liga scheduled to begin at the end of August, there are only weeks to go before we’ll get to experience La Liga matches on ESPN.

As the weeks go by, more details are being released about ESPN’s coverage of the league, which they’ve sub-licensed from GolTV. Both networks will alternate coverage of La Liga. One weekend will be on GolTV. The next weekend will be on ESPN, and so on.

Here are more specifics courtesy of ESPN:

* At least 114 matches per season will be available online on ESPN360
* The two El Classic matchups between Barcelona and Real Madrid, likely will be simulcast by GolTV and ESPN
* Last season, Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Real Madrid on Dec. 13 was seen by 258,000 Hispanic television households in the U.S.
* Barca’s 6-2 rout on May 2, 2009 was watched by 189,000 according to GolTV.

The 258,000 households who watched el Classico last December is very impressive when compared against the ratings that Fox Soccer Channel has received for the Premier League during the 2008-2009 season. With the wider availability of La Liga on ESPN during the 2009-2010 season, we can expect to see el Classico to pull in more viewers than the top Premier League match. However, the Premier League is much more than el Classico, and where ESPN (and GolTV) will need to improve is in the TV ratings for the lesser-known Spanish club teams.

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

La Liga team of the decade

Since we are approaching the end of a decade, and since it’s summer,I thought I would offer up my La Liga Team of the decade. I set my team based on the best actual season had by a player in each position. It is not an aggregative list. It is not based on contributions over the course of a few seasons or a career. The players who had the best year of any player in the decade in their respective position are what make up this list. Enjoy……

Formation: 3-5-2

Goalie-Santiago Canizares (2003/2004)cani La Liga team of the decade

Lead Valencia to a league and UEFA Cup double as well as winning the Zamora trophy for himself. Was the custodian for a team who managed to combine rock solid defense with a flair for attack. Regarded as one of the premier keepers in world football at the time, this was his best season in a Valencia shirt.

Defender: Dani Alves (2006/2007)

23C 400x400 DanielAlvesNew2 La Liga team of the decade Has been the best right back in La Liga consistently since breaking into the first team at Sevilla 2004. Was a huge threat on the right flank as Sevilla finished in 3rd place, only 5 points off champions Real Madrid. Won the Copa del Rey,as well as a second successive UEFA Cup that year. This was the season that established him as the premier attacking full back anywhere in the world.

Defender: Roberto Ayala (2001/2002)

20051016LigaValenciaRobertoAyala La Liga team of the decadeOne of the best defenders of his generation, Ayala showed A.C Milan what they could have enjoyed had they showed some faith in his incredible timing and reading of the game. A tough customer in defense, Ayala demonstrated class and leadership by leading Valencia to their first Liga title in 31 years. Also named Champions League defender of the year as Los Che lost in the final to Bayern Munich.

Defender: Carles Puyol (2005/2006)

carles+puyol La Liga team of the decadeNot the prettiest man in the list, nor the most technically gifted, but no one exemplifies heart more than Carles Puyol. Catalan through and through, Puyol showed why he was the deserved captain of the club as he balanced the potent Barcelona attacking power with his sound defensive abilities. Always one to jump into a tackle, Puyol makes up for his sometimes questionable decision making with his unique ability to hustle a ball out of danger on pure desire alone. Captained Barcelona to a second successive Liga title that year as well as a Champions League title, in which he was named UEFA best defender. No player represents what their club is more than this man.

Defensive Midfield: Xabi Alonso (2002/2003)

xabi alonso La Liga team of the decadeCame within two points of emulating his father by winning a Liga title with Real Sociedad, this was the year Xabi Alonso broke out. Xabi was the complete central midfielder, exhibiting uncanny positional sense, an ability to win the ball in tackles, as well as a knack for great ball distribution and a cannon for a right foot. He helped put Sociedad back on the football map(albeit briefly), and went on to claim the best Spanish player award courtesy of Don Balon. Real Madrid may have won the league this year, but all the success Xabi later enjoyed with Liverpool and with Spain was born here.

Defensive Midfield: Claude Makelele (2002/2003)

rsz makelele c 20030313 gh l La Liga team of the decadeForget about galacticos, this was the guy who lifted Madrid to the heights they enjoyed in the first part of the decade. His departure to Chelsea in the summer of 2003 was seen as the scourge that caused the dramatic downfall of the first galactico area, a sentiment shared by former teammates Zidane, McManaman and Hierro. Makelele was a rock, managing the defensive load all the way to a Liga title against a pesky Real Sociedad team. Fresh off a Champions League title the year before, Makelele had to deal with increasing pressure as Madrid’s unbalanced side was top heavy with attackers. But he danced the dance ever so well, and wasn’t truly appreciated by Madrid, nor most Liga fans until he had departed for Chelsea. Solid, solid, solid.

Attacking Midfield: Juan Roman Riquelme (2004/2005)

59679riquelme La Liga team of the decadeOne of the most enigmatic figures in Spanish football ever, when he was on his game no one in the world was better. Consistency has been the main hindrance his entire career, but for two magical years in the then unknown Villareal, he brought a tiny club to the brink of European glory. After a dreadful first European season at Barcelona, coach Manuel Pellegrini had enough faith in the precise passing ability of this temparmental Argentine, and built an entire squad around his abilities. A 15 goal haul, coupled with a 3rd place finish made this Riquelme’s crowning achievement in Spain. Not too many players can place the title of artist in front of their name, but surely he is one who can.

Attacking midfielder: Ronaldinho(2004/2005)

p1.ronaldinho La Liga team of the decadeThis was the year Ronaldinho established himself as the best player on the planet. I would call you a liar if you said you weren’t put under his spell, even if it was for a short period of time. He did it all. He brought the Liga title back to Catalunya that year, which helped him earn his second consecutive FIFA Player of the year award as well as his first Ballon D’or. His recent fall from grace and form is made more sad when you consider the heights he reached only a scant few years back. His style and flair were breathtaking, his technique and trickery were out of this world, and his smile and enjoyment of the game was unmatched anywhere. Ronaldinho was one of a kind, and this season is what pushed him into the stratosphere of footballing transcendence, a feat only achieved by a select few before him.

Attacking Midfielder: Zinedine Zidane(2001/2002)

Zinedine%20Zidane%20(31) La Liga team of the decadeThe greatest player of his generation, Zidane finally completed the holy trinity of football prizes by taking Madrid to a record 9th Champions League title with one of the greatest goals ever scored in a major final. After arriving in Madrid as the most expensive player ever, Zidane didn’t disappoint in this, his first year in Spain. Although Madrid were disappointed to finish third, their concentration on winning the Champions League in their centenary year was no doubt a factor. Zidane justified every one of the 76 million euros spent on him. Although he didn’t enjoy the amount of domestic success he did later on in his Madrid career, the fact that he delivered such a beautiful product on the field in his first year in Spain makes me rank this as his best Liga season. The most elegant man ever to caress a football with his feet.

Forward: Nihat Kahveci (2002/2003)

rsz nihat La Liga team of the decadeI realize La Liga has played host to some glamorous forwards who have had solid seasons and won trophies with their respective clubs this past decade. However, no one has had the same impact as a relative unknown in their debut full season in Spain as Nihat did. After arriving from Besiktas during the winter transfer break the year before, Nihat only managed to net 1 goal in 11 appearances for Real Socieadad. This made it all the more unexpected when he scored 23 goals the following year as Sociedad came within a whisker of winning the most improbable of La Liga titles of recent memory. Finishing tied for second in the Pichichi that year, his goals skyrocketed Real Sociedad to heights it hadn’t seen in a long time. While definitely not a flash in the pan, the rest of his stay in Spain was marred by injury and he never quite rang the bell like he did in 02/03. Brilliant strikers came before and have come since, but no one goal scorer has had more of an impact on his teams success than Nihat did in that magical year where the title almost returned to the Anoeta.

Forward: Lionel Messi (2008/2009)

lionel messi 1 La Liga team of the decadeThe world at his fingertips, Leo Messi did it all this past season leading Barcelona to one of the greatest seasons in the history of club football, period. After making his Barca debut in 2004/2005, it was evident Leo was destined for greatness. There were flashes of brilliance, too many to list, but he was always in the shadow of Ronaldinho, as well as being prone to injury. This past year was when the full brunt of the weight of expectation fell on his slight shoulders, and did he ever deliver. 23 goals, the treble, and all around mind blowing play from a legend in the making. Messi handled the pressure of being the big dog at the Camp Nou amicably, and looks set to follow a hallowed path to greatness traveled only by a select few.

Subs bench:

Goalie: Iker Casillas (2004/2005)

Defender: Amedeo Carboni (2003/2004)

Midfielder: Xavi (2008/2009)

Midfielder: Luis Figo (2000/2001)

Forward: Roy Makaay(2002/2003)

Forward: Raul (2000/2001)

Forward: Samuel Eto’o (2005/2006)

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

Why Do Players Prefer Spain over England?

Beginning in December of 2008, rumors filled the web with information on Manchester City’s supposed done deal in signing Kaka from AC Milan, which at that time (before CR9’s transfer) would have made him the most expensive player ever with City offering 100 million pounds. AC Milan and their executives were sold. It was all up to Kaka now. It seemed done and dusted. But it wasn’t to be. Kaka stayed in Milan for another six months. He would eventually be sold for a lesser amount of money to a club coming off a shocking season, Real Madrid. Since his move to Madrid, Kaka has stated that it was Manchester City’s lack of winning history that ultimately turned him off from a move to the Premier League. But it couldn’t have had just been that now, could it? If we look at recent history and at present transfer rumors, more and more non-British football players (the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Ribery, etc) are seen stating their preference to playing in La Liga rather than the Premier League.

Players sometimes will even put up with a loss in their wages, transfer fee, even competition to make known their desire to play in Spain. Kaka was eventually sold to Real Madrid at a lesser price than Manchester City offered. Cristiano Ronaldo has enjoyed two seasons as arguably the world’s greatest player, making two consecutive Champions League Finals appearances, but has opted to join a team that has lacked Champions League success recently. Andrea Pirlo has come out and said that he would rather play for Atletico Madrid, a team that hasn’t won a major trophy in recent years with possible exception to the Intertoto Cup in ’07, than Chelsea (the same Chelsea team that has won 7 trophies in the last 5 seasons and nearly won the Champions League a year ago).

When someone thinks of the best players that were established stars at the time they signed in La Liga a few names come to mind: Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo, Messi. Just those few are arguably some of the greatest players the game has produced in recent history. On the other hand, when someone thinks of the best players to ever have played in the Premier League, what names come to mind (I am talking specifically in the modern era late 90s to present)? Zola? Cantona? Fernando Torres? Top class player to be sure, but far from legendary (at least outside of their respective club’s supporters groups).

As history proves, for some reason the world’s top players, more often than not, prefer the luxuries of Spain over the recent success of English clubs, which at least has more than two teams consistently challenging for the league title. Why this is, we may never know. Maybe it’s the women. Maybe it’s the weather. Maybe England is the United States equivalent in Europe; many outside of England lack respect for the country (you know Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini do).

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

Real Madrid’s Galactico Spending Good for Football

With Real Madrid’s recent spending extravaganza, most of the talk coming from bloggers and other football analysts has been centered around whether or not Real Madrid’s transfers will in fact turn into results on the pitch. The general consensus from various websites is that it will be a flop. This is largely due to the fact that the last Galctico era (which saw the like of Beckham, Ronaldo, and Michael Owen brought in) was considered a flop due to their inability to gain the dominance of Europe that teams like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Barcelona have enjoyed the last few seasons. (I mention Chelsea because even though they have failed to win the Champions League, they have made it to the Semi Finals for 4 of the last 5 seasons which is an exceptional feat) However, no one can deny the difference with Galactico 2.0’s acquisitions which includes the last two FIFA World Players of the Year in Kaka and Ronaldo. Also, the fact that they picked up the experienced Raul Albiol and prolific Benzema doesn’t hurt either.

Before Madrid’s spending began, if there were to have been a poll as to whose football players’ names would be the most recognizable to people who do not follow football, I would guess that David Beckham and Pele would top list. Although both players are exceptional in their own way, this wouldn’t have sat well with those in the modern football world. I mean if those people, who may have an interest in the game, were to know how truly great football is, then shouldn’t they know the names of the world’s top players?

Well, now with Madrid’s record breaking transfers of Kaka followed by Ronaldo, those people are now familiar with arguably the world’s two best players. With news of these transfers getting time on ESPN Sportscenter, which tries its best to keep from airing soccer headlines, people all over the United States now knew how important soccer was to some people if one team was willing to pay a quarter of a billion dollars on two players alone. For better or worse, people took notice of soccer. Couple these stories and recent stories of the United States upset over Spain, Landon Donovan’s comments about Beckham and Onyewu’s transfer to AC Milan, and soccer has been getting more coverage than ever this past summer.

People are beginning to take notice. Late night talk show hosts, like Stephen Colbert, have been bringing up the stories to their audiences. When Colbert announced the Americans’ upset over Spain, the studio erupted with cheering and applause from the audience. Now, I’m going to take a wild hunch and say that that was the first time a few of those in the audience that night ever cheered for a soccer team that much before. Alexi Lalas is something of a household name after his analysis of the Confederation’s Cup and work with ESPN’s Sportscenter. And people all over the country now know Real Madrid as the team that spent a boatload of cash for two soccer players.

I’m one of those people who believe any publicity is good publicity especially in the case of a sport that is now beginning to pick up in a country that needs it most.

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

Espanyol, the new golden boys of Catalunya?

As Florentino Perez continues to degrade an already absurd transfer market into new realms of travesty, changes of a more sensible nature are afoot in Catalunya. The air is still calm outside the Nou Camp as the stardust still settles after the gloss that was last season. Yet across town in Cornella de Llobregat, the air couldn’t be more supercharged with the flutter of parakeet wings as a fresh optimism seems to have sunk into the finishing touches of wet paint adorning the brand new Estadi RCDE.

After escaping relegation last term due to the remarkable turnaround championed by new manager Mauricio Pochettino, Espanyol have to feel pretty good about the prospects of finally having left the dull confines of the Estadi Olimpic on Montjuic in order to start the upcoming season in their state of the art new home, the Estadi RCDE. Following a tally of only 14 points and having burned through two coaches at the halfway point of the season, Espanyol turned to former player Pochettino to keep the club in the Primera.

Having asked for divine intervention(supposedly), and after beating Valencia, Barcelona and fellow relegation strugglers Real Betis along the way, Espanyol managed to put 32 points on the board in the second half of the season to finish a comfortable 10th place. Not as remarkable an escape as the Ferran Corominas goal against Real Sociedad in the final round in 2006 , but almost as improbable considering how fractured the club looked after the Christmas break.

2009 was no doubt the year of Pep and co. Yet, with the christening of their new ground just 3 weeks away when Liverpool come to town, Espanyol President Daniel Sanchez Llibre has been busy putting the wheels in motion to make the product on the RCDE pitch as close to being as magical on the eyes as it is across town on the grass of the Camp Nou. With the signings of the crafty Shunsuke Nakamura from Celtic and the unproven, yet dripping with potential Ben Sahar from Chelsea, Espanyol have made the most intriguing signings, yet devoid of galacticoesque glamour of any team in Europe so far.

Also brought in has been cultured Argentinean full back in the “Pochettino” mold Ivan Alexis Pullid from Newell’s Old Boys. With the return from injury and return to confidence of Ireland international Steve Finnan, as well as keeper Carlos Kameni deciding to stay in Barcelona, the prospects for the new season seem promising even to the most pessimistic of Catalonians.

After losing the enigmatic, but breath taking abilities of Juan Arango to the Bundesliga, it didn’t take La Liga long to find a worthy replacement. Under appreciated in Europe ever since his arrival in 2002, Shunsuke Nakamura will have the inadvertent eyes of the football world on him this year as La Liga gets ready to take center stage. And after being granted the chance of feeding the ball to Sahar and Tamudo(or his replacement should he decide to leave), as well as creating more space for a healthy and newly re-signed Ivan De La Pena, Shunsuke will finally show the big clubs of Europe and all the galactico hunters of the world that once one removes ones head from the cloudiness of the football hype machine, bargains are to be had. And when the curtain is raised at the Estadi RCDE on August 2, one would be inclined to believe that some of the Catalan stardust will find its way across town this year.

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

AGENT: ETO'O PLEASED BY INTER LINK

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o is honoured to be linked with a swap move involving Inter Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to his agent.

Eto'o is expected to leave the Nou Camp this summer and was the subject of interest from Manchester City before the Premier League club ended their pursuit.

Inter have now emerged as favourites to sign the Cameroon international, with boss Jose Mourinho a long-term admirer, while Ibrahimovic, who has been the subject of talks with Barca, could move in the opposite direction.

Eto'o's representative, Jose Mesalles, is now set to travel to Italy for discussions next week as a potential transfer, which could also include Alexander Hleb, edges closer.

And the 27-year-old is said to be flattered by admiration from the Giuseppe Meazza, with Mesalles telling Ona Fm radio: "The club from Milan is a very important one.

"We cannot be anything but honoured, but I cannot say anything.

"These type of negotiations cannot be done over the phone and must be made in person."

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

IBRAHIMOVIC EYES BARCA MOVE

Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has admitted he would be interested in a move to Barcelona from Inter Milan.

Barca president Joan Laporta confirmed on Friday that the two clubs had reached an 'agreement in principal' over a potential transfer.

The proposed deal would see Ibrahimovic move to Camp Nou, with Barca striker Samuel Eto'o and midfielder Alexander Hleb heading in the opposite direction.

Reports have suggested that Inter are willing to accept €40million (£34.6million) plus Eto'o and the season-long loan signing of Hleb in order to let Ibrahimovic move to Spain.

The two clubs have already concluded one piece of business this summer, with Brazilian full-back Maxwell agreeing a transfer to the European champions, and are now locked in talks over the complicated second deal.

Ibrahimovic, who has been with Inter since 2004, insists he is not looking to engineer a move, but would welcome the chance to test his skills in La Liga.

He told Swedish tabloid Expressen: "There's a chance that I'll go to Barcelona if a concrete offer is made.

"In this case it would be interesting for me.

"It's up to Inter to decide what they want to do. I respect my contract. I do my job and am happy to be here."

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

TAMUDO GIVES UP CAPTAINCY

Raul Tamudo has agreed to stand down as Espanyol captain after speaking with coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The 31-year-old striker will be replaced by defender Daniel Jarque, who was the team's vice-captain last season.

Tamudo is a fans favourite having come through the Espanyol's youth system before becoming the club's highest ever goalscorer.

Pochettino has denied Tamudo's demotion would tarnish that reputation, saying it was made with the player's best interests in mind.

"In a mutual agreement, I met with Raul in the last days and we reached an agreement for him to quit the captaincy and Dani Jarque to assume it in a natural manner," Pochettino told Mundo Deportivo.

"It is not important who decided this, but to say that it is an important decision for Raul and for ourselves.

"Tamudo is one of the three best players that have been part of the club's history of 109 years, he is the top scorer regardless of whether he carries the armband and he will always be an idol."

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

LAPORTA: ETO'O-ZLATAN 'SWAP' SORTED

NEWS
Picture Ibrahimovic - Barca bound?

LAPORTA: ETO'O-ZLATAN 'SWAP' SORTED

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta claims to have come to a "complete agreement" with Inter Milan over a swap deal involving Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto'o.

Laporta met his Inter counterpart Massimo Moratti yesterday to discuss the potential switch.

Moratti said earlier that negotiations are still ongoing but Laporta insists the deal is all but completed with Inter set to receive 45million euros as well as land Eto'o and Barcelona winger Alexander Hleb.

"I can't say that it will still happen if one of the conditions isn't fulfilled since the signing has been agreed in a comprehensive manner," he said.

"I spoke with Samuel on Tuesday and after the dinner in Italy.

"I'm not going to disclose these conversations. I'll only say that his move is not a question of money.

"He is a professional and his work has to be rewarded, but his priority is not money. It's other things."

With Ibrahimovic, who finished as Serie A's top scorer last season, seemingly on the verge of a move to the Nou Camp, David Villa's chances of joining the treble winners appear even slimmer.

However, Laporta insists they have not given up hope of landing the Valencia and Spain striker.

"The signing of David Villa has not been ruled out," he added. "We have not ruled out any of the possibilities open to us.

"The technical secretary remains in contact with him because he understands the anxiety of a player for whom, if the clubs had reached an agreement, things would have gone in a different direction."

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

MAXWELL IN DREAMLAND

Barcelona new boy Maxwell is delighted to have secured a "dream" move to the Nou Camp.

Maxwell was unveiled as Barca's first summer signing on Friday after completing his move from Inter Milan.

The 27-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year deal, with an option for a further season, and has vowed to do as much as possible to help Barca defend their treble crown.

"It's one of the happiest days of my life," said Maxwell. "I'm very pleased and very happy.

"I have joined one of the strongest squads in Europe and I hope to be able to help achieve the maximum in all the competitions.

"It's one of the dreams of my life, a dream that I have had for a long time.

"Since the moment I was given the possibility to come, I have shown myself open to it and said so to my agent who closed the deal."

The Brazilian defender could soon be joined at the Nou Camp by former team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic who is on the verge of securing a move from Inter Milan.

And Maxwell would be delighted to continue in the same team as the Sweden striker, who he also spent three seasons with at Ajax.

"Ibrahimovic is a great player and a great person," he said. "We are friends.

"It is a very big coincidence that our CVs are so similar.

"I said goodbye to him like all my team-mates.

"Nevertheless, other people have to decide his future and I can't express an opinion on it."

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

REAL - NO GUNNERS BID FOR KLAAS

Real Madrid general director Jorge Valdano has dismissed reports Arsenal have made a bid for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Dutch striker as a potential replacement for Manchester City target Emmanuel Adebayor.

North London rivals Tottenham are also reported admirers of Huntelaar, who is set to leave Real just six months after his arrival from Ajax.

Stuttgart have had an offer accepted by Real, but Huntelaar is rumoured to be stalling on a move to the German club as he awaits any further interest.

However, Valdano has confirmed that Stuttgart remain the only club to have made a concrete offer which is acceptable to Real.

"Only one formal offer exists and that is Stuttgart's," stated Valdano to the Spanish media.

Meanwhile, Stuttgart coach Markus Babbel says he is happy to wait for Huntelaar to make a decision regarding a move to the Bundesliga.

Babbel said: "The important thing is that I know that we are working on a transfer, and not only that of Huntelaar, but also alternatives.

"He is a player that we really like, now it is down to him. But whether that is tomorrow or next week, that's not so important."

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

VALLADOLID CLINCH MANUCHO DEAL

Steven Gerrard has underlined his commitment to Liverpool as his midfield colleague Xabi Alonso nears the Anfield exit door.

As Gerrard prepares to lead Liverpool in their second pre-season friendly on Sunday against Rapid Vienna in the Austrian capital, the chances of the Reds skipper and Alonso both being on the plane later that night heading for the club's Far East tour are increasingly remote.

Real Madrid officials are working to avoid Alonso having to travel with Liverpool for games in Thailand and Singapore next week, and it is believed negotiations are continuing over a likely £30million transfer.

But for Gerrard, the desire for glory with Liverpool and England burns as brightly as ever.

Gerrard has made it clear that he wants the Barclays Premier League title, another Champions League success and a World Cup victory with England before he considers coaching and management at the end of his career.

"I still have many more dreams, and that means winning the Premier League because that is the only medal that is missing from my own personal collection," he told UEFA's official website.

"And it would be really nice to go to a tournament with England and to be successful, so that means the World Cup next summer for me.

"I want to go one better than a quarter-final, which is the farthest so far that I have gone in a tournament.

"It's the last four and the final that I now am aiming for. And I want another success in the Champions League too.

"People could see my reaction when I lifted that trophy in 2005, how much it means to me, my team-mates and the supporters. That was the best night of my career and I want to match it and experience that success again."

Once his playing career ends - and he has intimated that his current contract taking him to 33 will be his last - Gerrard already has plans to remain occupied.

He said: "Now I am thinking about what I will do at the end of my career, I'm not getting any younger.

"It would be nice to stay involved in the game. I'm not sure at what level as either a manager or a coach or even going into the media. I want to stay involved because football is so important to me."

Gerrard's partnership with Alonso at the heart of Liverpool's side, however, looks to be over.

With Alonso having made it clear to manager Rafael Benitez that he wants to leave the club, the Spanish manager has been determined to get the very best price for the 27-year-old.

The end of the agreement this weekend with Alonso's former club Real Sociedad that would have seen 20% of any sell-on fee going to the Basque club gives Liverpool and Madrid some negotiating room.

Holland midfielder Wesley Sneijder is now being linked in a player-plus-cash compromise. Benitez could also use the Alonso fee to buy Valencia's attacking midfielder David Silva.

Benitez has other targets, and has again been linked with Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, despite the player's agent ruling out a move earlier in the week.

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said: "We need to be open and listen to any type of offers that are proposed to us."

Roma director Bruno Conti added: "The situation as it is right now is that Aquilani will remain until there is a club that makes an offer."

Javier Mascherano, a target for Barcelona, rejoined the Liverpool squad last night and will be involved against Vienna. He has held talks with Benitez and been told he will not be sold.

Liverpool are about to announce the signing of one new player, 16-year-old Danish midfielder Nikolaj Kohlert from Esbjergs.

The player and his agent Allan Nielsen have been in talks today in Liverpool. Nielsen said earlier: "The only thing remaining is the personal contract.

"I see no immediate problems in the clubs agreeing. This is a fantastic opportunity for a 16-year-old and he is ready both as a person and as a footballer. He will probably start in the academy on a scholarship before he turns 17.

"After that it will be the reserve team and then he will get a professional contract for three years with an additional option for Liverpool.

"It is a really good contract. All that's remaining now is to get the details in place."

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

MILAN REMAIN IN CHASE FOR LUIS FABIANO

Manchester United have confirmed the sale of Angolan striker Manucho to Spanish outfit Real Valladolid.

Former assistant manager Carlos Queiroz alerted United to Manucho 18 months ago and the burly forward was handed a three-year contract after a brief trial period.

However, despite spending spells on loan with Greek outfit Panathinaikos and Hull City, where he impressed at the end of last season, he never looked like becoming a regular at Old Trafford.

The African's United debut came in a League Cup win over Middlesbrough last September and his only Premier League appearance for the club was as a substitute against Stoke a few months later.

Even after the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, it was clear Manucho would not be part of Ferguson's plans this season and he was omitted from the travelling squad for the present tour of the Far East.

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

BARCA FAIL AGAIN IN VILLA HUNT

Valencia president Manuel Llorente has revealed Los Che have turned down another offer from Barcelona for David Villa.

Barca have long been linked to the Spain striker but have yet to produce the "scandalous" offer Llorente has demanded.

And the Valencia president revealed his Barca counterpart Joan Laporta put in another bid on Wednesday night believed to be 42million euros.

"Laporta called me and I repeated to him that we are not willing to sell the footballer," Llorente told AS.

Reports in Spain suggest Villa himself is ready to pay the 7million euro difference between Barca's bid and the 50million Valencia want in order to secure a move to the Nou Camp.

The 27-year-old could relinquish part of his salary he is said to already have agreed with the treble winners to fund the deal.

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

TEVEZ REVEALS REAL REJECTION

Carlos Tevez has revealed he rejected the chance to join former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid.

Instead Tevez opted for a move to Manchester City after his extended loan deal at United ended, signing a lucrative five-year deal at Eastlands.

"Real made an offer but there was no agreement," Tevez told the Nation newspaper during a promotional visit to Abu Dhabi with his new club.

"There were talks about deals and agreements but in the end it was only City. They showed lots of interest in me and are intent on growing and signing big players.

"I am sad to leave United but I am excited to join City. I'm thinking about the future and I will grow with this club."

Meanwhile manager Mark Hughes is continuing his pursuit of Emmanuel Adebayor and John Terry.

Hughes remains determined to land the two men even though there are suggestions that Adebayor is not keen to leave Arsenal for Eastlands while Chelsea are adamant Terry is not for sale.

Adebayor knows as well that there is stiff competition for places in attack at City following the arrivals of Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz with Craig Bellamy also on board.

Terry is Chelsea's defensive rock but Hughes believes the England international is ready for a new challenge.

"We do need new players," Hughes told the Gulf News. "We are still in discussions (over Adebayor) and the talks will continue.

"We have got attacking-minded players but we are looking to bring other players to the club before the transfer window closes.

"We are also looking to strengthen the defence. Every transfer deal is difficult and has different problems.

"There are areas which we need to address but we are happy with our progress."

Meanwhile Hughes will take his side to Abu Dhabi for warm weather training this winter.

The trip will include a match against the United Arab Emirates national team on November 12.

Chief executive Garry Cook said: "This game is another way for us to interact with the community at a grassroots level."

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

INIESTA PROMISES BEST IS YET TO COME

Barcelona ace Andres Iniesta insists his best is yet to come.

The midfield maestro earned plaudits at home and abroad for a stunning campaign last season and was one of the main driving forces behind Barca's treble-winning push.

However, Iniesta, who is also a key member of the Spain side, believes the Barca fans have not seen the best of him yet.

"I think that everything can be surpassed," he told Catalan radio station RAC1.

"This year I lost two or three months in total because of injuries.

"I am 25 years old, I like how I am at the moment and I think the best is still to come."

Arch rivals Real Madrid have already splashed out over 200million euros on Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol as they look to build a squad capable of challenging Pep Guardiola's men.

Things have been much quieter at the Nou Camp where Maxwell is set to become Barca's first summer signing tomorrow.

However, Iniesta is unperturbed by the lack of reinforcements.

"People should continue having confidence in the team," he said.

"There is still time left in the transfer market and I assume the club is working on it.

"But I think that there are players of a very high level in the team at the moment and I don't think we have to be jealous of anyone.

"(Kaka and Ronaldo) are players of a very high level.

"We have to see how they get on but we shouldn't forget that we have to look at ourselves and no-one else.

"We have shown that when Barca is good we don't have to pay attention to the rest."

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

NOU CAMP TO BE MAXWELL HOUSE

NEWS
Picture Maxwell - on his way to Barca.

NOU CAMP TO BE MAXWELL HOUSE

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Brazilian defender Maxwell will be unveiled as a Barcelona player on Friday afternoon, subject to a medical, the Catalan club have announced.

Barca reached an agreement with Inter Milan on Wednesday night over a transfer fee which could rise to 5million euros and Maxwell will arrive in Spain on Friday for physical tests.

"The player Maxwell is scheduled to arrive at Barcelona this Friday at around midday," read a statement on the Barcelona website. "The Brazilian will undergo a medical and, after signing his contract with Barcelona, will be presented."

The 27-year-old, who has been with Inter since 2006, will fill the left-back spot at the Nou Camp vacated by the departure of Sylvinho earlier this summer.

Should everything go smoothly Maxwell will be presented as the treble winners' first summer signing at around 7.30 pm local time.

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

BAYERN THREATEN TO REPORT REAL

Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness has threatened to report Real Madrid to FIFA if the Spanish club continue in their bid to sign Franck Ribery.

Madrid are keen to make the 26-year-old their fourth galactico signing of the summer following the arrivals of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

The Primera Division giants have been relentless in their pursuit of Ribery despite Bayern's repeated insistence the France midfielder is not for sale and Hoeness is coming to the end of his tether.

"Madrid have lost respect," he told Spanish sports daily AS. "If this continues we will report them to FIFA.

"People such as (Emilio) Butragueno or (Zinedine) Zidane are speaking out and they should not be doing so because they are talking about a player who has a contract with us.

"The only legitimate people to talk are Florentino Perez and Jorge Valdano.

"We will report the Madrid club to FIFA if they continue like this.

"We haven't done so yet because of respect for Butragueno and Jose Luis Lopez Serrano."

Hoeness also revealed that a deadline imposed on the possible sale of Ribery has now expired.

The Bayern chief claims that Madrid, as well as other clubs who had signalled their interest in the Frenchman, had been informed of the deadline, which expired before the start of the Bundesliga club's pre-season training camp in Donaueschingen.

"It has been clearly formulated that Franck is staying with us," Hoeness told a press conference. "There was a 14-day deadline set for the Ribery issue [to be resolved] and this expired yesterday.

"All of the clubs knew about that."

Hoeness also took a swipe at Ribery's agent, who has been trying to force a move for his client.

"He should finally have understood that you cannot get around Bayern Munich like you can with other clubs," he added.

Ribery is currently unable to train fully because of a knee injury which forced him to break off training for the second time on Monday, but should slowly return to action during their two-week stay in Donaueschingen.

However, he is unlikely to be fit for this weekend's mini tournament with Schalke, Hamburg and Stuttgart in Gelsenkirchen.

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

NO ROVERS MOVE FOR ZIGIC

Nikola Zigic's agent has played down talk linking the giant striker with a move to Blackburn.

Reports on Thursday suggested Sam Allardyce was eyeing a move for the Valencia hitman as he seeks a replacement for Roque Santa Cruz.

Zigic is well down the pecking order at Los Che and he spent the second half of last season on loan at Racing Santander.

The Serbian is keen to secure a move away from La Mestalla with England thought to be his preferred destination

Valencia's price tag is believed to be putting off interested clubs and Zigic's representative, Milan Calasan, admits he has not heard from Blackburn.

"Nobody has contacted me from Blackburn Rovers about Zigic," Calasan told skysports.com.

"There is a lot of interest in Zigic, 10 or 15 clubs have called me about him, but I think they have been shocked by the money wanted by Valencia.

"A top German club has made a proposal for Nikola, but he does not want to go there.

"He has always said would be interested in a move to England and if he was to go there it would have to be the right club that understands his characteristics."

sky star 2 · Jul 19, 2009

HOENESS UNDERSTANDS RIB TEMPTATION

Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness says he completely understands Franck Ribery's desire to join Real Madrid - but insists he will not be allowed to leave.

Bayern have repeatedly stated that the France star, who is under contract until 2011, will not be allowed to move this summer despite rumours of a substantial offer from Real.

But with reports in Germany suggesting Ribery has been offered a salary in excess of 10million euros a year - around £165,000 per week - Hoeness admits most players would feel unsettled.

"I can fully see Franck's viewpoint," he told Stern.

"You have to be aware that this is all about massive sums of money - unimaginable amounts.

"Franck is 26 years old and it's quite natural that he would be tempted by all this.

"I would be interested to see how the other players at the club would react when confronted by something like that - if they had an offer from Real Madrid.

"I doubt that they would all happily continue being a Bayern Munich player."

However, despite understanding the player's temptation to move, Hoeness insists there is no chance that he will leave the Allianz Arena.

"Franck Ribery will remain at Bayern Munich," he said.

"There is no doubt."