Rooney salutes evergreen Giggs

Wayne Rooney was full of praise for Ryan Giggs, after the veteran winger provided two goals and scored another in United's 4-1 win at Fratton Park.


The Welshman, who turned 36 on Sunday, was at his influential best against Avram Grant's side and, although Rooney's hat-trick hogged the headlines, it was the contribution of Giggs which had the England international purring.

"He's amazing," Rooney told MUTV. "His energy, his workrate, his passing and his movement are unbelievable. It's a privilege to play with him.

"He plays more like a 26-year-old; he's up and down, he's everywhere. It's great for him to get his 100th Premier League goal. I didn't know (about the record) until after the game, but I'm delighted for him."

Rooney also took time out to praise the man on the opposite flank; Antonio Valencia, who gave Portsmouth a torrid time and continued his rapid assimilation to the United style of play.

"I think he's settling in more and he's looking much more of a threat now," said Rooney. "He's scored a few goals in recent weeks, he's big, strong, quick and if he keeps improving the way he is, he'll be a real threat for us throughout the season."

source: manutd.com

Lionel Messi wins Ballon 2009

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been named the European Footballer of the Year.

Lionel Messi wallpaper
photo author: adifansnet

The Argentinean won the prestigious Ballon d'Or by a record margin from last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi, 22, becomes the sixth Barcelona player to take the award but the first for four years - since Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho.

The Argentinian won an unprecedented treble last season as the Catalan side won the UEFA Champions League, the Liga title and the Copa del Rey.

Messi was the top scorer in last year's Champions League with nine goals, including a header in the 2-0 final defeat of Manchester United in Rome.

The talented playmaker knew he was a serious contender to win the coveted prize, but did not expect to pip his rivals by such a wide margin.

Favourites

"Honestly, I knew that I was among the favourites because Barcelona had a fruitful year in 2009," he told French Football magazine.

"But I didn't expect to win with such a margin. The Golden Ball is very important to me.

"All the players who won it were great players, and some great players never won it."

Barca teammates were also hailed with midfielder Xavi taking third place with 170 points while Iniesta was fourth on 149.

In fifth place was Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, who left Barca to join Inter Milan. He was Barca's other scorer in the 2-0 final win over United.

The highest ranked Premier League star was Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, who finished in eighth place. He was closely followed by Chelsea's Didier Drogba and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard.

Karim Benzema Pictures Kriuk kriuk

Karim Benzema wallpaper

Karim Benzema picture

Arsenal To Battle Manchester United & Real Madrid For Karim Benzema

According to the News of the World, Arsenal are set to announce their interest in the highly sought-after Olympique Lyonnais striker, Karim Benzema.

The 21-year-old is currently in the midst of a tug-of-war between Manchester United and Real Madrid, with Lyon and the player's agent admitting that both super-clubs are genuinely interested.

It is thought that it will take upwards of €30 million to prise Benzema away from the Stade Gerland, a sum that would usually rule a team of the Gunners' nature out of the bidding altogether.

However, recent reports suggest that the London side are seriously considering offers for Emmanuel Adebayor, as Milan have declared that they are chasing the Togolese forward.

The board at Ashburton Grove will let Arsene Wenger decided whether or not to offload 25-year-old 'Ade', who is expected to fetch in the vicinity of €35 million.

These claims are as yet unsubstantiated, but the development of the Adebayor situation could give a big hint as to their validity.

source: goal.com

Ronaldo sale set for completion

Cristiano Ronaldo's departure is all but done and dusted after Real Madrid and Manchester United finalised the agreement for his transfer on Friday evening.

The Portuguese winger was the subject of a world record £80million offer from the Spanish club on Thursday 11 June. He has since been on holiday but a return to work with new employers now beckons, with the sale set to be completed on Wednesday 1 July.

United have made no further comment, other than to confirm the finalisation.

source: manutd.com