EURO SOCCER: April 2012

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Top Ten Transfers Of The Summer sumer

10. Ezequiel Garay (Racing Santander to Real Madrid)
Last Week: 7

What a capture! Barcelona seemed to have him in the bag, but hesitated a little too much as they waited for Frank Rijkaard to leave and a new coach to take charge. Madrid managed to snatch Sergio Ramos a few years ago, and what a signing that has turned out to be. This one may be no different.

9. Deco (Barcelona to Chelsea)
Last Week: 6

On the wrong side of 30, a first look suggests that he is past it, but nothing could be further from the truth. There is a fire that burns in him as we saw during Euro 2008, and he has a lot more to give to football. He is not what Frank Lampard is, as he will never score as many goals. But then, he is also everything Lampard is not. Superb creativity, a great eye for the game, and an ability to run the show that has seen him win the Champions League with two different clubs. Finally, Chelsea have a player who can orchestrate the pleasing football their owner wants. With Ballack and Essien set to play around him, it will be an ominous midfield.

8. Amantino Mancini (Roma to Inter)
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Jose Mourinho does not quite promote exciting football, but he does like a fast, aggressive winger forward at least on one flank. That is just what he has found in Mancini, who will be handed the license to thrill just as Arjen Robben was during the glory years at Chelsea. Tends to blow hot and cold, though, as Roma found out last season. Lack of consistency will not go down well with the 'Special One', so he does need to focus a lot more.

7. Amauri (Palermo to Juventus)
Last Week: 5

The Brazilian-Italian striker made it to number three after earning himself a long overdue move to a top four club, but now slips down to seven. He has already shown his potential with Palermo, and the prospect of him getting some top quality service from the Juve midfield is simply mouth-watering. Champions League, here he comes.

6. Daniel Alves (Sevilla to Barcelona)
Last Week: 4

Chelsea, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United – these are just some of the clubs that have queued up for him over the last 18 months or so. However, it is Barcelona who land him after some difficult negotiations with Sevilla. Perhaps a touch overpriced at 30 million euros (he would have been number one on this list at 20m), but then again, he is the best attacking full-back this world has seen since Roberto Carlos.

5. Samir Nasri (Marseille to Arsenal)
Last Week: 3

The highly rated French international is the latest to join the clan of young Gunners. Many view him as a replacement for Aliaksandr Hleb, while others go a step further and call him the next Zidane. He has had some problems with injuries, but let's hope those were exceptions as opposed to the rule. The prodigous playmaker is at number five.

4. Ronaldinho (Barcelona to Milan)
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A gamble? Yes. But given the chance, would you sign one of the all time greats of football for a third of his market price last summer? You bet you would. At 28, he is far from over. Some diet planning and some tough training, and he will give at least three or four good years to the Rossoneri. A gamble nonetheless, or he would definitely have been number one. Number four for the Gaucho.

3. Luka Modric (Dinamo Zagreb to Tottenham)
Last Week: 2

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The hottest young Croatian was snapped up by Spurs despite the interest of clubs such as Barcelona and Chelsea, and what a signing it has already turned out to be. Looks set to become the jewel in Juande Ramos' midfield next season. He remains at the sharp end of our list.

2. Aliaksandr Hleb (Arsenal to Barcelona)
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A very shrewd buy, and what could very well turn out to be a stroke of genius from Barcelona. With Lionel Messi expected to run the show, what they needed was not a Ronaldinho, but a tireless, no-nosense attacking midfielder to offer support from the other flank - without hogging possession or the limelight. And they got him on the cheap too. A true critics' player in that while fans rave about others, he runs away with the technical plaudits.

1. Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal to Milan)
Last Week: 1

The underrated Frenchman was one of Arsenal's best players last season, and Milan's signing was nothing less than a coup. That it was a free transfer makes it even better. The smartest transfer this summer despite the number of high profile players on the move.

Rio Set For Comeback aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will field Rio Ferdinand against the Orlando Pirates in Tuesday’s friendly after the England international missed successive warm-up games.

Real Madrid retain Cristiano Ronaldo hope Hope Telgug Telgug

Ramon Calderon, the Real Madrid president, has not given up hope of signing Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, and says he is biding his time while Manchester United and the player resolve their "argument".

Ronaldo has made no secret of his desire to join Real Madrid and even likened his situation at Old Trafford to that of a slave in a recent television interview after suggesting that United were holding him against his wishes.

Sir Alex Ferguson has continually criticised Real's pursuit of the player and United have even reported the matter to Fifa however, Calderon insists his club are little more than spectators.

"Look, this is a problem that wasn't created by Real Madrid," he said. "Madrid are just spectators in this soap opera. At the moment Manchester United and the player are in an argument and Madrid are waiting...and we can't do any more for the time being.

"Obviously, it's clear that we want Cristiano with the quality that he has. But there is a contractual problem that United and the player have to resolve, not us.

"Will he persuade the club to let him go? I can't say that. That question's for the player, who has publicly said his dream is to play for Madrid.

"We hear those words with pride and satisfaction, but his departure doesn't only depend on Cristiano. United are the ones that have to sort it out and it will either happen or not."

"I would like to remind everyone that Madrid didn't generate this expectation but the player himself. The club has been respectful. We didn't blow this all up. The club at which I'm president sleeps with a clear conscience."

Ronaldo, who is recovering from ankle surgery, is yet to return to Manchester, but Calderon believes when he finally does it could force a resolution.

"It could happen then, but it's true that we have to wait developments," he said. "Everyone's thinking so much about this matter that people can get confused and I understand that they're fed up.

"They (United and Ronaldo) will talk next week and if after this conversation United decide to sell him, then of course Madrid will be there."

Some reports have suggested Real would be forced to sell Robinho to accomodate the Portugal international, however, Calderon insists both players can play in the same team.

"The coaches believe they (Ronaldo and Robinho) are compatible and Madrid don't need to raise funds to buy," he said. "To sign Cristiano we don't need to sell anyone and even less so Robinho. It's not like that at all.

"I don't have any reason to think that Robinho is unhappy. Schuster adores him, his team-mates want him and last year he was very happy at the Bernabeu.

"If he wasn't happy and wanted to leave we wouldn't fight to change his mind. But I don't think that's the case. It's absurd to plan someone's transfer if they're happy and I firmly believe that."

Wayne Rooney questioned by police after alleged spitting incident E... Hek

Wayne Rooney has been questioned by police after allegedly spitting at a photographer, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The Manchester United and England forward was interviewed under caution after the incident near London's Oxford Street on Tuesday evening. The 22-year-old was reportedly leaving a restaurant with his new wife Coleen.

He was spoken to by police at a neutral venue after a third party made the complaint shortly afterwards. In law, deliberately spitting at someone is an offence of common assault.

A report is expected to be sent to the Crown Prosecution Service who will decide on whether to bring charges.

"At 12.10am on Wednesday we received a third party allegation that a photographer had been spat at by an individual outside a restaurant in Hanway Street, W1," a police spokesman said.

"Officers established the incident occurred at approximately 10.20pm on Tuesday evening. The alleged suspect, a 22-year-old male, was spoken to by police.

"He was not arrested and did not attend a police station. Inquiries continue."

Can you help Cristiano Ronaldo escape? Imut Imut

Twiddling your thumbs at your desk in anticipation of the weekend? Well here's the perfect way to while away your Friday by helping Cristiano Ronaldo to finally secure his dream move to Real Madrid.
Poor Cristiano is stuck in slavery in Manchester. Unable to escape the clutches of Sir Alex Ferguson, you have to help the Portuguese playboy escape from his hospital bed and fling him all the way to Madrid, avoiding Fergie's threats (It's back to the slave boat for you my son!).
Clicko begin the fun and try not to rip his leg off...

20. Fabio Silva and 21. Rafael Silva Profiles Jiwo Suto

20. Fabio

Fabio da Silva is a left-sided defender but, like his twin brother Rafael, loves to get forward.

Spotted in 2005 by Les Kershaw, then United's Academy manager, while playing for Fluminense in a Hong Kong youth tournament, it wasn't long before the Reds came knocking.

Fabio has already proved his potential on the youth international stage. He captained and top-scored in the Under-17 World Cup finals in Korea in 2007.

21. Rafael
Manchester Rafael Silva

Rafael was born in Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro, and is very much a modern full-back; he loves to get forward down the right flank - but he's not all just Brazilian flair, he's made of tough stuff.

Fabio and Rafael Photos Phodo

Fabio left, Rafael right

19. Danny Welbeck Profile jiau juh

Danny Welbeck is a highly talented, skilful player who can play out wide or up front.

He has been likened by Sir Alex Ferguson to former Arsenal forward Nwankwo Kanu for his manner of play.

“He’s got a smooth and languid style,” says Paul McGuinness, his coach at Under-18 level. “But don’t let that fool you, it sometimes disguises the fact that he is a really hard worker.

“Danny is a very talented and skilful player with good all-round technique. He’s strong, quick, good defensively as well as going forward, and he’s a real leader, too. He is a good personality

to have around the dressing room.”

Welbeck played a prominent role in the Under-18s’ run to the FA Youth Cup final in 2006/07 when he was a schoolboy.

He’s also represented England at youth level and was called into the national team’s Under-17s squad to take part in the World Championships in Korea in summer 2007.

Danny Welbeck breketek

Best Of Cristiano Ronaldo 2011/2012

2011/2012 season is the season for Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, or well known as Cristiano Ronaldo. I think he will never forget about this astonishing season as well. He won all major titles this season including Premiership, Champions League and made himself as Top Scorer in both competition. Ronaldo also won the 2008 English PFA Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year, which is a back to back victories for him on both awards. With all of those achievements, there is no doubt for me that he will win the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

Chelsea, Ronaldo Win Champions League Awards Chia Chia

Cech, who was on the losing end of the Champions League final penalty shootout against Edwin van der Sar and Manchester United, nevertheless pipped the Dutchman to the award for his superb performances on the way to and even during the final.

"Of course it was difficult, because it was up to me and five players who were chosen to shoot, but you have to concentrate on yourself and this is what I try to do," explained the goalkeeper, recalling that dramatic, rain-soaked shootout in Moscow.

"For me persnally, it's an amazing achievement to get this award this evening," he said. "To be a great defender you need a lot of attributes; to read the game very well, be quick, strong, good in the air, and you also need good team-mates around you, which I have bundles of, so I'm happy."

The winners finally picked up an award, and it of course went to Cristiano Ronaldo, for best forward. The secret to his success? "Work. I think Manchester had a great season and I scored many goals.

"I feel very proud because my position is winger and to win the best forward is good for me, it gives me ambition to work good and better. Thank you everyone who voted for me, thank you to my team-mates, and good night."

And of the four separate winners, it was Ronaldo who won the overall award for best player. "To win this award is great for me," said the Portuguese ace. "I feel very proud, very good, to win this, because the Champions League is one of the best. Every player likes to play this competition and to be the best."

He again gave thanks to many, but for the second time neglected to mention manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who was sitting in the crowd. "For me, is great, thank you everyone, thank you my team-mates, thank you to everyone, to all the players, it's great, it's good for me, I feel very happy."

Best Goalkeeper: Petr Cech (Chelsea)

Nominees: Manuel Almunia (Arsenal), Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04), Jose Reina (Liverpool), Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United).

Best Defender: John Terry (Chelsea)

Nominees: Jamies Carragher (Liverpool), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Carles Puyol (Barcelona).

Best Midfielder: Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

Nominees: Michael Essien (Chelsea), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Steve Gerrard (Liverpool), Paul Scholes (Manchester United).

Best Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Nominees: Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Fernando Torres (Liverpool).

Best Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Profile of Karim Benzema

10 | Olympique Lyonnais for now :) | Striker

Height: 1.83m. Weight: 73.00kg. Nationality: France
Born: 19/12/1987 in Lyon
First professional match: Lyon - Metz : 2-0 le 15/01/2005

Career of Karim Benzema

Season	Club	Championship	European Competitions	Caps
04-05	Lyon	6 Games	(-)
05-06	Lyon	1 Goals, 13 Games	1 Goals, 1 Games (Champions League)
06-07	Lyon	5 Goals, 21 Games	2 Goals, 3 Games (Champions League)	1 Goals, 2 Games
07-08	Lyon	20 Goals, 36 Games	4 Goals, 7 Games (Champions League)	2 Goals, 11 Games
08-09	Lyon	17 Goals, 35 Games	5 Goals, 8 Games (Champions League)	2 Goals, 9 Games

Honours of Karim Benzema

2005 French League 1 Winner (Lyon)
2006 French League 1 Winner (Lyon)
2006 French Super Cup Winner (Lyon)
2007 French League 1 Winner (Lyon)
2007 French League 1 top scorer (Lyon)
2007 French Super Cup Winner (Lyon)
2008:: French League 1 Winner (Lyon)
2008:: French Cup Winner (Lyon)

Karim Benzema (born 19 December 1987 in Lyon) (pronounced /bɛnˈziːmə/ or /bɛnˈzeɪmə/) is a French footballer who plays as a striker for Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyonnais and the France national team. Benzema has been heralded as one of the leading players of France's new generation and has, to a lesser extent, been compared to the Brazilian Ronaldo by several former players and pundits, primarily due to his prolific scoring, great physique, effective dribbling, and great vision. His nickname is Le Phénomène, the French variation of "The Phenomenon", which is Ronaldo's nickname. Ronaldo is also Benzema's favorite player.

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.

Manchester United's Ronaldo and Barcelona's Messi are among 23 players on a shortlist announced by the world governing body on Wednesday.

Ronaldo's goals helped United win the English Premier League and the Champions League last season, while Messi inspired Argentina to win the Olympic gold medal.

Six members of Spain's European Championship-winning team -- Iker Casillas, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Fernando Torres, David Villa and Xavi Hernandez -- are also chasing the game's most prized individual award.

The 2007 winner, Brazil's Kaka, is also in contention.

Ten women were on FIFA's shortlist for top female player, including Brazil's Marta, Birgit Prinz of Germany and American duo Hope Solo and Shannon Boxx.

The candidate lists were drawn up by a team of experts assembled by FIFA, football's world governing body.

Voting is done by head coaches and captains of men's and women's national teams.

Three finalists in each contest will be named in December, before the winners are announced at a gala event on Jan. 12 at the Zurich Opera House.

Nominations for FIFA World Player 2012: Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), Sergio Aguero (Argentina), Andrei Arshavin (Russia), Michael Ballack (Germany), Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Deco (Portugal), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Steven Gerrard (England), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Kaka (Brazil), Frank Lampard (England), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Franck Ribery (France), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), John Terry (England), Fernando Torres (Spain), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Netherlands), David Villa (Spain), Xavi Hernandez (Spain).

Nominations for FIFA Women's World Player 2012: Nadine Angerer (Germany), Shannon Boxx (United States), Cristiane (Brazil), Daniela (Brazil), Marta (Brazil), Birgit Prinz (Germany), Christine Sinclair (Canada), Kelly Smith (England), Hope Solo (United States), Ingvild Stensland (Norway).

Dimitar Berbatov Manchester United

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Personal information

Full name: Dimitar Ivanov Berbatov
Date of birth: 30 January 1981 (1981-01-30) (age 27)
Place of birth: Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
Height: 1.89 m (6 ft 2+1⁄2 in)
Playing position: Striker

Senior clubs

Years	Club
1999–2001 2001–2006 2006–2008 2008–	CSKA Sofia Bayer Leverkusen Tottenham Hotspur Manchester United

Berbatov was born in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. His father, Ivan, was a professional footballer with local outfit Pirin Blagoevgrad, and his mother, Margarita, was a professional handball player. As a youngster, Berbatov supported A.C. Milan and modelled himself on Marco van Basten until Euro '96 in England, when the then fifteen year old discovered a new role model in Alan Shearer, formerly of Newcastle United, even sleeping in a Newcastle shirt. His mother later spoke of Dimitar's dream of playing for Newcastle one day. Berbatov learned the English language by watching the "Godfather" films. Outside of football, he lists his hobbies as drawing and basketball.

After much speculation, Berbatov completed a move to Manchester United on 1 September 2008 for a fee of around £30.75 million, with Fraizer Campbell joining Tottenham on a season-long loan as part of the deal. This came despite Tottenham accepting a bid for Berbatov from Manchester City on the same day. Berbatov's contract to United is for four years, and he will wear the number 9 shirt previously worn by Louis Saha.