Sun Jul 09, 2006 11:07 am
SkySports wrote:Cristiano Ronaldo has rocked Manchester United by confirming that he does indeed want to quit Old Trafford.
Signs that Ronaldo was unsettled first emerged earlier this month when he confirmed that he had spoken to one of Real Madrid’s presidential candidates about a move to Spain.
Since then Ronaldo has infamously clashed with team-mate Wayne Rooney during Portugal’s quarter-final success over England, the 21-year-old seeming to urge referee Horacio Elizondo to red card his club team-mate for his stamp on Ricardo Carvalho.
Rooney was indeed sent off, and ever since Ronaldo has been roundly booed during the finals.
The former Sporting Lisbon winger, who only signed a new long-term contract late last year, stated that a decision on his future would be made following the World Cup.
And after Portugal’s 3-1 third place play-off defeat to Germany, Ronaldo admitted that he wants to quit The Red Devils.
"I think I should get out of Manchester, the circumstances are not right to keep playing in Manchester," said Ronaldo, who confirmed that a move to La Liga — possibly with Real - is his preferred option.
"In two or three days I will decide where to go. I always said I wanted to play in Spain.
"Nobody stood up for me at Manchester, although I did not do anybody any harm."
The news is sure to be a huge blow to Sir Alex Ferguson, who has nurtured Ronaldo since his £12 million arrival from Portugal in 2003.
He has already highlighted Ronaldo and Rooney as the future of United, but now it seems he has a real battle on his hands to keep the former.
Tue Jul 11, 2006 2:24 am
Wed Jul 12, 2006 12:04 am
soccerway.com wrote:Real Madrid bid for Ribery
MARSEILLE, July 11 (SW) - The race for France international and Marseille midfielder Frank Ribery has heated up, with Real Madrid reportedly making a £26-million bid for the 23-year-old.
Ribery, who was impressive in helping guide France to the World Cup final, has drawn the interest of Arsenal, Manchester United, Olympique Lyon and Bayern Munich, but Madrid’s grandiose offer is expected to top them all.
Arsenal were among the first clubs to lodge their interest, making a £10-million bid, but that offer was quickly topped by Lyon’s £20.75-million valuation.
Madrid now appear to be in the driver’s seat.
Ribery, however, has spoken of his desire to remain in France for another few seasons, saying at the end of June: “My wish is not to play for Marseille any more next season.
"Lyon is clearly my priority. I wish to stay in France for another two or three years and Lyon is the ideal choice for me and my family.
"Lyon really want me and are offering me a really interesting challenge."
Ribery was voted the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Season this past season after scoring six goals in league play.
He was a surprise inclusion to France coach Raymond Domenec’s World Cup squad, but since making his international debut on May 27 against Mexico, he has entrenched himself in the squad with his aggressive play.
Wed Jul 12, 2006 12:14 am
Wed Jul 12, 2006 12:23 am
Srbija wrote:I was kind of thinking that someone would want to buy him after the World Cup, he has been an outstanding player.
Wed Jul 12, 2006 12:28 am
Wed Jul 12, 2006 12:30 am
Wed Jul 12, 2006 2:05 pm
Thu Jul 13, 2006 12:16 am
Real Madrid close in on Cannavaro
Seen here holding the cup.
MADRID, July 12 (SW) - Real Madrid are on the verge of signing World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro from Juventus.
The first job that could face new Juventus Coach Didier Deschamps is replacing Fabio Cannavaro at the heart of the clubs defence, as Madrid look to start their summer spending.
Last week the Spanish club appointed former Juventus manager Fabio Capello as there new boss and it seems fellow countryman Cannavaro is top of his transfer list.
Real’s sports director, Pedja Mijatovic announced the clubs intentions concerning the Italian captain saying, ''we've made good headway in getting him here and we're going to continue trying hard. I'm sure there will be some news in the next few days.''
He added, ''I can appreciate that Cannavaro was a huge reason why Juve won two Scudetti and why Italy won the World Cup.
Juventus are currently awaiting the verdict of the Italian match fixing trial.
Saviola to join Gunners
LONDON, July 12 (SW) - Argentina international Javier Saviola is almost certain to join Arsenal, according to the striker’s agent.
"He will make his decision based on football and that points to the Gunners. He will have no problem playing in England because he is a world-class player and will be successful in any country,” Saviola's agent Alfredo Cabrera Brizuela told The Sun newspaper.
Since signing for €25-million in 2001, the River Plate-product has been unable to break into the rotation at Barcelona and has spent the last two seasons on loan at first Monaco and then Sevilla.
He led Sevilla in scoring with nine goals last season and helped the club lift the UEFA Cup.
Saviola’s agent added: "This week is very important because he wants to have a holiday knowing he has his future sorted out."
The 24-year-old Saviola has been capped 34 times by Argentina, scoring 10 goals.
He figured in three matches at Germany 2006, scoring one goal, assisting on two others and was named the Man of Match in the Group C match against Ivory Coast.
Thu Jul 13, 2006 2:24 am
Mijatovic has Real Madrid deal for Arsenal's Cesc
tribalfooball.com - June 29, 2006
Predrag Mijatovic has struck an agreement with the agent of Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
Mijatovic, who is Real Madrid presidential candidate Ramon Calderon's football advisor, dined with Joseba Diaz last night and they agreed terms on a five-year contract, says AS.
Also at the meeting was ex-Roma director general Franco Baldini, who will join Real should Calderon win Sunday's election.
Thu Jul 13, 2006 6:06 am
Thu Jul 13, 2006 6:24 am
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 10:42 am
Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:29 pm
Joe. wrote:They haven't won the Scudetto since the 1988-89 season.
Fri Jul 14, 2006 12:36 am
Fri Jul 14, 2006 12:44 am
Fri Jul 14, 2006 1:19 am
Fri Jul 14, 2006 7:22 am
teamtalk.com wrote:Real beat Bayern to Ruud signature
Real Madrid have beaten Bayern Munich to the signature of Manchester United hitman Ruud van Nistelrooy, according to reports from Spain.
The Dutch striker has been linked with both the Spanish giants and German champions Bayern in recent days.
But according to Spanish daily Marca, a move to La Liga now looks likely for the out-of-favour United forward.
The paper says van Nistelrooy has almost agreed personal terms with Real and says the transfer fee - if United agree to the deal - could be 15million Euros (around £11million).
Van Nistelrooy spent the final three months of last season mostly warming the Old Trafford bench after losing his place for the Carling Cup final defeat of Wigan.
And then he struggled to find his best form as Holland's World Cup bid ended in a second-round defeat by Portugal.
Swedes point Zlatan to Inter
TURIN, Jul 13 (SW) – Reports are travelling from Sweden suggesting that Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to move to Inter Milan.
Nerazzurri boss Roberto Mancini is a big admirer of the tall striker, and has earmarked him as a potential signing should Juventus be relegated from Serie A this summer.
Both Mancini and Inter patron Massimo Moratti were disappointed with the output of Inter’s forwards last season and see Ibrahimovic as an ideal weapon to add to their squad for the upcoming campaign.
There has also been interest from Real Madrid following the appointment of Fabio Capello, but Swedish reporters speculate that the player will conclude a deal when he returns from holiday.
Fri Jul 14, 2006 9:20 am
Jae wrote:Why should Inter feel ashamed? They're not the ones cheating. If anyone should feel ashamed it's Juventus.
Fri Jul 14, 2006 2:15 pm
Fri Jul 14, 2006 3:20 pm