Guus Hiddink was handed the FA Cup as a going-away present as Chelsea recovered from conceding the fastest goal in final history to beat Everton 2-1 at Wembley.

The contest was less than half-a-minute old when French striker Louis Saha found the net for the Toffeemen but that was to be the high point for David Moyes' men.

First Didier Drogba levelled matters with a towering header then Frank Lampard's 20-yard strike just evaded the despairing dive of Tim Howard 18 minutes from time.

Apart from allowing Ashley Cole to become the first player since the 19th century to collect five winners' medals, the victory, Chelsea's second in three years, was a reminder of the stability Hiddink has brought to Stamford Bridge since replacing Luiz Felipe Scolari in February.

And if, as expected, Carlo Ancelotti is confirmed as permanent boss when Hiddink returns to Russia, the Italian has been given a pretty successful man to follow.

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Real Madrid will follow arch-rivals Barcelona to North America this summer on a pre-season tour.

DC United have confirmed they will play Madrid at FedExField on August 9, with more games expected to be announced in the coming days.

Earlier this month, Barcelona, who were crowned Champions League winners last night, confirmed plans to play the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Seattle Sounders in August, with a third game expected to be added.

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has denied reports claiming he is set to join Barcelona - and insists he is 'only thinking of the Reds'.

The Argentina international has become a vital part of manager Rafa Benitez's plans since joining the Anfield outfit on a five-year contract in 2007.

That form is reported to have caught the eye of Barca, but Mascherano is unaware of any interest from the Champions League winners.

The 24-year-old angered Benitez at the start of May after confessing he was unsure over his long-term future, but he now has no doubts.

"I still have three years on my contract with Liverpool and I am happy there," he told TyC Sports.

"I am comfortable and thinking only of Liverpool. I don't know anything about an approach from Barcelona or any other club."

Mascherano, meanwhile, has reiterated his wish to see the Reds sign his Argentina team-mate Carlos Tevez.

The forward's future is in question as he has come to the end of his lease arrangement at Manchester United, who are reluctant to pay a quoted price of around £25million to make the deal permanent.

United chief executive David Gill is planning more talks with Kia Joorabchian, who owns Tevez's economic rights, but Mascherano wants Liverpool to move in as several clubs monitor the situation.

"I hope we can count on him," he told Radio La Red in Argentina. "Because of the type of player Carlos is, he would be great for us.

"However, it will be a tough fight because so many clubs are interested in him."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 04:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bayern Munich have underlined their intentions to Premier League sides Manchester United and Chelsea that Franck Ribery is not for sale.

The in-form Frenchman has been consistently linked with a move away from the Bundesliga, with Chelsea the latest club to be linked with the former Marseille man.

The 26-year-old's contract with Bayern still has two years left to run on it, but general manager Uli Hoeness recently admitted Manchester United had made a "casual inquiry".

Reports in England on Thursday suggest Chelsea are also chasing the France international, but Bayern press officer Markus Horwick has dismissed it as pure speculation.

"This is once again an absolute hoax," he said, referring to one report that the player had already agreed terms with the Stamford Bridge side.

"Our stance has not changed: we would like to extend Ribery's contract, not sell him."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 04:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cristiano Ronaldo had admitted Wednesday night's Champions League defeat to Barcelona was one of the biggest disappointments of his career.

Goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi were enough to overcome Manchester United in Rome's Stadio Olimpico, denying Sir Alex Ferguson's men the chance to become the first side to successfully defend the trophy since it was rebranded in 1992.

Ronaldo did cause Barca some early problems, but ultimately the Portuguese winger faded like his team, with Messi now set to claim the World Player of the Year prize he has cherished.

"This is one of the biggest disappointments of my career," said Ronaldo.

"We were always confident before the game but unfortunately we couldn't do it."

Speculation is now bound to surface once more about whether the 24-year-old has played his final game for the Old Trafford outfit.

It was not a subject up for discussion this evening as Ronaldo came to terms with the defeat.

"It is always bad when you lose a final," said Ronaldo.

"But we didn't play well.

"We did okay in the first 10 minutes but you have to say Barcelona deserved to win."

Wayne Rooney was equally distressed at United's first European Cup final defeat, although few would argue Barcelona fully deserved their victory.

"It is a big disappointment but Barcelona were the better team," said the England forward.

"Barcelona scored two good goals and unfortunately for us, they came at good times. That made it very difficult for us.

"Barcelona are a brilliant team. Andres Iniesta is the best player in the world in my opinion.

"If you don't take your chances against them, they will punish you and that is what has happened.

"It is very disappointing and the feeling at the moment is not a good one. We are hurting. But we have to forget it and look forward to next season."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Barcelona's tormentor-in-chief Andres Iniesta was lost for words after helping his side to Champions League glory on Wednesday.

The diminutive Spaniard was sensational in Rome as he helped Barca overcome reigning champions Manchester United 2-0.

From the moment Iniesta played in Samuel Eto'o for Barca opening goal, the Spanish side took control.

Iniesta was a constant thorn in the side for United, and he admitted Barca deserved their win - which sealed a treble for them after they completed a domestic double.

"We're the best," he told Canal+.

"There are no words to explain this, it was the perfect end to a spectacular season.

"They were the better side for six or seven minutes, but after that we had the game. Perfect."

Captain Carles Puyol was equally delighted with the success.

"This is the last title we were going for and this is an historic season," he said referring to the treble.

"After the first ten minutes, when we scored the goal - we mastered it."

Samuel Eto'o - who opened the scoring - added: "There is a God up there.

"I just don't know how to celebrate this."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o both scored in an impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester United to become European Champions.

Barcelona became the champions of Europe for the third time on Wednesday night after defeating Manchester United 2-0 in Rome.

Pep Guardiola's men were at their breathtaking best in the Champions League final as goals from Samuel Eto'o (10) and Lionel Messi (70) earned the Catalan giants their third trophy of the season after already claiming La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

United had no answer to Barca's slick passing and Guardiola becomes part of a select group who have now won Europe's top club competition both as a player and a coach.

But it all started so well for United, who were looking to protect a 25-match unbeaten run in the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo was given the opportunity to line up a very early free-kick that Victor Valdes could not hold.

Following up, Ji-Sung Park must have thought he was going to score but Gerard Pique made an excellent tackle to save the day for Barcelona.

After a neat move involving Patrice Evra and Anderson, Ronaldo was not far away with another stinging shot.

But there was a nasty shock looming for the Premier League champions as Barca went in front on their first attack.

Andres Iniesta played a pass to Eto'o that allowed the Cameroon striker to step inside Nemanja Vidic.

Michael Carrick closed in to make the tackle, but Eto'o managed to toe-poke the ball with enough force to take it past Edwin van der Sar.

Pique was booked when he blocked off Ronaldo's surge towards the penalty area after Giggs found him with a crossfield pass.

This time Giggs took the curling free-kick but could not keep it on target.

Messi flashed a shot over the bar after cutting in off the right flank, Barcelona looking to exploit gaps that would inevitably appear as United searched for an equaliser.

A brilliant passing move from Barcelona ended when Anderson barged Iniesta over on the edge of the area.

Xavi took the free-kick, although van der Sar seemed to have it covered as it curled wide.

Barcelona started brightly and Theirry Henry was released down the left and skipped inside Rio Ferdinand before his shot was smothered by van der Sar.

And on 53 minutes Xavi almost made it 2-0, but his superb curling free-kick rebounded back of van der Sar's left-hand upright.

But United bounced back quickly and after a spell of possession, Rooney swung over a ball from the right which just evaded a diving Park at the far post.

However with United threatening to peg back the Spanish champions Barcelona made it 2-0 with 20 minutes to go when Xavi's inch-perfect cross from the right was headed expertly back across van der Sar and into the far corner by Messi.

Just moments later both Giggs and Ronaldo saw close-range efforts repelled by Valdes.

But Carles Puyol almost made it 3-0 with five minutes to go only for van der Sar to repel his close range shot after another slick passing move.

(soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged Manchester United to join the pantheon of all-time great teams by lifting the Champions League title in Rome.

Victory over Barcelona would allow United to become the first side to win back-to-back European Cups since it was rebranded in 1992.

Liverpool and Nottingham Forest both achieved the feat in the 1970s. Now it is the Red Devils' turn to prove their worth if they win on Wednesday night.

"There have been a lot of unlucky teams in world football but when you look at the pantheon of great teams you need to have won the European Cup to have that tag," said Ferguson.

"There is no question about that. It has always been that way.

"Teams like Manchester United and Barcelona have to win the trophy to be regarded in that respect."

Victory for the 11-times Premier League champions would be a fourth success in Europe's most prestigious club competition, allowing them to draw level with Ajax and Bayern Munich, who both won the trophy on three successive occasions before the English began their dominance, and one behind Liverpool.

Ferguson cannot explain why those back-to-back triumphs have proved so elusive. He just knows the plaudits that await the team who finally does it.

"In the history of the European Cup it was done regularly," he observed.

"Some won it two or three times in a row. There were cycles of teams winning it like Ajax, Bayern and Real Madrid.

"Now we have an opportunity to change that and hopefully we can take it."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Messi will be wearing the new adidas F50i Tunit during tomorrow's Champions League final.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has been advising France team-mate Franck Ribery to join him at Old Trafford next season.

Responding to the continued speculation linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a move away from the club, full-back Evra admitted he did not know whether the Portuguese winger would stay or go but did highlight a ready-made replacement.

Ribery has been in scintillating form for a struggling Bayern Munich side this year and is sure to attract plenty of interest in the summer.

And Evra would be happy for the Red Devils to lead the way.

Evra told The Sun: "Many say Cristiano will leave but only he knows the answer.

"It's clear a guy like Franck would be the ideal solution for United if Cristiano left. Of course I talk to Franck about it, I tell him 'you had better come here'."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Carlos Tevez wants to help Manchester United retain the Champions League against Barcelona before giving any further thought to his future.

It is expected Tevez will leave Old Trafford next month, once his two-year loan deal expires.

United chief executive David Gill is planning more talks with Tevez's advisor Kia Joorabchian before the Argentina star finally resolves his future but the indications for weeks have been a complete break is the likely outcome.

The major stumbling block appears to be United's refusal to pay the final installment of an agreed £32million transfer of the player's registration, even though Tevez wants to stay.

However, the 25-year-old is determined to put discussion about his future on hold until the Red Devils' European fate is sealed.

"I want to win the European Cup for the club and the fans," he told Zoo Magazine.

"After that we will talk about the future.

"I really like it here and want to be part of the success but right now I don't want anything to distract me from my football."

Tevez is in the happy position of counting both contenders for the title of best player in the world as team-mates.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been aiding United's quest for an unprecedented double double, while Barca's Lionel Messi will also be part of the Argentina squad aiming to win the next World Cup in South Africa.

Diplomatically, Tevez refuses to split them, although it is clear the winner of their personal duel stands an excellent chance of lifting the European Cup on Wednesday night.

"Everybody considers them to be the best football players in the world," said Tevez.

"Some people will say Messi is the best and some people will say Ronaldo is the best. For me, they are both as special as each other.

"To have them both on the same pitch should be great entertainment for the fans."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Barcelona's Lionel Messi says he does not see the Champions League final as a chance to get one over Cristiano Ronaldo in the Ballon d'Or race.

Ronaldo has finished first and second in the last two seasons, while Messi was runner-up last time out and third in 2007.

The duo are again likely to be among the favourites to win this year's award, and Wednesday's game in Rome will see the two players go head-to-head in a match which could influence who is named European Footballer of the Year.

However, Messi said: "I don't see it like that.

"I think they are two great teams, who in my mind play the best football, and whoever wins the final in Rome will be proclaimed the best team in the world."

Messi, who turns 22 next month, has already had previous dealings with United and Ronaldo after Barca were paired against the English giants in the semi-finals of last year's Champions League.

On that occasion Barca failed to breach United's defense as they lost 1-0 on aggregate, and Messi admits it was one of the lowest points of his career to date.

"On a footballing level it's the toughest memory," he told Marca. "The truth is that it was a blow for everyone because it meant we would go two years without a trophy."

It is a different story for Barca this season as they have already won the Primera Division and Copa del Rey following a remarkable first campaign in charge for new coach Pep Guardiola.

Now Barca are aiming to become the first Spanish team to win the treble of league, cup and European Cup, which Messi admits would put the icing on what has been his most impressive season since breaking onto the scene five years ago.

"It's been my best year, without doubt. For the football, the play, for the goals and I hope to crown it with the Champions League," he added in Sport.

"At the start it (the treble) didn't concern us much. We always took it step by step. Now we've won the league and cup we are going for it and we are going to enjoy this occasion. We want the cup, league and Champions League."

Messi knows it will not be easy against the reigning champions though, adding: "The football that we are playing could make this an unforgettable year, but ahead of us is going to be a very tough opponent who are also playing very well.

"Good football is not the sole reserve of Barca. I've seen Manchester United play and it seems to me that they are a very good team. I like how they play."

Barca's hopes of being crowned champions of Europe for only the third time following their successes in 1992 and 2006 could be badly affected by injuries and suspensions, though.

Definitely out of the final are suspended full-backs Dani Alves and Eric Abidal, while their fellow defenders Rafael Marquez and Gabriel Milito are sidelined with injuries.

There are also question marks against Thierry Henry and Andres Iniesta.

Striker Henry, who has scored 25 goals in all competitions this season, has been sidelined since Barca's 6-2 win at Real Madrid at the beginning of the month, while influential midfielder Iniesta has been out with a thigh problem picked up a week later in the 3-3 draw against Villarreal.

Messi said: "I hope that both can be in the final, they are very important and deserve to play in a game like this. It would be very good.

"Iniesta has had a spectacular season and it's the same with Henry, who has scored a lot of goals. It will be a lot easier if they are there."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 02:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Barcelona won the Copa del Rey with a stunning 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao at the Mestalla, and were crowned La Liga champions at the weekend when Real Madrid lost to Villarreal.

Next up is the Champions League final against Manchester United on May 27, and Messi has set his sights on the treble.

He told the Clarin newspaper: "I don't mean what we have achieved so far is not a big achievement.

"I say this team is focused on clinching the goal we had set in the beginning of the season, when more than one person thought we were too ambitious.

"You can search in the archive and you'll see that, since (coach Pep) Guardiola's arrival, we have said we want the Copa (del Rey), La Liga and the Champions League.

"Guardiola is a great coach who changed important details. In the match against Real Madrid, he played me as a main forward but a little bit behind. I was truly surprised. I thought I was not going to touch the ball, but I played in great form and we claimed a historic 6-2 win."

Messi will go head to head with compatriot Carlos Tevez in Rome on Wednesday week, and is full of respect for his international team-mate.

"He won the league with Manchester United. He is great. He has won about a thousand titles," said Messi.

The final will also see 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo do battle with Messi - the player he pipped to that title.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player. His long-distance shots are terrific," he said.

"I am not his friend because I don't see him too much, but I am sure he has the same thought I have. None of us play to be the best of the world. This is a team game.

"I want the treble and I don't deny it. I'd love it because it was the goal we set in the beginning of the season, when it was almost impossible. Being the best on earth is another thing."

When he has conquered Europe with his club, Messi wants World Cup success with Argentina.

"I want the triple crown and then the 2010 World Cup with Argentina, obviously," he said.

"I still remember the celebration when we won the Under-20 World Cup in Holland in 2005. Repeating that in the senior squad, under (Argentina coach Diego) Maradona, would be completely unique and unforgettable.

"Now we are going towards the triple crown. Everything is going so well that we will really enjoy it if we achieve that."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A report in the early edition of the Daily Express on Friday morning claimed the Newcastle and England striker will become a full-time racehorse trainer and owner after quitting the game in the summer.

However, amid reports Owen has become increasingly disillusioned with life on Tyneside and his own diminishing returns after years of injury problems, his representatives insist he is determined to get back to the levels that saw him crowned European Footballer of the Year in 2001.

"Any suggestion or unfounded speculation that Michael Owen has any intention of quitting football is totally untrue and wrong," read a statement from Wasserman Media Group.

"Michael remains as committed to his football career as he ever has been and is deeply and professionally offended that anyone should suggest otherwise."

It continued: "Michael Owen has instructed lawyers this evening (Thursday) and will take action against any publication which he feels inaccurately or unfairly suggested he is quitting football and is damaging to his professional reputation."

The 29-year-old joined Newcastle from Real Madrid in 2005 for a club-record fee of £17million.

However, in the very nearly four seasons since then he has made only 58 Premier League starts due to a succession of fitness problems.

Owen, who began his career with a hugely successful spell at Liverpool, has also been left in the international wilderness under England coach Fabio Capello.

In total, Owen has 40 goals from 89 England caps but has not played for the national team since the friendly defeat in France in March 2008.

Seeing the aura Sir Bobby Charlton still attracts proves any success enjoyed at club level is eclipsed by England.

Yet, as Liverpool seem certain to reach 19 years without the championship and Manchester United stand on the brink of equaling their record of 18 triumphs, Gerrard feels it is time to be a little bit greedy.

"To win the league and then go on and win the World Cup, that's what dreams are made of," he said.

"There's a lot of hard work and a lot of hurdles to get over before I can achieve that.

"But it is certainly the ambition and the dream. And I think it's possible."

In terms of his club football, Gerrard has been outstanding this season, being named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year for his consistent contribution to Liverpool's most effective campaign since they last finished top in 1990.

With United needing only a point from their final two games to be crowned champions, Gerrard knows the odds are stacked against the Merseysiders, even if he is not prepared to throw in the towel just yet.

But it is clear Gerrard will be competing for honors with both club and country next year because England will have one foot in South Africa next month if they beat Kazakhstan and Andorra in a double-header that is not expected to end in disappointment.

"We have got the potential to do it with England," he said.

"Our players are good enough to be successful at any level. But it is important we don't raise expectations too high because it is not so long ago this team failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

"We have to take each game as it comes. But it is certainly in there, we just have to bring it out.

"As for Liverpool, if I can go on to be involved in another title race and maybe try and go one better and win it then it would be a fantastic feeling too.

"Then obviously I can take that confidence into the World Cup."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

No Spanish side has ever landed the domestic league and cup double as well as the Champions League - but Barca stand on the brink of making history after completing phase one of their objective in Valencia on Wednesday night.

The Catalan giants overcame the surprise of conceding an early goal to Gaizka Toquero by romping to a comfortable 4-1 win thanks to strikes from Yaya Toure, Lionel Messi, Bojan Krkic and Xavi.

Barca are one point away from clinching the Primera Division title while Manchester United lie in wait in the Champions League final in Rome on May 27.

Guardiola is hoping his players do not rest on their laurels following their Mestalla success and quickly turn their attention to Sunday's Primera Division clash at Real Mallorca.

"We're lucky we have players of such high quality who can put into practice the ideas of any manager," he said.

"We've got the first trophy and now it's time to go for the second.

"We want to gain the point we need in order to win La Liga and then we can look forward to preparing for the final of the Champions League.

"The team is on course for something important.

"I never expected this season to go quite as well as it has."

Barca were at their imperious best on Wednesday night with their pass-and-move game proving too much for plucky Athletic.

"We knew that the Basques would be physical, that they were very strong," added Guardiola.

"Above all we knew that we were going to be facing a very aggressive team so it was important to get the ball out quickly, to avoid contact and not let them suffocate us."

Athletic's hopes of landing their first major trophy in 25 years may have been dashed but coach and players were philosophical about the manner of the defeat.

Boss Joaquin Caparros said: "We came here excited about the chance of winning a trophy, but it wasn't to be and so I have to congratulate Barcelona.

"It was tough but we lost to the best team in the world. I want to apologize to the fans. There are no words to describe what they've done for us."

Star striker Fernando Llorente added: "It's sad to get to the final and then lose, but we lost to the best team in the world.

"We're proud to have got this far. We've got the Europa League and the Supercopa to look forward to next year and we can do something good with that."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wigan's Hugo Rodallega had given the Latics a deserved half-time lead but substitute Carlos Tevez came off the bench to grab the equalizer, before Michael Carrick smashed home the winner with five minutes remaining.

It was far from vintage United, but just as champions do, they ground out a victory despite not playing well against Steve Bruce's stubborn side.

The hosts wasted a wonderful opportunity to grab an early lead with only a minute on the clock.

Antonio Valencia - reportedly a summer target for United - outpaced Johnny Evans and Nemanja Vidic to go clear on goal but when faced with only Edwin van der Sar to beat, the Ecuadorian made a mess of his attempted chip, miscuing the ball horribly wide.

The let-off stirred the champions but unusually, their finishing let them down twice in the space of 60 seconds as they began to take control.

Firstly, Wayne Rooney headed horribly wide in the tenth minute following superb work from Dimitar Berbatov on the right, before the England striker almost made amends by crossing low for Carrick, who was narrowly off target with a first-time effort from close range.

Van der Sar was then called upon to tip Valencia's free-kick around his post before fielding Rodallega's drive from outside the box as the Latics showed they were not prepared to roll-over for the title-chasing Red Devils, despite having little but pride to play for.

Rodellaga rammed home that point when he put Wigan in front on 27 minutes. The Columbian hitman out-muscled Nemanja Vidic to win a long-ball into the United box, before recovering his composure to lash the ball home inside van der Sar's near post.

Going behind clearly rattled United, who struggled to break down the stubborn Latics resistance after their two early misses.

The second-half's early exchanges showed no real sign of a United fightback so Tevez was thrown on for Anderson just before the hour mark, and the United fans' favourite took just four minutes to make his impact.

Carrick miscued his shot from distance but with the ball heading wide, Tevez turned himself inside-out to brilliantly flick the ball past Richard Kingson.

The goal inspired United but they had to wait until five minutes from time to grab their winner.

John O'Shea bombed forward to cut the ball back to Carrick, who lashed home superbly with his left foot from the edge of the box.

The late winner leaves United needing only one point from their last two games to seal their third consecutive title, something they can do on home soil by avoiding defeat against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recent reports suggested the 29-year-old could stay in Milan if coach Carlo Ancelotti leaves the club, but speculation over his future nevertheless persists.

While a move within Europe is a likely scenario, Assis has ruled out Ronaldinho following in the footsteps of Ronaldo and Adriano by returning to his native Brazil.

"There is no chance of Ronaldinho going back like Ronaldo and Adriano," Assis told O Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper.

"But if you ask me whether he could change teams in Europe, I would say yes."

Ronaldinho arrived in Italy from Barcelona at the end of last season and has been linked with a move to big-spending Manchester City.

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 08:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Agent Adrian Ruocco confirmed Tevez is attracting interest from Italy and Spain, plus clubs from within the Premier League.

Tevez has scored crucial goals for United this season but said at the weekend that he expects to leave the club at the end of his two-year loan deal.

The 25-year-old claimed he had not been treated as "one of the family" at Old Trafford.

Ruocco told Argentinian newspaper Ole: "He might move to Spain, Italy or stay in England. There are interested clubs from all those countries.

"He already said he would like to stay in the Premier League because he likes football in the country, so he fortunately will decide where he will play. He is lucky to have the chance to choose."

Ruocco has been surprised that United have not moved to sign Tevez permanently.

Ruocco said: "There was no will from the directors and the coach (Sir Alex Ferguson) to sign a new contract.

"On May 31, he will have no club and no contract. I don't know why, but Manchester (United) have not asked for any renewal (of the loan) nor signing him for next season."

He added: "The directors and the coach do not seem to want him, while on the other hand fans love him."

Tevez's adviser Kia Joorabchian stressed the striker would not rush into a decision over his future before the season ends.

Although a permanent move to United remains a possibility, Joorabchian is aware of interest in the former West Ham frontman.

Joorabchian says any club seriously considering a move for Tevez would have to prove their ambition.

"There's a lot of interest in Carlos, but Carlos has always been very focused and very concentrated," Joorabchian told Sky Sports News.

"For the respect of the team, the manager, the club, and the fans, we have to stay focused on finishing the season on a high.

"This is how he's always been. He wants to do the best he can.

"He will let the season finish and then sit down and evaluate the situation."

Joorabchian indicated Tevez would "move on and think about his own future" if there is no movement by United to sign him permanently, with a move to another English club a desirable option.

"What he wants to do is to go to a club which has real ambition, a real focus, to be champions of England, champions of Europe, champions of everywhere," Joorabchian said. "Obviously leaving United he would have to go to a rival in order to achieve that target.

"But he understands it's not in his control.

"I don't want to direct, saying it's going to be Liverpool, City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham - whoever you can pick out - Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus.

"The key is that at the present moment Carlos is a United player and he's focused on being a United player for the rest of the season."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Barcelona came within two minutes of clinching the Primera Liga title on Sunday only for Villarreal to spoil the party in dramatic fashion.

Real Madrid's 3-0 defeat at Valencia on Saturday night opened the door for Pep Guardiola's side to clinch their 19th Spanish league title with three games to go.

And the Nou Camp was poised to celebrate with Barca leading 3-2 with the game deep in stoppage time.

But Joseba Llorente bundled his way through before firing a shot high past Victor Valdes' to stun the home crowd.

Llorente had earlier canceled out Seydou Keita's opener only for Samuel Eto'o to restore the hosts' lead with Dani Alves then making it 3-1.

But the match hinged on a penalty decision after 76 minutes with referee Fernando Teixeira Vitienes harshly adjudging Eric Abidal to have fouled Nihat Kahveci inside the area.

Abidal saw red for the second time in two games - he was also sent off in Barca's Champions League draw at Chelsea in midweek - and the Yellow Submarine capitalized to take the title race into another week.

Barca now lead Madrid by eight points with three rounds of the season still to go.

(Soccer365.com)

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Carlos Tevez made the perfect case for a permanent Manchester United deal with a superb goal in their crucial 2-0 derby win over neighbors Manchester City.

The Argentine striker was quoted in the Sunday papers saying he felt unwanted at Old Trafford and expected to be elsewhere next season.

But despite that he was included in Sir Alex Ferguson's starting line-up with Wayne Rooney left on the bench.

And he repaid the Scot's faith by rifling home what turned out to a second killer goal for United on the stroke of half-time.

He blasted a right-footer past Shay Given from the edge of the box after magnificent control from Dimitar Berbatov set up the opportunity.

Tevez had already hit the post with a super strike that had Given beaten all ends up and he hit the woodwork after the interval too with a close-range header.

United's first goal had come on 18 minutes after they won a free-kick 25 yards out when Berbatov was fouled by Stephen Ireland.

Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to take it and his low shot deflected off Nigel De Jong to leave Shay Given wrong-footed. He did get a hand to it but couldn't stop the effort from finding the corner of the net.

City, who enjoyed plenty of possession at times, did make a better fist of things after the break.

But they wasted their best opening when Robinho fired wide from 10 yards out, while a piledriver from sub Martin Petrov was tipped round a post by Edwin van der Sar.

The win takes United three points clear of Liverpool with a game still in hand, and four points from their final three games would guarantee a third consecutive Premier League title.

(Soccer365.com)

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A first-half goal from Steven Davis gave Rangers a 1-0 victory over Celtic in the huge Old Firm clash on Saturday lunchtime, and top spot in the SPL table.

Walter Smith's side went into the clash with their bitter rivals knowing that victory would take them two points clear at the summit.

And Davis struck eight minutes before the interval for the goal that eventually separated the two sides.

Kenny Miller did superbly to find space on the left and cut back a perfect cross that found Davis unmarked six yards out with Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc out of position. He tapped home to send the home fans into ecstasy.

Davis then produced heroics at the other end to clear a Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink header off his own line.

The second half saw Kris Boyd go clean through before his shot was well saved by Boruc.

Celtic meanwhile brought on Aiden McGeady in a bid to fashion an equalizer, but despite all their possession Rangers held out for three priceless points.

(Soccer365.com)

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Iniesta's injury-time thunderbolt earned 10-man Barcelona a dramatic 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge and allowed them to progress through to a final showdown with Manchester United on the away goals rule.

Iniesta, who helped Barca win the 2006 Champions League, said: "You cannot dream of moments like this. This is one of the happiest days of my life. It was great.

"I put my heart and soul into that shot and the ball went into the net in the only part of the goal where it could've gone in. I don't know what went through my head after I scored the goal."

Defeated Chelsea were left fuming following the match after having four penalty appeals turned down by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo.

However, Iniesta felt his side were full value for their place in the final as the Catalan giants moved a step closer to their quest of clinching an historic trophy treble this season.

"We deserved to win, not only for the game, but for everything, for the season we've had and for the effort we've put in," added the Spain international, who nevertheless had words of praise for their opponents.

"You have to admire Chelsea, as they have regularly been in the semi-finals for the last five years."

Barca defender Gerard Pique believes Iniesta sealed his place in club folklore with his last-gasp strike, likening it to that of former Nou Camp hero Jose Maria Bakero almost two decades ago.

Then, during the 1992 European Cup, Barca looked to be tumbling out of the competition after seeing their 2-0 first leg against Kaiserslautern wiped out by three unanswered goals by the Germans in the return leg.

However, Bakero popped up in injury-time to head home Ronald Koeman's free-kick and earn Barca a 3-3 draw and passage through to the group stage on the away goals rule.

Barca would then go on to win the final 1-0 against Sampdoria, securing their first European Cup title in the process.

"The name of Andres, the same as that of Bakero, will go down in footballing history," said Pique on his club's website.

Barca full-back Dani Alves will sit out the final after picking up a yellow card in last night's clash, but he is urging his side not to let slip the chance they have to become the first Spanish team to win the Primera Division, Copa del Rey and European Cup in the same season.

"In life you have to take advantage of your opportunities, and we have to sweat to win the treble," said the Brazilian, who was delighted to see his side's footballing ability overcome the physical might of Chelsea.

"Today football has won over strength. They are a very strong team, but we've beaten them with our quality and by not giving up."

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Barcelona will play Manchester United in the Champions League final after Andres Iniesta's injury-time goal stunned Chelsea in a 1-1 draw.

The Blues looked to be cruising after Michael Essien's stunning early volley put them 1-0 ahead in their semi-final second leg, and when Eric Abidal saw red after 66 minutes, Guus Hiddink's side looked home and hosed and in line for a repeat of last season's final.

But with time ticking away, Iniesta struck a devastating shot - their first effort on target in the entire match - that beat Petr Cech and sent Barcelona through on the away goals rule to the Rome showpiece against holders United on Wednesday 27 May.

The Blues made a nervous start, with Jose Bosingwa having to hack the ball off the line after a cross was deflected. But their nerves were soon settled in spectacular fashion as Essien fired in a first-time left-footed volley that crashed in off the underside of Victor Valdes' crossbar after just nine minutes.

Barca finally had an effort at goal when Dani Alves' 35-yard free-kick sailed wide of Petr Cech's goal. But the Blues were soon on the attack again with Didier Drogba's fierce free-kick touched away by Valdes' leg, while John Terry was just a yard off target with a towering header.

Drogba then saw penalty claims waved away by referee Tom Ovrebo after he went down under Abidal's clumsy challenge.

The Spaniards finished the half the stronger, but Chelsea defended resolutely as the interval arrived with no further incident.

But the Blues were soon on the attack after the break, with Nicolas Anelka slipping Drogba in on goal, but Valdes' outstretched boot saved his left-footed effort.

The Ivorian then saw penalty claims waved away once again, but Yaya Toure's challenge in the box appeared good. A rare Barca thrust saw Lionel Messi cut in from the right and unleash a powerful drive that flew high and wide.

But Barca's task was made far harder after 66 minutes when Abidal was harshly shown a straight red card after he clipped Anelka's heels as he burst towards goal.

Chelsea saw another penalty claim waved away when Gerard Pique appeared to handle in the area.

But with time ticking away, Iniesta's first-time shot - after Essien had fluffed a clearance - flew into the top corner to spark scenes of jubilation for Barca.

There was still time for Chelsea to see further penalty claims waved away and furious scenes at the final whistle could have further ramifications for the Blues.

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The semi-final second leg was finely poised before kick-off at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night after United won the first leg 1-0 at Old Trafford last week.

But the defending European champions had all-but booked their place in the Rome showpiece, against either Chelsea or Barcelona, within 11 minutes of the second leg following early goals from Ji-Sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo, who beat Manuel Almunia with a 40-yard free-kick.

The Gunners failed to test Edwin van der Sar and went 3-0 down when a swift counter-attack saw Ronaldo slot home his second goal on 61.

But they pulled one back to make it 3-1 on the night on 76 when referee Roberto Rosetti wrongly dismissed Fletcher for a professional foul on Cesc Fabregas in the 18-yard box - TV replays showed he won the ball first - and Robin van Persie slammed the spot-kick into the top right-hand corner.

United cannot appeal against the dismissal, meaning Fletcher will follow in the footsteps of Roy Keane and Paul Scholes in missing a Champions League final due to suspension.

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Barcelona took a massive step towards the Primera Liga title on Saturday by routing their arch rivals and nearest challengers 6-2, with Messi scoring twice.

They now enjoy a seven-point lead in the table and can look forward to Wednesday's Champions League semi-final, second leg with Chelsea and the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao on May 13 in Valencia.

Messi told the Clarin newspaper: "This is the most important win in my life.

"In the beginning of the match I was quite angry with myself because I was failing in what I was trying to do and I missed a couple of goals, but then we proved why we should be the champions.

"I think we have made history, haven't we?"

The Argentina forward dedicated the victory to former Barcelona team-mates such as Ronaldinho, currently at AC Milan.

"Last week I texted Ronnie, Deco, (Juliano) Belletti and (Thiago) Motta and I promised a goal for them," Messi added.

"I had already scored four goals against Real but all of them were at the Nou Camp. These ones I scored were at Madrid, so it is much nicer."

Messi expects Chelsea not to play so defensively at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday after a goalless draw in the first leg.

"I hope Chelsea will be more open," he said.

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Real Madrid made huge efforts to sign Cristiano Ronaldo last summer and the player himself refused to rule out the move, admitting his dream was to one day move to Spain.

Sir Alex Ferguson stood firm and made sure Ronaldo did not leave Manchester United, though, and he has once again helped the club to the brink of another Premier League title.

The rumors have refused to go away, with former Madrid president Ramon Calderon intimating a deal was already in place for this summer, but Ronaldo has ended them in one foul swoop.

"I'm no longer thinking of Madrid. That dream is dead," he told The People.

"The only thing I dream about now is Manchester United and winning the Champions League again in Rome."

Ronaldo has three years left on his current deal after he penned a five-year deal in 2007.

(Soccer365.com)

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