Dominic Fifield Petr Cech talked up Chelsea’s record against Barcelona at the Camp Nou before the Champions League semi-final second leg. Photograph: Tony O’Brien/Action Images Chelsea will travel to the Camp Nou next week confident they can register the away goal that eluded Barcelona at Stamford Bridge and force their way into next month’s...
The converted striker, still only 23, believes that expectations are especially high for him and his relatively young age is often forgotten about “I have broken 200 appearances now and a lot of people don’t break into the team until they are 24,” he said. “People forget that and they expect a lot from...
Reuters José Mourinho watches Cristiano Ronaldo train in Madrid. Photograph: Ballesteros/EPA José Mourinho will stay at Real Madrid next season, insisted his Portuguese compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, following speculation that the manager will be a target for Chelsea this summer. As Real prepared for Wednesday night’s Champions League meeting against CSKA Moscow at the Bernabéu,...
Associated Press Ezequiel Lavezzi celebrates with his Napoli team-mates during his side’s 6-3 win over Cagliari. Photograph: Carlo Hermann/AFP/Getty Images Napoli warmed up for the away leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Chelsea by routing Cagliari 6-3 in their sixth consecutive win in all competitions. Marek Hamsik, Paolo Cannavaro, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Walter...
Arsenal (Probable, 4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Vermaelen, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Sagna;Ramsey, Song; Walcott, Rosicky, Arteta; Van Persie.Out: Jenkinson (back), Santos, Wiltshire (both ankle), Diaby (hamstring), Gibbs (groin), Gervinho, Chamakh (both international duty).Test: Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee). Blackburn (Probable, 4-4-1-1): Robinson; Orr, Dann, Givet, Mn Olsson; Pedersen, Petrovic, Nzonzi, Hoilett; M Olsson; Modeste.Out: Salgado (ribs), Grella (hip).Test: Goodwillie (flu).Suspended: Yakubu....
Villa also came close to signing Keane, 31, when he left Wolves 12 years ago but could not agree a fee and he joined Coventry. If Keane came to Villa, he would link up with Ireland team-mates Shay Given and Richard Dunne. It is believed Keane wants to stay sharp for the Euro 2012...
The party atmosphere at kick-off proved to be a false guide to what followed. In a pre-recorded interview with MUTV, Ferguson confirmed his future plans, which would make him by some distance the Premier League’s oldest manager. The Scot then received a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday to you’ from the home fans in recognition...
Press Association Olivier Giroud has scored 13 times for Montpellier this season. Photograph: Guillaume Horcajuelo/EPA The Montpellier owner, Louis Nicollin, has said Newcastle are “too small” for Olivier Giroud but would not rule out a switch to Arsenal – if the price is right. Giroud, who has scored 13 times this season, has caught...
Press Association Olivier Giroud has scored 13 times for Montpellier this season. Photograph: Guillaume Horcajuelo/EPA The Montpellier owner, Louis Nicollin, has said Newcastle are “too small” for Olivier Giroud but would not rule out a switch to Arsenal – if the price is right. Giroud, who has scored 13 times this season, has caught...
“Mario can improve every week and every month,” he said. “He is young and when you are a young player, you improve always. “I hope the New Year can bring a different way for him and that he can understand if he wants to play well and have a good private life, he should...
