Buffon: Higuain showed great courage & personality in Juve move

The goalkeeper is confident the €90 million striker will add a lot to the Serie A champions and believes he was right to make the move
Gianluigi Buffon says new Juventus team-mate Gonzalo Higuain has shown great courage in making the move from Napoli.
The Argentine made a €90 million transfer from the Serie A runners-up to the champions, much to the intense displeasure from Napoli supporters.
But Buffon says the striker - who scored 36 league goals last season to set a new record in a single Serie A campaign - does not deserve hassle for making such a controversial move.
"I believe that a player who has the courage to make such a choice demonstrates a great personality," Buffon told Sky Sport Italia on Thursday.
"Someone like Higuain, who over three years at Napoli scored loads of goals, has the right to choose another destination.
"He can have an enormous impact on our squad."

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OFFICIAL: Aston Villa snap up McCormack for £12m

The Scotland international scored 42 goals for Fulham following his £11 million move from Leeds United in 2014, and has now completed a similarly big-money move to Villa Park
Aston Villa have signed Ross McCormack from Fulham for £12 million, the club have confirmed.
McCormack becomes Villa's fourth signing of the close-season, following the arrivals of Pierluigi Gollini, Tommy Elphick and Aaron Tshibola, and has signed a four-year contract.
The Scotland international scored 42 goals in 100 appearances for Fulham in all competitions, having joined for a similarly sizeable fee of £11m from Leeds United two years ago.
"I'm delighted to bring Ross on board," said Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo. "He's a player with a proven track record and plenty of experience in the division.
"He is a player whose goalscoring record has been excellent everywhere he has been and we feel he can be an important addition."
Villa begin their Championship season at Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.

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Ferdinand: Pogba doesn't want money - he wants to be the world's best

The former Manchester United defender believes his ex-team-mate will be returning to Old Trafford for the right reasons if his proposed €110 million transfer is completed
Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Paul Pogba's proposed world-record move to Manchester United is not motivated by money.
The Juventus midfielder left Old Trafford in 2012 due to a lack of first-team opportunities but now looks set to return for a reported fee of €110 million.
United are also likely to spend big on Pogba's salary but Ferdinand, who faced the pressure of living up to a £30m price tag when he joined the Red Devils in 2002, believes the Frenchman is motivated solely by his goal of becoming the world's best player.
"I speak to Paul," Ferdinand told the Daily Mirror. "I know him. For Paul, it's all about football. It’s not about money.
"The biggest thing for me and my family [when I moved to United] was not the money. It was: 'What's Giggsy like? What's Roy Keane like?'
"Paul's like that. He loves football. It's all about improving and being the best.
"When he left I asked him why and he said: 'I want to be the best player in the world.' He's on the right track."
Ferdinand says the biggest pressure on Pogba will not come from the weight of public expectation but from within United.
"[The transfer fee] is big pressure, but my biggest pressure wasn't on the football pitch at Old Trafford," he added.
"My biggest pressure was on the training pitch with those players. It was walking into the dressing room knowing that they were thinking: 'What does £30m get you then? Can he win us the league? Can he help be the bedrock of this team?'
"That's the pressure that I felt most when I went into Manchester United, and putting that pressure on myself to write myself into the history of the club through success and winning trophies."

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Neymar & Brazil booed after draw with 10-man South Africa

The Barcelona star could not find the breakthrough and Rogerio Micale's side were greeted with jeers at the final whistle as their home Games got off to a rocky start

Brazil were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by 10-man South Africa in their opening Olympic Games match in Brasilia on Thursday.
Head coach Rogerio Micale fielded captain Neymar, rising star Gabriel Barbosa and new Manchester City signing Gabriel Jesus in a fearsome three-pronged attack but they were unable to find a breakthrough inside a packed Mane Garrincha Stadium.
Lebo Mothiba twice missed chances for South Africa in the first half before the hosts began to take control, with Neymar twice coming close from distance and Gabriel Jesus hitting the post with the goal gaping.
South Africa were dealt a blow when Mothobi Mvala picked up a second booking in quick succession but despite their territorial dominance, Brazil could not find the goal they needed to take control in Group A.
Mothiba dragged a presentable opening wide from inside the area in an even first half, though Neymar stung the hands of Itumeleng Khune as Brazil began to step up their attacking efforts.
Neymar then whipped a curling shot onto the roof of the net from 20 yards and Gabriel Barbosa forced Khune into action from distance, but the packed crowd in Brasilia grew increasingly restless as Brazil struggled for inspiration in attack.
Mvala's dismissal gave the hosts some renewed impetus but Gabriel Jesus missed a sitter midway through the second half, turning the ball onto the base of the post with Khune having been caught out by Luan's bouncing cross.
Barbosa was twice denied at close range by Khune and Neymar almost squeezed a shot home in stoppage time after a run from the left, but Brazil were forced to settle for a point.
The result leaves Group A finely poised heading into Sunday's second round of matches, with Iraq and Denmark having played out a goalless draw earlier in Brasilia.

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Rooney & his son Kai LAUGH at Memphis Depay's awful overhead kick attempt

There were no goals in the England captain's testimonial against Everton, but the striker couldn't resist a chuckle at the Dutchman's second-half effort
There may have been no goals in Wayne Rooney’s testimonial, but that didn’t stop the Manchester United captain from having a laugh.

Unfortunately for Memphis Depay, it was at the Dutchman’s expense.

Chances were few and far between as United and Everton played out a goalless draw on Wednesday evening, but in an attempt at the spectacular, Memphis got it horribly wrong.




The 22-year-old tried an overheard kick but missed the ball and ended up in a heap on the Old Trafford turf.

Rooney and his son Kai found the funny side as TV cameras caught the pair giggling at the winger’s woeful effort.

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OFFICIAL: Inter complete Candreva signing

The 29-year-old joins the Nerazzurri from fellow Serie A side Lazio, signing a four year deal with Roberto Mancini's men as the first signing under the club's new ownership

Inter have announced the signing of Antonio Candreva from Lazio on a four-year contract.
The Italy international leaves the Rome outfit after four seasons, having made almost 200 appearances, becoming Inter's first acquisition since Suning Holdings Group took over the club.
Candreva has also played 40 times for his national team, appearing at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
"I'm really proud and happy to be here," he told the club's website.
"I always wanted to move to Inter and it is a very strong emotion to have arrived at Inter.
"I thank Lazio for the seasons we spent together and for giving me the chance to achieve this dream.
"Now I cannot wait to play at San Siro and feel the warmth of the Inter fans."
Inter president Erick Thohir also expressed his delight at adding the 29-year-old to a strong squad.
"I am very pleased to welcome Antonio to Inter," he said. "I am sure that he will make a major contribution to what is already a very competitive team."

 

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Ibrahimovic & Rooney fail to spark for Manchester United in debut Old Trafford outing

The front pair failed to hit it off in their first appearance together at Old Trafford, raising concerns just four days ahead of the Community Shield against Leicester City

It was Wayne Rooney’s testimonial and Zlatan Ibrahimovic home debut for Manchester United, meaning odds were likely to be short on either player being a match-winner against Everton on Wednesday. Yet in truth the pair increased doubt as to their compatibility in Jose Mourinho’s staring XI just four days before the start of their season.
More than 60,000 people turned out at Old Trafford to honour the United and England captain, with many of them wearing their new Ibrahimovic shirts for the first time in the hope that one or the other would make a mark ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Leicester City at Wembley.
But a second successive ponderous attacking performance with Rooney and Ibrahimovic in tandem will instead have raised serious question marks as to how quickly the forward pair can become accustomed to one another’s game.
United’s lack of forward threat was underlined in the 0-0 result, and the lethargic nature of their play meant that the match as a spectacle recalled memories of Louis van Gaal’s 2015-16 version of the Red Devils rather than Mourinho’s former free-scoring Real Madrid Galacticos.
With Rooney playing in the No.10 role and Ibrahimovic just ahead of him as the main target man, United left a lot to be desired in terms of movement. Both looked laboured, and while that was perhaps due in part to the nature of the friendly fixture, it cannot be denied that this was a disappointing evening for both.
Just as their combination play generally took some of the sting out of United’s play against Galatasaray on Saturday, the shortage of sharpness around the edge of the area was again a concern against Ronald Koeman’s side. There were moments of enterprising play on the flanks involving Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia and Jesse Lingard but anything promising generally came apart when the ball was squared.
One exception came when Rooney fed Ibrahimovic in the 25th minute, but even then the testimonial man’s pass pushed the Swede slightly wide and narrowed the angle for a left-foot shot which Maarten Stekelenburg ended up having no trouble keeping out.
As the frustration grew Ibrahimovic dropped deeper and deeper, leaving United generally lacking the figurehead they needed to go up against Everton’s disciplined centre-back trio of Mason Holgate, John Stones and Ramiro Funes Mori.
Rooney lasted 52 minutes before being substituted by Marcus Rashford, while Ibra lasted barely 10 minutes longer. There is a bigger, more important game ahead on Sunday with a trophy up for grabs and Mourinho will be hoping they will both benefit from a few more days training together.

Rooney was rewarded for a memorable career so far with a rather forgettable match, but if he and Ibrahimovic cannot find a common wavelength which is beneficial to the team then it may well go down as the night it first became clear that only one of the star pair could fit in Mourinho’s Manchester United.

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OFFICIAL: Kevin-Prince Boateng joins Las Palmas

 
The midfielder's contract at AC Milan expired this summer and the ex-Ghana international has subsequently signed a one-year deal at the Spanish club
Las Palmas have handed a one-year deal to former AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng.
Boateng was not retained by Milan following the expiration of his contract at the end of last season.
Las Palmas had been working on signing the former Ghana international since early July, and finally reached an agreement ahead of the 2016-17 season.
Boateng is the fourth signing of the close-season by the Liga club, joining Helder Lopes, Marko Livaja and Michel Macedo.
The 29-year-old will be presented to fans at the Estadio Gran Canaria on Tuesday evening.

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Draxler desperate to leave Wolfsburg amid new interes

The highly-rated Germany international joined the Bundesliga side just one year ago but is ready to leave, insisting they assured him he would be allowed to move on
Julian Draxler has revealed he wants to leave Wolfsburg just one year after joining the Bundesliga side, insisting there is interest in him.
The 22-year-old winger moved to the Volkswagen Arena from league rivals Schalke in August 2015, ignoring interest from clubs such as Juventus and Arsenal.
However, the Germany international says he is ready to move on, maintaining that the club agreed to let him leave.
“Before one goes public, they should also have a word with themselves," he told Bild.
“I expressed myself clearly after the Euros, with coach Dieter Hecking, that I want to leave Wolfsburg. The coach has known for more than three weeks.
“Two days after the semi-final defeat to France at the European Championships, I told him how I see the whole situation and what I want, which is to leave the club.
“I was verbally assured with my transfer in August 2015 that I can leave the club when given opportunities. From Hecking as well as technical director Klaus Allofs.
“It was always clear between all parties that I would like to go to a top international club if the opportunity arises. It was discussed that we speak rationally with one another, if other clubs show interest."
Draxler, who was a key player for Germany at Euro 2016, is contracted to Wolfsburg until 2020.

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Walcott gives up hopes of being Arsenal's leading striker: I want to play on the right

 
The 27-year-old had been keen on becoming the Gunners' top striker, but after failing to establish himself, he is now aiming to make the right-sided role his own
Theo Walcott has asked Arsene Wenger to play on the right wing for Arsenal this season.
The 27-year-old has previously insisted that he should be considered as a striker but has struggled to cement that place ahead of Olivier Giroud.
And after failing to establish himself as a forward, Walcott is now keen to secure a role on the right flank under Wenger.
"I have told the manager that I want to be known for playing on the right again," said Walcott.
"I can play up front. I want to know where I want to play. The manager has said I can play up front. It depends on what game it is.
"I know I can do a job up front, as well as on the right. I want to make my position on the right – that's where I know where I am now."

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Zidane backs Jese for successful PSG spell

The Real Madrid coach says that the forward can expect a successful spell with the Ligue 1 champions, where he predicts the Spaniard will be able to find the back of the net often
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says Jese's impending move to Paris Saint-Germain is not yet completed, but when it is it will be a good one for the Spanish forward.
The young forward is likely to go out on loan for the coming season, as Madrid's attacking depth leaves little room for him in the Liga side.
But the coach insists that while he is certain a PSG move will turn out well, he will welcome him back with open arms at the end of the temporary switch.
"It's still not finished, but it's on the way," Zidane said at a news conference on Tuesday. "Is PSG an ideal fit for him? I think so. He's going to score a lot of goals there. I hope it goes well for him there, but Madrid will always be his home."
With Jese unlikely to play because of the deal and several players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, not available after playing in Euro 2016, Zidane is short on attacking options for Wednesday's friendly against Bayern Munich.
The Blancos also said that Karim Benzema will not play in the ICC match, the last game of both teams' pre-season tours of the United States.
Benzema, who is dealing with a hip injury, ran laps around the field at Red Bull Arena while his team-mates trained.
Zidane is going through his first pre-season as Real Madrid coach after taking over from Rafa Benitez in January 2016.
How he's approached this summer comes, in some respect, from his opposite number in Wednesday's friendly.
The former Real Madrid midfielder was an assistant for new Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid and said the Italian tactician taught him valuable lessons about coaching.
"I have a lot of admiration for him and I learned a lot from him," Zidane said. "I'm here thanks to him because a lot of things changed after him. I'm looking forward to saying hello to him tomorrow."
Madrid and Bayern square off at 7:35 p.m. ET on Wednesday at MetLife Stadium.

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Herrera excited to follow Ibrahimovic's lead at Man Utd

 
The Red Devils desperately struggled for goals under Louis van Gaal last season, but the Spaniard expects that to now change following the Swede's arrival this summer
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's arrival at Manchester United provides the team with a strong figure to follow and will help them become more prolific, according to midfielder Ander Herrera.
United came under fire for a dull brand of football during Louis van Gaal's tenure, with Stoke City the only top-half Premier League side to score fewer than their 49 goals last season.
But Herrera is feeling confident following the appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager and the signing of Ibrahimovic, who scored a brilliant scissor kick within four minutes of his first appearance for the club in the 5-2 friendly win against Galatasaray on Saturday.
The Spaniard feels his new team-mate can provide guidance to players like teenage striker Marcus Rashford, spoiling United for choice in attack.
"We are going to follow Ibra because we have one of the best players in the world and we have a big leader in our dressing room with him," said Herrera.
"And with the experience of Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Ashley Young as well we are very optimistic about the future.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's arrival at Manchester United provides the team with a strong figure to follow and will help them become more prolific, according to midfielder Ander Herrera.
United came under fire for a dull brand of football during Louis van Gaal's tenure, with Stoke City the only top-half Premier League side to score fewer than their 49 goals last season.
But Herrera is feeling confident following the appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager and the signing of Ibrahimovic, who scored a brilliant scissor kick within four minutes of his first appearance for the club in the 5-2 friendly win against Galatasaray on Saturday.
The Spaniard feels his new team-mate can provide guidance to players like teenage striker Marcus Rashford, spoiling United for choice in attack.
"We are going to follow Ibra because we have one of the best players in the world and we have a big leader in our dressing room with him," said Herrera.
"And with the experience of Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Ashley Young as well we are very optimistic about the future.
 "Ibra is more of a target man while Rashford can find the spaces because he is so quick and fast. So I think it is good for the manager to have those different options."

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Sane in Manchester to complete City transfer

The Schalke winger is one of Pep Guardiola's top targets and is now closing in on a move to the Premier League after arriving in England to finalise terms with the club
Manchester City are on the verge of securing another one of Pep Guardiola’s summer transfer targets in Leroy Sane.
Schalke winger Sane has been a long-term target for City, who have been locked in talks with the Bundesliga club over the past week with the discussions now close to reaching a positive conclusion.
Markus Weinzierl's side gave City a Monday deadline to get the deal over the line, before the squad travel to Austria to continue their pre-season preparations.
But Goal can confirm the transfer is now all but confirmed, with Sane, along with Ilkay Gundogan, posing for pictures with supporters in the Radisson Blu hotel in Manchester ahead of officially being announced as a City player later this week.

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Pochettino: I wanted to kill my players after Newcastle drubbing

A 5-1 loss to Rafa Benitez's men on the final day of the season meant Spurs surrendered second spot to London rivals Arsenal
Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino revealed he was left haunted by the club's final-day Premier League rout at Newcastle United, admitting the result "killed" his holidays.
A season that had promised so much and almost resulted in a Premier League title ended in disappointment for Tottenham, who suffered an embarrassing 5-1 loss to Newcastle in May.
The drubbing meant Tottenham finish third behind Arsenal as the team's bid to finish above their London rivals for the first time since 1995 failed.
Two months on from that woeful display at St. James' Park and Pochettino conceded he struggled to put the performance behind him.
"The feeling after Newcastle was horrible," Pochettino said via the Daily Mail.
"It is true that after a couple of months you move on, but it put me in a bad mood for the whole of the summer. It killed my holidays. Seriously. I went to Barcelona and the Bahamas with my family, but all the time I was in a bad mood.
"There was no time to assimilate the defeat at Newcastle because the season finished at the end of the game and I did not have the chance to share my feelings with my players the day after and kill them!
"Normally when you lose and you are upset with the players you have the opportunity to tell them how you feel on Monday morning when you meet them and have a big discussion and a big fight.
"But after the Newcastle game it was not possible because many of my players went off to the Euros. So I had to keep my bad feeling inside for the whole of the summer.
"Even when I was texting my players in France to wish them well I had to hide my real feelings about the Newcastle game."
Despite the disappointing conclusion to last season, Tottenham are looking forward to Champions League football.
The games are set to come thick and fast for Tottenham but Pochettino sees no reason why his team cannot challenge again domestically in their quest for a first league title since 1961.
"The Champions League demands more energy — physical and mental — and we need to be careful how we manage that and the expectation and the demands,’ he added.

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Chelsea star Willian flattered by Mourinho interest

The Brazil ace had been linked with a switch to Manchester United to reunite with his old manager, but he insists he was always going to remain at Stamford Bridge this summer
Willian has revealed he was left flattered by rumoured interest from Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, but insists his future always lied at Chelsea.
Mourinho signed Willian as Chelsea manager in 2013, with the pair going on to win the Premier League title together in 2014-15.
However, with Mourinho now at United, the Portuguese tactician was reportedly keen on luring Willian to Old Trafford for the upcoming season.
But Willian says he is happy at Chelsea, having only recently signed a new four-year deal to remain at Stamford Bridge.
"I have a great relationship with Jose, but I am Chelsea. Of course, when someone like him is interested in you then you are happy," Willian said.
"But I signed the contract because I like being a Chelsea player and I see good things here. I signed a new contract and that shows how much I want to stay here.
"But the simple thing is that I want to win titles. To win titles you have to improve and if we can do that then we have a great chance to win titles this season.

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