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Mourinho: Terry and Cahill backed Falcao signing

The Chelsea manager reveals that his centre-backs reported that the Colombian still has what it takes to scare opponents despite his troubled year at Manchester United

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says that he consulted with central defensive duo John Terry and Gary Cahill before bringing in Radamel Falcao on loan.

Eyebrows were raised in some quarters when Mourinho opted to recruit Falcao, after the Colombian endured a difficult year at Manchester United.

But Mourinho, who revealed that the striker took a pay cut in order to prove wrong his critics in England, says that his centre-backs still saw in the Monaco-owned forward the skills that made him so feared at Atletico Madrid.

“I spoke with Gary and John a lot and we think the bright movement is there, the movement to get freedom in the box to score goals is there,” he told reporters.

“Our players had difficulty to control him all the time and we feel the potential is there. Let’s see if he can improve his confidence, his happiness.

“If the fact we have a good community of Portuguese people, plus the guys who were with him in Atletico [Diego Costa, Thibaut Courtois and Filipe Luis]… let’s see if this situation can help him.

“I watch Portuguese football regularly and in Porto he was very good.

“When he was at Atletico, I was in Real Madrid, so there were a few years where I was with him all the time.

“Last season I watched our game against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge a few times because of him.”

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Dortmund: Reus injury nothing serious

The Germany international has been troubled by ankle problems in recent years but he is expected to return to training later on Monday

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Borussia Dortmund have soothed fears that Marco Reus has suffered another serious ankle injury, insisting that his latest knock is “nothing serious”.

The Germany international pulled up in training on Monday, sparking concern that a player who was forced to sit out last year’s World Cup was facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

However, Dortmund have promptly reassurred their fans that there is nothing to worry about.

“Marco Reus has a slight ligament problem,” read a post on BVB’s official Twitter account. “It’s nothing serious.”

In addition, coach Thomas Tuchel subsequently revealed that the attacker should be fit to return to training later in the day.

Meanwhile, Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has admitted that the Bundesliga outfit are considering bringing in a replacement for striker Ciro Immobile, who has been allowed to join Sevilla on a season-long loan.

“We never said we will not sign another striker after selling Ciro,” he said. “We continue to discuss this.”

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Outgoing Fifa president Blatter: I want to work in radio

The Swiss has headed the game’s governing body since 1998 but he will be replaced at the helm after a vote on February 26

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Sepp Blatter has revealed that he plans to move into radio broadcasting when he stands down as Fifa president.

The Swiss secured another term at the helm last month only to then dramatically announce his decision to stand down as soon as possible, explaining that he no longer felt he had the full support of the football world because of the fallout from a corruption scandal that rocked the game’s governing body two days before his re-election.

It was confirmed on Monday that Blatter’s successor will be determined at a presidential vote on February 26, prompting the 79-year-old to start giving serious thought to his future.

Blatter, who has previously worked in public relations, has now admitted that he would like to work in radio.

“I think it’s the most popular form of communication,” he told reporters.

Blatter has not been accused of any wrongdoing by those investigating allegations of corruption at Fifa dating back to 1991 but he found himself at the centre of another furore on Monday when a British comedian interrupted a press conference to throw money at him.

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Marotta: Vidal leaving Juventus for Bayern Munich

The Chile international is on the verge of sealing a €40 million switch to the Allianz Arena but Mario Gotze is not moving in the other direction

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Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed that midfielder Arturo Vidal is leaving the club.

Bayern Munich have agreed a €40 million transfer fee with the Bianconeri for the Chile international, who joined the Old Lady from Bayer Leverkusen in 2011.

Vidal played a key role in Juve’s revival, helping the Turin outfit win four successive Serie A titles and reach the final of last season’s Champions League.

However, Marotta has now admitted that the 28-year-old is now set to become the fourth big name to leave the Italian champions this summer.

“Vidal has expressed his desire to embark on a different experience, just like [Angelo] Ogbonna, [Carlos] Tevez and [Andrea] Pirlo,” the Bianconeri official told reporters on Monday.

With Vidal on his way to Bavaria, speculation is intensifying that Juve will attempt to persuade Bayern to part company with Mario Gotze, while there has also been talk of a move for Schalke’s Julian Draxler.

However, Marotta is keeping his cards close to his chest, adding: “Gotze is a Bayern player and we are not in talks for him.

“As for Draxler? I don’t know who’ll arrive at Juventus; we only know the kind of player we want.

“The first aim is to have our squad complete and ready for the start of the new season.

“It’s our duty to maintain our trend of success by reinforcing a winning model.

“Our aim is to a) equip the boss with a competitive squad and b) ensure the balance sheets are kept in good order.

“We’re happy that we’ve lowered the average age of the squad. We’re already a competitive side.

“We’ll plug the odd gap in the squad if and when the right opportunity arises.”

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Rooney to play for Everton again… in Duncan Ferguson testimonal!

Almost 11 years since his departure from Goodison Park, the Manchester United and England captain will once again pull on a Toffees shirt to celebrate one of his heroes

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Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney will once again pull on an Everton shirt after agreeing to play in Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial in August.

Everton fan Rooney came through the youth ranks at Goodison Park and played alongside fellow striker Ferguson after breaking into the first team as a 16-year-old.

The now-England skipper departed for United in August 2004 but he will feature for the Toffees against Villarreal on August 2 to honour a player whom he describes as a “hero”.

“As a young lad growing up in Croxteth, Duncan Ferguson was a hero of mine. As a young player at the club, he was an inspiration and, when I broke into the first team, he helped and looked after me,” Rooney told Everton’s official website.

“I cannot think of a better way to thank Dunc for all he did for me than turning out in his fully deserved testimonial match. Had he not asked me to play, I would have gone and supported him on the day as I am sure most other Evertonians will.”

Ferguson is a cult figure at Everton, having scored 72 goals in 191 appearances across two spells at the club, and the Scot spoke of his appreciation that Rooney has agreed to feature in the match.

“I’m absolutely delighted that the wee man has agreed to play in the game,” Ferguson enthused. “Everybody knows that we go way back. I knew him as a kid, he’s a top man and I’m proud as his friend that he’s fulfilled the potential we always knew was there.

“Wayne’s a world-class player and I’m genuinely thrilled that he will play on the day.”

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‘Vidal’s a special warrior’ – Heynckes lauds incoming Bayern star

The Juventus star has been lauded by his former Bayer Leverkusen coach, who commended the Chilean’s pace, power and ability to balance the midfield

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Arturo Vidal has been branded a “special warrior” by former coach Jupp Heynckes, who thinks Bayern Munich are bagging a top player.

The Chilean midfielder is on the verge of joining the Bundesliga champions after Juventus accepted a €40 million offer, ending his four-year spell in Turin.

Heynckes, who retired from coaching after winning the treble with Bayern in 2013, worked with Vidal at Bayer Leverkusen and lavished praise on the 28-year-old when asked about his qualities.

“Arturo is not just limited to being defensive, he also gives impetus to those up front,” he told Kicker. “There aren’t many players like him.

“He is an excellent conqueror of the ball; he’s scarily good in one-on-one duels; he excels at running and tackling; and he has a special warrior-like quality. He just plays really good football. He’ll ensure balance in Bayern’s midfield.”

Vidal was arrested and charged with drink driving after crashing his Ferrari during the Copa America in Chile, but Heynckes downplayed the midfielder’s alleged recklessness.

“His actions off the pitch must not be overstated, but Vidal is a rascal,” he added. “When on the pitch, though, if he’s given a clear order and told to avoid being excessive in force then he’s in control.”

Heynckes tried to bring Vidal with him when he swapped Leverkusen for Bayern in 2011, but the recently-crowned Copa America winner chose to join Juventus instead.

Vidal has won four successive Scudetti and a Coppa Italia in his time with the Bianconeri, in addition to a Champions League runners-up medal last season.

He is widely seen as being Bayern’s replacement for Bastian Schweinsteiger in the centre of their midfield following the German’s decision to leave for Manchester United earlier in July.

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Ibe keen to fill Sterling void at Liverpool

The 19-year-old winger is looking to prove himself to Brendan Rodgers as he looks to achieve more regular playing time in the Premier League in the 2015-16 campaign

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Jordon Ibe wants to prove himself to Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool seek to replace Raheem Sterling for the new season.

Ibe impressed for the Reds last term after being recalled from his loan spell at Championship side Derby County, featuring in 14 games for the Merseysiders as they finished sixth in the Premier League table.

And when asked about the void left by Sterling’s £49 million (€70m) switch to Manchester City, Ibe wished his former team-mate well but now has every intention of seizing the chance to become an Anfield regular.

“He’s a good player, I’m happy for him,” Ibe told Channel 9.

“It’s a chance for me to prove myself to the gaffer and hopefully I can get a chance to play in the Premier League.”

Ibe played the full 90 minutes as the Reds defeated Adelaide United 2-0 in Australia on Monday, courtesy of goals from new signings James Milner and Danny Ings, and the 19-year-old is hoping the Reds can carry their pre-season form into the new campaign.

“It’s good for all the young players to get out there, especially for me,” he said.

“Hopefully, I can do well in the pre-season, improve and show I can play in the first team.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, a lot of double sessions, but I’m enjoying the training, hopefully when the season starts we’re all fit and we can win games.”

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Mourinho: Terry and Cahill backed Falcao signing

The Chelsea manager reveals that his centre-backs reported that the Colombian still has what it takes to scare opponents despite his troubled year at Manchester United

radamelfalcao-cropped_1hdxkaruextr41eubnpk89vk95

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says that he consulted with central defensive duo John Terry and Gary Cahill before bringing in Radamel Falcao on loan.

Eyebrows were raised in some quarters when Mourinho opted to recruit Falcao, after the Colombian endured a difficult year at Manchester United.

But Mourinho, who revealed that the striker took a pay cut in order to prove wrong his critics in England, says that his centre-backs still saw in the Monaco-owned forward the skills that made him so feared at Atletico Madrid.

“I spoke with Gary and John a lot and we think the bright movement is there, the movement to get freedom in the box to score goals is there,” he told reporters.

“Our players had difficulty to control him all the time and we feel the potential is there. Let’s see if he can improve his confidence, his happiness.

“If the fact we have a good community of Portuguese people, plus the guys who were with him in Atletico [Diego Costa, Thibaut Courtois and Filipe Luis]… let’s see if this situation can help him.

“I watch Portuguese football regularly and in Porto he was very good.

“When he was at Atletico, I was in Real Madrid, so there were a few years where I was with him all the time.

“Last season I watched our game against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge a few times because of him.”

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Adelaide United 0-2 Liverpool: Milner & Ings settle friendly clash

The former Manchester City scored for the second game in a row before his fellow new signing got his first goal as a Red as Brendan Rodgers’s side dominated at the Adelaide Oval

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James Milner scored for the second pre-season game in a row as Liverpool beat Adelaide United 2-0 on Monday.

The former Manchester City midfielder broke the deadlock midway through the second half at the Adelaide Oval when he met Jordon Ibe’s low cross.

Another new signing, Danny Ings, then put the result beyond doubt to match the Reds’ dominance of the game, with Clyne the SUPPLIER before the England Under-21s international rounded the keeper to finish.

Divock Origi started up front on his own, supported by the likes of Milner, Ibe and Adam Lallana, but the former Lille man struggled to make much of an impact.

Liverpool made much the brighter start, though, and pegged Adelaide back inside their own half, both Origi and Ibe testing goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic before Adelaide’s Craig Goodwin almost embarrassed Simon Mignolet with an inswinging corner from the right that nearly crept under the crossbar.

Milner stung the palms of Galekovic from 20 yards in the 38th minute as the game remained scoreless at the interval.

Dejan Lovren had the opening chance of the second period but the defender’s downward header from Jordan Henderson’s corner bounced into the turf and over the bar.

A sweeping Liverpool move found Ibe on the right in the 57th minute and the winger’s low shot passed narrowly wide of the left-hand upright.

Lallana, who netted a fine curling effort against Brisbane, went close to another spectacular finish only for Galekovic to palm the ball away.

But the breakthrough arrived in the 67th minute as Ibe sent in a low first-time cross from the right and Milner stretched out his left leg to divert the ball home.

In a rare attack for the hosts, Tarek Elrich pounced on a loose ball and let fly from 25 yards only to see his effort strike the outside of the post.

And Ings, who ought to have scored from Henderson’s free kick shortly beforehand, sealed victory when he ran on to Ibe’s through-ball, rounded the keeper and slotted home.

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Ronaldinho signs for Fluminense

Veteran star Ronaldinho joined Rio side Fluminense, the fourth Brazilian club of his widely-travelled career.

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Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho Gaucho smiles during a press conference in Mexico City. (Photo: AFP/Ronaldo Schemidt)
RIO DE JANEIRO: Veteran star Ronaldinho joined Rio side Fluminense on Sunday (Jul 19), the fourth Brazilian club of his widely-travelled career.

The 35-year-old, a former World Cup winner, started his career with hometown club Gremio of Porto Alegre before moving to Europe where he starred with Paris Saint Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan. He then returned to Brazil representing Flamengo (2011-2012) and Atletico Mineiro (2012-2014) with who he won the Copa Libertadores in 2013.

“I came here with the intention of writing history with this great club and to work hard,” said Ronaldinho at his presentation at Rio’s Maracana after moving from Queretaro in Mexico.

Source AFP