World Cup ticket is more important - Stephen Keshi

Head coach of the Nigeria national team, Stephen Keshi has revealed that top on his priority list is to ensure that the Super Eagles are one of Africa's representatives at the FIFA World Cup 2014  in Brazil.

Keshi in an interview with supersport.com, was asked to choose if to win the FIFA Confederations Cup or Qualify for World Cup 2014 with the Super Eagles?, he said, I will choose qualifying for the World Cup each time. Yes, the FIFA Confederations Cup is also good but nothing beats or compares to FIFA World Cup, that is the real deal. That is where I aim to be and where I want my players to be playing".

"Make no mistake we will give the tournament our best shot but it is really to come back next year as one of Africa's representatives at the World Cup that we are working toward.

Meanwhile, the Eagles are currently in camp in Nuremberg, Germany preparing for the challenges of World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Namibia and the Confederation Cup in Brazil all in the month of June.

The team leave Germany on the 28th of May for Houston were they take on Mexico in a friendly before the big ones against Kenya and Namibia. A total of 20 players are in camp now and the Super Eagles team is not a closed shop as revealed by the coach.

Reports have it: Lewandowski to join Bayern

Lewandowski's agent was asked on Monday on Poland's TVN24 whether the Borussia Dortmund striker is moving to Munich, agent Cezary Kucharski replied: "Yes. Robert will join Bayern this summer.

"There is no point in pretending that he will not move to Bayern. Robert wants to leave and that is what will happen.

Skysports reports that, outgoing Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes did hint after the game that the Poland international would be joining the Bundesliga champions.

Lewandowski was the second top scorer in the Bundesliga this season with 24 goals in 31 games.

He scored all four goals in a 4-1 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.

Manchester United had been linked with a summer swoop for Lewandowski but it now appears that Bayern have won the race to sign one of Europe's most highly-rated players.

FRENCH OPEN: Venus williams suffers early defeat

Seven-time Grand slam champion Venus Williams has crashed out of the French open losing to Urszulu Radwanska.

It was a memorable match for the world No. 37 as the match took three hours and 19 minutes, three sets (including two tiebreaks) and 21 breaks of serve to ended in Radwanska's favor: 7-6(5) 6-7(4) 6-4.

Venus suffered her earliest defeat in a major since Williams was knocked out of the opening round of Wimbledon last year.

She was diagnosed with the energy-sapping Sjogren’s syndrome in 2011. She has since struggled during some of her matches with stamina and strength, and has also had several injuries that kept her away from the women’s tour.

 

Falcao set for monaco move

Athletico Madrid striker, Radamel Falcao is one of the quality players expecting to sign for Monaco according to reports.

Reports also suggest that Falcao is set for an AS Monaco medical today.

However, Spanish media sources say he is on the brink of signing for Monaco in a €60 million deal, with a medical slated for today.

Monaco on Friday recruited the likes of highly-rated Porto pair Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez for a combined fee of around £60million and four more players to follow.

Bayern edge Dortmund to win champions league

Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 to win the UEFA champions league final in Wembley.

Arjen Robben's late goal has earned FC Bayern the fifth European Cup of their illustrious history.

Goalless at half time, İlkay Gündoğan had cancelled out Mario Mandžukić's opener and the game looked destined for extra time.

However, Robben – who missed a penalty in the final last season when Bayern lost in their own stadium to Chelsea FC – struck to earn Bayern the glory.

Lest we forget: How they made it to the Wembly Final

PHOTO courtesy uefa.com (How the German teams conquered to the final

No one gave them a chance from the onset, and now the two German teams are playing in the finals on Saturday 25 May, 2013.

This is a typical example of the dictum ''to be the best you have to beat the best''.

A simple note about the French Open (Roland Garros)

The French Open also known as Roland Garros is one of Tennis majors (Grand slam), usually held in Paris France between May and June as this year’s event commences on 26 May, 2013 to end on 9 June, 2013.

It is a clay surface, with this year’s being the 80th time that the tournament is being played at Roland Garros.

This year's event features top tennis players like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Li Na, Victoria Azarenka including Spain's Rafael Nadal who is the defending men's singles champion, while Maria Sharapova from Russia is the holder of the women's title, and other seeded players will also be a part of it.

The total prize money is € 10,104,000

 

Ahead of Confederations Cup: Super Eagles face Adidas XI

Daily post reports that the Super Eagles of Nigeria, will continue preparation for the friendly match against Mexico, with a run-out against Adidas XI on May 27 at the Adidas facility in Germany

The players will also use the match to test the new Fifa Confederations Cup official match balls.

Spending Big: Monaco confirm £60m move for Porto duo

AS Monaco FC have signed João Moutinho and James Rodríguez from FC Porto for a combined fee of €70m.

Both players have agreed a five-year contract with the principality club, who were relegated from the French top flight in 2011. Former Sporting Clube de Portugal midfielder Moutinho, 26, and ex-CA Banfield forward Rodríguez were key men in Porto pipping SL Benfica to the Liga title this season, the Dragons' third successive championship triumph.

The fee for 21-year-old Colombia striker Rodríguez, €45m, accounts for the majority of Monaco's vast outlay. The pair arrived at the Estádio do Dragão in summer 2010, winning, aside from a hat-trick of Liga crowns, the Portuguese Cup, Super Cup and 2011 UEFA Europa League.

Enyeama returns to France

Nigeria goalkeeper,Vincent Enyeama told supersport.com that he will return to French club, Lille in July.

The 30-year-old who joined the Ligue 1 club for free in the summer of 2011 from Hapoel Tel Aviv was loaned out to another Israeli club, Maccabi Tel Aviv at the start f the 2012/13 season.

He impressed for The Yellows, leading them to the 2012/13 Ligat ha’Al (Israeli League) title after making 27 league appearances for the club.

Enyeama who was part of the 2013 Afcon-winning Nigerian side has now confirmed that he will be returning to France in July for pre-season training with Lille.

Wayne Rooney expected to remain at Old Trafford

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has told Sky Sports he is "confident" that Wayne Rooney will still be at the club next season.

Rooney's future at United was left in doubt after departing manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed the striker had asked for a transfer away from the club.

Reports have suggested that Paris Saint-Germain are keen to secure the England international's services, but Gill believes Rooney will decide to remain at Old Trafford.

UEFA announce stiffer sanctions on racist

UEFA has announced that players and officials will face a 10-match ban if found guilty of racist abuse.

CNN reports that UEFA's executive committee met in London on Thursday where it was confirmed the bans would apply to its own competitions, while other national associations remain free to decide on their own punishments.

The new tougher sanction comes just over a week after the English Football Association drew criticism for its plans to introduce a minimum five-match suspension for racism.

According to details released by UEFA, clubs and national side's whose fans are found guilty of racist abuse will be punished with a partial stadium closure as a first offense, while a second offense will lead to a complete closure. 

TENNIS: Delpotro pulls out of French Open

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro became the second player in the world's top 10 to withdraw from the French Open when a viral infection ruled him out of Sunday's championships in Paris.

According to cnn.com The world No. 7 revealed that the virus had affected him when losing to Frenchman Benoit Paire in last week's Rome Masters.

Earlier, it was Andy Murray who pulled out due to back injury.

UEFA offer Europa winners Champions league spot

Good news for Europa League winners. UEFA will announce on Friday that the winners of the Europa League will qualify for the Champions League - from 2015 onwards.

The move is to boost to Europe's second-tier competition and could mean five English teams playing in the Champions League.

Simply put what befell Tottenham Hotspur in 2011-12, when they missed out on Europe despite finishing fourth because Chelsea won the Champions League and finished sixth, would not happen again. Instead, England would now have five representatives.

Breakdown of Chelsea's revenue this season

By Ademola Adetokunbo 

Here’s the breakdown of the revenue Chelsea amassed by having runs in the Europa League and FA Cup, as well as their third place finish in the Premier League versus where they would’ve ended without Torres’ goals.

With Torres' goals:
Premier League | 3rd: £13,600,000
FA Cup | Semi-finalists:­ £1,147,500
FA Cup gate receipts: £4,676,441
Europa League | Winners: £5,750,000
Europa League gate receipts: £4,938,030
Shirt sales: £10,004,500

Total: £40,116,471

Without Torres' goals:
Premier League | 5th: £12,000,000
FA Cup | 4th round: £67,500
FA Cup gate receipts: £622,464
Europa League | 3rd round: £168,655
Europa League gate receipts: £1,159,260
Shirt sales: £10,004,500

Total: £24,022,379

Falcao and Neymar not on City's Agenda - Soriano (City Chief Executive)

Overtime, reports have suggested that Manchester City are chasing the signature of Athletico Madrid goal machine, Radamel Falcao but City Cheif Executive Ferran Soriano has cleared the air stating that it is false.

He also confirmed that the club does not have Santo attacker Neymar in it's summer plan and that Aguero is happy with the team in negation to speculations of the player wanting a move to Spanish giant Real Madrid.


Source: skysport.com

Falcao happy at Athletico Madrid

Reports making the rounds say that Athletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao is happy to stay at the club despite speculations of a summer move.

He has been constantly linked with Chelsea and Manchester city as well as Monaco coming into the fray. He however made a statement that the club's financial need could be the decider in the matter.

Meanwhile, Falcao is on contract lastin till 2016.

Mario Gotze out of UCL Final

Reports say Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Goetze has been ruled out of  saturday's Champions league final match against Bayern Munich at Wembley as they struggle to recover from hamstring injury.

Goezte, 20, tore his hamstring in Dortmund's semifinal return leg at Real Madrid on April 30 and after three weeks of rehab training, the attacking midfielder could only train for an hour with the team on Tuesday before suffering a reaction.

Mats Hummels also remain doubtful for for the match.

Source: supersport

UEFA Champions League Final: Lest we forget

Final touches at Wembley Stadium for the Champions League final between the two best German and European teams this season.

Wset Ham agree to sign Caroll for £15m permanently

West Ham have agreed to sign Andy Caroll on permanent deal worth £15m. The on-loan striker from Liverpool scored 7 goals for the Hammers.

Carroll moved to Liverpool from Newcastle in a £35million deal in January 2011, but struggled to make his mark on Merseyside and has scored just six Premier League goals for the Reds in 44 games.

Manchester United win Barclays U-21 Premier League

Manchester United came from 2-0 down to win the final of the inaugural Barclays Under-21 Premier League, beating Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 at Old Trafford.

Spurs had been the favourites, having won their two groups in progressing to the final, and looked to be justifying the tag when they went two up in the first half. Jonathan Obika opened the scoring on 29 minutes with his fifth goal past United this season. Alex Pritchard knocked down the ball in a challenge with Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Amos and Obika pounced to sweep in his 18th goal of the competition.

Obika was also involved in Spurs’ second goal, just before half-time, intercepting the ball and passing to Pritchard to score.

United found a way back on 59 minutes when Marnick Vermijl overlapped down the right and cut inside to shoot into the far corner. Fifteen minutes later the scores were level. Larnell Cole, whose hat-trick steered United past Liverpool in the semi-final, rounded Jordan Archer in the Spurs goal to equalise after a United counter-attack.

Kenneth McEvoy almost grabbed a third for Spurs but, with two minutes of normal time remaining, Cole scored the winner, beating Archer from close range.


Source: premierleague.com

TENNIS: Murray out of Roland Garros

Andy Murray has confirmed he will not participate in the French Open because of a back injury. The world No2 said he had made the decision after consulting specialists. "It's been a really tough decision, and I love playing in Paris, but after seeking medical advice I'm not fit to compete," he said.

The French Open, which is the second grand slam tournament of the year, begins at Roland Garros on Sunday 26 May

The 26-year-old reached the Roland Garros quarter-finals last year, losing to David Ferrer before enjoying a glorious few months, reaching his first Wimbledon final, landing the Olympic gold medal at SW19, and triumphing at the US Open to win his first grand slam.

Jose Mourinho to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season

Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez has confirmed that coach Jose Mourinho will leave the club at the end of the season after three years in charge.

He cleared the air and stated that both parties (Real and Mourinho) are separating on mutual agreement

The 50-year-old, who has been linked with a return to Chelsea and he has always been in contact with the London club.

"We've decided to bring our relationship to an end at the end of the current season," explained Perez.

"The club and manager agree the timing is right to bring our relationship to an end. On behalf of the board of directors would like to thank Jose Mourinho for all his hard work. The team have improved in his three years and we wish him all the best."

As to a replacement, he continued, "We have no per-contract signed with any managerial candidate. It's something we'll have to look at in the coming days."

Arsenal defeat cost Newcastle United over £2 million

Newcastle United lost over £2 million due to defeat to Arsenal.

  According to tribalfootball.com Newcastle were the big losers on the final day of the season dropping £2.26m as they slid from 13th to 16th.

The Toon's end-of-season payout was set to total at just over £6m, but now stands at £3.75m after their defeat by Arsenal.

RUMOUR HAS IT: Manchester City chase Pepe

Manchester City are chasing Real Madrid defender Pepe.

The Daily Mail says City boss Manuel Pellegrini has been linked with Madrid defender Pepe, 30, but the Spaniards want £20m.

The Portuguese defender has been out of favour in recent weeks with preferring French 20-year-old Raphael Varane.





JUVE BATTLE ARSENAL FOR HIGUAIN

Juventus are battling Arsenal to land Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.


Tuttosport says Juve are attempting to talk down Real's €25 million valuation, knowing that Arsenal have already met the asking price.

Higuain is said to favour a move to Turin, but like his fee, the striker's personal demands are also proving difficult for Juve to match.

The Argentine is demanding a clear €1 million-a-year more than his current €3.5 million Real salary.

UCL failure: Villas-Boaz blames it on Referee

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas claimed a denied Gareth Bale penalty had a huge influence on missing out on Champions League qualification yesterday.

The team could not make the top four place in this season's campaign as they lost it to Arsenal. Villas Boaz believes it could have been the other way round.

"I don't want to put the spotlight on the referee, but I think it (was) absolutely decisive," the Tottenham manager said.

"Apart from the distance that separates the grounds, the emotions are felt very strongly. It would have certainly been felt at Newcastle, and it would certainly change the running of this game too.

"Sunderland would have to be more adventurous, and so there would be more space."

Villas-Boas has repeatedly defended Bale this season amid accusations that he dives, and he thinks Andre Marriner got the decision wrong.

"It was extremely disappointing decision in my opinion for the fact that Andre was on the conference at start of season and we spoke about Gareth's incidents," Villas-Boas said.

"It was a poor decision. It could have potentially changed the nature of other game too."

TENNIS: Nadal clinch fourth seed after seeing off Federer

The Big Four can breathe a little easier heading into Paris.

With his win over Roger Federer in Sunday’s Internazionali BNL d’Italia final in Rome, Rafael Nadal will overtake David Ferrer for World No. 4 in the Emirates ATP Rankings on Monday. The result has huge implications for Roland Garros, as Nadal's No. 4 seeding guarantees the seven-time champion cannot meet World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, No. 2 Andy Murray or No. 3 Federer before the semi-finals. Murray’s status remains questionable, as the Scot is battling a lower back issue.

Nadal will enter Paris on the back of a 15-match win streak and three successive titles (Barcelona, Madrid, Rome) as he bids to extend his record reign at the second major tournament of the season. 

Last year, the Mallorcan surpassed Bjorn Borg for the most Roland Garros titles of all-time by defeating Djokovic for his seventh crown in eight years. Nadal has won 41 tour-level titles on clay, including five this season.

atpworldtour.com

PSG reject Ancelotti's request to speak with Real Madrid

Paris Saint-Germain have rejected a request from manager Carlo Ancelotti to leave the club in order to join Real Madrid.

Ancelotti had a meeting to discuss his future with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Leonardo on Sunday.

"Yes, we had discussions, he asked to depart for Real Madrid," Al Khelaifi told beinsport.fr.

"I said it is not possible because he has a contract for one year more, so that is our decision.

"It is his problem, it is not our problem. We have offered him another year more on his contract as well as the one he has. When you have a contract, everyone is normally obliged to honour that."

Ancelotti confirmed: "My wish is to leave the club. I have asked the club to leave. We are going to wait for a response from the club who are going to take a few days to decide."

Earlier this week, Al-Khelaifi said he rebuffed an approach from Madrid's sporting director for Ancelotti.

Ancelotti steered PSG to their first French league title since 1994 last week and Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is expected to leave at the end of the season.

Losing out: In AVB's words

Losing out of the of participating in th UCL, Tottenham manager, Andre Villas - Boaz in his words hope for a better next season.

He told Sky Sports: "It is a bit disappointing obviously but it did not depend on us and Arsenal did their job to sneak fourth spot."

Asked how he would look at the season as a whole, Villas-Boas replied: "I think very good.

"Others have pushed on a level and next year we have to improve, so it is a good lesson to take into next season."

"To manage so many points and not make it means the level has come up, and it serves a reference for next season.


"It is a pity we missed it this season, because normally it would be enough to qualify."

UCL spot: In the words of Arsene Wenger

Having finished fouth on the EPL log,Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger praised his squad for fighting despite the odds.

In his words according to soccernet,com

"I am proud of the character and spirit of these players, all they have had to deal with this season and they have shown that they are special," Wenger said. "We were very far behind Tottenham after the defeat there, but we have shown character and attitude to come back.

"I have had many players in my life, and focus and desire to do well was always there. It is one of the best groups I've had from those qualities. This is why I always felt we would come back.

"We want to win trophies next season, but let's not forget the consistency, we have shown consistency again. Consistency is the most difficult quality in our sport. We played against a strong Tottenham team, a strong Everton team, but we did well to finish ahead."

"It depends what you call big, is it spending big, buying many players?" he said. "We want additions to the squad, but the structure and spirit of the team we have now needs to be kept.

"There are many, many clubs with big money and maybe not enough talent to strengthen teams that have money, but we will be out there in a very proactive way."

Rumour has it: Mourinho wants Cristiano Ronaldo at Chelsea

Reports indicate that Jose Mourinho has listed his star forward at Real Madrid to join him at Chelsea on his return to the Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United have first option to sign Ronaldo if Real decide to sell and the Portugal star favours a return to Old Trafford. 

MOU lost the Copa del Rey Final to Athletico Madrid last night and it marked a trophy-less season for Real

Friendly against Mexico is a boost for the Super Eagles – Keshi

African champions, Super Eagles of Nigeria will be playing against Mexico on May 31 in Houston, USA, and the Head coach Stephen Keshi has stated that the match will boost his team’s preparation for the ‘swim or sink’ World Cup qualifying match against Kenya on June 5.

Keshi said that he was working to get a good result from that match adding that the Mexico game will test his team’s intention to win in Nairobi. The Eagles have not played any match since drawing with Kenya in Calabar.

The Super Eagles depart ed Abuja Thursday for a training camp in Germany with players from the domestic league, while the foreign pros are expected to join up next week.

Athletico Madrid claims Copa del Rey title

PHOTO: foxsports.com

And it's Athletico de Madrid's night at the Bernabau beating Real Madrid in extra time 2-1 to claim the Copa del Rey title.

Cristiano Ronaldo put Real ahead with a powerful header but it took just ten minutes for Diego Costa to get the equalizer after a super dazzle by Falcao.

Atletico Madrid, who have not defeated rivals Real Madrid since 1999, found an extra time winner in the wild game as João Miranda ended up being the hero, with his 98th-minute goal making the difference.

Cristiano Ronaldo is given a straight red for appearing to kick Atlético's Gabi in the face also to join Jose Mourinho who had been earlier sent off for touch-line tussles and comments at the officials.

Berdych ends Djokovic's quest in Italy open

PHOTO: cbc.ca

Tomas Berdych fought back from 6-2 5-2 down to end Novak Djokovic's quest in the quarter-finals of the Italian Open.

The world No1 was in cruise control and on his way into the semi-finals when Berdych went for broke with his power game, and launched an unlikely comeback to win 2-6 7-5 6-4.

Berdych faces one of two Spaniards - Rafael Nadal or David Ferrer - for a place in the final.

Copa del Rey Final: Both Real and Athletico Madrid want to win

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane will miss the Copa del Rey final against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu after suffering a knee injury in the 1-1 draw at Espanyol last weekend.

Goal.cm reports that Alvaro Arbeloa (back), Sergio Ramos (hamstring), Marcelo (muscle tear) and Mesut Ozil (ankle) are all expected to be available after overcoming injuries, while Pepe could be recalled after being ostracised from the squad for publicly criticising boss Jose Mourinho.

Atletico midfielder Mario Suarez has recovered from a back problem and is set to return to the starting line-up in place of Tiago.

Coach Diego Simeone has no other injury concerns and could name a similar side to the one that lost 2-1 at home to Real in La Liga in April.

Real beat Barcelona in the semi final while Seville lost to Athletico Madrid.

Obviously both sides are ready for the final show down tonight.

Estadio Santiago Bernabéu — Madrid
Referee:‬ Carlos Clos‎
Time: 8.30pm today