''I will return 100 percent fit'' - Neymar

Barcelona forward, Neymar has revealed that he will be joining the rest of the team in no time as he continues to recover from the injury that ended his world cup.

Report on the club website says that the 22-year-old expects to be back in action soon, having initially been expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering the injury on July 4.

Neymar Jr is in Japan taking part in a series of promotional events. Talking to the Japanese media, he was very optimistic about his physical shape at the start of his preseason:  ''I am recovering from the injury day by day. I’ll be coming back to Barcelona 100%  fit"

Neymar Jr will return to work with FC Barcelona on the 5 August, and he expects to be fit enough to play in the Joan Gamper Trophy match. 

"I want to have a really good season and I'm looking forward to helping my teammates to get some good results.''

Fateful Day: August 8 is Luis Suarez' last chance to reduce his four months ban for biting

Reports have it that Former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been told August 8 is the confirmed date when he will learn his fate over the four month ban imposed by FIFA.

The Uruguayan, who bit the Italian defender during the World Cup group stage last month, signed for Barcelona from Liverpool after the incident, but is banned until the end of October.

Dailymail.co.uk reports that the tribunal has been called for this date by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, and will represent Suarez's last chance to reduce the ban.

Under the conditions of the ban, Suarez cannot partake in any footballing activity for another three months, including training and being unveiled as Barcelona's record signing.

Gerrard told Suarez he's too good for Arsenal. Big Mouth?

Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard has finally revealed how he succeeded in making his former colleague Luis Suarez stay at Anfield last season in the face of suitors for the striker.

Amongst the big clubs that came for the player was Arsenal, with a £40m on the table but the Reds refused to let go of their star player.

The Uruguay striker remained at the club, bagged the highest goal scorer and several other individual awards but left for Barcelona for a £75m which Gerrard admits is a blow to the team.

Gerrard - ''You know what I think of him, I love him to bits and I’m his number one fan as a player, I spoke to him before he went, and he was so thankful to the club for all the times they stuck by him.

''His dream all along, from the first day he came, was to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona.

''Last summer, when he was out in the cold and training on his own, that’s the conversation I had with him. I said, ‘Don’t go to Arsenal.''

''With all due respect to them, I said to him that he was too good for Arsenal. I said, ‘If you score 30 goals for us and win the PFA Player of the Year, the press Player of the Year' – and believe it or not I knew he was going to win them – ‘they will come back for you.''

"You can't begrudge him his dream, leaving for Barca," Gerrard added.

"But I'd have been disappointed if he had left for Arsenal."

Home Sweet Home: Lukaku returns to Everton, bags £28m record deal

Source: Everton FC

Everton Football Club on Wednesday announced the permanent transfer of Romelu Lukaku after the 21-year-old striker, spent the whole of last season on loan at Goodison Park but has now become a full blooded ''Blue'' for a Club record transfer fee of £28million on a five-year contract.

Lukaku made 33 appearances and scored 16 goals during his initial spell on Merseyside and quickly made himself the delight of the fans.

Since moving to Chelsea from Anderlecht in 2011, he has had loan spells at West Bromwich Albion before joining Everton during the dramatic final minutes of the August 2013 transfer window.

Lukaku said: ''I am really excited about rejoining Everton. I had a fantastic experience last season and a great relationship with the manager, the chairman, the staff, the players and the fans. I can’t wait to get started again and I’m looking forward to a successful season.''

 

The  fee paid for Lukaku smashes the previous highest of £15million that was invested in another Belgian, Marouane Fellaini, back in August 2008 and chairman Bill Kenwright described it as being the end of an '11-month quest' to keep him at Goodison Park as reported by the club website.

Indeed, Home is where the heart is, and for obvious reasons, Goodison Park is where he finds his feet. Welcome home Rom.

English Premier League adopt vanishing spray for 2014/2015 season

The vanishing spray was introduced and used at the recently concluded World Cup in Brazil as an aid to Referees 10-yards measurement, even though it can only last for one minute.

The English Premier League official website reports that the body has decided to introduce the spray for use in all matches of the Bacrlays Premier League 2014/2015 season.

According to Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Scudamore, he said: ''t the Premier League we are open to developments that enhance the competition and it was clear from watching the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil that Vanishing Spray benefitted referees, players, and all of those who watched the matches.

''Having witnessed that, and following consultation with our clubs and the PGMOL, we have decided to introduce it in the Barclays Premier League and look forward to having it in place for the 2014/15 season.''

PGMOL General Manager, Mike Riley, said: ''As an assessor at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil I saw first-hand the benefits of Vanishing Spray for referees, and for the game as a whole.

''The Select Group referees are looking forward to using it during Barclays Premier League matches next season''

Commonwealth Games: Nigerian Weightlifting Gold Medalist suspended after failing doping test

 The Commonwealth Games Federation on Tuesday July 29th said Nigerian female weightlifting Gold medalist Chika Amalaha has failed a doping test and has been suspended from the games.

According to the Games Federation Chief Executive Mike Hooper, Amalaha 17, tested positive for diuretics and masking agents after winning gold in the 53-kilogram (117-pound) division last Friday July 25th.

The backup "B'' sample will be tested tomorrow Wednesday July 30th and the process will continue.

QPR officially unveil Rio Ferdinard, Cant wait to get kicking

England defender Rio Ferdinard has officially been unveiled by newly promoted Premier League side, Queens Park Rangers on Monday and he's obviously excited as he shared on his twitter account.

The former Manchester United veteran defender will be playing at Loftus Road for the next one year which may be his last call... with footballers, you never can tell.

All the best @rioferdy5

Commonwealth Games: Okagbare wins Gold, sets new new record

Blessing Okagbare ran 10.85secondsin the 100m final on Monday night beating Jamaica's Veronica Campbell-Brown to clinch Gold at the on-going Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Scotland.


The Nigerian however sets a new Commonwealth Games record in Glasgow, breaking Debbie Ferguson’s 12-year record of 10.91 seconds.

Ronaldinho leaves Atletico Mineiro, he won't retire until age 42 says Agent

Reports from Brazil reveal that former player of the year Ronaldinho has left the Atletico Mineiro.



The club announced on Monday that the 34-year old left on amicable terms after a meeting between his agent and brother Roberto de Assis and the club president Alexandre Kalil.

The former Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain forward had been contracted to the Belo Horizonte-based club until December.

De Assis said Ronaldinho and Kalil will give a joint press conference on Wednesday where the player will clarify his future.

However, retirement is apparently not on the agenda.

"He will play until he's 42! He will reveal his future destination on Wednesday," said De Assis, according to the Globo Esporte website.

Southampton's Calum Chambers Signs for Arsenal

Arsenal.com reports that 19-year old Southampton Right-Back Calum Chambers has penned a long term deal with Arsenal for an undisclosed fee.

Chambers who made his debut for Southampton last season has featured 22 times for the club after he broke into the first team in the 2012/2013 season.

He however joins the previous Southampton exploits in Arsenal in Theo Walcott and Oxlade Chamberlain who have been impressive since joining the London club.

Have you seen Miralem Pjanic's 60-yard strike against United? Watch Video

The world has seen quite a number of goals in all pre-season games, but really this is eye-catching and amazing from Pjanic right from his own half in no doubt the best so far.

Although Roma lost 2-3 to Roma in the friendly.

### Video Courtesy YouTube###

Southampton set to lose another star as Arsenal tables £12million for Chambers

After losing the likes of Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallanat to Liverpool and a move for Dejan Lovren away from the club, Southampton are set to offer their right-back Calum Chambers to Arsenal.

Reports have it that Arsenal are closing in on sealing a £12million deal for the 19-year old who has made 23 first team appearances for Southampton.

Arsenal have already signed Frenchman Mathieu Debuchy fro Newcastle as a replacement for fellow homeboy Bacary Sagna leaving for greener pastures at Manchester City. To this end, Chamber would have to battle Debuchy for a place in the starting line up of the Gunners.

Home sweet Home! Drogba is back to Chelsea

He needs no introduction. The 36-year old Ivorian striker Didier Drogba has made a return to Chelsea and will be at the Bridge for the next one year.

Obviously, the manager of the side is pleased to have the dependable attacker once again.

Mourinho - ''He’s coming because he’s one of the best strikers in Europe. I know his personality very well and I know if he comes back he’s not protected by history or what he’s done for this club previously. He is coming with the mentality to make more history.''

Drogba - ''It was an easy decision - I couldn't turn down the opportunity to work with Jose again.  Everyone knows the special relationship I have with this club and it has always felt like home to me.

''My desire to win is still the same and I look forward to the opportunity to help this team. I am excited for this next chapter of my career.''

More on Chelsea Website

Lampard leaves Chelsea, joins New York City FC

England midfielder Frank Lampard has confirmed he will join MLS new entrants New York City FC on a two year contract.

Courtesy: Skys ports.com

The 36-year-old left Chelsea at the end of last season after seeing 13 seasons and a club record 211 goals.

Lampard becomes New York City FC's fourth player and second major summer signing following the arrival of David Villa from Athletico Madrid.

''I am really excited about joining New York City FC and helping to play a real part in building something special in one of the sporting capitals of the world,'' said Lampard.

''The passion of the nation’s fans at the World Cup was second to none and I am looking forward to meeting New Yorkers and tapping into their love of the game. It is a privilege to be able to help make history here in New York City - I just can’t wait to get started and be part of it''

Since the next MLS campaign will kick off in February 2015, there are possibilities that Lampard may feature for another club in the mean time.

Pre-season Friendly: Perfect start for Van Gaal as United white-wash LA Galaxy (7-0)

There's a school of thought which says seven (7)  is the number for perfection, could it be for the new manager of Manchester United Louis Van Gaal as his side thump MLS giants Los Angeles Galaxy 7-1 in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday in his first game in charge of the English Premier league outfit.

The Reds got the pre-season tour of the United States off to an ideal start in Pasadena, thanks to goals from Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney (2), Reece James (2) and Ashley Young (2).

The quality of United’s football impressed van Gaal but he was most pleased with the way they adapted to his trademark 3-5-2 system, with debutant Ander Herrera sparkling in midfield.

''It is fantastic how they have performed today,” van Gaal said. “When you see us train, you can expect something but not 7-0. It was a surprise, but they were beautiful goals and beautiful attacks.

''The result always matters. With such a result you get confidence. We introduced a new system and played twice on the training pitch, 11 v 11. It is not very much, but the boys are willing to pick up the information. Last week, 10 players who played tonight were not even at our training complex.

''When I see my team playing a new system, it is better to win 7-0 than to lose because the players will then doubt the system. But now I don’t have that problem.''

Iheanacho scores in City's 4-1 Pre-season win over Sporting Kansas City

Nigerian youngster Kelechi Icheanacho scored for Manchester City on his debut for the first team against Sporting Kansas City in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday in the United State.

Iheanacho who has been training with City over the past few weeks, stroked home the fourth on full-time from a Jesus Navas assist to complete the 4-1 rout of the MLS side.

Midfielder Bruno Zuculini, struck the ball home from 20 yards out to give the Kansas City keeper no chance but the hosts equalised later in the half when CJ Sapong settle the scores.

City regained the lead on half-time when Dedryck Boyata headed home Jesus Navas' superb cross and the Blues kicked on again after the break. 

Though Sporting KC could have drawn level a couple of times only to be denied by a mixture of poor finishing and good goal-keeping by Willy Caballero, it was City who turned the screw with two more goals in the closing stages. First Sinclair was brought down in the box and Aleks Kolarov buried the penalty kick to make it 3-1 and before Iheanacho capped an impressive debut.

 

Monaco chief agrees that Real's offer for Rodriguez was too enticing to be ignored

AS Monaco chief  Vadim Vasilyev has revealed that the offer received for their Player James Rodriguez from Real Madrid was too good to ignore.

James Rodriguez unveiling

James Rodriguez signed a six-year deal with with Real Madrid on Tuesday after a successful outing at the recently concluded world cup.

According top a statement on the Monaco website,  ''The Club would like to take the opportunity to thank James for the role he played in getting the Club back to the UEFA Champions League and wishes him the very best for the future.

''AS Monaco is proud to have helped James Rodriguez reveal his talent to the world as he notably made his mark on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil winning the golden boot” says "James is a fantastic player who achieved great things with AS Monaco.

The Club had no intention to sell the player, however the time came when the solution of a transfer was considered to be the most beneficial solution for all parties. AS Monaco is proud to be a party to one of the most significant transfers in football history.

AS Monaco is a Club that will continue to grow and remains focused on the future. More than ever it has the ambition to strengthen the team and continue to progress for next season.''

 

Courtesy Visit: Beckham storms United Camp in Los Angeles

Louis van Gaal and his Manchester United players had a special visit from a familiar face at their hotel Los Angeles where the team is camped for pre-season.

According to the club website, the Reds legend David Beckham, who is on holiday in his adopted home, popped to the team hotel to see the United manager and some of this former team-mates, including assistant boss Ryan Giggs.

Beckham will have a vested interest in United's Tour 2014 match, presented by Aon, when van Gaal's men take on his other former team LA Galaxy.

The two teams will meet at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday night when the Reds kick off their tour campaign. Further matches will follow against AS Roma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup.

Photos

Mourinho dreams big, claims Chelsea want to dominate the Premier League for the next decade

Manager of Chelsea football club Jose Mourinho has been looking ahead to the coming season and, in particular, the two major competitions.

Speaking in a conference room at the team's hotel in Velden, Austria, the Portuguese talked about his hopes for our Premier League and Champions League campaigns acknowledging the competitive nature of the top flight in England, but said he is confident his side can wrestle the title from Manchester City’s grasp.

‘If I didn’t think that way I would go home and let somebody else take charge of the team,’ said the Chelsea manager. ‘People can speak about other leagues but England is the only country where five or six teams can win the title. Football is about competitiveness every weekend and that only happens in the Premier League.

‘When you have the two Manchester clubs, the three clubs from London – Tottenham, Arsenal and ourselves – plus Liverpool, that’s six top teams, where all of them can win the title. That’s why everybody loves the Premier League.

‘At Chelsea, if we didn’t think we could win the league, or didn’t think we had the quality to do it, we wouldn’t be here working so hard. We respect our opponents and their ambitions, because they have the same ambitions as us, but we want to win the Premier League and we are ready for that.’

Last season’s Champions League campaign ultimately ended in disappointment when we were beaten at the semi-final stage by Atletico Madrid.

The Blues boss, however, believes our run to the last four will serve us well this time around.

‘Last year we reached the semi-finals and it was a transitional season,’ he said. ‘A team which has been a winning team for ten seasons is changing step by step, we’ve bought new players and we are trying to build for the next decade. We had a very young team at the time but, even so, we reached the semi-finals and were playing to win the competition.

‘This season we think we are going to be stronger, the younger players are more experienced, they are stable and better adapted to fighting for titles. You look around, to Spain, Germany and elsewhere in England, teams are getting stronger, spending big amounts of money and trying to sign the best possible players.

‘We will go to the Champions League group stage with one objective: to qualify. When you reach the last 16 let’s see what happens.’

Racism: Man City Withdraw from friendly

A friendly match between Manchester City's EDS U21 and HNK Rijeka was called off on Tuesday due to an alleged incident of racial abuse toward the Club's young midfielder, Seko Fofana by a member of the opposing team.

Following an alleged incident in the latter stages of the first half of the game, being played in Novigrad, Croatia, a decision was taken by the management staff to withdraw the City team from the field of play and cancel the game.

Club representatives in Croatia and in Manchester are liaising with officials, the match organisers and the Croatian Football Association to pursue this matter further.

Official: Rodriguez joins Real Madrid

An update on the signing of Colombia and Monaco midfielder, James Rodriguez by Real Madrid reveals that the Spanish club and the Lig 1 side have reached an agreement and the player has already passed his medical.

According to an official statement on the Madrid website, "Real Madrid C.F have reached an agreement with AS Mónaco FC to buy James Rodríguez, who will join the club for the next six seasons.

"The player will be presented today, Tuesday 22 July, at 20:00 CET, in the Santiago Bernabéu's presidential box.

"Following that, James Rodríguez will take his first steps on the Santiago Bernabéu's pitch wearing the Real Madrid jersey and will then answer questions from the media outlets in attendance in the press room." The statement reads.
 

Morata injures Knee in first training at Juventus

Former Real Madrid forward Alavaro Morata has been reported to have picked up a knee injury during a training session at his new club Juventus in Italy.

According to the club website "Spanish forward Alvaro Morata sustained a sprained left knee in this afternoon’s training session. His condition will be assessed tomorrow."

The 21-year old joined Juventus for a fee of €20million last weekend but his new adventure seems to have suffered a set back as the intensity of the injury is yet to be ascertained.

Mikel, Moses not listed for Chelsea's Austria Pre-season Tour

The duo of John Obi MIkel and Victor Moses were not among Mourinho’s 26-man squad which arrived in Austria earlier today for the start of our two-week European training camp.

Where exactly will these two Nigerians be heading since they are not in the plans of the Special one for the tour? Anyway....

Holidays after the world cup is responsible for their exemption which also include the likes of Oscar who featured for Brazil.

Chelseafc.com reports that the three new signings (Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and Filipe Luis) joined up with their team-mates for the first time, and they were joined by Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill, who returned to the group following their post-World Cup break.

The squad touched down early in the afternoon before heading to their hotel. They will train at Waldarena, Velden this evening, with a double session scheduled for tomorrow.

On Wednesday, the team will face RZ Pellen, then NK Olimpija Ljubljana in Slovenia on Sunday, before matches against Vitesse Arnhem and Werder Bremen, in the Netherlands and Germany respectively.

Travelling squad in full:

Petr Cech
Matej Delac       
Mitchell Beeney
Mark Schwarzer              
Branislav Ivanovic           
Oriol Romeu      
Kurt Zouma
Andreas Christensen     
John Terry          
Gary Cahill
Nathan Ake       
Cesar Azpilicueta             
Marco van Ginkel            
Nemanja Matic
Nathaniel Chalobah       
Mohamed Salah
Jeremie Boga    
Lewis Baker       
John Swift          
Cesc Fabregas
Patrick Bamford               
Fernando Torres
Diego Costa
Dominic Solanke              
Filipe Luis            
Isaiah Brown

Injury Blow for Man City: Negredo out for months

Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo has confirmed that he suffered a foot fracture and will miss action for the next few months.

The Spaniard injured himself during City’s pre-season win over Hearts on Friday and has now revealed the true extent of the injury.

What do you make of Onazi's Photo #Kingly

Loan Continua: Omeruo is returning to Middlesbrough not Chelsea

Nigeria and Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo seemed to have enjoyed his holidays in Malta after the FIFA World Cup n Brazil and he's getting set to return to action.

He dropped a hint about his destination on his Instagram account #Boro where had a loan spell all through last season.

Mourinho looks forward to playing Van Gaal's United

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that he looks forward to playing against new Manchester United handler, Louis Van Gaal.

The pair worked together for three years at Barcelona but will go head-to-head this season, with Van Gaal having taken the reins at Old Trafford following a successful World Cup with Holland.

Mourinho told Mail on Sunday "I'm not worried about him being here. I look forward to playing against United. Nothing worries me.

"I watched him at his press conference and he was pure Van Gaal - honest and open, the way he always is.
 
"He is a very, very good coach, he'll be great for Manchester United.

"We are both great coaches. It's what we were born to do.

"Louis was the best coach in the World Cup and he is a good friend - really, a friend for life. I have deep respect for this man.

"He is in the best period of his career. With coaching, if you deal with winning and losing in the right way, you improve. He analyses every experience. He has got better and better."



Mourinho - whose Inter Milan side beat Van Gaal's Bayern in the 2010 Champions League final - and Chelsea will be among the main rivals standing in his way.


Van Gaal begins his Premier League career against Swansea on August 16, two days before Chelsea open their campaign against promoted Burnley.

Wenger talks on transfer, Wilshere's smoking habit

Courtesy: Dailymail.co.uk

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that the club will be doing some more signings before the transfer market closes.

''I can't give you any names because you are never sure that you can do what you want. We are still out there to strengthen our squad.'' He told the club website.

On Jack Wilshere's smoking habit lately in Las Vegas, the Frenchman promised to have a talk with the midfielder this week.

Courtesy:Dailymail.co.uk

 ''I haven't spoken to him so it's very difficult for me to make any statement. I know what you can make of pictures - I have to speak to him really to see what happens before I come out publicly. I'm not deeply concerned by it. I just want to know what happened and before I know what happened, I don't want to talk too much about it.''

Arsenal Website has More

Westbrom signs Nigerian forward Ideye for a record fee

Westbromich Albion have announced the signing of Nigerian forward Brown Ideye from Dynamo Kiev of Ukraine.

Ideye passed the medical and has joined the Premier League club for club-record fee of £9m.

The 25-year old was not included in Nigeria's World Cup Squad but was part of the team that won the 2013 African Cup of nations in South Africa.

He brings home his champions league and Ukrainian league experience.

More on the club's website

Official! Filipe Luis signs for Chelsea

Filipe Luis has now joined Chelsea FC as he tweeted, announcing his new move from Athletico Madrid.

Good luck!

Debuchy completes Arsenal move

Arsenal.com reports that France international Mathieu Debuchy has joined  the London Club on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old right back has just returned from the World Cup in Brazil, where he helped France reach the quarter-finals.

Debuchy joined from Newcastle United, where he made 46 appearances during an 18-month spell. He spent the first nine years of his senior career with French side Lille, where he made 233 Ligue 1 appearances for his boyhood club and a further 18 in the Uefa Champions League.

He will join up with his new team-mates soon for pre-season preparations and is expected to make his debut at the Emirates Cup in the first weekend of August.

FIFA makes u-turn, lifts suspension on Nigerian Football

The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has lifted the suspension placed on the Nigerian Football Federation 9 July 2014 on account of government interference.

today, lifted the suspension that was imposed on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on 9 July 2014 on account of external interference. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/07/fifa-lifts-ban-nigeria/#sthash.VJbd3l25.dpuf

Vanguard, reports that NFF stated in a release: “FIFA has noted that the court proceedings and order preventing the president of the NFF, the NFF Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian football that prompted the suspension have been withdrawn.

“As statutory order has been reinstated at the NFF and the legitimate bodies reinstalled, FIFA has decided to lift the suspension as of today, Friday 18 July 2014.

“The lifting of the suspension means that all rights of the NFF as a FIFA member as defined in article 12 of the FIFA Statutes are reinstated,” it said.

''Keeping Rodriguez will be hard for Monaco'' - Wenger

Manager of Arsenal football club of England, Arsene Wenger has expressed that Monaco will have a hard time trying to keep James Rodriguez.

The 22-year old Colombian midfielder scored six goals at the recently concluded FIFA world Cup in Brazil to be crowned the highest goal scorer and his display has attracted huge European Clubs especially Real Madrid being priced for £70m.

“I believe that’s true,” Wenger told beIN Sports when asked if Rodriguez is too big for the French club.

“Why? Because a player like that is difficult to keep at a club when you have Real Madrid and Barcelona looking around, and without a doubt there will be people who will be watching them play and thinking about buying him.

“Is this the year that he will move? Certainly not because he is with Monaco and they will play Champions League next season and they are a big club in France.

“But certainly in the next season or two he will want to move somewhere else.”

Rodriguez joined Monaco from FC Porto last in 2013.

Chelsea, Athletico Madrid agree on Luis

In a bid to replace Ashley Cole who has joined Roma, Jose Mourinho's Chelsea FC has turned to Athletico Madrid left back Felipe Luis and reports say that both clubs have come to an agreement.

According to the London club's website, "Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Filipe Luis."

"The move is subject to the 28-year-old left-back agreeing personal terms."

This move comes after Spanish striker Diego Costa and compatriot Cesc Fabregas joined Chelsea.

Juventus appoints Allegri as new Manager

Former AC Milan manager, Massimiliano Allegri has been appointed as the new Manager of Italian champions Juventus after.

He replaces Antonio Conte who saw the team to three-straight Serie A titles but yet announced his resignation from the club.

"For me it is an honour to be called as coach of Juventus,” he told reporters at a press conference to reveal his arrival on Wednesday. “I am content and happy to coach Juventus.

“Today and tomorrow I begin my work. I am at the club’s disposal. I know this is an important role. Juventus have won the Scudetto for three straight years, I am here to continue to winning with this team.

“I am lucky because for four years I had the fortune to coach Milan, and now I have the opportunity to coach another big team like Juventus. It is an honour and I want to keep winning.

“We will fight for the Scudetto until the bitter end. In Europe we have a duty to put in a big showing in the Champions League.”

United and Adidas sign £750m deal

Manchester United and Adidas, have signed a kit-sponsorship deal, that will see the club pocket about £750m over a 10-year period.

According to a statement on the club's website, The agreement will become active at the start of the 2015/2016 season.

"Manchester United pc (NYSE:MANU) has reached a ten-year agreement with adidas for a global technical sponsorship and dual branded licensing deal for a minimum guarantee of GBP 750 million, subject to certain adjustments, beginning with the 2015/2016 campaign."

"For te 2014/2015 season, Nike will continue in its role of technical sponsor and trademark licensee."

Brazil 2014 World Cup: List of Individual Award Winners

The winner of the World Cup on south American soil has been decided so also has outstanding individuals players and countries been rewarded. Below is the list according to FIFA:
adidas Golden Ball: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
A true captain and a true matchwinner. There can be no finer compliment to Argentina skipper Lionel Messi, who was so influential in his team’s path to the Final. With some questioning just how influential he would be in Brazil after a demanding season for Barcelona and concerns over a troublesome hamstring, he silenced the doubters by simply being his usual inspirational self. He mesmerised at the Maracana by scoring and setting up another in the 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. He scored late on against Iran to send the team through to the Round of 16 and then added two in the 3-2 win over Nigeria. But he didn’t stop there. He played the ball to Angel Di Maria, who scored in the 118th minute of the match against Switzerland to send them through to the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals he stroked home a penalty to help his side defeat the Dutch. And while the personal accolade may be scant reward for a runners-up medal, he can be justifiably proud of his performances at this FIFA World Cup.

adidas Silver Ball: Thomas Muller (Germany)
adidas Bronze Ball: Arjen Robben (Netherlands)

adidas Golden Boot: James Rodriguez (Colombia) - 6 goals, 2 assists
Colombia’s No10 made an instant impact at Brazil 2014, scoring in the last minute in their 3-0 win over Greece, earning the Budweiser Man of the Match Award in the process. He picked up the same accolade in the next match, a 2-1 win over Côte d’Ivoire, finding the target once more. The Monaco man was at it again in the final group game against Japan, entering the fray as a second-half substitute, yet making time to create two goals for Jackson Martinez and score himself. Rodriguez then made history when he scored twice in the 2-0 win over Uruguay, ensuring Colombia qualified for the quarter-finals of a FIFA World Cup for the first time. There he tasted defeat for the first time against Brazil, but converted a consolatory penalty and earned a standing ovation from the crowd in Fortaleza for his efforts.

adidas Silver Boot: Thomas Muller (5 goals, 3 assists)
adidas Bronze Boot: Neymar (4 goals, 1 assist)

adidas Golden Glove: Manuel Neuer (Germany)
After winning the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup with Bayern Munich, the 28-year-old now has the adidas Golden Glove to add to his growing collection. The Germany No1 was in fine form for the Nationalmannschaft during Brazil 2014, conceding just four goals in seven games and impressing FIFA’s Technical Study Group with his shot-stopping ability, his commanding presence and his ability to start attacks from his own penalty area. Indeed, he has been dubbed a ‘sweeper-keeper’ by sections of the media for his performances at this World Cup, featuring plenty of evidence of his desire to come off his line and play accurate passes when under pressure.

Hyundai Young Player Award: Paul Pogba (France)
The France midfielder was considered to be the pick of the players born after 1 January 1993 at this World Cup. The Juventus midfielder played in all five of Les Bleus' games, having an impact in the 5-2 win over Switzerland by creating a goal for Karim Benzema and then scoring in the 2-0 win over Nigeria, in which he was named as the Budweiser Man of the Match. In picking up this award, he has won the Golden Ball award at the FIFA U-20 World Cup and the Young Player award at successive tournaments.

FIFA Fair Play Award: Colombia
The Group C winners who reached the quarter-finals were given this award, not only for collecting just five yellow cards in their five matches at Brazil 2014, but for scoring highly in the criteria set by FIFA’s Technical Study Group, which includes positive play, respect towards the opponent and match officials, as well as the behaviour of their team officials and supporters.

Germany edge Argentina 1-0 to lift the World Cup

Mario Gotze's 113th minute brilliance was all Germany needed to lift the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup as the machines defeated Argentina by a lone goal.

After 90 minutes without both sides scoring, the match was sent into extra time where the Germans did the magic ending their 24-year world cup drought.

The eventual match winner Gotze was introduced in the 88th minutes for Chelsea's Andre Schurrle.

World Cup: Netherlands beat Brazil 3-0 to claim third place spot

Again, in front of home fans and their injured star player (Neymar) who sat on the bench, the Brazilians were crushed by the Netherlands 0-3 in the fight for a third place finish at the World Cup on Saturday.

Captain of the host team Thiago Silva did not feature in the 7-1 debacle against Germany but on his return on Saturday, he was instrumental to the early goal his side conceded after he pulled Arjen Robben in the box which resulted into a penalty Cooly slotted in by Robin Van Persie.

Six minutes later, David Luis poor header which was meant to be a clearance fell to Daley Blind who controlled perfectly and scored the second as the Brazilians chased shadows and tried rallying back but conceded another later scored by Georginio Wijnaldum.

Arjen Robben was awarded the Man of The Match as coach of the side Louis Van Gaal ended his reign as the handler of the Dutch national team.

Done deal: Suarez moves to Barcelona

Barcelona website confirms that the club (FC Barcelona) and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Luis Suárez.

According to the report, the Uruguayan will be travelling to Barcelona next week for a medical, to sign his five-year contract and to be officially presented to the media and fans as an FC Barcelona player.

FIFA selects Algerian Referee for third place match between Brazil and Netherlands

Algerian Referee Djamel Haimoudi will make history as he becomes the first CAF referee to officiate a third place match of a FIFA World Cup.

World football governing body confirmed Haimoudi as the referee for match 63 (third place) of the world cup between Brazil and the Netherlands.

The African who is 43-year-old officiated the group-stage matches Australia v. Netherlands and Costa Rica v. England as well as Belgium v. USA in the Round of 16.

Haimoudi oversaw two matches in last year’s FIFA Confederations Cup and he was selected for the FIFA Club World Cup 2012 and the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2011. He also has notable experience in his confederation CAF taking charge of three editions of the Africa Cup of Nations - in 2008, 2012 and 2013. At the end of the most recent edition, he refereed Nigeria-Burkina Faso in the final.

Finally, the Algerian officiated four more important final matches, including the deciders for the CAF Champions League 2008, 2012 and 2013 and the CAF Super Cup 2008.

Suarez's appeal fall on deaf ears

World football governing body FIFA has rejected Luis Suarez's appeal through its Appeal Committee.

The Uruguay striker was handed a four-month ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during their World Cup game.

Suarez, who is on the verge of a move to Barcelona, was also given a nine-match international suspension and a €82,000 fine

“The Fifa Appeal Committee has decided to reject the appeals lodged by both the Uruguayan player Luis Suarez and the Uruguayan FA and to confirm the decision rendered by the Fifa Disciplinary Committee on 25 June 2014 in its entirety,” an official statement read.

“The terms of the decision taken by the Fifa Appeal Committee were communicated to the player and the Uruguayan FA on Thursday.

“The relevant decision is not yet final and binding, i.e. an appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) is still possible (cf. art. 67 par. 1 of the Fifa Statutes) by the player and/or the Uruguayan FA, subject to certain conditions.”