Portugal to its success

Cristiano Ronaldo called his winner "an important goal", but Zlatan Ibrahimović feels Sweden's fans can turn the play-off tie on Tuesday, saying: "Get behind us and we'll make it."

Cristiano Ronaldo was glad to have scored an "important goal" to give Portugal a 1-0 lead against Sweden, but the captain and his coach Paulo Bento know there could have been more in their FIFA World Cup play-off opener – and the visitors' Zlatan Ibrahimović is confident his side can turn the tables on Tuesday.

A new Ghanaian fighter on mission

When Asamoah Gyan scored in the fifth minute against Egypt last month, the outpouring of emotion and adulation in Kumasi was immense. The crowd, nearly 40,000-strong, burst to life. Ghana’s fans showered praise down on their striker and captain. Gyan’s teammates, even those from the substitutes’ bench, flocked around him.

“It’s a great moment to remember,” Gyan told FIFA.com about his opening goal, a perfect shot from a tight angle that sent the Black Stars on their way to a resounding 6-1 win and put a foot into the 2014 FIFA World Cup™. “You can’t really expect such a massive result against a team like Egypt. We were hoping to get a comfortable win at home, but things just went right for us on the night.

Favourite 'son' Suarez should heed fans: Rodgers

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Melbourne: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers told Luis Suarez to think about the fans who have treated him like "a son" after the club's American owner laughed off a bid from Arsenal for the striker's services on Wednesday.

British media reported the north London club had offered 40 million and one pound ($61.47 million) for Suarez prompting Liverpool owner John W. Henry to ask on Twitter: "What do you think they are smoking over there at Emirates?"

Arsenal's unusual bid ties in with media reports that an offer of more than 40 million pounds triggers a clause in the Uruguay international's contract that says Liverpool must inform the striker of their Premier League rivals' interest.

"There's no doubt the market these days for top players is very small so Luis will always be linked with top clubs," Rodgers told reporters after Suarez made a cameo appearance in Liverpool's 2-0 win over local club Melbourne Victory.

"But I think the support that he's received from the supporters and the people of the city of Liverpool has been unrivalled.

"In the period of time, he's missed a lot of games for the club through various reasons. And the people have stood by him like a son and really looked after him.

Gerrard delights huge Aussie crowd with goal

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Melbourne: Steven Gerrard sent the 95,000 crowd home happy with a trademark goal in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Australia's Melbourne Victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

The Liverpool skipper scored in the first half and Spaniard striker Iago Aspas got home in injury time off some Luis Suarez trickery, to seal a hard-fought win over the two-times A-League champions.

Despite an emotional rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone" by the capacity red-clad crowd prior to the kickoff, Liverpool struggled to dominate the home side -- even though they were missing all their Socceroo stars playing at the East Asian Cup in South Korea.

Gerrard's goal gave Liverpool the half-time lead, but it took until deep into injury time before they added a second goal after some clever lead-up work from want-away Uruguayan striker Suarez.

New signing Aspas was there to score from close range off Suarez's pass with the last kick of the game.

Every touch made by Gerrard was greeted with a huge roar from the pro-Liverpool capacity crowd.

Gerrard had a long-range shot beaten away by goalkeeper Nathan Coe midway through the opening half, but Victory were comfortable on the ball, passing it around the pitch for long periods and not overawed.

The Victory produced a much stiffer, more composed performance than the A-League All-Stars thrown together and battered by Manchester United 5-1 in Sydney a few days earlier.

Liverpool owner ridicules Arsenal bid for Suarez

Rex Features

London: Liverpool owner John W Henry appeared to ridicule Arsenal's latest bid for Luis Suarez on Wednesday after the Gunners reportedly tabled an offer of just over 40 million pounds ($61.47 million) for the striker.

The unusual offer of 40 million and one pound was intended to trigger a clause in the Uruguayan international's contract that says Liverpool must inform the striker of Arsenal's interest.

Henry said on his verified Twitter account: "What do you think they are smoking over there at Emirates?" Arsenal play at Emirates Stadium.

Suarez was due to discuss his future with coach Brendan Rodgers in Melbourne on Wednesday where Liverpool are playing their next pre-season tour match against the Melbourne Victory.

Arsenal have already had one bid for Suarez rejected by Liverpool, who say they are under no obligation to sell the player.

Suarez joined up with Liverpool's squad on Monday. He still has to serve six matches of his 10-match ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic on April 21, but can play in their pre-season friendlies.

Martino hopes to live up to the challenge

AP

Barcelona's new coach, the talented Argentinian-born Gerardo Martino, says his biggest concern is being able to live up to the challenge that "a club of this size" represents.

"What most keeps me up at night is living up to the circumstances and being a real contribution to the players and the institution," Martino said at a press conference at the headquarter of Newell's Old Boys in Rosario, 300 km north of Buenos Aires Tuesday.

Martino led the Old Boys to win Argentina's Closing Tournament.

Speaking in his characteristically measured way, Martino said, "My challenge is to insert myself into a club of this size (and) be able to do it in the best and fastest way possible."

Martino, 50, stressed "the scale of the team", which features soccer superstars Lionel Messi (who is also from Rosario) and Brazil's Neymar.

The coach hoped "things turn out as best as possible", and made it clear that he expected to adapt to Barcelona's style, and not the other way around.

"I understand what institution I'm coming to, the history it has. I am the one who has to adapt to its ways and see how I can contribute to a team that is already very rich," he said.

Martino said he was pleased to coach "the best soccer player in the world", referring to Messi, and wished "to play a leading role in all the matches the team has to play".

Martino said being contacted to coach the team following the departure of Tito Vilanova was "unexpected", and he thanked Newell, who reached the semifinals in the Libertadores Cup.

liverpool is near to success think steven gerrard

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Melbourne: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said on Wednesday he believes success is just around the corner for the Merseyside club, and urged the team's owners to keep backing manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Reds have not won the English title for more than 20 years, struggling in recent times to stay in touch with cashed-up Premier League rivals Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.

But 33-year-old Gerrard, who last week signed a new two-year contract extension with the club, said he was confident the glory days of old were again close for the five-time European champions.

"Is success around the corner... I hope so," the England captain told The Australian newspaper ahead of Liverpool's match against Melbourne Victory on Wednesday evening.

Gerrard, who has been at Liverpool since he was a young boy and has seen managers come and go, said he had nothing but praise for Rodgers, who assumed the role last season and has started to slowly turn around the club's fortunes.

"We have a great relationship," he said.

"He has shown a lot of faith in me both on and off the field. It is early days, but I am sure our relationship will continue to grow.

"We are moving in the right direction. We are playing nice football and hopefully the owners continue to back him and he is able to add to the squad to make it stronger so we can compete for trophies."

Gerrard told the newspaper he has confidence that he and his teammates can deliver. "We have bought well in the off-season and if we can get another two players in key areas then we have a good chance," he said.

Rodgers has already brought in four players since the end of last season -- Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, Manchester City defender Kolo Toure, Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas, and Barcelona B midfielder Luis Alberto.

He is still on the lookout for more, although questions remain over the future of Luis Suarez, with reports in the British media overnight that Liverpool has turned down a second, increased bid of £40 million ($61 million) from Arsenal for the Uruguay striker.

Gerrard said he had been talking to Suarez in Melbourne and continued to remind him that there is "a lot of love" for him from the club, the players and the fans.

Barcelona looking to move on after Vilanova exit

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Madrid: Barcelona were mourning the enforced exit of ailing coach Tito Vilanova on Saturday but there was also a sense the Spanish champions were prepared to move swiftly to appoint a successor and focus on preparations for next season.

President Sandro Rosell made the announcement late on Friday that Vilanova, who has been battling throat cancer the past two years, needed more treatment that meant he would be unable to remain in charge of the first team.

A replacement for the 44-year-old, who was promoted from assistant coach to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the 2011-12 season, would likely be announced early next week, Rosell added.

Many of the first team squad were at Rosell's news conference, including World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, and the club cancelled a friendly they were due to play against Polish side Lechia Gdansk on Saturday and suspended training until Monday.

"Life goes on," Rosell said. "Obviously this is a very hard blow to take but Barca has suffered many blows in our history and we have always come through. This will be no different."

Juventus, Napoli favourites for Serie A title: Mazzarri

AP

Rome: Inter Milan head coach Walter Mazzarri is expecting a two-horse race between Juventus and his former side Napoli for next season's Scudetto.

Juventus are favourites to win a historical treble but Mazzarri warned that Napoli could surprise everyone, reports Xinhua.

"Besides Juventus, I think that in terms of financial muscle and on the strength of the last four years, Napoli could be a notch above the rest. Along with Juve," he said.

But the beginning of the new season could be intriguing given no team can afford to lose from there, according to the Inter boss.

"There are at least six or seven teams, including Fiorentina and Lazio, who will be bunched together on the starting grid. It's hard to know who has got more quality, who can do better. It depends on how you work on the pitch, on whether you manage to exploit the players' ability to the maximum," he said.

Santos confirm Saviola talks

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Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian top-flight football club Santos confirmed that they are in talks to sign former Argentina international striker Javier Saviola.

"He's just been involved in a great season for Malaga and is a player we have been looking at but I don't know how negotiations are progressing," said Santos' interim coach Claudinei Oliveira Friday, reports Xinhua.

Representatives from the club have already held talks with the 31-year-old's agent Diego Queiroga but it is understood Santos have refused the former Barcelona and Real Madrid forward's reported $250,000 monthly wage demands.

Meanwhile, the club is close to signing striker Thiago Ribeiro from Italian Serie A outfit Cagliari, Oliveira revealed.

"He has made it clear that he wants to join the club and help us. With the experience and quality he has, it's going to be a great signing. We only need to finalise minor details," he said.

India take on Sri Lanka in SAFF C'ships opener

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Kathmandu: The Indian under-16 team will open its campaign against Sri Lanka in the second edition of the SAFF Under-16 Football Championships at the Army Ground here tomorrow.

Apart from India and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh are the third team in Group B.

In the other group, reigning champions Pakistan have been clubbed with hosts Nepal, Bhutan and Afghanistan.

India play their second match against Bangladesh on July 25. The semifinals are slated for July 27 and 28 while the final is on July 30.

"The SAFF Championships are a great opportunity for us to study our progress. At this age, more than winning, such exposure is more important. I am glad that the boys have got it and we are raring to go," Head Coach Goutam Ghosh said at the pre-tournament press conference.

"We have been preparing for the Tournament since April this year and have played some Friendlies too. We want to lap up this opportunity and give the boys a feel of a Tournament," he added.

The 23-member squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Anuj Kumar (Uttar Pradesh), Subrata Das (West Bengal), M Dheeraj Singh (Manipur)

Defenders: M Jayananda Singh (Manipur), Jerry Lalrinzuala (Mizoram), T Kishan Singh (Manipur), Prosenjit Chakraborty (West Bengal), Amit Tudu (West Bengal), Nuruddin (Uttar Pradesh), Amey Ranawade (Maharashtra)

Midfielders: Bodo Baoringdao (Assam), Kyntiew Kharlukhi (Meghalaya), Surya Tirkey (Jharkhand), Zonunmawia (Mizoram), Anirudh Thapa (Uttarakhand), Deependra Singh Negi (Uttarakhand), Aaron Rodrigues (Goa), Chanmitre Thma (Meghalaya)

Forwards: Laishram Bedashwor Singh (Manipur), Sourav Chakraborty (West Bengal), Edmund Lalrindika (Mizoram), Krishna Pandit (Chandigarh), Mohammed Hasil (Kerala).

Head Coach: Goutam Ghosh, Assistant Coach: John Kenneth Raj, Goalkeeper Coach: Feroz Sheriiff, Physiotherapist: Somya Rout, Team Manager: Subhashish Banerjee.

Liverpool loan Reina to Napoli - report

AP

London: Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is to be loaned out to Serie A side Napoli next season where he'll be reunited with former Reds coach Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool Echo reported Friday.

The 30-year-old Spaniard has spent eight years at Anfield but the arrival of Simon Mignolet from Sunderland has meant he has lost his first-choice status.

Reina had been scheduled to fly to Australia this weekend to link up with the Liverpool squad for the second leg of their pre-season tour.

Instead he's expected to head for Italy to undergo a medical and complete his switch to last season's Serie A runners-up.

Reina arrived at Anfield from Villarreal in 2005 and helped Liverpool clinch the UEFA Super Cup and the FA Cup in his first season.

Aston Villa's Christian Benteke signs new deal to end exit talk

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London: Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke performed a transfer U-turn on Friday as he withdrew his request to leave and signed a new contract with the Premier League club.

Benteke committed his future to the club until 2017 after a "full and frank discussion" with Villa manager Paul Lambert.

It was a sudden change of heart from the 22-year-old after Villa confirmed only 11 days ago that he had asked to leave following a series of reports linking the Belgian international with a £25 million move to Tottenham.

"I had a full and frank discussion with Christian Benteke on his return to training this week regarding his future. It is my opinion that the best thing for Christian is to remain at Aston Villa," Lambert said.

"I'm delighted, having time to re-evaluate his future, Christian has decided to commit to the club. It's a huge bonus and I'm sure the supporters are every bit as delighted as me to have him on board and raring to go."

Kinshasa-born Benteke added: "I spoke with the manager when I returned to training and we had a good talk. I am very happy to be back here in Birmingham and at Aston Villa, and to sign a new contract.

"The end of last season was very good and the lads were very strong. It was not easy but we came through it and the confidence is high. So everyone knows what we have to do now -- be better. I need to be better than last year."

Brazil's Bernard on Arsenal radar

AP

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil international midfielder Bernard is reportedly being pursued by English Premier league club Arsenal.

The Gunners are considering accepting Atletico Mineiro's 25 million euro price tag for the 20-year-old, reports Xinhua.

Bernard, a part of Brazil's triumphant Confederations Cup team last month, has also attracted interest from Chelsea, Tottenham, Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk. Any deal involving the playmaker is likely to be delayed until after the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final between Atletico Mineiro and Paraguay's Olimpia July 24.

Mourinho warns rivals he's better than ever

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Jose Mourinho has warned that he is returning to Chelsea as a much better manager as he bids to win back the Premier League trophy and secure an elusive Champions League title with the London club.

Mourinho, looking greyer and weightier than English fans will remember, said his experiences at Inter Milan and Real Madrid would put him in good stead in his second stint.

"I think some white hairs in my case is a good sign because it means that I'm better now than before," he told journalists in Bangkok, where he will begin his new era with a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.

"I think I'm better now because my job is the kind of job where experience means a lot," explained the Portuguese.

"Especially like in my case after my period with Chelsea I went around Europe, I had two years in Italy, three years in Spain, so I have more football culture than before.

"I have more experience than before so I think I'm in a better condition now than before. Because I think my job is about that, it's about learning experiences."

MOURINHO SAYS SCHWARZER WILL PUSH CECH

AP

Bangkok: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said Mark Schwarzer will provide valuable competition and motivation for number one goalkeeper Petr Cech after handing the veteran Australian a surprise role at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho made clear that he regarded Cech as the world's best 'keeper, but he said the 40-year-old Schwarzer gave Chelsea extra "security" as a vastly experienced and highly rated back-up.

The Australian international signed on a free transfer this week after spells at Fulham and Middlesbrough and immediately jumped on the plane for Chelsea's pre-season tour of Asia.

"I always said even when I was coaching other teams that we have the best goalkeeper in the world but we need competition for him, we need protection, we need motivation," Mourinho said in Bangkok.

"We need somebody that can give us security and I think Schwarzer is perfect for that because he's a very good goalkeeper, he's very experienced.

"He spent all his career in the Premier League so the Premier League is his natural habitat, so, getting a good opportunity for a free transfer, we have in Mark the goalkeeper we need to complete our group of goalkeepers."

Both Schwarzer and Cech are in the travelling party to Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia along with academy 'keeper Jamal Blackman, who is six foot five (1.95 metres) and 19.

Schwarzer's one-year contract runs until the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, for which Australia are already qualified.

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has given his blessing to Schwarzer's move despite the prospect of limited playing time this season, according to reports in Australia.

REALMADRID IS TO PAY $49.6 MILLION TO LAUR LLLARRAMENDI FROM SOCIEDAD

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Madrid: Real Madrid extended their new policy of snapping up promising home-grown talent by paying 38 million euros to buy Spain Under-21 midfielder Asier Illarramendi out of his contract with La Liga rivals Real Sociedad on Friday.

Big-spending Real president Florentino Perez is known for luring "galacticos" like David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu but Illarramendi's capture follows hard on the heels of the purchase of playmaker Isco from Malaga and the return of fullback Daniel Carvajal from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

The trio were in the Spain squad that won the Under-21 Euro championships in Israel last month and Isco and Illarramendi were both named in UEFA's team of the tournament.

Real sealed the deal for Illarramendi when they deposited the 23-year-old's buyout fee with Spain's professional league (LFP), Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay, flanked by the player, told a news conference.

The Basque club, who qualified for the Champions League playoffs last season, did not want Illarramendi to leave but Real's move automatically triggered his exit, he added.

"We would have preferred to hold on to Asier Illarramendi than get the money but life goes on," he said.

Illarramendi is seen as a long-term replacement for Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso, another former Sociedad player who will be 32 in November, and he will also compete for a place with Germany's Sami Khedira and Croatia's Luka Modric.

He has agreed a six-year contract and will be presented at the Bernabeu stadium on Saturday after undergoing a medical, Real said on their website (www.realmadrid.com).

POOR SEASON

Real are looking to bounce back from a poor season under former coach Jose Mourinho, who quit and returned to Chelsea after failing to win any major silverware.

Portuguese Mourinho was replaced by Italian Carlo Ancelotti, whom Real bought out of his contract with French champions Paris St Germain.

Under construction magnate Perez, Real have spent hundreds of millions of euros on players but have failed to win the 10th European crown they have been chasing since their last continental triumph in 2002.

They are the world's richest club by income ahead of Spanish rivals Barcelona in second, according to accounting firm Deloitte.

Illarramendi's move is another reminder that it is increasingly the case that only the two heavyweights can afford the nation's best players and those who do not play for Real or Barca are seeking top wages abroad.

THE HISTORIC THIRD SCUDETTO IS FOR JUVENTUS

AP

Rome: Juventus head coach Antonio Conte has claimed that his side will go for a historic third Scudetto this season despite tough challenges from other Serie A sides.

The Serie A champions invested heavily this summer to bring in Fernando Llorente from Athletic Bilbao and Carlos Tevez from Manchester City, and seem better-equipped than last season.

Conte, however, warned of any complacency from his camp.

"To win in the third year would be historic. But we know it's going to be very difficult to repeat. If we work hard though, we can do something historic," he was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

"Beyond those arriving and those leaving the important thing is to have the desire to win. In these past two years, we have written an important page in our history. We got back to the image that Juventus have always sought," he added.

MOURINHO SAYS HE LIKES ROONEY VERY MUCH

Rex Feauters

Bangkok: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho admitted he admires Wayne Rooney "very, very much" Friday but stopped short of saying he hoped to sign the unsettled Manchester United star.

Mourinho was speaking at the start of Chelsea's Asian tour in Bangkok, just hours after Rooney pulled a hamstring on the first day of United's visit and abruptly left the Thai capital.

"It's a funny, tricky question because from the ethical point of view, I cannot speak about players from other teams," Mourinho told journalists at a plush downtown hotel.

"But again you know me and you know it's not my kind of character to speak with a little bit of hypocrisy. I always say what I feel, what I think.

"I've always said he's a player that I like very, very much but I cannot say more than that. Being fast and direct, I like him very much but he's a Man United player."

Mourinho is seeking a striker to complement the erratic Fernando Torres and he has brought back Romelu Lukaku after a loan spell at West Bromwich Albion following his return to the London club.

Concerns over Rooney's future were not eased by his sudden departure just hours into the United tour, announced in a two-line statement on the club website, which said he would be out for a month.

However, Rooney said on his Facebook page that it was just a "niggling injury" and "nothing to worry about".

Rooney has declined to confirm his plans for the future after departing United manager Alex Ferguson said in May that the 27-year-old forward had asked for a transfer.

This week, Britain's Daily Mail said Chelsea were preparing a 60-million-pound ($90-million) bid for Rooney, who has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.

Barca forward Deulofeu joins Everton on season loan

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Madrid: Everton have agree to take Barcelona's teenage forward Gerard Deulofeu, described as "an incredible footballing talent" by manager Roberto Martinez, on loan next season, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

The pacy 19-year-old, a product of Barca's youth academy and a Spain under-20 international, played mostly for the La Liga side's B team last term and scored 18 goals in 34 matches.

He also made four appearances for the first team and in May agreed to extend his Barca contract until 2017.

"Gerard is a real diamond of Spanish football and a boy with incredible footballing talent," Martinez said of his fellow Spaniard on Everton's website (www.evertonfc.com).

"I am delighted that he has chosen to take the next step of his career with Everton."

Manchester City boss Pellegrini vows to win style points

AP

Manchester: Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini on Wednesday revealed his reputation for producing teams that win with style was the key to his appointment at Eastlands.

City's Abu Dhabi-based owners opted to hire Pellegrini from Malaga as their replacement for Roberto Mancini despite the possibility of an approach for Jose Mourinho.

Mancini won the Premier League title and the FA Cup during his three-and-a-half year spell in charge of City, but the Italian was criticised for playing too defensively before his sacking in May.

Mourinho, who eventually rejoined Chelsea from Real Madrid, follows a similar tactical template and Pellegrini was quick to make it clear he plans to win plaudits as well as prizes.

"One of the important reasons I am here is the way my other teams always played," the Chilean said at a press conference on Wednesday.

Fernandinho hopes Man City will help his World Cup dream

AFP

Manchester: Brazil midfielder Fernandinho is hoping to catch the eye of his national team manager before next year's World Cup on home soil by shining for his new club Manchester City.

The pacy 28-year-old joined the Premier League club from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk last month for what British media have widely reported to be about 30 million pounds and is keen to prove he is worth every penny.

"It was very important for me (to be City's top close season target) and I want to repay the club for what they have done for me by playing well on the pitch and winning as many matches and as many trophies as possible," he told a news conference on Wednesday.

"My first aim is to play well for my club Manchester City and if I do have good performances I'm sure that I will catch the attention of the national manager."

Fernandinho, who has five international caps, was not in Luiz Felipe Scolari's Brazil squad for last month's Confederations Cup which the hosts won with a 3-0 victory over Spain in the final.

He is known in England for scoring in Shakhtar's 2-1 win at home to Chelsea in the Champions League group stage last season.

Fernandinho started his career with Atletico Paranaense in his homeland before becoming one of a host of talented Brazilians to head for Shakhtar with whom he spent the last eight seasons and won the 2009 UEFA Cup.

He expects a few differences now he is playing in England.

"The main challenge for me is the different style of play compared with my last team and also the amount of games you play throughout the season," said Fernandinho, sitting next to his new manager Manuel Pellegrini but, unlike the Chilean, speaking through an interpreter.

"It's much more than I was used to."

Defiant Dortmund ready to rival Bayern

Reuters

Berlin: With three new additions to their squad, Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund have insisted European champions Bayern Munich will not have it all their own way this season.

Dortmund secured their latest new signing on Tuesday when midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan joined from Shakhtar Donestk, having also recruited Saint-Etienne forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Werder Bremen.

Borussia host Bayern in the pre-season German Super Cup on July 27 in a repeat of the Champions League, which the Bavarians won 2-1 at Wembley.

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo resigns

AP

Paris: Paris Saint-Germain's turbulent close-season took another twist on Wednesday with the club announcing that sporting director Leonardo had resigned.

"The club management regrets this decision, but respects it," a club statement said, adding that the resignation would take effect from September 2.

"The club would like to take the opportunity to thank him for the remarkable work he put in to build in Paris a team that is now in the forefront of European football and wishes him every future success in his brilliant career."

Leonardo last week was banned for the entire new season for pushing a referee after PSG's 1-1 draw against Valenciennes on May 5.

Manchester United boost social media presence

AP

London: Manchester United increased their social media presence on Wednesday as the Premier League champions launched their official Twitter and Sina Weibo pages.

United's move into micro-blogging platforms is part of their already hugely successful marketing campaign, which has established the club as one of the world's biggest sports brands.

The @ManUtd Twitter page will reach the club's fans among the 200 million active Twitter users worldwide.

It will initially launch in English, with foreign-language versions to follow.

Nemanja Vidic absent as Manchester United fly out for Asia tour

AP

London: Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic was a surprise absentee as the Premier League champions prepared to fly out for their pre-season tour of east Asia and Australia on Wednesday.

Vidic was missing from the 19-man United squad that were due to set off on Wednesday, with no immediate explanation offered for the Serbia star's omission.

There was no hint of any problem on Friday when Vidic attended the official unveiling of David Moyes as United's new manager.

His absence may be connected to the treatment he needs for a chronic knee injury that has ruled him out for virtually 12 months and a fresh problem would be a major concern for Moyes ahead of his first season in charge at Old Trafford after succeeding Alex Ferguson.

Four Bayern players on UEFA best player shortlist

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Four Bayern Munich players - Thomas Mueller, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinsteiger - were named on a 10-man shortlist for the 2012/13 UEFA Best Player in Europe award on Tuesday.

Unlike last year, when the final three contenders came from Barcelona or Real Madrid, only two of the 10 were drawn from the Spanish clubs - Barca's 2011 winner Lionel Messi and Real's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Tottenham Hotspur's Gareth Bale was the only British player nominated, with the Premier League also represented by Manchester United's Robin van Persie.

Robert Lewandowski, whose Borussia Dortmund side lost out to Bayern in the Champions League final at London's Wembley Stadium, was named as was Paris Saint-Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The award, voted for by a jury of journalists from each of UEFA's member associations, was established in 2011 and was won last year by Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta.

The top 10 players will be whittled down to three candidates in a second vote, with the ultimate winner decided in a live poll on August 29 during the Champions League group stage draw in Monaco.

UEFA said in a statement that it had also launched a Best Women's Player in Europe award, with the first winner to be unveiled on September 5.

Bayern president sure on Lewandowski arrival

REX Features

Bayern Munich president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said Tuesday he is sure Poland striker Robert Lewandowski will join the club in 12 months time.

Bayern have been trying to prise the 24-year-old from their main Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dormund in the current off season but have so far been thwarted by the 1997 European champions' determination not to lose their star striker to their fiercest competition.

"I am absolutely optimistic that the player will be transferred to Bayern Munich next year," Rummenigge said from the German and European champions' pre-season training camp in Riva Del Garda in northern Italy.

Lewandowski has made clear his desire to join Bayern but Dortmund are loath to lose a player who was crucial in their back-to-back title successes in 2011 and 2012 to the side that have just deposed them.

Last month Dortmund president Hans-Joachim Watzke ruled out any chance of a deal being done this summer.

"Robert will definitely play for Borussia Dortmund next season. We need some clarity in our planning," he told Munich's Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.

Dortmund's refusal to sell Lewandowski this year will cost them heavily as he is believed to be able to command a fee of around 25 million euros ($32 million).

But having already lost talented playmaker Mario Goetze to Bayern after the 21-year-old's 37-million-euro release clause was triggered, Dortmund refuse to be further weakened by their closest rivals.

"Our plan is not to play football in the shadow of Bayern Munich, we want to be stronger than last season," coach Jurgen Klopp insisted last week.

Losing out on money is one thing but more painful to Dortmund will be losing out on the 46 goals Lewandowski plundered in the league in the past two seasons.

Karagounis signs on for another year at Fulham

Reuters

London: Midfielder Giorgos Karagounis, Greece's most capped player, has signed a new one-year contract with Fulham, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

Signed last year on a short-term deal, the 36-year-old played 28 times for the west Londoners last season and scored two goals.

Karagounis has 125 caps for Greece and captained the side to victory in the 2004 European championship after scoring the opening goal of the tournament against hosts Portugal.

Initially released by Fulham last month, he had been linked to a return to Panathinaikos or a move to Australia's Melbourne Victory.

Committee to examine Palestinian travel concerns - Blatter

AP

FIFA president Sepp Blatter will establish a task force to address Palestinian concerns over travel restrictions for football players and officials through border crossings controlled by Israel, he said on Tuesday.

After meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the head of world soccer's governing body said he, Israeli and Palestinian football chiefs and the heads of the European and Asian football confederations would discuss the issue in September.

Palestinians are angry that Israel's security forces, who control movement between the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, frequently prevent athletes travelling freely between the two separated territories.

"We shall have a task force...and will have a meeting in Zurich before the next FIFA Executive Committee scheduled for October," Blatter told a news conference.

Barcelona at home for first Clasico of season

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Madrid: Champions Barcelona will host Real Madrid for the first time next season on October 26 or 27, the Spanish league said when the 2013-14 fixtures were announced on Tuesday.

Tito Vilanova's side face a new opponent in the dugout of their arch-rivals, Italian Carlo Ancelotti, and visit the Bernabeu for the second league 'Clasico' on March 22 or 23.

Barca start the defence of their title at home to Levante on August 17 or 18 while Real Madrid host Real Betis. Atletico Madrid, who finished third last year, visit Sevilla.

The final round of matches is scheduled for May 17 and 18 when Barca host Atletico and Real are at home to Espanyol.

Hectic pre-season schedules for Barca, Real Madrid

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Madrid: Primera Liga Champions FC Barcelona and runners-up Real Madrid had better stock up on reading material and video-games and prepare to fasten their seatbelts as it looks like they are all in for a busy summer in terms of travelling.

Financial and commercial and marketing commitments will see both clubs, both of whom return to training in the next seven days, go almost all around the world to play their pre-season preparation games, reports Xinhua.

Barcelona have completed details of a tour that will see them travel over 30,000 kilometers, with some players condemned to travel even more.

The side coached by Tito Vilanova will play their first friendly game in the Polish city of Danzig July 20 before facing Bayern Munich, who are now coached by former Barca boss Pep Guardiola.

After taking on Bayern in what is certain to be an emotional affair for many of the players, Barca then travel to Oslo (Norway) for a friendly game against Valerenga, before jetting back to Barcelona to face Brazilian outfit Santos, who they have just bought Neymar from, in the traditional Joan Gamper trophy.

After the Gamper, Barca head east across the Mediterranean to Israel and Palestine to participate in a 'campus' to help promote the game and peace in the region.

Asia is the next stop after the Middle East with the Catalans visiting the continent for the fifth time with one game against Thailand in Bangkok and another in Kuala Lumpur, August 10, just seven days before they are due to kick off the defence of their league title August 18.

However, the Spain internationals in the Barca squad could face another long journey given that Spain play a friendly in Ecuador, 19,000 kilometers from the Asian capital, August 14.

Real Madrid's summer plans are no less taxing; starting with a friendly game on the south coast of England against second tier side, Bournemouth, July 21.

Three days later they are in France to take on Lyon, before flying north to play Paris Saint Germain in the Swedish city of Gothenburg.

After the sojourn in Europe, Real Madrid fly to Los Angeles for some serious training for the fourth consecutive year. While in California they will play David Beckham's former side, the LA Galaxy before playing another match in the sweltering heat of Miami and the final game of their tour August 10 in Saint Louis. It means Spain internationals will have to cross the Atlantic three times (US-Spain; Spain-Ecuador; Ecuador-Spain) before the big kick off August 17.

Rooney to stay at United, says Moyes

AP

Manchester, England: New Manchester United manager David Moyes was adamant on Friday that Wayne Rooney was not for sale but stopped short of saying the England striker no longer wanted to leave the club.

Rooney's future dominated the Scot's first news conference since he took over the Premier League champions from the retired Alex Ferguson, who had said in May that the unsettled forward had asked for a transfer.

"I've had a chance to speak to Wayne... the fact of the matter is Wayne is not for sale," Moyes said at Old Trafford.

"He is a Manchester United player and will remain a Manchester United player. I've known Wayne since he was 16 ... he's training very well, he's come back in good shape and I really look forward to working with him."

Moyes was repeatedly asked about Rooney, including direct questions such as: "Has he told you he would like to stay at Manchester United?" but failed to give 'yes' or 'no' answers.

"What we are doing at the moment is we are looking to see how we can get Wayne Rooney getting those goals which are going to challenge the likes of Bobby Charlton and Denis Law's (total) number," said the former Everton manager.

"As far as I'm concerned, the way he's working I'm more than happy to work with him and make sure we get success.

Rooney has scored 197 goals in 402 United appearances, winning five Premier League titles, the Champions League in 2008 and two League Cups.

Charlton holds the club's all-time record of 249 goals with Law second on 237.

Asked if Rooney had categorically told him that he did not want to leave, Moyes replied: "I can tell you categorically Wayne Rooney is training fantastically well in the last two days, that's all I can categorically tell you."

Neymar, Alba have tonsils successfully removed

AP

Barcelona: Barcelona forward Neymar and full back Jordi Alba had their tonsils removed successfully in operations on separate continents on Friday, the La Liga champions said.

Neymar, 21, was operated on in Rio de Janeiro and Alba, 24, had his surgery at a clinic in Terrassa near the Catalan capital, the club said on their website.

The two players, who Barca said would need around 10 days to recover, appeared for Brazil and Spain respectively in Sunday's Confederations Cup final in Rio, which the host nation won 3-0.

Ronaldo rebuffs Man United transfer rumours

AP

Paris: Cristiano Ronaldo has denied speculation he will return to Manchester United next season, claiming his future lies with Real Madrid.

Speaking at an event in Monaco he told reporters that rumours of an imminent return to Old Trafford were wide of the mark.

"It's a club (United) that's been in my heart since I was there so everyone knows that I have a passion for that club but my future now is at Real Madrid and I want to be there," said the Portugal forward.

"It's not the best day to speak about my future. I'm going to have time to speak about that at the beginning of the season.

"Basically it's (time) to rest (after) 10 months of a hard season. It's basically to rest, to be with my family, my kid, my girlfriend and to rest.

"Just to rest, do a lot of the beach, massage, playing a little tennis, that's it."

Speculation began at the end of last season that Ronaldo wanted to move back to United, where he enjoyed six successful years from 2003 to 2009, winning the Champions League and three Premier League titles.

One Spanish league title and one Spanish Cup success is scant reward from four years in the Spanish capital and with Jose Mourinho having walked away from the Bernabeu to rejoin Chelsea, many believed Ronaldo would follow him back to England.

He added fuel to the fire last season when speaking of his personal sadness but the 28-year-old has now put paid to any suggestions about a departure.

He says he is instead looking to earn more success with Real and Portugal.

"I'm always looking forward to being better and better during the season so this year's going to be the same. I will try to be focused every time to win La Liga and the Champions (League) like we always (try to) do.

"I'm enjoying, of course, playing there. I've played in Spain for four years so I want to continue there. And for the national team also that we can qualify for the World Cup will be a big goal for us, so we are focused on that and I look forward to being in the World Cup too."

Ronaldo's current contract at Real is due to run out in two years time and he has so far been unwilling to prolong it.

That has alerted interest from mega-rich French pair Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco as well as United.