To play with Messi is a dream come true: Neymar

Brasilia: Brazil striker Neymar bid farewell to Santos in the club's 0-0 draw against Flamengo here.

After the match Sunday, the man who will carry the hopes of a football obsessed nation at the 2014 World Cup on home soil spoke to reporters about his 50 million euro move to Barcelona in July, reports Xinhua.

"It gives me great satisfaction to have played for Santos. The fans have offered me great support and I can only give them thanks," said Neymar.

On being asked how he felt about playing for Barcelona, Neymar said: "To think I will be playing alongside Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and Alves is a big honour. Dani Alves is the guy that has annoyed me most about making the move (laughing). It's a great feeling. To play with Messi is a dream come true. Not just him but all of the Barcelona players. Dani Alves, too, is one of my best friends."

So what made him choose Barcelona ahead of other clubs like Real Madrid?

"Every kid has a dream. Some want to be a dentist, others want to be reporters and so on. My dream has always been to play football at the highest level. Today Barcelona is a team that everybody looks up to. It's a beautiful and marvellous club," said the Brazilian forward.

"I hope I will be welcome back (to Santos) some day. Brazil is my home and I will always want to return. I just want to thank the fans for all the support they have given me," he signed off.

Bayern Munich win Champions League title

AFP

Arjen Robben scored a heart-stopping 89th-minute winner to earn Bayern Munich a dramatic 2-1 win over German rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday after a thrilling Champions League final at London's Wembley Stadium.

With extra time beckoning, Robben collected a back-heel from Franck Ribery, eluded the challenge of Mats Hummels and rolled a delicate shot past Roman Weidenfeller to give Bayern their fifth European crown.

It was a moment of long-awaited deliverance for both Bayern and Robben, after defeats for the Bavarians in the final of the competition in 2010 and again in 2012, when they lost a cruel penalty shoot-out to Chelsea on home soil.

Robben had set Bayern on the way to victory after an hour of the first all-German final when he teed up Mario Mandzukic for the opener, only for Ilkay Gundogan to equalise from the penalty spot in the 68th minute.

Victory made Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes only the fourth manager to win the trophy with two different clubs, after a 1998 triumph with Real Madrid, as he prepares to step aside for incoming successor Pep Guardiola.

Having already claimed the German title, Bayern will now look to complete an unprecedented treble by beating Stuttgart in the German Cup final next weekend.

Four-goal comeback lifts Man City over Chelsea

Manchester City beat Chelsea 4-3 in an exhibition match with Micah Richards scoring in the final minute

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AP

Micah Richards scored in the 90th minute to complete a stunning comeback from a three-goal deficit and give Manchester City a 4-3 victory over Chelsea in an exhibition thriller Thursday.

The English Premier League sides, both bound for next year's European Champions League after top-three finishes behind league winner Manchester United, attracted 48,263 to the home of baseball's St. Louis Cardinals.

Demba Ba's header in the 15th minute gave Chelsea the lead and Cesar Azpilicueta netted his first goal for the Blues on a penalty kick in the 44th minute.

Tradition meets modernism in German Wembley showdown

AP

Berlin: The all-German Champions League final on Saturday pits traditional powerhouses Bayern Munich against modernists Borussia Dortmund at London's Wembley Stadium (1845 GMT) with more at stake than Europe's premier club trophy.

Bayern, four-times European champions, are Germany's richest and most successful club, while rejuvenated Borussia Dortmund won the trophy in 1997 but came to the brink of financial ruin in 2005.

The Ruhr valley club have recovered on a sporting level under coach Juergen Klopp, challenging Bayern's dominance in the past two seasons before the Munich club reclaimed the league title last month in record-breaking fashion.

The Bavarians, in the first all-German Champions League final, are desperate to erase memories of two lost finals in 2010 and 2012 and reclaim their top spot by beating the team that forced them to go two seasons without any domestic silverware.

Last season's Champions League final defeat in Munich to Chelsea on penalties has been especially bitter to swallow for Bayern but now Jupp Heynckes' team stands before an unprecedented treble for a German club.

Heynckes, who has announced an end to his long Bundesliga career and will be replaced by former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola at the end of the season, could leave after completing a trio of titles including the German Cup, 12 months after what for other teams could have been a back-breaking defeat.

"To be able to rise again after such a final defeat last year shows that my players are carved out of special wood," said Heynckes, who looks set to retire from football.

"That is why I am convinced that we will lift the trophy. We have incredible mental strength, we cannot be pushed over."

Neymar to join Barcelona in July: Reports

Getty Images

Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian striker Neymar has agreed in principle to join Barcelona, July 1.

The 21-year-old striker is understood to have signed a deal last week to join the Spanish giants following the Confederations Cup in Brazil, reports Xinhua. Neymar's current club Santos could ratify the deal Wednesday.

As anticipation surrounding the move intensified, Barcelona star Lionel Messi said Neymar would be a "wonderful signing" for the Catalan club.

"I don't know if in the end he will sign with Barca, only he knows the answer to that," Messi told TV channel Qatar Alkass.

Tradition meets modernism in German Wembley showdown

AP

Berlin: The all-German Champions League final on Saturday pits traditional powerhouses Bayern Munich against modernists Borussia Dortmund at London's Wembley Stadium (1845 GMT) with more at stake than Europe's premier club trophy.

Bayern, four-times European champions, are Germany's richest and most successful club, while rejuvenated Borussia Dortmund won the trophy in 1997 but came to the brink of financial ruin in 2005.

Mourinho, Ronaldo get two-match bans for Cup final reds

AP

Madrid: Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo were handed two-match bans in the King's Cup after they were sent off in last week's final at the Bernabeu, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) said on Wednesday.

Mourinho was dismissed for vigorously disputing a refereeing decision in the 75th minute of Friday's 2-1 final defeat by Atletico Madrid.

England braced for Mourinho's Chelsea return

AP

London: Jose Mourinho looks set to be welcomed back to Chelsea with open arms, but his reputation has been sullied during his three-year stint at Real Madrid and he will return to Stamford Bridge with several thorny issues to address.

Having been released from his contract by Madrid, the charismatic but controversial Portuguese is now widely expected to return to Chelsea, with some British bookmakers offering odds of 20/1 on that he does so.

Chelsea's fans have already made their feelings known about the prospect of his return, having lustily chanted his name on several occasions during the final weeks of the season.

Ferguson heads into retirement with manager of year award

AP

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson capped his final season in charge of the English Premier League champions by clinching the League Managers' Association Manager of the Year award for the fourth time on Monday.

The 71-year-old Scot's unparallelled success in British soccer ended on Sunday with a remarkable 5-5 draw against West Bromwich Albion.

"In a way I am glad it is all over now because it has been hard work," Ferguson told the BBC. "It has been overwhelming.

"The club has been fantastic and congratulations to West Brom with the way they handled yesterday (Sunday).

"I think (West Brom manager) Steve Clarke should get an award because anyone who scores five against United deserves it."

Mourinho to leave Real at end of the season

Getty Images

Madrid: Jose Mourinho will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season after a turbulent three-year spell in charge of the Spanish giants, club president Florentino Perez confirmed on Monday.

"After the conversations we have had with our coach Jose Mourinho we have arrived at an agreement to end our working relationship at the end of this season," Perez told a press conference.

"The coach and the club agreed this is the right moment. I want to thank Jose Mourinho for the work he has done in the last few years."

Barca close on 100 points, lift La Liga trophy

Reuters

Champions Barcelona moved a step closer to matching Real Madrid's La Liga record of 100 points with a 2-1 win over Real Valladolid, that was the prelude to a title party at the Nou Camp on Sunday.

Tito Vilanova's side wrapped up their fourth league crown in five years last weekend, but still have the chance to equal the mark set by Jose Mourinho's victorious side last season.

A 21st-minute strike from Pedro and an own-goal from Valladolid's Marc Valiente before halftime sealed a drab victory in unseasonably chilly and wet conditions in a two-thirds full stadium.

Valladolid pulled one back from the penalty spot through Victor Perez at the end

Arsenal win race for fourth, Fergie bows out

AFP

London: Arsenal won the race for fourth place in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory at Newcastle, while Alex Ferguson's extraordinary career ended in remarkable fashion as Manchester United drew 5-5 at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

Arsene Wenger's side needed three points to guarantee a spot in next season's Champions League qualification rounds ahead of north London rivals Tottenham and Laurent Koscielny's second-half strike ensured they achieved that aim.

Koscielny's goal meant more heartache for Spurs, who have developed an unfortunate habit of missing out on Champions League action on the last day of the season, and once again had to settle for the place in the Europa League that comes with finishing fifth despite their 1-0 win against Sunderland at White Hart Lane.

Ferguson was taking charge of United for the 1,500th and final time before retiring and the Scot looked set to bow out with a win as the Premier League champions romped into a 5-2 lead.

But Albion scored three times in the last nine minutes in an incredible finish to spoil Ferguson's farewell at the Hawthorns.

At St James' Park, Arsenal bagged the priceless goal when French defender Koscielny swivelled to volley home from close-range after Lukas Podolski flicked on Theo Walcott's free-kick in the 52nd minute.

The victory secured Arsenal's 16th consecutive Champions League qualification and will ease the pain of another trophyless season for the Gunners, who trailed Tottenham by seven points at the start of March.

Mourinho could leave Real this week - reports

AP

Madrid: Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho could leave the club as early as this week according to reports in the Spanish press on Sunday.

A 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Friday night's Copa del Rey final meant Real will end the season without a major trophy and has accelerated claims that Mourinho could make a return to Chelsea, who he previously managed between 2004 and 2007.

Madrid sports daily Marca ran the headline "he is going to Chelsea" on Sunday morning, adding that "Real Madrid could make his goodbye official this week."

Another Spanish newspaper, broadsheet El Mundo, also reported that Mourinho may not even be in charge for Real's final two games of the season against Real Sociedad and Osasuna.

"Madrid want to sack Mourinho now," it claimed.

"The board and the president, Florentino Perez, have had enough after the defeat in the final of the Copa del Rey and the tense situation in the dressing room, and are planning to bring to an end the Portuguese's reign immediately."

Mourinho admitted after Friday's defeat that he had failed this season as Real also surrendered their La Liga title to Barcelona and were eliminated for the third time in three years under Mourinho at the semi-final stage of the Champions League.

However, the other Madrid sports daily AS took a different line and claimed that although Mourinho will go at the end of the campaign, there is no immediate plan to sack him.

"No one in the club thinks that an exit will take place before the end of the season. That is not in the script, although Mourinho is always unpredictable," they said.

Focus has also turned to Madrid's principal target to replace Mourinho should he leave, Carlo Ancelotti, who is due to meet with current employers Paris Saint-Germain to discuss his future.

Madrid are "waiting on the meeting today between Ancelotti and PSG", added AS, before making their move for the two-time Champions League winning coach who has also won league titles in Italy, England and France.

Beckham tears and Ibrahimovic joy as PSG triumph

Paris: Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice while David Beckham produced an emotional Parc des Princes farewell as Ligue 1 champions Paris St Germain beat bottom club Stade Brest 3-1 on a memorable night on Saturday.

Sweden striker Ibrahimovic took his league tally this season to 29 goals, a personal best.

Former France forward Jean-Pierre Papin was the last player to hit 30 Ligue 1 goals in a season, for Olympique Marseille in 1989-90.

Ex-England skipper Beckham, who will retire at the end of the season, broke down in tears when he was substituted by Ezequiel Lavezzi in the 81st minute.

Beckham, who was named skipper against Brest, was hugged by his team mates as he left the pitch to a standing ovation having set up Blaise Matuidi for the second goal.

It was the former Manchester United midfielder's 10th league appearance for PSG and it is not yet clear whether he will take part in the last game of the season at Lorient next weekend.

Beckham was the second-last player to get to the centre of the pitch where the players and staff were presented with the league trophy.

'Hello, Goodbye', a Beatles song, was played over the public address system as a film showed highlights of his time at the club before Beckham walked towards the podium with a St George's flag wrapped round his shoulders.

"I want to say thank you to everybody in Paris, to my team mates, to the staff, to the fans," said the 38-year-old former Real Madrid and Los Angeles Galaxy player. "To finish my career here could not be any more special.

"I want to enjoy my family now, I have all the souvenirs I want now so I'm very, very happy. Merci Paris. I'm very sad to be leaving but thank you."

On Monday, title celebrations on the streets of Paris turned sour when 30 people were injured in clashes between fans and police in the west of the French capital but the atmosphere was good against relegated Brest.

Ferguson criticises City for Mancini sacking

London: Manchester United's outgoing manager Alex Ferguson has criticised neighbours Manchester City for sacking Roberto Mancini.

The Italian boss was sacked on Monday having failed to retain the Premier League title he won last season and after losing the FA Cup final to Wigan Athletic.

Mancini took out a full-page advertisement in the Manchester Evening News on Saturday, thanking fans for their support during his time in charge.

The former Inter Milan manager said in the ad: "Manchester City Supporters 3 unforgettable years, you will always be in my heart, ciao, Roberto Mancini."

Ferguson, who will retire following Sunday's game at West Bromwich Albion, rallied behind his former rival and questioned the logic behind sacking a manager who won the Premier League and FA Cup during his three years in charge.

"It was quite amazing. He has won the FA Cup, been in the final, second in the league and won the league and it's not good enough?" he told reporters.

"I was surprised, but actually no, you can't say you are surprised not with some owners today. You can't be surprised, but I still don't think it was right."

Ferguson will be replaced by David Moyes, who will leave Everton at the end of the season after 11 years in charge.

While Ferguson says Moyes will not be distracted by the situation at Manchester City, he will need to adapt to working at a club with a larger global appeal.

"What happens at Man City won't have any bearing on David," Ferguson said.

"He's got the structure here and he's got the experience. He's had to handle things at Everton that are more difficult probably. I don't think that matters.

"I think the enormity of the club will be the most difficult aspect, he will soon realise that anyway.

"The global brand and number of sponsors we have, he has to fit into that. I don't think that's an issue though and the most important thing is the team.

"He's got a good squad of players and he will want to add to that. He will have his own ideas and that's good. He will be fine."

Ferguson praises 'amazing' Beckham's longevity

David Beckham's longevity and his ability to reinvent himself were "absolutely incredible", retiring Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has said.

Beckham and Ferguson, who were synonymously linked with Manchester United until the former England captain moved to Real Madrid, both announced in the past 10 days they would retire from soccer at the end of the current season.

The 71-year-old Ferguson's final game in charge after 26 years at Old Trafford will be on Sunday while the 38-year-old Beckham will retire as a player after Paris St Germain's French Ligue finale against FC Lorient on May 26.

"You talk about longevity and in many ways reinventing himself, it has been absolutely incredible," Ferguson was reported as saying by the BBC on Friday.

"When he went to America there wasn't a person in this place who really thought he could have a career," Ferguson added about Beckham's move to LA Galaxy in 2007.

"Yet he went on and still played for his country, he played for AC Milan in European ties and he played for PSG in European ties, and I don't think anyone could have imagined that.

"He had unbelievable stamina ... he could run all day, and that has allowed him to stay in the game at that kind of level, playing for his country in his mid 30s."

Beckham joined Manchester United as an 11-year-old and went on to play 11 years at the club under Ferguson, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League in a trophy-laden career.

The midfielder, who described Ferguson as a father figure, had a falling out in 2003 when a boot kicked by the manager in the team's dressing room following a defeat struck Beckham in the face and the player moved to Real Madrid later that year.

"I think he's picked the right time (to retire)," Ferguson added. "He's won the league again with PSG and he is exactly the same as me, he has plenty of things to do.

"He is an amazing person."

David Beckham announces retirement

England's best known footballer David Beckham announced his retirement on Thursday after a career laden with trophies and glamour that had a worldwide impact that went way beyond soccer.

The 38-year-old former England captain, who this month helped Paris St Germain to the French league title to add to titles won in England, Spain and the United States, will hang up his boots at the end of this season.

"I'm thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level," the midfielder said in a statement.

"I want to thank all my team mates, the great managers that I had the pleasure of learning from. I also want to thank the fans who have all supported me and given me the strength to succeed."

Beckham earned 115 caps for England, a record for an outfield player, and won the Champions League, six Premier League titles and two FA Cups with Manchester United.

He also won league titles with Real Madrid in Spain, LA Galaxy in the United States and PSG in France.

The London-born Beckham started his career at Manchester United, the club he supported as a boy, making his first team appearance at the age of 17 in 1992.

His trade-mark free kicks and pin-point crosses established him as a key player, while his good looks made him a pin-up for teenage girls and later his marriage to former Spice Girls band member Victoria Adams established him as an off-field celebrity.

While his commercial appeal kept growing and his friendships with Hollywood A listers grew, his main passion of soccer - and in particular England - held firm.

"To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country," Beckham said.

"I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately about their country. I'm honoured to represent England both on and off the pitch.

Mourinho, Ronaldo off as Atletico stun Real

AFP

Atletico Madrid won their 10th Spanish Cup on Friday when they beat bitter city rivals Real Madrid 2-1 in extra-time in a match which saw both Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo sent-off.

Real had been unbeaten in the previous 25 meetings between the two sides dating back 14 years and Mourinho's men got off to the perfect start when Ronaldo headed in Luka Modric's corner.

However, Diego Costa levelled for Atletico 10 minutes before half-time and Los Rojiblancos rode their luck as Mesut Ozil, Karim Benzema and Ronaldo all hit the post for Real.

Mourinho, expected to be back in charge at Chelsea next season, was then sent from the touchline 13 minutes from the end of normal time before Miranda headed Atletico in front eight minutes into extra time.

There was even more drama to come as Ronaldo was shown a straight red card for reacting angrily to a late challenge from Gabi with six minutes remaining.

"We had two clear chances on goal, we hit the post three times -- this is why I think it is unfair," said Mourinho.

But Gabi who was also sent-off, insisted his side were worthy winners.

"This team has worked hard, to be here with the fans," Gabi told TVE.

"We deserve it, this victory is for them, for those people that have waited 14 years to see Atletico beat Madrid."

Real captain Sergio Ramos was left to rue their missed chances throughout the 120 minutes.

"After the first goal we maybe relaxed and they pushed us back," he said.

"We have four or five clear chances and when you don't take them, then you regret it. It is clear that this is the reality and we have to accept it."

Chelsea's Hazard ruled out of Europa League final

AP

Amsterdam: Chelsea winger Eden Hazard will miss Wednesday's Europa League final against Benfica with a hamstring strain while John Terry's ankle problem is still being assessed, interim manager Rafa Benitez said.

The pair were injured in Saturday's Premier League win at Aston Villa. Captain Terry is desperate to prove his fitness after missing last season's Champions League final win over Bayern Munich through suspension.

"Hazard will not be available and, with John, we still have to wait to see how he feels," Benitez told a news conference at the Amsterdam Arena on Tuesday.

"It's not the best injury but tomorrow we will check it with the medical staff and then we will decide on John."

Belgian international Hazard limped off in the 2-1 victory over Villa while Terry was carried off on a stretcher after twisting his ankle in the second half.

In Hazard's absence, Frank Lampard is likely to play alongside David Luiz as the two midfield holding players with Brazilian Ramires pushed forward to join compatriot Oscar and Juan Mata in a trio playing just behind Fernando Torres.

Torres is certain to feature because Demba Ba, signed from Newcastle United in January, is Cup-tied.

Benitez will leave the club after Sunday's final Premier League game of the season at home to Everton, with media reports suggesting Jose Mourinho is to quit Real Madrid for a second stint in charge at Chelsea.

The Spaniard, who took over when Champions League-winning coach Roberto Di Matteo was sacked in November, said he would walk away a proud man if Chelsea could lift the Europa League trophy for the first time in their history.

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Cup winners Wigan relegated after Arsenal loss

AFP

London: Wigan Athletic became the first team to be relegated from England's top flight in the same season as winning the FA Cup after they lost 4-1 at Arsenal, with Lukas Podolski scoring twice, in the Premier League on Tuesday.

The victory keeps Arsenal in pole position to claim fourth spot and a place in next year's Champions League. They lead north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, in fifth spot, by one point with the last round of games to be played on Sunday.

Wigan have narrowly escaped relegation several times in recent seasons but their luck ran out at a rain-sodden Emirates Stadium just three days after they had beaten Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley to win the FA Cup for the first time.

"I never expected this to happen, this group of players don't deserve this," said Wigan manager Roberto Martinez. "Winning the FA Cup was incredible but this is a tough, tough day for the club."

In Tuesday's other game, Manchester City, who sacked manager Roberto Mancini on Monday, won 2-0 at relegated Reading with forwards Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko scoring late in each half.

City, last season's champions, are now guaranteed second place after Brian Kidd took caretaker charge of the team following the departure of Mancini and his number two, David Platt, who left the club earlier on Tuesday.

At the Emirates, Arsenal dominated the first 20 minutes and took the lead in the 11th when Lukas Podolski headed home from six metres after the Wigan defence failed to deal with a corner.

The visitors came back into the game and referee Mike Dean penalised a tackle by midfielder Mikel Arteta on Wigan's Shaun Maloney just outside the Arsenal area shortly before halftime.

Maloney's free kick arced over the wall and just inside Wojciech Szczesny's left-hand post after which Dean was booed off the pitch by the home fans at the break

Rio Ferdinand quits international soccer

AFP

London: Rio Ferdinand announced Wednesday that he was calling time on his England career to concentrate on his club duties at Manchester United.

The 34-year-old centre-half won 81 caps in an international career that took him to three World Cups.

"After a great deal of thought, I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international football," he said in a statement.

"At the age of 34, I feel it is right for me to stand aside and let the younger players come through, which allows me to concentrate on my club career.

"The team looks in great shape and there is an influx of young, talented players coming through the ranks which bodes well for the future."

The south Londoner has not played for England since featuring against Switzerland in June 2011.

He became England's youngest-ever defender when he made his debut shortly after his 19th birthday in a friendly against Cameroon at Wembley in November 1997.

England manager Roy Hodgson said: "It is important to pay tribute to someone of Rio's stature and the achievements he had in a senior international career with England over 14 years at the highest level.

"To have captained his country, to play at three World Cups and indeed score in one of those, marks him out amongst a very special group of players."

Rooney has asked to leave Man Utd: Ferguson

AFP

Manchester: Outgoing Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson confirmed on Sunday that striker Wayne Rooney has asked to leave the club for the second time in three years.

Ferguson, who retires at the end of the season, dropped Rooney for the 2-1 win over Swansea City in his final home game, and said the England international had not been in the right frame of mind to play.

"I don't think Wayne was keen to play because he's asked for a transfer and he wants to think it through in his mind. I think that's a good idea," Ferguson told Sky Sports.

"We're not going to let him go. I think maybe he's a little bit frustrated that he's been taken off once or twice in the last few weeks."

Asked to confirm that Rooney had submitted a transfer request, Ferguson replied: "Yes, he's asked, yeah."

Although Rooney was not included in United's match-day squad, he took part in the post-match victory celebrations after the squad were presented with the Premier League trophy and was also seen to share a brief on-pitch embrace with Ferguson.

Rooney last asked to leave United in 2010, when he accused the club of failing to match his ambitions, only to change his mind and sign a new five-year contract.

Speculation about his future was sparked after he was left out of the United starting XI for the crucial Champions League last 16 home game against Real Madrid in March, with England team-mate Danny Welbeck playing in his place.

Manchester City sack manager Roberto Mancini

AFP

Manchester: Manchester City sacked manager Roberto Mancini on Monday following his team's feeble defence of the Premier League title they won exactly one year ago.

Manchester United regained the title last month with four games to spare and City were then beaten 1-0 by Wigan Athletic in last Saturday's FA Cup final.

City had also failed to progress from the group stage of the Champions League for a second successive season despite boasting one of the most expensively assembled squads in the world.

"It is with regret that Manchester City Football Club announces that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as Manchester City Manager," the club said in a statement.

"Despite everyone's best efforts, the club has failed to achieve any of its stated targets this year, with the exception of qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League.

"This, combined with an identified need to develop a holistic approach to all aspects of football at the club, has meant that the decision has been taken to find a new manager for the 2013/14 season and beyond."

Media speculation has been rife that Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini was being lined up as a replacement but the Chilean denied late on Sunday that he had spoken with City and said no agreement had been reached.

Assistant manager Brian Kidd will be in charge for City's remaining two games of the season and the post-season tour to the United States.

"This has been a difficult decision for the owner, Chairman and Board to make and it is the outcome of a planned end of season review process that has been brought forward in light of recent speculation and out of respect for Roberto and his extensive contributions to the Football Club," the statement said.

Chit-fund scam robs Indian football team of London trip

Reuters

New Delhi: The Bengal chit-fund scam, which hit Kolkata's I-League clubs hard finacially, has now robbed the Indian football team of a chance of improving its FIFA rankings by playing friendlies against Pakistan and Bangladesh in London. The organisers of the trip backed off citing "unforeseen reasons".

The Kolkata-based Celebrity Management Group (CMG), promoters of the London tour, have informed the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that the event has been postponed owing to unforeseen reasons.

But sources in the AIFF said that the cash crunch owing to the chit fund scam in West Bengal forced the organisers to put off the tournament.

Rose Valley, a prominent chit-fund company under the government scanner, was one of the sponsors of the trip, but it has backed out after the Saradha scam came to light in West Bengal. Rose Valley is also an associate sponsor of East Bengal.

"CMG, in a letter, has informed us that it was forced to postpone the tournament owing to unforeseen reasons. The tour was also being sponsored by Rose Valley and since the chit fund companies are under government scanner, we think CMG could not raise money for the tournament," a senior AIFF official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Pellegrini favourite to replace Mancini

Reuters

London: Manuel Pellegrini remained the odds-on favourite on Tuesday to become the new manager of Manchester City after Roberto Mancini was sacked a year to the day since he brought the Premier League trophy to Eastlands.

Malaga boss Pellegrini has been a reported long-term target for City, having previously won plaudits for his work at two other Spanish clubs in Real Madrid and Villarreal.

Several British newspapers carried extensive profiles of Pellegrini even though Monday saw the Chilean try to dampen down speculation by saying: "I deny here and now being the new coach of Manchester City, I haven't signed any agreement with anybody.

There was speculation, too, that if Pellegrini did not arrive at Eastlands, City might bring interim Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez on board.

The former Liverpool manager, who will lead the Blues in their Europa League final against Benfica in Amsterdam on Wednesday, is set to leave Chelsea at the end of this season.

Tuesday's edition of The Times said Mancini would be a man in demand, with French club Monaco leading the chase for the Italian's services, and Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli and several Russian clubs also said to be interested in him.

City's shock FA Cup Final defeat by Wigan at Wembley on Saturday meant they ended this season without any silverware and strengthened rumours that Mancini, who replaced Mark Hughes in 2009, was about to be dismissed.

The club's Abu Dhabi-based owners confirmed Monday the end of Mancini's three-and-a-half-year tenure, with a City statement also talking of a need to "develop a holistic approach to all aspects of football at the club"

Mancini set for Man City exit -- reports

AFP

London: Manchester City are expected to dismiss manager Roberto Mancini later this week, according to reports in the British media on Sunday.

Stories emerging in the Spanish press this week claimed that City are poised to replace the Italian with Malaga's Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini, and the English Premier League club have so far failed to provide any clarification over Mancini's position.

Speaking after City's shock 1-0 loss to Wigan Athletic in Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, Mancini criticised his employers for not publicly addressing the rumours.

Speaking to the media in his post-game press conference, he said: "You continue to talk about this for six months and also in the last two weeks, too much.

"I don't know why the club didn't stop this, because I didn't think it was correct. I don't think that it's true."

As well as their FA Cup final defeat, City failed to keep pace with Manchester United in the defence of their Premier League title and were knocked out of the Champions League in the group phase.

Reports appearing on the websites of several British newspapers on Sunday claimed that Mancini could even be sacked prior to his side's next league game at Reading on Tuesday.

Ferguson gets win in emotional final game at Old Trafford

Alex Ferguson's last home match in charge of Manchester United ended in a low-key 2-1 Premier League win over Swansea City as the Old Trafford crowd gave their long-serving manager a warm and emotional send-off on Sunday.

Defender Rio Ferdinand struck the winner three minutes from time, yet another one of the late goals which have been a feature of Ferguson's 26-year reign at the club.

Ferguson, in his 1,499th match at the helm, received a rapturous reception from the fans and a Guard of Honour from the players of both teams as he walked on to the pitch as heavy rain fell at Old Trafford.

Champions United started brightly and Javier Hernandez scooped a shot on to the underside of the crossbar after five minutes.

The home side dominated possession and they opened the scoring after 39 minutes when Mexican Hernandez reacted sharply to lash a loose ball low into the net from six metres.

Swansea briefly silenced the crowd when striker Michu equalised four minutes after halftime, getting in front of Phil Jones to steer a cross firmly past David de Gea for his 18th goal of the season.

Paul Scholes, making his 717th and final appearance for United, was substituted after 66 minutes and left the field in typically modest fashion to more warm applause.

Ryan Giggs, who has played in each of Ferguson's 13 title-winning teams, came on as a late replacement and although Swansea threatened to grab a winner it was United who found one.

A right-wing corner fell kindly to Ferdinand at the far post and the England defender gleefully lashed the ball into the net from six metres.

United are 13 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City with one match left in the season, away at West Bromwich Albion next Sunday.

Champions Barca celebrate with win at Atletico

Madrid: Barcelona celebrated their 22nd La Liga title with a 2-1 comeback win at Atletico Madrid when a bizarre own-goal from home captain Gabi decided the clash at the Calderon on Sunday.

Radamel Falcao had threatened to spoil Barca's title party when he struck in the 51st minute, but Alexis Sanchez levelled in the 72nd before David Villa's miscued shot was diverted into his own net by Gabi eight minutes later.

Barca had to play with 10 men for the last 20 minutes after Lionel Messi was forced to leave the pitch with a recurrence of his hamstring injury after coach Tito Vilanova had already made his three substitutions.

The Catalans, left with an unassailable lead in the standings on Saturday when second-placed Real Madrid drew 1-1 at Espanyol, moved 10 points clear at the top on 91.

With three games left, Barca have a chance to match Real's record 100 points tally for a season from last year. Jose Mourinho's side have 81 points but with two matches to play.

"I would like people to value this title for the work done by everyone, and not for the health problems," Vilanova told a news conference referring to his battle against throat cancer and attempts to label their success 'Tito's title'.

"This isn't Tito's title, it is for all the players. They deserve a lot of credit because it is difficult to win when the coach is absent for two months (receiving treatment).

"I didn't watch Real's game last night. I looked at the internet and saw it was 1-1 and went to bed because I was thinking about today's game."

Martinez shuns Everton talk to focus on final

Wigan, United Kingdom: Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez says speculation linking him with the Everton job will not distract him from a shot at FA Cup glory on Saturday.

Martinez is believed to be among the leading candidates to replace Manchester United-bound David Moyes as Everton manger.

But the Spaniard insists his focus for the time being is on beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium and safeguarding Wigan's future in the Premier League.

"At this moment in time it would be a waste of time," Martinez said when asked if there had been any contact by Everton.

"It doesn't affect us. That's where we are. Speculation? That's part of the job.

"The most important aspect is to be as ready as we can for Saturday and then we've got another two incredible finals in the league.

"This is the peak time for Wigan Athletic and we need to make sure we are ready to allow our fans to be very, very proud and enjoy a really strong ending to the season. That's what we have to fight for.

"Right now we are facing an FA Cup final that we know is going to be extremely difficult, but all we are concentrating on is trying to win a football game. We are trying to be as competitive as we can."

Wigan made costly defensive mistakes in their last Premier League game against Swansea City, a 3-2 home defeat, which Martinez conceded afterwards were a result of the tension of a relegation battle.

However, he does not expect them to suffer from any such pressures against City at Wembley.

Lampard keen on Mourinho return

London: Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard on Thursday welcomed speculation linking former manager Jose Mourinho with a return to Stamford Bridge and said it would be a positive move for the club.

Lampard was one of Mourinho's key players during the Portuguese coach's three-year spell at Chelsea, which came to an abrupt end in September 2007 when the manager left the club.

With Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez due to leave at the end of the season, Mourinho has been strongly linked with a return from Real Madrid, and Lampard says he would welcome the sight of his old mentor back at the club.

"I think it would be a great thing for the club," said the England midfielder. "He is a successful manager and he would be a great thing for any club.

"It's hard to comment with the season still ongoing and with the manager not here or chosen yet. It would be easy to speculate.

"I have seen speculation before and a completely different manager walks through the door, so you never know on that front. But he is certainly one of the greatest if not the greatest manager in world football."

Lampard's own future remains unclear, as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season and the 34-year-old is yet to agree a new deal.

"I've always said that I wanted to spend all of my career here, so I think everyone knows that," Lampard said.

Asked if Mourinho's return would affect his case, he replied: "I honestly don't know. We have got two weeks that will decide whether our season has been a successful one or not. That is the main focus.

"Of course Jose Mourinho would be a great manager for any club to have, but I don't think it is right to talk about him while he is still Real Madrid manager.

Delighted that Sir Alex recommended me: Moyes

David Moyes, who was appointed the Manchester United manager on Thursday, said it was a great honour to be the next manager at Old Trafford and was also delighted that it was outgoing manager Alex Ferguson, who recommended him for the job.

"It's a great honour to be asked to be the next manager of Manchester United. I am delighted that Sir Alex saw fit to recommend me for the job. I have great respect for everything he has done for the Football Club," said Moyes in a statement issued by the club.

Moyes said it will be challenging task to replace Ferguson.

"I know how hard it will be to follow the best manager ever, but the opportunity to manage Manchester United isn't something that comes around very often and I'm really looking forward to taking up the post next season.

"I have had a terrific job at Everton, with a tremendous chairman and Board of Directors and a great set of players. Between now and the end of the season, I will do everything in my power to make sure we finish as high as possible in the table," he said.

Moyes also paid a rich tribute to his present club Everton, whom he will be leaving at the end of the season.

"Everton's fantastic fans have played a big part in making my years at Goodison so enjoyable and I thank them wholeheartedly for the support they have given me and the players. Everton will be close to me for the rest of my life," he said.

Moyes appointment sends out right message: Redknapp

London: The appointment of David Moyes as Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United gives hope to all young British soccer managers, Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp believes.

Moyes, who will leave Everton after 11 years to take over the Old Trafford hot seat at the end of the season, was given the nod ahead of candidates such as Real Madrid's former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Borussia Dortmund's Juergen Klopp.

Despite Moyes never having won any silverware and his lack of European experience, Redknapp said the 50-year-old Scot was the perfect candidate for one of the most prestigious jobs in English soccer.

"It's a great job for David and I couldn't be more pleased for him," former Tottenham Hotspur manager Redknapp told a news conference on Friday.

"He is a fantastic boy and a top manager and I think he will do a great job at Manchester United.

"He's the perfect choice and it's good too for the game in this country that they have taken a British coach and they have given him a chance and not gone abroad and pulled some one in.

"They have taken some one who has done his apprenticeship and managed at lower levels and come through the system and it gives great hope to other young British managers who are working in the lower divisions.

"There are some real talented lads out there working in all divisions and they just need the opportunity to manage higher.

"Moyes has come through from the bottom, did a fantastic job at Everton and now he's got the plumb job."

Before taking over at Everton in 2002, former Celtic defender Moyes managed Preston North End, taking them to the playoffs for the Premier League.

Ferguson won 13 league titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and two Champions Leagues in his 27-year reign at Old Trafford.