madristar

Llorente to replace Rooney at United? Manchester United are already preparing for life without Wayne Rooney with Fernando Llorente their target this January. The Athletic Bilbao striker has caught the eyes of potential suitors after scoring three goals in two games for Spain in the Euro 2012 qualifiers. According to Spanish publication Marca, the Premier League giants are among the clubs interested in the 25-year-old whom they see as a replacement for Rooney. Reports also claimed Llorente has been seen speaking with Martin Ferguson, son of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. However, Bilbao are reportedly asking for around €36 million for their star striker, which could put off the interest of United, who are not in the best of financial health. Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also believed to be hot on the heels of the hitman.

Mourinho hails fantastic Real display Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho hailed his side's performance in their 2-0 Champions League victory over AC Milan as "fantastic". Madrid took complete control of Group G after early goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil earned them their third successive win in Europe, leaving them five points clear of nearest challengers Milan and Ajax. Mourinho, who is still unbeaten as Madrid coach and now boasts eight wins from his 10 games in charge, said after the match: "The physical, mental and tactical response of the team has been fantastic after the effort made against Malaga (Saturday night) and barely two days to prepare for the match. "To play at this level was an incredible response from the players. I'm very happy because we've played very well. "Now we have two away games before we finish the group at home to Auxerre and what we want is to have our place in the next round secured before this last game. First we must qualify and then go for first place." Madrid needed just 13 minutes to go ahead in the mouth-watering battle between the two most successful clubs in European Cup history, Ronaldo firing a free-kick waist-high through a poor Milan wall. The home side, who have been crowned champions of Europe nine times compared to Milan's seven, then doubled their advantage 60 seconds later when Ozil's shot took a huge deflection off Daniele Bonera to leave goalkeeper Marco Amelia with no chance. Milan briefly threatened a fightback when Andrea Pirlo hit the crossbar from a free-kick and Clarence Seedorf blazed a good opportunity over with his left foot, but otherwise it was virtually all Madrid, who could and perhaps should have added at least a couple more goals. That was one of the few complaints Mourinho had about the match, saying: "Fortunately it was a qualification game where goals do not have as much significance. "If this was a semi-final or a match where goals were important I wouldn't be so happy, because it should have been a 4-0 win. We missed a lot of chances." Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri, who sent out an adventurous line-up with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho supported by Seedorf and Pirlo, was much less impressed than his Portuguese counterpart after seeing his side comfortable beaten. Allegri said: "I'm sad for my players, we thought we could play a different type of game. The game was decided in the first 15 minutes. We've had a bad game. "We did have some goalscoring chances, but not too many. "This is a mistake that should not be repeated. Hopefully this is the last time this happens. We must have a different type of performance to be competitive at European level. "Now we need to look forward. We depend on ourselves, but we know that we have three very difficult games."

Mourinho: Madrid too fast for Milan Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho said his side were "just too fast" for AC Milan following their 2-0 win over the Italians. Real ran out winners from the highly anticipated Group G clash thanks to two quickfire goals - the first was a Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick in the 13th minute while the second goal came moments later after a Mesut Ozil shot was deflected into the Milan goal. "I always expect a difficult game, but it seems to me that we started with a fantastic approach that was just too fast for Milan. We scored two quickly and could've got a third," Mourinho said after the game. "It was a test of intelligence for my team to know how to handle the situation and the tempo. "These are three valuable points for a very young side against a Milan outfit with immense experience. "Right now the psychological aspect is crucial for me and they seem a completely different side to last season." Real's director general Jorge Valdano was also pleased to witness the progress the team has made. "We've seen the progress made by this team, which always showcases great spirit and compromise," he said. Mourinho's men now occupy top spot in Group G with nine points from three games.

"Mourinho wouldn't be my manager" Dutch legend Johan Cruyff said that if he was running a club, he would not make Jose Mourinho manager. In a discussion about the Portuguese manager on radio station Onda Cero, Cruyff was asked to compared the styles between Mourinho and the current Barcelona manager, Pep Guardiola. Cruyff said: "I think it is a dispute that has nothing to do with football. "I have great respect for Mourinho as a coach, but even with everything he has achieved, he would never be the coach of my team. "I believe that a technician needs to more things than make the team play well. "They have to represent the club, the institution, and the members. "In that sense, [Frank] Rijkaard and Guardiola are good representatives for a world-renowned institution." He also gave an insight to why Barcelona seemed to look lacklustre this early in the season, saying: "There has been little vacation, little preparation time in the pre-season, and the national team traveling has been enormous. "However, the match against Valencia was one of the best matches I've seen in years." The La Liga champions managed a 2-1 victory over Valencia last weekend.

Mourinho won't rule out Rooney move Jose Mourinho admits he would love to bring Wayne Rooney to Real Madrid, but expects him to stay at Manchester United. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson shocked the footballing world in a frank and open interview where he confirmed that the England international wants to quit Old Trafford. Real are expected to be one of the front runners for Rooney's signature, but Mourinho isn't convinced at the moment. "My thoughts are he will stay," Mourinho told Sky Sports. "He probably wants to leave for some reasons, but I believe he belongs to Man Utd, he belongs to Man Utd fans, he belongs to Old Trafford. "I believe he is going to stay. But if at the end of day Man Utd decides that he is to leave, give me a call." Asked if he would be interesting in taking Rooney to the Spanish capital, a laughing Mourinho said: "Everybody would be interested, but again I don't think so. "I think and I wish because I like him, I like Sir Alex, I like Man Utd I believe the best thing for him is to stay there for life. Real took a giant step towards the knock-out stages of the Champions League after defeating AC Milan 2-0 on Tuesday. Ex-United star Cristiano Ronaldo scored from a free-kick in the 13th minute to send Mourinho's men on their way to three points. When Mourinho was asked if he was excited at the prospect of teaming Rooney up with Ronaldo again, he said: "Yes, but he will stay at Old Trafford for sure." There is speculation in England that Rooney could even do the unthinkable and join Manchester City.

what does it mean? that Kaka will be great product for sale or exchange? Mourinho, during the press conference before the big clash Real Madrid/ AC Milan in Champions League, said about Kakà: “In Madrid, everyone forgets that Kakà is missing. When he will rejoin the team, he will probably make the difference for Real. He will stay and I am sure he will be fundamental for us. Now, my job is to qualify the team for the next phase so that he could play Champions League. He will be our purchase in January at no cost and will be crucial for us.”

Mourinho doesn’t forget Kakà Finally, someone in Madrid spoke about the case of Kakà; The “Special One” has a big plan for the return of Kakà! Mourinho, during the press conference before the big clash Real Madrid/ AC Milan in Champions League, said about Kakà: “In Madrid, everyone forgets that Kakà is missing. When he will rejoin the team, he will probably make the difference for Real. He will stay and I am sure he will be fundamental for us. Now, my job is to qualify the team for the next phase so that he could play Champions League. He will be our purchase in January at no cost and will be crucial for us.” The explanation of The Special One puts an end to all speculations about the situation of Kakà in the Spanish capital. Maybe media will not talk anymore about transfers… can we dream? Futhermore, the rumours saying Kakà is leaving in January for either AC Milan or Inter has been dismissed by Director General Jorge Valdano. “The rumours that Kakà is going to go to Italy is another urban legend,” insists Valdano .

Oh finally some good news..i started getting worried .

^repost

Rooney plans to leave Man United In a shocking turn of events, Wayne Rooney has indicated he has no intention to sign a new contract at Manchester United. There has been much speculation about the reasons for the England star's delay in signing an extension to his current contract at Old Trafford, especially given that it runs out at the end of the next season, and the latest reports according to the Guardian indicate that he intends to leave Manchester United. The reports also reveal that his decision is based on frustration with Sir Alex Ferguson, and this new turn of events will leave fans in the Theatre of Dreams shell-shocked. The two have previously had a good relationship, but with Rooney's recent travails in the public eye because of allegations about his personal life, coupled with his decidedly poor performances of late, the United manager has been taking a hard-line stance with Rooney, leaving him out of games as well as making excuses for his performance. Although United's response to speculation that the 24-year-old striker was going to be sold in January was to label it "nonsense", it appears there is rather more substance to the stories than the Old Trafford faithful would want. Rooney appeared to make a direct challenge to Ferguson's authority on Tuesday after England's Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro, when he went out of his way to contradict the Scot's claim that he has been suffering from an ankle injury. It leaves Ferguson with a dilemma. He does have the option of playing hardball with Rooney and keeping the former Everton star at Old Trafford, in the hope he changes his mind. On the other hand, if Rooney does succeed in forcing a move from Old Trafford, Ferguson will have to identify a successor - Fernando Torres' name has been mentioned even if that move from Liverpool would seem very dubious - but decide what to do with Rooney in the interim. Ferguson has so far avoided any meaningful public discussion about Rooney's situation but appeared to deliver his own verdict when he left the forward out of his starting line-up for Saturday's Premier League encounter with West Brom, then brought him on as a substitute with 19 minutes remaining and told him to play on the left wing. Next up are Turkish champions Bursaspor in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Wednesday, when Rooney would ordinarily be looking at scoring his first goal in open play for United this season. This can no longer be guaranteed given his relationship with Ferguson is now badly fractured as a result of the revelations about his private life, to which the United boss has not taken too kindly. Ferguson does have Dimitar Berbatov, Javier Hernandez and Michael Owen - who missed Saturday's game with a calf injury - to call upon, but having kept his counsel on Rooney since the player's declaration at Wembley last week, his next move is awaited with interest. With vultures like Real Madrid and Barcelona from Spain circling, United's hierarchy could find themselves arm-twisted to sell during the January transfer window, rather than have Rooney's markey value plunge with his contract a mere 20 months from expiring. What could make things worse for United fans though, is the fact that he could very well join Carlos Tevez in crossing over to the Blue end of Manchester and joining the Citizens, as he has said that playing overseas holds no interest for him. Amongst the top clubs, Manchester City are the only ones who can afford the kind of transfer fee as well as salary he would expect, and it would not be unexpected for the oil sheiks to thump up another 100 million euros to ensure that they get another marquee player. The only reservation to that end would be the fact that their wage structure is already terribly inflated, and with UEFA financial fair-play rules coming into effect soon, adding Rooney to the mix could leave them banned from European competition.

"Rooney must look after number one" Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has advised Wayne Rooney to make sure he puts his own interests first. The England striker's future at Old Trafford has been thrown into doubt this week after he contradicted manager Sir Alex Ferguson on an injury issue, and Press Association Sport understands Rooney will not sign a new contract. With his current deal set to run out in the summer of 2012, there is speculation the 24-year-old could be sold as early as January. Ipswich manager Keane, who ended a 12-year stint with United in 2005 after a spat with Ferguson, said on dailymail.co.uk: "Players and managers fall out all the time. It's part of life. "If I was to offer advice to Wayne, who is a good lad, I would tell him to make sure he looks after number one. "Players are pieces of meat - that's how I look at it. When your time's up, your time's up. "Luckily for Wayne he's at a good age and he's fit." Along with Keane, David Beckham and Jaap Stam are other players who have left Old Trafford after falling foul of Ferguson, but the 39-year-old Ipswich boss does not believe that result is inevitable with Rooney. "It depends on the situation and whether you have been lied to or not," he said. "But, as usual, we are second guessing what has gone on at the club, which is dangerous."

Mourinho: Rooney will not leave Jose Mourinho believes Sir Alex Ferguson will talk Wayne Rooney into staying at Manchester United. While Sir Alex Ferguson is finalising his plans for a response to the eruption around Rooney, which is expected to be delivered tomorrow, Mourinho has offered his own thoughts. As one of the men tipped to replace Ferguson when the Scot eventually calls time on his United career, and more importantly, manager of one of the few clubs who could realistically afford the 24-year-old, Mourinho's comments do carry some weight. And while the Real Madrid coach opted not to get into any deep discussion about Rooney ahead of his side's Champions League encounter with AC Milan at the Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday night, he suggested Ferguson could yet patch things up with his star striker. "I don't think he will (become available)," he said. "I think the big man will persuade him to stay." Thus far, Ferguson has kept his own counsel, although he looked relaxed as he attended a £1million extension of United's charitable work for UNICEF at Old Trafford this afternoon. He left Old Trafford before any of his own thoughts on Rooney could be offered. Behind the scenes however, work is under way to try and fashion some kind of response to a situation United's insiders admit has caught them by surprise, if only because of the manner of it. Even on Monday, suggestions of high-level conversations involving United officials gave rise to the idea Rooney was being persuaded to sign a new contract, even though he has told United he will not do so when his current deal expires in 2012. But Press Association Sport understands this is not the case and the entire stand-off remains exactly as it was on Sunday, when it became apparent exactly how fractured the relationship between Rooney and Ferguson has become. Ferguson will doubtless be questioned on the issue on Tuesday when he is due to attend a press conference ahead of United's Champions League encounter with Turkish champions Bursaspor. Chief executive David Gill at least hinted some clarification of the Rooney situation would eventually be made. "We will say something at an appropriate time. But this is not an appropriate time," he said. There has been some conjecture Rooney's advisors have come up with an elaborate plan to try and force more money out of United, having been unimpressed with a contract offer that was due to be negotiated immediately after his post-World Cup break. But Rooney's grievances appear genuine and deep-rooted, possibly extending beyond the manner with which Ferguson has dealt with the issues over his player's personal life. The United manager is thought to be unimpressed at Rooney's behaviour, just as the player is thought to be not too pleased at his club's recent recruitment policy. Ferguson does have the option of keeping the former Everton star until his contract expires in 2012. That would effectively mean waving goodbye to a transfer fee that might be sizeable in January but would fall by the end of the season and then evaporate completely within 12 months. United's problem is that if Rooney's departure is sanctioned, the list of clubs across Europe who could realistically afford a player who cost £27million when he arrived from Everton in 2004 and scored 34 goals last season before injury curtailed his campaign, is pretty short. Barcelona are said to be trying to trim back their outgoings, and Real Madrid invested heavily this summer. Italy is not exactly awash with money, whilst Bayern Munich spent considerable amounts last summer building a squad to suit Louis van Gaal. Unless a player exchange deal involving someone like Karim Benzema or Franck Ribery could be arranged, Rooney's options abroad are limited, while in England, only Chelsea or Manchester City would stump up the wages required to secure the forward's services. The mere mention of City's name would send a shudder down the Old Trafford faithful, who realise what a positive impact Carlos Tevez has had since his own move across town to Eastlands. At a time when they appear vulnerable after registering five draws in their opening eight games, United would resist that move with vigour.

"Real Madrid have enough strikers" Real Madrid director general Jorge Valdano has lauded his side's attack and questioned the need for another goalscorer. There have been rumours linking Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney with a move to the Spanish giants. Valdano also reiterated coach Jose Mourinho's comments last week that Madrid are not planning on making any changes to their playing squad during the January transfer window. Reports have suggested Madrid as a possible destination for Rooney if United decide to cash in on the England striker, whose contract with the Red Devils runs until the summer of 2012 and whose relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been the subject of plenty of speculation recently. Madrid have also been linked with Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, but Valdano was keen to highlight the firepower already at the club, with the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria, Mesut Ozil and Karim Benzema carrying the fight up front for Mourinho's men. When asked about Rooney, Valdano was quoted as saying on Telemadrid: "Madrid have two great strikers; Higuain and Cristiano, who already showed last season that they are capable of scoring 60 goals between them. "As well as that there are Di Maria and Ozil, who are going to help these two goalscorers. The question is, who would we move aside if we signed another striker?" When asked if Madrid did not need another striker, Valdano said: "It's not a debate in Madrid. Mourinho had to come out and stop these types of rumours. And as well as that, Benzema has not had the last word." On in-form Spain frontman Llorente, Valdano added: "I like him, but from that to finding him a place in Madrid, that won't be easy. Every season there will be a new player, but it doesn't always have to be a centre-forward. "Llorente is improving a lot and he is ready for new experiences, but often the media are discussing things that are not happening in the club." It remains to be seen if things change over the course of the season, but Valdano also confirmed that the Bernabeu club will not be doing business in the January transfer window. "In January there will be neither ins nor outs. June is a long way away," he said.

Mourinho: Kaka will be Real crucial Amidst doubts surrounding Kaka's future at Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho has responded by saying the midfielder will play a key role. The Brazilian international has been continually linked with a move out of the Bernabeu and back to Serie A following talks of him not being part of Mourinho's plans. His absence for the Los Blancos due to an injury has not helped and further invoked questions about his future with the Spanish giants. But Mourinho has put the speculations to bed by insisting the 28-year-old will play a integral part of his plans. "Kaka will make the difference for Real Madrid. He will be our purchase in January at no cost and will be crucial for us," he said during a press conference on Monday. The Special One also spoke about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who worked under him at Inter Milan, as he looks forward to the Champions League clash with AC Milan on Tuesday. We play against a team, not against one player, but with Ibrahimovic it is different. I know him and in Italy they know him. In Spain they did not know him - he was not happy, he had no self-esteem, he had no confidence in himself," The Portuguese also pointed out who he thinks will be the dangerman for his side on Tuesday - and it's not Ibrahimovic. "For me, they can deploy ten strikers as long as they don't play Inzaghi, then it becomes more complicated [for us]." Meanwhile, speculation have been rife over the possible move of Wayne Rooney to Real Madrid following his fall-out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson but director general Jorge Valdano has claimed the club do not need anymore strikers.

Mourinho: Kaka will be Real crucial Amidst doubts surrounding Kaka's future at Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho has responded by saying the midfielder will play a key role. The Brazilian international has been continually linked with a move out of the Bernabeu and back to Serie A following talks of him not being part of Mourinho's plans. His absence for the Los Blancos due to an injury has not helped and further invoked questions about his future with the Spanish giants. But Mourinho has put the speculations to bed by insisting the 28-year-old will play a integral part of his plans. "Kaka will make the difference for Real Madrid. He will be our purchase in January at no cost and will be crucial for us," he said during a press conference on Monday. The Special One also spoke about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who worked under him at Inter Milan, as he looks forward to the Champions League clash with AC Milan on Tuesday. We play against a team, not against one player, but with Ibrahimovic it is different. I know him and in Italy they know him. In Spain they did not know him - he was not happy, he had no self-esteem, he had no confidence in himself," The Portuguese also pointed out who he thinks will be the dangerman for his side on Tuesday - and it's not Ibrahimovic. "For me, they can deploy ten strikers as long as they don't play Inzaghi, then it becomes more complicated [for us]." Meanwhile, speculation have been rife over the possible move of Wayne Rooney to Real Madrid following his fall-out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson but director general Jorge Valdano has claimed the club do not need anymore strikers.

GQ

old Adidas

gillette

credit to lighna at sergio-ramos.com

i wondered WHY there is no thread of him ....

old adidas ads..

Q: Why are you a “canalla” (scoundrel)? A: I played as a kid with Rosario Central, starting from when I was seven. Thanks to the canallas, I’m now with Madrid. Q: Explain to the readers of AS what that nickname means. A: Many years ago [in the 1920s], Newell’s Old Boys wanted to play a charity game for lepers, but Rosario Central refused to join in. That’s why Newell’s is now called the lepers and Rosario the canallas. Q: You now live in La Finca, a very different place from where you grew up, on Perdriel Street. A: That’s the place where I was born and where I met my best friends. I have it tattooed on my forearm. Six of us have the same tattoo. Everyone that I love is in the Churrasco neighborhood. Q: Sometimes, when a footballer makes it, he forgets his old friends… A: Not me. For me, Alex, Nico, Diego, Mauri, Jeremías and Bryan are everything, along with my family and my girlfriend Jorgelina. Q: Is it true that your first transfer was at the age of 7, from Atlético Torito to Rosario, and was in exchange for 25 balls? (Laughs) Yes, but I think it was for a little more than that. Q: Time flies. And now you play for Madrid… A: It seems like I was just starting yesterday, when my agent Andrés Miranda came to the house of my parents. I debuted in the Primera at the age of 17, and at 19 I debuted with Benfica, and now Real Madrid. Everything has gone by very quickly: the U-20 World Cup, the Olympic Games, the World Cup in South Africa. Q: And how much do you owe to your family? A: A doctor told my mother (Diana) to sign me up for some sport at the age of three because I was a very nervous, jumpy kid. And thanks to the advice of this doctor, I’m here now. My father was a coalman [carbonero in Spanish, like Sara's last name!]. He worked with coal for 16 years, but when I started becoming successful and went to Europe, I told him that I didn’t want him to work anymore. Q: Did you work with your father? A: Yes. I helped to receive and dole out the coal. I helped him from the time I was 13 until I made my debut in the Primera. Q: Your footballing father is Kily González, no? A: Partly, yes. I speak with him a lot. I played a year with Kily in Rosario Central, and his advice and experience helped me a lot. He told me to always have the ambition to go far and to always want more. That’s what he did, and that’s how he got to Valencia and Inter. Q: What have your teammates told you about your new stadium? A: They haven’t told me anything. I was there in the Bernabéu last year, watching a team that had lost 4-0 and had to make a comeback in order to pass to the next round. Q: The day of Alcorcón? A: That’s it! Q: You were watching the game in the stadium? A: Yes, because I was with the Argentine national team. Q: What a game you saw! A: The fans are tough, but when things go well, the people encourage a lot. Q: Your compatriot Gago has had a bad time with the whistles from the Bernabéu crowd. A: Yes, I know. The public is very demanding. What happened with Alcorcón was hard. I know that they whistled at Fer, but things like that happen. Q: Good luck tonight. A: Thank you. I believe that playing in the Santiago Bernabéu will be something amazing.