madristar

Ancelotti: Arsenal scared of Drogba Chelsea manager Carlos Ancelotti insists Arsenal are 'a little afraid' of Didier Drogba ahead of their clash on Monday. And the Gunners have sufficient reason to. The Ivorian striker boasts of an impressive scoring record against the Gunners, having scored 10 goals in the past 14 meetings against them. Drogba scored twice in the Blues' 3-0 win in the correspondent fixture last season was also on the scoresheet in the 2-0 FA Cup win at Stamford Bridge. He last haunted them in October when scored in a 2-0 win over Arsene Wenger's side. Despite his recent struggles with malaria, Ancelotti is backing Drogba to kick-start his season at the Emirates on Monday. "Arsenal have fantastic ability and are able to play fantastic football, but maybe they concede something defensively, so we have to use our ability to find the right space to create difficulty in their defensive line," the Italian was quoted as saying in The Guardian. "I think they are a little bit afraid of the performance of Drogba, because he's done very well against them. If Drogba plays at his best, we'll have more opportunity to win. We want to try the same game that we played against them, and we hope to reach the same result." The 30-year-old has been a shadow of the player he was last season where he ended up as the league's top scorer. And the postponement of last weekend's clash with Manchester United has given Drogba time to regain his fitness. And the same could be said of Frank Lampard. "I think it was an advantage," said Ancelotti, who has given his team Christmas Day off. "We trained well. We have improved our condition, we used this time - it was a good time for us - and now we're ready to play. Zhirkov, Benayoun and Alex are still out for this game, but the other players have had good sessions and all are in good condition, they are able to play. "Obviously, I think that Lampard will be excited to play after a long time out. I think he can give fantastic support to the team with his performances."

Ashley Cole: Watch out Arsenal Ashley Cole has warned Arsenal that Chelsea are ready to fire after getting all their big guns back ahead of Monday's clash. The faltering Barclays Premier League champions will be at full strength for the first time in four months at the Emirates Stadium, where they romped to a 3-0 win last season. Chelsea are on their worst run in the league for more than a decade, having won just one of their last seven games and slumping from top to fourth spot. Injuries to the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien hit them hard but all three are back, with star midfielder Lampard set to start his first game since August. And England left-back Cole is confident the Blues can reignite their title defence with a victory over his former club. "We've been disappointing in our last six games and it's a big contrast to how we started the season, but we have a lot of big players back to fitness and it's going to give us a boost," he said. "Any team who has their top players out is going to be affected. "The players who have come in have done a good job but you're always going to miss JT, Lamps and Essien. We seem to play better when they are all in the team; hopefully we can start to push on. "They're major players for us and we have missed their personalities, desire, will to win and leadership. "We have been unlucky in games, even though we haven't been playing well. We have still had a lot of shots and chances. "It has not gone our way but, now the big guys are back, hopefully we can turn our season around because it is getting to the important part. "We're fourth in the table; we have to get back on track and start winning again." Manager Carlo Ancelotti yesterday claimed Arsenal were "afraid" of Didier Drogba, who has scored 13 goals in 13 games against them. The Ivory Coast striker has not been in top form this season following a malaria scare and also had to cope with the pressure of the captaincy in Terry's absence. Cole added on Chelsea TV: "It was hard for Didier to get the guys' morale up and focused. "But now everyone is back, everyone is going to come together again and push on." Arsenal are a point better off than Chelsea in the table but this did not stop Manchester United winger Nani dismissing their title chances this week. Ancelotti disagrees with that assessment, saying: "Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham have an opportunity and the skill to fight for the title until the end. "It will be a race with balance because a lot of teams have the ability to win, not just United." And despite Chelsea boasting five wins in their last five meetings with the Gunners, Ancelotti will take nothing for granted on Monday. "Either team can win this game," he said. "It will be an exciting game in this period. "I'm happy to play this game because we've moved on from the bad moment and we're able to come back and fight for the title." Ancelotti yesterday bemoaned a fixture schedule that sees his side play Bolton less than 48 hours after Monday night's match. He is understandably reluctant, therefore, to set a points target for the hectic festive period, saying: "It's difficult to think about this. "It's easier to think that we have to do our best to win against Arsenal and then against Bolton."

Carlo Ancelotti Carlo Ancelotti (born 10 June 1959) is a former Italian international footballer and current manager of Chelsea.[2] Nicknamed Carletto, Ancelotti played as a midfielder and had a successful career with Roma - captaining the team - with whom he won one Scudetto and 4 Coppa Italia and was part of the legendary late 80's Milan team, with whom he won two Scudetti and two European Cups in a five-year period. He was capped 26 times and scored one goal for the Italian national team and appeared at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups. After spells as manager of Reggiana, Parma and Juventus, Carlo Ancelotti was appointed Milan manager in 2001. He won the Scudetto in 2004, the Champions League in 2003 and 2007 and the Coppa Italia in 2003. They were also Serie A and Champions League runner-ups in 2005. He is one of six men to have won the European Cup as player and manager. In May 2009 he was appointed Chelsea manager and in his first season led them to a historic Premier League and FA Cup Double. He became only the second non-British manager to win the double, the other being Arsène Wenger. Personal life In 1983, Ancelotti has two children: a daughter, Katia, and a son, Davide, who also played in the Milan youth team and later joined Borgomanero in June 2008.[10] In 2008, Carlo Ancelotti confirmed in an interview that he had broken up with his wife of 25 years.[10] In May 2009, Ancelotti's autobiography, Preferisco la Coppa ("I Prefer the Cup", with a word-play by Ancelotti on the Italian word "coppa" that stands both for "cup" and a type of cured cold pork meat cut), was published, with all proceeds from sales of the book going to the Fondazione Stefano Borgonovo for the funding of research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.[11] Recently, Ancelotti has had to travel back to Italy on a regular basis to visit his 87-year-old father who was in poor health with diabetes and other issues. On the issue he said "I don't have a problem managing the team for this reason. It's difficult, emotionally, when it's your father... but this is life. I have to do my best to stay close to him, but this is the life."[12] Giuseppe Ancelotti died in the early hours of 30 September 2010.

He's too cute:) elegant...

who is his current gf?

Wenger: We must beat Chelsea Arsene Wenger believes Monday night's Barclays Premier League clash with Chelsea will play a critical role in defining Arsenal's season. The Gunners have already endured defeats at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford this term and Wenger insists their response to those setbacks will be key to their title aspirations. They enter Monday's showdown at Emirates Stadium on the receiving end of five successive defeats in the fixture, leaking 13 goals in the process. Wenger knows a precious victory over a title rival would give Arsenal's Christmas schedule the best possible start. "Of course this is a must-win game," the Frenchman said. "We have mixed feelings because we came out of both games against Chelsea and Man United this season thinking we could have won and that there wasn't a difference between the teams. "We have a good opportunity to show that in the coming months and that our improvement is bigger than any other team because we are a very young side. "It's about how well we respond to what happened to us at Chelsea and Man United that will be the decider for our season. "We have played Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool away so our home form in these kind of games will be decisive. "We are confident over taking Chelsea on at home. We face a big challenge. What we want is to produce an intelligent game full of dynamism. That is the only way we can win these big games." Chelsea have dropped to fourth in the Premier League table following a run of five games without a win, offering Arsenal a glimmer of hope they can topple the champions. Wenger recognises that their self-belief has weakened but believes their revival could begin at any moment. "Chelsea have gone through a period where results are a bit less good but that can happen to anyone in this league," he said. "We have seen recently that any team, when you think they are on the brink of breaking through, can have a hiccup. Maybe it's just the quality of the league. "You never know whether it's the best time to play Chelsea. Every game is specific and a new start. "They have a little bit less confidence than they had in October but we know that winning will be down to our performance. "We know that on Monday we will play against a top team and we do not expect any weakness on their side. "We want to put a top-level performance in at the Emirates and show we are masters at home." Arsenal enter the Christmas period second in the table and even Wenger wonders at their ongoing challenge for the title. "I'm surprised that we lost five games - three of them at home against teams who are not normally fighting for the championship - but we're still near the top," he said. "The good news is that we are still in a good position and have not paid a high price for that. "Of course our home form in the second part of the season will be the decider." Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie are available to make their first start together since August, while goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is also available. Arsenal travel to Wigan next Wednesday and visit Birmingham on New Year's Day before hosting Manchester City four days later.

Ballack targets injury-free 2011 Michael Ballack has vowed to get back to his best next year after an injury-plagued 2010 left him spending more time on the treatment room. The Germany captain's woes started in May when a tough tackle from Kevin-Prince Boateng in the FA Cup final resulted in an ankle injury which ruled him out of the World Cup. He fought his way back to fitness over the summer and made his second debut for Bayer Leverkusen before another robust challenge, this time from Hannover's Sergio Pinto, saw him sidelined again with a broken shin and torn ligaments. The 34-year-old is now stepping up his latest rehabilitation and aims to be back on the pitch come the start of the second half of the Bundesliga season in mid-January. From the moment he returns to the field, he will be bidding to put his injury nightmare behind him and get back to doing what he does best. "I hope that I remain fit next year," he told Germany's Express newspaper. "Then you will see when I get back to my best. "I am coming back and want to be training fully with the team again on January 3." Without Ballack, Leverkusen have charged to second in the Bundesliga and into the last 32 of the Europa League and the former Chelsea midfielder has high hopes for the rest of the season. "We want to qualify for the Champions League and of course I want to be part of it and help the team," he added. Ballack has pencilled in January 14 for a possible return in a top-of-the-table clash with the current leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Ballack not assured Germany place Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff has warned Michael Ballack not to expect to walk straight back into the national team. The Germany captain is on the road to recovery after an ankle injury ruled him out for much of the first half of the season and he expects to be fit to make his comeback for Bayer Leverkusen in their first match of 2011. However, Bierhoff has warned him that he will still have to prove himself before returning to the Germany set-up. "We know about his personality and his excellent qualities, which are good and important for the team, but he also knows that a player who has been out for such a long time will first have to reintegrate with a newly-formed team," he told the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper. Ballack remained captain of the national team despite missing the World Cup due to injury, although Philipp Lahm has worn the captain's armband in his continued absence. Lahm has made no secret of his desire to remain as captain even when Ballack is back and Bierhoff has suggested that may not be a bad thing for Ballack. He said: "Maybe he realises that it would do him good if he did not have all of the pressure on him alone. "He can also see that as a positive aspect and continue to play at a high level in a functioning team." Nevertheless, Bierhoff would never close the door on the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea midfielder returning to the national team since he knows how ambitious the 34-year-old is. "The most important thing is (being able to) integrate in a team, but Ballack can do that," he added. DISQUS...

Leonardo appointed Inter boss Inter Milan have confirmed Leonardo as Rafael Benitez's replacement, giving him a one-and-a-half-year contract as their new boss. Speculation had linked the former AC Milan coach with the position even before Benitez officially parted company with the European champions yesterday, and the Nerazzurri have now officially confirmed his appointment. The 41-year-old, who had one season in charge of Milan during the 2009/10 campaign, will officially start work with the Serie A champions on Wednesday. A statement on the club's official website, www.inter.it, read: "Welcome to Leonardo. It will be the Brazilian coach to lead the team from December 29. "Leonardo has a contract that will bind him to Inter until 30 June 2012. "For Leonardo, the most sincere and good luck, we believe that he has the class and experience of a champion and his mentality will get the team together to get results." Club president Massimo Moratti had insisted earlier that he would not be naming Benitez's successor until after Christmas, but has now reneged on that to appoint the former World Cup winner. Leonardo takes over a side that are in seventh place in Serie A, 13 points behind leaders Milan. Apart from attempting to bridge that gap, one of his primary tasks will be attempting to retain the Champions League when the competition resumes in February. Inter must overcome Bayern Munich over two legs if they are to stand a chance of keeping the trophy they won when Jose Mourinho's side beat the Germans in May. Benitez's six-month stay at the San Siro was officially ended on Thursday. Despite lifting the Italian Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup during that time, the Spaniard had struggled to adapt to life as the popular Mourinho's successor, and seemed to issue Moratti with an ultimatum over transfer funds earlier this week. That led to the breakdown of his relationship with Moratti, who, after Benitez left the club, was quoted as saying: "I'm sorry the relationship with Benitez is over, but the split had now become inevitable." Leonardo's first meeting with his former employers is scheduled to take place on April 3. Yesterday, Milan's vice president, Adriano Galliani, admitted it would be strange to see Leonardo in blue and black. "I do not know what my reaction would be," he said. "He certainly has an important history with Milan. He made a career with AC Milan; first as a player, then as a coach and a manager."

Leonardo Araújo Leonardo Nascimento de Araújo, known simply as Leonardo (born 5 September 1969 in Niterói, Brazil), is a football manager and a former midfielder, serving as head coach of Internazionale. He played for Brazil, and formerly served as manager of Italian side Milan. He played in the 1994 World Cup winning side, as well as the runners up team in 1998. Club career Leonardo began his career with the Brazilian club Flamengo in 1987; at just 17, he was given the opportunity to play with his hero Zico plus Leandro, Bebeto and Renato Gaúcho, and to take part in winning his first Brazilian championship. In 1990, Leonardo signed with São Paulo FC, and in 1991, Leonardo, Raí, and other young talents were assembled as part of the so-called 'esquadrão tricolor' ("three-coloured squad") under the command of Brazilian legend Telê Santana, giving Leonardo his second Brazilian championship. Later that year, he made the switch to European football, signing with the Spanish club Valencia CF. After two seasons with Valencia, he returned to Brazil for a brief stint with São Paulo in 1993, during which time the team won several titles, including the prestigious Copa Libertadores and International Cup. In 1994, after the World Cup, Leonardo signed with the Kashima Antlers of the newly-formed J. League. Leonardo continued his success in Kashima, again playing with his idol and friend Zico.[1] In 1996, he returned to Europe, this time signing with French club Paris St Germain, where he again proved to be successful, one of his goals helping them to oust Liverpool out of the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. At this point in his career, Leonardo had mostly stopped playing as a leftback and moved into the midfield, sometimes on the left, sometimes as a playmaker. Already in Japan, this had resulted in some spectacular goals[2] for Leonardo, a trend which continued in Europe. In the summer of 1997 he signed with Italian team A.C. Milan, for 8.5 million euros from PSG. With Milan he became a prominent part of a star-studded lineup. He played four full seasons, scoring 22 goals[3] and playing 177 games for Milan, before returning to Brazil with São Paulo FC and Flamengo. He later returned to Milan and finished his career with them in 2003. [edit] International career Leonardo made his international debut in 1990. He was selected as a leftback for the 1994 World Cup, keeping the young Roberto Carlos out of the team, much to his chagrin. Leonardo played well in the first games but was then given a four-match suspension for elbowing the American midfielder Tab Ramos, resulting in a broken malar bone. The stricken Ramos had to stay in hospital for three and a half months afterwards. Leonardo's suspension prevented him from participating in the remainder of the competition. It was the second longest ban imposed in World Cup history, after Mauro Tassotti's eight-game suspension for breaking the nose of Luis Enrique at the same tournament. In 1997, Leonardo was given the Number 10 shirt for the national team. He was an important member of the team that won the Copa America in 1997. Leonardo played all seven games in his second World Cup, helping Brazil to a second-place finish. In the second opening round match against Morocco, he netted one shot and began celebrating, but was later called off-side. He was last selected to play for Brazil in the 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign and ended his career with 60 caps and 8 goals for Brazil. [edit] Post-playing career Since 2002, Leonardo has dedicated himself to social works with the Fundação Gol de Letra and Fondazione Milan. Leonardo worked for BBC Television in the United Kingdom during the 2006 World Cup, as one of their Match of the Day analysts, alongside another former World Cup winner Marcel Desailly. He appeared again as a Match of the Day analyst on 1 June 2007 alongside Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer. This was the first England game at the new Wembley Stadium finishing 1–1 with Brazil. Since Leonardo stopped playing for Milan he has become a sort of combination of scout and agent for the club in Brazil and the great respect he enjoys in his homeland has helped Milan to land several world-class players. He was instrumental in the process of getting Kaká to Milan and in July 2007 it was revealed that Leonardo had been one of the main factors in convincing Alexandre Pato to sign for Milan. [edit] Coaching career In December 2007, he was interviewed for the vacant position of director of football at English Premier League side, West Ham United.[4] [edit] Milan In early 2008 he was appointed Technical Director of his former club A.C. Milan. Later the same year he obtained Italian citizenship, after twelve years in Italy as a resident.[5] After Carlo Ancelotti left Milan to become the manager of Chelsea F.C. at the end of May 2009, Leonardo was named head coach of Milan[6][7] despite still lacking the required coaching badges (he was set to attend a UEFA A coaching course on June 2009).[8] He was however exempted from requiring a UEFA Pro license, which is mandatory for Italian Serie A managers, due to being a former World Cup winner as a player.[9] Leonardo wasted no time in declaring that he wanted his team to play attractive attacking football, even invoking the name of his old mentor, Telê Santana.[10] After a poor start of season, featuring a shock 0–4 loss to crosstown rivals Internazionale, that started speculation about his possible dismissal from the head coaching post at Milan, results started improving for the rossoneri under Leonardo, also thanks to the application of a 4–2–1–3 tactic (nicknamed also "4-2-fantasy" by Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani). This tactic, quite unusual on Italian football, and greatly focusing on creative players such as Ronaldinho, Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf, led Milan to improved results at both Serie A and UEFA Champions League level, including a remarkable 3–2 win at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium against Real Madrid and a 3–0 away win to Juventus which enabled Leonardo's side to finish in second place at the half-way point of the season, six points shy of leaders Inter with a game in hand. However, the path to UEFA Champions League final was halted prematurely as Milan was eliminated in the first knockout round by Manchester United in a 2–7 aggregate loss (2–3, 0–4). In the final weeks of the seasons, it was speculated that Leonardo could leave Milan at the end of the season. In April 2010, Leonardo confirmed divergences with club owner and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, defining their relationship as "difficult".[11] It was confirmed that Leonardo will leave Milan by mutual agreement after their season ending game against Juventus.[12] Leonardo waved an emotional goodbye to a packed San Siro, as he managed his side's last game with a 3–0 win against Juventus. [edit] Internazionale On 24 December 2010, after days of speculation, it was confirmed Leonardo would take over as head coach of fresh FIFA Club World Cup champions Internazionale, replacing Rafael Benítez in a somewhat controversial move, due to the Brazilian's long career with rivals Milan as both player and manager; he agreed a 18-month contract due to expire on 30 June 2012.[13] Personal information Full name Leonardo Nascimento de Araújo Date of birth 5 September 1969 (1969-09-05) (age 41) Place of birth Niterói, Brazil Height 1.76 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 in) Playing position Attacking midfielder Left back Club information Current club Internazionale (head coach) Youth career 1984–1987 Flamengo Senior career* Years Team Apps† (Gls)† 1987–1990 Flamengo 52 (0) 1990–1991 São Paulo 44 (1) 1991–1993 Valencia 71 (6) 1993–1994 São Paulo 12 (3) 1994–1996 Kashima Antlers 49 (30) 1996–1997 Paris St. Germain 34 (7) 1997–2001 Milan 102 (22) 2001–2002 São Paulo 13 (0) 2002 Flamengo 0 (0) 2002–2003 Milan 1 (0) National team 1990–2002 Brazil 60 (8) Teams managed 2009–2010 Milan 2010– Internazionale * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Friends of Figo 5-4 Friends of Casillas More than 6,000 people attended the 'Partido por la Ilusion' charitable match Alberto Navarro / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell Young and old enjoyed watching a match that brought many legendary players together for a good cause. Butragueño scored the opener, defeating Casillas after controlling the ball inside the box (14’). The strike was preceded four minutes earlier by a nostalgic effort between Zidane and Figo in which the Frenchman served the ball to Figo, whose volley hit the crossbar. The Friends of Casillas reacted to the strike and Osvaldo soon scored after receiving a pass from Busquets (17’). Without rest, Guti then netted another strike from outside the box. Osvaldo nearly scored from a beautiful lobbed shot, but the ball hit the crossbar (27’). Busquets thrilled the crowd with a nutmeg and Couto nearly netted an equaliser on the 36-minute mark. Strikes soon followed. Guti scored another with his left foot. Granero then defeated Casillas, and so did Futre with a header. Figo scored a goal in the 47th minute and Osvaldo netted the equaliser. Just when it seemed the match would en in a draw, Granero showcased the quality he proved to have against Levante and sealed the match. MATCH REPORT 4 - Friends of Casillas: Casillas, Hierro, Karembeu, Busquets, Guti, Lamouchi, Osvaldo –starting seven–. Celades and Tissote also played. Coach: Luis Aragones 5 - Friends of Figo: Cristian Alvarez, Couto, Sanchis, Miguel Torres, Granero, Figo, Zidane –starting seven–. Butragueño, Futre and Sa Pinto also played. Coach: Michel Goals: 0-1: Butragueño (14’). 1-1: Osvaldo (17’). 2-1: Guti (19’). 3-1: Guti (39’). 3-2: Granero (40’). 3-3: Futre (42’). 3-4: Figo (47’). 4-4: Osvaldo (49’). 4-5: Granero (50’). Referee: Muñiz Fernandez Highlights: 'Partido por la Ilusion' charitable match. Venue: Palacio de los Deportes, Madrid. Attendance: Over 6,000. Sports Secretary Jaime Lissavetzky, and footballers De Gea and Fernando Llorente attended the match.

Kaka, Fabiano linked with Inter A number of players have been linked with Inter Milan even before new manager Leonardo starts his job proper on 29 December. The former AC Milan boss replaced Rafael Benitez after the club confirmed his appointment on Friday. Days before his departure from San Siro, Benitez issued an ultimatum to Inter chief Massimo Moratti over strengthening of the squad. Now it appears Moratti is set to fulfill the Spaniard's wishes but this time with Leonardo reaping the benefits. According to Italian sports newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Leonardo is keen in bringing fellow countryman Kaka to the San Siro. The Brazilian playmaker's future at Real Madrid has been clouded after appearing to fall down the pecking order in Jose Mourinho's plans. And he could be given a new lease of life at the San Siro - this time with Inter. But it remains to be seen if the 28-year-old is willing to join the Nerazurri after spending six years playing for their local rivals. Another Brazilian linked with the club is Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano. The 30-year-old is growing weary of life at the Spanish club and would relish a fresh challenge - and no better way to do that than at Milan with his fellow countryman Leonardo. His agent made it clear his desire: "We'd be happy to go to Inter, to join Leo." Meanwhile, another Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claims that young Genoa centre-back Andrea Ranocchia could well be on the way to Inter in January with versatile Udinese youngster Alexis Sanchez also on Leonardo's mind. Last but not least, Fiorentina captain Riccardo Montolivo joins the list of players linked with the European champions. The 25-year-old's contract ends in 2012 and the club may be forced to cash in on him instead of losing their skipper on a free.

Friends of Figo 5-4 Friends of Casillas More than 6,000 people attended the 'Partido por la Ilusion' charitable match Alberto Navarro / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell Young and old enjoyed watching a match that brought many legendary players together for a good cause. Butragueño scored the opener, defeating Casillas after controlling the ball inside the box (14’). The strike was preceded four minutes earlier by a nostalgic effort between Zidane and Figo in which the Frenchman served the ball to Figo, whose volley hit the crossbar. The Friends of Casillas reacted to the strike and Osvaldo soon scored after receiving a pass from Busquets (17’). Without rest, Guti then netted another strike from outside the box. Osvaldo nearly scored from a beautiful lobbed shot, but the ball hit the crossbar (27’). Busquets thrilled the crowd with a nutmeg and Couto nearly netted an equaliser on the 36-minute mark. Strikes soon followed. Guti scored another with his left foot. Granero then defeated Casillas, and so did Futre with a header. Figo scored a goal in the 47th minute and Osvaldo netted the equaliser. Just when it seemed the match would en in a draw, Granero showcased the quality he proved to have against Levante and sealed the match. MATCH REPORT 4 - Friends of Casillas: Casillas, Hierro, Karembeu, Busquets, Guti, Lamouchi, Osvaldo –starting seven–. Celades and Tissote also played. Coach: Luis Aragones 5 - Friends of Figo: Cristian Alvarez, Couto, Sanchis, Miguel Torres, Granero, Figo, Zidane –starting seven–. Butragueño, Futre and Sa Pinto also played. Coach: Michel Goals: 0-1: Butragueño (14’). 1-1: Osvaldo (17’). 2-1: Guti (19’). 3-1: Guti (39’). 3-2: Granero (40’). 3-3: Futre (42’). 3-4: Figo (47’). 4-4: Osvaldo (49’). 4-5: Granero (50’). Referee: Muñiz Fernandez Highlights: 'Partido por la Ilusion' charitable match. Venue: Palacio de los Deportes, Madrid. Attendance: Over 6,000. Sports Secretary Jaime Lissavetzky, and footballers De Gea and Fernando Llorente attended the match.

Inter Milan swap Maicon for Kaka? Inter Milan are willing to swap Brazilian right-back Maicon in exchange for his Real Madrid compatriot Kaka. According to Sportmediaset, the European champions are considering the prospect of swooping for Kaka and bringing him back to Italy after the former AC Milan schemer struggled with injuries and form in his first season following his move to Spain in 2009. Nevertheless, the former World Player of The Year has begun training with the Madrid squad and is anticipated to return to action by January. However, Inter are undeterred and are looking to draft in additions to supplement the fatigued playmaker Wesley Sneijder, who has been feeling the strain of last season's grueling campaign and has been troubled by niggly injuries. Menacing full-back Maicon has not had the best of starts so far this season but former Inter tactician Jose Mourinho is a known admirer of the Brazilian and will jump at the chance of snagging him to the Spanish capital. Whether Real chief Mourinho sanctions the sale of Kaka though remains to be seen, with the Portuguese manager declaring the latter's return from injury as that of a new signing.

Father: Canales not moving to England The father of Real Madrid youngster Sergio Canales is adamant that his son will not leave Spain for a loan spell in England. The precocious midfielder only made the switch to the Spanish giants from Racing Santander this summer but he has rarely featured in Jose Mourinho's first eleven lineup, prompting speculation that he could be shunted out on loan in a bid for more first-team action. However, his father Angel Canales, who also acts as his son's agent, has refuted claims that Canales junior will briefly ply his trade in England. "To join a team like Real Madrid at the age of 19 is very demanding on all levels and you must have patience," said Angel Canales, according to talkSPORT. "He is happy with his life in Madrid. Admittedly it would be better if he was playing more but it's a difficult situation and he must fight to change it. "But we have decided that Sergio should continue to work for his chance at Madrid." Canales is regarded as one of Spain's hottest prospects and his displays with boyhood club Racing last campaign prompted Madrid to snap him up this season.

She was Iker's girlfriend,lol....

Zidane: "I want us to win titles in 2011" Butragueño: "I want all of us to feel proud of our team next year" Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell Zinedine Zidane, Emilio Butragueño and Esteban Granero played in the charitable match organised by Casillas and Figo. Presidential Advisor Zinedine Zidane "I want us to win titles in 2011. I also want health and happiness in the New Year." "Madrid is a special city to me. I also often remember the fans affectionately." Director of Institutional Relations Emilio Butragueño "I wish we all feel proud of our team in the New Year. This year I'm most proud of the fact we came up with a better squad than last season's and that we have a magnificent coach." Esteban Granero "I hope 2011 begins the way 2010's ended. Titles speak for Mourinho."

* Home * A Stalker’s Guide to Real Madrid * Iker & his jerseys felices fiestas from the team December 24, 2010 tags: cantera, everyone by unamadridista Now updated with videos! Real Madrid gathered all their players (and one coach) to wish all the fans a happy holiday season, express their desires for the new year and provide some (unoriginal) sound bites. Iker, Sergio and Mou had the dubious honor privilege of doing it with Florentino Pérez on the day they had the captains lunch. Iker: the union that exists inside the locker room is the key to achieving success. The most important thing is the union and the good group that we have. I hope that all the injured players on the team recover quickly and that the míster will be able to count on the entire squad. Iker will spend his vacation with his family

Mou: the team has shown that it won’t have problems with fighting and achieving challenges. We’re still alive in three competitions and we want to continue like that until the end. Why shouldn’t we enter 2011 with the hope of doing so? I would like to help Madrid not only win once, but to start a cycle of victories. Mou will spend the vacation with his family in New York.