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BOUNDLESS MERIT Kaká doesn't stop anymore: the Brazilian champion receives the umpteenth recognition which comes from no less than the United States. The 'Time' inserts him in the list of 100 most influential people in the world. Ricky: 'Great emotion'. MILAN - Since May of last year, even before the Athens final, Ricky Kaká has been receiving one acknowledgement after another. But now perhaps the most important and symbolic one comes from no less than the United States. Famous American magazine 'Time' inserted Kaká on their list of 100 most influential people. The Golden Ball winner is the only footballer present on this annually composed list and has been selected on the basis of his always exemplary behaviour on and off the pitch. The weekly magazine dedicates an edition of its magazine entirely to this list (to see the cover of the magazine which will come out simultaneously on 12 may also in its other three international editions, click here) which is divided in five categories: leaders and revolutionaries; heroes and pioneers; scientists and thinkers; artists and entertainers; builders and titans. Ricky is in the heroes and pioneers is Ricky's category, along with Andre Agassi, Lance Armstrong, and Oscar Pistorius. Here are the words of the Brazilian, to Milan Channel, to this world event which sees him as protagonist: 'When I read this news I got emotional because it's really a great thing. I consider it a huge satisfaction. Being named among the 100 most influential people in the world is a great privilege for me. I'm not sure how they make up this list, but I am put alongside other sportspeople, I haven't been compared to politicians or people from other sectors. I do my job and I'm happy about that. The fact that this is being recognised is a great satisfaction.' 'It's not easy to catch the attention of the American media, and besides their national sports are American football and baseball. Allowing me, a soccer player, to be a part of this list is an emotion for which I thank God. 'As players we also have the duty to transmit positive values. Nowadays football is the most followed sport, everyone watches the Champions League, the World Cups, the matches. The players have the duty and the responsibility to transmit positive values.' Here are the details of Kaká's great award-winning year: - 2 May 2008: KAKA' inserted on the list of 100 most influential people by 'Time'. - 30 April 2008: KAKA' European Gentleman - 18 March 2008: PANINI Poll, KAKA' is 'the most beloved player by Italians.' - 18 February 2008: Most decisive player of the Champions League according to British daily 'The Sun'. - 28 January 2008: KAKÁ wins the football Oscar for the best foreign player and the best overall player of last season - 21 January 2008: KAKA' Player of the Year 2007 for Croatian daily "SN". - 18 January 2008: KAKA' Best playmaker 2007 for IFFHS - 17 January 2008: KAKA' Best Playmaker in the Team of the Year 2007 of UEFA.COM - 17 December 2007: KAKA' FIFA World Player 2007 - 16 December 2007: KAKA' MVP in the Club World Cup final between Boca and Milan - 13 December 2007: KAKA' Best Player of the Year according to prestigious weekly magazine WORLD SOCCER: more than 50% of the votes for him. - 2 December 2007: PARIS, KAKA' wins 2007 Golden Ball - 5 October 2007: KAKA' Best Player of the year according to Fifpro, the world football association of professional footballers - 30 August 2007: MONTECARLO, Uefa Award: KAKA' best player of the Champions League 2006-2007 - 24 August 2007: KAKA' Best player in Europe based on a poll made by SKY among its subscribers - 6 June 2007: KAKA' best player of the world according to fifa's official website, fifa.com: 48,61% of the votes - 1 June 2007: KAKA' Best player of the world according to readers of German KICKER magazine: 48,8% of the votes - 26 May 2007: KAKA' Best player of the season according to readers of Uefa's official website, uefa.com: more than 100.000 votes for him - 23 May 2007: KAKA' Top scorer with 10 goals of the Champions League 2006-2007 - 15 May 2007: KAKA' San Siro Gentleman Prize 2007

Italy profit from Inzaghi's late bloom Filippo Inzaghi's dramatic return to goalscoring form means Alessandro Del Piero is no longer the only old hand gunning for a place in Italy's UEFA EURO 2008 squad. Remarkable run Injuries have restricted Inzaghi to just 12 league starts for AC Milan this term, but the evergreen 34-year-old may have timed his latest purple patch to perfection as far as Italy coach Roberto Donadoni is concerned. Inzaghi's crucial goal in Sunday's 2-1 win over FC Internazionale Milano extended his remarkable run to nine goals in his last five matches – sending a timely message to the Azzurri coach. "Donadoni already knows me well," Inzaghi said. "It's up to him to decide if I would be useful to the squad or not." 'Excellent form' Inzaghi's 99th goal for the Rossoneri helped the club overtake ACF Fiorentina in Serie A, moving into fourth place and the final UEFA Champions League position, as well demonstrating his undiminished ability to score against top-level opponents. The former Juventus man found the net three times in the latest qualifying campaign and is desperate to show off his nose for goal in Austria and Switzerland. "I'm not saying I should be selected just because I've scored a few goals recently, but I was already part of the qualifying campaign," Inzaghi said. "I've had some physical problems this season but my current form is excellent. I'd really love to get the chance to score more goals for my country." Experience Luca Toni nevertheless remains the favourite to lead the Italy attack in Donadoni's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, with Genoa CFC's Marco Borriello – the joint-leading scorer in Serie A with 19 goals – regarded by many as ideal back-up for the FC Bayern München striker. But like Del Piero, whose 18 league goals and terrific form with Juventus has significantly boosted his chances, Inzaghi knows his wealth of experience may work in his favour. And on current form, Donadoni might find it difficult to overlook one of the game's great poachers.

Ronaldo Didn’t Have Sex With Transvestites The three transvestites involved in the Ronaldo sex scandal have confessed to police that they lied about having sex and using drugs with the AC Milan striker. Ronaldo hit the headlines last week when it was reported that he had had an encounter with three transvestites in a motel in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday night. Ronaldo picked up the three men, believing that they were female prostitutes, and did not realise they were transvestites until they got to the motel. One of the transvestites, Andreia Albertini, then attempted to extort Ronaldo, asking for $30,000 to buy a house in exchange for hiding the story from the media. Police inspector Carlos Augusto Nogueira has now confirmed that Ronnie did not have sex or use drugs with the cross-dressers. "There was no drugs or sex that night,” Nogueira said. "They said that they invented the whole story because they failed to receive the money they intended as extortion." As a result of the scandal, Ronaldo’s relationship with his girlfriend Maria Beatriz Anthony has ended, while a number of his lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike are also under threat.

Beckenbauer: We Want Gattuso Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer has declared that the club are desperate to sign Gennaro Gattuso this summer. Gattuso’s future at Milan is uncertain following a disappointing season both on a personal and team level. The Italian press has been speculating for a few weeks now that the midfielder is eager for a fresh challenge abroad, a wish that the Rossoneri are willing to grant him despite public declarations from the club that he will be staying. Three of the biggest clubs interested in signing him are Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Indeed Bayern’s general manager Uli Hoeness confessed several days ago that they would like to snap the midfielder up. This has now been confirmed by the highest and most powerful figure at the Bavarian giants, as the legendary Franz Beckenbauer has declared his wish to bring Gattuso to the Allianz Arena. "We like Gattuso a lot,” stated ‘der Kaiser’. “He would be the ideal reinforcement for next year: he is the man for the Champions League." Bayern Munich will return to Europe’s premier club competition after a one-year absence, following their crowning as the new Bundesliga champions at the weekend.

Wenger Linked With Gattuso Bid According to the Guardian, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could be set to break with tradition and bid for Milan’s Gennaro Gattuso. Gattuso has been heavily linked with a move away from Milan at the end of the season, and earlier today Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro stated his belief that the midfielder would seek a new challenge. "I know Ringhio - obviously he will be short of motivation,” stated the Real Madrid star. “He's won the World Cup and two Champions Leagues, what else can he do?" The Guardian says that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is lining up a surprise bid for Gattuso, as he looks to replace midfielder Mathieu Flamini, who ironically signed for Milan on a Bosman transfer yesterday. Wenger has never hidden his admiration in the past for Gattuso, and openly declared a few years ago that the hardman was his favourite Italian player. However the fact that Gattuso is now 30, and has struggled physically this year, makes a possibly transfer to the Gunners seem unlikely. Wenger is well known for his policy of signing young players, however a third season on the trot without a trophy, may push him to look for the odd experienced player this summer.

Inzaghi: I'll Decide When I Quit Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi has reveals that club chief Adriano Galliani has told him that he can stay or leave the Rossoneri whenever he feels it's time. The fox in the box striker has been a loyal servant over the years and this season he has been on fire when he has played, scoring an incredible nine goals in five games, more than Alberto Gilardino despite making many more appearances. Inzaghi is hoping he can stay on at the club despite many thinking that his playing days are over. “I have to be very thankful to my team mates, I really adore this club and there are no problems between us,” Inzaghi told Milan Channel. “Ancelotti is a great coach, I hope he becomes Milan’s very own Sir Alex Ferguson. “Galliani has given me the privilege to decide when to call it a day and so I can decide when it’s right for me to leave. “It’s a possibility which isn’t given to everyone and to me it’s worth more than a contract extension.” Milan have been in stunning form of late and they have managed to climb back up the serie A table to try and ensure a top four finish.

Kaka's Olympic Participation In Doubt Brazilian Football Confederation president Ricardo Teixeira has admitted that he is having trouble convincing some Europe clubs, including AC Milan, to part with their senior players for this year's Olympic football tournament. The Olympics is the only international tournament that Brazil have never won and there is a concerted effort within the country to make sure that this is the year in which they finally take home the gold medal. Key to these hopes is getting European teams to part with their players, especially the three overage players that are picked as part of the U-23 squad eligible for the competition. AC Milan's Kaka is one such overage player and Teixeira has admitted that he is having troubles persuading the Rossoneri to part with him for the tournament in Beijing. "I am finding it difficult to get some teams to release their players and I include Milan in this list. But, who knows, I think FIFA can help us on this issue," he told reporters at the press conference to open the 2008 Brazilian Championship on Tuesday morning. Kaka has previously admitted that he would like to play a part in Brazil's quest for Olympic gold, but insisted that he would only be involved if Milan gave him the go ahead to do so. With it likely that Milan could be involved in Champions League qualifying rounds at the time of the Olympic tournament it seems improbable that they would allow him to take part. Former Milan player Leonardo is currently being used as an intermediary in the Confederation's efforts to get Kaka on board, with there currently said to be an amicable relationship between the two parties as talks continue.

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Inter Completely Deserve Title - Cannavaro Italy captain and Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro talked about a number of different topics, including the Serie A title race. Among the Italian players playing abroad, Azzurri captain Fabio Cannavaro is certainly one of the most successful ones, having just won his second consecutive Liga title with Real Madrid. The defender gave an interview in which he talked about a range of topics. "Berlusconi has given up on Ronaldinho? I'm not surprised. He costs a fortune and lately he hasn't exaclty set the world alight," he said. On the rumours of a possible departure of midfielder Gennaro Gattuso from Milan, he said: "I know Ringhio: apparently he's lost his motivation. He's won a World Cup and two Champions Leagues, what more does he need? "Cassano? His talent has never been in question, but his character has. As Italian captain and a big admirer I can only wish him to control his nerves better." Cannavaro thinks Italy will do well at Euro 2008 and that Chelsea will win the Champions League: "I'm the captain of a national team which will do well in Austria and Switzerland, I'm sure of it. If we qualified, it's also thanks to Donadoni. And they said he didn't deserve to be there... "Who will win the Champions League? Chelsea," he declared, explaining: "They're the most Italian team of the Premier League in terms of style. They are very solid." After Real Madrid celebrated their 31st Spanish title, this weekend it could be Inter's turn in Italy. "There's nothing to say: they were perhaps not the most attractive team, but certainly the most consistent. They thoroughly deserve the title."

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Guti: We Don't Need Many Players Real Madrid midfielder Guti believes that the Real Madrid project continues apace, and that it needs relatively few reinforcements in summer in order to attain further success... The veteran feels that the current squad is working out just fine and needs little elaboration. Speaking in the aftermath of his side's title win, he told Radio Marca, "It's a great satisfaction. We worked hard all year to get this reward. "The whole squad is very much involved with the project. The cycle that we started with Schuster couldn't be going any better. "New signings? We could move for two or three players, but the team's base is already complete. There won't be 'cracks' in the mould of Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo... but great players." The interviewer suggested that at least one of David Villa, Daniel Güiza and Luis Fabiano were in line to arrive. "None of the three players are in Real Madrid but we could well sign all three," he chirped. "All three have their qualities. Güiza is a brilliant finisher and ever-ready in the area; Villa brings with him a lot of hard work as well; and Luis Fabiano brings a lot, as well as scoring power. "The midfield? Well, with Granero and De La Red..."

Shah Rukh calls it quits with Shankar Shah Rukh Khan had called off the sci-fi Robot with South director Shankar owing to creative differences. Afterwards, Shah Rukh had said “Yes, we have called it off. We were not happy with a few things; Shankar’s take on the film was completely different from mine. We had worked very hard on the film and it is sad that we had to call it off. Both Shankar and I decided that we won’t make it together.” However, no one said what exactly the creative differences were. Shah Rukh had loved the script and was all set to produce the film under his banner Red Chillies Entertainment. So what went wrong? Apparently, Shah Rukh and Shankar parted ways because Shah Rukh wanted the special effects of the film to be done in his SFX studio in Khar, but Shankar wanted to do the same in Chennai. According to our well-placed source in the film industry, “Robot had a lot of special effects. For the whole exercise of special effects to be completed, Shankar would have had to stay in Mumbai for six months at least. Shankar didn’t want to stay so long in Mumbai. Shankar argued, but Shah Rukh was adamant.” SRK had even given a signing amount of Rs 5 crore to Shankar. Our source further reveals, “Shankar’s fee for the film was going to be Rs 12 crore. When Shah Rukh gave him the signing amount, he deducted the TDS. Later, Shankar returned the entire signing amount but without deducting the TDS - Rs 5 crore.” We sent a message to Shah Rukh, but he did not reply. Shah Rukh’s next project will be Yash Raj Films’ Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, which will be directed by Aditya Chopra.

An Ardent fan of Steve Martin- Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who recently completed Sarkar Raj for Bollywood with her legendary father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan, is now looking forward to her Hollywood release Pink Panther 2 with that great actor Steve Martin. The beautiful actress cannot stop raving about the veteran American actor. “He’s fantastic. An institution. He has unbelievable comic timing and such energy. It’s incredible how hard he works at his age on the physical comedy. Just like Pa! Pink Panther 2 is completely Steve Martin’s film,” said Ash, adding, “what makes my role special is that they haven’t specified my nationality. Nor have I been made to put on any accent. In fact, every other character is culture-specific. Except mine. That was really nice. We all have done our best. And when we started shooting in Paris, Abhishek was with me, so it was very nice.” However, Ash refuses to admit that Pink Panther 2 being an international project was extra special to her. “I’m not one to compare assignments. For me Chokher Bali in Kolkata was as precious as Pink Panther 2 in Boston. But, yes, Gurinder Chadha’s Bride & Prejudice and her husband’s Mistress Of Spices had a lot of Indians in the crew, so I felt at home.” And to set the record straight, Ash said, “The Last Legion with Sir Ben Kingsley was my first fully-fledged international project. It was such a fantastic experience.”

With Brad and their chilren go to the beach in the South of France

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