Messi targets titles over goals in Vilanova era

Lionel Messi preferred to focus on winning trophies rather than attempting to better the 73 goals he scored for Barcelona last season, when he spoke at a news conference on Wednesday. The world player of the year rattled in an unprecedented tally in all competitions in the last campaign, helping...

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Super Cup 'Clasico' changed due to awards

The second leg of the Spanish Super Cup between Real Madrid and Barcelona has been brought forward a day as 11 of the potential participants are up for Europe's player of the year award on August 30. "UEFA have asked the Spanish federation (RFEF) to change the date for the second leg of the Spanish...

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Vilanova keen to put Mourinho poke in the past

Barcelona's new coach Tito Vilanova refused to contribute to the controversy over the lifting of Jose Mourinho's and his bans after last year's infamous eye-poke incident as he started work at the Nou Camp on Tuesday. Pep Guardiola's former assistant, who has since stepped up to the top job, was...

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Menezes: Spain have set new benchmark

Spain have surged ahead of Brazil to become the new benchmark for world football, and the only way to make up ground on the world and European champions is to follow their example and adopt a long-term approach, coach Mano Menzes told Reuters in an interview. Menzes, however, dismissed the idea...

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Martinez dismisses Barcelona transfer talk

Javi Martinez has ruled out a move to Barcelona after declaring his happiness with life at Athletic Bilbao. The young Spaniard has been attracting interest from across the continent following a series of impressive performances for the Basque outfit. Manchester City and Bayern Munich are also...

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Nilmar set to complete Qatar move

Brazilian forward Nilmar is set to sign for Qatari outfit Al Rayyan, ending his three-year association with Villarreal. The 27-year-old moved to Spaint in 2009 from Internacional and has been linked with a move away from the club following their relegation to the Segunda Division. A return to...

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Muniain confident of Bielsa stay at Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao forward Iker Muniain is confident head coach Marcelo Bielsa will remain at the club. The Argentine recently offered his resignation at the La Liga outfit after the club refused to stand by him following an altercation with a construction company employee over work that had not been...

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Mourinho Super Cup ban for eye poke lifted

A two-match ban given to Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho for poking Barcelona assistant Tito Vilanova in the eye has been lifted as part of a general amnesty, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) said on Tuesday. The decision, announced at the RFEF's general assembly in Madrid, raises the prospect...

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La Liga 'Clasicos' set for October and March

Real Madrid and Barcelona will meet in the opening La Liga "Clasico" of the season on the weekend of October 6/7 at Barca's Camp Nou stadium, according to the draw held at the Spanish football federation (RFEF) headquarters in Madrid on Tuesday. Champions Real will then host Barca, who finished second last...

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Mali midfielder Keita to leave Barcelona

Mali midfielder Seydou Keita is leaving Barcelona following a four-year spell at the Nou Camp during which the Catalans won 14 trophies. "Seydou Keita has announced tonight he will not continue with the club next season," Barca said on their website. "Barcelona thanks Seydou Keita for his contribution...

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Bielsa future at Athletic Bilbao in doubt

Marcelo Bielsa's future as Athletic Bilbao coach remained unclear after an emergency board meeting at the La Liga club on Friday following a public disagreement over work being done at the training ground. President Josu Urrutia and Bielsa left the meeting without speaking to reporters, failing...

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Wedding bells to turn Iniesta's legs to jelly

Walking down the aisle to get married this weekend will be much more nerve-racking than playing in Euro 2012, said Spain's Andres Iniesta, who was voted the best player of the tournament for his cool, commanding performances. "It will be a special and different day," the Barcelona midfielder told...

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Pele:1970 Brazil side more gifted than Spain

Brazil's 1970 World Cup winners contained more gifted individuals than Spain's current all-conquering national side, the Brazilian side's greatest player Pele said on Wednesday. Asked who would win a showdown between the two teams, Pele flashed a big smile and said: "If I was playing, we'd win,...

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Baptista out for another four months

Malaga's Brazilian forward Julio Baptista will be out of action for four months after surgery on the Achilles tendon in his right leg, the Spanish club said on Tuesday. The 30-year-old former Arsenal and Real Madrid player missed most of last season with injury problems, making only four league...

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Eto'o accused of tax evasion in Spain

A Spanish public prosecutor has accused Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o of conspiring to evade 3.5 million euros in taxes owed on income from his image rights when he was playing for Barcelona between 2006-2009. The former Barca and Inter Milan player, now with Russian Premier League club Anzhi Makhachkala,...

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Barca agree to sign Alba from Valencia

Barcelona have strengthened their defence and found a replacement for Eric Abidal by sealing an agreement with Valencia to sign Spain full-back Jordi Alba on a five-year contract, the La Liga club said on Thursday. The deal is worth 14 million euros and is subject to the 23-year-old left-back,...

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Barcelona chasing Valencia full-back Alba

Barcelona have set aside an average of 40 million euros per year to spend on players and are in talks with Valencia to buy Spain full-back Jordi Alba, president Sandro Rosell said on Tuesday. "I am not happy these negotiations [for Alba] have leaked out but they have," Rosell told a news conference...

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Atletico: Falcao not for sale at any price

Atletico Madrid have warned suitors off prolific striker Radamel Falcao, stating that they will not consider selling him. The Colombian international moved to the Vicente Calderon from Portuguese giants Porto last summer and impressed in his first season in Spain, playing an influential role in...

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Betis defender Roque dies of cancer

Miquel Roque, a Real Betis defender who started out in Barcelona's youth ranks and had a stint at Liverpool, has died of cancer at the age of 23, Betis said on Sunday. "Miki Roque had been fighting pelvic cancer since March 2011," the La Liga club said in a statement on their website. "The...

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oldado staying at Valencia until 2017

Valencia have agreed a three-year contract extension with Spain striker Roberto Soldado that will keep him at the club until 2017. The 27-year-old club captain has scored 35 league goals since joining from Getafe two seasons ago. He just missed out on a place in the Euro 2012 squad. "His contribution...

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Jemez named new Rayo Vallecano coach

 Rayo Vallecano have appointed former player Paco Jemez as their new coach to replace Jose Ramon Sandoval, the Spanish La Liga club said on Friday. The former Spanish international, 42, earns his first top-flight post as a coach after guiding Cordoba to the promotion playoffs in the second division. Jemez replaces Sandoval, who was discarded despite taking Rayo back to La Liga after an eight-year absence in 2011 and staving off relegation on the...

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Granada appoint Anquela on two-season deal

 Granada have appointed Juan Antonio Anquela as coach on a two-year contract, the Spanish La Liga club said in a statement on their website on Tuesday. Anquela enters his first top-flight post after guiding tiny Alcorcon out of the third tier of Spanish football to the gates of La Liga, where they fell to Real Valladolid in a promotion playoff last weekend. The 54-year-old also masterminded Alcorcon's famous 4-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid in...

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Atletico sign defender Diaz from Getafe

Atletico Madrid have agreed to sign Argentina defender Daniel Diaz from Getafe on a two-year deal subject to a medical, the Europa League winners said on Monday. The former Boca Juniors centre-back, 33, has spent the past five years with Getafe and won 12 international caps. "He is a player with great personality and a tremendous winning character," sports director Jose Luiz Perez Caminero said in a statement. "We expect to him to bring his knowledge and...

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FA charge Terry over alleged abuse

Chelsea captain John Terry was charged by the FA on Friday following a verbal exchange with Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League match last October. England centre-back Terry, who was found not guilty of racially abusing Ferdinand in a criminal case earlier this month,...

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World Cup final referee Taylor dies aged 82

English referee Jack Taylor, who awarded the first penalty in a World Cup final in 1974, has died aged 82, the Premier League said on Friday. Taylor officiated in more than 1,000 league matches and over 100 internationals in a career spanning more than 30 years, but earned a lasting place in the...

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Moura: I'll decide my future after Olympics

Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas Moura has revealed that he will decide his future after this summer’s Olympic Games. The diminutive schemer is currently in London with the Brazil squad, but was an unused substitute as the tournament favourites secured a 3-2 win over Egypt. Lucas is wanted by Manchester...

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QPR capture Hoilett on four-year deal

Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the signing of Junior Hoilett on a four-year deal. The 22-year-old's contract at Blackburn Rovers expired at the end of last season and was free to discuss his future with any potential suitors. QPR have beaten off stiff competition to sign the winger, who netted...

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Capello: I'd have done better than Hodgson

Fabio Capello is convinced England would have progrssed beyond the quarter-finals at Euro 2012 had he been in charge. Under successor Roy Hodgson, the national team crashed out after losing to Italy on penalties at the last eight stage. Capello, now in charge of Russia, left his position with England...

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Malaga rebuff bid for Arsenal target Cazorla

Malaga have rejected a £15.6 million bid from an unnamed club for Arsenal target Santi Cazorla. The Spain midfielder has been tipped to leave the La Liga outfit this summer, amid reports of financial difficulties within the club. Arsenal are thought to be in pole position to sign the 27-year-old...

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Relieved Terry focused on new season

Chelsea captain John Terry has spoken of the relief of being able to put a difficult summer behind him. The Blues stalwart was acquitted of all charges after being accused of racially abusing QPR  Anton Ferdinand following England’s disappointing Euro 2012 campaign. Terry was back in action...

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Balotelli: I would have been a UFC fighter

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has confessed that he would have pursued a career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship had he not been a footballer. The controversial striker has been involved in his fair share of mishaps following his switch from Inter Milan to City in 2010. A string...

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Ba insists he is happy at Newcastle

Newcastle United front-man Demba Ba has insisted that he is happy on Tyneside and has denied reports claiming he will be leaving this summer. The Senegalese striker is thought to have a £7 million release clause in his contract that can be triggered before the end of July. Speculation has been...

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Koscielny reveals Barcelona interest

Laurent Koscielny snubbed interest from Barcelona in order to sign a new deal with Arsenal. The 26-year-old was one of the Gunners' stand-out performers last season, having arrived from French side Lorient in 2010 His displays caught the eye of the Blaugrana, who are eager to strengthen their defence...

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Norwich seal Snodgrass signing

Norwich City have confirmed the signing of Robert Snodgrass from Leeds United on a three-year deal. The Canaries have been linked with a move for the Scotland international over the past week. Leeds were reluctant to sell the highly-rated winger as they push for promotion next season. "Robert Snodgrass...

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Spurs slam Bale critics over Olympics

Tottenham Hotspur have rubbished reports suggesting Gareth Bale was made unavailable for selection for Team GB. The Wales international was selected in Stuart Pearce's squad for the London Olympics, but sustained a back injury in the build-up to the tournament and was forced to pull out. However,...

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Kranjcar leaps to Modric defence

Niko Kranjcar has hit out at Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy over the ongoing saga surrounding Luka Modric's future. The dynamic midfielder is expected to leave Spurs this summer following the club's failure to secure Champions League football. Modric failed to join the club on their pre-season...

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Marotta: Van Persie too expensive for Juve

Juventus appear to have cooled their interest in Robin van Persie due to the financial demands of Arsenal. Van Persie is widely expected to leave Emirates Stadium this summer after refusing to extend his current contract, which expires in 12 months' time. Manchester City and Manchester United...

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Ferguson confident Kagawa will be a hit

Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa can make a big impact at Manchester United after scoring his first goal for the club in a pre-season game in China, manager Sir Alex Ferguson said. Ferguson told the club's official website that Kagawa had the ability to shine after signing the 23-year-old from Germany's...

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Japan media hails 'Glasgow Miracle'

Japan's media hailed the shock 1-0 win over Spain in their opening game of the men's London Olympics' football tournament as a miracle on Friday. Hyperbole abounded after Thursday's upset, reminding people that Japan's men can play a bit too after the country's women sensationally won last year's...

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Kompany keen on tasting more City success

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, fresh from signing a new six-year deal with the club, believes the Premier League champions can win again and start a new era of dominance. "We have laid the foundations and now we want to win more. If we do that then we can be one of the most successful clubs for a long time to come and that is the aim," said Kompany after agreeing to the longest deal in the club's recent history. The Belgian international defender...

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Japan kick off with shock win over Spain

Japan produced the first upset of the Olympic Games when they beat potential gold medallists Spain 1-0 while favourites Brazil survived a scare before beating Egypt 3-2 on the opening day of the men's football competition on Thursday. Hosts Britain, making their first appearance at the Games for...

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Late Senegal leveller denies Britain victory

Hosts Britain were denied victory on their return to the Olympic Games after a 52-year absence when they were held to a 1-1 draw by debutants Senegal in their opening Group A match at Old Trafford on Thursday. Britain looked to be heading for victory after Welsh veteran Craig Bellamy, at 33 one...

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No Manchester United move for Lucas

Sao Paulo director Adalberto Baptista has insisted that negotiations with Manchester United over Lucas Moura are over. The Brazil midfielder had been linked with a move to United, who are keen to add the youngster to their ranks this summer. The 12-time Premier League champions are thought to have...

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Olsson hands in transfer request

Martin Olsson has handed in a transfer request at Blackburn Rovers, according to the full-back's agent. The Sweden international has been strongly linked with a move back to the Premier League, with Stoke City thought to be keen on recruiting him. The 24-year-old is currently recovering from a...

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Defensive team-mates encourage Vertonghen

Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen has praised his defensive colleagues ahead of the new season. The Belgium international arrived at White Hart Lane earlier this month, having joined from Eredivisie outfit Ajax. Vertonghen has played with three defensive partners during pre-season in his...

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Aquilani: I was pushed out of Liverpool

Alberto Aquilani has claimed he was ‘pushed out’ of Liverpool, but is determined to prove his worth under new manager Brendan Rodgers. The Italian arrived at Anfield in 2009 during Rafa Bentiez's rein as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, but a combination of injuries and a lack of form saw his playing...

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De Bruyne set for Werder Bremen move

Chelsea winger Kevin De Bruyne looks set to move to Werder Bremen on loan for the upcoming season, the Bundesliga side have revealed. The Belgium international officially joined the Blues in January, but remained with Racing Genk for the remainder of the campaign. However, with the arrivals of...

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North Korean official blasts flag blunder

North Korea's Olympic representative Um Chang expressed outrage on Thursday at a diplomatic blunder which resulted in his country's women's football team leaving the field after the South Korea flag had been displayed by mistake. "Of course the people are angry," International Olympic Committee member...

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Shenhua Shenhua hot on Drogba’s heels

Shanghai Shenhua are closing in on the signing of Didier Drogba, according to reports in the Chinese media. The 34-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Far East following his release from Chelsea after last month’s Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich. Shanghai Daily has...

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Shanghai 'have good chance of signing Drogba'

Shanghai Shenhua have a good chance of signing Chelsea striker Didier Drogba but need to work hard to complete the deal, coach Sergio Batista said on Thursday. Just three days after scoring the winning penalty in Chelsea's shootout victory over Bayern Munich in last month's Champions League...

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Al Wasl ban keeper for season after headbutt

Diego Maradona's Al Wasl have banned the Dubai side's controversial goalkeeper Majed Nasser for the entire 2012/13 season after he was sent off in the Gulf region's Champions League final on Sunday for a headbutt. United Arab Emirates international Nasser was dismissed 10 minutes into the second...

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Coach Lavagne finally given Cameroon contract

Frenchman Denis Lavagne, who has been coaching Cameroon's national team since October, finally signed a one-year contract with the government on Monday. "“Your main task will be to qualify the Lions for the 2013 African Nations Cup and the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. This contract is renewable,"...

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