Euro 2012: Warsaw, Poland (Sportswriter) -- At least 11 people were injured in clashes Tuesday in Warsaw between Russian and Polish fans before and after a Euro 2012 soccer match, Polish officials said.
Eight of those hurt, one of whom is a policeman, are Poles, two are Russian and one is German, Poland's Interior Ministry said. None of the injuries was life-threatening, medical officials said.
In all, 123 people were arrested, both Russian and Polish fans among them, the ministry said.
UEFA fights racism in football
More arrests were expected as police check surveillance footage to identify "hooligans" taking part in the disorder in the Polish capital, the statement said.
Video showed dozens of men running through the streets, some carrying burning flares.
Russian state-run broadcaster RT reported that police fired warning shots and used water cannon and tear gas as they sought to break up the clashes.
Feelings had been expected to run high ahead of the Russia-Poland game, which ended in a 1-1 draw, because of a long history of bad blood between the countries. Both nations have also struggled to deal with hardcore, violent football fans.
Poland is co-hosting the Euro 2012 football tournament with Ukraine.
Russian fans had organized a march through Warsaw before the game to mark Russia's June 12 national day.
The disorder broke out as about 5,000 Russian fans reached Warsaw's Poniatowski Bridge, on their way to the National Stadium, the Interior Ministry said, with "hooligans" from both sides seeking to start a fight.
"As the crowd entered the Poniatowski Bridge, approximately a hundred pseudo football fans of the two opposing teams have attempted to confront each other," the statement said.
Riot police took "decisive" action to stop it from escalating, the ministry said. Some 6,000 police were on duty Tuesday in Warsaw.
Russian officials had already called for better behavior from the country's supporters after unrest during Friday's opening 4-1 win against the Czech Republic team.
"We believe that some people who were present at the stadium (behaved) unworthy of the true football fans," read a statement on the Russian Football Union's website. "Those who choose the sports arena for the declaration of their personal political and other positions have no place in the stands.
"The Russian Football Union and the national team of Russia kindly request all the fans of these provocative actions to confront bullies and to cooperate fully with the organizers of the match in matters of security," the statement added.
"We appeal to all fans who are in Poland. Remember that you represent your country. Respect yourself, your home and your team."
The Nigerian police in Delta State on Sunday rescued Italy-based Super Eagles player Christian Obodo, who was kidnapped in Warri Friday night.
Both the the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikechukwu Aduba, and the chairman of the state Sports Commission, Pinick Amaju, confirmed Obodo’s freedom.
Obodo was released by the abductors who had initially requested a N30 Million ransom after frantic efforts by the Delta state Police Command. He was rescued at Enevo, a village in Isoko, Delta state.
“Christian is with me now”, said Amaju, who also doubles as the state FA chairman.
“My men carried out the operation and rescued the footballer at about 8.30 pm,” Aduba, the police commissioner said in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
“Obodo is alright; he is not hurt in anyway. Right now, he is with us, under police protection.”
The commissioner said that the policemen also arrested some suspects during the rescue operation.
News of the abduction of the Super Eagles and Udinese midfielder by gunmen on Saturday elicited reactions by some ex-internationals who expressed shock and disappointment over the incident. http://www.sportswriteup.com/
Super Eagles let Flames off the hook in Blantyre The Flames scored deep into additional time to get a draw against the Super Eagles in Blantyre on Saturday The Super Eagles and the Flames of Malawi played out a 1-1 draw in Blantyre on Saturday in a Day 2 qualifier for the 2014 World Cup. Kano Pillars midfielder Gabriel Reuben put Nigeria ahead with a header in the 90th minute but John Banda equalised for the home side two minutes into additional time.
After some hostile reception from Malawian football fans in Blantyre on Friday, the Eagles under Stephen Keshi drew but should have won the match again late as they did against Namibia last Sunday in Calabar when Ikechukwu Uche scored in the 80th minute after the team had missed a raft of goal scoring chances.
The match was played at the 25,000-capacity Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre and it was a sea of red colour. The Flames started the brighter and Eagles captain and goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama made a save off Nyondo in the tenth minute to keep the match even. Victor Moses almost scored his first goal for the Eagles on 33 minutes but the Malawian goalkeeper Simplex Nthara made a fine save and at the time the Super Eagles were putting on the pressure in search of the first goal. In the 39th minute, Ikechukwu Uche was denied in a one-on-one situation as the Flames were saved again by goalkeeper Nthara but the Eagles got a corner kick.
The second half saw the Nigerian team push hard for a goal but the Flames were resolute in their defensive display backed up by Nthara. Efe Ambrose got the first yellow card of the match in the 80th minute. Nigeria scored late and would have thought they were coming home with the three points until Banda saved Kinnah Phiri’s blushes with a last minute equaliser.
Nigeria stay top of Group F with four points as the Malawians moved into second place after their two drawn matches. Namibia host Kenya in the second game later.
Meanwhile, Christopher Katongo inspires Chipolopolo to beat the Black Stars A spirited southern African side outplayed their visitors who had come with high hopes of vengeance, but suffered a 1-0 defeat Not even Ghana’s coach, Kwesi Appiah’s three changes could raise the tempo of their game as the reigning African champions dictated the pace of the game throughout with a solid defense to shield goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.
Uncharacteristic of the four-time African champions, the 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists struggled to create decent chances and with a huge home support, coach Herve Renard’s charges exhibited confidence with their structured game plan.
The Copper Bullets stuck to their guns and even with a goal up, made two changes to secure their solitary lead. The west Africans came into the game in the last 10 minutes, but the Zambians packed themselves in defense to consolidate their second win against Ghana this year. The two sides last met at the semi-final stage of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Black Stars lost by a goal. Ghana still lead Group D with a superior goal difference after having defeated Lesotho 7-0 and Zambia losing against Sudan 2-0.
It is coach Appiah’s first defeat in charge of the Black Stars since he took over in April this year. Zambia’s victory leaves the group open since all three teams – Ghana, Sudan and Zambia – have three points with the Black Stars enjoying goals superi http://www.sportswriteup.com/
Tottenham's Luca Modric Set To Join Manchester United.
Luca Modric : Despite the best efforts of his current club to keep the Croatian, it is being suggested he will move to Old Trafford for a fee which could rise to £30m, depending on appearances and success.
The 26-year-old is currently with his country at Euro 2012 and is expected to sign for the Red Devils when he returns, barring any last-minute interventions.
Man. United were recently beaten to the signing of Lille winger Eden Hazard by Chelsea after the club thought they were favourites to land the 21-year-old.
They will be keen to tie up the deal with Modric quickly to make sure the same thing doesn't happen as the Stamford Bridge club are known to be admirers of the playmaker. Man. United are reportedly offering the Croatian a four-year contract worth £26m, with a weekly wage of £125,000, according to the Sun newspaper.
Sir Alex Ferguson wants to rebuild his squad after his team finished without a trophy last season. http://www.sportswriteup.com/
Zambian prostitutes: Reports reaching sportswriter indicate that prostitutes in some parts of Zambia are once again ready to offer free sex to supporters if the Chipolopolo beat the Ghana Black Stars in Sunday’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. It would be recalled that prostitutes in Kalingalinga, Lusaka’s Kanyama, John Laing, Chawama and some parts of the country offered themselves for free sex as part of their celebration after Zambia beat Ghana 1-0 in the semifinals of the 2012 African Cup of Nations held in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
A single prostitute served nearly 11 men and there were more than 200 men waiting to celebrate Zambia’s first qualification to the Africa Cup final since 1994 in style, by cashing in on the free sex. Nightclubs such as Kanyama’s Kanchembele and Chine Chikayeba which served free sex after that great semifinal feat are ready to serve again if only Chris Katongo and his men would silence the Ghanaians for the second time this year.
To these prostitutes, it’s a source of motivation to the supporters to continue cheering the national team anytime they face a tough opponent.
However, some concerned Zambians have suggested to the authorities that since most of the men who patronized these prostitutes had sex without protection, condoms should be made available this time around. With the Black Stars victory over Lesotho, all is set for a showdown in Zambia, but whether the offer by these sex workers will come to fruition, the pitch will decide on June 9 at the newly constructed Levy Mwanawasa Stadium http://www.sportswriteup.com/
Chelsea stadium move stalls: Chelsea stadium move stalls as club outbid on Battersea Power Station site
Alternatives will now have to be found after the club’s attempts to move to the Wandsworth area end having been outbid by Malaysian developers SP Setia and Sime Darby.
Chelsea have lost out on securing the abandoned Battersea Power Station site, as they look to find suitable grounds to build a new stadium. The club were outbid by two Malaysian companies, SP Setia and Sime Darby who have acquired the rights.Don’t Miss
The newly-crowned Champions League winners have been looking for a new site on which to build a stadium as their current home, Stamford Bridge, is deemed too small as it is unable match the revenues that Manchester United and Arsenal bring in.
When they submitted their plans last month, Chelsea revealed that they would turn the site into a 60,000-seater stadium which would be “one of the most iconic in the world”.
Around 15 bidders submitted plans last month to buy the site on the River Thames, after proposed plans to turn the area into homes, shops and offices collapsed in December.
A decision was made on Thursday morning and a statement followed from administrators, Ernst & Young, confirming the news:
The statement reads: “Following an extensive global marketing campaign, undertaken by Ernst & Young Real Estate Corporate Finance and Knight Frank LLP, the joint administrators are pleased to announce that on Wednesday 6 June 2012 they entered into an exclusivity agreement with SP Setia and Sime Darby and are working towards a timely exchange and completion of the site and associated land.” http://www.sportswriteup.com/chelsea-chelsea-stadium-move-stalls/
Euro 2012: Euro 2012 update – Starts June 7th Euro 2012: With just few hours until the European Championships kick-off in Poland & Ukraine this summer, excitement is understandably rising across the continent amongst all participating nations.
”"
Spain, Germany, Holland and Italy are all amongst the favourites to make a major impact over the coming three weeks, and all took part in light training sessions over the past 48 hours ahead of their upcoming matches.
Dutch boss Bert van Marwijk remains in high spirits despite a 2-1 defeat to Bulgaria in their final friendly, although the fitness of defender Joris Mathijsen is the nation’s biggest concern ahead of their Group B opener against Denmark.
“We do still have two days to make a decision on Joris and we will see how he progresses. At the moment I would say it is about 80% that he will not make the first game against Denmark,” he told the gathered media yesterday.
Germany are one of the pre-tournament favourites, ranked third in the world by FIFA but facing a tough path to the later stages in ‘the Group of Death’ alongside Netherlands, Denmark and Portugal.
Joachim Loew’s side face the Portuguese in their opener on Saturday, but former striker Oliver Bierhoff is eager to guard against complacency.
“We have shown what we can do against the Netherlands, against Brazil and also in the qualification. But we have also shown what is possible in the other way,” he noted.
“That’s why the stress has maybe never been higher. We all know that all, the DFB, the team, the fans have high expectations.”
The odds appear to be against Italy to make an impact this summer, with their opening match against Spain on Sunday a potential eye-opener over what to expect for the remainder of the competition.
Match-fixing, injuries and in-consistent friendly performances all suggest things might not go the way of the Azurri, but with the likes of Mario Balotelli in their side, an upset could be on the cards.
Vicente Del Bosque’s side appear to be in much better shape in Group C, and are chasing a historic trophy treble after claiming Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup in the last four years.
Expectation is understandably high, but young players are coming through the ranks to challenge for starting spots, and Javi Martinez doesn’t think injuries to Carles Puyol and David Villa will have an impact on the trophy challenge.
“It’s true they are very important players and they have been a big part of the last two titles that we’ve won, but we’re lucky we have players who can play the same as they can, if not better,” noted the Athletic Bilbao starlet.
CHELSEA midfielder: John Mikel Obi has revealed that he intends to remain at Chelsea until further notice.
While speaking in Lagos, he admitted that clinching the Champions League title is the greatest thing that has happened to his carrier. The Nigeria International said he wants to enjoy the victory while it lasts.
“Who will want to leave a team that just won the Champions League? I will definitely want to stay a little more at Chelsea. Nigeria is my home but Chelsea is my second home,” he said.
On the Super Eagles, the former Lyn Oslo of Norway player said he was looking forward to returning to the fold of the national team, as he commended the team for clinching the three points at stake against Namibia last Sunday.
“People, who misunderstood me in the past, had felt I was not committed to the national team.
Most people believe I am not a patriotic footballer, but that is not the case. It is always an honour to play for my country.
That I was not called for the last game does not mean anything. My being there may not have changed anything. I have played games for Nigeria where we lost, so it is not about Mikel but the success of the team.
“I will be glad to play for Nigeria any time I am called. This country made me, so why should I turn my back when my services are needed,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mikel Obi has told Reporters that he intends setting up a foundation which will be launched at the Civic Centre, Lagos on Friday, June 8.
The foundation is a gesture of Mikel obi to give back to the society. Obi stated that the foundation will bring succour to the homeless and displaced people across the nation.
“I want to give back to the society, Nigeria made me and I have always long to help the poor especially the Alimajaris. I grew up in Jos and I have seen these people beg for food. I want them to share in my success and I think this is the right time to help out.
While growing up, I saw these people come to beg for food. My mum use to call them over to give them food.
All these have inspired me and I said I would help them if I achieve success in life, it is a goal I want to achieve. These people love football, which I know because I live very close to the stadium.
NIGERIA'S Super Eagles; Eagles will fly out of the country to Malawi tomorrow to honour a Nations Cup qualifier against the Flames of Malawi.
According to the travelling arrangements released by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, the Eagles will travel tomorrow night aboard a chartered flight, for Saturday’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Flames.
Officials confirmed yesterday that the team will leave tomorrow night and arrive in Blantyre, capital of Malawi, in the early hours of Friday, and will be able to train on Friday evening on the artificial turf of the Kamuzu Stadium.
Already, an advance party of NFF officials yesterday left the country for Malawi, so as to prepare ground for the team’s arrival on Friday morning.
The programme stated further that Saturday’s match at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre will start at 2.30pm Malawi time (1.30pm Nigeria time) and will be refereed by officials from Mauritius.
Meanwhile, the NFF has denied a report that the sum of $80,000 belonging to the Federation went missing.
The story claimed that the sum went missing either during the U-20 Women’s Team’s trip to Kinshasa for a 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying game or on the team’s return, without being certain of the specifics.
NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu said the report was shocking because the said sports paper is highly regarded by the leadership of the NFF.
“There is no iota of truth to the story and coming at this time that we are at the beginning of a busy and very important month in Nigeria football, it is disheartening.
“If our money was missing, we would be the first to declare so and state where and how that happened. This is a case of outright mischief.
He said further: “That story is only in the imagination of those who wrote it. There is nothing like that. If money was missing, players and officials would not have been paid their allowances and match bonuses and there would have been some spurious excuse for that.
“On the contrary, everyone (players and officials) received their full allowances and match bonuses and there was definitely nothing like any money missing”. Amadu called for the support of the entire nation in a month the Super Eagles has kicked off well with three points against Namibia in their start to the race to 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, and in which they still have to play Malawi and Rwanda in major tournament qualifiers, and the Super Falcons host Zimbabwe in an African Women Championship qualifying match, stating that this was no time for distractions as wished by mischief makers. http://www.sportswriteup.com/nigerias-super-eagleseagles-depart-for-malawi/
Shinji Kagawa Transfer: Manchester United have confirmed the ‘agreed terms’ for the transfer of Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund.
Negotiations have been on-going with the 23-year-old for a number of weeks. The deal, which is thought to be worth £12million, potentially rising to £17million with add-ons, is subject to a medical and work permit, although this is believed to be a formality.
The Japan international has established himself as a key figure at Dortmund after arriving from native club Cerezo Osaka in 2010, scoring 16 goals in all competitions last season.
Nigeria’s Federal Government has promised to reward athletes who win gold, silver or bronze medals in the forthcoming London Olympic Games.
Dr Patrick Ekeji, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), conveyed the government’s pledge on Saturday in Owerri, while addressing weightlifters who were undergoing training for the London Olympics.
He assured the athletes that the Federal Government had made provision for their allowances and other entitlements, preparatory to their training tour of Germany before the Olympics.
Ekeji urged the athletes to be focused, while exhibiting discipline and adhering to professional ethics.
He said that much was expected from the country’s athletes in the game.
Also speaking, Mr Dans Adokiye, the Zonal Coordinator of the NSC, assured the weightlifters of their security in Imo before they would leave for the London games.
He expressed optimism that the athletes would give a brilliant performance in the Olympics.
ENGLAND defender Gary Cahill has been ruled out of Euro 2012 with a fractured jaw, the Football Association has confirmed.Both the 26-year-old and Chelsea team-mate John Terry suffered injuries during the Three Lions' 1-0 victory over Belgium on Saturday, but the latter has been given the all-clear after a scan on Sunday revealed a hamstring strain was not as serious as first feared.Liverpool full-back Martin Kelly has been called up as Cahill's replacement.
An FA statement read: "Gary Cahill has been withdrawn from England’s Euro 2012 squad following the injury he suffered in the match against Belgium.The Chelsea defender has two fractures of his jaw, one either side. The England medical team have been in close contact overnight with Cahill’s club doctors who will treat him moving forward.
Liverpool defender Martin Kelly will be called into the squad – subject to agreement from UEFA’s medical team. Kelly trained with the England players last week and was part of the group that travelled to Norway.
John Terry has been scanned this morning and given the all clear. He will be re-assessed on Tuesday when the team regroup.This latest injury adds to a disastrous week for manager Roy Hodgson, who has already lost the services of both Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard. http://www.sportswriteup.com/england-suffers-cahills-blow/
The Manchester United defender suffered another Euro 2012 snub.
The Manchester United defender-Rio Ferdinand's representative has accused the Football Association and England manager Roy Hodgson of treating the defender with "a total lack of respect" after the Manchester United defender suffered another Euro 2012 snub.
The FA confirmed on Sunday that Gary Cahill had been ruled out of the tournament after fracturing his jaw in two places during Saturday's friendly win over Belgium at Wembley.
It meant Hodgson had another space to fill in his squad, having already used his standby defender, Phil Jagielka, to replace Gareth Barry last week. Ferdinand, 33, would have been the obvious choice given his vast experience, a commodity which England have lost so much of following the injuries to Barry and Frank Lampard in the past week.
Instead Hodgson has gone for Liverpool youngster, Martin Kelly, who made his international debut as a substitute in the final two minutes of the win in Norway on May 26.
Hodgson faced a barrage of questions when naming his squad on May 16 about whether he had snubbed Ferdinand because of concerns the centre-back would not be able to get along with John Terry, in light of Terry's impending court case for alleged racist remarks to Ferdinand's brother Anton at Loftus Road in October. Terry denies the charge against him.
And it appears the Ferdinand camp feel there is more to the decision than simply "footballing reasons", the grounds Hodgson gave for leaving the Manchester United man out of his initial squad. Ferdinand's representative and long-standing friend Jamie Moralee said: "Lampard, Terry, Barry, Gerrard; all ageing but they go to the tournament.
"Why is Rio different? To treat a player that has captained and served his country 81 times (in this manner) is nothing short of disgraceful. Total lack of respect from Hodgson and the FA as far as I am concerned."
Kelly, who made just 12 Premier League appearances for Liverpool last term, is bound to be relishing his chance. But having lost the equivalent of 143 caps' worth of experience last week when Lampard and Barry were ruled out, then bemoaned how much they would be missed, it is hard to believe Hodgson has ignored Ferdinand on form grounds alone.
That will bring yet more questions of the coach at the first available opportunity after England arrive at their Krakow base on Wednesday providing, as expected, Terry gets the green light to travel after an initial scan on the tight hamstring he experienced against Belgium yesterday indicated there was no serious damage.
"What reasons??!!!" was Ferdinand's first reaction to his 2.8million Twitter followers as debate raged this afternoon, indicating a sense of disenchantment that is magnified in private as the defender tries to comprehend the decision Hodgson has reached. http://www.sportswriteup.com/roy-hodgson-snubs-rio-ferdinand-again/
Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier:-SUPER Eagles of Nigeria started their qualification for the Brazil 2014 World Cup on a bright note as they pipped the Brave Warriors 1-0 at the UJ Esuene stadium, Calabar yesterday. Granada of Spain striker, Ikechukwu Uche’s goal at the 83rd minute made the difference for the Super Eagles and a respite from the stubborn Namibians. The first 45th minutes of the encounter ended barren with the Nigerians not being able to convert several of their chances at goal. Ik Uche wasted about four begging chances, John Utaka, at least, three while the winger wizard, diminutive Enugu Rangers’ forward, Ejike Uzoenyi blew a lot of chance. But credit must go to the Namibians backline and the goalkeeper for keeping the rampaging Nigerian attackers at distance and the forwards who took occasional counter attack at the Nigerian vital area. The second half started with Nigerians begging for goals but at every contact at scoring it will be the Namibians that came out smiling. A 59th minute goal mouth frenzy thought to have hit the Namibian back net bounced back into the field of play with the Southern Africans clearing frantically. The Nigerian manager, Stephen Keshi pulled out Utaka for Ahmed Musa to strengthen the attack and his coming added more bite but the goal refused to come. Midfielder, Obiorah Nwankwo who cupped an injury gave way for Enyimba’s Henry Uche but the catalogue of misses continued on the Nigerian side. Nigeria’s last substitution saw off Victor Moses for Kalu Uche and it turned out to be the missing link as enterprising Ikechukwu Uche struck at the 83rd minute to break the deadlock. The goal saw the Namibians who had absorbed the attack from the Nigerians practically throwing more men in the attack seeking the equaliser which never came rather it was Enyimba’s man Kalu Uche that almost made it two in the added time but the shot went wide. Namibians were not disgraced and rather gave strong indication that it would be tougher when we visit Namibia for the return leg. Nigeria is top of their group on three points after group’s opponents Kenya and Malawi shared points in their game in Nairobi on Saturday. http://www.sportswriteup.com/brazil-2014-world-cup-qualifier-eagles-pip-namibia-1-nile/
Speculation has it that Arsene Wenger could be looking to strengthen the squad in the summer in preparation for the coming season, no matter how this current one ends.
At this point, it doesn't look like any additions are coming to the Ashburton Grove, so any speculation or rumor can only make sense with summer in mind, barring any 11th-hour signing in the next four days, which looks unlikely.
There are three positions that have been exposed as real areas of need in the current squad. I discuss them in the following slides and suggest three players that Wenger could buy to fill these areas of need. All are Borussia Dortmund players.
To the objection that it's unlikely that Arsenal may sign three players from the same club, I need only point out that we are not talking facts here but speculation, which may or may not come to pass. Besides, few of the players that crowd the must sign transfer lists ever go to the clubs that must sign them. http://www.sportswriteup.com/arsenal-transfer-rurmor/
CHELSEA has reportedly agreed a 38 million pounds fee for Porto striker Hulk.
Hulk's deal is ready to be closed, as reported late Thursday, with directors from both clubs needing merely to sign the paperwork.
The 25-year-old Brazil international's personal terms are not expected to pose any problems, nor is a required medical.
Earlier reports suggested potential suitors would need to pay as much as 100 million euros (E100 million) to get Porto to agree to a release but that figure was thought to have been quickly discounted down by Chelsea.
Hulk, as he is commonly known in the soccer world, was given the nickname due to his resemblance to actor Lou Ferrigno, who played green-skinned action character The Incredible Hulk in the US TV series.
The right winger, whose real name is Givanildo Vieira de Souza, can also operate as a striker and has been coveted by many big name European clubs.
The potential marquee signing comes soon after the recent European Champions League winners agreed a 32 million pounds deal for Lille attacking midfielder Eden Hazard, beating off competition from Manchester United and Manchester City.
Nonetheless, the London club is still without a permanent manager, with the future of interim boss Roberto Di Matteo unclear, and has already dispensed with the services of star striker Didier Drogba, defender Jose Bosingwa and attacker Salomon Kalou. http://www.sportswriteup.com/hulk-gets-smashing-deal-with-chelsea/
Chelsea's latest recruit Marko Marin feels that he is capable of going straight into the starting line-up after joining from German side Werder Bremen.
The 23-year-old agreed to sign for the Blues in April after they agreed a fee in the region of £6.5m for the talented attacking midfield player. Marin will officially join the club on July 1 when the transfer window re-opens.
I am sure that I will play for Chelsea. Why? Because they took me to London. The management has convinced me. It is a top-team!
"They have won the Champions League. The club, the scouting, the management, they have often observed me and they are convinced that I can help the team."
Marin is highly thought of across Europe, and the diminutive playmaker - who was born in Yugoslavia but has won 16 caps for Germany - confirmed that north London rivals Tottenham also made an offer to try and secure his services.
The highly rated Brazilian-has been sought after by the Stamford Bridge outfit for a while, with many expecting the 25-year-old to follow former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas to Stamford Bridge a year ago.
The move did not materialise, however, with Hulk remaining at Porto for a further year. Yet it now seems the Blues have got their man, with a €50 million (£40m) fee reportedly agreed.
Hulk enjoyed another successful campaign at Porto last season, scoring 21 goals in 38 games as he helped guide the Portuguese giants to their second successive league title.
Porto were thought to be holding out for the £80m release clause in the Brazilian’s contract. However, they appear to have now accepted that is an unrealistic goal and are willing to negotiate.
Manchester United middfielder-Paul Scholes has signed a one-year contract extension confirming that he is to definitely play on for what should be his final season at Manchester United, with Sir Alex Ferguson having previously stated it will be the midfielder's last.
Scholes came out of retirement from a coaching role at the club in January and enjoyed an impressive second half of the campaign as United just missed retaining the Premier League title on goal difference to Manchester City.
Regarding Scholes continuing for a further year Ferguson said earlier this month: "I'm delighted. He knew he had made a mistake [in retiring]. He now realises that next season if he plays 25 games it will be real quality. We know we play him really well. We've had him since a kid. We know how to use him."
Ferguson added: "Obviously next season will definitely be Ryan Giggs's and Paul Scholes's last season, I'm sure of that." However, he qualified this statement by continuing: "Although I'm not so sure about Ryan because he defies age. Paul – [it will] probably his last year."
LONDON — Italy striker Mario Balotelli said he would "kill" anyone who threw a banana at him in the street during the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine next month.
The volatile Manchester City player experienced racism during his time in Serie A and there are fears that black players could be subjected to it at the tournament.
"I will not accept racism at all," Balotelli, who was abused by Juventus and Roma fans while playing for Inter Milan in 2009, told France Football magazine.
"If someone throws a banana at me in the street, I will go to jail because I will kill them," he added, referring to an incident in Rome when someone threw a banana at him in a bar.
"It was lucky the police arrived quickly because I swear, I would have beaten them. I would really have destroyed them.
"I hope it never happens again."
BBC television's current affairs show Panorama highlighted possible racism in Ukraine and Poland this week in a programme entitled Euro 2012: Stadiums of Hate.
Images of fans making Nazi salutes and monkey chants towards black players have heightened fears that the tournament could be marred by crowd trouble.
Some black England players such as Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have said their families will not travel to watch the matches next month.
"Let's see what happens at the Euros," said Balotelli. "I hope it will pass without problem. I really couldn't deal with that. If it happened I would walk off the pitch and return home.
"We are in 2012. It's not possible."
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday that fears of racism at the tournament had been exaggerated.
"Nobody who comes to Poland will be in any danger because of his race," he told a news conference in Rome.
"This is not our custom, as is not pointing out similar incidents in other countries, although we know they take place. In Poland, they're a rarity."
In Kiev, Ukraine's foreign ministry went further, saying the allegations were a "dreamed up and mythical problem".
"You can criticize Ukrainian society for a lot of things ... but, in the practice of racism, European Union member countries are a long way ahead of Ukraine," said ministry spokesman Oleh Voloshyn in comments reported by Interfax news agency. http://www.sportswriteup.com/fernando-torres-has-ended-goal-drought-for-spain/
Show Posts
?!!!" was Ferdinand's first reaction to his 2.8million Twitter followers as debate raged this afternoon, indicating a sense of disenchantment that is magnified in private as the defender tries to comprehend the decision Hodgson has reached.