Bastian Schweinsteiger will lead Germany onto the field for their Euro 2016 semi-final against France on Thursday night after being passed fit to play. The Manchester United midfielder was a doubt due to a niggling injury he aggravated in the penalty shootout win over Italy in the quarterfinals, but Germany coach Joachim Low confirmed at a press conference on Wednesday that he is fit and will start. "I have the team in my head and Bastian Schweinsteiger will definitely start,'' Low said in Marseille. "I always said that if he trains 100 percent without complaints then he will play. "He trained this morning and had no complaints. The injury is cured and he showed against Italy he's got the strength to play from the start, and I believe he's very, very … [Read more...]
Manchester City make improved offer for Juventus defender
Manhester City are expected to make an improved offer for Leonardo Bonucci, after Juventus rejected an opening bid of £38.6 million for the Italy centre-half, as Pep Guardiola steps up his protracted battle to reshape the club’s defence. Guardiola wants to sign two central defenders, a right-back and a goalkeeper but City may have to pay a fee of around £50 million to lure Bonucci, a similar amount of money to what Everton are demanding for their other centre-half target, John Stones. Bonucci impressed at the European Championships for Italy, who were beaten in the quarter-finals on penalties by Germany last Saturday, and Guardiola has made no secret of his admiration for the 29-year-old, whom he described as “one of my favourite players” after Bayern … [Read more...]
Sergio Aguero may join Messi in retirement
In a brutal tirade over the state of Argentine football, Leonel Aguero was also critical of the AFA and Gerardo Martino. The Argentinian national team are living in precarious times, with Sergio Aguero’s father Leonel saying that his son will also hang up his international boots if Lionel Messi does not play for them again. ‘Kun’ has been one of Messi’s most loyal friends since their days in the Argentina Under-20 squad. Even after the painful defeat for the team in the Copa America final against Chile, Messi went to Aguero’s house in Rosario. “If Leo leaves the international team permanently, Sergio will also go,” Leonel Aguero said. “He will leave it up to the new players as the journalists have said that their era is over.” As well as that, the … [Read more...]
Manchester United confirm signing of Borussia Dortmund star
Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund on a four-year contract. Mkhitaryan, 27, becomes United's third arrival of the summer after Eric Bailly from Villarreal and Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Paris Saint-Germain. He told United's official website: "I am very proud to join Manchester United, this move is a dream come true for me. I am excited to play for a club with such an illustrious history and hope to be part of it for a long time. I thank the trust the club and Jose Mourinho have put in me. "Finally, I believe playing for such a great club honours my father's memory, and the inspiration and drive he gave to me when I was young." A dream come true! So happy to join @ManUtd, a club I always admired for … [Read more...]
Schweinsteiger misses training as Germany sweat on player’s fitness
With Sami Khedira, Mario Gomez and Mats Hummels already absentees for Germany’s clash with France, Joachim Low is sweating on the fitness of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Benedikt Howedes. Germany trained at their Evian-les-Bains base on Tuesday ahead of their Euro 2016 semi-final with France, without Bastian Schweinsteiger and Benedikt Howedes. Captain Schweinsteiger has been struggling with a knee problem and also missed training on Monday, with the Manchester United man a doubt for the clash. Howedes, meanwhile, is expected to be fit for Thursday’s fixture and, according to the German FA, the Schalke defender’s solo training session in the gym was merely precautionary. Coach Joachim Low already has three players missing for the encounter with the host … [Read more...]
Valencia sign former United player Nani from Fenerbahce
Valencia have confirmed the signing of former Manchester United winger Luis Nani from Fenerbahce for £7.2million. The Portugal international has signed for the La Liga side on a three-year deal just a year after leaving Old Trafford. Nani had been linked with both Liverpool and Everton in the last month with Turkish publication Fanatik claiming that the Merseyside pair had bee urged to move quickly before his €8.5million release clause expired on July 1. “Valencia have reached an agreement with Portugal international Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha ‘Nani’ that ties the player to our club for the next three seasons,” read a statement from Valencia. “Nani, 29, has played for Sporting CP (2005-2007, 2014-15), Manchester United (2007-2014) and Fenerbahce … [Read more...]
Jose Mourinho eager to take Manchester United back to the top
The Portuguese who replaced Louis van Gaal as Manchester United boss in May was unveiled to the press and paraded with the club shirt and scarf. And he insists he knows what's expected of him. "I arrive into a club that is difficult to describe," he said. "I don’t like the nomination that many people use, dream job. "This is reality - I am Manchester United manager. It is a job that everyone wants and not many have had the chance to have. "I have it. I know the responsibility, expectation and the legacy of this club. I know what the fans expect from me. "This challenge doesn’t make me nervous." Mourinho revealed he plans on using Wayne Rooney as a striker - or second striker - rather than a midfielder. He said he's signed three players and … [Read more...]