Mesut Ozil has rejected claims that he is the opposite type of player to Cristiano Ronaldo. Ozil was speaking to L’Equipe ahead of Germany’s match against Italy in Euro 2016. The playmaker says that, although he is not as hungry for goals as Ronaldo, that does not lower his desire to achieve. “Cristiano Ronaldo is obviously very ambitious, but so am I,” Ozil told L’Equipe. “I am a perfectionist on the pitch as well. I want to be successful with everything I do. “During the time I played alongside Ronaldo [at Real Madrid], I saw that he always wanted to win everything, even on the training pitch. He is never satisfied and always wants more. He always wants more titles and there are not a lot of players with that attitude. “Personally, I am not as … [Read more...]
Balotelli vows to win Ballon D’Or
Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli still believes that he can win the Ballon D’Or, despite enduring a tough two seasons. Balotelli has returned to Liverpool training for the first time under Jurgen Klopp, but faces a tough battle to establish himself at Anfield. The Italian striker was loaned out by Brendan Rodgers at the start of last season, but scored only one league goals in his 20 Serie A matches for Milan. It’s fair to say that that hasn’t dampened his ambitions for individual success. “In my view there weren’t enough [expectations placed upon him], as I can do so much more than what I said. But it takes time,” Balotelli told the Corriere della Sera newspaer. “On the scale of 0 to 10, I stopped at five, but I’ll get to 10 eventually. I want to … [Read more...]
Conte assures Spanish duo about their future
Antonio Conte has reportedly held talks with Cesar Azpilicueta and Pedro to stress that they are both in his first-team plans at Chelsea. According to reports, the Italian sought out the Spanish duo following the last-16 clash at Euro 2016 as he tries to build a Chelsea squad capable of mounting a title challenge this season. Athletic Bilbao and Manchester United have been linked with Azpilicueta, while Pedro revealed recently that he has held talks with Barcelona. However, it is thought that Conte wants to keep both at Stamford Bridge for the upcoming campaign and will not entertain any offers for the two right-sided players. … [Read more...]
Ander Herrera confirms Giggs exit by paying tribute to the United legend
It's not been easy to keep secrets at United this summer and Giggs' story has been one of those. It started with Louis van Gaal and the constant story that he would be relieved of his duties as his team struggled through last season. That eventually happened, with the shadow of the available Jose Mourinho looming large over the Dutchman. The former Chelsea gaffer was heavily linked with taking over from van Gaal and that ended up happening at the end of May. And it's been followed up by constant talk of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik Mhitaryan both moving to Old Trafford - and those came to be a reality this week. Since Mourinho's appointment, it's been widely reported that Giggs wouldn't stay as part of his coaching team and would instead leave to chase his … [Read more...]
Borussia Dortmund confirm Mkhitaryan sale to Man United
Henrikh Mkhitaryan will join Manchester United after Borussia Dortmund reluctantly confirmed the two clubs had agreed a fee – believed to £26.3m – for the player. Dortmund released a statement reading: “After intensive discussions BVB have complied with the wishes of the Armenian national team player to join Manchester United.” . @HenrikhMkh wechselt zu @ManUtd // Henrikh Mkhitaryan moves to Manchester United. Details to follow. pic.twitter.com/mFxTgZoS3J — Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) July 2, 2016 “This transfer was for us a difficult one to agree, but we had to assess the fact the player just had a year left on his deal and Manchester made us a tremendous offer. “Had we knocked it back, the player would be able to leave for free in 2017. It was a … [Read more...]
Tello rejects Liverpool set for Fiorentina return.
Heading for the exit at the Camp Nou, Cristian Tello is determined to return to Fiorentina after his successful loan spell at the club last season. After enjoying a six-month loan with the club in the latter half of the season, Barcelona’s Cristian Tello is angling for a permanent move to Fiorentina and turned down Liverpool for the Viola. The Spaniard had failed to establish himself in the first team of the Spanish champions and spent the first half of the last campaign on loan at Portuguese outfit Porto, before arriving at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in January. Tello made a positive impact during his half season and Italy and is keen to remain with the club, despite interest from Europa League runners-up Liverpool, according to reports. Jurgen … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Ozil out to end Italian jinx
The world champions have never beaten Italy in a major tournament but the Arsenal playmaker is hoping to end that run in Bordeaux. Knowing history is stacked against them as they face Italy on Saturday, Germany ‘s Mesut Ozil hopes that they can overturn their historical hoodoo to make it through to the semi-final. These nations have met in eight previous international tournaments, with Italy winning four of those clashes and drawing the rest. Most recently Germany were dumped out at the semi-final stage of the last European Championship by their rivals, and also fell at the same stage in the World Cup which they hosted in 2006. “We know only too well that we’ve always lost, but looking back on the games they’ve always been close,” he said. Ozil … [Read more...]