Welcome To Dipo Liadi's blog: May 2014

31 May 2014

ENGLAND 3 PERU 0: Magical Sturridge Leads Rout Over Peru

Defence was the best form of attack for England as they kicked off their World Cup preparations with a 3-0 win over Peru. After Daniel Sturridge had opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half, defensive duo Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka found the net to send England on their way with a comfortable victory.

Boss Roy Hodgson included six players who ply their Premier League trade on Merseyside in his starting XI,and it was the Liverpool pairing of Glen Johnson and Sturridge who combined for the opener.

Johnson's quick-thinking from a throw-in opened the door for Sturridge to shoot from the edge of the penalty area and he made no mistake in curling the ball into the top left-hand corner in the 32nd minute.

Andres Iniesta is confident Spain are looking good ahead of their quest to retain the World Cup in Brazil next month. The Barcelona midfielder rounded off a 2-0 victory over Bolivia on Friday night after Fernando Torres had given La Roja the lead from the penalty spot.

Iniesta says he is confident Vicente del Bosque’s side will be even stronger by the time they kick-off their World Cup campaign against Netherlands on June 13.

“Whether the coach decides to go with those who played tonight or bring in others, the group will be even stronger,” Iniesta told AS.

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP: Celtic Confirms Interest In Roy Keane

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has confirmed the club are interested in appointing Roy Keane as their new boss. But the Hoops chief says the Republic of Ireland assistant manager faces competition from as many as nine other rivals to be named Neil Lennon's successor.

Ireland boss Martin O'Neill revealed on Thursday that the majority shareholder of the Scottish champions Dermot Desmond had held talks with his number two.

And now Lawwell has confirmed the 42-year-old former Manchester United skipper - who ended his playing career at Parkhead - is on a short list of candidates the Celtic board is now examining.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has insisted he is not bothered by criticism as he is his own harshest judge.

Messi has spoken to ESPN with his comments reported by AS. The Argentina international was asked about the World Cup, the season just finished, and how he has changed in the past four years.

“Since the World Cup in South Africa I’ve grown a lot in football and personally,” Messi revealed.
“I’m a father. That’s a big responsibility and it changes things. Now it’s my son and then everything else.

VIDEO: Watch One Of The Funniest Penalties Ever

Over in Asia on Thursday, the Maldives beat Afghanistan on penalties to come third in the AFC Challenge Cup.

During the shootout the Maldives scored one of the funniest penalties ever, as during the build-up to the spot-kick one player fell, literally, on his face.

As the Maldives’ #12 ran up to take his penalty he slipped flat on his belly, only to quickly get up and bury the ball past a distracted Afghan keeper.

Whether the penalty should have stood according to the laws of the game was a matter up for debate.

Barcelona Keen To Sign Atletico's Koke Says Josep Bartomeu

Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has revealed that the Catalans are keen to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke, but has acknowledged that they might face a tough task to lure the Spain international away from his current club.

The 22-year-old was one of the revelations of the 2013-14 season and played a key role in their La Liga title and their successful Champions League campaign, thus attracting the interest of a number of bigger clubs, including Barcelona.

Nevertheless, Koke has a contract with Atletico until the summer of 2018 and the Spanish champions will not let go of the midfielder on the cheap.

KESHI: We Did Not Fix The Match Against Scotland

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has been forced to issue a strong defence of his players against suggestions of match-fixing after a contentious friendly against Scotland on Wednesday night.

The match, held at Craven Cottage, was overshadowed before it had even begun when it emerged the National Crime Agency was investigating attempts to fix the match.

The Scottish Football Association said it had "liaised with the relevant authorities and will prepare for the match as normal."

Pep Guardiola got married to long time partner Cristina Serra on Thursday, and the Bayern Munich boss and his partner chose a noticeably low-key route to their special day.

In Matadepera in Catalonia, Spain, Pep and Cristina, together with their three children and their parents, held a small ceremony making their union official.

In a fresh twist, Pep and Cristina also chose to dress down for the event, with the bride wearing a red leather jacket and dark trousers, rather than the traditional white gown.
See a couple of pictures showing how Pep Guardiola got married below.

Brazilian legend Ronaldo has opened up his house to the June edition of Brazil’s Bazaar magazine, and it’s fair to say the former AC Milan, Inter Milan and Real Madrid striker is living quite nicely.

Telling the magazine that he doesn’t want his house to feel like a hotel, readers get an insight into Ronaldo’s two-story mansion, which is decked out with marble floors and is completed with twisted metal staircase.

The double decker chocolate cake on Ronaldo’s dining room table was also rather impressive.
See the pictures from inside Ronaldo’s home below.

Watch How Austin Ejide Threw The Ball Into His Own Net!!!

Match fixing or not, i can't answer but am surprised at this suspicious play

Manuel Neuer's Return Boosts German Squad Ahead Of World Cup

Manuel Neuer has handed Germany a boost after his returning to training on Thursday.
The Bayern Munich keeper hurt his right shoulder in his side's 2-0 DFB Pokal final win over Borussia Dortmund on May 17 and there were concerns he could be a doubt ahead of the World Cup.

Team manager Oliver Bierhoff said on Wednesday that Germany would be adopting a cautious approach to his reintroduction, but Bayern have now confirmed that he has resumed preparations for Brazil.

The 28-year-old took part in a running session with his team-mates, but is not likely to be in contention for Sunday's friendly against Cameroon.

David Ferrer cruised into the third round of the French Open with a 6-2 6-3 6-2 win over Simone Bolelli.
Last year's runner-up Ferrer of Spain, the fifth seed, bulldozed his way into the last 32 by demolishing Italian Bolelli in 108 minutes.

The fifth seed, who could take on eight-times champion Rafa Nadal in the quarter-finals, will next play Argentine Juan Monaco or Italian 32nd seed Andreas Seppi.

"I am ready for the next round and was very happy with my performance, especially with my consistency," he said.
"My season on clay has been good (when asked about beating Nadal on clay this season). I have a good feel but I'm focusing on the moment."

No PSG Move For Me Says Yaya Toure

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure insists that he was "taken out of context" when he spoke glowingly about the idea of joining Paris Saint-Germain.

"The media took what I said out of context," he told RFI.
"For the moment, there's nothing planned. Too many things have been said, that annoyed me.

"I want to take advantage of this opportunity to put things into context. It's very important. I simply said that it was nice to be a player who is quite coveted and it was an honour to play for PSG."

Cristiano Ronaldo Now Leads Lionel Messi In All Times Champions League Highest Goal Scorers

Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo has overtaken Barcelona star Lionel Messi in the all-time Champions League goalscoring charts with his strike in Saturday's final in Lisbon.

The 29-year-old attacker, who dethroned the Argentine as the Ballon d'Or holder in January, netted the fourth from the penalty spot in Madrid's 4-1 victory in Lisbon.

Ronaldo's strike moves him to within three goals of former Madrid forward Raul, who netted 71 times in 144 Champions League appearances.

Louis van Gaal believes Atletico Madrid can be an example to the Netherlands in this summer's World Cup.

Diego Simeone's side won the Spanish league on the final day of the season and narrowly lost out in the Champions League final, leading until a Sergio Ramos header deep into injury time ensured the tie went into extra-time, with Real Madrid going on to win 4-1.

But Van Gaal believes his team can learn from the Spaniards with their defensive solidity, pressing game and fighting spirit but insisted his own set-up at corners would prevent a goal like Ramos' equaliser.

Gareth Bale has already paid off his signing fee with two goals in two cup finals. His goal at the Mestalla won a cup final while his header at the Estadio Da Luz essentially clinched the Champions League. It would be fair to say that the Welshman has made a big impact since he arrived in Madrid.

A great move from Di María down the left wing drew a save from Courtois and Bale beat Toby Alderweireld to the draw to head the rebound home.

It was the 110th minute and the 'Décima' was finally in Real Madrid's grasp. Upon scoring, the Welshman exploded with glee, since he hadn't had much luck in front of goal earlier on in the evening.

FRENCH OPEN: Djokovic Slithers To Damp French Open Win

Second seed Novak Djokovic played the funny man as he slipped and slithered to a 6-1 6-2 6-4 win over Portugal's Joao Sousa on the rain-interrupted second day of the French Open on Monday.

The start of play was delayed for about one hour and even after play commenced, the rain quickly returned to stop play for another hour. Djokovic was leading 4-1 at the time and, on the resumption, broke Sousa to love. He then recovered from 0-40 on his own serve to wrap up the first set with two crushing first serves.

Rain began to fall again with the Serb, who is strongly fancied to end Rafael Nadal's hold on the title, preparing to serve for the set at 5-2. Djokovic sat, looking slightly ridiculous, in a white hooded waterproof jacket as the umpire decided whether to take the players off court.

Brendan Rodgers has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool, the club have confirmed.
Rodgers, who was widely praised for leading the Reds to the brink of a first league title in 24 years last season, had been due to enter the final year of his contract this summer.

"I am both humbled and privileged to be offered the chance to extend my stay at this great club. I am very happy to build on the foundations we have built over the last two years and now we move onto the next phase which I believe will be as exciting, challenging and rewarding," Rodgers told the club's official website.

"I would like to place on record my thanks to the players and staff, who have been absolutely brilliant for me since the day I started at this great football club. I am grateful to our owners and senior management team who have supported me and who share my vision of how we can progress on the field.

South African side, the Orlando Pirates, have been forced to issue a public apology after group of their players took a picture with the Nedbank Cup as they all stood around in their birthday suits.

The photo has since been leaked online, which in turn has caused an uproar in the Rainbow Nation.

The players involved in the controversial picture included Thabo Matlaba, Lehlohonolo Majoro, and Thandani Ntshumayelo, while Ntshumayelo has now taken the blame for the picture getting out.
Floyd Mbele, the Pirates’ administrative manager, told the AP: Who are we to condemn players for celebrating?

REAL MADRID 4 ATLETICO MADRID 1: Watch All The Goals & Highlights

REAL MADRID 4 ATLETICO MADRID 1: Pray this Football Funny Prayers

After a long search Real Madrid finally wins the champions league. Well i think you should pray this funny prayers but real. please pray, if Real could be delivered tonight then your victory is coming.....

1- OH GOD when the enemy thinks they have succeeded over me let my Sergio Ramos appear by fire IJN

2- OH GOD after my Sergio Ramos appear let my Gareth Bale fire in the victory

3 - OH GOD remove that defensive coentrao and bring in that Marcello that will add icing to my cake IJN

Real Madrid came back into the match when all hopes were lost with just two minutes to the end of the match in added time.

After the equalizer Atletico looked extra tired in extra time giving a vibrant Di Maria an opportunity to test Courtis who pushed the ball off to Bale's head who correctly headed in. Marcelo added the icing on the cake to make it three and the star boy in his own country finally won a penalty for himself which moved his goal tally to 17 in 11 matches.

Congrats to Real Madrid, hala madrid, hala madrid.

Nigeria U-17 team defeated the Super Stars Academy 7-0 in a warm up game played at the NFF/Fifa Goal Project Pitch in Abuja on Saturday.

A brace from Chinedu Madueke and Ebere Osinachi inspired a comfortable win for Emmanuel Amuneke’s side against the Abuja based team as they prepare for an international friendly against the Young Pharaohs of Egypt later this month.

New boys Chukwuwueze and Madueke scored two quick goals in the first ten minutes of the encounter before Chukwuwueze with barely 10 minutes into the game as the Golden Eaglets completely dominated their opponents.

Flying Eagles Beat Tanzania 4-1 In Kaduna

The Flying Eagles have progressed to the final round of the African Youth Championship qualifiers by defeating Tanzania 4-1 to win 6-1 on aggregate in Kaduna on Saturday.

Hosts Nigeria got an early lead in the 7th minute through Alhassan Ibrahim before visitors Tanzania drew level in the 17th minute after Banda Hassan fired past Flying Eagles goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo.

Musa Yahaya brought the West Africans back in front in the 34th minute and two minutes later, Awoniyi powered home third goal after several missed chances to hand the Manu Garba's side a comfortable lead going into the half time break.

Super Falcons defeated Rwanda 4-1 in the first leg second round of African Women Championship qualifiers played in Gisenyi on Sunday afternoon.

The Nigerian ladies started brightly by dominating proceedings but threw away many scoring chances. After minutes of dominance, Asisat Oshoala opened scoring for the Falcons in the 37th minute with a volley inside the box.

Three minutes later, Desire Oparanozie who was the tormentor -in -chief of the hosts set up Asisat to put Super Falcons two goals up. It should have been more before interval but poor shooting denied the visitors a more comfortable lead.

21 May 2014

NIGERIA' PREMIER LEAGUE: Salami Vows To Prove Himself

Nigeria league leading scorer Gbolahan Salami has promised to prove himself again before Ibadan fans when Warri Wolves battle Crown FC on Wednesday.

Salami, who has scored six goals in the league, said he cannot wait for the match because he has missed his fans since he left Shooting Stars of Ibadan.

"I am happy going back to Ibadan to play before my fans. Ibadan is my home so I can't afford to wait longer than this because I really missed them and I know they too will be willing to see me play,” Salami revealed.

Lionel Messi has lamented Barcelona's trophy-less season, admitting that they "accomplished nothing" during the 2013-14 campaign. The Argentina international, who has just signed a new contract that will see him become the world’s best-paid footballer, has struggled with injuries and relatively poor form over the past 12 months.

However, even as Barca's star player, the four-time Ballon d'Or winner does not feel that he should shoulder the blame for the Catalans' failure to win anything other than the Supercopa de Espana.

"It was a tough year and it has not been the best for me,” Messi admitted to Mundo Deportivo. "A big team [like Barcelona] is obliged to win titles and this year we accomplished nothing.

Yaya Toure's agent admits that the Manchester City midfielder would consider a return to Barcelona.
Earlier on Tuesday, the player's representative claimed that City had disrespected the Cote d'Ivoire by not wishing him a happy birthday at an event in Abu Dhabi on May 13.

Toure spent three seasons at Barcelona before joining City in July 2010 and Dimitri Seluk maintains that the Spanish club is "another home" for the 31-year-old.

"He is a very professional player and he will work hard for any club he plays for. Every club he has been at he has been one of the best players, if not the best," the agent told talkSPORT.

Beating the Miami Heat once is difficult enough but taking two play-off games in a row from the defending National Basketball Association champions is mission impossible as the Indiana Pacers found out on Tuesday.

Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) and guard Dwayne Wade (3) walk off the floor after defeating the Indiana Pacers in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals (AFP)

Dormant most of the night, LeBron James sprung to life in the final quarter scoring 12 of his 22 points, while Dwyane Wade dropped 10 of his team high 23 to lift the Heat to a battling 87-83 victory and even the Eastern Conference final at a game apiece.

Louis van Gaal has revealed that Jose Mourinho texted him on his appointment as Manchester United manager to reveal his jealousy at the list of clubs the Dutchman has managed.

Van Gaal's imminent move to Old Trafford will provide the latest chapter in an illustrious career which also includes spells in charge of Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

And speaking to Dutch television channel RTL, Van Gaal claimed that Mourinho - his former assistant and long-time friend - had been in touch to reveal his awe at his mentor's CV.

FOOTBALL : Nsofor's Goals Put Inter To The Sword

Nigerian international, Victor Obinna Nsofor, scored both goals for Chievo as they defeated Inter Milan 2-1 in a Serie A match at the Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium on Sunday.

Nsofor came off the bench in the 73rd minute to replace defender Dario Dainelli in a tactical switch by Chievo manager, Eugenio Corini.

At that time, the Yellow-Blues were trailing Inter Milan by a first half goal scored by Marco Andreolli.
But Nsofor turned the game on its head within seconds of coming off the bench by scoring to draw Chievo level.

Real Madrid forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have not suffered serious injuries and should be fit for next Saturday's Champions League final against Atletico Madrid, coach Carlo Ancelotti said.

Alarm bells rang after Ronaldo, Real's top scorer, apparently hurt himself in the warm-up before Saturday's La Liga game at home to Espanyol but Ancelotti said it was nothing to be concerned about and the Portugal captain had merely been rested as a precaution.

Arsenal's dramatic Wembley win against Hull City was the most important victory of Arsene Wenger's 18 years in charge, the five-times FA Cup winning manger said on Saturday.

Despite winning eight major trophies including three Premier League titles, during his long reign at the club, the Frenchman ranks their 3-2 FA Cup final win over Hull to end a nine-year trophy drought as their most important success.

An Aaron Ramsey goal in extra time capped an amazing comeback for Arsenal, who found themselves two goals down after eight minutes, and ensured the club's name was etched on the trophy for the 11th time, equalling Manchester United's all-time record.

Novak Djokovic laid down the gauntlet ahead of Roland Garros when he came from a set down to dismantle clay court king Rafael Nadal in the Rome Masters final.

The Serb's 4-6 6-3 6-3 victory was his fourth successive victory over Nadal but only his fourth on clay in their 41-match head-to-head series dating back to 2006.

After a slow start in which he twice dropped serve, Djokovic took control of the baseline rallies and finished the match with a flurry of precision groundstrokes that had Nadal reeling.

With Galatasaray's season now over, Didier Drogba has announced his intention to leave the Turkish club when his contract expires this summer.

The 36-year-old moved from Shanghai Shenhua in January 2013 and helped the side to the Super Lig title the Turkish Super Cup the same year. Speaking to the club's official TV channel, the former Chelsea icon issued a heartfelt goodbye.

"Galatasaray will always be in my heart, I'm very proud to have represented this team.
"I didn't come here for money. If I wanted money I would have stayed in China. I came to Turkey to play football, to feel the passion again. Scoring against Fenerbahce and Besiktas, I think I gave some happiness to our fans."

REAL MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo Will Be Fit For Champions League Final Says Ancelotti

Alarm bells rang after Ronaldo, Real's top scorer, apparently hurt himself in the warm-up before Saturday's La Liga game at home to Espanyol but Ancelotti said it was nothing to be concerned about and the Portugal captain had merely been rested as a precaution.

Benzema limped out of the match with just over 20 minutes remaining with what Ancelotti described as a twinge in his adductor muscle.

"Cristiano wasn't comfortable in the warm-up and we decided not to take any risks," the Italian told a news conference.

FA CUP: Arsenal 3 Hull 2 - Watch The Goals & Highlights

Aaron Ramsey Ends Arsenal's Nine Years Trophy Drought As Gunners Win FA Cup

Arsenal ended their nine-year trophy drought thanks to Aaron Ramsey's extra-time winner as the Gunners came from 2-0 down to defeat Hull and win the FA Cup.

The Welshman prodded home a backheel from Olivier Giroud in the second period of extra-time to condemn Steve Bruce's side to a 3-2 loss at Wembley.

Arsene Wenger's side were stunned by Hull, who scored twice inside the opening eight minutes, first through a reaction flick from James Chester before Curtis Davies cooly slotted home from a tight angle.

Barcelona have confirmed coach Tata Martino has left the club by mutual consent.
The Argentine only took over last summer but has failed to land a major trophy in what has turned into a year to forget for the Catalan club.

Barca’s last hope of silverware disappeared with Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Atletico Madrid. They went into the final-day contest needing a victory to land the Liga crown on a better head-to-head record than Atleti.

All appeared to be going to plan when Alexis Sanchez put them in front in the first half but Diego Godin’s towering header at the start of the second denied the hosts.

When Arsenal beat Manchester United in a penalty shootout to win the FA Cup in 2005, few can have imagined that Arsene Wenger's team would still be waiting for its next piece of silverware nine years later.

Yet that is the situation facing Arsenal ahead of its latest opportunity to end the trophy drought - an FA Cup final against Hull City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Drogba, Yaya Lead Cote D' Ivoire's World Cup Provisional List

Cote d'Ivoire coach Sabri Lamouchi has published his 28 man provisional squad for the World Cup, but said he could bring in two more players before drawing the final list of 23.

Most of the Elephants’ veterans feature on the list, to be led by captain Didier Drogba, whose team-mate at Galatasaray Emmanuel Eboue and Tiene Siaka of French side Montpellier were not included due to technical reasons, according to the coach.

Gervinho, Salomon Kalou, Cheick Tiote and both Yaya and Kolo Toure are included in the squad.
The team will hold preparations in the USA from May 20 until June 6, during which they will play two friendly matches against Bosnia on May 30 and Salvador on June 4 in Dallas before flying to Brazil.

At 26 years of age going into the 2014 World Cup – this could well be Lionel Messi’s World Cup. The Argentina talisman turns 27 on the 24th of June and an overview glance of Messi’s career proves that the Brazil tournament is the one he has to take by storm.

In 2006, Messi had burst on to the scene and was under used by the then Argentina coach Jose Pekerman.
Four years later, Argentina were coached by Diego Maradona, a legend of the game but not necessarily the finest tactician.

And, in four years time, Messi will be in his 30s and who knows what condition he will be in for the Russia World Cup. This tournament is in South America, Argentina have a group phase that looks favourable and a squad of players that can build themselves around Messi.

With one game to go in the Spanish La Liga, rejected Super Eagles striker, Ikechukwu Uche says he is happy to end the season as his club,Villareal's top scorer.

The Nigerian, left out of Nigeria's provisional World Cup squad list by Stephen Keshi scored his 13th goal of the season on Saturday in his club's 4-0 bashing of Rayo Vallecano and said he was delighted to be the Yellow Submarine's goaleador.

''I'm happy to be Villareal's top scorer this season.It was not down to me alone but also the work done by my teammates',said Uche who acknowledged he has had a very great season despite making occasion trips to the club's medics to treat injuries.

With just 31 days to the commencement of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, ex-international, Team manager and goalkeeper trainer of South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, William Okpara‎ has tipped the Super Eagles to shock many at the mundial.

Okpara said that Nigeria looks good and strong enough to qualify from the group stage and possibly do that as group winners ahead of the much dreaded Argentina. He reckons that Nigeria will go far in the tournament.

“We are been paired with Iran, Bosnia/Herzegovina and Argentina, there is no way we will not come out from that group, if care is not taken we might even top the group. People might be scared of Argentina, but the confidence is there among the boys, they are now begining to play as a team, with our support and prayers, i think they will go far in this tournament.”

Barcelona goalkeeper Víctor Valdés, who has been injured since the end of March, has said his farewells to the squad and technical staff with a brief speech in the dressing room.

The keeper, who is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee, went into the dressing room, collected his personal possessions and said goodbye to his teammates and coaches, as well as other staff that he has worked with on a daily basis for such a long time.

The Miami Marlins believe ace Jose Fernandez will need season-ending elbow surgery, National League sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.

Fernandez was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right elbow earlier Monday, manager Mike Redmond announced. Fernandez will return to Miami for further evaluation as the Marlins await more results from today's MRI in Los Angeles.

A bevy of pitchers have been diagnosed with torn elbow ligaments, requiring Tommy John surgery, since the start of spring training, including Braves right-handers Kris Medlen, Brandon Beachy and Cory Gearrin; Diamondbacks ace Patrick Corbin; Athletics starters Jarrod Parker and A.J. Griffin; Rays All-Star Matt Moore, Yankees starter Ivan Nova, Padres starter Josh Johnson, Mets closer Bobby Parnell; Royals setup man Luke Hochevar; Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon; and Pirates top prospect Jameson Taillon.

LeBron James had done his part to put the Miami Heat in control of the Eastern Conference semifinals, and one last free throw was meaningless except to him.

He missed, leaving him one shy of his first 50-point playoff game, muttering to himself after.
"That's the first time I've been disappointed in myself in a win," James said.

Then he smiled, realizing his performance left nothing to complain about. James tied his playoff career high with 49 points, Chris Bosh made the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 57 seconds left, and the Heat beat the Brooklyn Nets 102-96 on Monday night for a 3-1 lead.

Real Madrid have one more than good enough reason to not take their eyes off the ball during the clash against Espanyol at the Bernabéu: Cristiano Ronaldo is gunning to seal the 'Pichichi' award for the highest scorer in Spain and the Golden Shoe for the top league marksman in Europe.

The Portuguese ace is in pole position for both individual honours going into the last 'La Liga' match of the season. Indeed, he has the 'Pichichi' more or less in the bag, with a three-goal lead over Lionel Messi and Diego Costa a further strike back.

The Barcelona and Atleti forwards are also in the running for the Golden Shoe, in which Ronaldo is currently tied at the top of the standings with Liverpool striker Luis Suárez, on 31 league goals.

Javier Mascherano has dropped the spoiler that he may be leaving Barcelona at the end of the current season. The Argentine hinted that the last Spanish league game at Camp Nou - the Atlético championship decider will be his last match with the club.

"It's great what we've got coming up this week and over the weekend. For some of us, it may be our last game at the club, so it will be a very nice way to say goodbye", the defender revealed.

There has been talk in recent weeks about a possible move for the Argentine centre-back to Napoli, headed up by Rafael Benítez, who coached Mascherano for a number of years at Liverpool.

Arsenal stars enjoyed an a meal to celebrate the birthday of Mikel Arteta's partner on Monday night.

However, it could turn out to be Bacary Sagna's last supper with his Gunners' team-mates.
The French defender, who has revealed he is likely to leave Arsenal after next week's FA Cup final, attended the dinner with Laurent Koscielny, Kim Kallstrom, Nacho Monreal, Emiliano Viviano and former Gunners midfielder Robert Pires.

Lorena Bernal, who is married to Arsenal's Spanish midfielder, tweeted: 'Ending my birthday with some friends. All smiles: (from left) Laurent Koscielny, Robert Pires, Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Kim Kallstrom, Nacho Monreal and Emiliano Viviano attended a birthday meal on Monday night.

Manchester United will sign Luke Shaw from Southampton for £27million.
On the day he was named in the England World Cup squad, Shaw is also on the brink of completing the transfer to Old Trafford.

The deal is expected to be announced before the tournament in Brazil.
Despite finishing seventh in the Premier League this season, United are confident they have won the race for the 18-year-old left back ahead of Manchester City and Chelsea.

Shaw expects to get first-team football at Old Trafford and that clinched the deal, even though United have yet to name their new manager.

USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann named stars Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan in his 30-man provisional World Cup squad on Monday.

Premier League goalkeeping duo Tim Howard and Brad Guzan are also included, along with Stoke's Geoff Cameron, Julian Green of Bayern Munich and former Roma man Michael Bradely, now of Toronto.

The most notable omission is D.C. United forward Eddie Johnson, who was a regular during the qualifying campaign but saw a dip in form and the emergence of Green end his World Cup dream. Bolton's Tim Ream and Puebla's Michael Orozco were also cited by Klinsmann as near-misses.

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand will leave Manchester United after the Old Trafford club did not offer the central defender a new contract.

He made over 400 appearances over 12 years at Old Trafford, and apparently intends to continue playing next season despite being linked with a possible role as a TV pundit. He leaves the club having six Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, two League Cups and five Community Shields.

"I have thought long and hard over the last few months about my future and, after 12 fantastic years playing for what I regard as the best club in the world, I have decided the time is right for me to move on," said Ferdinand.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has been named the Manager of the Year by the League Managers' Association.

The northern Irishman has been honoured for leading the Reds from seventh to second in the Premier League, with only a late collapse denying the club a first league title in 24 years.

Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis finished runner-up to Rodgers in the voting for the overall award, though he did scoop the Premier League Manager of the Year gong for leading the Eagles to mid-table safety.

31 May 2014

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21 May 2014

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17 May 2014

13 May 2014