And we are off. The great Manchester City spending spree is underway, after they agreed to a 12 million pound transfer with Spartak Laaandon for runner-up left back Wayne Bridge. But is Bridge worth that much? And how much will Manchester City be ripped off by, when all is said and done on Feb 2nd?
Manchester City are tying up the loose ends (physical, signatures, etc.) for Ashley Cole’s stand in (for club and country) making Wayne Bridge the best paid full back in old blighty. Take that Cole, you money grabbing douche! The deal is apparently worth 12 million to Chelsea and a whopping 21 million to Bridge, who looks as if he will be getting 5.2 million smackers a year. He WILL have to play though…Sucks for him!
Meanwhile it looks as if Chelsea are skint. Not only does Scolari have no money to spend but players are being sold without his say so.
“It’s better you ask Peter, because he knows everything that has happened. Wayne is here today, that’s what I know.” -Big Phil.
By Peter he means Peter Kenyon. Mouthpiece of bullshit and douche bag extraordinaire. But stop, forget Kenyon…What a turn up for the books this is. Chelsea have spent 650 million on transfer fees alone during the Roman Abrahmovic era, but now, is the cheque book is firmly closed? Has the oil dried up? Abrahmovic is certainly feeling the pinch of the current economic crisis. The Russian even cancelled his New Years Eve party in Aspen, Colorado. Good job eh?
So, Bridge is the first. Who’s next? Kaka? Eto? Alex? Ribery? Adriano? Owen? Given? Bellamy? Villa? Defoe? Silva? As I write this, Santa Cruz is planning his escape to the penthouse by claiming that City are set to sign him.
If you believe the papers then City are going to hit 3 figures this January and take over Chelsea’s title of the EPL’s (suck it Barclays) frivolous ‘big spenders’. But one thing is for sure. Everyone knows they have money and everyone knows they want to spend it. Bridge is no way worth 12 million and his elevated transfer fee will be the first of many. There is literally a heavy price that comes with all that cash. But as his pencil runs down the wanted list, I’m sure Mark Hughes won’t mind one little bit.
-Bigus
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Written by Darkvader on January 2nd, 2009 with no comments.
Read more articles on Bigus Dickus and Manchester City and Wayne Bridge and frivolity and getting ripped off and lots of cash.
Just last week I had to take Mike Ashley to task for being a ridiculous moron. He had breached the rules of common sense in claiming that Joe Kinnear was a better manager than Fabio Capello. Well it’s not just Ashley who seems to be suffering with this new disease, stupid-itus, oh no, the latest outbreak has been tracked down to Italy and one Jose Mourinho.
The special one and current Inter Milan boss is claiming that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is better than Ronaldo. Now those who know me can attest to the fact there is no love in my locker for a diving cheating prima donna who sent me into a wild rage during the World Cup 3 years ago.
In fact, it took my wife about a month before she could prize the Christiano Ronaldo Voodoo doll from my fingers. But this statement is just ridiculous. Ibrahimovic is having a great season and scoring good goals but to compare him to THE best player in the World is just nonsense.
We all know that players reach their best at around 27 and Ibrahimovic is no different. Just have a look at Gareth Barry, but truly great players just get better and have the talent on display at a much younger age. Torres, Rooney, Kaka, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo. To declare that a player is better than Ronaldo at 27 after a somewhat decent but un-inspiring 9 years in football is just daft.
Even Darren bent can have a good season or two.
Jose Mourinho is a smart man, and I cannot believe he means what he says. Likely he is trying to play mind games ahead of Inter’s two-part battle with United in the Champions League, but should this really be a case of stupid-itus, lets compare the two and restore some common sense to the World.
Zlatan Inrahimovic. Age 27. Club: Inter Milan.
This season. 11 goals in 22 appearances. 6 assists.
Last season. 22 goals in 29 appearances. 9 assists.
06/07 season. 15 goals in 33 appearances. 5 assists.
Last 3 years for Sweden. 13 appearances. 2 goals. 1 assist.
–
Last 3 seasons, club and Country: 97 appearances. 50 goals.
Honors
2 Serie A titles. 2 Eredivisie tiles. 2 Italian Super Cups.
2005 Serie A footballer of the year.
3 Swedish footballer of the year awards.
UEFA team of the year 2007.
Cristiano Ronaldo. Age: 23. Current Club: Manchester United.
This season. 17 appearances. 9 goals. 4 assists.
last season. 45 appearances. 42 goals. 8 assists.
06/07 season. 49 appearances. 23 goals. 20 assists.
Last 3 years for Portugal. 27 appearances. 12 goals. 1 assist.
–
Last 3 seasons, club and country: 138 appearances. 86 goals.
Honors
2 Premier League titles
1 FA Cup
1 League Cup
1 Champions League Trophy
UEFA 2004 Team of the Tournament
FIFA Young Player of the Year 2004
UEFA Team of the Year 2004, 2007
FIFA World 11 2007, 2008
PFA Young Player of the Year 2007
PFA Player of the year 2007, 2008
Premier League Team of the Year 2006, 2007, 2008
Football Writers Association Player of the Year 2007, 2008
Premier League Player of the Season 2007, 2008.
Premier League Golden Boot 2008.
European Golden Shoe 2008.
UEFA club Forward of the Year 2008
UEFA club Footballer of the Year 2008
FIFA World Player of the Year 2008.
Ballon d’or (European Footballer of the Year) 2008
Not close is it? At just 23 years old, Ronaldo has achieved far more at club/International level AND individually than Ibrahimovic. So have at least a score of players Ibrahimovic cannot compete with. Ronaldo is far more creative often changes games at the highest level. Can the same be said of Ibrahimovic? I don’t see anyone trying to sign Zlatan for 100 million quid. Or at all!
I hope this outlandish statement is Jose being Jose and not a sign that the special one is becoming a special one, that really would be a loss for football. Once you go all Ron Atkinson, there is no coming back.
-Bigus
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Written by Darkvader on December 23rd, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Bigus Dickus and Christiano Ronaldo and Inter Milan and Jose Mourinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and dumn comments and stupid-itus.
Arsene Wenger: No more slips in tight title race
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger heads to Middlesbrough for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off knowing that his side cannot afford another slip-up after getting themselves back in the race for the Premier League title.
Although the Gunners are eight points behind league leaders Liverpool, Wenger maintains that the strength in depth of the competition this season will ensure no-one runs away with the title.
Arsenal travel to the Riverside Stadium boosted by last weekend’s win against Chelsea but they have already been beaten by the likes of Hull City, Fulham, Stoke City and Manchester City, as well as fifth-placed Aston Villa and that proves the intensity of the league, according to Wenger.
“The level of demands are higher from everywhere,” Wenger told Arsenal’s website. “You cannot have on one side the best Premier League in the world and on the other side have teams just to turn up and think you will win the game. You will have surprises.”
The Gunners boss, though, is determined not to suffer another shock result on Saturday - and is expected to recall several first-team players who missed the midweek Champions League defeat in Porto.
He continued: “I believe we have come back into some consistency - we have beaten Chelsea and Wigan, also Kiev, and that the Porto result was a special game. When you get to a position where you can protect your Premier League game a bit, then you do it.
“You have a period now where you can completely focus on the Premier League and you can set yourself a target. If we can get to within a reasonable difference by Christmas, we still have half of the championship to play after to come back into the race.”
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez agrees that it will be a very tight championship this year and speaking ahead of the Reds’ clash with Hull City declared it would need the other big four to “mess up their season” to ensure a smooth path towards the title come May.
But, like Wenger, Benitez is fully focused on domestic matters now that the Champions League is on a winter break and has urged his side to knuckle down for the 10 league games before European football resumes.
“We now have almost three months to concentrate on the Premier League, and the FA Cup. We would want to go back into Europe next year still top of the table,” Benitez said.
“We have qualified for the next stage in Europe, we are top of the Premier League, and now we can concentrate on domestic considerations. We do not want to give up top spot. If we are still there when we start up again in Europe, the chances of a really good season will be obvious.”
Meanwhile, reigning champions Manchester United continue their defence of the title with a number of injury worries ahead of a tricky trip to White Hart Lane to face Harry Redknapp’s resurgent Tottenham Hotspur.
Former Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov is struggling with an Achilles injury, while defender Rio Ferdinand suffered a back spasm towards the end of Wednesday’s Champions League draw with Aalborg.
Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra are suspended and Cristiano Ronaldo (hip) and Michael Carrick (thigh) are also receiving treatment, which could leave Ferguson needing the full depth of his squad.
Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari must decide whether to stick with France striker Nicolas Anelka or recall Didier Drogba against West Ham United at Stamford Bridge.
Drogba is available again after completing a three-match ban for throwing a coin into the crowd against Burnley in the Carling Cup and Scolari has never started the Ivorian and Anelka together.
FIFA announce World Player of the Year shortlist
Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo is the favourite to win another major honour after being included on the shortlist for the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
The Manchester United double winner has been nominated alongside Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Xavi, AC Milan playmaker Kaka and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.
Ronaldo scored 42 goals and scooped the Premier League title and European Cup with United last season whilst Torres and Xavi won Euro 2008 with Spain.
Although Brazil international Kaka and Argentina forward Messi are both regulars on the awards circuit neither of them won any silverware in 2008.
The shortlist has been complied after coaches and team captains from around the world were asked to vote for their top choice and it is the first year five players, rather than three, have been named.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez revealed his delight with Torres’ nomination for the world award.
“I am pleased he has been nominated for the world player-of-the-year award - it is well-deserved. To score 33 goals in your first season in England and then to win the European title with Spain shows his quality,” said Benitez.
“There are some very good players also nominated, but I feel Fernando has a good chance. Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo is also nominated - and he is a very good player, too. It could be him; it could be Torres - but I will always support Fernando.
“It is very positive for him and for us. He was doing very well, and his record last season is a massive achievement.”
The winner will be announced at a glitzy gala at the Zurich Opera House on January 12.
Buffon seeks ÂŁ250k-a-week for Man City move
Manchester City will have to pay Gianluigi Buffon wages of ÂŁ250,000-a-week to prise the world’s best goalkeeper away from Juventus.
The Daily Mail claim that City would also have to pay a transfer fee of ÂŁ20 million for the 30-year-old Italian international.
The super-expensive transfer is thought to be a ’statement signing’ by the club’s new billionaire owners, the Abu Dhabi royal family, who shocked football by signing Robinho during the summer transfer window.
City manager Mark Hughes is believed to have endorsed the transfer - on condition Buffon proves his fitness after missing a month of Serie A action with a groin injury - and would welcome the World Cup winner into his squad.
However, last month Buffon, who currently earns ÂŁ90,000-a-week at the Stadio Olimpico, dismissed City as a fantasy football club.
“Manchester City? I played fantasy football when I was young, now I only like to think about real football,” he told firenzeviola.it.
Rafa doubts Liverpool title credentials
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez believes that his Premier League leaders can only win the title if Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal fail to mount a decent challenge.
Speaking ahead of his team’s clash with Hull City on Saturday the Spaniard also said he considered Liverpool to be a small club compared to the “bigger” clubs of England’s established top four.
Benitez told The Sun: “For us to win the league we need Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal to mess up their season. It is very rare that three teams all mess up.”
Liverpool are one point clear of second-placed Chelsea and six ahead of Manchester United, who have a game in hand, with Arsenal in fourth, eight points off the pace.
Prior to joining Liverpool in 2004, Benitez won the La Liga title with Valencia and the Spaniard can see parallels with the Reds’ challenge this season.
“For me, Valencia and Liverpool are similar - for them to win, the bigger clubs have to do badly,” Benitez said. “When I won La Liga with Valencia that’s what happened, Real Madrid and Barcelona were in transition, so it was easier.”
But Benitez has charged his team with building a lead at the top of the Premier League now that the Champions League is on a winter break.
With the group stage finishing this week - Liverpool comfortably qualified for the last 16 - there is now a lull in European competition until the knockout stage begins in February. And Benitez has urged his side to knuckle down for those 10 league games.
“We now have almost three months to concentrate on the Premier League, and the FA Cup. We would want to go back into Europe next year still top of the table.
“We have qualified for the next stage in Europe, we are top of the Premier League, and now we can concentrate on domestic considerations. We do not want to give up top spot. If we are still there when we start up again in Europe, the chances of a really good season will be obvious.”
Chelsea rebuff PSV approach for Alex
PSV Eindhoven have confirmed launching a bid to take Chelsea’s unsettled Brazilian defender Alex on loan.
Alex was reported to have handed in transfer request at Stamford Bridge this week but the Blues insisted “no transfer request has been received from any player” and have rebuffed PSV’s approach for the player.
PSV director Jan Reker said: “We contacted Chelsea, but the answer was clear: they don’t want to let him go under any circumstances.”
Alex, who played at PSV from 2004 to 2007, has become discontented at Chelsea after being left on the sidelines for much of this season, with Branislav Ivanovic often preferred in place of the injured Ricardo Carvalho.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League match with West Ham United on Sunday assistant coach Ray Wilkins said Europe’s elite would have to pay big money to land any of their star players as they don’t want to sell.
“If anybody was to come in for any of our players in January, knowing the quality of player we have, it is going to cost them a lot of money,” Wilkins said.
“You want players at the club who are totally committed, but (manager Luiz) Felipe (Scolari) has not sat on the fence at all. He has actually stated that if players don’t want to be at Chelsea then they will leave - but it will only be for a lot of money. “I expect Alex to be here at the start of February. The way he has trained as well has not given me the impression he wants ‘off’ in January.
“He has been a major part of the side in the last couple of games and he has done very well for us.”
UEFA to deliver Rooney verdict on Monday
UEFA will decide on Monday whether to charge Wayne Rooney over his clash with Aalborg’s Kasper Risgard at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Risgard claimed the Manchester United frontman deliberately stamped on him during the first-half and left marks on his chest.
Stand-in Aalborg boss Allan Kuhn also felt Rooney had overstepped the mark and UEFA have confirmed this morning they will assess the incident, which was missed by referee Laurent Duhamel.
Should UEFA concur with Risgard’s view, Rooney would almost certainly be banned for the beginning of the knock-out rounds in February.
Sir Alex Ferguson was offered the chance to present his view ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Tottenham - which Rooney will miss after collecting five bookings - but declined to offer an opinion.
However, he is unhappy at the reporting of the incident, feeling Rooney’s case has not been helped by numerous reruns on TV and what he perceives as enthusiastic coverage of an event being described as another chapter in the 23-year-old’s chequered disciplinary history.
“I am not going to discuss Wayne Rooney,” he said.
“You press guys have created most of it. You are not getting anything from this club at all on Wayne Rooney. That is it, finished.”
Barcelona eye revenge in “El Clasico”
Barcelona are itching to avenge last season’s 4-1 defeat away to Real Madrid when they meet in Saturday’s “Clasico” at the Nou Camp, defender Rafael Marquez said.
“A win would give us an important advantage over Madrid and a boost to help us make progress,” the Mexican said on the club’s website.
“Hopefully it will be a great game and we can convince people that the 4-1 is forgotten. It’s something that I don’t like thinking back to and I understand people want revenge.”
Meanwhile, Real Madrid midfielder Ruben de la Red could become the third player from the Spanish champions to be forced to end the season early after his collapse on the pitch in a Copa del Rey match in October.
Club president Ramon Calderon said in a television interview late on Thursday the Spain international would not play again this season but officials said Real Madrid were still waiting for final test results.
Striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and midfielder Mahamadou Diarra are already out with serious knee injuries.
Source - Soccernet
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Written by Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng True Blue Chelsea Fan on December 12th, 2008 with no comments.
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Holy shit, it’s a new feature. Take a moment. Let the awesomeness wash over you.
Anyway, now let me bring it down a bit as this was such a pain in the rear that it will likely be pretty infrequent. But we love our readers so much that we thought we’d pull back the veil and let you know what happens in the secrecy that is the Unprofession Foul listserv. Basically for every post we put up, we send about 20 emails to each other. It’s pretty sad when you think about how much more productive we could be.
Anyway, on a normal day, the group distribution list has about 60 emails in it, give or take. Unfortunately, this idea was hatched yesterday, when we went to about 280 collective messages. Yeah, I don’t expect you to read those, especially considering after about 100 it became a very special episode of Blossom.
Really, there was sadness and joy in UF yesterday and some of it was personal. Then it degenerated back into an argument over Sean Avery and dirty play. What you after the jump is a largely unedited version of everything that preceded the Oprah-to-NHL talk. Sorry we’re not doctors because, on a daily basis, this is all time we could put toward curing cancer. Instead we talk bullshit about football. We hope the Gods don’t punish us for taking time so trivially. Enjoy.
The Fanâs Attic: Agger asks for double the pay. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1091432/Liverpools-Agger-edges-closer-Milan-double-quit-wage-demand.html)
Spectator: Liverpool in hot water over show of support for jailed supporter (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/dec/03/liverpool-michael-shields)
Just to wrap up the Arsenal chat, again, I agree 100% with Precious Roy. Only thing I’ll add is that, as much as I support Arsenal, I’m kind of happy that a Championship minnow has knocked off two of the big four. After all, Obama taught us that change is good!
ĂŒ75: Player killed by opposing team after game (http://www.thelondondailynews.com/european-giant-killers-alleged-financial-scandal-p-1879.html)
Lingering Bursitis: Burnley: Carling Cup :: Barnsley : FA Cup. Now that’s math we can believe in
Spectator: Yup, I got them mixed up! Oh well, it’s been a long day, etc.
Spectator: Oh wait, no I didn’t. Sorry, I’m in a fugue here.
ĂŒ75: Shunsuke Nakamura will not be moving back to Japan in January because
of CREDIT CRUNCH (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/scottishpremier/celtic/3543251/Credit-crunch-costs-Celtic-3m-Shunsuke-Nakamura-deal-Football.html)
Lingering Bursitis: Ă75, I have to give you +1,000,000 for the obscure Dreamcast/Leonard Nimoy video game reference in today’s backpasses. Simply brilliant.
ĂŒ75: Thanks. I had forgotten about the game until I did the image search. Too creepy.
Lingering Bursitis: One of my housemates brought his Dreamcast to the apartment back in January, excited to dust off Seaman and begin playing all over again. He had the microphone attachment for the controller (he’s a nerd like that; has just about every piece of Nintendo or Sega gadgetry/hardware in existence), and was looking forward to playing Seaman for a couple of minutes each night until he’d cultivated an amphibious beast.
It lasted two weeks, and then his fish died. Back into storage it went…
ĂŒ75: Speaking of video games–Wales left out of FIFA 09 (http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-football/wales-has-disappeared-according-to-fifa-09.html)
The Fanâs Attic: looks like this expansion fee for MLS is going to become a bigger issue. (http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=1023715)
Lingering Bursitis: I have the Peru riot story for this morning, can someone take Santa Cruz/Pennant from yesterday? Also, that link about MLS expansion fees is worth some discussion too
Precious Roy: I’ll do MLS and the cash. Let me get some coffee. Have a good story from the other night. Some British doctor was telling me the ‘real’ reason for Leeds’ implosion a couplathree years back.
Spectator: Interesting that the two cities balking at the franchise fee are in Canada (you don’t hear any other cities complaining). I bet that Vancouver and Montreal had put together their proposals when the Canadian dollar was stronger. Oh well, at least Canada has all its Rough Riders franchises!
ĂŒ75: Swedish football teens in sorta hot calendar shoot. (http://www.thelocal.se/16072/20081202/)
Lingering Bursitis: Oh lord, someone cover that who’s not me. I’ll get in trouble at work if I stare for too long.
Spectator: I won’t even dare open that link here at work!!
ĂŒ75: link is ok. just one oddball picture. Slideshow link is above the article. That said, The Local is always obsessed by boobs and dicks, so other stuff may pop up. You should probably stay away.
Spectator: Yes I generally try to avoid popping up dicks here at work! [/Rip Taylor]
Bill Jelavich: I noticed that also, but I doubt it was because they were foolish enough to think the Canadian Dollar would be stronger than the US dollar forever. My thought (and what I was kicking around last night at 3am while watching perry mason) is that while Canada is consider ‘more socialist’ than the US, they are less likely to use taxpayer funding for what is considered private enterprise investment. Public infrastructure like roads, mass transit, even stadiums, can justify their public good feeling, but franchise fees aren’t in the big picture.
Lingering Bursitis: Alright, I have another in the pipe for 10.30. Doubt I can write anymore today due to a series of meetings from 12.30 onwards, but you never know
Bigus: Im doing fourth off and maybe wales fifa 09
The Fanâs Attic: Nothing NSFW on the calendar but story says some of those girls are as young as 15. Hooray Sweden… I mean, that’s disconcerting. Although, I’m not sure why the football club is dressing up in hockey gear in one photo.
I do love the one story that says hiding a camera in the women’s bathroom is not a crime. Praise Sweden!! Preach!! (http://www.thelocal.se/16050/20081201/)
The Fanâs Attic:
Your Homeless World Cup Update. It kicked off on Monday with Fat Boy Slim… appropriate that a man whose stage name sounds like some railcar riding hobo’s nickname. (http://www.happynews.com/news/1222008/fatboy%20slim%20invites%20homeless%20world%20cup%20turn%20tunes.htm)
and… some Socceroos get involved… Emerton, Neill, others I don’t know…
(http://www.happynews.com/news/1222008/australian%20socceroos%20melbourne%20homeless%20world%20cup.htm)
and it is the first time there is a Women’s Cup as well.
(http://www.happynews.com/news/1222008/first%20australian%20women%20team%20competes%20homeless%20world%20cup.htm)
The Fanâs Attic: MLS Rumors got a tip that revealed, allegedly, Toronto FC’s Discovery List…some interesting names on it. (http://www.mls-rumors.net/2008/12/report-toronto-fc-top-30-tfc-discovery.html)
ĂŒ75: Commenters seem to be sure that list is a fake.
Precious Roy: Isn’t that list a bit long… thought you got like 6 or 8 discovery claims?
The Fanâs Attic: Comments said you get 6 claims. maybe this was a fantasy wish list of a TFC fan.
Lingering Bursitis: Sad thing is, that “wish list” is virtually all duds. Take Bellamy, Senna, van Nist for MLS, that’s about it
The Fanâs Attic: Yeah… Just read the comments. They make some good points.
Spectator: Not sure we want to be dicks to MLSRumors, but if we did we should post something along the lines of…
“We here at UF also have received an exclusive anonymous tip regarding
Toronto FC’s discovery requests:
1. Kaka
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
3. Gianluigi Buffon
4. The Ghost of George Best
….
Do with it what you will but keep my name and email address anonymous.
You did not get this from me. Thanks.”
The Fanâs Attic: Yeah… not sure we should do that, but it is damn funny.
Looks like Hertha Berlin will get the “USMNT when it’s playing Mexico at home treatment” when it takes on Galatarasay. Wow…that’s a lot of “a”s. (http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,3843350,00.html)
Precious Roy: Maybe add 1962 Pele to that list.
Spectator: Heh yeah that’s good. Is it okay if we are kind of dicks? I’ll make it really silly and say that we love their site. I can probably write it up this afternoon.
ĂŒ75: I’ll do the Swedish calendar girls overnight for UF After Dark, unless
someone wants to take it first
The Fanâs Attic: Good idea… I just hope that nobody else hits it today. I didn’t really want to write it up at work today.
Lingering Bursitis; I am sure it will keep until tonight. I still can’t believe some of them are 15 and posing in a calendar.
Spectator: UF field trip to Sweden??
The Fanâs Attic: LB, I added some artwork to your Lineker post. Had to be done.
Lingering Bursitis: That’s fine. It looks good, although how dare you touch my masterwork!
The Fanâs Attic: UEFA Cup Final logo revealed. Unadulterated awesomeness. (http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=160503&bolum=127)
Precious Roy: Apparently the entire graphic design industry of Istanbul is still tethered to the Commodore 64.
Spectator: ROFL. I’ve seen better design at Foxwoods Casino!
The Fanâs Attic: That’s a really easy post for tomorrow… We seem to be shooting our wad today.
The Fanâs Attic: Wow…ESPN’s front page is reporting Pedroia got a $405M extension. Thankfully it’s not my wife missing a period today.
Precious Roy: What it doesn’t say is that they’ve got him locked up for 100 years.
Precious Roy; I moved the Cheap Canadian Bastards post until tomorrow… We’ve got a bunch of shit up already today.
The Fanâs Attic: Awesome story…with 3 great parts. First, the cost of a pint in the EPL stadiums. ‘Pool and ManU on the cheaper end…Chelsea most expensive. Second, looks like Gillett used his LFC interest as collateral for a $75M loan that is being called in now. He has until next month to refinance the loan. Third, Chelsea is reporting it will make a profit (not counting the interest free loan with no repayments amounting to $600M (or is it quid?) from Abramovich) in 2011. (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=598426&sec=england&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos2&cc=5901)
Bigus: That logo should have a knife and blood on it. Surely an English team will make the final? Always stabbings. Always.
The Fanâs Attic: More info for the canadian story in that Gillett news. Gillett was part of the group in Montreal bidding for an MLS club. They wanted to negotiate the expansion fee, got shitcanned. Credit crunch is really hurting pro sports. I bet MLS doesn’t get $40M… $35 tops.
Bigus: Itâs pounds 600 mil pounds.
The Fanâs Attic: Arsene: Young Gunners dumb. (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=598689&sec=england&cc=5901)
Precious Roy: And they won’t necessarily be self-sufficient by 2011, it’s that they think they will be. And that’s already pushed back a year. The goal was originally 2010. And it’s not including the ÂŁ600M to Roman.
Bigus; He says you have to mix intelligence and experience, but then he says intelligence is ok on its own? What the fuck is he saying, why does this man speak in riddles?
Precious Roy: Wenger is a fucking genius and is now coaching in Zen koans. He is one step away from being a Jedi and will soon defeat teams with only his mind.
Be cooler if he were a ninja though.
The Fanâs Attic: or maybe Phil Jackson.
The Fanâs Attic: Valencia denies it is bankrupt…which means it will be shortly. (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=598640&sec=europe&cc=5901)
Back to Wenger… Imagine if somebody told this to their boss as an excuse for a performance… how would that go over?
“We had the quality to [do this project] but you have to make the maximum of what you have. You have to mix intelligence and experience. We did not have the experience but could have made up for that with intelligence.”
Autoglass: Wouldn’t it be cooler if he won something? Obi Wan Wenger: “These are not the trophies we are looking for…”
The Fanâs Attic: This Wenger thing has to be it’s own post.
The Fanâs Attic: Holy crap… that Dundee United shirt is amazing.
The Fanâs Attic: We should probably announce that switch to the dotcom, huh? Ask people to change their links… and the such.
The Fanâs Attic: Freddy Adu Q&A. (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=598583&sec=europe&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos3&cc=5901)
Bigus: Why do you lie about your age fred? Do you think you are over rated? Oh nope… not in there.
Bill Jelavich: Not a bad idea. I also registered last night [redacted] to make some space for our content. I like free but I think some claim staking is needed. Speaking of which I need some legal advice for my friend margaret for her website that sells her sex toys. She is getting an infringement claim over the term party goddess.
The Fanâs Attic: I can probably offer some unofficial free advice (in other words, with the caveat that your friend should speak to a real lawyer and shouldn’t rely on anything I say).
Precious Roy: Another piece on Gillett gives a little more scope to his holdings and potential problems. (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20081203.GILLETT03/TPStory/Sports)
The Fanâs Attic: Man, that guy loves sports… he owns a bit of everything it seems.
The Fanâs Attic:US Women team has game in Detroit on Dec. 17… tix on sale now. (http://www.freep.com/article/20081202/SPORTS18/81202057/1065/SPORTS17)
Bigus: Why? And why would you?
The Fanâs Attic: For the fundamentals of the game. And, I love to look at women soccer players’ bodies (most of them). Seriously though, I was just sending the link… maybe somebody near there could get a press pass… I don’t know.
NY Kid: I sent an email to [redacted] about getting me a press pass so I could do some coverage, and I never heard back from. I contacted [redacted] but I havenât heard from him either. No one loves me.
The Fanâs Attic: Do again young lad.
Spectator: Agree that you should try again. Maybe you could try to email the nice MLS lady that LB and I met this summer…. Granted she doesn’t work for the USSF, but maybe she has an in with them. I’ll dig up her email address.
Autoglass: Freddy Adu grew up a Tottenham supporter? That is somehow perfect. Overhyped, middlebrow, changes managers like old underwear.
Autoglass:WATFORD! Gooooo Colaship!
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Written by Darkvader on December 4th, 2008 with no comments.
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Mlian manager Carlo Ancelotti says that Cristiano Ronaldo deserved to win the Ballon d’Or trophy voted on by the world’s journalists:
“Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best and most spectacular players in the world…The Ballon d’Or depends on the trophies you win while the Champions League also plays an important role… Kaka has already won it while Ibrahimovic is destined to win it in the future.”
> Info Source
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Written by Best Player on December 3rd, 2008 with no comments.
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We have been tracking the talk in the media all year and now what has been spoken has come true:
The journalists of the world have come out and said that Cristiano Ronaldo is the winner of the Ballon d’Or and deserves to be called The Best Player in the World.
Of course, the FIFA World Player of the Year award is still to come but based on our research we cannot see how the managers and captains of the world will not vote for Ronaldo.
Congratulations to Cristiano. Two awards down (Fifpro, Ballon d’Or) and one to go.
Here are the results of the Ballon d’Or voting:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd), 446 points 2. Lionel Messi (Barcelona), 281 pts 3. Fernando Torres (Liverpool), 179 pts 4. Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), 133 pts 5. Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), 97 pts 6. Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg), 64 pts 7. David Villa (Valencia), 55 pts 8. Kaka (Milan), 31 pts 9. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Internazionale), 30 pts 10 Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), 28 pts
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Written by Best Player on December 2nd, 2008 with no comments.
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France Football has announced its âGolden Ballâ ( âBest Player In The
Worldâ) Award winner for 2008; itâs Portuguese & MANCHESTER
UNITED forward CRISTIANO RONALDO with 446pts, two points
more than last years winner Brazilian Kaka.
However, Spanish Football (Soccer) should be congratulated as the next
4 placed players are either Spanish born or currently at Spanish Clubs.
The second placed with the âSilver Ballâ is FC BARCELONA Argentine
star LIONEL MESSI with 281 pts, with third place & âBronze Ballâ
going to Spanish International & FC LIVERPOOL forward FERNANDO
TORRES with 179 pts.
A fourth place goes to the REAL MADRID goalkeeper IKER CASILLAS,
fifth place to FC BARCELONA midfielder XAVI HERNANDEZ &
seventh is for VALENCIA CF striker DAVID VILLA.
As we can see great news for Spanish Football all round, & SFS
congratulates all concerned for their great season & prize.
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Written by STRIKER on December 2nd, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on France Football Golden Ball and Spanish Football Players.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has admitted a fear of failure drives him on in his quest to claim a so far elusive Premier League title before he retires.
The influential midfielder will celebrate the 10th anniversary since making his Reds debut when West Ham visit Anfield this weekend.
During his glittering career the 28-year-old has lifted the Champions League, UEFA Cup, FA Cup and two League Cup trophies with Liverpool, however, he admits it is the Premier League title that he covets the most.
”My priority is to win the Premier League. We believe we are good enough to challenge,” he told the Daily Express. ”Everyone wants it so badly here. I want it because I have never won it - and I don’t want to finish my career without one. I don’t want to finish my career and people look at me as a failure.”
Liverpool are arguably better placed to make a title challenge than at any other time during Gerrard’s career.
The Reds currently sit level on points with leaders Chelsea, with just over of a third of the season gone, and Gerrard believes they can can push on and end a league title drought that stretches back to 1990.
He continued: ”Getting invloved in the title race and staying involved in it is a completely different challenge to what we are used to at Liverpool.
”To finish in the top four you can have a defeat and it does not hit you too bad. Two successive defeats in the title race and it could be over. But we are in there and everybody wants to make sure that’s the case at the end of the season.”
He added: ”I’m coming up to 10 years and it doesn’t feel like that. It’s flown. I’m sure the next five or six will be exactly the same, that’s why I have to make the most of every minute I’ve got.”
Reflecting on his career so far Gerrard said that while he ”wouldn’t change anything for the world” he did have some regrets about his links with making a move to Chelsea a couple of summers ago.
The England midfielder had been strongly linked with the London club in the consecutive summers of 2004 and 2005, and even released a statement stating his desire to move to the Blues in the latter of those years, before a late change of heart kept him at his home-town club.
”I wouldn’t change anything for the world. I am captain of the club and doing what I always wanted,” he added.
”It’s only as you get older though that you realise how important playing for Liverpool is. You cannot grasp that when you are setting out, so maybe that is why I look at things a bit differently.
”Looking back, I’m pleased how I have reacted. From the bad tackles and sending offs, to all the talk of a Chelsea move, which I regret getting involved in, and the own-goal in the cup final.
”Without the setbacks, I don’t think I’d have achieved as much as I have.’
Calderon vows to bring ‘high-class’ signings to Real
Spanish champions Real Madrid are close to signing two young players to reinforce the squad through the January transfer window, club president Ramon Calderon said.
“You want headlines and I’m going to give you them,” Calderon told Radio Marca.
“We are going to make two good signings in the month of December. I don’t know their names because that is (sports director Predrag) Mijatovic’s domain, but I know they are going to be young, quick, and will be able to play in the Champions League.
“We want them to be players who will stay for a long time, similar to Marcelo, Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuain.”
The statement appeared to end the media speculation that had surrounded Real’s reported interest in Inter Milan’s 33-year-old striker Hernan Crespo. “I don’t think he is going to come,” Calderon added.
Local media have reported Real are interested in Lazio striker Mauro Zarate and Ajax’s Klaas-Jan Huntelaar among others.
Real have been hit by a string of injuries to key players, the worst being to leading striker Ruud van Nistelrooy who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after knee surgery.
They have also looked short of options on the wing with Royston Drenthe struggling to provide effective cover for the injury-prone Arjen Robben.
Calderon went on to talk of plans for reinforcements at the end of the campaign.
“In May or June we are going to make two or three world class signings. I won’t give names because I don’t want to raise false expectations,” he said.
Names linked with Real in the media have been Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, Olympique Lyon striker Karim Benzema, Bayern Munich winger Bastian Schweinsteiger and Zenit St Petersburg forward Andrei Arshavin.
Marseille charged over missile-throwing at Anfield
Marseille have been charged by UEFA after an object was thrown in the direction of Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard during Wednesday’s Champions League game at Anfield.
Gerrard appeared to be hit by a missile thrown from the Marseille fans’ section as he went to take a corner in the first half of Liverpool’s 1-0 victory.
UEFA confirmed yesterday the incident was to be included in Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca’s report as well as the report from UEFA delegate Svein Johannessen.
European football’s governing body today confirmed to PA Sport that Marseille will answer the charge at a meeting of UEFA’s control and disciplinary panel on December 11.
UEFA also confirmed that the French club have been fined 15,000 euros following a near identical incident at the Stade Velodrome in September.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez welcomed UEFA’s decisive action although also said he had some sympathy with the French club.
He said: “It is good that UEFA have acted. But the problem is that it is just one person out of thousands who decides to do something like that, so how can you control it? It is not easy to stop these things.
“It is difficult to control everyone, if someone wants to do something like this then it is hard to stop. You can fine the club and look for solutions afterwards, but you cannot control everything. But the response of Gerrard was very good.”
Meanwhile, Roma are facing charges from UEFA following crowd trouble at their Champions League match against Chelsea earlier this month.
A UEFA spokesman confirmed that Roma have been charged with ”insufficient organisation” at the Stadio Olimpico after fireworks were set off at the match on November 4.
There was also fighting between fans prior to kick-off. Roma won the game 3-1. UEFA’s control and disciplinary panel will hear the case on December 11.
The Stadio Olimpico has been selected to host the Champions League final in May next year, but UEFA had already voiced concerns over crowd trouble and there is speculation Rome could be stripped of the marquee event.
Zlatan: Inter don’t need Drogba
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has poured cold water on reports linking Didier Drogba to Inter by claiming the Ivorian is not needed.
Drogba has been heavily linked with a move to join his old boss Jose Mourinho at Inter since the Italian media claimed the Ivory Coast star had held a meeting with Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes earlier this week.
Mourinho has already denied any knowledge of the alleged meeting, and Inter president Massimo Moratti has also told the Italian press his side do not need any more strikers.
Now Ibrahimovic too insists between him and Brazilian forward Adriano the Nerazzurri have more than enough firepower to defend their Scudetto.
“He (Drogba) is a great player, one that thanks to his physical strength scores so many goals,” the Sweden international told Corriere dello Sport.
“But when it comes to great strikers we already have plenty. Adriano for example can make a massive difference if he’s fit. I really enjoy playing alongside him and he creates a lot of space for me.”
Ibrahimovic has been nominated alongside Drogba as one of the 30 players shortlisted to win the Ballon d’Or this season.
However, the 27-year-old admitted he has his eyes on a different prize.
“If I could choose between winning the Ballon d’Or and the Champions League then there’s no doubt in my mind that I’d want the Champions League,” he said.
As for who he believes will win the France Football award, he added: “Cristiano Ronaldo because he did so well in the Champions League, but if we take Euro 2008 into account then (Spain and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker) Casillas deserves it.”
Ron happy with Milan start
AC Milan forward Ronaldinho is happy with his progress since making the switch to the Rossoneri from Barcelona.
The 28-year-old completed his move to Serie A following a torrid final campaign in Spain where he was held largely culpable for the Catalan club’s two-season trophy drought since helping them win a league and Champions League double in 2006.
Injury woes and a lack of form saw the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner lose his starting spot at Barca and confined him to only 11 appearances last season, while he was constantly being accused of being lazy and overweight in the Spanish press.
Despite all this Ronaldinho insists he enjoyed his time in Spain and is now happy to have a new challenge.
“I am very happy to be able to play here in Italy,” he told the AC Milan website, www.acmilan.it.
“In the past I had the chance to play in Spain in a team full of great champions, but now at Milan I’m having a lot of fun because I’m at a club with a lot of good players.
“For me it’s a joy to be able to help my team-mates by giving my contribution. I am going through a good time.”
He added: “Coming here I had hoped things would go well, I am a positive person. But life is like this. It’s impossible to always be doing well.
“I am happy to have started this season in the best possible way after a bad year in Barcelona. It was the best thing I could hope for. I see things going better every day.
“Here at Milan I feel an important player, just like all my team-mates.”
United get Tosic clearance
Manchester United have been granted a work permit for young Serbian winger Zoran Tosic, who will sign in January.
Sir Alex Ferguson attended a hearing for the 21-year-old on Friday and emerged with positive news, meaning Tosic will sign from Partizan Belgrade in January.
United have not confirmed the fee they have agreed for Tosic, although they have been looking at the wide-man for some time.
Tosic has appeared 12 times for his country and can play on either flank, having also starred for Serbia’s Under-21 side.
He will join fellow countryman Nemanja Vidic at Old Trafford, with the prospect of more to come as another Partizan player Adam Ljajic - a 19-year-old dubbed the ‘Serbian Kaka’ - is also thought to be in talks with United.
Old Trafford officials are staying silent on talks with Ljajic though, insisting there have been no developments.
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Written by Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng True Blue Chelsea Fan on November 28th, 2008 with no comments.
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I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t already 3 beers in at this early hour. It’s soon to be 4, and that’s the beauty of this wonderful American holiday. Well, that and all the family stuff.
But on this day, I thought I’d nip out a quick post of things I’m happy about as we take a giant tryptophan rest this afternoon. Or rather, follow this flimsy conceit as a way to cover a few of the morning’s headlines to its logical conclusion.
—
I’m thankful that Steven Gerrard didn’t rearrange some French faces yesterday, after it was revealed that a Marseille fan threw a cigarette lighter at him while he waited to take a corner. You see how it’s done, Didier? Instead of flipping the bird and throwing projectiles back into the crowd (and receiving a ban for your efforts), he simply took the corner and kept on playing. UEFA is investigating, and hopefully they’ll find a way to punish the club, or even that entire country, for not having more respect for the mighty $tevie Mbe.
—
I’m thankful that Scolari has some humility. He reckons that if Spartak London don’t beat CFR Cluj and make it to the knockout stages, he doesn’t deserve his job. A bit of an overreaction, sure, but wouldn’t it be nice if some of these self-inflicted threats actually came true somewhere down the line?
—
I am thankful that Arsenal is in such turmoil at the moment. Even though I’m sick of the word by this point, schadenfreude really is a wonderful feeling. Gael Clichy’s come out and hosed Gallas much like Gallas hosed the entire team last weekend, and despite their shaky 1-0 win against Dynamo on Tuesday, they’re coming unstuck.
—
I’m thankful that Fergie is such a prick, because it gives me a reason to pay attention on those slow media days. It seems like whenever the headline mill is running low, SAF is there to spark it back up with a soundbite or two. The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United is nowhere near what it used to be, but Fergie does his best to keep it going, and I appreciate that. Sometimes, I forget why I hate the Devils so much, until that soused Scot gives me a reminder.
—
Ronaldinho at Fratton Park. Enjoy it while it lasts, because you’ll never see it again.
I’m thankful for David James. Really, you are going to give AC Milan a massive shock tonight. You’re also right in just what the shock will be; a visit to your quaint, underwhelming south coast port town. The result on the pitch certainly won’t be shocking to anyone.
—
I’m thankful for Kaka and Man City stirring up the nerves of every team in the EPL just when things appeared to be settling down. While I’m not the biggest fan of the sudden financial windfall at Eastlands, as well as their burning desire to spend $50 million on any superstar available, I like that every now and then, we get a media-aided reminder of their new-found influence.
It’s also nice that the Brazilian midfielder would honestly love to play in England some day. But really, Kaka at Manchester City? Are you shitting me? I thought that’d only be possible in FIFA ‘09.
(Speaking of FIFA ‘09, I felt like running a quick season with Arsenal. I sold Adebayor to Celtic for $28 million, Van Persie to Newcastle for $42 million, Bendtner to Fulham and Gallas to Bordeaux, and used that money to buy Freddy Adu, Jozy Altidore, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Balotelli from Inter Milan. We played some good football but finished 3rd in the league. Go figure.)
—
I’m thankful for the Football League and their efforts to preserve the development of English players, as they’re voting next month on a “home-grown players quota” that would require them to include at least four players “registered domestically for a minimum of three seasons prior to their 21st birthday” in their matchday squads. It’s a noble effort, but really, when all the big clubs poach the young stars to dwindle in their reserves, it won’t matter much.
—
I’m thankful for Leeds United. Mighty Leeds! They used to be the bosses of England, in the days of Woodgate, Rio Ferdinand, Mark Viduka, and Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink. That five-year period saw them reach the UEFA Cup semi-final, the Champions League semi-final, and then fall foul of crippling loans taken out in expectation of future success that never quite materialized.
You know the deal from there: they fell into administration, were docked 25 points, relegated down to League One and never looked like turning it around.
Well, Christmas has come early at Elland Road, as they announced a $8.5 million profit (4.5 million pounds) for the 14-month period ending June 30 this year and their future looks bright. Brilliant! They are the ultimate cautionary tale in how not to run a soccer club in the modern era, and it looks like they’re turning things around. I couldn’t be happier for them.
—
And finally, predictably, I’m thankful for the growth and quality of Unprofessional Foul over the last 11 months. Our daily email threads are a constant source of entertainment, and I look forward to our next big meeting. I’m also eternally thankful for all our readers and commenters, who keep the place going when we’re clearly not. May the good times roll and continue!
(Oh, and yes, please keep voting on the US Best Soccer Blog of 2008. In case you hadn’t heard, we’re in the running for that one.)
—
Alright, it’s time for beer #5 (yes, it took me so long to write this that I’m through another full one). Bigus might be dropping by with a UEFA Cup liveblog this afternoon, so keep posted for that as well.
What are you guys thankful for?
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Written by Darkvader on November 27th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Arsenal and Chelsea and FIFA 09 and I Am Trying To Break Liverpool's Fall Down the Table and Leeds United and Lingering Bursitis and Thank You and UF tells you how to vote and praise and voting.
A mate from Australia has just passed this video to me from “YouTube”.
ItÂŽs AC Milan Brazilian star KAKA dribbling - with two balls!
Just f*cking amazing, & deserves to be on any blog. Whether its Football,
Sports or Current Affairs…whatever
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Written by STRIKER on November 26th, 2008 with no comments.
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