Cristiano Ronaldo has a dedicated bodyguards - who escort him to the toilet
Cristiano Ronaldo is peeved that Real Madrid bosses provided him bodyguards who followed him to the toilet.
The 24-year-old star was celebrating his £80 million transfer in a trendy bar in Lisbon when he was seen being followed into the toilet by the minders.
An onlooker is quoted as saying by the Daily Star: "I’m not sure how happy Cristiano is about this new attention he’s receiving.
"He was laughing and making jokes – but I can imagine being constantly watched is going to grind him down quite soon.
"A few of the girls in the bar were joking that if they’d ended up in Ronaldo’s bed they would probably have found the minder there too!"
A club source said of Ronaldo’s minders: "It can be a little intrusive, but at least these men can be trusted."
It is claimed bosses at Real have given him the 24-hour security following recent incidents when he got caught up in two clashes with a fan and paparazzo.
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The 24-year-old star was celebrating his £80 million transfer in a trendy bar in Lisbon when he was seen being followed into the toilet by the minders.
An onlooker is quoted as saying by the Daily Star: "I’m not sure how happy Cristiano is about this new attention he’s receiving.
"He was laughing and making jokes – but I can imagine being constantly watched is going to grind him down quite soon.
"A few of the girls in the bar were joking that if they’d ended up in Ronaldo’s bed they would probably have found the minder there too!"
A club source said of Ronaldo’s minders: "It can be a little intrusive, but at least these men can be trusted."
It is claimed bosses at Real have given him the 24-hour security following recent incidents when he got caught up in two clashes with a fan and paparazzo.
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- 'Ronaldomania' hits Madrid as 2,000 CR9 shirts sold in just two hours
- A packed Bernabéu welcomes Cristiano Ronaldo
- Ronaldo hyped up about his Real Madrid presentation
- Cristiano Ronaldo kicks paparazzo's car in Lisbon
- Sir Alex Ferguson salutes Cristiano Ronaldo
- Xavi: No room for 'uncontrollable' Ronaldo at Barcelona
- Cristiano Ronaldo completes Real Madrid switch
- Real Madrid shield Cristiano Ronaldo with €1bn buy-out clause
- Cristiano Ronaldo: I did not move to Real Madrid for money
Rafa Benítez takes swipe at 'Greedy' Barry
Rafa Benítez has accused Gareth Barry of being a money grabber for choosing Manchester City’s billions ahead of Champions League football with Liverpool.
The Reds manager wanted to land Barry this summer before the England ace secured a shock transfer to City, who will not compete in European competition in the forthcoming campaign.
Barry insisted his decision was based entirely on his desire to be in at the start of the City revolution.
But Benítez scoffed his claim, believing that the decision was based entirely on the offer of £130,000 a week - £30,000 more than he would have at Anfield.
He told reporters: "In this market now, money should not be the main thing - because everyone at that level earns a lot of money.
"The question is do you make the right decisions and do what is best for your career? If it's just for money sometimes you will make mistakes.
"I was surprised by some decisions this year, like Gareth Barry. I won't say too much but clearly it was 100 percent for money.
"The most important thing for me, though, is the passion of the players."
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The Reds manager wanted to land Barry this summer before the England ace secured a shock transfer to City, who will not compete in European competition in the forthcoming campaign.
Barry insisted his decision was based entirely on his desire to be in at the start of the City revolution.
But Benítez scoffed his claim, believing that the decision was based entirely on the offer of £130,000 a week - £30,000 more than he would have at Anfield.
He told reporters: "In this market now, money should not be the main thing - because everyone at that level earns a lot of money.
"The question is do you make the right decisions and do what is best for your career? If it's just for money sometimes you will make mistakes.
"I was surprised by some decisions this year, like Gareth Barry. I won't say too much but clearly it was 100 percent for money.
"The most important thing for me, though, is the passion of the players."
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Real Madrid unveil new Galáctico Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema was unveiled as a Real Madrid player on Thursday after completing his €35 million move from Olympique Lyon.
Earlier in the day, the 21-year-old passed all of his medical tests and was declared fit to play.
The France striker's six-year contract has taken Real's spending to more than €200 million this summer.
"I'm absolutely delighted to become a Real Madrid player, the best club in the world," said Benzema, who has not yet been given a shirt number.
"I'm delighted to be able to play for the same club as two of my idols played for, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo.
"I don't want to promise a set number of goals, although I hope to score a lot. With players like Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raúl it will be very easy for us to get goals.
"I'm aware that there is great competition at the club and maybe I cannot always play, but I've come here to fight, so it's not going to be a problem."
Watch Karim Benzema's Real Madrid presentation
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Earlier in the day, the 21-year-old passed all of his medical tests and was declared fit to play.
The France striker's six-year contract has taken Real's spending to more than €200 million this summer.
"I'm absolutely delighted to become a Real Madrid player, the best club in the world," said Benzema, who has not yet been given a shirt number.
"I'm delighted to be able to play for the same club as two of my idols played for, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo.
"I don't want to promise a set number of goals, although I hope to score a lot. With players like Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raúl it will be very easy for us to get goals.
"I'm aware that there is great competition at the club and maybe I cannot always play, but I've come here to fight, so it's not going to be a problem."
Watch Karim Benzema's Real Madrid presentation
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Jermaine Pennant off to Real Zaragoza
Liverpool flop Jermaine Pennant completed his move to La Liga new-boys Real Zaragoza on Friday.
The 26-year-old becomes Zaragoza's first signing of the summer and joins for nothing on a three-year deal.
Zaragoza were promoted from the Spanish Segunda División last season after one season outside the top flight.
"I wanted to come to Spain," Pennant, who spent last season on loan at Portsmouth, told www.realzaragoza.com.
"I had offers from important teams in Europe but joined Real Zaragoza.
"I really want to get started and do well in the league."
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The 26-year-old becomes Zaragoza's first signing of the summer and joins for nothing on a three-year deal.
Zaragoza were promoted from the Spanish Segunda División last season after one season outside the top flight.
"I wanted to come to Spain," Pennant, who spent last season on loan at Portsmouth, told www.realzaragoza.com.
"I had offers from important teams in Europe but joined Real Zaragoza.
"I really want to get started and do well in the league."
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Ezequiel Lavezzi: I'm going nowhere
Napoli star Ezequiel Lavezzi has confirmed he would be going nowhere this summer amid much speculation linking him with a move away from the San Paolo.
Lavezzi left for his vacation in sour mood just before the end of last season, as he claimed the club had been "disrespectful" towards him.
However, after clear the air talks between both parties, El Pocho has insisted his intentions are to stay put at the southern giants.
"I’m staying at Napoli. Otherwise, why would I have returned?" said Lavezzi after landing in Rome's Fiumicino airport on Thursday morning.
"Am I calm? We’ll talk more in the future. I just want to play well for this very competitive Napoli side."
Napoli have been very active on the transfer market so far this summer having signed Fabio Quagliarella from Udinese and Atalanta's Luca Cigarini.
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Lavezzi left for his vacation in sour mood just before the end of last season, as he claimed the club had been "disrespectful" towards him.
However, after clear the air talks between both parties, El Pocho has insisted his intentions are to stay put at the southern giants.
"I’m staying at Napoli. Otherwise, why would I have returned?" said Lavezzi after landing in Rome's Fiumicino airport on Thursday morning.
"Am I calm? We’ll talk more in the future. I just want to play well for this very competitive Napoli side."
Napoli have been very active on the transfer market so far this summer having signed Fabio Quagliarella from Udinese and Atalanta's Luca Cigarini.
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Tom Cruise inspired David Beckham son's name
An unofficial book about David Beckham reveals his close relationship with Tom Cruise and how he named his third son after the Mission Impossible star.
The soccer superstar - who is married to former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham - is known to share a special bond with Cruise. They became close friends since the two met in 2003.
Cruise broke off filming Valkyrie to throw Beckham a welcome to LA party. The actor is also a regular in Becks' box at the football and their families spent Thanksgiving together.
He also recommended Beckham’s physical therapist and introduced him to another superstar pal, Will Smith.
The Top Gun star even influenced Beckham’s decision in naming his third son, Cruz, who was born in 2005 while the England international was still playing for Real Madrid.
Beckham - who has two other sons, Brooklyn, 10, and six-year-old Romeo - told writer Grant Wahl for his book The Beckham Experiment: "I must admit, when Victoria and I met Tom, I remember turning around to Victoria and saying, 'Cruise is a great name, but we could spell it different.'
"And also, living in Spain, Cruz is spelled the way it is in Spanish.' So that's why we got it."
The Beckham Experiment is scheduled for publication on July 16, when Beckham is scheduled to play his first match for the LA Galaxy following a half-season loan to AC Milan.
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The soccer superstar - who is married to former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham - is known to share a special bond with Cruise. They became close friends since the two met in 2003.
Cruise broke off filming Valkyrie to throw Beckham a welcome to LA party. The actor is also a regular in Becks' box at the football and their families spent Thanksgiving together.
He also recommended Beckham’s physical therapist and introduced him to another superstar pal, Will Smith.
The Top Gun star even influenced Beckham’s decision in naming his third son, Cruz, who was born in 2005 while the England international was still playing for Real Madrid.
Beckham - who has two other sons, Brooklyn, 10, and six-year-old Romeo - told writer Grant Wahl for his book The Beckham Experiment: "I must admit, when Victoria and I met Tom, I remember turning around to Victoria and saying, 'Cruise is a great name, but we could spell it different.'
"And also, living in Spain, Cruz is spelled the way it is in Spanish.' So that's why we got it."
The Beckham Experiment is scheduled for publication on July 16, when Beckham is scheduled to play his first match for the LA Galaxy following a half-season loan to AC Milan.
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Robin van Persie finally pens new Arsenal deal
Robin van Persie has ended speculation on his future by signing a new long-term contract with Arsenal, which is reported to be worth around £80,000-a-week.
The 25-year-old had been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer, but he immediately dismissed the reports.
And he has now backed that up by committing his future to the North London club.
Van Persie told the club's official website: "My heart is with Arsenal and I just can't picture myself in a different shirt.
"I just can't see it now because I love this club so much.
"If you look at the last five years, look at the steps I have made every season, if you look at the support the boss and the whole club gave me, the fans gave me, my team-mates gave me - this is the right decision.
"I have been at the club for five years now and there really is a great feeling here at Arsenal.
"We have a top-class manager, a squad full of superb young players, a world-class stadium and brilliant supporters.
"Arsenal have a very bright future and I want to be part of it."
Gunners boss Arsène Wenger added: "It's fantastic news that Robin van Persie has committed his long-term future to Arsenal. We are all delighted.
"Robin is a hugely gifted player and has the talent and goalscoring ability to win matches at the very top level.
"We have already seen many times what Robin is capable of on a football pitch, but at only 25, there is still much more to come from him. Robin has the potential to become a true Arsenal great."
Van Persie joined Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004 and has made 177 appearances in total, scoring 63 goals.
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The 25-year-old had been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer, but he immediately dismissed the reports.
And he has now backed that up by committing his future to the North London club.
Van Persie told the club's official website: "My heart is with Arsenal and I just can't picture myself in a different shirt.
"I just can't see it now because I love this club so much.
"If you look at the last five years, look at the steps I have made every season, if you look at the support the boss and the whole club gave me, the fans gave me, my team-mates gave me - this is the right decision.
"I have been at the club for five years now and there really is a great feeling here at Arsenal.
"We have a top-class manager, a squad full of superb young players, a world-class stadium and brilliant supporters.
"Arsenal have a very bright future and I want to be part of it."
Gunners boss Arsène Wenger added: "It's fantastic news that Robin van Persie has committed his long-term future to Arsenal. We are all delighted.
"Robin is a hugely gifted player and has the talent and goalscoring ability to win matches at the very top level.
"We have already seen many times what Robin is capable of on a football pitch, but at only 25, there is still much more to come from him. Robin has the potential to become a true Arsenal great."
Van Persie joined Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004 and has made 177 appearances in total, scoring 63 goals.
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Real Madrid still hopeful of Alonso swoop
Real Madrid sporting director Jorge Valdano insists his club remain in the hunt for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, but are unlikely to match a reported £35 million price tag.
Valdano recently stated that the Red's asking price for the Spain international was too high for the big-spending Spanish giants.
But while Real will not meet Liverpool's price tag for Alonso, the 53-year-old Valdano admits they have not given up hope of signing the playmaker.
He told Radio Marca: "Everyone knows that Alonso is a player that we have always been interested in.
"He is someone that can organise and is in a phase of his career where he has matured.
"There was a rough figure put forward, but in recent days that has gone up and the price is now too high for our tastes and, therefore, we see the player further away now.
"But everything can be turned back around."
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Valdano recently stated that the Red's asking price for the Spain international was too high for the big-spending Spanish giants.
But while Real will not meet Liverpool's price tag for Alonso, the 53-year-old Valdano admits they have not given up hope of signing the playmaker.
He told Radio Marca: "Everyone knows that Alonso is a player that we have always been interested in.
"He is someone that can organise and is in a phase of his career where he has matured.
"There was a rough figure put forward, but in recent days that has gone up and the price is now too high for our tastes and, therefore, we see the player further away now.
"But everything can be turned back around."
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Manchester United complete Gabriel Obertan swoop
Gabriel Obertan has completed his £3 million switch from Bordeaux to Manchester United.
The 20-year-old, who can play in a variety of attacking positions, has signed a four-year contract with the Premier League champions.
Obertan becomes Sir Alex Ferguson's third signing of the close season following the arrival of Antonio Valencia from Wigan Athletic for £17 million and Michael Owen on a free transfer last week.
"Gabriel is a player we have tracked for a few years now," Ferguson told the club's official website. "But because of his educational programme our efforts to get him here have always been delayed.
"We are delighted to get him now as he is an exciting prospect. We like to get young players and develop them, and we will see that in Gabriel over the next two years."
Obertan added: "I am very happy to join Manchester United.
"This is a big opportunity for me to play at such a great club. I am very excited to be here and I look forward to proving what I can do."
However, Obertan will have to wait for his first-team debute as an unspecified minor injury will prevent him travelling on United's pre-season tour of the Far East.
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The 20-year-old, who can play in a variety of attacking positions, has signed a four-year contract with the Premier League champions.
Obertan becomes Sir Alex Ferguson's third signing of the close season following the arrival of Antonio Valencia from Wigan Athletic for £17 million and Michael Owen on a free transfer last week.
"Gabriel is a player we have tracked for a few years now," Ferguson told the club's official website. "But because of his educational programme our efforts to get him here have always been delayed.
"We are delighted to get him now as he is an exciting prospect. We like to get young players and develop them, and we will see that in Gabriel over the next two years."
Obertan added: "I am very happy to join Manchester United.
"This is a big opportunity for me to play at such a great club. I am very excited to be here and I look forward to proving what I can do."
However, Obertan will have to wait for his first-team debute as an unspecified minor injury will prevent him travelling on United's pre-season tour of the Far East.
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Alexandre Pato marries actress Sthefany Brito in Rio de Janeiro
Alexandre Pato married Brazilian actress Sthefany Brito at a church in Rio de Janeiro and held the wedding reception at the Copacabana Palace late Tuesday.
Among the 500 people invited to the reception were two former AC Milan stars Kaká and Cafu, according to local media.
"It’s official: Alexandre Pato and Sthefany Brito are husband and wife," read a statement on Milan website.
"Congratulations from all the Rossoneri family. Representing the club and the team at Pato and Sthefany’s wedding was our technical director, Ariedo Braida."
19-year-old Pato met 22-year-old Brito in January 2008 and since then the Brazil international striker honors her by celebrating some of his goals using his hands to form a heart.
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Among the 500 people invited to the reception were two former AC Milan stars Kaká and Cafu, according to local media.
 Photo: Reuters |
"It’s official: Alexandre Pato and Sthefany Brito are husband and wife," read a statement on Milan website.
"Congratulations from all the Rossoneri family. Representing the club and the team at Pato and Sthefany’s wedding was our technical director, Ariedo Braida."
19-year-old Pato met 22-year-old Brito in January 2008 and since then the Brazil international striker honors her by celebrating some of his goals using his hands to form a heart.
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Atlético Madrid sign Sergio Asenjo from Valladolid
Atlético Madrid have completed the signing of Sergio Asenjo from Real Valladolid for a fee believed to be in the region of €5 million.
The highly-rated goalkeeper, who was linked with the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United in the past, has penned a four-year contract with the Rojiblancos.
As part of the deal that sees the 20-year-old move to the Spanish capital, Brazilian striker Diego Costa will play at Valladolid next season.
Asenjo will now look to make the No 1 his own with the Colchoneros after the departure of goalkeepers Leo Franco to Galatasaray and Grégory Coupet to Paris St Germain earlier this summer.
The Spain Under-21 international will be presented at the Vicente Calderón on Monday at 1pm after completing a medical with the club.
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The highly-rated goalkeeper, who was linked with the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United in the past, has penned a four-year contract with the Rojiblancos.
As part of the deal that sees the 20-year-old move to the Spanish capital, Brazilian striker Diego Costa will play at Valladolid next season.
Asenjo will now look to make the No 1 his own with the Colchoneros after the departure of goalkeepers Leo Franco to Galatasaray and Grégory Coupet to Paris St Germain earlier this summer.
The Spain Under-21 international will be presented at the Vicente Calderón on Monday at 1pm after completing a medical with the club.
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Bruno Alves open to Chelsea switch
FC Porto defender Bruno Alves admits he is tempted by a move to the Premier League amid reported interest from Chelsea.
The 27-year-old is expected to leave the Estádio do Dragão this summer after some sterling performances for the Portuguese giants.
Alves has been linked with a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid all summer, but it now appears Chelsea could look to sign the Portugal international as a replacement for Ricardo Carvalho who is rumoured to be seeking a move.
"I'm open to a move to England," Alves told the Daily Mail. "I'm aware of Chelsea's interest and also Barcelona.
"But I'm under contract to Porto and any decision comes down to the club."
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The 27-year-old is expected to leave the Estádio do Dragão this summer after some sterling performances for the Portuguese giants.
Alves has been linked with a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid all summer, but it now appears Chelsea could look to sign the Portugal international as a replacement for Ricardo Carvalho who is rumoured to be seeking a move.
"I'm open to a move to England," Alves told the Daily Mail. "I'm aware of Chelsea's interest and also Barcelona.
"But I'm under contract to Porto and any decision comes down to the club."
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Sevilla sign Didier Zokora from Tottenham
Sevilla have signed Ivory Coast midfielder Didier Zokora from Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee.
The 28-year-old agreed to a four-year contract with the Spanish side, which includes a €30 million release clause.
Zokora has been a long-term target for Sevilla, but the two clubs were unable to settle on a sum for his services.
"Zokora was our main objective for this season," Sevilla sporting director Ramón Rodríguez Monchi said on www.sevillafc.es.
"He's a player who works a lot, who runs a lot, physically he's a wonder who covers a lot of the pitch, he's very versatile.
"He is what we needed to complete the excellent midfield that we already have."
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The 28-year-old agreed to a four-year contract with the Spanish side, which includes a €30 million release clause.
Zokora has been a long-term target for Sevilla, but the two clubs were unable to settle on a sum for his services.
"Zokora was our main objective for this season," Sevilla sporting director Ramón Rodríguez Monchi said on www.sevillafc.es.
"He's a player who works a lot, who runs a lot, physically he's a wonder who covers a lot of the pitch, he's very versatile.
"He is what we needed to complete the excellent midfield that we already have."
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'Ronaldomania' hits Madrid as 2,000 CR9 shirts sold in just two hours
Real Madrid sold 2,000 replica shirts with Cristiano Ronaldo’s name and the number 9 on just two hours after his presentation at the Bernabéu.
The £80 million Portugal superstar was presented with his No 9 shirt in front of 80,000 delirious fans in the Bernabéu.
According to AS, since the former Manchester United winger was introduced until the closing of Real's official store on Monday night, up to 3,000 shirts with Ronaldo's name and the number 9 on it were sold.
The excitement did not die out only on Monday night, with reports claiming there were queues outside the shop an hour before it was due to open at 10.30.
At first it was announced that only 15 people would be allowed in at once, but that was soon relaxed and the store began to fill with fans eager to get their hands on a Ronaldo top.
The influx was massive and securites were overwhelmed as there were 300 shirts stolen in an hour.
For the whole package of shirt, number and name it will cost €85.
Brazilian star Kaká sold 600 shirts in his presentation day last week - a negligible amount when compared to those sold by Ronaldo.
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The £80 million Portugal superstar was presented with his No 9 shirt in front of 80,000 delirious fans in the Bernabéu.
 |
The excitement did not die out only on Monday night, with reports claiming there were queues outside the shop an hour before it was due to open at 10.30.
At first it was announced that only 15 people would be allowed in at once, but that was soon relaxed and the store began to fill with fans eager to get their hands on a Ronaldo top.
The influx was massive and securites were overwhelmed as there were 300 shirts stolen in an hour.
For the whole package of shirt, number and name it will cost €85.
Brazilian star Kaká sold 600 shirts in his presentation day last week - a negligible amount when compared to those sold by Ronaldo.
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- A packed Bernabéu welcomes Cristiano Ronaldo
- Ronaldo hyped up about his Real Madrid presentation
- Cristiano Ronaldo kicks paparazzo's car in Lisbon
- Sir Alex Ferguson salutes Cristiano Ronaldo
- Xavi: No room for 'uncontrollable' Ronaldo at Barcelona
- Cristiano Ronaldo completes Real Madrid switch
- Real Madrid shield Cristiano Ronaldo with €1bn buy-out clause
- Cristiano Ronaldo: I did not move to Real Madrid for money
- Ronaldo told pals he was leaving Man United
- Cristiano Ronaldo set to be the world's highest paid footballer
Víctor Valdés signs new Barcelona deal
Víctor Valdés has agreed to extend his contract with Barcelona until June 2014.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper becomes the second Barça player to renew this season after Yaya Touré extended his contract until 2012.
Valdés, whose contract was due to expire next summer, had been in talks with the Catalan giants for several weeks and there were fears negotiations had broken down.
However, all that was brought to an end on Tuesday afternoon as Valdés signed an improved deal that ties him to his home town club until 2014.
"Víctor Valdés has extended and improved his contract with Barça this Tuesday until June 30, 2014," read a statement on the club's official website.
"His release clause, which was €100 million, is now €150 million."
Barça president Joan Laporta added: "It's a great day for Barcelona.
"It was very important for us to renew the contract with our first-team goalkeeper.
"He has always been a reference for the team and has contributed a lot to the successes of recent years. This has added stability to the team.
"Víctor deserves it all. For me, he is the best goalkeeper in the world."
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The 27-year-old goalkeeper becomes the second Barça player to renew this season after Yaya Touré extended his contract until 2012.
Valdés, whose contract was due to expire next summer, had been in talks with the Catalan giants for several weeks and there were fears negotiations had broken down.
However, all that was brought to an end on Tuesday afternoon as Valdés signed an improved deal that ties him to his home town club until 2014.
"Víctor Valdés has extended and improved his contract with Barça this Tuesday until June 30, 2014," read a statement on the club's official website.
"His release clause, which was €100 million, is now €150 million."
Barça president Joan Laporta added: "It's a great day for Barcelona.
"It was very important for us to renew the contract with our first-team goalkeeper.
"He has always been a reference for the team and has contributed a lot to the successes of recent years. This has added stability to the team.
"Víctor deserves it all. For me, he is the best goalkeeper in the world."
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Yuri Zhirkov agrees three-year deal with Chelsea
Chelsea confirmed on Tuesday that they have completed the signing of Yuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow on a three-year contract.
No fee has been disclosed, but reports in English press suggest it is believed to be in the region of £18 million.
And the 25-year-old has expressed his delight at completing his transfer to Stamford Bridge.
He told www.chelseafc.com: "Any footballer would be happy to sign a contract with Chelsea, and at any time.
"I have been received very well here, and have been shown the base at the Cobham training ground, everything is super.
"Of course it is good when some of the players speak Russian, even today Petr Čech translated some bits and pieces, and I understand some words in English. Now I hope to learn English too.
"I always used to watch English football on the TV and know about Dmitri Kharine and Alexei Smertin at Chelsea."
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No fee has been disclosed, but reports in English press suggest it is believed to be in the region of £18 million.
And the 25-year-old has expressed his delight at completing his transfer to Stamford Bridge.
He told www.chelseafc.com: "Any footballer would be happy to sign a contract with Chelsea, and at any time.
"I have been received very well here, and have been shown the base at the Cobham training ground, everything is super.
"Of course it is good when some of the players speak Russian, even today Petr Čech translated some bits and pieces, and I understand some words in English. Now I hope to learn English too.
"I always used to watch English football on the TV and know about Dmitri Kharine and Alexei Smertin at Chelsea."
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Carles Puyol rejects Manchester City link
Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has rubbished reports linking him with a move to Manchester City.
Money-bags City were reported to be interested in the 31-year-old defender after they had a reported £35 million bid for Chelsea captain John Terry turned down this week.
But it looks like City will miss out on yet another player as Puyol insisted he has no intention of parting company with his boyhood club.
"The truth is that today I am very calm," Puyol is quoted as saying by El Mundo Deportivo.
"I am contracted for another year at Barcelona and now we are working on the negotiations of a new deal.
"I have enjoyed every season here and I want to stay here. For me there is no problem and I am not interested in the rumours in the papers."
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Money-bags City were reported to be interested in the 31-year-old defender after they had a reported £35 million bid for Chelsea captain John Terry turned down this week.
But it looks like City will miss out on yet another player as Puyol insisted he has no intention of parting company with his boyhood club.
"The truth is that today I am very calm," Puyol is quoted as saying by El Mundo Deportivo.
"I am contracted for another year at Barcelona and now we are working on the negotiations of a new deal.
"I have enjoyed every season here and I want to stay here. For me there is no problem and I am not interested in the rumours in the papers."
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Man United goalkeeper Foster signs new four-year deal
Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has signed an improved four-year deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2013.
The 26-year-old has made only 10 senior appearances for United since arriving from Stoke City in July 2005, having spent two seasons on loan at Watford and also enduring several fitness problems.
However, he emerged as a United favourite with his penalty shoot-out heroics in March's Carling Cup final victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
"I'm really happy to commit my future to the club," Foster told the club's official website.
"The team spirit here is fantastic and working alongside Edwin (van der Sar) and Tomasz (Kuszczak) has been a great influence on my career."
With United No 1 van der Sar approaching the latter stages of his career, Foster is well placed to make the step up into the first team.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We are delighted that Ben has signed a new deal.
"Ben is seen as one of the best young goalkeepers in England and we genuinely see him as a successor to Edwin."
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The 26-year-old has made only 10 senior appearances for United since arriving from Stoke City in July 2005, having spent two seasons on loan at Watford and also enduring several fitness problems.
However, he emerged as a United favourite with his penalty shoot-out heroics in March's Carling Cup final victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
"I'm really happy to commit my future to the club," Foster told the club's official website.
"The team spirit here is fantastic and working alongside Edwin (van der Sar) and Tomasz (Kuszczak) has been a great influence on my career."
With United No 1 van der Sar approaching the latter stages of his career, Foster is well placed to make the step up into the first team.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We are delighted that Ben has signed a new deal.
"Ben is seen as one of the best young goalkeepers in England and we genuinely see him as a successor to Edwin."
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Milan sign US defender Oguchi Onyewu
AC Milan announced on Tuesday that they have signed United States defender Oguchi Onyewu from Belgian side Standard Liège on a three-year deal.
Onyewu arrives on a Bosman transfer as his contract at Liège had expired.
The 6ft 4in stopper holds a Belgian passport and will therefore not count as one of the two non-EU players Italian sides are allowed to sign each season.
The 27-year-old Onyewu came to Milan's attention at the Confederations Cup where the USA reached the Final only to be beaten by Brazil.
"AC Milan would like to inform that they have signed Oguchi Onyewu on a permanent basis from Standard Liège," read a statement on Milan's official website.
"The USA international has signed until June 30, 2012."
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Onyewu arrives on a Bosman transfer as his contract at Liège had expired.
The 6ft 4in stopper holds a Belgian passport and will therefore not count as one of the two non-EU players Italian sides are allowed to sign each season.
The 27-year-old Onyewu came to Milan's attention at the Confederations Cup where the USA reached the Final only to be beaten by Brazil.
"AC Milan would like to inform that they have signed Oguchi Onyewu on a permanent basis from Standard Liège," read a statement on Milan's official website.
"The USA international has signed until June 30, 2012."
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Pelé urges FIFA to bring in salary cap
Brazilian legend Pelé believes FIFA need to introduce a salary cap for players in order to curb major spending which monopolises the transfer market.
Speaking in Nigeria to promote Rio de Janeiro's bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games, Pelé warned that soccer's image could be tainted for future generations if huge amounts of money continued to change hands in the game.
He said: "My time was a little different – we did not have the big sponsors.
"Today they have big sponsors, big companies to support football. But in my point of view and the point of view of FIFA, these (players' salaries) must be controlled.
"You get a player today that they announce in Manchester United, Real Madrid or Milan or any other team, and they kiss their shirt. The next day, he goes to another team and he kisses that shirt.
"This, I think, is something we have to pay attention to for the next generation."
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Speaking in Nigeria to promote Rio de Janeiro's bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games, Pelé warned that soccer's image could be tainted for future generations if huge amounts of money continued to change hands in the game.
He said: "My time was a little different – we did not have the big sponsors.
"Today they have big sponsors, big companies to support football. But in my point of view and the point of view of FIFA, these (players' salaries) must be controlled.
"You get a player today that they announce in Manchester United, Real Madrid or Milan or any other team, and they kiss their shirt. The next day, he goes to another team and he kisses that shirt.
"This, I think, is something we have to pay attention to for the next generation."
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