Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Football players
Retro, i see a cute football player, I have the hots for Cesc Fabregas. You only see the Arsenal shirt, don’t you?
At least give it to me, I find cute football players in the RIGHT team.
Torres was also being considered.
Top Ten Highest Paid Soccer (Football) Players In the World
1. David Beckham, $49.4 million
2. Ronaldinho, $38.4 million
3. Lionel Messi, $36.6 million
4. Cristiano Ronaldo, $31 million
5. Thierry Henry, $26.8 million
6. John Terry, $22.16 million
7. Michael Ballack, $22 million
8. Ronaldo, $21.2 million
9. Kaka, $20.4 million
10. Steven Gerrard, $20 million
All I can think is that I should have done soccer rather than writing….
Friday, March 26, 2010
NANI Sign New Deal with United
Portugal winger Nani has signed a new four-year contract with Manchester United, the England giant club. His impressive form this season has made MU a deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2014.
Nani had been the subject of plenty of criticism after failing to live up to his £17 million price tag since moving to United in 2007, but he has proved his worth over the past few months - producing a number of scintillating displays, including a man of the match performance in the 3-1 over Arsenal.
Nani had been the person of plenty of criticism after deteriorating to live up to his £17 million rate since moving to MU in 2007, but he has proved his value over the past few months - producing a sort of brilliant displays, including a man of the match action in the 3-1 triumph over Arsenal.
"Nani is an emerging talent in this team and has developed greatly since joining the club," United coach Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's official website. "We are pleased he has signed a new contract and I am sure he will have a long and successful future here at Manchester United."
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Meghni: The Algerian Maestro
Long considered to be the ‘next Zidane’ by fans in France, Algerian playmaker Mourad Meghni appears to finally coping with this weighty expectation and is currently pushing hard for a place in Algeria’s squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Barring another injury like the ones that have blighted his career so far – his delicate frame has done him no favours in that regard – it is more than likely that Meghni will be showing off his skills in South Africa this June.
Nearly ten years ago it was in French colours that the promising attacking midfielder played first impressed on the world stage, helping the country of his birth to secure the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Trinidad and Tobago in 2001. The Caribbean adventure was one of many successes achieved by this golden generation of French footballers, who had already reached the final of the UEFA European U-17 Championship the year before, and were destined to go on to win the prestigious Toulon U-21 international tournament in 2004.
“Mourad’s footballing brain is truly exceptional,” said his international coach at the time, Rene Girard. "He has an innate sense of improvisation. With the technique that he possesses, what he needs to do is bring others into play more often – he is always likely to create something out of nothing."
Back then, Meghni was already making a name for himself. Having spent three years at France’s national football academy in Clairefontaine, the Paris native left home for Italy in 2000, joining Bologna’s youth team at the tender age of 16. A new language and unfamiliar culture awaited him, making the transition far from easy.
Struggling with a difficult environment and constant comparisons to Zidane, Meghni’s progress was erratic, and though he did make his Serie A debut in 2002, he was never able to live up to the expectations others had of him. Following 37 appearances in three years, Meghni opted for a return to his roots in 2005 in an attempt to kick-start his career. But once back in France, at Sochaux, his reputation again overshadowed him, with fans tending to regard him as a prodigal son.
“The injuries and associations with Zinedine Zidane have certainly not helped," he said exclusively to FIFA.com. “Although I was obviously flattered to be mentioned alongside such an incredible player, even if I tried not to think about it too much, it inevitably put a little bit of added pressure on me. My injuries have always been extremely painful – I’ve not had much luck in that department. Even during my best season at Bologna, I was twice out through back problems and once with thigh trouble. I’ve had to remain strong, as it’s enough to drive you crazy.”
The dreadful season spent at Sochaux, where he played just 16 matches, did offer one silver lining: by not living up to fans’ expectations, he was at last able to rid himself of the label that had so haunted him previously. After managing to become a regular in Bologna’s first team upon returning to Italy, other clubs began to show considerable interest in the midfielder, with giants Lazio finally securing his signature in 2007.
Since joining the Rome-based club, Meghni has fulfilled the role of luxury substitute, and with the spotlight no longer shining on him so fiercely, he continues to develop and put in good, consistent performances in this his 26th year.
It was not surprising then when the player expressed a desire to resume his international career in 2009. Following various discussions with Algeria coach Rabah Saadane, Meghni eventually decided that he would defend the colours of his father’s homeland. He was called up in August for a friendly match against Uruguay (1-0) and has not been omitted from an Algerian squad since. His close control and ability to conserve possession attracted much praise in the aftermath of Les Fennecs’ historic FIFA World Cup play-off victory over Egypt in Sudan.
Highly skilled and an excellent decision-maker, he is just as proficient playing behind one or two strikers as he is dropping a little further back into central midfield, where he shows remarkable vision.
“From the first time he met up with the squad, we could see that here was a lad with an incredible mind,” revealed Saadane in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com. “And because of that he quickly integrated into the group. It didn’t take long for us to see what his immense technical and tactical abilities could bring to our side. Unfortunately he’s not yet been able to perform at his peak due to some niggly injuries he’s been carrying. I pray that the problems his body has been suffering from will have cleared up by the time the World Cup comes along.”
Sidelined a few weeks back by tendinitis in his left knee, Meghni is now fighting to get back to his best as quickly as possible. Speaking from his rehabilitation centre, he is able to confirm that “the knee is getting better and better, but I’m not recovered yet. I don’t really even know when I’ll be able to start training again. Three to four weeks from now, at least. The timeframe look a bit tight, but I’ve been working hard so that I can quickly get myself back to full fitness.
"I can’t imagine missing this World Cup. I haven’t yet been able to show what I’m really capable of in an Algerian shirt, and I hope to be able to do so in South Africa.” A wish that is bound to be echoed all over Algeria.*
Source: FIFA.com
Barring another injury like the ones that have blighted his career so far – his delicate frame has done him no favours in that regard – it is more than likely that Meghni will be showing off his skills in South Africa this June.
Nearly ten years ago it was in French colours that the promising attacking midfielder played first impressed on the world stage, helping the country of his birth to secure the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Trinidad and Tobago in 2001. The Caribbean adventure was one of many successes achieved by this golden generation of French footballers, who had already reached the final of the UEFA European U-17 Championship the year before, and were destined to go on to win the prestigious Toulon U-21 international tournament in 2004.
“Mourad’s footballing brain is truly exceptional,” said his international coach at the time, Rene Girard. "He has an innate sense of improvisation. With the technique that he possesses, what he needs to do is bring others into play more often – he is always likely to create something out of nothing."
Back then, Meghni was already making a name for himself. Having spent three years at France’s national football academy in Clairefontaine, the Paris native left home for Italy in 2000, joining Bologna’s youth team at the tender age of 16. A new language and unfamiliar culture awaited him, making the transition far from easy.
Struggling with a difficult environment and constant comparisons to Zidane, Meghni’s progress was erratic, and though he did make his Serie A debut in 2002, he was never able to live up to the expectations others had of him. Following 37 appearances in three years, Meghni opted for a return to his roots in 2005 in an attempt to kick-start his career. But once back in France, at Sochaux, his reputation again overshadowed him, with fans tending to regard him as a prodigal son.
“The injuries and associations with Zinedine Zidane have certainly not helped," he said exclusively to FIFA.com. “Although I was obviously flattered to be mentioned alongside such an incredible player, even if I tried not to think about it too much, it inevitably put a little bit of added pressure on me. My injuries have always been extremely painful – I’ve not had much luck in that department. Even during my best season at Bologna, I was twice out through back problems and once with thigh trouble. I’ve had to remain strong, as it’s enough to drive you crazy.”
The dreadful season spent at Sochaux, where he played just 16 matches, did offer one silver lining: by not living up to fans’ expectations, he was at last able to rid himself of the label that had so haunted him previously. After managing to become a regular in Bologna’s first team upon returning to Italy, other clubs began to show considerable interest in the midfielder, with giants Lazio finally securing his signature in 2007.
Since joining the Rome-based club, Meghni has fulfilled the role of luxury substitute, and with the spotlight no longer shining on him so fiercely, he continues to develop and put in good, consistent performances in this his 26th year.
It was not surprising then when the player expressed a desire to resume his international career in 2009. Following various discussions with Algeria coach Rabah Saadane, Meghni eventually decided that he would defend the colours of his father’s homeland. He was called up in August for a friendly match against Uruguay (1-0) and has not been omitted from an Algerian squad since. His close control and ability to conserve possession attracted much praise in the aftermath of Les Fennecs’ historic FIFA World Cup play-off victory over Egypt in Sudan.
Highly skilled and an excellent decision-maker, he is just as proficient playing behind one or two strikers as he is dropping a little further back into central midfield, where he shows remarkable vision.
“From the first time he met up with the squad, we could see that here was a lad with an incredible mind,” revealed Saadane in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com. “And because of that he quickly integrated into the group. It didn’t take long for us to see what his immense technical and tactical abilities could bring to our side. Unfortunately he’s not yet been able to perform at his peak due to some niggly injuries he’s been carrying. I pray that the problems his body has been suffering from will have cleared up by the time the World Cup comes along.”
Sidelined a few weeks back by tendinitis in his left knee, Meghni is now fighting to get back to his best as quickly as possible. Speaking from his rehabilitation centre, he is able to confirm that “the knee is getting better and better, but I’m not recovered yet. I don’t really even know when I’ll be able to start training again. Three to four weeks from now, at least. The timeframe look a bit tight, but I’ve been working hard so that I can quickly get myself back to full fitness.
"I can’t imagine missing this World Cup. I haven’t yet been able to show what I’m really capable of in an Algerian shirt, and I hope to be able to do so in South Africa.” A wish that is bound to be echoed all over Algeria.*
Source: FIFA.com
Park heads Man United to 2-1 win over Liverpool
Park Ji-sung headed Manchester United back to the Premier League as the champion from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 on Sunday. Park’s 60th-minute goal restored United’s two-point lead over Arsenal.
Park Ji-Sung is a South Korean professional footballer who moved to MU at 2005 from PSV Eindhoven (Netherland). Now he is the captain of the South Korean national team.
Park Ji-sung is one of stars of the South Korean team that finished fourth at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. After the World Cup, Park joined the coach Guus Hiddink go to PSV Eindhoven.
As a member of the South Korean national team, Park has won 84 caps and scored 11 goals.
Adapting to the English Premiership is Park's biggest test, but he has impressed everybody at the club so far. His pedigree on the European stage, however, is already proven.
Park Ji-Sung profile:
• Born: 25 February 1981, Seoul, South Korea
• Signed: 8 July 2005, from PSV Eindhoven
• Other Previous Clubs: Kyoto Purple Sanga
• Debut: 9 August 2005 v Debrecen (H) Champions League
• International Team: South Korea.*
Saturday, March 13, 2010
FERNANDO TORRES THINKING FUTURE
Liverpool’s striker Fernando Torres has admitted he will think about his future at Liverpool if the club do not buy the players needed to turn them into Premier League contenders.
Liverpool are currently sixth place in table having played more games than all of their main rivals for the fourth Champions League berth.
The Reds forward has been part of a side that has had a disappointing campaign so far – Monday’s defeat at Wigan dented their chances of a top-four Premier League finish and a 1-0 reverse to Lille in the Europa League on Thursday leaves them with a tough task of progressing into the next round.
Many have speculated that Liverpool’s key players could leave Anfield if they do not qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League, but Torres has played down such reports.
However, the 25-year-old, who has scored 13 league goals in 18 appearances so far this term, says that Rafa Benitez needs to bring in more quality players to bolster the squad.
When asked by Spanish newspaper AS if he planned to leave the Reds if they failed to qualify for the Champions League, Torres said, “It’s too soon to talk, I honestly think that we’re going to be fourth, but for me Champions League qualification isn’t so important.”
He continued, “The really important thing is that the club makes a big effort and brings in important players, who will improve the quality of the squad.”
“We need four or five top-class players to compete, better than we have here, who will make us grit our teeth and do everything we can to try and keep our places,” he said.
Liverpool forward continued, “Without reinforcements next year we will once again be fighting to be fourth. I want to fight next year to win the Premier League, to win the Champions League or the Europa League, but for this there have to be signings.”
When asked question about his future, Torres added, “There are so many circumstances and so many things that you have to take into account that it is too soon to talk about that. But I have this and three more years of my contract. I’ve left my home and it’s clear that I owe Liverpool many things, and I’m very happy here.”
“The fans have treated my like one of their own, but I’m going to think about my future and hopefully it will be here. I think these fans deserve to win. Beyond thinking about me, I think the club deserve to get back to winning (trophies), but they know themselves that right now that it’s far off,” he added.
He explained why players moving one to another club, “The fans are worried about players going, it’s a problem when you start to fear that your players are going because you know it’s because the club is not moving forward, but I don’t think that is going to be the situation here.”
Source: Soccernews.com
Liverpool are currently sixth place in table having played more games than all of their main rivals for the fourth Champions League berth.
The Reds forward has been part of a side that has had a disappointing campaign so far – Monday’s defeat at Wigan dented their chances of a top-four Premier League finish and a 1-0 reverse to Lille in the Europa League on Thursday leaves them with a tough task of progressing into the next round.
Many have speculated that Liverpool’s key players could leave Anfield if they do not qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League, but Torres has played down such reports.
However, the 25-year-old, who has scored 13 league goals in 18 appearances so far this term, says that Rafa Benitez needs to bring in more quality players to bolster the squad.
When asked by Spanish newspaper AS if he planned to leave the Reds if they failed to qualify for the Champions League, Torres said, “It’s too soon to talk, I honestly think that we’re going to be fourth, but for me Champions League qualification isn’t so important.”
He continued, “The really important thing is that the club makes a big effort and brings in important players, who will improve the quality of the squad.”
“We need four or five top-class players to compete, better than we have here, who will make us grit our teeth and do everything we can to try and keep our places,” he said.
Liverpool forward continued, “Without reinforcements next year we will once again be fighting to be fourth. I want to fight next year to win the Premier League, to win the Champions League or the Europa League, but for this there have to be signings.”
When asked question about his future, Torres added, “There are so many circumstances and so many things that you have to take into account that it is too soon to talk about that. But I have this and three more years of my contract. I’ve left my home and it’s clear that I owe Liverpool many things, and I’m very happy here.”
“The fans have treated my like one of their own, but I’m going to think about my future and hopefully it will be here. I think these fans deserve to win. Beyond thinking about me, I think the club deserve to get back to winning (trophies), but they know themselves that right now that it’s far off,” he added.
He explained why players moving one to another club, “The fans are worried about players going, it’s a problem when you start to fear that your players are going because you know it’s because the club is not moving forward, but I don’t think that is going to be the situation here.”
Source: Soccernews.com
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