Blues seal deal for Hazard World Soccer Shop

Lille playmaker Eden Hazard has finally completed his move to Chelsea after passing a medical with the European champions.

Hazard: Moving to Chelsea

Almost a week after announcing he had decided to move to Stamford Bridge, the 21-year-old Belgium international was officially confirmed as a Blues player.

Hazard cost a reported £32million, which would make him the second most expensive player in Chelsea's history behind Fernando Torres.

The club said in a statement on their official website: "Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce we have agreed terms with Lille for the transfer of Eden Hazard.

"The 21-year-old Belgian international has agreed personal terms with the club and today passed a medical examination.

"He will join the club in July when the players return for pre-season training."

Hazard added: "I'm delighted to finally arrive here - it's a wonderful club and I can't wait to get started."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17757/blues_seal_deal_for_hazard

Negredo backs Spain to shine

Alvaro Negredo says that Spain will be on top of their game in their Euro 2012 opener against Italy on June 10.

The reigning European and world champions struggled in Sunday’s 1-0 international friendly win over China, but Negredo insists that things will be different in his side’s first game at the UEFA showpiece.

“The first half was pretty ugly to watch because they (China) defended a lot,” Negredo told reporters.

“They kept things tight at the back, and we misplaced a lot of passes. There’s no need to worry, though.

“The match against China wasn’t good, but things will be different against Italy. What happened here will benefit us and make us stronger.”

Spain tackle Italy in Gdansk before matches with Republic of Ireland and Croatia.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/negredo-backs-spain-to-shine/95840/

Torres hoping for trophy hat-trick

Striker Fernando Torres wants to follow up Chelsea’s Champions League and FA Cup success by winning Euro 2012 with Spain.

Vicente del Bosque’s side are the holders of the UEFA European Championships, and among the favourites again to win the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Torres, 28, netted the only goal in Spain’s 1-0 triumph over Germany in the Euro 2008 final.

And with his country’s all-time leading goal-scorer David Villa ruled out through injury, the pressure is on Torres to lead the line during the competition.

“I had a great end of season in which I collected two titles and I hope to win the Euro and put the cherry on the cake,” he said.

“Currently we are considered favourites for the Euro 2012 and we have a different kind of pressure. I have new hopes after a tough year for me.

“It’s not easy to be here, but what we want now is to maintain Del Bosque’s trust in us, play as much as possible and make a big contribution to the team.

“That’s what I’m here for. We have a collective target, not an individual one.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/torres-hoping-for-trophy-hat-trick/95838/

Sahin can make Real impact

Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin has indicated that he is determined to prove his credentials with the La Liga champions.

The Turkey international, who signed for Madrid last off-season for an undisclosed fee, struggled for fitness and form in his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu, making just 10 official appearances for the club.

A loan spell has been suggested as a possibility for Sahin, but the former Borussia Dortmund ace has guaranteed that he wants to prove himself with the Spanish title-holders.

“Unfortunately, this was not a very good season for me, because of the injuries that I sustained,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“But to have success at Real Madrid is not easy at all, especially in your first year. But I am convinced that next season will be my season.

“The physical problems blocked me, and this happened for several months, including in the pre-season. But I feel just fine now and I do not have any problem.

“I hope that I will win many titles with Madrid, who are a great club. Life has given me many good things, but my dream is to win the Champions League with this club.

“If I manage to do it, I will be the luckiest man in the world.”

Sahin has been a bit-part player under Jose Mourinho so far, but the Turkish midfielder had nothing but praise for the Portuguese coach.

“He is very demanding,” Sahin said.

“He demands the most out of every player, but we understand this.

“On the other hand, he has no problem to praise a player when they do what he asked for.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/sahin-can-make-real-impact/95546/

Lippi praises Guangzhou players

Marcello Lippi praised his players after his club became the first Chinese side to reach the AFC Champions League quarter-finals since 2006.

Tournament debutants Guangzhou Evergrande progressed with a first-half goal from Brazilian striker Cleo.

“Our team played as we expected,” Lippi said.

“Our opponent was fast, they are not tall, but they have good technique, however we left little room for them to attack,” said World Cup-winning coach Lippi after just his third game in charge of Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou.

“We created many opportunities to score and played hard. Our opponent also created several attacking threats.

“The victory can be attributed to the excellent performance of each and every player. If our attackers had taken their chances, we would have scored more goals.”

Meanwhile, Ulsan coach Kim Ho-gon was delighted to maintain his country’s interest in the competition.

Ulsan ensured that Korea will be represented in the quarter-finals after edging out Kashiwa in a five-goal thriller at the Ulsan Munsu Stadium.

After a goalless first half, the Korean side took a deserved lead through a Kim Shin-wook header only for Leandro Domingues to equalise midway through the second half.

Ulsan regained the lead courtesy of an own goal from Naoya Kondo and extended their advantage through Lee Keun-ho before Junya Tanaka pulled back a goal for Kashiwa in stoppage time.

““It was difficult game but we are happy with this win as we are the only survivors among the four K-league teams taking part in this year’s competition,” he said.

“I have told my players many times that we are not only representing our club but that we are also representing Korea and the players recognise the importance of that.”

The draw for the quarter-finals will take place on June 14.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/lippi-praises-guangzhou-players/95539/

Dempsey maintains Europe dream

Fulham attacker Clint Dempsey has reiterated his desire to play Champions League football sometime in his playing career.

The American signed for Fulham in 2007 from MLS club New England Revolution and enjoyed his most prolific season to date in the 2011-12 season, scoring 23 goals in all competitions.

His blistering form has reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham ahead of the off-season transfer window.

Dempsey has one year remaining on his contract and, while speculation surrounding his future continues to circulate, the 29-year-old insisted that he will give his all for his club.

“What I do is focus on the teams that I play for and I give my heart to them, work as hard as I can to try to make the most of my time and make the most of the career that I have left,” he told reporters.

“The transfer window is open until August 31. It’s no secret that I would like to play Champions League one day in my career.

“If it’s meant to be, it will be.”

Dempsey is currently training with the USA squad ahead of Thursday’s friendly with Brazil, and national manager Jurgen Klinsmann has encouraged the forward to look for a bigger club.

“His goal is the right goal,” the coach said last week.

“If he has the opportunity to go a Champions League team, that’s the creme de la creme in the world of club soccer, then you’ve got to do that.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/dempsey-maintains-europe-dream/95532/

AFC Champions League wrap: Lee stars for Ulsan

Lee Keun-Ho scored and set up another goal as Ulsan defeated Kashiwa Reysol 3-2 in the AFC Champions League round of 16.

Wednesday’s victory means Ulsan have advanced to the quarter-finals where they will be joined by Guangzhou Evergrande after the Chinese club defeated Tokyo 1-0.

After a scoreless first half, Ulsan sprang into life, with Lee setting up the opener 10 minutes after the break.

The 27-year-old attacker weaved his way through Kashiwa’s defence to the right-hand side of the penalty area and then chipped the ball to the top of the six-yard box where Kim Shin-Wook headed home.

Kashiwa equalised in the 68th minute when Leandro Domingues got his head to a long throw to nod the ball into the back of the net but four minutes later Ulsan were in front again when Japanese defender Naoya Kondo poked the ball into his own net.

In the 89th minute, Lee hit a brilliant third goal for Ulsan.

Lee controlled the ball on his chest on the edge of the area, before thumping it past keeper Takanori Sugeno to seemingly seal Ulsan’s place in the quarter-finals.

But in stoppage time Kashiwa reignited their chances of forcing exta-time when Junya Tanaka struck a brilliant left-foot shot across his body inside the far post.

Ulsan held on, however, ending Kashiwa’s involvement in the ACL.

Guangzhou’s 1-0 home win over Tokyo ensured that no J. League clubs will be involved in the ACL quarter-finals.

The Chinese Super League club moved into the last eight for the first time thanks to a 31st-minute goal from Cleo.

Cho Won-Hee cut in from the right wing and laid the ball off to Brazilian forward Muriqui before bursting into the box.

Muriqui expertly chipped Tokyo’s defence putting the ball in front of Cho, who centred for Cleo to finish.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/afc-champions-league-wrap-lee-stars-for-ulsan/95524/

Hazard is heading for Chelsea World Soccer Shop

Belgium star Eden Hazard looks set to join Chelsea from Lille after announcing on Twitter: "I'm signing for the Champions League winner."

Hazard: Tweeted on Monday night

On Monday night, Hazard appeared to finally end speculation about his future by suggesting he had decided to sign for Chelsea next season.

The 21-year-old Lille playmaker had long been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Hazard earlier continued to keep fans of several clubs in suspense by posting he had "made up his mind" who he was going to join but declined to name the team in question.

There was no official confirmation on Monday evening from either Chelsea or Lille that a deal had been reached over the signing of Hazard, who has been rated at £32million.

But reports in France suggest the Belgium star has agreed a five-year contract worth as much as £100,000 a week after tax.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17328/hazard_is_heading_for_chelsea

Sepahan claim bragging rights in Iran

Sepahan coach Zlatko Kranjcar was proud of his players after eliminating compatriots Esteghlal from the AFC Champions League on Tuesday.

Sepahan won 2-0 in their all-Iranian Round of 16 clash in Isfahan thanks to first-half goals from Bruno Cesar and Mohsen Bengar as the Blues again disappointed in Asia.

“We proved that we are the best team in Iran,” Kranjcar said.

“As well as proving that we were the dominant and better side, we also showed that we can play good football against a strong team like Esteghlal.

“I congratulate the players and our supporters for the win, and I am confident that we can get this team to an even higher level.

“We may not have played nicely in some of our recent games but we have the ability to improve day by day. Today we played good tactical football and followed all of our plans for the game.”

Meanwhile, defeated Esteghlal boss Parviz Mazloumi admitted his side failed to perform.

“The game was not in our favour and we didn’t play well,” he said.

“We had planned to control the game in the first half but their early goal unbalanced our plans. We didn’t create goalscoring opportunities.

“Sepahan were rewarded for their strong effort and determination. Their players ran a lot and all of their tactical plans were well performed.

“We didn’t have anything to lose in the second half that’s why I added more forwards, but Sepahan played well and achieved what they had wanted.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/sepahan-claim-bragging-rights-in-iran/95121/

Bayern claim win over Holland World Soccer Shop

Bayern Munich returned to the Allianz Arena after their Champions League disappointment to secure a 3-2 win over Holland at the Allianz Arena.

Robben: Featured for Holland against his club

In a game arranged by means of compensation to Bayern for an injury picked up by Arjen Robben while on international duty ended in victory for the Bundesliga club while Robben made an appearance in a Holland shirt.

Toni Kroos put Bayern in front, but Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Luciano Narsingh turned the game around within minutes.

Nils Petersen brought Bayern level before half time and Mario Gomez scored the winner later on as Bayern won in front of only a half-full stadium in Munich.

Kroos gave Bayern the lead in the 17th minute with a fine 25-yard effort which struck the underside of the bar on its way in.

Their lead lasted less than a minute, though, with Huntelaar replying.

The Schalke striker and Bundesliga top goalscorer this season was put through by Dirk Kuyt and threaded the ball inside Hans-Jorg Butt's near post.

The Dutch took the lead two minutes later when Holger Badstuber pushed up and got the offside trap all wrong, allowing Narsingh a free run on goal, and he chipped the ball over Butt.

Bayern levelled in the 28th minute with Petersen heading in a cross from Ivica Olic from six yards out.

Robben came on for Holland in the 75th minute, receiving boos from parts of the 33,000 fans whenever he touched the ball.

Franck Ribery also came on for Bayern and he set up Gomez to tap in the winner in the 87th minute to give the Bavarians something to smile about at the end of a disappointing few days and an equally disappointing season.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16954/bayern_claim_win_over_holland

AFC Champions League wrap: Al Ahli, Sepahan progress

Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli and Sepahan of Iran advanced to the last eight of the AFC Champions League on Tuesday.

Al Ahli eliminated the United Arab Emirates’ Al Jazira 4-2 on penalties in Abu Dhabi while Sepahan accounted for Esteghlal 2-0 in an all-Iranian affair.

Ricardo Oliveira scored on 114 minutes to give Al Jazira a 3-2 lead in extra-time before Victor Simoes hit a stunning equaliser two minutes from time.

Simoes then struck the winning spot-kick to condemn Al Jazira to their first loss in Asia’s premier club competition this season.

Al Jazira had dropped just two points in the group stage with former AC Milan and Valencia striker Oliveira the top scorer in the tournament.

The visiting Al Ahli, who recently won Saudi Arabia’s Kings Cup, took the lead midway through the first half as Marcelo Camacho capitalised on some poor defending to rifle a finish into the top corner.

However, the home side replied soon after through Oliveira, who levelled with an acrobatic header.

Al Jazira went ahead just after the hour when Argentine Matias Delgado flicked in a cross before Amad Al Hosni responded with a deft chip on 75 minutes to force extra time.

Oliveira grabbed his 12th goal of the tournament but had little time to celebrate as Simoes smashed in a long-range equaliser to force a penalty shootout.

Newly-crowned Iranian champions Sepahan clinched their spot in the quarter-finals for a second consecutive season courtesy of goals from Bruno Correa and Mohsen Bengar.

Albanian striker Xhevahir Sukaj was outstanding for the home side, who grabbed the lead through Correa after eight minutes.

Central defender Bengar doubled the advantage in the 35th minute as Sepahan controlled possession in front of a capacity Foolad Shahr Stadium crowd.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/afc-champions-league-wrap-al-ahli-sepahan-progress/95105/

It was time to move on - Drogba World Soccer Shop

Didier Drogba says that winning the Champions League convinced him the time was right to leave Chelsea, and hopes fans understand the decision.

Drogba: Leaves the club with legendary status

The Ivory Coast striker, who scored the equaliser and then the winning penalty in Saturday's dramatic final win over Bayern Munich, announced that he is leaving the club to pursue a career elsewhere.

He departs Stamford Bridge with his reputation as one of the club's greatest-ever players firmly intact, but he knows it could have been so much different.

Ever since the 34-year-old joined the club from Marseille in 2004 they have been chasing the European Cup and, after so many near misses, Drogba's final kick for them earned them the prize they coveted so much.

Had he not have scored and Bayern gone on to win, he admits he may have been tempted to stay but, with all his loose ends tied up, he is moving on to a new chapter.

Speaking to Radio Five Live, he said: "I think winning the game was the key. Not me scoring the penalty. Winning the game was the turning point, that's why I have decided to say goodbye.

"We made the story together and I want people to remember that. This is the best time to move on.

"Yes, there's a chance that if the result was different, maybe I would be here.

"We were talking for many weeks, but the turning point was based on the fact I won everything I could and scored in most of the finals we have played, trying to make a difference. I hope everyone will understand. Everything I did was for the fans and I hope they understand."

Goalkeeper Petr Cech claimed he heard his team-mate crying after the final.

And, although he has been prone to emotional outbursts during his time in England, Drogba insists he was doing nothing of the sort.

He added: "I wasn't crying - I was talking to myself. I was crazy for a few minutes. I was saying that I wasn't going to cry, and that God is wonderful.

"I was saying, 'We have been chasing this for eight years, we have had a hard time, and she was difficult, but now I understand why. It is wonderful'."

Drogba's departure leaves Fernando Torres as Chelsea's main man in attack.

The Spain international is still finding his feet at the club, despite having been there for nearly 18 months following his £50million move from Liverpool.

Torres spoke of his unhappiness of being a fringe player in the wake of the final, but Drogba expects him to take up a more prominent role next term.

"It's been difficult for him, but he has showed he is the man," he said.

"Next season is going to be his season and I will try to speak to him. We have a good relationship. We don't understand why we didn't play together more, but that's the past. Torres is the future."

It been reported that Drogba's next move will take him to China to link up with former Blues team-mate Nicolas Anelka.

He would not confirm that on Tuesday night, but did say that should Chelsea ever need him once his playing days are over, he will always be happy to answer their call.

"I would love to help Chelsea in any way, even if they tell me to come and cut the grass. I will do it," he said.

"Being here for eight years, it will be a big change. Players will go, some stay, but the club will remain as ambitious as it has always been. I am not worried. Chelsea was there before I came and always will be.

"It's impossible to forget this moment. Leaving Chelsea in any case would be difficult, but now even more. It is impossible, Chelsea is in my heart. My blood is blue and my heart even more so."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16944/it_was_time_to_move_on___drogba

Blues confirm Drogba departure World Soccer Shop

Chelsea have confirmed that Champions League hero Didier Drogba will leave Stamford Bridge when his contract expires at the end of June.

Drogba: Stamford Bridge exit confirmed

The 34-year-old Ivory Coast international has spent eight years at Chelsea, scoring 157 goals in 341 appearances, and helped the Blues win 10 titles.

One of those titles was Saturday's Champions League victory over Bayern Munich, where Drogba scored a late equaliser in normal time and then netted the winning kick in the penalty shoot-out.

More to follow...

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16919/blues_confirm_drogba_departure

Mourinho extends Bernabeu stay World Soccer Shop

Jose Mourinho has signed a new contract with Real Madrid which ties him to the club until 2016, the Primera Division champions have announced.

Mourinho: New Real Madrid deal

The 49-year-old Portuguese boss penned an initial four-year deal when he took over at Madrid in May 2010.

Mourinho led Madrid to the Copa del Rey crown in his first season in charge and in the campaign just completed he guided the club to their first Primera Division title since 2008.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16915/mourinho_extends_bernabeu_stay

Germany to rally around Bayern players

Mario Goetze says the German national team will help Bayern Munich players allay their Champions League woes.

The 19-year-old believes that Joachim Loew’s squad will be able to come together and support the Bavarian players who tasted defeat against Chelsea in the Champions League final last Saturday.

“We want to and will help them,” Goetze told Bild.

“When they are here we will rally around them and have the European Championship as a goal in mind, it will be a different situation for them.

“Of course it is a disaster as a player to a chance to win the Champions League and to have missed it. But it’s over now and they cannot change anything.

“You ask yourself, how would one do in this situation? This is not so easy, it sure does hurt a lot. But there remains nothing else than to forget about it and look forward.”

Goetze spent four months of Borussia Dortmund’s double-winning campaign on the sidelines due to injury but does not feel that he will be at a disadvantage due to his lack of playing time.

“It is annoying that I could not play for Dortmund more. My feeling about the double victory is therefore distant,” he said.

“But for the national team it is not bad. After such a long break I am just ready to play football again.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/germany-to-rally-around-bayern-players/95087/

Ronaldo: Real are better than Barca

Cristiano Ronaldo feels that Barcelona’s dominance is over after they were dethroned as La Liga champions by Real Madrid this season.

The Catalans dominated Spanish and European football in recent years, but Real star Ronaldo is adamant that his side are now the dominant force after their successful 2011/12 campaign.

“I think that the cycle has already changed. We beat Barcelona at home, which isn’t easy, but we managed to do it. We also ended nine points clear of them in the table, and that’s a big lead,” Ronaldo said.

“So I think the cycle has changed, and I hope that the situation will stay like this for many years. Barcelona are a magnificent team, but so are we. We have shown this year that we are the better team at the moment.”

Ronaldo also took the time to praise outgoing Barca coach Pep Guardiola for his work at the Camp Nou.

“He has done a great job and has won many titles. He built a great team. You have to appreciate what he did and I wish him all the best,” Ronaldo said.

The attacker then went on to discuss the Ballon d’Or, and admitted that he is very happy with his performances in the recent campaign but refused to declare himself a favourite to claim the accolade.

“I’m not the one who decides whether I deserve the Ballon d’Or. I think I’ve had a fantastic season, where I’ve won an important title like La Liga, which is very hard to win,” he said.

“We’ll have to wait and see, though. I’m focused on Euro 2012 now. I want to do well there. That will help my bid for the Ballon d’Or, too.

“Individually, my season has been a perfect 10. Collectively, it’s been a nine as we could have won more titles, like the Champions League for example.

“My goal is to do even better next year. I know that it will be very difficult to score more than 46 goals in La Liga, but anything can happen in football. I really believe that I can still improve. I know that it’s hard because of all the records that we beat, but you never know.”

The Portuguese also reiterated that he should not be compared to Lionel Messi, as he feels he is a different player to the Barcelona star.

“I always try to improve and become a better player, but it’s not a competition with Messi. It’s something between all the teams and players. People always compare us, but it’s impossible. You can’t compare a Ferrari with a Porsche or a Mercedes.

“We are different players on different teams. He is a magnificent player, and we’re always fighting – in a good way – to score more goals. All players compete with other players. It’s a good thing.”

The 27-year-old attacker netted an impressive 46 goals in La Liga this term, while Messi found the net 50 times.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/ronaldo-real-are-better-than-barca/95074/

Door still open for Drogba World Soccer Shop

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay insists the door has not been closed on Champions League hero Didier Drogba's Stamford Bridge career.

Drogba: Future unclear

It was reported in France on Monday that Drogba is resigned to leaving but Gourlay has kept the door open on him remaining.

Gourlay told Chelsea TV: "Conversations with Didier have been going on for months and still are.

"He's made it clear he loves Chelsea and loves everything he's achieved at the club."

Fernado Torres has expressed his unhappiness at what he sees as a lack of opportunities since his £50million move from Liverpool and Gourlay expressed some sympathy for the Spain international.

"Torres came on when we were behind and played a big part to help us win the Champions League," he said.

"I'd be surprised if Fernando, who's been awesome, didn't want more time on the field, every player does."

Chelsea have been linked with Radamel Falcao, Hulk and Edinson Cavani should they decide to end Drogba's time at the club.

Lille playmaker Eden Hazard, Sao Paulo's Lucas Moura and Bayer Leverkusen's Andre Schurrle are other reported targets if Abramovich decides to pursue a summer recruitment policy.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16898/door_still_open_for_drogba