Zeman appointed Roma coach

Serie A club Roma have announced that Zdenek Zeman has been installed as the club’s new coach.

The 65-year-old, who has signed a contract with the club until 2014, will return to the Italian capital after previously coaching Roma between 1997 and 1999.

Zeman will take over from Luis Enrique, who left the Stadio Olimpico just one year into his contract following Roma’s disappointing season.

The Czech coach leaves Pescara after guiding the club to Serie A promotion in his first season at the Stadio Adriatico.

Roma finished seventh in Serie A last term and will not compete in Europe in the 2012/13 campaign.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/zeman-appointed-roma-coach/95857/

Anderlecht confirm Van Den Brom World Soccer Shop

Anderlecht have appointed John van den Brom as their new head coach on a three-year contract.

Van den Brom: New Anderlecht boss

Van den Brom leaves Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem to take up the post with the Belgian champions.

Vitesse said in a statement on their website they were "disappointed" that Van den Brom had opted to move to Belgium having been convinced last week that he would stay.

Former Holland and Ajax player Van den Brom, who won two caps for his country, is now 45 and succeeds Ariel Jacobs at Anderlecht. Jacobs resigned earlier this month after delivering the league title.

Anderlecht president Roger Vanden Stock said at a press conference, according to Anderlecht's official website: "I am very pleased that we have quickly found a new coach. We're going to work together for at least the next three years.

"I know that we have been in the habit here of seeing out long contracts, but we have confidence in the qualities of our coach. The future will show us if we are right."

Van den Brom said: "I am very happy to be here as coach, but especially proud that such a great club has thought of me.

"RSCA (Anderlecht) are synonymous with good and attractive football, with a style of play that I appreciate."

Anderlecht are targeting a place in the Champions League next season but begin in the penultimate qualifying round.

"Yes, we all know how important it is for the entire club to take part in this competition," Van den Brom said. "This is a wonderful challenge and we are going to do everything we can to get through these two qualifying rounds."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17472/anderlecht_confirm_van_den_brom

Stramaccioni handed Inter deal World Soccer Shop

Inter Milan have handed a three-year contract to Andrea Stramaccioni after seeing him impress during a stint as interim coach.

Stramaccioni: Rewarded for his efforts

The 36-year-old was promoted to the senior dug-out from the youth team ranks in March following the sacking of Claudio Ranieri.

He oversaw a late-season revival in fortunes, but was unable to guide Inter into the Champions League.

He will, however, be given the opportunity to push for a top-three finish in 2012/13 after being handed the reins on a permanent basis.

"Yes, his contract was renewed earlier for three years," Inter president Massimo Moratti told reporters on Tuesday.

Stramaccioni has no previous top-flight coaching experience and had only been with Inter's youth team for less than year before being promoted into the top job.

He is, however, considered to be the man to guide Inter towards an exciting future.

Moratti expects his new boss to blood a number of Inter's successful youngsters into the senior set-up next term, after seeing them win the U21 Next Gen European Championship, but he will also be given money to spend.

Napoli forward Ezequiel Lavezzi is understood to be a top target, but no discussions have been held as yet regarding a summer swoop.

"We said that we'd be in touch, but neither of us has been able to as we've both been busy," Moratti said when asked if he had spoken with Napoli counterpart Aurelio De Laurentiis about the Argentine playmaker.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17406/stramaccioni_handed_inter_deal

Emre signs with Atletico

Atletico Madrid have signed veteran midfielder Emre on a free transfer from Fenerbahce.

The Turkey international has agreed to a two-year contract with the La Liga club and news of his imminent arrival at the Vicente Calderon was enthusiastically greeted by compatriot Arda Turan.

“He has everything to succeed at Atletico,” the 25-year-old winger told the club’s official website.

“He has shown that he has the personality to control big teams and his experience can help a lot in key games.

“For me, he’s like my brother and I have learned a lot from him.”

Atletico sporting director Jose Luis Caminero also believes that Emre will prove a valuable addition to Diego Simeone’s squad.

“His experience should bring further strength to our team, which is one of the youngest in the league,” the former Spain international said.

Emre, who has been capped 80 times by his country, was reportedly keen to leave Turkey after finding himself at the centre of a racism controversy last month following a clash with Trabzonspor’s Didier Zokora.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/emre-signs-with-atletico/95461/

Aguero to stay at City

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has dismissed reports of a move to Real Madrid, insisting he will see out his contract in England.

The Argentine, 23, he remains committed to the club he joined from Atletico Madrid last summer and is looking to win more silverware at City.

“My future is at Manchester City,” Aguero told The Times.

“I want to stay here. My contract has four years left to run and I see myself being here at least as long as that.

“There are always rumours, but there is no truth in them. I am not thinking about moving to Real Madrid or anywhere else.

“City have treated me very well from the very first day I arrived, I’m settled at the club and my family are happy in Manchester, and I want to stay.

“I can win everything that I want to win here. We have won one title now and we can go on to win more. Once you have one, you are desperate for the second, the third, the fourth, and it will be the same with us.

“We won the Premier League this season. Why shouldn’t we believe we can win it in years to come, too?

“We will be even better next season, I am certain of that. We had a lot of new players getting to know each other this year. We want to keep going.”

His first trophy was last season’s Premier League title, with Aguero’s 23 league goals helping City secure their first top flight crown in 44 years.

He made his name in his homeland with Independiente, before moving to Spain in 2006 to start a four-year spell at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.

Aguero then linked up with compatriot Carlos Tevez at City in July 2011 and netted 30 goals in all, including the title-winner against QPR.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/aguero-to-stay-at-city/95413/

Chelsea keep hold of Cech World Soccer Shop

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has signed a new four-year contract after admitting he is "really happy" at Stamford Bridge.

Cech: Signs until 2016 at Stamford Bridge

The Czech Republic international, who recently turned 30, is now tied to the Blues until 2016.

Cech joined the club in 2004, and has already played more games for Chelsea than any overseas player - 369 appearances which has seen him win three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two Carling Cups plus the Champions League after a penalty shoot-out in the final against Bayern Munich earlier this month.

Cech said: "I am really happy to be part of this great club for another four years.

"I hope the next four years will be as successful as the last eight years I have been at the club."

Cech made a series of crucial saves in Chelsea's victorious FA Cup and Champions League campaigns last season.

He saved Arjen Robben's penalty in extra time in the European competition final against Bayern Munich and two more in the shoot-out.

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said: "Chelsea fully appreciates the highly significant contribution Petr has made to the most successful period in the club's history, and it is very important to our aim of continuing this level of achievement that he has committed himself to the club until 2016.

"It is clear to anyone who watched the climax to the season just completed that Petr continues to perform as well as any goalkeeper in the world."

Over the course of his Chelsea career, Cech has kept 178 clean sheets, an astonishing 48% of the games he has played in.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17317/chelsea_keep_hold_of_cech

Mourinho delighted with contract extension

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has spoken of his delight at signing a contract which will keep him at the club until 2016.

It was reported in January the Portuguese coach was set for a return to England, but on Tuesday it was announced he had agreed a two-year extension to his existing deal that was set to run out in 2014.

“I feel happy. If I was not, I would not have signed this agreement,” Mourinho told Real Madrid TV.

“I would like to think that it is not just me that is happy but also Real Madrid – the president (Florentino Perez),(executive) Jose Angel Sanchez and directors, who have trusted me and think I’m the ideal coach for this project we have until 2016.

“I have been talking with the players in recent months, analysing the situation, and my strong sense is that the squad in general is also happy with this decision.

“My wife and my children, who are central to my professional decisions, are comfortable with this choice.

“I think this is the perfect challenge for me for my next four years because it is difficult and that gets more out of you.

“At this stage in my career I need big challenges to force me to continue to get better.”

Mourinho, who has never spent more than three seasons at one club, explained there were a number of factors in his decision to commit himself to Madrid for a maximum of another four years.

“Firstly, the president’s desire to have what is not common in football today, to be able to think long term,” the two-time Champions League winner said.

“There was also the confidence I have always shown in my work. But I’ve always said it was very important to me to have the feeling that the fans, the team and club are happy and confident in my work.

“And I started to learn more about this club with all its very great qualities and I am delighted to continue and plan ahead.

“We obviously know we have to think about tomorrow and not speak too much of the long term. And that’s what we tried to do in the past two years.

“You think about the future. But in a club of this size you have to get results, you have to win and that’s what we tried to do in these two years together and what we will try to continue doing over the next four.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/mourinho-delighted-with-contract-extension/95101/

Huntington heading to Preston World Soccer Shop

Preston boss Graham Westley has agreed a deal to sign out-of-contract Yeovil skipper Paul Huntington on a free transfer.

Huntington: On the move to Deepdale

The 24-year-old defender will put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Deepdale when his contract expires on June 30.

The Somerset outfit confirmed earlier on Tuesday that the former Newcastle man had rejected the opportunity to stay at Huish Park.

In a statement, North End chairman Peter Ridsdale said: "We are continuing to quietly work hard behind the scenes to put the pieces together of a team we hope will challenge at the top end of League One next season.

"Paul is a hungry young footballer and yet another player who has captained the team he is with this season, like John Welsh. If we can have a team of 11 leaders on the field then we will definitely be competitive."

Westley added: "Paul has big club experience at both Newcastle and Leeds, and League One experience at Yeovil Town. He has all the attributes needed to be successful at this level and I fully expect him to be so."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16940/huntington_heading_to_preston

Bhoys open talks with Hooper World Soccer Shop

Celtic have opened talks over an improved contract for Gary Hooper, amid reports that Southampton are keen to bring him to the Premier League.

Hooper: In talks over new deal

Manager Neil Lennon revealed Celtic had begun moves to keep hold of the 24-year-old Englishman, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League newcomers after hitting 29 goals last season.

Lennon told STV: "We had a preliminary meeting with his agent last week and it was very cordial.

"It went very well and we made it clear that we want Gary to stay.

"Gary likes it here and he's happy here. He's had such a good season and he's such a good player that no doubt there'll be clubs in for him, but we'll try and resist all offers that come our way."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16935/bhoys_open_talks_with_hooper

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

Saha hoping for Spurs stay

Everton striker Louis Saha has expressed a desire to stay at Tottenham after his contract ends in the off-season.

The Frenchman spent six months at White Hart Lane after joining on a short-term deal from Everton in the January transfer window.

The 33-year old faces an uncertain future with his parent club, thanks to the blistering form of Nikica Jelavic in his absence.

However, the former Manchester United man, who scored four goals in 11 appearances at Spurs, described working with Harry Redknapp as a particular highlight.

“I cannot say I want to leave,” the striker told The Sun.

“Harry has been good for me personally. What makes him so good is his personality, tactics and the way that he can work and relate to the players.”

The north London outfit were cruelly denied Champions League qualification despite finishing fourth this season, by virtue of Chelsea’s win in the competition’s final against Bayern Munich.

This could curtail their off-season plans and any attempts to keep Emmanuel Adebayor, who spent the season on loan from Manchester City, beyond the summer.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/saha-hoping-for-spurs-stay/95090/

Zambrotta: MLS or Dubai my next destination

Milan defender Gianluca Zambrotta has disclosed his two preferred destinations when his contract with the Rossoneri expires at the end of the season.

The veteran defender was one of a number of players who have not been offered a contract extension at San Siro, but he is, nonetheless, determined to continue his playing career.

Just like his teammates Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso and Filippo Inzaghi, Zambrotta looks set to leave European football.

The former Italian international reveals MLS and Dubai are the most likely destinations when it comes to choosing a new club.

“I still feel like a footballer and I want to try an experience abroad,” the 35-year-old told Il Corriere dello Sport. “Where? Dubai or the United States.”

The player, who started his professional career at Como, where he spent three years before moving to Bari, has made a name for himself at Juventus, but also enjoyed spells at Barcelona and Milan.

Zambrotta has 98 Italy caps and 2 international goals to his name, and he was part of the 2006 World Cup winning squad.

The versatile defender has spent last four years at Milan, but has been nothing more than a bit-part player over the last couple of years.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/zambrotta-mls-or-dubai-my-next-destination/95082/

Blues may wait over RDM deal World Soccer Shop

Roberto Di Matteo could be made to sweat over his Chelsea future until his contract expires, chief executive Ron Gourlay has admitted.

Di Matteo: Has done wonders at Chelsea

Blues owner Roman Abramovich is refusing to be rushed into making a decision about the club's next permanent manager, despite the clamour for caretaker boss Di Matteo to be rewarded for masterminding the greatest climax to a season in their history.

Reports suggest Abramovich would only be prepared to offer the Champions League-winning Di Matteo a one-year trial, something that would allow him to approach Pep Guardiola once the Barcelona boss completes his one-year sabbatical.

Gourlay told Chelsea TV: "We now need to sit down over the next week or two, or however long it takes, because we have to do what's right for the club.

"I know the fans will be pushing for Robbie.

"We're going to look at the season, look at what worked for us, look at the mistakes we made and put them right and take it forward."

Di Matteo's contract expires at the end of June and he is already being heavily

linked with several other vacancies after ending Chelsea's agonising wait for

Champions League glory - on top of their FA Cup triumph.

The likes of Aston Villa - his family home is in the midlands - as well as

former club Lazio, and even Liverpool, have been mentioned as possible suitors.

The Italian had been scheduled to play in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am golf tournament at Wentworth on Wednesday before flying to Barbados at the end of the week for the British Airways Football Legends Invitational on Saturday and Sunday.

He was then expected to take the family holiday he has craved ever since being handed the reins at Chelsea three months ago.

Di Matteo may want to know his fate before then, while the Blues are looking to have their next manager in place before they fly to the United States for a

pre-season tour on July 15.

Whether Di Matteo would accept a one-year deal - or even a longer one with the spectre of Guardiola looming over him were he to be offered a longer contract - remains to be seen.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16890/blues_may_wait_over_rdm_deal