Diego resigned to Wolfsburg return

Atletico Madrid loanee Diego believes that he will play his football at Wolfsburg next season.

The 27-year-old was shipped out to the Vicente Calderon on loan by the German outfit last term after falling out with coach Felix Magath just one year after arriving at the Bundesliga club from Juventus.

He enjoyed an impressive 2011/12 campaign with Atletico, helping Diego Simeone’s side win the Europa League and finish fifth in La Liga.

Despite recently admitting that he would like to join Atletico on a permanent basis, Diego looks resigned to return to the Volkswagen Arena.

“I think that I will be at Wolfsburg next season again,” he told Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung.

“I still have two years on my contract.”

The Brazilian playmaker, who cost Wolfsburg 15.5 million euros, scored six goals in 42 competitive appearances for Atletico.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/diego-resigned-to-wolfsburg-return/95622/

Diego talks up Wolfsburg return

Brazilian midfielder Diego has confessed that he expects to play for Wolfsburg next season.

The highly rated playmaker left the German side for Atletico Madrid after clashing with coach Felix Magath last summer, and signed a loan agreement with los Colchoneros.

The Brazilian managed to kick-start his career at Vicente Calderon and had a big role to play on the road to the Europa League title, but it appears that the La Liga outfit won’t be able to make his transfer permanent.

The player now admits that a summer return to Wolfsburg is the most likely scenario.

“I think I will be at Wolfsburg next season,” Diego told Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung. “I still have two years of contract.”

The 27-year-old was purchased by the Wolves in 2010 following an unsuccessful spell at Juventus and he enjoyed a great first season at Volkswagen Arena.

Nonetheless, the Brazilian was allowed to leave the club last summer following a row with head coach Felix Magath.

The experienced coach recently revealed that he would be happy to welcome the Brazilian back to the side.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/diego-talks-up-wolfsburg-return/95581/

Gago hints at Boca Juniors return

Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago has expressed his desire to return to Boca Juniors in the summer transfer window.

The Argentine international joined Roma on a season-long loan from Real Madrid last summer with an option to buy, but the Giallorossi appear to be unwilling to make the transfer permanent.

A return to Santiago Bernabeu doesn’t look likely either, and the player is now actively searching for a new club.

Asked whether he would prefer to remain at Roma or return to Real Madrid, Gago gave a very interesting answer.

“Roma or Real Madrid? To tell the truth, I’d like to go back to wearing the Boca Juniors shirt alongside Riquelme!,” the midfielder told Fox Sport Radio.

Gago came through the youth ranks at Boca Juniors and went on to play 70 league games for the senior side before moving to Real Madrid in 2007.

The holding midfielder never quite managed to prove his worth at Santiago Bernabeu and could now return to Boca, a team that are on the road to make this season one of the most successful ever.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/gago-hints-at-boca-juniors-return/95568/

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/

Report: Kaka met with Sao Paulo chief

Real Madrid midfielder Kaka reportedly met with Sao Paulo executive Marco Aurelio Cunha last week to discuss a potential return to Brazil.

The 30-year-old Brazilian has been beset by injury problems ever since he joined Real from AC Milan in 2009 and, despite an upturn in his form this season, he is expected to leave the Spanish capital this off-season, with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain said to be leading the chase for his signature.

However, Sao Paulo have now apparently entered the fray, with AS revealing that Kaka dined with Cunha in the Brazilian city last Thursday.

The paper claims that the Campeonato Brasiliero club are confident of being able to meet the attacking midfielder’s wage demands with the support of some high-profile sponsors.

The major stumbling block would likely be the transfer fee, with Sao Paulo not in a position to match the 25 million euros PSG are reportedly willing to offer Madrid for the former Ballon d’Or winner.

Kaka has repeatedly stated he wants to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu and prove his worth to the club, but it is believed that he would consider returning home in order to boost his hopes of being included in Brazil’s 2014 World Cup squad.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/report-kaka-met-with-sao-paulo-chief/95537/

Real´s reign pleases Ozil

Mesut Ozil has admitted that he took enormous satisfaction out of Real Madrid’s La Liga success, after they left Barcelona in their wake.

Even though he got his hands on the Copa del Rey last year, the Germany international was disappointed by his debut season in Spain, having come off a clear second best to then European-champions Barca.

However, Madrid stopped the Catalans in their tracks this season, clinching the Spanish top flight title with two games to spare and ultimately finishing top with a record-breaking tally of 100 points.

“The key to this season has been consistency,” Ozil told dfbnews.

“Otherwise we would not have been able to achieve all the records we have achieved.

“No doubt, we are very proud of our achievement in having left Barcelona nine points behind us.”

Ozil explained that Madrid’s title success was the perfect tonic for the players after their devastating Champions League semi-final shoot-out defeat to Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“It was a bitter experience for us, but we recovered quickly,” the attacking midfielder said.

“It was not a problem. We learned to overcome it and we won the league, which was my first objective. I am very proud and happy about that,” he said.

Ozil, who will represent Germany at Euro 2012 this off-season, arrived in the Spanish capital from Werder Bremen prior to the 2010-11 campaign.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/real%c2%b4s-reign-pleases-ozil/95519/

Bento: Portugal must not rely on Ronaldo

Portugal coach Paulo Bento has warned his side that they cannot afford to rely solely on Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2012.

Striker Ronaldo scored 60 goals for Real Madrid last season but Bento is aware that the 27-year-old will not be able to drag Portugal into the quarter-finals all on his own.

Portugal have been drawn in Euro 2012′s most difficult group with Germany, Netherlands and Denmark.

“Cristiano has always played at a high level for us,” Bento said.

“In the qualifying round he helped us a lot but we still think the same.

“We will not rely on any player to resolve all problems.”

Bento argued that his side’s best chance of success will be if they work together.

“We try to do things as a team and there will be some players who will help us solve certain problems, as in the case of Cristiano thanks to his talent and dynamism,” Bento said.

“But if anyone should take on the burden of pressure, it will be me.

“Moreover, Cristiano should not have the added pressure of thinking that winning a European Championship may be decisive in terms of the Ballon d’Or, because it will not be.”

On Saturday, Portugal were held to a 0-0 draw by Macedonia.

That disappointing result has forced Bento to admit his side will be up against it at the championships in Poland and Ukraine.

Turning his attention back to Portugal’s group, Bento admitted that his troops will be up against it this summer.

“Not since 2000 have we been in as balanced a group as this, with such strong teams,” Bento said.

“The three teams we must play have been champions of Europe.

“Denmark was the first in our qualification group and for many they are the weakest team, but I do not think so.

“The Netherlands were finalists at the last World Cup and they only lost one game in qualifying, their last (against Sweden), when they were already guaranteed a place in the Euros.

“And Germany claimed 30 of a possible 30 points.

“The only team that beat them at the Euros (in 2008) and the (2010) World Cup was Spain.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/bento-portugal-must-not-rely-on-ronaldo/95470/

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/

Raul: Real & Barca best in world World Soccer Shop

Veteran striker Raul is convinced Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona would dominate the Premier League if they played in England.

Raul: Hands up if you think Real and Barca are quite good

The Primera Division has become something of a two-horse race in recent years, with Valencia the last side to lift La Liga title outside the two Spanish heavyweights in 2004.

Since then, Barcelona have triumphed on five occasions and reigning champions Real have won three times.

And such is the quality amongst their ranks, Real's all-time leading goalscorer Raul believes they would be a match for anyone.

"The problem lies not in the league," Raul told Doha Stadium Plus. "Manchester United are a great team in England, but right now Barcelona and Real Madrid are the two best teams in the world.

"It is normal then the other teams are struggling to keep up with them .

"If Real Madrid and Barcelona played in England, it would be a race of two.

"At the moment Real Madrid and Barcelona are the best. The gap could be reduced in coming years."

The 34-year-old, who left Real for Schalke in 2010 after scoring 228 goals with the Bernabeu outfit, is now with Qatar club Al Sadd.

He last played for Spain in 2006 but thinks they are on course to make history this year.

No country has retained the European Championship trophy either side of winning the World Cup, although both France and Germany have held the two trophies at the same time.

World and European champions Spain now have the chance to break that record at Euro 2012.

Raul, who scored 44 goals in 102 appearances for the national side between 1996 and 2006, acknowledges they must overcome some tough challenges in Poland and Ukraine, however.

"It will be difficult for Spain," he added. "In history, no country has won the European Championship, World Cup and Euros again.

"I want to see Spain make history, but they know they will face a major challenge, mainly from Germany, Holland and France."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17359/raul__real___barca_best_in_world

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/

Benzema: Jose's like my dad World Soccer Shop

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has credited his "father-son" relationship with Jose Mourinho as the reason behind his fine form last season.

Benzema: Father-son relationship with Mourinho

The 24-year-old moved to the Spanish giants from Lyon three years ago after a successful start to his career in France led to him making his debut for the national team aged just 19.

However, he failed to shine in his first season at the Bernabeu under Manuel Pellegrini and was not selected by then France coach Raymond Domenech for the 2010 World Cup.

Pellegrini was sacked after just one season to be replaced by former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss Mourinho in May 2010 and it proved to be a turning point for Benzema.

It was not always smooth with Mourinho calling on the player to show a stronger work ethic but such words have had an undoubted effect.

The Frenchman told L'Equipe: "Mourinho talks to me like a father speaks to his son.

"In one of the first training sessions, he approached me and said in French: 'How are you?' and then said: 'I hope to leave behind the Benzema of last year'.

"I noticed that he had affection for me. When he came to Madrid, I had a bad back, I had put on some weight and was disappointed at not going to the World Cup.

"He told me I must try harder in training. That work has finally paid off."

Benzema admitted he had found the move from Lyon difficult at first and struggled with the expectation.

"When I left Lyon three years ago, I was a very young boy and very shy," he said.

"I arrived alone, it was the first time I left my home and Lyon. I had to adapt to a new city and a new team.

"I also had a lot of pressure because I was considered a star and had to prove it now.

"Today I am a player and a more mature person. I am calmer, more serene and physically stronger. I have learned to better control the pressure in big games, I mean 'El Clasico', and Champions League games ".

He has also learned to handle the constant pressure that comes with playing for Real Madrid while describing the fans as "another dimension".

While winning the Ballon d'Or is a personal ambition, Benzema confesses his admiration for Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

He said: "First, he plays every minute of every game. I do not play ninety minutes ever. And then, he has a team around him... But I love Messi as a great player and I like his game."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17321/benzema__jose_s_like_my_dad

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/

Mourinho extends Real Madrid stay

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has signed a new deal which will keep him at the club until 2016, it was announced on Tuesday.

Mourinho’s previous agreement was due to expire in 2014, and the Portuguese tactician has ended speculation about his future by inking a two-year extension.

A statement from the club read: “Real Madrid CF and Jose Mourinho have reached an agreement to extend the latter’s contract with the club until 30 June 2016.”

Mourinho joined Madrid from Inter Milan in 2010, guiding the La Liga giants to Copa del Rey glory in his first season in charge.

The former Porto and Chelsea coach steered Madrid to their first league title since 2007/08 this term as they collected a record-breaking 100 points from 38 games to dethrone rivals Barcelona.

Mourinho is the first coach in history to win league titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/mourinho-extends-real-madrid-stay/95092/

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

Ronaldo: I'm a perfect 10 World Soccer Shop

Cristiano Ronaldo has given his Real Madrid team a nine out of 10 for the season just gone - and himself a 10.

Ronaldo: 10 out of 10

Madrid ended Barcelona's three-year reign as Spanish champions with a stunning campaign that saw them become the first Primera Division side to reach 100 points while their tally of 121 goals was also a record.

However, Jose Mourinho's men fell short in their bid to win the Champions League after being knocked out by Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, while the defence of their Copa del Rey title was ended by Barcelona at the quarter-final stage, and those disappointments are the reason why Ronaldo cannot rate it as the perfect season for Madrid.

The Portugal international does not feel he could have done much more on an individual level, though, during a remarkable season which saw him score 46 goals in just 38 league matches, and 62 in all competitions for Madrid.

He said in AS: "I would give my season a 10 on an individual level and collectively a nine, because we wanted to win more titles, the Champions League for example."

Madrid's bid for a record 10th European Cup has been at the very top of the club's wish-list for a number of years now, but Ronaldo believes the wait will soon be over.

"We've been close this year, but we need to stay calm. The 10th will arrive in the next season or two. We know that everyone is focused on winning the Champions League. You notice it in the street, but we need to stay calm."

Ronaldo's season means he is once again likely to be battling Barcelona star Lionel Messi to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or later this year.

Messi, who pipped Ronaldo to the European Golden Shoe and the Pichichi award as the Primera Division's leading goalscorer with an astonishing 50 league goals this season, is the two-time reigning Ballon d'Or winner having beaten his Portuguese counterpart to the award last year.

Asked if he felt he deserved the crown this year, as has been suggested by his coach Mourinho, Ronaldo said: "I'm not the one who judges who deserves to win the Ballon d'Or, but I think I've had a fantastic season.

"I've won the most difficult league in the world. I agree with what Mourinho said, but what I want now is have a great European Championships, because that could also help me in the Ballon d'Or, although honestly it's not a matter that concerns me much.

"I'm happy with the season that I've had, but I'm already only thinking of helping my country now."

In the 2010/11 campaign Ronaldo won the European Golden Shoe with 40 goals and, remarkably, he managed to top that tally last term.

Asked if he could do the same next season, Ronaldo said: "Some journalist asked me the same a year ago. My aim is to improve every year.

"To score 46 league goals is going to be very difficult, but you never know. Anything can happen. I always believes in myself and in improving. The 100 points that Madrid got this season, for example, were unthinkable, and look at what happened...you never know."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16914/ronaldo__i_m_a_perfect_10

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/