Muamba not ruling out return World Soccer Shop

Bolton's Fabrice Muamba has insisted he is not giving up hope of a return to action, as he continues his recovery from a cardiac arrest.

Muamba: Making steady progress

Muamba collapsed whilst playing in a FA Cup tie against Tottenham on March 17 and his heart stopped for 78 minutes.

However, the 24-year-old's stunning recovery after regaining consciousness allowed him to be discharged from hospital a month later and he was invited to take part in a short ceremony at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, prior to kick-off in a charity match between Real Madrid and Manchester United legends.

"I am happy to be here and the fact is I continue to feel fine. I am improving slowly but surely," he told AS.

"At the moment I am not doing exercise, I am just enjoying life and travelling. It is a great privilege to be able to live with the assistance of a respiratory machine or something like that. It is fantastic.

"I am making small steps every day. I am still being medicated and we will see what happens. I have to co-ordinate with my doctor and see what he says but I'll never say never."

The former England Under-21 international also spoke of his recollection of the day he collapsed.

"The only thing I remember about the game is running back and falling," he said. "I felt dizzy whilst I was moving back, very dizzy.

"It was a strange sensation, I felt like I was running inside someone else's body and then I fell. My head hit the ground twice and I lost consciousness. I was dead.

"I didn't feel pain in my body or my head. I didn't feel anything. That happened on the Saturday and I didn't wake up until the Monday.

"I have never watched the video because I am not yet ready. Now I intend to enjoy life. It is a miracle that I can do things like travel. It is a miracle because I shouldn't even have lived, so everything that comes now is a bonus."

The day after Muamba's collapse, Real Madrid players took to the field for their game against Malaga with messages of support printed on T-shirts and he is especially thankful for the support he received from the football community worldwide.

"When I was in hospital Madrid sent me a shirt signed by all the players and it was a gesture I appreciated a lot," he said. "Barcelona also sent me a shirt signed and dedicated by (Lionel) Messi.

"I never thought I would get to step on this pitch. To do so in this manner is an honour.

"It is the first time I have been to the Bernabeu and to do so surrounded by some of the best players ever, I don't have the words to describe it. All the support I have received gives me strength."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17738/muamba_not_ruling_out_return

Torres sparks Spain, Holland scare World Soccer Shop

Fernando Torres scored on his return to the fold as Spain continued their preparations for Euro 2012 with a 4-1 win over South Korea in Bern.

Torres: Is congratulated after scoring the opener

The Chelsea forward opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a neatly flicked header from Benat Etxebarria's fine cross. However, a wonder strike from Kim Do-Heon brought the Koreans level two minutes before half-time.

Xabi Alonso quickly restored the World and European champions' lead after the break from the penalty spot after Choi Hyo-Jin handled Nacho Monreal's shot and Santi Cazorla's clever free-kick extended their advantage four minutes later.

Vicente del Bosque then made a raft of substitutions and two of the replacements combined for the fourth with 11 minutes remaining as Roberto Soldado's throughball was smashed home by Alvaro Negredo.

Holland suffered two injury scares ahead of Euro 2012 as Wilfred Bouma and Wesley Sneijder were forced off during a 2-0 home victory over Slovakia in Rotterdam.

PSV Eindhoven centre-back Bouma had to be substituted after a collision in the first minute when he and defensive colleague Johnny Heitinga clashed heads. Feyenoord's Ron Vlaar was Bouma's replacement, while Heitinga was comfortable enough to stay on the pitch.

Ibrahim Afellay helped to put Holland in front after seven minutes when the Barcelona forward, who returned to action only last month after a serious knee injury, produced a tricky run along the left and his low cross prompted Slovakia defender Kornel Salata to put the ball into his own goal.

Sneijder suffered an ankle knock in the 51st minute, with Holland boss Bert van Marwijk wanting to take no further risk with such a key player.

Rafael van der Vaart doubled Holland's lead after 75 minutes with a precise low right-footed shot from 15 yards across goalkeeper Jan Mucha and into the left corner.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a fantastic opening goal and set up the second as Sweden held on for a 3-2 victory in their first Euro 2012 warm-up match against Iceland.

The AC Milan striker broke the deadlock in the second minute before teeing up Ola Toivonen 12 minutes later at the Gamla Ullevi in Gothenburg.

Kolbeinn Sigthorsson narrowed the deficit in the 27th minute and although Christian Wilhelmsson restored the two-goal advantage, Hallgrimur Jonasson's stoppage-time strike ensured a nervy finale.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17485/torres_sparks_spain__holland_scare

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/

Successful knee op for Wilshere World Soccer Shop

Arsenal have announced that Jack Wilshere has undergone successful surgery on his injured knee and is target for a summer return to action.

Wilshere: On target for July return following surgery

The 20-year-old travelled to Sweden for what was described by the Gunners as "a minor procedure" as he continues his fight to be fit for pre-season.

Wilshere missed the whole of the campaign with ankle problems but insisted earlier this month his target is to join his team-mates for training in July.

A statement on the club's official website said the midfielder's latest operation "is not expected to significantly affect his return date in the summer."

And Wilshere wrote on his Twitter page: "Surgery went well... up and about already," posting a picture of himself on crutches.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16943/successful_knee_op_for_wilshere

Doyle rules out Reading return World Soccer Shop

Kevin Doyle has cooled talk he could rejoin Reading by saying the only contact he has had with the club is to congratulate Brian McDermott.

Doyle: Has dismissed talk of a return to Reading

Doyle, who suffered relegation to the Championship with Wolves this term, was scouted by former Reading chief scout McDermott as a youngster while playing for Cork City.

The Irishman spent four years with the Royals before joining the Midlanders in 2009 and has been linked with a return to the Madejski Stadium this summer following their promotion to the Premier League.

But the 28-year-old has ruled out making a comeback at his old stomping ground and has not spoken to anyone from the club other than to wish manager McDermott luck next year.

"I don't think, personally, you should ever go back. Everyone says it's never the same," he told Sky Sports.

"My four years was brilliant and I wouldn't like to ruin that.

"Not that I've had the option, by the way. I've not spoken to Brian, just to wish him all the best.

"They've had brilliant success the last two years and they've come up this year.

"They've (got) enough strikers and players. Not that they're trying to, but they don't need me to do what they do. They'll be fine and I'm sure they'll do well next year."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16928/doyle_rules_out_reading_return

Pique: Villa close to return

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says team-mate David Villa could make his eagerly-awaited return in Friday’s Copa del Rey final.

The forward has been out of action since fracturing his tibia in December last year, but is hoping to prove his fitness to Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque in time for Euro 2012 by returning to action against Athletic Bilbao.

“I see that he’s doing well,” Pique told reporters on Tuesday.

“He has had a major injury, but is eager and every day is like a final for him. I can see him making the Copa final.”

The game at the Vicente Calderon is also of huge significance to Pep Guardiola, as it will be his last outing before he steps down as Barcelona coach after four successful seasons.

Pique has been in and out of Barcelona’s starting line-up recently, amid reports he has fallen out with his coach.

But the centre-back said he would be sorry to see Guardiola depart Camp Nou.

“His departure will be traumatic for me,” the former Manchester United defender said.

“I feel like I’m a better player because of him and the whole team has learned a lot from him.

“He will leave a gap, but (successor) Tito (Vilanova) will move us forward and do very well. Tito speaks the language of Barcelona.”

As for Barca’s hopes of ending Guardiola’s tenure with a 14th trophy, Pique is taking nothing for granted against an Athletic side he respects.

“With (coach Marcelo) Bielsa, Athletic press a lot and it will be a very intense game,” the 25-year-old said.

“I see no favourite. It is a 50-50 game. So, we will fight hard to take the title.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/pique-villa-close-to-return/95094/