Espanyol Defeat Sampdoria To Win The City Of Barcelona Trophy
Catalans win silverware...
OFFICIAL: Fabio Aurelio Re-Signs For Liverpool On Two-Year Contract
Brazilian impresses new management at Anfield...
Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger: Cesc Fabregas Must End Barcelona Talk
Gunners boss re-iterates that his captain is not for sale......
Former Barcelona Defender Rafael Marquez: I Will Remain A Cul? Until Death
The Mexican bid farewell to Camp Nou...
OFFICIAL: Real Socieded Sign Raul Tamudo On A Season-Long Contract
The Catalan will play for the Basque giants...
Sami Khedira Passes Real Madrid Medical
The German is eager to fulfill his dream...
I Am Very Happy At Atletico Madrid – 2010 World Cup Golden Ball Winner Diego Forlan
Uruguayan forward confirms he is staying with Atletico...
Goal.com Special: Cesc Fabregas' Arsenal To Barcelona Saga - The Definitive TimelineFrom first admission, to crunch meeting, to Hill-Wood's 'hands off' vow...
Hannover 1-2 Valencia: Roberto Soldado Scores Again In Los Che Victory
The former Getafe scored his second goal of the pre-season in the win over the German outfit.
Goal.com Scouting Report: Our UEFA Under-19 European Championships Golden Ball NomineesGoal.com runs through the best in show from France 2010...
Barcelona Coach Pep Guardiola Rules Out Zlatan Ibrahimovic Exit Amidst Milan Link
No departure for Ibra as Guardiola keeps the faith...
OFFICIAL: Rafael Marquez And Barcelona Reach Agreement To Terminate ContractPlayer breaks off contract early...
Real Madrid Midfielder Sami Khedira: Jose Mourinho Is A Winner & His Teams Are Perfect
Khedira expects plenty of success under Mourinho...
Spanish Inquisition: What Real Madrid Can Expect From Sami Khedira
Goal.com provides an insight into Madrid’s latest signing...
Villarreal Hitman Giuseppe Rossi Willing To Drop Milan Support For Inter Move
Rossi doesn't mind joining the rivals of the club he once supported...
Real Madrid clinch deal for Stuttgart midfielder Khedira
Real Madrid
Stuttgart
VFB Stuttgart
Real Madrid have announced the signing of Stuttgart midfielder Sami Khedira.
Khedira has agreed a five-year deal and joins for an undisclosed fee.
"Real Madrid C. F. and VfB Stuttgart have agreed to the transfer of Sami Khedira, who will sign a 5-year contract with Real Madrid," the club said in a statement.
The 23-year-old Germany international had spent his entire career with the Swabians, coming through the youth ranks from the age of eight to make his first-team debut in October 2006, the season in which Stuttgart last won the Bundesliga.
Khedira became a regular in Armin Veh's team that season and penned his first professional contract just after the winter break, a deal he extended in 2008 until 2011.
"Obviously you don't gladly let such a leading player and figure like Sami Khedira leave, but on the other hand, we could understand Sami's desire to continue his career with Real," explained Stuttgart's director of sport Fredi Bobic.
"We wish him lots of success with his new challenge in Madrid."
Need your Real Madrid news fix? Click here for all Real news, transfer rumours and gossip.
Agent convinced Real Madrid determined to sign Inter Milan ace Maicon
Inter Milan
Jose Mourinho
Maicon
Real Madrid
Real Madrid remain keen on Inter Milan fullback Douglas Maicon, says Italian super agent Enzo Bronzetti.
Real made a reported final offer of €22million (£18.6m) for the Brazilian full-back earlier this month, but the bid fell way short of Inter's €35million (£29.3m) asking price.
Former Inter boss Jose Mourinho is eager to reunite with the 29-year-old at the Bernabeu this season, but Bronzetti insists the Spanish giants will not pay an unreasonable amount for the stopper.
"The interest (of Real Madrid) for Maicon has not waned, but it has been much weakened," Bronzetti told Sky Italia.
"However, if the player wants to go to Mourinho and (Inter are) not asking an exorbitant price, the deal is still possible.
"So far Inter's price was too high and Real responded with slightly lower proposals.
"I think Inter are not playing fair financially. The figures are not suited to current market values."
Need your Real Madrid news fix? Click here for all Real news, transfer rumours and gossip.
New Barcelona sports chief Zubizarreta tribute to Begiristain
New Barcelona sports director Andoni Zubizarreta admits he faces a difficult task to live up to the achievements of predecessor Txiki Begiristain.
Former Barca No1 Zubi takes on his first serious job in management this season.
"I want to remember the people who have been here before me, starting with Begiristain," he said.
"There have been many successes in the last era, and they have put together a great squad. I appreciate the work that has been done at the club, and the work of Begiristain has been exceptional. I would also like to thank Alexanco [Barcelona's youth system co-ordinator]."
Need your Barcelona news fix? Click here for all Barca news, transfer rumours and gossip.
Real Mallorca fail to have Euro ban overturned
Real Mallorca have failed in their bid for UEFA to overturn their Europa League ban.
UEFA announced earlier this month they had denied the Spanish side entry to the upcoming season's competition after deeming that they had fallen foul of financial regulations relating to their debts.
Mallorca appealed the decision, with La Liga rivals Villarreal standing by ready to take their place in the competition, but UEFA have now announced the decision would not be overturned. The club may now turn to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
A statement from the European governing body said: "The UEFA Appeals Body has today dismissed the appeal lodged by the Spanish club RCD Mallorca and upheld the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body's decision not to admit the Spanish club to the UEFA club competitions for the 2010/11 season.
"On 22 July 2010 the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body ruled that the necessary admission criteria...had not been fulfilled, as the licence granted to the club was not done so in accordance with the UEFA Club Licensing Regulations.
"Among the expert reviews on which the decision of the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body was based, the conclusion of the Club Financial Control (CFC) Panel was of particular importance. The CFC Panel...is the independent body which, among other things, has the task of assessing whether licences have been correctly awarded and that clubs have fulfilled their obligations as defined in the UEFA Club Licensing Regulations.
"At its meeting on 14 July 2010, the CFC Panel unanimously concluded that the licence had not been correctly awarded to RCD Mallorca and that the club did not sufficiently fulfil its financial obligations."
Meanwhile, the Balearic Island club posted a statement on their website, rcdmallorca.es, seemingly vowing to take the matter to CAS. However, that was swiftly replaced by a more ambiguous statement saying their lawyers will consider the matter before the club makes a decision on their next move by Tuesday next week.
Agent says Real Madrid coach Mourinho wants Amauri
Diego
Jose Mourinho
Juventus
Raul
Real Madrid
Italian super agent Enzo Bronzetti has revealed Real Madrid are keen on Juventus striker Amauri.
Real coach Jose Mourinho is keen to bring Amauri to Madrid for the new season.
Bronzetti told Sky Italia: “Mourinho likes Amauri. Real are missing Raul, and Amauri figures in this perspective.
“He is less of a goalscorer than Milito, but Mourinho likes him. Yesterday evening he showed what he is worth. Diego also did well.
“Last year it was hard work to find a Juventus player who did well. Zaccheroni was right when he said that this team is not one to throw away.”
Need your Real Madrid news fix? Click here for all Real news, transfer rumours and gossip.
Maicon agent warns Real Madrid of Man City competition
Inter Milan
Maicon
Manchester City
Real Madrid
The agent of Douglas Maicon has warned Real Madrid that Manchester City are also interested in the Inter Milan fullback.
Maicon is understood to be pricing himself out of a move to Madrid.
But agent Antonio Caliendo insists: “The player is on the market, but we don't know what Inter's wishes are.
“The deal with Real Madrid isn't very clear. I hope to have more clarity in the next few hours.
“It's clear that every club who signs a player thinks about paying him more than necessary, but perhaps Real underestimate the value of the player.
“Spanish clubs spend 10s and 10s of millions then balk at a million for Maicon. Something isn't right here.
“In Madrid there are also players who earn €12m a year. Maicon was a big investment for Inter and it's right that they now name their price.
“The thing that surprises me is Real Madrid's behaviour. They underestimate the support a champion like Maicon could give them.
“Maicon's first option is Real Madrid. Manchester City are very interested, but Madrid are always in front.
“We will try to find a solution with Real Madrid on the theme of Maicon.”
With Raul gone Ronaldo wants Real Madrid No7 shirt
Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United
Raul
Real Madrid
Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has declared he wants Raul's old No7 Real Madrid shirt.
Ronaldo, currently Real's No9, wore No7 at Manchester United and admits he wants to do so again this season.
"I would like to have the number '7' shirt and I'm sure Raul would be happy if I had it because he knows how I am and how I think," he said.
"Raul was always an important player to Real Madrid. He made the decision that best suited his interests. He is a great professional and I'm sure he will play at a very high level."
Roma captain Totti: Real Madrid have lost soul with Raul departure
AS Roma
Francesco Totti
Raul
Real Madrid
Schalke
AS Roma captain Francesco Totti feels Real Madrid have lost their soul with Raul now gone.
The former Real captain signed with Schalke this week.
"Sixteen years with the Real Madrid shirt, 323 goals and 741 games... [they are] figures that leave you with your mouth open," Totti told his official website.
"Apart from being one of the strongest players in Spanish football, he was the soul of Real Madrid.
"I have always admired him. For me he is a great, one that deserved to win the Ballon d'Or.
"He could cover any role and he had goals in his blood.
"Players like him are few and this is why I want to render his honour."
Barcelona striker Ibrahimovic: Guardiola wants me to stay
Barcelona
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic feels he has the confidence of Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.
Ibra insists Guardiola is counting on him this season.
"Guardiola has told me that I am an important member of the squad and I understand that to mean that I will play. If you are not important, you don't play," said the Swede.
"I am very content that other clubs are interested in me. That means I've done something well to merit such comments, but it has not affected me. When you play at the highest level, there are rumours every day because they need to sell papers.
"I have four years left on my contract. It is nice praise that other clubs are interested in me, but I am very happy at Barcelona and only hope to continue here."
Real Madrid target Khedira hands in Stuttgart transfer request
Stuttgart midfielder Sami Khedira is edging closer to sealing a move to Real Madrid.
His agent Jorg Neubauer confirmed his client's intention to make the move, but the two clubs must first agree on a fee.
Stuttgart chief Fredi Bobic has confirmed that the player has asked to leave.
"Khedira has informed us that he wants to go to Real," he told the Bild newspaper.
"We now have to find a solution."
Khedira has one year left to run on his contract with the Bundesliga side, but Bobic will not try to force him to remain.
"We respect Sami's decision," he added.
"I know that Stuttgart is close to his heart, but Real don't come calling every day."
Barcelona president Rosell on way to London to sign Arsenal ace Cesc
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger
Barcelona
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell is expected to travel to London for talks with Arsenal over Cesc Fabregas.
El Mundo Deportivo says Rosell is likely to arrive tomorrow and will spend the weekend attempting to thrash out a final fee with Arsenal for the Spain midfielder.
Cesc returns to Arsenal today and will go straight into talks with manager Arsene Wenger about Barca's pursuit.
Only yesterday, Wenger declared Cesc would be staying and Catalan sources say the next 48 hours are likely to be make-or-break for Rosell in his bid to bring the player back to Barca this summer.
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Real Madrid stars Ronaldo, Benzema tribute to Schalke signing Raul
Cristiano Ronaldo
Raul
Real Madrid
Ronaldo
Schalke
Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to former club captain Raul.
Raul signed with Schalke 04 yesterday after announcing his departure earlier this week.
"Since childhood I dreamed about playing alongside Raul. It was an honor to share a dressing room with him, and I wish him all the best in his new career," said Ronaldo.
Real striker Karim Benzema also remarked: "As a player he is an example for all footballers and youth primarily because he is a mirror in which to look into.
"He's a great person and a symbol of Real Madrid and Spanish football."
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Real Madrid coach Mourinho admits push for Chelsea veteran Carvalho
Chelsea
Jose Mourinho
Real Madrid
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho admits he'd love to be reunited with Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho.
Carvalho, 32, has already declared he would "swim" to Madrid should they come in for him.
And last night, Mourinho declared: "I've always said that Carvalho is one of the best defenders in the world.
"He is now at the peak of his development.
"We'll see what happens ..."
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Real Madrid seeking verbal commitment from Ozil
Real Madrid
Werder Bremen
Real Madrid are convinced Mesut Ozil wants a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Marca says Real are willing to wait until 2011 to snap up the Werder Bremen star on a Bosman after sounding out his camp this week.
All indications are that Ozil favours a move to Real and now the Spanish giants are keen to get a verbal commitment from the player about a free transfer planned for June 2011.
Need your Real Madrid news fix? Click here for all Real news, transfer rumours and gossip.
Villarreal veteran Senna excited by Barcelona interest
Barcelona
Manchester City
Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna has welcomed interest from Barcelona.
Barca are reportedly considering the signing of Senna as cover for defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets and as a low-cost replacement for Yaya Toure, who recently joined Manchester City.
"For me it's an honour and a dream that Barca are thinking of me," he told Spanish reporters on Villarreal's pre-season tour in Ireland.
"There's nothing yet, but just the fact they are thinking of me is an honour."
Senna is 34 and his agent says a move to the Nou Camp would be the perfect way for the player to end his career.
"It would be the crowning moment of his sporting career," Eli Coimbra told El Mundo Deportivo.
And the player's representative is certain a deal could be struck between the two clubs.
"I'm certain that if Barca speak to Villarreal, the club's directors won't put up any obstacles to stop him from leaving," he said.
"In these eight years at the club, Senna has never had a problem with the club. On the contrary, he has always been very professional and they would understand that going to Barca would be a unique opportunity."
Need your Barcelona news fix? Click here for all Barca news, transfer rumours and gossip.
Espanyol Defeat Sampdoria To Win The City Of Barcelona TrophyCatalans win silverware...
OFFICIAL: Fabio Aurelio Re-Signs For Liverpool On Two-Year ContractBrazilian impresses new management at Anfield...
Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger: Cesc Fabregas Must End Barcelona TalkGunners boss re-iterates that his captain is not for sale......
Former Barcelona Defender Rafael Marquez: I Will Remain A Cul? Until DeathThe Mexican bid farewell to Camp Nou...
OFFICIAL: Real Socieded Sign Raul Tamudo On A Season-Long ContractThe Catalan will play for the Basque giants...
Sami Khedira Passes Real Madrid MedicalThe German is eager to fulfill his dream...
I Am Very Happy At Atletico Madrid – 2010 World Cup Golden Ball Winner Diego ForlanUruguayan forward confirms he is staying with Atletico...
Goal.com Special: Cesc Fabregas' Arsenal To Barcelona Saga - The Definitive TimelineFrom first admission, to crunch meeting, to Hill-Wood's 'hands off' vow...
Hannover 1-2 Valencia: Roberto Soldado Scores Again In Los Che VictoryThe former Getafe scored his second goal of the pre-season in the win over the German outfit.
Goal.com Scouting Report: Our UEFA Under-19 European Championships Golden Ball NomineesGoal.com runs through the best in show from France 2010...
Barcelona Coach Pep Guardiola Rules Out Zlatan Ibrahimovic Exit Amidst Milan LinkNo departure for Ibra as Guardiola keeps the faith...
OFFICIAL: Rafael Marquez And Barcelona Reach Agreement To Terminate ContractPlayer breaks off contract early...
Real Madrid Midfielder Sami Khedira: Jose Mourinho Is A Winner & His Teams Are PerfectKhedira expects plenty of success under Mourinho...
Spanish Inquisition: What Real Madrid Can Expect From Sami KhediraGoal.com provides an insight into Madrid’s latest signing...
Villarreal Hitman Giuseppe Rossi Willing To Drop Milan Support For Inter MoveRossi doesn't mind joining the rivals of the club he once supported...
