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Milan And Galaxy Might Share Beckham

Serie A heavyweights Milan and Los Angeles Galaxy could be about to reach an unprecedented and unique agreement involving the iconic English midfielder David Beckham.

Beckham's future has to be decided by Monday, and negotiations are continuing in an attempt to tie him to Milan past the March 10 deadline.

British media outlet Sky Sports have stated that, due to Beckham's desire to remain in Milan, together with the calcio club's interest in securing a permanent move for the player - who has taken the Italian league by storm - a "unique agreement" will be discussed this week that will see Milanese and Los Angeles outfits effectively "share" the 33-year-old.

Sky Sports indicate that the unique agreement will see Beckham stay with Milan for the rest of the Serie A season. He will then return to the Galaxy to compete for the remainder of the MLS season before moving back to Italy for what could be the final transfer of his long and illustrious career.

The move will be a new deal in world football and is already being dubbed a "time share" agreement.

One further option for Milan is to buy Beckham outright. However, some sources believe that the Rossoneri will have trouble financing the deal as LA Galaxy are unlikely to settle for anything less than €11.2 million (£10m).

The Galaxy's stance on the matter remains the same as it has done since day one. They are still adamant that if Milan will not meet the asking price then Beckham will return to Los Angeles March 10.

Alan Dawson, Goal.com

David Beckham considering staying with AC Milan

MILAN, Italy (AP)—David Beckham is enjoying his stay with AC Milan so much that he is considering remaining in Italy after his two-month loan expires.

“Playing here is the dream of every footballer,” Beckham said in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera on Wednesday. “But deciding isn’t easy. It’s a question that takes time.”

Beckham’s loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy expires March 8, after which he is due to return to Major League Soccer.

“I’m under contract and I have a lot of respect for the Galaxy. But the chance to play for Milan is something special,” Beckham said in the interview, which was published in Italian. “I knew I would enjoy it, but I didn’t expect to enjoy it this much. But in terms of character, I’m a very respectful person.”

Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said Tuesday the seven-time European champions were prepared to pay a fee to keep Beckham, and would meet with his representatives in the next few days.

“I find (Milan) very similar to Manchester United. It has that tradition that only the great clubs have,” Beckham said. “At Milan, like at United, it’s a very particular atmosphere wherever you go, from the training pitch to the stadium.”

The former United and Real Madrid player scored his first goal for Milan in Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Bologna.

His second came on Wednesday from a free kick 33 minutes into a match against Genoa, with England coach Fabio Capello looking on. The sharp-angled shot taken from the left of Genoa’s area put Milan ahead 1-0.

Beckham started in Milan’s three previous matches, and the Rossoneri did not lose, drawing with AS Roma and beating Fiorentina and Bologna.

Beckham hopes to be called up by Capello for a friendly against Spain on Feb. 11 and equal Bobby Moore’s record of 108 England appearances for an outfield player.

His ultimate goal is to make England’s team for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and moving back to Los Angeles may hinder that bid. Capello was the one who suggested that Milan sign Beckham.

“The Americans are doing everything they can to improve the level and reputation of their game. It’s a young league and I think it needs another 10 years to become successful,” said Beckham, whose contract with the Galaxy lasts through 2012.

“I have to admit that, having played in Europe, sometimes it was frustrating playing in certain games. But every now and then, moving from one state to another, I also enjoyed myself.”

Source:
http://sports.yahoo.com

Jose Enters Ronaldo Race

By David Harrison
Jose Mourinho is plotting a sensational raid on Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Inter Milan coach has stoked up the heat before the two clubs meet in the Champions League next month.

Sources in Italy claim Mourinho secretly met Ronaldo when he visited Manchester to watch United play Chelsea last Sunday.

And while United will dismiss the reports as an attempt to stir up controversy ahead of the Euro ties, speculation is mounting in Milan.

With Real Madrid now turning their attention to Kaka, Ronaldo’s destiny could be to join Mourinho in Serie A.

The pair share the same agent, Jorge Mendes, who is thought to have told the winger it is time to move on.

A possible move to Real has been thrown into doubt by their president, Ramon Calderon, resigning after vote-rigging allegations.

Yet the Spanish media are adamant a deal has been struck by the Ronaldo camp with the Madrid giants.

And Real insist they have an informal agreement to secure his services in the summer for £85million.

Source:
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk

Kaka rejects City offer and stays at Milan

MILAN, Italy (AP)—Kaka decided to stay with AC Milan, ending talks over a record-breaking transfer bid from Manchester City reported to be worth $147 million.

“All the messages coming my way said to choose with my heart,” the 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder told Milan Channel on Monday night. “And at the end that’s what the choice was. It was absolutely not economical.”

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, AC Milan’s owner, returned from Middle East peace talks in Egypt and met for 1 1/2 hours with team vice president Adriano Galliani, then made the announcement on Italian television.

“For Kaka, money isn’t everything,” Berlusconi said in a telephone interview with “Processo di Biscardi.” “When I heard he preferred to stay, that he hadn’t thought about losing a chance for a higher salary and that he put the values of the club, friendship and fans affection above all else, I said, `Come on,’ and we hugged.”

FIFA’s player of the year in 2007 after leading AC Milan to the European Champions League title, Kaka is under contract with the Italian club through 2013. His actual name is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite.

“At the end what counted was my history, where my ties are and where my heart really lies,” he said.

Earlier, a group of about 500 fans protested outside Milan’s downtown offices, lighting flares and chanting “Don’t sell Kaka!”

Afterward, about 50 fans moved toward Kaka’s home and chanted, “Stay with us, Ricardo,” to which Kaka replied by approaching a window with a Milan jersey in hand and beat his hand three times on his heart, sending the fans into delirium, the ANSA news agency and Gazzetta dello Sport’s Web site reported.

Eventually, a worker at Kaka’s house went outside and asked the fans to quiet down because they were disturbing Kaka’s child. The fans said they would leave if they could see their idol once more. Kaka obliged and approached his window again and the fans left.

Manchester City was bought in August by an Abu Dhabi consortium and is seeking to become one of Europe’s top clubs.

“Following a meeting in Milan today, the club felt that it was unlikely that the two parties could reach common ground for an agreement,” City said. “The discussions reached only a preliminary stage and the player was not involved at any time. No commercial terms were framed.”

Source:
http://sports.yahoo.com

Ancelotti says he hopes Kaka will stay at Milan

By Jeremy Inson, Associated Press Writer

Carnago, Italy—AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes Kaka will stay at the team “for many more years,” but confirmed the club is considering the world record offer from Manchester City.

“I think there are dealings under way, and therefore it’s something the club is going to have to do together with the player,” Ancelotti said Friday. “My hope is to be able to coach Kaka for many more years, but we’ve got to be aware of the facts and the club’s evaluation of the offer presented.”

City’s offer for the 26-year-old midfielder, FIFA’s 2007 player of the year, is reportedly worth up to up to $157 million.

Kaka did not stop to speak with reporters at practice, only offering a brief wave. He said Wednesday he wants to “grow old” at Milan, but his spokesman, Diogo Kotscho, told The Associated Press on Thursday that the player will listen to City’s proposals.

A group of about 70 fans gathered outside Milan’s downtown offices Friday evening to protest against a move, shouting “Don’t sell Kaka! Don’t sell Kaka!” A firecracker thrown by the fans exploded near a garage a few minutes before Milan vice president Adriano Galliani exited, according to the ANSA news agency.

Source:
http://sports.yahoo.com

Ancelotti contemplates Kaka exit

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted for the first time that Kaka could move to Manchester City.

Milan have given their Brazilian star permission to discuss City's world record transfer bid of £100m.

Ancelotti said: "My hope is to be able to coach Kaka for many more years, but we've got to be aware of the facts and the club's evaluation of the offer.

"The squad is still competitive, even if we were to lose such an important player."

He added: "Our goals? They remain the same for this team with or without Kaka."

Kaka's father and advisor Bosco Leite is due to arrive in Italy on Monday to discuss the potential deal.

"Milan has authorised the negotiation with City," said Kaka's spokesman Diogo Kotscho. "The next step is Kaka's father will talk to Manchester City."

On Thursday, City boss Mark Hughes said the club's big-money offer for the 26-year-old playmaker makes football and business sense.

"The money involved is something we feel, from a football and business point of view, works," said Hughes.

"The process has moved forward at a pace this week but people shouldn't be thinking that it is just a whim."

The sheer size of the figures involved in the proposed deal have made headlines around the world, but Hughes said it was all part of a considered plan from the club's hierarchy.

"It's been done with structure and understanding," he said.

"We're all very much involved in that process; myself from a football point of view and (chief executive) Garry Cook and (chairman) Khaldoon Al Mubarak from a club and business point of view.

"It would be naive to think I have not been involved in discussions over this transfer. I have had meetings about it and have had an input."

Kotscho insists any move would be done for the right reasons and not just for the reported £500,000-a-week wages.

"It is not impossible, if Milan let us talk, then we will see what City have to offer," Kotscho told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Kaka knows about the offer but the club did not give authorisation for talks, so we did not meet. It was a great proposal but it's not about only money.

"We have to see if they have a project to become a Champions League team and become one of the top teams in the world, and to stay there long term."

David Bernstein, who was chairman at the club between 1998-2003, called Kaka's signing "potentially the most extraordinary thing I've experienced with Manchester City", while admitting he was worried by the figures involved.

"There has to be a condition that there will be other major signings," Bernstein told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I've done some quick sums and the total Kaka transfer fees and agent's fees and salary over four years comes to about a quarter of a billion pounds. And they could easily do another £150m on four or five other world-class players.

"City's total income now is something like £80m so they'll be paying a third of their total income in salary to one player."

AC Milan confirmed that their chief executive Adriano Galliani had met officials from City on Tuesday to discuss Kaka's future.

The current record for a player's signature is £46m when France's Zinedine Zidane moved from Juventus to Real Madrid in 2001.

Kaka joined Serie A giants Milan from Sao Paulo in 2003 and has since won the Italian league title, Champions League and Club World Cup.

The attacking midfielder has scored 86 goals in 244 appearances for Milan. He has also picked up 62 caps for Brazil and scored 23 goals.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, estimated to be worth £15bn, took over as City owner in September 2008 and extensive funds have been made available to Hughes.

However, he has only secured the services of Wayne Bridge in January's transfer window, with bids rejected for West Ham forward Craig Bellamy and Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz.

Kaka is under contract at the San Siro until 2013, and although he stated last February that he wanted to remain at Milan for the rest of his career, he did hint at a desire to play in the Premier League - which he has described as the "best championship in the world".

Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk

Trezeguet returns to first team training

Rome - Former France striker David Trezeguet started training with his team-mates again on Monday for the first time since having knee surgery in September, the club said on its website.

The 31-year-old has played only six minutes this season in Juve's opening home match against Udinese on September 14. Nine days later he was operated on.

According to Juve he will come into first team contention at the end of the month.

Trezeguet - who has fallen out of favour with France coach Raymond Domenech - has been an unqualified success at Juventus since joining the club in 2000, scoring 130 goals in 219 league matches.

He also scored the golden goal winner for France against Italy in the Euro 2000 final.

In only their second season back in the top flight following their demotion in 2006 for match-fixing, Juve currently sit second in Serie A, just four points behind champions Inter Milan.

Source:
http://sports.yahoo.com

Beckham: I Still Want A Challenge

David Beckham has revealed he has missed playing football "at the highest level" after being presented as an AC Milan player ahead of a three-month loan deal from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Beckham, 33, has negotiated a move to the Serie A giants in a bid to remain match fit and stay in the thoughts of England manager Fabio Capello.

His move to LA Galaxy from Real Madrid last year was perceived at the time as a step backwards to a league that has still to establish itself as big-hitter on the world stage, and the former England captain admitted that a move to Milan represented a move back into the mainstream.

"Moving to America was a big step for me because there was a lot of people who were criticising the move, but I still believe it was a move where I wanted to challenge myself and I was able to challenge myself in different ways," Beckham told a press conference in Milan.

"But I have always said that I would always miss playing at the highest level. I'm not saying that in America they won't get to the highest level - it will take time and it will happen. But with five months off during the season I personally can't do that.

"I needed to be able to be playing top-flight football to keep myself fit, to keep myself in contention for other things that are going on."

Beckham, who began the press conference by addressing the assembled media with a few words in Italian, will be in the stands to watch his new team take on Udinese tomorrow evening.

He will then join them at a training camp in Dubai and could make his debut when the Serie A season resumes with a trip to Roma on January 11.

The former Manchester United midfielder added: "I'm really happy to be here, it is a great honour. I hope to add to the team, I hope to give everything that I've always given in my career and it's a huge honour.

"To be able to have the chance to play for another one of the biggest clubs in the world...I've played for the biggest club in England, the biggest club in Spain and now I'm going to be playing for the biggest club in Italy.

"I've been very lucky in my career to have done that, and I'm just going to enjoy it because I think to be given this opportunity is incredible."

Beckham added he was delighted to join what is already a glittering array of talent in the Milan dressing room, and he insists he does expect not to be an automatic inclusion in coach Carlo Ancelotti's line-up.

He said: "I wouldn't have taken this opportunity if I didn't think I could help the team. It's not about anything else apart from the football. I've come here to play with some of the best players in the world.

"To be able to step on to the training field with Kaka, [Andrea] Pirlo [Paolo] Maldini, Ronaldinho...there's so many players that I've always watched and played against but never played with.

"There's some great players out there and I don't expect to walk in on the first day and be starting in the team, it doesn't happen like that. I'm going work hard in training, I'm going to get my fitness - because I need to - and then once I'm fit, hopefully I can get some time in the team, and hopefully help.

"I know there's quite a few injuries at the moment," he added, referring to a lengthy injury list that includes the likes of Kaka, Gennaro Gattuso, Pirlo and Mathieu Flamini.

Source:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com
http://www.sportinglife.com

Milan draw on Beckham debut

By Tony Mabert

David Beckham began life in Serie A with a draw as Milan played out a 2-2 with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

The former England captain played 88 minutes of his first match in Italian football, but it was two goals in four minutes at the start of the second-half from his team-mate Alexandre Pato, book-ended by strikes from Mirko Vucinic, that ensured a share of the points that doesn't do much for either side.

Struggling Roma move up just one place to 11th, while Milan remain in third a full nine points behind leaders and local rivals Internazionale.

"I thought it was great, I enjoyed it immensely, I was surprised to start the game," said Beckham afterwards.

"Of course I'm still working on my fitness but I felt good, better than I thought I would in the game. (My aim) is to play as many games as possible and work on my fitness and just be part of AC Milan. I feel very lucky.

"It's similar (to other leagues), of course there's more of a tactical level in Italy but I think I adapted pretty well.

"(With free-kicks) we take it in turns, if another player feels like scoring from a free kick I let them do that. I'm sure I'll get a chance at some point. They speak pretty good English, the majority of the players, and football is an easy language to learn."

A John Arne Riise cross found its way to Montenegro international Vucinic, who turned Milan captain Paolo Maldini and fired past keeper Christian Abbiati from close range to open the scoring midway through the first-half.

Milan went into the break behind, but emerged rejuvenated in the second-half and Pato took just four minutes to get the Rossoneri level when Kaka checked back on to his right foot on the wing to fire a low cross that gave the Brazilian youngster the easiest of tap-ins. Romaappealed for offside, but the referee's assistant kept his flag down.

Soon after, the 19-year-old fired Milan in front with a wonderful individual goal when he left defender Philippe Mexes behind with blistering pace and chipped a delicate finish over Roma keeper Cristiano Doni.

Carlo Ancelotti's players controlled the game after that but Roma pegged them back with 20 minutes remaining when Matteo Brighi's shot was blocked and the ball looped into the air for Vucinic to send a diving header past Abbiati.

Beckham, playing in a star-studded midfield that featured Kaka, Ronaldinho, Clarence Seedorf and Anrea Pirlo, was a peripheral figure for much of the match, with his new team-mates often chose not to pass to him when there was another option open to them.

When they won a free-kick in a shooting position after five minutes Beckham stood near the ball, but it was Ronaldinho who struck it into the wall.

The 33-year-old - on loan from MLS side LA Galaxy for a total of nine Serie A matches - was playing his first competitive match since October, and it showed when on several occasions his trademark crosses and set-piece deliveries failed to find their intended targets.

Despite his early setbacks, however, his work ethic could not be faulted, and his willingness to track back assisted the ageing Milan defence in a few difficult moments.

He managed one effort on target when Seedorf teed him up for a shot from a short corner, but his curling strike was beaten away by Doni.

The fact that Ronaldinho was substituted before him looks to be an endorsement of sorts from coach Ancelotti.

"Beckham has shown in the days he has been with us that he is a tactically-clever player, serious and well-balanced. Starting him was a little reward for inserting himself well into our group," Ancelotti told Sky after the game.

With midfielders Massimo Ambrosini and Mathieu Flamini left on the bench, Ancelotti was asked if Beckham's arrival for such a short spell might upset other Milan players.

"I think everyone is happy Beckham is here because he is professional and serious," the coach said.

However, the luke-warm applause Beckham received when he himself went off shows that he has a lot of work to do in little time if he is to leave his mark in Serie A.

Source:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Roma Hope to Spoil Beckham Bow

By Cindy Garcia-Bennett, PA Sport, Rome

Roma are hoping to spoil David Beckham's Serie A debut in Sunday evening's top Serie A game at the Stadio Olimpico.

The England midfielder is set to be included in Carlo Ancelotti's squad for the trip to the Italian capital.

Beckham, who joined the Rossoneri on a two-month loan deal from the Los Angeles Galaxy, is eager to make an immediate impact.

Milan enter their first official game of the year nine points behind league leaders Inter Milan.

"We will have to wait and see what Beckham's condition is," said Roma coach Luciano Spalletti.

"If we only evaluate his past performances and his play, he is probably a great champion."

Despite having to do without injured captain Francesco Totti, Spalletti is upbeat about his team's chances.

"I don't know how many stars Milan will play with," he said.

"It's probably going to be a difficult game but I have confidence in my group."

Inter Milan host Cagliari on Saturday.

The Nerazzurri go into the San Siro encounter on the back of a nine-game winning run in Serie A.

Siena travel to Turin to play second-placed Juventus, who will be boosted by the return of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and striker David Trezeguet.

Juve trail Inter by six points and have been without the two players for several months.

A defeat for AC Milan against Roma could see Fiorentina climb to third in the standings provided Cesare Prandelli's men beat strugglers Lecce at home.

The Viola are unbeaten at home and trail the Rossoneri by a single point.

In-form Napoli expect to maintain their positive run at the San Paolo when they play hosts to Catania.

They have only given away one point this campaign in Naples and their form has allowed them to remain in fifth position.

Udinese aim to stop the rot when they host Sampdoria.

The Friuli outfit have taken just two points in their last eight games and a defeat against Samp could prove costly for under-fire coach Pasquale Marino.

Torino travel to the Marassi to meet Genoa looking for their first win on the road this season.

The Granata have collected just two points out of a possible 24 on their travels.

Palermo and Atalanta square off in Sicily with the Bergamaschi knowing that a defeat will allow the Rossaneri to leapfrog them in the standings.

Reggina will have an added motivation to beat Lazio on Sunday knowing that a victory could see them climb out of the relegation zone.

The Amaranto go into the encounter in Reggio Calabria two points behind Torino, who hold the last position of safety.

Bottom side Chievo will be looking to begin 2009 on the right foot when they travel to the Renato Dall' Ara stadium to meet Bologna.

The Flying Donkeys have won just two games of 17 this campaign and are six points adrift from Torino.

Source:
http://www.sportinglife.com

Jose set for Fergie reunion

Jose Mourinho will renew his rivalry with Sir Alex Ferguson when Internazionale take on Manchester United in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Mourinho guided his then FC Porto side to victory against United in 2004 before the Portuguese team went on to win the Champions League and he enjoyed many classic encounters with Ferguson's side as manager of Chelsea.

Elsewhere, Juventus manager Claudio Ranieri returns to Stamford Bridge after Chelsea were drawn against the Turin-based side.

Ranieri spent four years in charge of Chelsea before being replaced by Mourinho, since when he endured difficult spells at Valencia and Parma before taking charge of Juve last year.

Liverpool play Real Madrid in a repeat of the 1981 European Cup Final in Paris, which was decided by Alan Kennedy's goal, while inconsistent Arsenal face an AS Roma side that is currently tenth in the Serie A table.

Elsewhere, Barcelona will start as favourites to progress against Lyon while Atletico Madrid take on Iberian rivals FC Porto.

Sporting Lisbon, who finished as runners-up to Barcelona in Group C, take on a Bayern Munich side that had the best record in the group stages, while outsiders Panathinaikos have been drawn against the 2006 semi-finalists Villarreal.

The full draw is:
Chelsea v Juventus
Villarreal v Panathinaikos
Sporting Lisbon v Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid v FC Porto
Lyon v Barcelona
Real Madrid v Liverpool
Arsenal v AS Roma
Internazionale v Manchester United

Source:
http://www.football.co.uk

AC Milan's David Beckham Ends Pepsi Deal

AC Milan midfielder David Beckham has ended his ten-year association with soft drink giant Pepsi.

The 33-year-old announced today that the deal, worth a reputed £2 million a year, will be discontinued at the end of the player's current contract.

Beckham, who will play for Milan until the recommencement of the MLS season in March with LA Galaxy, told the press: "I have nothing but good memories of my association with Pepsi.

"I've played a gladiator, a cowboy, a surfer, and worked alongside Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez as well as some of the biggest names in world football.

"I hope everyone who has seen the work enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed making it."

-- Peter Staunton

Source:
http://www.goal.com

Gattuso sustains serious injury

Milan midfield star Gennaro Gattuso could be out for six months after suffering a serious knee injury against Catania.

The pugnacious Azzurri ace seemed fine during the San Siro victory and played the full 90 minutes.

But the Rossoneri's official website has revealed that Gattuso was sent for tests after reporting severe pain after the game.

Provisional indications are that Ringhio has torn his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee - a very serious problem that requires a lengthy recovery period.

The 30-year-old will undergo tests tomorrow in Antwerp with Dr Marc Martens and club medic Jean Pierre Meersseman.

Source:
http://www.acmilan-online.com

AC Milan fear Kaka absence

Kaka is in doubt for Milan's all-important Serie A battle against Juventus this weekend.

The Brasilia-born star, who is amongst the five nominees for the FIFA World Player of the Year, was absent from the final game at training this afternoon and spent most of the time working on his own in the gym.

The news is a stinging blow to Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has already lost inspirational midfielder Gennaro Gattuso to a knee ligament problem.

Reports suggest that Carletto has been experimenting with an attacking trident of Clarence Seedorf, Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato, preparing for Kaka's absence.

The club are expected to make a final decision on whether to risk Kaka later this evening and Milan fans will be waiting anxiously.]

Source:
http://www.acmilan-online.com

Coaches hail Del Piero display

Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero took the plaudits after guiding his team to a superb 2-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid in the Bernabeu.

Del Piero netted two superb strikes to down the Spanish giants and was afforded a standing ovation when he was substituted in stoppage time at the end of the game.

Juve coach, Claudio Ranieri, beamed: "The Spanish fans are fantastic and when they see a champion - and Alex didn't just score the two goals, he sacrificed himself for the team - they appreciate it.

"Del Piero took the team on to his shoulders and carried them forward. He was fantastic and is really taking on the role of the captain.

"Congratulations to the Madrid fans who gave him a standing ovation. It was fully deserved, a great gesture."

Real coach Bernd Schuster was also impressed by the response from the home side's fans, adding: "I enjoyed the ovation given to Alessandro Del Piero because he is a great player, he has proved his class and the Bernabeu recognised this fact."

Source:
http://www.football.co.uk

Balotelli puts Italy through to Euro U21 2009

What can you say about Mario Balotelli? He may be arrogant, he may be overly confident, he may get too many yellow cards, but say what you want because the fact of the matter is that the 18 year old Inter striker is the real deal. Balotelli is easily Italy’s best young talent and is definitely a future superstar. Technique, power, agility, speed, Balotelli has it all and the future is his (as long as he keeps his head on straight). The latest example of his talent came yesterday in Italy’s U21 play-off in Tel-Aviv, Israel. Balotelli missed the first leg because of the flu and Italy were drab and uninspired in the 0-0 draw. He recovered for the second leg and started upfront. In the 4th minute Italy obtained a free kick from around 35 yards out. Balotelli stepped up to take it, and this happened:

A perfect free kick, hit with power and accuracy that just blazed into the top corner. (Thank God Giovinco was suspended or else Balotelli wouldn’t be taking that free kick, if anyone remembers Giovinco went on a little rant a month ago saying how he has seniority on the U21 squad when it comes to free kicks). All I can say about that goal is “wow”. In the 25th minute, he then decided to do this:

And now his record with the U21 is 3 games, 3 goals. Italy second another later on in the game through the excellent Ignazio Abate, but Italy can thank Balotelli for their qualification to the Euro U21 2009 tournament in Sweden this summer.

Source:
http://italy.theoffside.com

Milan Move for Beckham

AC Milan have all but sealed a deal to sign David Beckham on loan from LA Galaxy.

Milan have confirmed they are set to sign Beckham from the Los Angeles Galaxy and head coach Carlo Ancelotti claims it would be "a pleasure" to have the 33-year-old at the San Siro.

Capello last week stressed Beckham has a key role to play for the foreseeable future with England, as he looks to add to his 107 caps.

But he also confirmed the former Manchester United midfielder would not be selected to face Spain in February if he remained inactive during the MLS close season.

Beckham is under contract with the LA Galaxy but their regular season finishes on Sunday.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said on Wednesday at Milan's Malpensa airport: "We are speaking with his agent but we believe he will arrive for some months on a free loan.

"We shall register him for some months and then he will leave. Beckham has chosen Milan. Our squad is ultra-competitive and it will remain this way, but Beckham is something different and intriguing."

Ancelotti told acmilan.com: "For me it will be a pleasure, Beckham is a serious athlete, a great professional.

"If he is available for four months with us, we will be very happy."

Beckham would bring added strength to the Milan midfield, and provide Ancelotti with fresh options, although he already has the likes of Kaka, Clarence Seedorf, Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo to select from.

Former AC Milan and England striker Luther Blissett believes the move to Italy would do Beckham the world of good.

"If he's really going to be part of this England revolution he's got to be playing regular, top-class football with top-class players," Blissett told Setanta Sports News.

"I think he'd make a great addition to what they have. And for Beckham to be playing alongside the likes of Kaka and Seedorf in midfield would be great for him as much as it would be for Milan."

Galliani had indicated at the weekend Beckham would be invited to train with Milan during the coming months, however, it now seems he could sign a short-term deal, possibly until March, allowing him to return to the United States for the start of the MLS campaign.

Beckham had been linked with the Rossoneri before leaving Real Madrid for the United States in 2007 and Ancelotti has continued to monitor him.

Capello, who had two spells as head coach of Milan and also played for the club, has been pleased with Beckham's contribution this year, although he has recently been a fringe member of the England squad.

England have a busy start to 2009. They have a probable friendly against Spain lined up for February, plus a home friendly against Slovakia in March, and World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine in April, and Kazakhstan and Andorra in June.

Beckham has moved to within one appearance of the 108-cap tally achieved by World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore, with only 125-times-capped Peter Shilton having played more matches for England.

David Beckham Factfile:

1975: Born Leytonstone, May 2.

1991: Joins Manchester United as trainee.

1992: Makes United debut against Brighton in the League Cup on September 23. Wins FA Youth Cup.

1993: Signs professional contract at Old Trafford.

1995: Joins Preston on loan in February and scores two goals in five games.

1996: Helps United win the double, collecting Premier League winners' medal and FA Cup winners' medal.

Scores goal of the season on the opening day at Wimbledon, lobbing goalkeeper Neil Sullivan from the halfway line. Makes his England debut in the 3-0 qualifying win in Moldova.

1997: Collects another championship winners' medal, voted PFA Young Player of the Year. United win Charity Shield.

1998: Scores first England goal, a free-kick against Colombia in Lens on June 26. Sent off in second round penalty shoot-out defeat against Argentina.

Vilified by the nation for the retaliatory kick against Diego Simeone, and subsequent red card, which many people believe cost England place in quarter-finals.

1999: Responds to World Cup disgrace with consistently good performances for United, who win the Premier League, FA Cup and, memorably, the European Cup after coming from behind to beat Bayern Munich with two late goals.

Rewarded for a fine season by being voted runner-up in World Player of the Year awards, behind Brazilian Rivaldo.

2000: May: Collects his fourth championship winner's medal as United win the title by a record 18 points.

June: Aims gesture at abusive England fans following defeat in the opening game of Euro 2000 against Portugal. England bow out in group stages of the tournament.

November: Made England captain for the November friendly with Italy in Turin by stand-in boss Peter Taylor.

2001: New England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson appoints Beckham as captain for his first match in charge, the friendly against Spain at Villa Park.

May: Collects another Premier League title with Manchester United.

September: Captains England to their remarkable 5-1 victory in Germany.

October: Curls in a 25-yard last-minute free-kick against Greece at Old Trafford to earn England a 2-2 draw and send them into the World Cup finals.

December 9: Voted the BBC's 2001 Sports Personality of the Year.

2002: April: United confirm he will be out for between six to eight weeks with a broken metatarsal, which would mean him missing the rest of United's season and possibly the start of the World Cup.

May 11: Signs new three-year contract reported to be worth between £90,000 and £100,000 a week.

June 7: Beckham, who is able to lead England out for their opening World Cup match against Sweden, scores from the penalty spot against Argentina to seal a 1-0 win. England bow out in the quarter-finals at the hands of eventual winners Brazil.

2003: February: Beckham involved in new controversy after Ferguson accidentally kicks a boot into his face in frustration at United's FA Cup defeat by Arsenal, leaving the England skipper with a gash above his eye.

April 23: Beckham left out of the starting line-up for United's crucial Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash with Real Madrid at Old Trafford. Beckham scores twice as a substitute but it is too late to save the Red Devils, who lose 6-5 on aggregate.

May 22: Suffers a fractured scaphoid (bone between thumb and wrist) in 2-1 friendly victory over South Africa.

June 10: United accept a bid made by Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta for Beckham. Laporta makes signing Beckham the cornerstone of his election campaign.

June 14: Awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to football.

June 17: United announce they have accepted a £25million bid from Real Madrid for Beckham and player agrees personal terms.

July 1: Passes medical with Real Madrid and signs four-year deal.

October 11: Helps England secure the goalless draw in Turkey which clinches automatic qualification for Euro 2004 but is involved in a half-time bust-up with Alpay as the teams leave the pitch.

2004: May 16: Sent off for arguing with a linesman over a controversial penalty award during Real Madrid's La Liga clash with Murcia.

June 24: Misses a penalty as England lose to Portugal in a shoot-out in the Euro 2004 quarter-finals in Lisbon.

2005: November - Captains England for 50th time in friendly against Argentina in Geneva.

2006: June 25 - Scores winning goal in World Cup second-round match against Ecuador from free-kick.

July 1 - Substituted during England's World Cup quarter-final defeat by Portugal due to injury.

July 2 - Stands down as England captain.

August 11 - Dropped from squad for friendly against Greece, Steve McClaren's first match as manager.

2007: January 11 - Beckham announces he will leave Real Madrid and join Major League Soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy on a five-year contract in August. The deal is believed to be worth £128million over the period.

January 13 - Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello says Beckham will never play for the club again.

February 10 - Scores on his Real Madrid comeback with a trademark free-kick against Real Sociedad.

May 26 - England manager Steve McClaren hands Beckham a shock recall for the matches against Brazil and Estonia.

June 10 - Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon reveals the club will attempt to keep David Beckham at the Bernabeu but their approach to buy the England midfielder out of his Los Angeles Galaxy contract is rebuffed.

June 17 - Finally wins a trophy with Real Madrid as his side clinch the league title with a 3-1 win over Mallorca.

August 16 - Scores his first goal for Galaxy on his full debut in the SuperLiga semi-final meeting with DC United with a trademark free-kick.

November 22 - Part of the England side that lose 3-2 at home to Croatia and thus miss out on qualification for Euro 2008.

December 21 - Comes to an agreement with Arsenal to train with them during the MLS off-season.

2008 - January 31 - Left out of Fabio Capello's first England squad for the following week's friendly against Switzerland.

March 16 - Plays the full 90 minutes for Los Angeles Galaxy in a friendly against FC Dallas with Capello's assistant Franco Baldini watching on.

March 26 - Wins 100th cap in the friendly international against France on March 26.

May 31 - Named as England captain for the friendly away to Trinidad and Tobago.

October 15 - Wins his 107th cap in the 3-1 win over Belarus, overtaking Sir Bobby Charlton in the process and putting him third on England's all-time list.

October 22 - AC Milan confirm they are trying to sign the midfielder on loan during the MLS off-season.

Source:
http://www.sportinglife.com

Ancelotti keeps faith with Brazilian trio

AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has vowed to keep faith with his three pronged Brazilian strikeforce for Sunday’s trip to Serie A strugglers Cagliari.

The trio of Kaka, Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato have been dubbed Ka-Pa-Ro in the Italian press in a reference to the Gre-No-Li partnership of the 1950s, comprised of Swedish forwards Gunnar Gren, Gunnar Nordahl and Nils Liedholm.

Ronaldinho has taken over from Ronaldo, who left Milan in the summer after a series of injury problems limited his appearances with the Rossoneri.

Despite scoring in the midweek UEFA Cup victory over FC Zurich, Ukrainian forward Andrei Shevchenko will be left on the bench as Ancelotti keeps faith with his Brazilian trio who turned in a strong performance in last weeks derby win over Inter.

“After the way they played in the derby it’s right to confirm that they will at least start again on Sunday. Right now they’re the most reliable solution we have,” said Ancelotti.

Source:
http://www.footballnewsblog.co.uk

Santacroce: Don’t pick me for your fantasy team…

For all those who have Serie A fantasy teams, here’s a tip for you: Don’t pick Fabiano Santacroce. Who says? Santacroce himself! The Italy U-21 defender (who has an Italian father and a Brazilian mother) is one of the most promising defenders in all of Italy, and has drawn comparisons to Alessandro Nesta. Santacroce is great at reading the game and anticipating the play but his tackling needs lots of work, as his yellow and red card tally show. Santacroce was sent off vs. Roma in the first week of the season, and after sitting out the second week he was back in action on Sunday. But what happened? He received two yellow cards against Udinese, thus earning another send-off. (At this rate he’s going to smash Paolo Montero's record of most red cards in Serie A) So what did Santacroce have to say about his latest sending off? “Don’t pick me for your fantasy team, I receive too many bookings.” So if you have a Serie A fantasy team, go sell Santacroce, you have his word.

Source:
http://italy.theoffside.com

Lippi returns to lead Azzurri again

Veteran tactician Marcello Lippi has been re-appointed as the national coach of Italy following the sacking of Roberto Donadoni.

A statement on the Italian Football Federation official website read: "Marcello Lippi returns as the leader of the Italian national team,"

"The president of the FIGC, Giancarlo Abete, named the new technical commissioner of the Azzurri as a replacement of Roberto Donadoni.

"Lippi will be presented on Tuesday July 1 at a press conference in Rome."

Outgoing boss Donadoni said: "I'm upset, I'm not going to hide that,"

"But I would do it all again. I'm happy with what the players did. They gave their all. It has been a marvellous experience.

"The evaluation of my time in charge will be done on the two years, but you know that when you participate at a tournament like the Euros everything can be decided on incidents."

Source:
http://www.worldfootballers.com

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