Football legend Paolo Maldini has reached yet another landmark, as the AC Milan symbol celebrates his 40th birthday today.
Maldini made his debut for Milan way back in January 1985, however almost a quarter-of-a-century later he is still going strong.
During his entire club career with the Rossoneri he has won seven Scudetti, one Coppa Italia, five Italian Super Cups, five Champions League titles, five European Super Cups and three World Club Cups.
He is both Milan and Italy’s all-time appearance maker, and is regarded by some as the best defender in the history of the game.
“Birthday wishes from the hearts of everyone at the club,” reads a statement on Milan’s official website.
“After a 23-year career and 1009 official games in the League, Cup and for his nation, Maldini decided to stay for another season.
“That choice brought such joy to all the fans, who woke up this morning thinking about him on his birthday.”
Maldini was due to retire from football this summer. However some brilliant performances last season from the defender saw have a change of heart, and he recently signed a one year extension until 2009.
From everyone at Goal.com
sigombak
Newly appointed Internazionale boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly made Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard his top priority in the transfer market.
The Special One is almost certain to raid his old hunting ground at Stamford Bridge this summer as he seeks to stamp his mark on the Inter squad, and club president Massimo Moratti is expected to back his new manager to the hilt.
The charismatic Portuguese is expected to have around ₤100 million to work with between now and the end of August, but Moratti has claimed he does not expect wholesale changes.
“I have read lots of names but I have yet to speak with him [Mourinho] about the transfer market,” he said. “I would like to change very little of this squad which has won so much.”
Mega Buys
Such a statement suggests the Nerazzurri are in the market for a few choice mega-buys, a modus operandi Mourinho is more than familiar with following his tenure under Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich.
One of those Blues buys was Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien, for whom the former Porto boss was recently reported to be lining up a ₤24 million bid.
The former Lyon star has established himself among the best box-to-box players in the world in recent seasons, and hence Chelsea will be loath to let one of their most consistent and dangerous performers leave.
Shift
With that move looking increasingly unfeasible, Mourinho has shifted his attention slightly further up the pitch to Lampard, with whom he has been constantly linked since departing west London in September.
The England international is yet to agree a new contract with the Blues, who have so far failed to meet his wage demands of over ₤130,000-per-week.
The 29-year-old has one year remaining on his current deal at Stamford Bridge, and with increased competition next season from resurgent German star Michael Ballack and upcoming Nigerian John Obi Mikel, a move to San Siro could prove too tempting for Lampard to refuse.
The former West Ham man could be just one among several Mourinho loyalists set to make the switch, with striker Didier Drogba and defender Ricardo Carvalho also reported to be seeking a Chelsea exit.
Mike Maguire
Mourinho Pledges Greatness
Jose Mourinho has given his first press conference as the new boss of Inter, and he has announced himself on the Italian scene by describing himself as a "great coach."
Mourinho was announced as the new coach of Inter yesterday afternoon, replacing three-time Scudetto winner Roberto Mancini, who was shown the exit door last week.
The Portuguese tactician announced himself as the new manager of Chelsea four years ago by describing himself as the 'Special One', and he appeared to have lost none of his supreme self confidence during his first press conference today as the new boss of Inter.
“I have arrived at a special club. I think I am a great Coach but I don’t want to be special," he stated.
“I am always myself and I don’t change. I am the same person as I ever was and I have that same mission and passion for my work.
“I have always thought that I would like to work in Italy and for a big club and I want to thank Massimo Moratti and Marco Branca for giving me this opportunity.
“This is a very important challenge for me, but I think that it will also be very enjoyable for you.”
The 45-year-old Mourinho has a stunning managerial record despite his young age, having won two Portuguese championships, a Portuguese Cup, a UEFA Cup and Champions League with Porto, as well as two Premier Leagues, an FA Cup and two league cups among his honours at Chelsea.
Luca Capofranco
Football mathematics like bowled over at 2004, when Greece come up as Europe champion, because since 1960 newly once go forward to quarterfinal rotation ( 2000), but four year later;then surprising when coming up as champion in Portugal.
Nowadays Greece come up again. In rotation of final of Grup D with Swedia, Russia And Spanyol [of] [at] 12-15-19 June. All contest performed will play at Stadium of Waltz Slezenheim, Austrian.
Otto Rehhagel team the achievement spektakuler at semi final, because from 12 contest start the end 2006 till 21 November 2007, for once fail and break even once.
At that semi final, by surprising Turky defeat the Greece 4-1 and Norwegian arrest; detain the them 2-2. From that 12 exclusion fight, Goal Greece 25 times and entrance 10 goal. As comparison, at exclusion Euro 2004, Greece only print eight goal from eight contest.
But contest of warm-up of last contest Hungaria 24 May, Greek swallow the bitter pill after failing 2-3 and Rehhagel hope that matter become the Iesson worth to all player. That drubbing represent first since August last year
In that tryout, brittle Greek defender very, so that gate which taken care of Antonis Nikolopolidis goal thrice only in range of time 16 minute
In that contest, Rahhagel enough worry, because two reliable player, Nikopolidis And Angelos Basinas experience of to injure, even they is reckoned will descend at contest 12 June of versus Sweden.
Greece Skuads for the rotation of final Euro 2008
Goalkeeper: 1-Antonis Nikopolidis ( Olympiakos Piraeus), 12-Costas Chalkias ( Aris Salonika), 13-Alexandros Tzorvas ( OFI Crete)
Stopper: 2-Giourkas Seitaridis ( Atletico Madrid), 3-Christos Patsatzoglou ( Olympiakos), 4-Nikos Spyropoulos ( Panathinaikos), 5-Traianos Dellas ( AEK Athens), 11-Loukas Vintra ( Panathinaikos), 15-Vassilis Torosidis ( Olympiakos), 16-Sotiris Kyrgiakos ( Eintracht Frankfurt), 18-Yannis Goumas ( Panathinaikos), 19-Paraskevas Antzas ( Olympiakos)
Middle Player: 6-Angelos Basinas ( Real Mallorca), 8-Stelios Giannakopoulos ( Bolton Wanderers), 10-Georgios Karagounis ( Panathinaikos), 21-Costas Katsouranis ( Benfica), 22-Alexandros Tziolis (Panathinaikos)
Forward: 7-Giorgos Samaras ( Celtic), 9-Angelos Haristeas ( Nuremberg), 14-Dimitris Salpigidis ( Panathinaikos), 17-Fanis Gekas ( Bayer Leverkusen), 20-Yiannis Amanatidis ( Eintracht Frankfurt), 23-Nikos Liberopoulos ( AEK).
Inter Milan striker Adriano said after the game that he was really happy to have returned to the Brazilian national squad...
The powerful striker, who returned to Seleção after an absence of almost 18 months from international football, played during the second-half of Brazil's 3-2 friendly win over Canada.
Although Adriano did not score in his return, he had a good chance on goal and even played Alexandre Pato through with a superb pass in what was a fairly good display from the former Parma player.
The 26-year-old said that playing again for Brazil will be very important to his recovery process, adding that he will continue working to be a regular call-up.
"It is very important to defend the Brazilian squad again," he said after the game. "It is good to be back, but this is a long road, I have to work really hard to get a place in the team."
Adriano, who is currently on loan at São Paulo, will return to Inter Milan at the end of the season although he does not know whether incoming coach, José Mourinho, is including him in his first-team plans.
Luís Mira
Barcelona are said to have been interested in Juventus striker David Trezeguet - and in fact, according to an agent, they still are...
Agent Antonio Caliendo believes that Trezeguet could be making his way to Catalunya this summer as a replacement for the possibly-exit-bound Samuel Eto'o.
'Trez' is apparently near the top of Barcelona's shopping list due to the fact that they've been watching him closely for several seasons.
Speaking to French sports daily L'Equipe, Caliendo says, "Barcelona are interested in Trezeguet, and not for the first time.
"They've held such an interest in David for four seasons now.
"Things are uncertain in the attack at Barça, particularly with Eto'o. There may be changes."
Despite hitting 20 league goals for the Old Lady last season, Trezeguet was left out of the Euro 2008-bound France squad by manager Raymond Domenech.
Steve Michaels, Goal.com
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is lining up an incredible player-exchange deal for AC Milan superstar Kaka, according to reports.
The Blues are currently without a manager following the sacking of Avram Grant after a trophyless season, with ex-Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard and Russia coach Guus Hiddink favourites to take the reins.
But whoever is appointed may arrive to find a significantly altered squad from the one that fell to Manchester United in the Champions League last week.
Although Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has played down talk of wholesale changes over the summer, Abramovich is reportedly keen to overhaul the team as he seeks a more attractive brand of football.
And The Mail claims the Russian billionaire is preparing to offer want-away striker Didier Drogba and defender Ricardo Carvalho plus cash in order to tempt Milan to part with the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year.
It is not the first time in recent months Chelsea have been linked with an audacious bid, the club shouting down claims they were prepared to pay ₤80 million for Barca prodigy Lionel Messi.
And nor would it be the first time Abramovich has bought a player – a Milan player, indeed – without the manager’s consent, as he famously spent ₤30 million to bring Andriy Shevchenko to Stamford Bridge despite then-manager Jose Mourinho’s disapproval.
Kaka, signed a contract extension with the Rossoneri in February, is currently out of action after undergoing surgery on his left knee.
Mike Maguire goal.com
Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed his time at Manchester United is drawing toward a close, insisting he will hang up his managerial mantle within the next three years…
Wednesday’s Champions League triumph over Chelsea in Moscow secured United their 29th trophy since Ferguson took charge of the club back in 1986.
The Scot’s phenomenal success at Old Trafford has seen him earn a place alongside compatriot Sir Matt Busby as one of the very greatest managers in the Red Devils’ illustrious history.
Many have speculated that Ferguson would step down after clinching his second Champions League crown, and the 66-year-old confirmed he will most definitely retire within the next three years.
“I won’t be manager here when I’m 70 and I won’t be managing any more than another three years at the very, very most,” he said. “That is without question.
“I think most things will be my decision. And I think David Gill [United’s chief executive] is happy with that.”
Replacement
A list of potential successors to Ferguson’s throne has been gradually forming over last few seasons, with names like Roy Keane, Paul Ince, Steve Coppell and Bryan Robson – United greats all – being mentioned.
But Sir Alex, despite hinting recently that assistant coach Carlos Queiroz would get his vote, typically refused to comment on such matters, insisting they are beyond his authority.
He said: “It’s not my job to groom a replacement and it wouldn’t be fair to tell the Glazers what to do.”
Mike Maguire
Chelsea have terminated first team coach Avram Grant's contract with immediate effect...
The London club made their announcement via their official website this afternoon, bringing to an end weeks of speculation over the Israeli's future.
A statement read that the decision was taken after two days of intense discussion, with owner Roman Abramovich and the board apparently losing patience after a season without success in the Premier League or Champions League.
Grant, 53, arrived at Stamford Bridge in September of last year after José Mourinho's departure. Having bossed the Israeli national side, as well as a host of domestic teams, his experience was considerable, but lacked the top-level edge that many fans in west London had grown to expect. What's more, a lack of official UEFA qualification put him in a difficult situation.
Nonetheless he was able to guide the Blues both to the CL final in Moscow and to second place in the Premier League, losing the former game on penalties and the latter competition by a narrow margin.
However, it has been clear for some time that a trophyless season, however close-fought, would not be tolerated, and thus Grants departure comes as no real surprise.
The Search Is On
The second part of Chelsea's official communiqué pertained to the need to find a replacement. It read: "We will now be concentrating all our efforts on identifying a new manager for Chelsea and there will be no further comment until that appointment is made."
The likes of Frank Rijkaard, former Barcelona boss, have been linked with the vacant hotseat, but there are also rumblings in the English tabloid press that José Mourinho could be set for a surprise (and highly unlikely) return.
Steve Michaels, Goal.com
Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has once again increased speculation over his future at Old Trafford after claiming that his dream is to play for Real Madrid...
The Portuguese ace has been linked with a move to the Spanish outfit for quite some time now, with the Real Madrid president, Ramón Calderón, claiming that he would be very delighted to bring in the former Sporting player to his squad.
The 23-year-old stated yesterday that, despite Real Madrid's reported interest, he had not received an offer from the Spanish capital club. He further added that updated news over his future would be released in just a couple of weeks.
However, Ronaldo has now made his intentions crystal clear after admitting that he is eyeing a move to Santiago Bernabéu.
"I have a dream to play for Madrid. You also have dreams, no? Well, this is my dream," he stated to Portuguese television.
Contract Speculation
However, he also offered a somewhat veiled commitment to the Old Trafford side.
He continued, "My contract is with Manchester United and is with them that I must talk.
"My deal could have some additions to it in the next two weeks, but I've signed nothing with Madrid."
In this way he harked back to his two week deadline of sorting out his future, while also thoroughly denying reports that he had already secured an 'under-the-table' deal.
Robinho's representative, Wagner Ribeiro, claimed yesterday that Manchester United would only allow Ronaldo to leave Old Trafford if someone from Real Madrid that plays in the same position, namely Robinho, was to make a move in the opposite direction.
Calderón is now aware of Ronaldo's interest and should intensify negotiations with the British club about a summer transfer.
Steve Michaels/goal.com
Sigombak - Adriano have a opportunity to show his skill and back to brazilian skuads.
Brazil coach Dunga on Friday called up striker Adriano for upcoming international friendly matches against Canada and Venezuela as a replacement for injured Chelsea player Alex.
Brazil play Canada on May 31 in Seattle and Venezuela in Boston on June 6.
Brazil`s next South American World Cup qualifiers are against Paraguay on June 15 in Asuncion and against Argentina in Belo Horizonte, in the south east of Brazil, on June 18.
Adriano has been loaned out by Inter Milan to Brazilian champions Sao Paulo till July 10.
As Sao Paulo were on Wednesday eliminated from the Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent of the European Champions League, Dunga decided to call on Adriano for the friendlies.(AFP)
Sigombak-Argentinian soccer legend Diego Maradona said on Tuesday he would be prepared to cut off the hand that scored one of his most famous goals for a sight of film star Julia Roberts.
Maradona, in Cannes to promote a new documentary about his life by Serbian film director Emir Kusturica, appeared bewitched by the star of "Pretty Woman".
"I would do anything to see her coming along here, along the Croisette," he said, through a translator.
"I`d like to be able to walk along behind her and I`d be able to cut off my hand for that, even the hand with which I scored against England."
"I`d be able to cut off my hand if I could see Julia Roberts," he said.
Maradona, acclaimed as one of the best players the game has ever seen, beat England goalkeeper Peter Shilton by knocking in the ball with his hand during the quarter final of the 1986 World Cup that Argentina eventually won.
After the match, Maradona famously refused to admit that he had scored with his hand, saying that the goal was scored with "the Hand of God.". (Reuters)
Team National Indonesia Will play with Bayern Munich. Munich tour to asia and “Merah-Putih” team have play with players word class like kipper Oliver Kahn. Oliver will ending his karier in football.
Friendly games will play at Wednesday (21/5/2008) at 05.00 PM. Without key players, Hollywood FC still have Kahn, Daniel van Buyten, Christian Lell, Marcell Jansen, Andreas Ottl, Mark van Bommel, Ze Roberto, and Jan Schlaudraff.
This time Monday (19/5/2008), ticket was sale. ticket box in Masjid Al Bina area’s, kompleks Stadion Gelora Bung Karno, Senayan, Jakarta. 40.000 ticket ready to civil. 25.000 ticket to sponsor.
four categories ticket VIP class sale Rp 180.000, Rp 100.000 (Kategori I), Rp 50.000 (Kategori II), and Rp 25.000 (Kategori III).
