Friday, May 31, 2013

Suarez tempted by Real Madrid


Liverpool striker Luis Suarez appears ready to take the bait set by Real Madrid in their pursuit of the Urugay international.

Goal revealed on Wednesday that the striker had given no assurances over his future at the club in recent meetings with Anfield officials.

And a radio interview later given by Suarez seemed to indicate the Uruguayan has had his fill of certain aspects of living in England.

"Saying no to Real Madrid is very difficult. I talked to Brendan Rodgers. He knows what I want and understands my situation.

"I worked too hard to having to continue listening to the criticism I get from English journalists," he continued.

"I love Liverpool, but I'm not prepared to keep taking all this criticism." 

Thursday, May 30, 2013

It's summertime for Wenger

#bunchofcaps: Centurion Ashley Cole finally accepts England captaincy


After earning over 100 caps for England, Ashley Cole has finally accepted the captain's armband for the friendly against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday night.

The left-back has been one of England's most consistent performers for over a decade, but his career has not been without controversy.

Cole was fined in October 2012 by the FA for comments on Twitter related to the John Terry racism case, having given evidence to the independent commission.

The Chelsea defender also allegedly fired an air rifle at an intern at the club's Cobham training ground in 2011.

There had also been some confusion as to whether or not Cole had actually accepted the captaincy following comments from England boss Roy Hodgson.

"Frank [Lampard] and I are happy that [Cole] will lead the team out but Frank still remains the captain of the team," he said, before later clarifying the situation.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Better Work Jordan staff and characters

Better Work is a partnership between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in collaboration with local and international stakeholders. It unites the expertise of the ILO in labour standards with that of the IFC in private sector development.
The goal of Better Work Jordan is to reduce poverty in the country by expanding decent work opportunities in the apparel sector. The program aims to improve the competitiveness of the industry by enhancing economic performance at the enterprise level and improving compliance with Jordanian labour law and the ILO core labour standards.
I was in charge to do with Better Work videos and illustrations that help workers.
here is a sample from the videos:
Raising awareness of occupational safety and health in garment manufacturing


Anti-smoking cartoons



Some of my latest caricatures





for more information check out this link below:

Ribery sleeps with Champions League trophy

It got a bit crowded in Franck Ribery's bed on Sunday night, after Bayern Munich lifted the Champions League following their victory over Borussia Dortmund.

The France international and his wife were joined by an unlikely bedfellow after celebrating into the early hours.

"I was up until five or six in the morning," Ribery told Sky Sports News.

"I went to bed just before six and took the trophy with me. I had the trophy and my wife in bed with me last night." 

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Ronaldo calls in Bale reinforcements as Neymar joins forces with Messi

Barcelona struck fear into the hearts of Real Madrid as they stole a march on their Liga rivals by beating them to the signature of Santos starlet Neymar.

The Brazil international had been a long-term target for both clubs, with two teams having had bids accepted by his native side, but Barca won the day and secured the much-vaunted forward.

With Neymar set to link up with Lionel Messi at Camp Nou, it may be time for Cristiano Ronaldo to call for backup as talk of a move by Los Blancos for Tottenham star Gareth Bale rumbles on... 

Monday, May 27, 2013

Robben finally hits Champions League jackpot

Arjen Robben has endured his fair share of disappointment in major finals in the past.

The Dutchman has twice suffered defeat in the Champions League final with Bayern Munich, against Inter in 2010 and Chelsea in 2012.

And the forward was also on the losing side in the 2010 World Cup as the Netherlands were defeated by Spain.

But Robben finally hit the jackpot in the Champions League last night, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the closing stages to finally shake off that 'loser' tag.

"It was a special feeling," Robben told reporters. "I didn't want to be remembered in my career as a loser.

"It's harsh to say but every time in second place is not what you want. It was so important to win the trophy this time. We needed to do it and we deserved to do it.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Pole position: Monaco race ahead of PSG with James and Moutinho signings

Monaco announced the biggest deal of the summer so far - and we're only a few days into it - with their €70 million (£59.5m) capture of Porto's James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho.

Their first foray into the market has put down a marker in France, where Paris Saint-Germain romped to the Ligue 1 title, and should signal a new superpower on the continent.

And, with the Monaco Grand Prix also taking place this weekend, mega-rich owner Dmitry Rybolovlev impressively diverted attention to the footballing side of the principality.

With Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao likely to also be signing for Claudio Ranieri's side on Monday, Monaco could be nudged further ahead of PSG in the headline-grabbing stakes. 

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Can Dortmund stop the Bayern Munich juggernaut?

The Champions League final at Wembley Stadium is just a day away, and the big question is: can Borussia Dortmund stop the Bayern Munich juggernaut?

Jupp Heynckes' side has been simply unstoppable this season, romping to the Bundesliga title with a record points tally, booking a place in the DFB Pokal final against Stuttgart and demolishing the mighty Barcelona over two legs on their way to the final.

Dortmund, meanwhile, surprised many by negotiating their way out of a group featuring Manchester City, Ajax and Real Madrid, before eliminating the Spanish giants in the knockout stages.

Jurgen Klopp's men finished a staggering 24 points behind Bayern in second place in the league, but both domestic meetings between the two have ended as 1-1 draws.

Can Klopp mastermind a victory over the German powerhouse, even without the injured Mario Gotze? 

Injured Gotze ready to 'do a Terry' at Wembley

Mario Gotze is in a win-win situation on Saturday at Wembley. Regardless of who triumphs out of Bayern and Dortmund in the all-German Champions League final extravaganza, Gotze can gatecrash either party.

It has been confirmed that the 20-year-old Bayern Dortmund Bayern Dortmund (??) playmaker will miss out on appearing in the game at the home of English football as he lost his battle to recover from a thigh injury but that doesn't mean he has to miss out on the post-match celebrations, just ask John Terry.

The Chelsea skipper has built up a reputation for popping up in the right place at the right time, in full strip, of course, when the ticker tape begins to fall and with Gotze swapping BVB for Bavaria in the summer, he may just be tempted to get involved in the celebrations, whatever the outcome. 

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Project Pen tribute

Bayern & Dortmund given licence to thrill

There are only three days until the Champions League final, with two excellent German teams ready to take the field in London.

With Bayern's buying up of star players - including Dortmund's main-man Mario Gotze - one could be forgiven for seeing the Bundesliga champions as some sort of supervillain.

Will Dortmund, led by "Klopp... Jurgen Klopp..." be ready to shoot down Jupp Henyckes' side? Or, after being defeated in the final in two of the previous three years, is it a case of 'You Only Lose Twice' for Bayern?

One thing is for sure: both teams have a licence to thrill

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Casillas' birthday wish comes true as Mourinho leaves Madrid

And so the Special One finally departs the Bernabeu. What better day to do it on than the birthday of club captain, and feud-er in chief, Iker Casillas?

The pair had a rocky relationship this season, with Casillas' Spain team-mate and Barcelona rival Xavi lambasting Mourinho for his "terrible" treatment of the keeper.

But late on Monday, Real Madrid announced that they were parting company with Mourinho by mutual consent, and the manager is set to join Chelsea within the next two weeks.

So, happy birthday to Iker Casillas, who got exactly what he might have wished for. 

Tears and cheers as the curtain closes on Premier League

Sunday saw the final round of games as another Premier League season came to an end.

Manchester United claimed the title, inspired by Robin van Persie's goals, before Sir Alex Ferguson stunned the world by announcing his intention to retire from the game, closely followed by Paul Scholes.

Deposed champions Manchester City lost not just top spot but also their manager after firing Roberto Mancini while Rafael Benitez went from zero to hero at Chelsea.

Elsewhere Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was rarely out of the headlines and Wigan claimed a memorable FA Cup win but still slipped out of the top flight.

And of course, there was still time for drama on the final day as Arsenal pipped Spurs to the fourth spot, despite Gareth Bale’s heroics, as the curtain came down on yet another season. 

Monday, May 20, 2013

Fergie, Scholes, Owen & Carragher take to the stage one last time

It's the end of the season and we are bidding farewell to four Premier League stars as Sir Alex Ferguson, Paul Scholes, Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen all call time on their careers.

As we usher in a new wave of players and managers ready to take the Premier League by storm, Sunday provides a chance for football fans to pay homage to four people who have secured their own history in English football. 

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Mourinho & Ronaldo sent packing as Atletico win Copa del Rey

A thrilling Copa del Rey final saw Atletico Madrid come from behind to beat their city rivals Real 2-1 at the Bernabeu.

Los Rojiblancos had famously failed to beat Real since 1999 but an extra-time header from Miranda ended their miserable run and ensured their 10th Copa crown.

It was a miserable evening for Jose Mourinho’s men who looked on course for yet another victory after Cristiano Ronaldo had put them ahead after just 14 minutes.

However, Diego Costa levelled the tie after the break, after some great play by Radamel Falcao, before Miranda’s late heroics.

There was further misery too for Real as they hit the woodwork three times and saw Mourinho sent from the dugout before Ronaldo was controversially sent off late on.
 

Friday, May 17, 2013

Beckham joins Fergie, Scholes and Neville in Man Utd retirement home

David Beckham once again hit the headlines all over the world on Thursday when he announced his decision to retire from football.

The PSG midfielder has enjoyed a stellar career beginning at Manchester United before taking in Real Madrid, AC Milan and LA Galaxy.

Along the way he has become the world’s most famous footballer, and a global brand, but is now set to hang up his boots after 21 years at the top level.

He is not alone, of course, as his decision follows that of former Manchester United colleagues Sir Alex Ferguson and Paul Scholes, who will also bow out of the game on Sunday.

Benitez bolsters CV as Chelsea celebrate Europa League glory

Chelsea secured their second European title in two seasons on Wednesday, seeing off Benfica in Amsterdam to win the Europa League final.

Fernando Torres opened the scoring for the Blues and although Oscar Cardozo equalised for Jorge Jesus’s men, Branislav Ivanovic’s late header won the title for Rafael Benitez’s men.

The win follows last season’s Champions League triumph and means Rafael Benitez has now become just the fourth manager to win the Europa League (or Uefa Cup in its previous incarnation) more than once.

Relegated Wigan fall into the void

Just three days after securing their first ever FA Cup triumph with a memorable win over Manchester City at Wembley, Wigan have been relegated.

Roberto Martinez’s men lost 4-1 at Arsenal and tumbled out of the Premier League after an eight-year stay and will join QPR and Reading in the Championship.

The defeat means the Latics also pick the unwanted record of becoming the first side ever to win the FA Cup and be relegated in the same season.

Speaking after the game Roberto Martinez said he “never expected” to get relegated as the FA Cup winners tumble into the void.

Sacked! City board do the Poznan as Mancini leaves

Exactly a year after leading Manchester City to their first ever Premier League title, manager Roberto Mancini has been sacked.

The announcement came as a surprise to exactly no-one, as defeat in the FA Cup final against Wigan capped off a disappointing season for the Italian and his side.

An early Champions League exit, followed by a dismal defence of their Premier League crown, saw the City board run out of patience with the Italian.

Manuel Pellegrini is the favourite to replace Mancini in the hot seat and will be hoping to get the the club's fans doing the Poznan again by returning City to winning ways.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

My interview with Hayatim Futbol (in Turkish)


Here is my interview with Hayatim Futbol (in Turkish) :)




http://www.hayatimfutbol.com/kahkahalarin-arkasindaki-adam.futbol


Kung-fu Fergie lining up final battle with Rooney

Amid all of the title celebrations on Sunday, Sir Alex Ferguson dropped one last bombshell after confirming Wayne Rooney's desire to leave Manchester United.

The 71-year-old, who has one final game left in charge of United, has put the ball firmly in Rooney's court regarding his future at Old Trafford.

"I don't think Wayne was keen to play simply because he's asked for a transfer," Sir Alex said.

"I think he wants to think things through in his mind, I think that's a good idea.

"We're not going to let him go. I think he's maybe a bit frustrated that he's been taken off once or twice in the last few weeks." 

How to join AC Milan?

Mancini hangs over the abyss after Wembley embarrassment

Wigan clinched their first ever major trophy with a shock win in the FA Cup final on Saturday - a result that leaves Roberto Mancini clinging onto his Manchester City job for dear life.

The Italian watched as his side failed to spark at Wembley Stadium and eventually succumbed to a Ben Watson header in stoppage time.

All the talk prior to the game was centred around rumours of an agreement for Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini to replace Mancini.

And the defeat to Wigan - coupled with City's tame defence of their Premier League title - will not have helped the Italian's cause. 

Ferguson overshadows FA Cup final

The news of Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement has dominated the headlines this week but in case you had forgotten, there's an FA Cup final being played at Wembley on Saturday.

Manchester City are strong favourites as they take on Wigan Athletic, who are also fighting for their Premier League survival.

Several reports also suggest Roberto Mancini is battling to save his job with Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini being tipped to replace the Italian at the Etihad Stadium this summer. 

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Torres' New Secret Weapon

Going, going, gone? Rooney bidding war begins

David Moyes' appointment as the next Manchester United manager has sparked uncertainty over the future of Wayne Rooney.

On Thursday, Goal.com exclusively revealed that Arsenal and Chelsea have joined the race to sign the England international, who has already told United that he wants to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.

Let the bidding war begin. 

Master Ferguson set to welcome Moyes the apprentice

David Moyes is set to take on the mountainous task of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United following the 71-year-old's decision to retire at the end of the season.

The Everton boss has no Premier League titles or Champions League medals on his CV and will need to embark on a steep learning curve in order to replicate Sir Alex's trophy-laden era at Old Trafford.

May the force be with you, David

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Fergie time finally up at Old Trafford

The rumour mill was in overdrive on Monday evening as several UK sources claimed Sir Alex Ferguson was considering stepping down as Manchester United manager by the end of the week.

On Wednesday the 71-year-old confirmed the rumours, announcing he will retire at the end of the season and end a glorious 26-year reign at Old Trafford. The end of an era. 

No place like home: Mourinho prepares for Chelsea return

The latest in a string of clues pointing towards Jose Mourinho's return to Chelsea came on Monday after 50-year-old was spotted in a south-west Madrid branch of Ikea.

According to reports, Mourinho wasn't there to spruce up his own Madrid home either as £168 was spent on boxes and other items that have all the hallmarks of a house move. 

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Just a similarity

Ajax, Juventus & Galatasaray join title celebrations

Manchester United were joined in wrapping up their league title early by Ajax, Juventus and Galatasaray on Sunday.

Antonio Conte's side beat Palermo to put the race for Serie A beyond Napoli, while the Dutch outfit secured their 32nd Eredivisie crown.

Galatasaray picked up their 19th Turkish title with victory over Sivasspor to become the most successful team in the country's history.

With PSG closing in on the Ligue 1 championship, the likes of Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini are left to look on enviously. 

Heynckes and Klopp play Guess Who

Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich faced off in a Bundesliga dead rubber on Saturday afternoon in a dress rehearsal for the Champions League final later this month.

But both BVB boss Jurgen Klopp and die Roten manager Jupp Heynckes played around with their team selections, carefully avoiding giving too much away ahead of their European encounter.

Star players such as Mats Hummels, Lukasz Piszczek, Marco Reus and Sven Bender were rested for the home side, while Bayern made eight changes from the team that beat Barcelona in midweek.

And so with both managers keeping their cards extremely close to their chest, who knows how the teams will line up at Wembley... 

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Fact! Mourinho launches into Benitez-esque rant

Jose Mourinho may not be at Real Madrid for much longer, but the Portuguese coach made sure reporters remember his contribution at the Bernabeu on Friday.

Goal understands the Special One will move to Chelsea in the summer after an agreement was reached in principle, paving the way for his Stamford Bridge return.

But Mourinho reminded everyone of his achievements in Madrid, in a press conference similar to that of Rafa Benitez - the man he is set to replace in London - during his time at Liverpool.

"I am always hoping there is some 'smart guy' who will ask me a question which requires a piece of paper," he said.

"The record league title is mine; I have played in three Champions League semi-finals, which doesn't personally leave me satisfied. [But] it can't be easy because 18 coaches in 21 years [have only reached] five Champions League semi-finals at Real Madrid. The bad guy is Mourinho, with three in three seasons.

"My work is never valued in absolute terms but in terms of what I have achieved and that's my fault because I have won so much that the expectations are always much higher than what I am able to achieve later on.

"You journalists will want to wipe me off the list but you won't be able to - only when there is a team which wins 101 points [in La Liga]. Twenty years without winning the Copa - and we won it. The records of (100 points, 121 goals) is mine, it can't be deleted and it doesn't feed my ego." 

Rafa hits the jackpot as Luiz sends Chelsea into Europa League final

David Luiz was the toast of Stamford Bridge on Thursday night as he completed the scoring to help Chelsea beat Basel 3-1 in the Europa League semi-final second leg.

The Brazilian has developed something of a reputation for a stunning goal, and his latest - a thunderous curling strike into the top corner - was no exception.

The victory saw Chelsea secure a 5-2 aggregate victory, giving Rafa Benitez the chance to contest a Europa League final and finish his interim stay at Stamford Bridge with a piece of silverware. 

Bayern Munich too strong for weakened Barcelona

Bayern Munich booked a place in the Champions League final with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Barcelona on Wednesday night.

Already four goals down from the first leg at the Allianz Arena, the Camp Nou giants were facing a tall order in turning over the deficit.

And their task was made harder by Lionel Messi's lack of fitness, with the Argentina star only able to watch on from the bench.

What followed was a dominant showing by the Bundesliga side, who were simply too strong for Barcelona.

Arjen Robben opened the scoring with a superb strike, before Gerard Pique deflected a cross into his own net and Thomas Muller completed the rout with a header from close range to seal a humiliating 7-0 aggregate defeat for Tito Vilanova's men. 

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Goodbye Bernabeu! Mourinho welcomed back at the Bridge

Jose Mourinho gave the biggest indication yet that he is set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season after watching is side suffer elimination from the Champions League to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.

"I know I'm loved in England," Mourinho said after Madrid won 2-0, but were beaten 4-3 on aggregate by the Bundesliga side. "Loved by the fans, the media. I know I'm loved by some clubs - especially one."

Goal.com understands the Special One has agreed a deal to return to Chelsea, with Falcao set to follow him to Stamford Bridge.

And while Branislav Ivanovic has admitted the Blues 'cannot wait' for Mourinho to return, the likes of Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas might be pleased to see the back of him at the Bernabeu.