Berlusconi vetoes AC Milan summer spending spree

 

It turns out AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi is a spoilsport.

Just after raking in close to €60 million (£47m) from the sale of influential pair Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, an appetite-whetting shopping spree was expected in Milan.
However, Berlusconi has told those involved that no such flirting with the market will now take place as the cash was needed to balance the books at the San Siro outfit – with the club instead needing to nuture young talent in order to survive.

"The economic situation no longer allows for the shopping sprees of the early '90s," the former Italian Prime Minister told Milan Channel.

"We cannot buy well-established players, such as those that characterised the transfer campaigns of recent years.

"We must build a great team from the youngsters. Barcelona have done it like this. And remember that Milan also started like this, with [Paolo] Maldini, [Franco] Baresi, [Alessandro] Costacurta."

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Tevez erases dreams of Van Persie

 

Robin van Persie was omitted from Arsenal's tour of Asia earlier this month and is believed to be heading to Manchester City following his decision not to renew his contract.

Yet, a month into the transfer window, the Dutchman remains in north London. Meanwhile on City's very own Asian tour, Carlos Tevez has done his best to remind Roberto Mancini that he still exists, netting his first goal of pre-season on Monday against Malaysia XI.

And so, as the new Premier League season fast approaches, perhaps utilising a revitalised Tevez would overshadow Mancini's dreams of Van Persie.

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Ronaldo runs from 'martian' Messi

 

It is a regularly debated topic by readers of Goal.com: Who is the best player in the world, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?

The pair are set to come up against each other again this season in La Liga, and in the running for personal accolades such as the Ballon d'Or and the Goal.com 50.

But, according to Argentine coach Alfio Basile, the Barcelona superstar is hiding something of an unfair advantage.

"You cannot compare anyone to Messi," Basile said. "Cristiano Ronaldo is a great human player, but Messi is a Martian."
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Shevchenko the elder statesman of strikers retires to go into politics

 

It was the end of an era for Ukrainian football on Saturday, with legendary striker Andriy Shevchenko announcing his retirement from the game.

The 35-year-old has concluded an illustrious career which saw him line up for the likes of AC Milan, Chelsea and Dinamo Kiev, with his final appearance for the national team coming in last month’s Euro 2012 tournament – played host to by Ukraine and Poland.
Yet a career in management does not await for Shevchenko, with the player announcing his intention to enter the world of politics instead…

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Balotelli dreams of UFC glory

 

A Premier League title followed up by three goals for Italy on the way to the final of Euro 2012 - you could be forgiven for thinking Mario Balotelli might be happy with what he achieved over the last season.

But the striker - who is never too far from the news - harbours some sporting ambitions of an entirely different kind.

The Manchester City man has declared his love for UFC and suggested had he not become a professional footballer, he might have turned his hand to fighting in the octagon.

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Jimmy Jump at the Olympics

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Team GB & Spain fall at first hurdle

 

The men's London 2012 Olympic football tournament kicked off on Thursday, and there was no shortage of entertainment - as well as a few surprises along the way.

Despite Craig Bellamy's first-half opener, Team GB were pegged back by a physical Senegal side and had to settle for a draw at Old Trafford.
And earlier, in the biggest shock of the round, Spain, featuring Juan Mata and Javi Martinez among others were beaten by Japan.

With the host nation and one of the favourites to win the gold medal stumbling at the first hurdle, another nation could emerge as victors.

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Pearce stunned by Bale's miracle recovery

 

Team GB kick off their Olympic campaign against Senegal at Old Trafford, but one player who will not be present is Gareth Bale.
The Tottenham winger was initially named in Stuart Pearce's squad for London 2012, but was forced to withdraw due to continuing problems with his back.

Bale travelled with Spurs on their pre-season tour of the USA however, playing 74 minutes and scoring in the 1-1 friendly draw with LA Galaxy.

If Team GB coach Pearce was tuning in, he can be forgiven for being shocked at the sight of the Welsh star striding around in the California sun...
 

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Inzaghi receives offside flag salute

 

By moving into a coaching role with AC Milan, Filippo Inzaghi has brought to an end a career littered with trophies including Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League, to name just a few.

The 38-year-old, who reportedly had offers to extend his playing career elsewhere, will instead coach the young players at the club where he spent over a decade.

So, the man who Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson once famously said was "born offside" has been flagged by officials for the last time.

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Sir Alex keeps fishing for summer capture

 

Manchester United have been reasonably busy so far this summer, having signed Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund and Nick Powell, the young Crewe academy product.

But Sir Alex Ferguson appears to be far from finished in the transfer market, after claiming interest in Robin van Persie this week, and speaking openly about an approach for Brazilian sensation Lucas Moura.

However, Van Persie's future remains unclear, while Lucas' agent claims a move to Old Trafford is off, meaning the Red Devils boss may have to keep fishing for a star signing this summer.
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