Thursday, August 16, 2012

RVP the devil in disguise

Agger 'inking' of staying at Liverpool but lure of Man City may prove too much

Daniel Agger may have given the strongest sign yet of his intention to remain at Liverpool this week by having the club's famous 'You'll Never Walk Alone' slogan tattooed onto his knuckles.
The Danish defender has been linked with an Anfield exit throughout the summer, with Premier League champions Manchester City believed to be keen on his services.

Yet despite the 27-year-old's gesture of his love for Liverpool, the lure of the Etihad Stadium and its riches may prove too tempting even for Agger.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Llorente outgrows Athletic Bilbao as Europe's hawks wait to pounce

Fernando Llorente has long been attracting glances of admiration from across Europe, as the Athletic Bilbao striker played a prominent role in the club's assault on the Europa League.

Some star turns, including a fabulously taken goal against Manchester United, have in turn attracted the biggest clubs, and the Basque striker looks set to leave the club after it was revealed he would not be extending his current deal.

So, which one of the hawks circling will be on hand to pounce for the big striker who looks to have outgrown his current club?

Hazard slips up as Mancini shows Chelsea who's boss

Eden Hazard may have cost Chelsea mega-bucks but his most memorable moments were ones he will want to forget after Manchester City romped to a 3-2 win in the Community Shield.

Having flirted with the Premier League champions, before opting to sign for Roberto Di Matteo's men, Hazard's name was roundly booed by the City fans when it was announced prior to kick-off.

Those same supporters had more reason to cheer during the game. An early dive did little to change their minds before an attempted back-heel to Ashley Cole saw Hazard trip over his own feet and end up face in the turf much to the delight of the City fans. 

Mexico pave London with gold to break Brazilian hearts

Mexico stunned Brazil on Saturday to secure Olympic gold as Oribe Peralta's double sealed a 2-1 victory over the tournament favourites.
Peralta fired Mexico ahead after 28 seconds following a mistake from Manchester United full-back Rafael before the striker doubled his tally in the 70th minute.

Hulk's late goal set the stage for a late Brazilian revival but new Chelsea signing Oscar spurned a glorious chance to take the tie to extra time, meaning Mano Menezes' side had to settle for silver.
 

Juve in disarray as Conte faces 10 months off the sidelines

While Juventus duo Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe were acquitted in the Scommessopoli scandal on Friday due to a lack of evidence, there was bad news for coach Antonio Conte.
The 43-year-old was found guilty of failing to report attempts to influence the outcome of two Serie B matches while he was at Siena, and has been handed a 10-month ban from the dugout.

Without their coach for the first time against Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana on Saturday, and with uncertainty over who will take charge after assistant Angelo Alessio's eight-month suspension, how will the Serie A champions fare?
 

Friday, August 10, 2012

Returning Suarez runs rings around FC Gomel

The London Olympics may have been a tournament to forget for Uruguay and Luis Suarez, but the Liverpool forward returned to form in dazzling fashion at Anfield in the Europa League.
After sneaking a 1-0 win in in the first leg, without Suarez, the Reds dispatched the Belarusian side 3-0 at Anfield with Suarez delighting the home fans with an eye-catching display.

The Uruguayan had a hand in all three goals for Brendan Rodgers' men as he ran Olympic sized-rings around the visitors.
 

Allure of Paris prises Lucas from Sir Alex's grasp

Sir Alex Ferguson has been left amazed after Brazil starlet Lucas Moura opted to sign for Paris Saint-Germain rather than Manchester United.
The Red Devils had looked favorites to sign the 19-year-old and his agent has even claimed the club had an agreement with Lucas.

However, the player has ultimately opted to move to Paris not least because he considers it "a much more pleasant city than Manchester" leaving a fuming Sir Alex insisting "the game's gone mad".

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Usain Bolt eyes more world records with Manchester United trial

Not content with being the fastest man on the planet, Usain Bolt has set his sights on conquering football, starting with a trial at Manchester United.

The Jamaican 100m and 200m world record holder revealed earlier this week that he had been in touch with Rio Ferdinand on Twitter, with the experienced defender promising to arrange a try-out session for Bolt with Red Devils' boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ferdinand told the sprinter: "If you want that trial at Man Utd shout me, I'll speak to the boss!! Well done in 100m, waiting for you to smash the 200m now!"

United were just pipped at the line by neighbours Manchester City in a photo-finish conclusion to the Premier League season but with the pacy Bolt in their ranks, could United have enough to get out the blocks quicker and secure glory?
 

Ronaldo's stars align as he tops the Goal.com 50

This year's Goal.com 50 has been announced with Cristiano Ronaldo revealed as the top player of the past 12 months.

Real Madrid team-mate Iker Casillas was surprisingly placed second with Lionel Messi shunted down to third after Los Blancos' title-winning exploits in La Liga last term.
The list has sparked debate and intrigue among fans and pundits alike, and is likely to continue to do so for time to come.

Not everyone has the time to pore over the facts and stats of the list in full so we have brought the entire 50 to you in the simplest of forms.