Rafa's lucky red pants lose their magic

 

Rafael Benitez has revealed that a lucky pair of pants he wore during all his European matches in his first year at Liverpool may have been the real reason the Reds won the Champions League.

The Spaniard won the European Cup in his debut year on Merseyside, and went on to almost clich a memorable first league title in Premier League era for Liverpool.

However, when Benitez moved on to pastures new with Inter Milan the spell appeared to have worn off - getting sacked after less than half a year at the San Siro - with him not having managed since.
 

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Hodgson gambles on Sterling

 

With injuries taking their toll on his squad, England boss Roy Hodgson took the shock measure of handing Raheem Sterling his first senior call-up on Monday.

The 17-year-old has impressed after breaking through at Liverpool this season but has just five Premier League appearances to his name and represents something of a gamble.

However, these are odds that the 65-year-old Three Lions boss clearly fancies ahead of a World Cup qualifying clash with Ukraine.
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Rooney shocked at Ronaldo's admiration... for himself

 

Wayne Rooney has revealed in his latest autobiography that his former Manchester United team-mate and current Real Madrid maestro Cristiano Ronaldo loved the sight of his own reflection.

The 26-year-old striker stated: "In the time I've been playing with Ronnie, the one thing I've noticed about him is that he can’t walk past his reflection without admiring it, even if we're about to play a game of football.

"Every match, before the team goes out for the warm-up, he runs through the same routine. The kit goes on, the boots go on. Not long after, Ronnie turns to his reflection and stares, psyching himself up for the game."

While it may not have distracted him to the extent that he missed out on Sir Alex Ferguson's team talks, thankfully, Rooney has never had quite the same problem.
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Frozen out at Chelsea, Lyon open door for Malouda return

 

After being frozen out of the first-team and forced to train with the reserves, life looks bleak for Florent Malouda at Chelsea.

But the 32-year-old's former club Lyon have come to the rescue after their president Jean-Michel Aulas claimed the midfielder would be welcome back with open arms.

"Our door is always open to former players," Aulas said. "Malouda has been in contact with our coaching team very recently."
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Blatter salutes 'general' Ronaldo & hails 'magician' Messi

 

Fifa president Sepp Blatter believes both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are "living legends" in the world of football.

The 76-year-old feels the two players are different on the pitch but thinks they possess rare quality, and he believes the Real Madrid man dominates the game while the Barcelona star lights up matches with moments of pure magic.

"Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Both! They are different but both fantastic for football," Blatter was quoted as saying by Marca.

"Cristiano wants to be the general on the pitch, lay down the law and scream here I stand. Messi, on the other hand, is like a conjurer, a magician. They are both living legends of football." 

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Europe's finest begin long road to Brazil

 

The first round of qualifying fixtures for World Cup 2014 kick off this weekend and it's a chance for many of us to see the star names which made Euro 2012 such a memorable tournament.

With Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas leading the way, the Real Madrid captain will be hoping that Vicente Del Bosque's side will be able to become the first team to retain the trophy since Italy did so back in 1938.

Roy Hodgson's England side will be hoping to make an impact on the latter stages in Brazil, as well a few of the other familiar faces such as Italy, Portugal and Germany...
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Liverpool miss out as Juve's favourite son heads down under

Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero confirmed his move to Sydney FC on Wednesday, penning a two-year deal.

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However, the 37-year-old claimed that Liverpool showed a late interest in signing him ahead of his switch to the Australia A-League outfit.

"They were one of the clubs, amongst the non-Italian sides [interested], and I was surprised to be contacted by them," he said his first Sydney FC unveiling.

But Brendan Rodgers' supposed approach was, evidently, in vain and could only watch on as The Old Lady handed her favourite son to Australian football.
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Messi avoids Ronaldo shaped elephant in the room

 

After Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his unhappiness at a "professional issue" at Real Madrid, La Liga rival Lionel Messi was quizzed on the situation at a press conference.

Some quarters have suggested that the former Manchester United man is upset because he did not win the Uefa award for the best player in Europe, with Messi's team-mate Andres Iniesta instead collecting the trophy, while others think he is jealous of the Argentine.

However, the Barcelona star refused to comment on the Portuguese's comments, instead stating: "There's no reason to ask me about what he says and vice-versa. It's nothing to do with me."

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Real Madrid bemused by Ronaldo tantrum

 

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has put the football world on alert by admitting he is upset with a "professional issue" at the club.

The Portuguese scored his 149th and 150th goals for Los Blancos in their weekend win over Granda, but refused to celebrate either strike, before revealing his reasons afterwards.

Ronaldo insisted his unhappiness has nothing to do with Andres Iniesta winning Uefa's best player award ahead of him, but who realy knows what's on Ronny's mind?
 

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Rodgers in two minds over possible owen return

 

After Liverpool's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, Brendan Rodgers was left red-faced over the lack of striker options at Anfield.

The Liverpool boss conceded he wouldn't have let Andy Carroll leave on loan had he of known that no replacement would enter his squad. While on Monday, the club's principal owner, John W. Henry, released an open letter which claimed he would not pay over the odds for players.

With Michael Owen still without a club after being released by Manchester United in the summer, Rodgers may be left with no alternative now the transfer window has slammed shut.

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