Young cub Varane proves he could be Madrid's new king

 

When Real Madrid and Barcelona meet, as they did in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Wednesday night, it is normally the two best players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who grab the headlines.
So, for a 19-year-old centre-back to draw all the plaudits, he must be something special. Raphael Varane did not only demonstrate fantastic defensive ability and athletic prowess in a superb display, he also kept Madrid in the tie with a thundering header.

Pepe and Sergio Ramos may well now be worried about their positions, after a potential new king of the Bernabeu has been announced to the world.

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Firecracker Mario Balotelli rockets off to Milan

 

Mario Balotelli may have only graced British shores for two-and-a-half seasons, yet his imminent Manchester City exit to join AC Milan represents the end of an era in the Premier League.

From fireworks to training ground bust-ups, struggling to wear training bibs to effortlessly revealing that notorious 'Why Always Me?' t-shirt against Manchester United, the Italian's spell in England has provided us with a whirlwind of memories.

Love him or hate him, you will never forget Balotelli - but for now it is time to say goodbye to Super Mario as he shoots off back to Milan.
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Drogba jumps ship to join Sneijder at Galatasaray

 

Didier Drogba has become the latest player to ditch Shanghai Shenhua for pastures new, with the Ivory Coast striker opting to join Wesley Sneijder at Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Fellow former Chelsea player Nicolas Anelka ended a similarly problematic spell in Asia to join Juventus on loan this month - leaving the Chinese club's dreams seemingly in tatters.

However, despite interest from a host of Serie A clubs, Drogba has opted for the fiery atmosphere of Istanbul, signing a one-and-a-half year deal with the Super Lig side...
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doodling Astro Boy

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Kim Thayil caricature

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Balotelli to AC Milan

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Premier League casualties pile up during week of Cup giant-killings

 

It may well be a cliche but the 'magic of the FA Cup' returned with a vengeance at the weekend as Premier League clubs far and wide found themselves dumped out of the competition by lower league opposition.

Millwall got things started on Friday night, adding to Aston Villa's woes by sending Paul Lambert's men packing with a 2-1 win at The Den.
Saturday saw yet more surprises with MK Dons thrashing QPR and non-league Luton upsetting Norwich at Carrow Road.

And Sunday saw yet more shocks with Leeds humbling Tottenham, Brentford holding European champions Chelsea and Liverpool booted out of the competition by Oldham.

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A tribute cartoon to my fans in Russia

 

I made this cartoon to my great fans in Russia, after my VK page there reached the 20 000 fans.

Here is me as the K, with 20 and the zero as a heart.

check out the page: http://vk.com/momani

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Mourinho tries to make his birthday wish come true

 

Jose Mourinho doesn't seem to be enjoying himself in Spain at the moment!

Not only are his Real Madrid side all but certain to surrender the Liga title due to languishing so far behind Barcelona, but earlier this week Madrid daily Marca reported that Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos have threatened to leave Santiago Bernabeu in the summer if their boss is allowed to remain.

But it's not all bad for the Special One. Club president Florentino Perez has come out and backed his coach until the summer, which left Mourinho free to celebrate his 50th birthday on Saturday with some degree of peace, and contemplate how to salvage a turbulent season by winning the third Champions League crown of a stellar coaching career. 

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Platini's Euro 2020 vision gets the green light

 

Friday brought confirmation from Uefa that the year 2020 will, for the first time, see the European Championships spread across 13 cities from all over the continent.

Michel Platini, president of the governing body, has been the biggest proponent of the idea and finally sees it come to fruition.

And now the stars of the next decade of international football, including the likes of Paul Pogba, Stephan El Shaarawy and Mario Gotze, can start to plan their triumphant EuroTrip!
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