Rosell's special delivery for Neymar's parents

The controversy surrounding the resignation of Barcelona president Sandro Rosell rumbles on in Spain.

Rosell stepped down on Thursday, following the announcement of an investigation into the transfer of Neymar to Camp Nou.

At a press conference on Friday, Rosell's replacement, Josep Maria Bartomeu, was adamant the deal to sign the Brazil international cost €57.1 million.

Of that €57.1m transfer fee, €40m went to Neymar's parents, with the deal - including a signing-on fee, commission, marketing and other add-ons - totalling €86.2m.

"I guarantee we have not lied," Bartomeu said, denying any wrongdoing. "Football games are won on the field of play and we have always been highly responsible in the way we have dealt with our contracts. My colleagues have a high level of expertise."

Saturday, January 25, 2014 12:00

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Crocked Falcao sucked into World Cup abyss

Radamel Falcao is set to be another high-profile star missing from the World Cup after being ruled out for six months through injury.

The Colombia international tore his anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Monaco against Chasselay in the Coupe de France meaning he will play no part in this summer’s tournament in Brazil.

The striker insists he still retains a small hope he will be fit in time, but it is expected that like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who missed out on qualification with Sweden, he will have to make do with simply watching the action.

Friday, January 24, 2014 12:10

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Manchester United pay the penalty in Capital One Cup

Manchester United’s season took another turn for the worse on Wednesday night as they crashed out of the Capital One Cup in the semi-final second leg Old Trafford.

Phil Bardsley thought he had sent Sunderland to Wembley after scoring deep into extra-time before Chicharito’s even later strike ensured the game went to penalties.

A far from impressive set of spot-kicks ensued with the Black Cats triumphing 2-1 in the shoot-out with Danny Welbeck, Adnan Januzaj, Phil Jones and Rafael all missing for the Red Devils.

Thursday, January 23, 2014 10:44

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Moyes tries to sneak Mata away from Mourinho

With his team struggling in the Premier League, Manchester United manager David Moyes is understandably keen to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.

One man on the Scot’s radar is Chelsea bench-warmer Juan Mata who Jose Mourinho has previously claimed he does not want to sell.

However, Manchester United are not to be deterred and have stepped up their interest in the Spaniard who they hope they can convince to swap Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 11:42

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Cry-baby Ribery throws his toys out of the pram

Franck Ribery has not taken losing out on the Ballon d’Or to Cristiano Ronaldo at all well, if his latest comments are anything to go by.

The Bayern Munich man finished third behind the Real Madrid ace and Lionel Messi despite winning a historic treble with the Bundesliga side last season.

"I won everything I could win with Bayern and individually. Ronaldo on the other hand did not win anything," he told AZ.

"I am not sad that I missed out, but it does hurt a bit. I deserved to win the Ballon d'Or.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 11:47

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Hat-trick hero Eto'o the star of Stamford Bridge

Samuel Eto’o struck his first hat-trick in English football to fire Chelsea to a 3-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.

After both Arsenal and Manchester City registered wins on Saturday, the pressure was on Jose Mourinho’s side to keep pace at the top of the Premier League.

As for Manchester United, defeat at Stamford Bridge has left David Moyes’ men in seventh spot, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal, and their hopes of retaining the title in tatters.

Monday, 20 January 2014 07:00

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Villa sting Liverpool in title rally

Liverpool's Premier League title challenge was stopped in its tracks on Saturday as Aston Villa claimed an unlikely point at Anfield.

Paul Lambert's side raced into a two-goal lead in the first half through Andreas Weimann and Christian Benteke, who capitalised on a Simon Mignolet error.

But Daniel Sturridge pulled a goal back before the break, and the Reds were level when Steven Gerrard scored from the penalty spot after Luis Suarez went down following a Brad Guzan challenge.

Liverpool are now eight points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal, and only two ahead of rivals Everton, who have a game in hand.

Sunday, 19 January 2014 12:00

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Wenger: Draxler sightings like UFOs

With the January transfer window in full swing, rumours and speculation continue to whirl in the Premier League.

But claims that Schalke's Julian Draxler was spotted at Arsenal's training ground were met with a smirk by Arsene Wenger during Friday's press conference.

"Like with the unidentified flying objects - some see them everywhere," joked the Arsenal boss.

"Are we close to signing anybody? I would say no."

Saturday, 18 January 2014 12:00

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Love is in the air for Ibrahimovic & Klopp

The strong bond between Jurgen Klopp and Zlatan Ibrahimovic continues as the Dortmund boss claims he adores the striker's "antics".

The Paris Saint-Germain forward had previously joked to Klopp at the Ballon d'Or ceremony that he would join the German club for free, although the Dortmund coach concedes, in reality, such a transfer is unlikely to happen.

"I like it, I love his antics, he is an extraordinary player. However, there is no option of recruiting a player of that level," Klopp told DPA.

"He told me that I should let everyone at Dortmund know that he enjoys watching us play football.

"There were years in which he probably did not even know there was a football club in Dortmund. Now he knows and likes us - that says it all."

Friday, 17 January 2014 12:00

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Ronaldo fires Real Madrid past Osasuna

Fresh from winning the Ballon d'Or, Cristiano Ronaldo was back in action as Real Madrid took on Osasuna in the Copa del Rey.

Carlo Ancelotti's men held a 2-0 lead from the first leg and quickly added to that tally with Ronaldo opening the scoring after just 20 minutes.

The Portuguese unleashed a free kick which flew straight at goalkeeper Andres Fernandez with the shot-stopper trying to punch the ball clear and succeeding only in forcing the ball onto the ground, between his legs and into the back of the net.
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