Bellerin, Arsenal's new king of speed

Arsenal have a new speed king, with teenage full-back Hesctor Bellerin having broken Theo Walcott's long-standing 40m sprint record.

Walcott had been the club's fastest player, having shaved 0.4 seconds off the previous sprint record held by Thierry Henry when he arrived at the Emirates Stadium.

But Bellerin has now smashed Walcott's record, and showed that raw pace in several high velocity outings during the club's pre-season preparations.

The former Southampton attacker may not be Arsenal's undisputed speedster any more, but he still insists he could beat Henry in a straight sprint.

Thursday, 14 August 2014 13:05

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Ronaldo the ultimate star of Madrid's Galacticos

Real Madrid have spent close to £100 million this summer on the signings of James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

But it was Cristiano Ronaldo who once again stole the show as Madrid left Cardiff as Uefa Super Cup winners on Tuesday night.

Ronaldo scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Sevilla as Carlo Ancelotti's star-studded side kicked off their season with a trophy win.

The new-look Galacticos boasts Bale, Benzema, James, Kroos, Modric and more, but Ronaldo remains the star attraction.

Wednesday, 13 August 2014 13:30

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Sour grapes for Nasri

Samir Nasri further endeared himself to Arsenal fans prior to Manchester City's Community Shield clash with the Gunners on Sunday.

"I just think the abuse I get is stupid," he said. "I'm not an Arsenal fan, I am not from London. To be honest we are players and we are just looking at what are the best interests for us and our careers.

"When Manchester City came for me it was the best choice to come here. Since coming to City I have won ­trophies and I have a better life so I am really happy about everything.

"If the fans can't move on it's too bad. I am not trying to have a problem with that. They do what they have to do and they love their club.

"They see that as a treason or that I betrayed them but it's not that."

Nasri was met with boos from the Arsenal faithful at Wembley and it was the Gunners who had the last laugh, coming out on top with a comfortable 3-0 win.

Monday, August 11, 2014 12:00

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Neuer unleashed as Bayern sign Reina

Could Pep Guardiola be considering a dramatic change of tactics following the arrival of Pepe Reina?

Sweeper keeper Manuel Neuer, who has made dashing from his goal to meet opponents something of a trademark, may finally get his chance to feature further up the pitch with the signing of the Liverpool goalkeeper.

Bayern begin their Bundesliga campaign on August 22 against Wolfsburg - it remains to be seen if both goalkeepers are given a place in the starting XI...

Saturday, August 9, 2014 13:00

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Desperate Suarez praying for ban reduction

Luis Suarez is in Lausanne for a personal hearing with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as he desperately attempts to drive his four-month ban down.

At present, the Uruguayan is suspended from all football-related activity and also prohibited from national duty for nine months by Fifa after biting Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder in the World Cup.

His adviser Alejandro Balbi described the ban that prevents him training with new club Barcelona as something that "violate[s] [Suarez's] fundamental rights".

Needless to say, the 27-year-old will be hoping CAS see it the same way.

Friday, August 8, 2014 12:50

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Webb hangs up his whistle... and Man Utd kit

Howard Webb blew the whistle on his 25-year refereeing career to become technical director at PGMOL on Wednesday.

The former policeman has refereed in the Premier League for more than a decade and taken charge of Champions League and World Cup finals, but will never quite shake off the unfair suspicion among certain football fans that he always favoured Manchester United.

When the announcement was made, social media buzzed with jokes about the Red Devils losing yet another big name... poor Howard.

Thursday, August 7, 2014 13:00

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Casillas still the man at Madrid

Iker Casillas was provided with something of a vote of confidence following Real Madrid's decision to offload Diego Lopez to AC Milan.

The Spain No.1, who lost his place to Lopez for the majority of the 2013-14 campaign, is seemingly still in favor at the Bernabeu despite his struggles with his national team at the World Cup.

The signing of Keylor Navas has further pushed Lopez out the door, with the 32-year-old furious at the way he has been treated by the Champions League winners, while Casillas now looks certain to finish his career in Madrid.

Sunday, August 10, 2014 12:00

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Xavi calls time on Spain career

Xavi has retired from international football after winning the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain.

The 34-year-old was capped 133 times, more than any other Spanish outfield player, while Vicente del Bosque admits the national side will struggle to find a replacement for the Barcelona midfielder.

"We have lost a unique player in the national team and it will be difficult to find another one like him,” said the 63-year-old.

"Xavi has been key in Spain's style and in all the success achieved. We'll miss him so much on and off the pitch."

Wednesday, August 6, 2014 12:00

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Van Gaal sets sights on Premier League title

Louis van Gaal has secured his first trophy (of sorts) at Manchester United after he guided his side past Liverpool in the International Champions Cup final.

Waye Rooney found the net for the fifth time in pre-season as United ran out 3-1 winners at the Sun Life Stadium, with Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard also getting on the scoresheet.

Van Gaal will now be hoping United’s encouraging pre-season displays can transfer to their Premier League campaign as they look to beat the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool to the title.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014 12:00

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Scolari makes swift return to management

Barely a month after Brazil's World Cup ended in humiliation, disappointment and a P45 for Luiz Felipe Scolari, the much-maligned coach has already returned to management.

Felipao was appointed the new head coach of Gremio - a club he left 18 years ago - on Tuesday, having only resigned from his post in charge of Brazil on July 14.

Scolari will be officially unveiled to the press on Wednesday evening - but will he receive a warm welcome after his struggles with the national team?

Wednesday, July 30, 2014 14:00

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