Rampant Germany hit Ireland for six

 

Even the most optimistic of Republic of Ireland fans may not have been expecting to defeat Germany, but the 6-1 hammering in Friday's World Cup qualifier certainly wasn't part of the plan for Giovanni Trapattoni's men.

Doubles from Marco Reus and Toni Kroos, alongside goals for Mesut Ozil and Miroslav Klose, ensured Joachim Low's men secured a rampant win at the Aviva Stadium.

And while Andy Keough may have grabbed a late consolation goal, there is no denying that the Irish were smashed out of the park by their German counterparts...
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Braveheart Wenger has freedom to spend

 

Arsenal's chief executive Ivan Gazidis has labelled Arsene Wenger as "extraordinarily brave" in his devotion to promoting youth players and unearthing hidden gems from across the globe.

The 62-year-old French manager made some surprisingly big signings in the summer in the form of Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla after the departure of captain Robin van Persie.

And with rumours of a substantial transfer budget awaiting him in January, will Wenger bite the golden bullet and dip his toes into the market once more?

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Rooney channels his inner King Cantona

 

With John Terry retired, Frank Lampard injured and Steven Gerrard suspended ahead of England's clash with San Marino on Friday, it could be time for Wayne Rooney to lead the way for the Three Lions.

And the Manchester United star is taking influence for his new senior role from former Red Devils legend Eric Cantona, with the 27-year-old keen to help nurture the national team's next generation of players.

But Rooney, who has a chequered behavioural record himself, must ensure there are certain habits he does not pick up from King Cantona...

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Suarez heads to Uruguay to escape diving debate

 

Luis Suarez has proven no stranger to controversy during his spell in England, and the Liverpool striker once again finds himself centre stage of the latest scandal sweeping the Premier League - diving.

The Uruguayan was vilified by Stoke City boss Tony Pulis after throwing himself to the floor in an attempt to win a penalty in the 0-0 draw at Anfield on Sunday.

And with Fifa vice-president Jim Boyce also calling for the 25-year-old to be punished, Suarez looks to have departed for international duty with Uruguay just in time to avoid the backlash...
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Out of options - Hodgson calls up every man and his dog

 

International squad selections are always blighted by withdrawals through injury, and England's latest crop are no different.

Following Kieran Gibbs' thigh strain while playing for Arsenal and Frank Lampard's own inclusion being thrown into doubt, the inexperienced duo of Ryan Bertrand and Jonjo Shelvey have been called upon to reinforce the ranks.

Surely this means anyone is in with a chance of a call-up, right? Emile Heskey will be licking his lips in Australia, while sightings of Tom, Dick and Harry circling Wembley are plentiful.
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Out-of-this-world Messi and Ronaldo touch down at El Clasico

 

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho claimed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were "from another planet" after their Clasico exploits on Sunday evening - and few who watched the action at Camp Nou would disagree.

The showpiece Liga clash was billed as the Ballon d'Or decider, the match which could determine once and for all which of the world's two leading lights should be considered the greatest of the modern game. However, after two sublime goals apiece and a share of the spoils for either side, the debate has only been further fuelled.

The Argentina and Portugal stars shone the brightest on a field of stellar talent as each side fought back from a goal down to draw a thrilling contest 2-2 and leave the title race (just about) still open.

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Messi vs C Ronaldo

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OLE! Arsenal's matadors make a mockery of West Ham

 

Arsenal built their solid start to the season with a 3-1 victory over West Ham on Saturday at Upton Park as Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla overturned Mohamed Diame's first-half opener.

The defeat was the Hammers' first of the season in the Premier League at home, while Arsene Wenger's side remain seven points behind Chelsea, who sit at the top of the table.

Instrumental in Arsenal's win were the Spanish midfield duo of Mikel Arteta and Cazorla, who were able to topple the industrious trio of Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Diame.
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#BUNCHOFTWITS! Chelsea & England put stop to Cole fury

 

Friday was eventful: firstly the chiefs at the FA released the written reasons behind John Terry's ban and fine, before later, Chelsea team-mate Ashley Cole took to Twitter to berate the "bunchoft****" that had dared to suggest his account of events were altered.

Cole subsequently deleted his tweet after perhaps FINALLY receiving some intelligent advice from those at Chelsea and issued an unreserved apology to the FA. Incidentally, Cole will remain in the England squad for the two upcoming World Cup 2014 qualifiers and should hit the 100-cap mark.

What a pity this ill-thought out tirade will go onto tarnish such a monumental achievement. 

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Doors close on England for Rio

 

When John Terry announced his international retirement, the spotlight turned to Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

The centre-back missed out on Euro 2012, but many called for the veteran to be included in Roy Hodgson's latest squad for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland.

Of course those calls were quickly silenced when Hodgson was caught, prior to the squad announcement,  telling commuters on a London tube that Ferdinand was no longer part of his plans - a hasty apology swiftly followed.

 

Hart saves the day for Manchester City

 

Manchester City had Joe Hart to thank on Wednesday as the England goalkeeper produced a superb performance in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund.

The City shot-stopper was in top form at the Etihad making several sensational saves as the German champions took the lead through Marco Reus and threatened to add many more in a dominant second-half showing.

Ultimately it was Mario Balotelli who showed nerves of steel to net a late, late penalty and salvage a draw for the Premier League champions, but there was no denying that the real hero was City's No.1.
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Bayern Munich slain by BATE the giant-killers

 

Bayern Munich's impressive run of results came to an abrupt end, after a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Belarus champions, BATE Borisov.

After maintaining their 100 per cent record in the league, Bayern's loss was their first of the season, having won every single match since their maiden competitive fixture in August.

Having scored 19 goals, conceding only two, Bayern were the clear favourites for Tuesday's Champions League tie against BATE; however, the fixture, which was played at a neutral venue, did not quite go to plan.

Despite sitting joint top of Group F after defeating Valencia 2-1, the German side found the minnows from Belarus too much to handle. Jupp Heynckes' decision to rest Bastian Schweinsteiger backfired, with other big name stars such as Javi Martinez, Franck Ribery and Thomas Muller failing to stand up and be counted.
 

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Jack Wilshere's return sparks celebration at Arsenal

 

Jack Wilshere's return from injury, after spending around 15 months out with an ankle issue, has given Arsenal a reason to celebrate.

The 20-year-old played for the Gunners Under-21s on Monday as he continues to work towards reaching full fitness after the long lay-off.

Arsenal were beaten at home by Chelsea 2-1 in the Premier League this weekend, but the talented young England midfielder's addition to the squad in October could be like a new signing for Arsene Wenger.

Although he is unlikely to feature immediately in the Arsenal first-team, expect Wilshere to filter into matches through the month, challenging the likes of Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby for a starting spot.

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Gerrard's genie can't deliver his title wish with Liverpool

 

Steven Gerrard's analysis of his own chances of winning the Premier League with Liverpool was summed up in five words. It will be a miracle.

The Premier League title is the only domestic honour which has eluded the 32-year-old, who is now entering the final years of his career at Anfield which also boasts triumphs in the Uefa Cup and Champions League during his time on Merseyside.

But, with the level of competition in the top flight increasing by the season, Gerrard admits his ambition of being crowned a Premier League champion may remain unfulfilled.

"It will be a miracle if I now realise my dream of winning the title with Liverpool," Gerrard wrote in his recently published autobiography, My Liverpool Story.

"I say that because of my age and where we finished in the league the past couple of years. And also the situation we're in with the rivalries.

"There's not just United and Arsenal now but City, Chelsea and Tottenham. Newcastle coming as well. The Premier League has become a lot more difficult to win for everyone."
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كاريكاتير فيصل القاسم و الاتجاه المعاكس

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Manchester United legends Giggs & Ferdinand crumble against Tottenham

 

Tottenham sent shockwaves around the Premier League on Saturday by beating Manchester United and securing their first victory at Old Trafford in 23 years.

Jan Vertonghen, Gareth Bale and Clint Dempsey got the goals as Spurs overwhelmed their hosts with blistering pace and direct running as the likes of Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand showed their age.

Giggs lasted just 46 minutes before being withdrawn in favour of Wayne Rooney, while Ferdinand endured a torrid afternoon, and was arguably at fault for all three of Tottenham's goals.

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Kaka: I belong to Brazil

 

After spending two years wandering in the international wilderness, Kaka has been welcomed back to the Brazil national fold - and he could not be happier about it.

Though he has not played a minute of competitive football for Los Blancos this season, the playmaker has been identified as the man to safeguard Mano Menezes's job in charge of the Selecao as he was handed a recall to the squad for their
The former AC Milan icon himself admitted that he was surprised to have been included in the squad given his lack of playing time this season with the Liga champions, but revealed that the news was like receiving his first call-up all over again as he looks to reignite his seemingly-dwindling career.

A deeply religious man, Kaka has become renowned for displaying a t-shirt bearing the phrase 'I Belong To Jesus' in the Champions League final win against Liverpool. Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani imagines how the 30-year-old might demonstrate his loyalty to the national side following what could prove to be a hugely significant moment for player and country alike...

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Pardew takes Newcastle back to the future

 

With Alan Pardew signing a new eight-year contract with Newcastle United on Thursday, the 51-year old is set to stay at the Sports Direct Arena until 2020.

Pardew guided Newcastle to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, while the club's managing director Derek Llambias wants the Magpies to replicate the managerial longevity of Arsenal and Manchester United.

"If you look at clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have shown that stability gives you the best platform to achieve success, and that is the model we wish to emulate here," said Llambias.

"Alan has done a fantastic job over the last couple of years and has proved what a great Premier League manager he is. I have total respect for him in all football matters and have an excellent relationship with him which I think benefits the club enormously."

Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us an idea of the problems Pardew could be facing if he sees out his new deal...
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Lifesaver El Shaarawy at the double to keep Allegri afloat

 

With just one win from four Serie A games, Massimiliano Allegri's position as AC Milan boss looked under severe threat ahead of his side's clash with Cagliari on Wednesday evening.

Fortunately for Allegri, who guided AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2011, a goal in each half from Stephan El Shaarawy secured his side a valuable three points at San Siro to ensure last season's runners-up are in with a chance of making up for their poor start to the campaign.

"The victory is for Allegri and the fans," El Shaarawy said. "We are with him, he has our trust.

"I'm happy because of today's victory. It will give us a lot of morale for the next games."

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Copy-cat Mourinho looks to emulate Sir Alex

 

At 49, Jose Mourinho is already part of the managerial furniture in world football but the Real Madrid boss insists he wants to emulate the coaching lifespan of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 70-year-old is just over a month shy of his 26th year in charge at Old Trafford but Mourinho admits he is likely to continue his own career along the same path as the Scot.

"I understand perfectly why Alex is still in the job [at the age of 70] and I think I will be the same," Mourinho said.

"I love football so much, I love coaching so much. I will still be very young when I become 50 and I believe I have a lot in front of me.

"Fifty is a number with a certain impact - it's a number I believe sometimes has a psychologically negative impact on many people because they realise the world spins very, very fast and our lives are very, very short.

"It's a number that makes me think and look back but also look forward too. I'm such a happy person because what I have done so far I think is amazing."

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Walcott looks to carve out reputation as the new Henry

 

It may be a bold ambition but Theo Walcott has revealed his aspiration to replicate the success Thierry Henry brought to Arsenal.

The England international maintains that his time as a winger is now up and that Arsene Wenger should try him in the advanced position which enabled Henry to go down in history as one of the Premier League's greatest players.

“I love Arsenal and I love playing with my teammates and hopefully something can be sorted and I can get back in that team and get a chance to play up front," said Walcott.

"I definitely want to play up front. I think I've learned my trade as a winger now.

"I remember when Thierry Henry joined at 22 and the legend he was. Hopefully I can be the legend he was as well in that up front position."

Henry netted 228 goals in 377 appearances for Arsenal. No pressure, Theo.
 

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Shelvey red with rage at 'grass' Sir Alex

 

Clashes between Liverpool and Manchester United are always memorable games, but for Jonjo Shelvey, Sunday's meeting at Anfield was one to forget.

The 20-year-old was sent off for a challenge on centre-back Jonny Evans in the first half, and was furious with the role he believes Sir Alex Ferguson played in the dismissal.

"I apologise to the fans for getting sent off but no way was I pulling out of that tackle in a game of that importance. Im sorry," Shelvey posted on Twitter.

"I have also apologised to sir Alex, just where I come from people don't grass people up to get someone sent off."
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2001 Canvas Odyssey

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Liverpool and Manchester united over Hillsborough

 

When Liverpool and Manchester United go head-to-head at Anfield on Sunday, an epic sporting rivalry between English football's two most successful clubs will be renewed.

But ahead of the clash - the Reds' first home match since the shocking and damning findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel were published - both clubs have pleaded with their fans to respect the occasion and each other by commemorating the 96 victims of the 1989 disaster together.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has written an open letter to the club's fans urging them not to let themselves down on the day, and the general mood appears to be one of rare unity between two very different clubs whose illustrious histories are similarly scarred by the memory of terrible tragedies.
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No glove lost between Friedel and Barthez

 

Brad Friedel took to Twitter on Friday to defend himself against comments made by Fabien Barthez regarding new Tottenham signing Hugo Lloris.

"He [Lloris] is faster than Friedel, he jumps higher, and he is very strong mentally," the former Manchester United man said. "What is happening now is incomprehensible, but I am not concerned. He will become the centre-piece for the club."

Exasperated by the former France shot-stopper, the American launched a counterattack on the social networking site.

"Just saw Barthez comments," Friedel wrote. "I normally don't comment on such crap, but when disrespected by someone I don't respect I must.

"Barthez was ignorant, disrespectful and out of order to mention my name."
 

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Trent Reznor Cartoon of Nine Inch Nails

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Rodgers' babes overcome Young Boys

 

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers gambled on youth in the Europa League clash with Young Boys on Thursday night.

The Anfield boss handed debuts to Andre Wisdom, Suso and summer signing Oussama Assaidi, while Dani Pacheco was handed a rare start.

It took two goals from Jonjo Shelvey - just 20 years of age himself - but Liverpool managed to seal a topsy-turvy 5-3 battle in Berne as Rodgers' youthful side managed to finally get the better of Young Boys.

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Juventus ruin Chelsea's big Oscar night

 

It was a performance worthy of an award, but not quite enough for three points - Oscar dazzled fans at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night with two first-half goals to give Chelsea a commanding lead over Juventus.

But the Italian side would soon pull the red carpet out from underneath the Blues as Arturo Vidal struck before the interval.

And, 10 minutes from time, Fabio Quagliarella clinched a valuable Champions League point to put a dampener on what would have been a perfect night for the competition holders.
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MOU-REKA! Madrid rediscover winning DNA

 

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho appeared less than happy with his side going into the Champions League clash with Manchester City at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night.

“At the moment, I have no team," Mourinho said after the Spanish giants suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sevilla in La Liga.

But Mourinho had changed his tune entirely after watching his side come from behind to beat the Premier League champions 3-2, courtesy of goals from Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"It's good because the DNA of my team is back," Mourinho said.

He added: "We could lose and I would be proud, but we cannot lose matches like we did in Sevilla and Getafe and my happiness is not just about the three points, it is about the DNA of my team being back."

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Mancini keeps Silva safe at fortress Manchester City

 

Real Madrid face Manchester City in a mouthwatering Champions League tie at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night.

The trip to Spain marks a return to his homeland for David Silva, who is coveted by Jose Mourinho's side.

But, having tied the playmaker to a five-year contract on Monday, Roberto Mancini and the Premier League champions have made it very clear one of their prized assets is going nowhere.

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The Lonely One - Mourinho feels the heat in Madrid

 

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho continues to feel the pressure after the club's slow start to the new league campaign, which saw them beaten 1-0 by Sevilla in their last outing.

The side have now lost two of their opening four league fixtures as they fell eight points behind rivals Barcelona at this crucial early stage of the season.

Mourinho's charges have started this term in indifferent form as they look set to host Premier League champions Manchester City at home in their opening Champions League fixture on home soil, looking to put to bed rumours of unrest.

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Crouch slam-dunks Mancini into NBA rage

 

Stoke City secured an unexpected point at home to Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday, thanks in part to their opening goal, courtesy of Peter Crouch.

The former England international got more than a little lucky not to see his effort disallowed, however, as multiple apparent handballs in the build-up set City fuming.

Manager Roberto Mancini complained after the game about watching "the NBA, not football", but there was nothing that he could do. Perhaps a time-out might be in order...

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Kylie gets Cole in a spin

 

Ashley Cole may have the pressing issue of an Anton Ferdinand snub to deal with in Chelsea's clash with QPR on Saturday, but that hasn't stopped the left-back being distracted by the allure of popstar Kylie Minogue.

After enjoying the 44-year-old's hit single, 'Spinning Around', on Friday, Cole tweeted: "Wow @kylieminogue is hot in that video, spinning around, love the 90's".

Unfortunately for the England international, the track was actually released in 2000, but that hasn't stopped the saucy Aussie from getting Cole caught up in a spin...
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Craig Thompson at Mlabbas

 

I've been invited to Craig Thompson's workshop at Mlabbas in Amman, Jordan with a bunch of other Jordanian talents.

Thompson is the great graphic novelist best known for his books Good-bye, Chunky Rice, Blankets, Carnet de Voyage and Habibi.

Workshop lasted for two days, Thompson talked about his experince and taught us some of his techniques.

I would like to thank Mlabbas for the opportunity with it's owner Imad Al Shawa, and well for my friend artist/writer Mike V. Derderian who organized the workshop.

follow Mlabbas on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mlabbas

follow Mike V. Derderian on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/mikevderderian

 

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Rooted to the Emirates, Wenger's set to prolong Arsenal stay

 

Robin van Persie, Alex Song and Cesc Fabregas may have all left the Emirates in recent seasons, but one man who has no intention of leaving Arsenal is Arsene Wenger.

Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis revealed the club's intention to offer the French boss a new deal on Thursday, with Wenger already racking up a 16-year stay in north London.

While the 62-year-old admitted he will not rush into signing a new deal, he has already laid his cards on the table, insisting he is an "Arsenal man"...

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Sir Alex sweats as Kagawa & Van Persie limp back

 

With Wayne Rooney already sidelined with a gashed leg, the last result Sir Alex Ferguson will have wanted from the international break is more injuries to his collection of forwards.

He will not have been pleased, then, to see Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa limp off their flights back to Manchester. Van Persie was substituted at half-time in the Netherlands' match against Hungary, while Kagawa did not play for Japan against Iraq.

Sir Alex does, at least, have Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck to call upon as the Red Devils prepare to face Wigan Athletic.

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My Football cartoons Beginnings

 

Many of my followers asked me when did I start drawing football cartoons, well I always thought it happened recently, a year or less from my beginning with Goal.com.
But one of my friends at school; Rajy, surprised me lately with these two illustrations of  Del Piero and Peruzzi the Juventus players, these were in the 1998 -1999 season, referring to their jersey that they are wearing in these two pics.
My freind as well is a Juve fan, and I made these two illustrations back in my high school days for him as a humble gift from me to him.

 

I wonder if back then if somebody told me that am going to start that as a career later, what would be my reaction?

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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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