English Premiership Football News

[SteveH]

AC Milan set to unveil Ronaldinho 
 
Ronaldinho enjoys the attention upon arriving in Milan on Wednesday
AC Milan will introduce new signing Ronaldinho to their fans and the media at 1930 BST at the San Siro stadium.

The Brazil forward, 28, opted to join the Italian giants from Barcelona, rejecting a move to Manchester City.

He underwent a medical in Milan on Wednesday prior to signing a contract that will keep him at the Serie A club to the end of the 2010-11 season.

City had reportedly bid £25.5m for the player, but AC Milan are believed to have paid considerably less for him.

Rossoneri fans snapped up 5,230 season tickets on Wednesday alone, following news of Ronaldinho's imminent arrival.

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes said his disappointment at missing out on the star had been eased by the club's show of ambition.

"We presented our case as well as we possibly could and the fact that we are in there trying to get one of the top players in the world shows where we want to go," he said.

"I don't know the finer details of the negotiations, but the way the Ronaldinho deal was constructed was a little bit different by all accounts to an ordinary deal, so my budget would not have been affected as much as people think."

Reports suggest that Ronaldinho's negotiating team were ultimately uinimpressed by a financial package from City that was heavily weighted with clauses relating to performance, success and marketing.

Hughes added: "Obviously, I am being linked with players that I know and possibly have worked with before and then there are others that agents are trying to move on and place.

"There is a lot of that going on at the moment. It is not my way to divulge who were are going after.

"I will keep them under wraps in case someone jumps in at the last moment, but there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes."

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Milan will pay Barcelona just £14.6m for his services, with the figure likely to be increased by performance-related bonuses.

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has been in Barcelona for talks with the club and the player for two days.

The two-time Fifa World Player of the Year's time at Barcelona effectively came to an end in June when new manager Pep Guardiola announced the playmaker was surplus to requirements.

Ronaldinho helped Barcelona win back-to-back Spanish league titles (2004-05, 2005-06) and the Champions League in 2006, but failed to cement a regular place in the starting XI last season because of injury and fitness issues.
 

[SteveH]

Nigeria footballer's brother free  
 
Joseph Yobo said he was pleased his brother had been released safely
The elder brother of Nigerian and Everton football star Joseph Yobo has been released after being kidnapped by gunmen 12 days ago.

Nornu Yobo was seized at a hotel in Port Harcourt, the main city of the oil-rich Niger Delta region, where kidnappings for ransom are frequent.

The BBC's Oluwashina Okeleji says Nornu Yobo has flown into Lagos and has been reunited with his family.

Joseph Yobo told the BBC he was happy his brother had been freed safely.

"I feel so relieved and better now. It was a horrible experience that really affected me mentally and physically," he told the BBC.

Kidnapper hunt

Our reporter says Nornu Yobo was released on Wednesday evening, but it is not clear if a ransom was paid.

Police in Port Harcourt said the hunt for the kidnappers was still on.

  I just want to say a big thank you to the management of Everton Football Club and the fans for their support

Joseph Yobo

Spokeswoman Rita Inoma-Abbey told the BBC they had earlier received a demand for 200m naira ($1.7m, £862,000) for Nornu Yobo's safe return.

"We have the phone number and we're trying to track them down using that," she said.

The Everton star, who is currently in Lagos, said he was grateful for all the support he had received over the kidnapping.

"I just want to say a big thank you to the management of Everton Football Club and the fans for their support.

"Also some close family members here in Nigeria as well as everyone who played a significant role in the safe release of Nornu."

He said he would return to England this weekend.

"I can now take a rest after this sad event," he said.

"I have not had time to really relax after the hectic Premier League season, as well the World Cup qualifiers."

Our correspondent says kidnappings - more often of oil workers - have become a common occurrence in the south of Nigeria.

Although Nigeria is Africa's top oil producer and the bulk of that oil comes from the Niger Delta area, the region remains deeply impoverished, he says.
 

[SteveH]

Evra charged over Bridge 'brawl'  
 
Man Utd players were warming down when the scuffle broke out
Manchester United's Patrice Evra has been charged with improper conduct for his part in a fracas after United's league defeat to Chelsea in April.

The Football Association also found Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell guilty of improper conduct at Stamford Bridge.

The row started when United players, including Evra, were warming down and asked to move by Chelsea groundstaff.

A date for the hearing has not yet been set but if he is found guilty Evra could be fined or handed a ban.

Bethell has also been charged with using abusive language aggravated by reference to nationality and or race.

But Chelsea reacted strongly to the charge levelled at their groundsman, issuing a statement.

It read: "We believe there is no foundation whatsoever to claims that the incident which occurred after the Manchester United match on April 26 involved comments based on nationality or race, which has led to an FA charge against one of our employees.

"Chelsea FC condemn all forms of discrimination in football and society.

"Such allegations against our club are extremely serious and Chelsea will not be making any further comment until we have assessed all the implications of the charge."

United defender Rio Ferdinand has been reminded of his responsibilities to the game of football for his part in the incident after the 2-1 victory for Chelsea.

He accidentally struck a member of the Chelsea staff with a door he kicked in anger as he made his way off the field.

But has since apologised and sent the female staff member a bunch of flowers.

Manchester United and Chelsea both submitted reports into the fracas which took place at Stamford Bridge on 26 April.
The FA also took witness statements during their investigations.

"The charges are the result of a thorough investigation conducted by the FA over the last three months," read an FA statement.

"In bringing the charges, the FA used video evidence, CCTV footage and various witness statements from individuals present."

It could be some time before a hearing is arranged as both clubs are on pre-season tours with United back to take on Portsmouth in the Premier League curtain-raiser, the Community Shield, on 10 August.

 

[SteveH]

Spurs report Liverpool & Man Utd  
 
Keane and Berbatov both scored 15 league goals last season
Tottenham have complained to the Premier League over Manchester United and Liverpool's pursuit of Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane.

Sir Alex Ferguson's comments that he expects a deal to go through for Berbatov have infuriated Spurs as has Rafael Benitez's interest in Keane.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy singled out United boss Ferguson for criticism.

"It is unbelievably hypocritical given his comments in respect of Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid," Levy said.

"The behaviour of both clubs has been disgraceful. We told both clubs very early on that we had no interest in selling Robbie or Dimitar, respectively, and that they should refrain from pursuing the player.  I have absolutely no wish to sell either player and to date we have not accepted any offer for either

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy

"Both clubs arrogantly chose to ignore this request and we now have evidence that both clubs have systematically been working to prise the players away from us, outside of Premier League rules of conduct."

Ferguson announced on Friday that United had made Tottenham an offer for 27-year-old Berbatov and that he was confident that the deal would go through.

Benitez admitted earlier this month that he was interested in bringing Keane, 28, to Anfield this summer.

But it was Ferguson's comments that prompted Levy to speak out about the attempts to unsettle his strikers.

"Today's public comments by Manchester United's manager, announcing that he has made an offer for Dimitar and is confident that the deal will go through with time working in their favour, is a blatant example of sheer arrogance and interference with one of our players.

"It is also probably one of the worst offences by any manager in the Premier League to date

"As a result, we have today made an official complaint to the Premier League about the conduct of Manchester United.  606: DEBATE
Give your reaction here

"Benitez made similar comments in respect of Robbie recently and we made an official complaint to the Premier League about the conduct of Liverpool earlier this week.

"I have absolutely no wish to sell either player and to date we have not accepted any offer for either."

The Premier League confirmed they had received Tottenham's official complaints in relation to breaches of the Premier League rules K3 and K8.

The next step will see the Premier League board write to all parties before deciding whether to take further action.

United issued a brief response to Tottenham's claims with a spokesman saying: "We are aware of the allegation and will co-operate with the Premier League as necessary."

 

[SteveH]

Gilberto moves to Panathinaikos 
 
Gilberto joined Arsenal in 2002 from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro
Brazil midfielder Gilberto has ended his six-year stay at Arsenal by signing for Greek club Panathinaikos.

The 31-year-old passed a medical and signed a three-year deal after Arsenal accepted an offer of around £1m.

"I'm hungry to win more titles," said Gilberto, who has now become the highest-paid player in Greece.

"I came to Greece because I have big ambitions, it's very important for me to be able to continue to give my best. I couldn't say no to the offer."

Wenger signed Gilberto from Brazilian club side Atletico Mineiro in 2002 after he impressed at the World Cup.

The midfielder quickly established himself in Wenger's side, making a total of 244 appearances for the club and scoring 24 goals.

The Brazilian was also an integral part of the Gunners' side which won the Premier League in 2003/04 and won the FA Cup twice in 2003 and 2005.  606: DEBATE
We have seen nothing other than a committed, dignified player doing his very best for the club and its fans - thanks for all your excellent service Bertie

MCG

But he struggled to hold down a regular place in Arsene Wenger's side last season because of the emergence of Mathieu Flamini and the impact of Cesc Fabregas.

He also lost the club captaincy to William Gallas.

Gilberto was keen to join up with Panathinaikos boss Henk ten Cate, who left his post as Chelsea assistant coach at the end of last season.

"I'm sure we will qualify through to the group stages of the Champions League," added Gilberto. "I'm exited about being a Panathinaikos player."

The 31-year-old has followed AC Milan signing Flamini and Barcelona recruit Alexander Hleb out of the Emirates.

The exodus means Wenger will now look to summer signing Samri Nasri and Abou Diaby to cement their places in midfield with £5m signing Wales teenager Aaron Ramsey a prospect for the future.
 

[SteveH]

Ferguson is a Great Manager, but as a Person, i Hate this "Hypocritical Wine Alley Taggart"

Ferguson 'embarrassed' for Spurs 
 
Ferguson has been linked with Berbatov for some time
Sir Alex Ferguson says Tottenham face "embarrassment" for complaining to the Premier League over Manchester United being linked to Dimitar Berbatov.

A national newspaper quoted the United manager as saying he expected to sign Bulgaria striker Berbatov, 27.

But Ferguson denied the reports, saying: "I don't know where they got those quotes from, it wasn't from me.

"It's going to be very embarrassing for Spurs because the complaint appears to be on the basis of a story in a paper."

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy accused United of being hypocritical, given that the European Champions reported Real Madrid to governing body Fifa because they believed the Spanish champions were publicly courting Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

And the chairman said both United and Liverpool, who reportedly want to sign Spurs captain Robbie Keane, had behaved disrespectfully.

Levy said on Friday: "The public comments by Manchester United's manager, announcing that he has made an offer for Dimitar and is confident that the deal will go through with time working in their favour, is a blatant example of sheer arrogance and interference with one of our players."

Speaking after United's 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs in a Cape Town friendly, Ferguson added: "It's embarrassing for them but you know what Daniel Levy is like. He's different.

"It's something to ask chief executive David Gill about because I haven't really spoken to him about it because I've been preparing for the match."

 

[SteveH]

Cech signs new Chelsea contract  
 
Cech is widely considered to be one of the world's best keepers
Chelsea's Czech Republic keeper Petr Cech has signed a new five-year deal to keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2013.

The 26-year-old was linked with a £32m move away from the club in May but has now committed his future to the Blues.

He told the club website: "It is an honour to be at a club like Chelsea and I am happy to have renewed my contract.

"Chelsea has grown in my heart, not just because of my team-mates and all the people that work for the club but also because of their fantastic fans."

Cech's current contract had two years left to run but his improved deal will keep him at the west London club for the next five years.

The Czech international joined Chelsea from French club Rennes for £7m in 2004 and has made 166 appearances for the club, keeping a remarkable 90 clean sheets.

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari added: "I am delighted that Petr has signed a new contract.

"In my view he is the best goalkeeper in the world, so I am very pleased that he will remain with me at Chelsea."

In his first season, Cech was awarded the Barclays Premiership Golden Gloves as he set a new record in top-flight football for not conceding a goal in 1,024 minutes and for the most clean sheets (21) in a single Premier League season.

He was also voted Uefa's most valuable goalkeeper in the 2005/06 season.
 

[SteveH]

Makelele leaves Chelsea for PSG 
 
Veteran French midfielder Claude Makelele has been released on a free transfer by Chelsea, allowing him to sign for Paris St Germain.

The 35-year-old, who spent five years at Stamford Bridge, will be unveiled by PSG at a news conference on Monday.

"Everyone at Chelsea would like to thank Claude for the service he has given us," said a club statement.

Makelele joined Chelsea from Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2003, costing the Stamford Bridge outfit £16.8m.

He won two Premier League titles and played 217 times for Chelsea, scoring two goals in the process.

The statement added: "Claude has been a key part of our trophy success and we wish him well for the future.

"He will always be welcomed back to Stamford Bridge in the future either as a player or friend of the club."

Makelele's last match for the club was their Champions League final defeat by Manchester United in Moscow in May.

He retired from international football - for the second time - in June after their disappointing exit from Euro 2008, after winning 71 caps.
 

[SteveH]

Crouch backs Wright-Phillips move 
 
Wright-Phillips is a transfer target for Pompey
Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch says he would welcome the arrival of winger Shaun Wright-Phillips at Fratton Park.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has publicly declared his admiration for Wright-Phillips, who could be tempted away from Chelsea.

The 26-year-old would be likely to command a fee upwards of £10m.

Crouch told BBC Radio Solent: "Shaun is a fantastic player. If the manager can pull the signing off, it would be great for everyone here."

Redknapp has stated that he would need to sell some of his fringe squad players, in order to release the funds to make further big-money signings.

Crouch signed for Pompey from Liverpool for £11m earlier this month.
 

[P-N]

Crouch backs Wright-Phillips move 
 
Wright-Phillips is a transfer target for Pompey
Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch says he would welcome the arrival of winger Shaun Wright-Phillips at Fratton Park.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has publicly declared his admiration for Wright-Phillips, who could be tempted away from Chelsea.

The 26-year-old would be likely to command a fee upwards of £10m.

Crouch told BBC Radio Solent: "Shaun is a fantastic player. If the manager can pull the signing off, it would be great for everyone here."

Redknapp has stated that he would need to sell some of his fringe squad players, in order to release the funds to make further big-money signings.

Crouch signed for Pompey from Liverpool for £11m earlier this month.
 

Luckily my last two houses sold and finished this week - will send a cheque when the money is received next week 'Arry........well every little helps   

[SteveH]

Redknapp hails Pompey strike pair 
 
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has hailed the early promise shown by his new strike partnership of Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe.

The pair started together for the first time in Pompey's 4-1 friendly win at Redknapp's old club Bournemouth.

Crouch netted a brace, while Defoe also got on the scoresheet.

"It was great to see them playing together, now we need the other players in the team to learn how to use Peter," Redknapp told the club's website.

"I think they could be the best partnership since Johnny Dick and Vince Keeble, they played together for West Ham and were absolutely fantastic, they were like peaches and cream."

Sulley Muntari was also on target at Bournemouth, while another Pompey XI, including England goalkeeper David James, drew 1-1 at Blue Square South side Dorchester.

The Big Man Westwood was there in his Shorts and Colours,Big Hat and Loud Bell!!!!
 

[SteveH]

Ferguson doubts Chelsea challenge  
 
Ferguson wants to retain his Premier League and Champions League crowns
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Chelsea's ageing squad may struggle to challenge his side for major honours next season.

The Scot says Liverpool and Arsenal are as much of a threat to United's hopes of retaining the Premier League title.

"Chelsea are an experienced side and I don't see outstanding progress coming from a team in their 30s," he said.

"I wouldn't write off Liverpool or Arsenal. It has been understated what Arsenal achieved last season."

Ferguson, whose squad are currently on tour in South Africa, added: "They suffered injuries at a bad time, Arsenal - in February they lost most of their midfield.
 
They are the first shots of a very phoney war and a salvo Scolari will brush aside

"Who is to say that it would not have been closer if Arsene Wenger had kept his players fit?"

As for Chelsea, they have high hopes of regaining the title after bringing in new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari and splashing out £24m on Portuguese internationals Jose Bosingwa and Deco.

But Ferguson says it will be difficult for Scolari to improve on what they have done in the past, with essentially the same group of players.

"I'm not concerned about Chelsea, I just don't know how far that team has got to go," stated Ferguson, who saw United beat Orlando Pirates 1-0 in Durban on Tuesday, thanks to a goal from Lee Martin.

"They have lots of experience and big-game temperament and in a sense Scolari is fortunate, joining a big club with a team of internationals.

 We need to define his role a bit better and I have to take some responsibility for that

Sir Alex Ferguson on Wayne Rooney
"But it's hard to see where there is going to be an improvement. Maybe they have reached a plateau - although perhaps that's not the right word."

Ferguson has also revealed his concern over the role of Wayne Rooney.

The England striker was not at his best for much of last season, despite United winning the Premier League and Champions League and Ferguson admits he must take a share of the blame.

The Scot confirmed: "We need to define his role a bit better and I have to take some responsibility for that.

"I think he has sacrificed himself for the team, which says a lot about the lad because he never complained.

"We have played him wide and in other positions - he would play at centre-half if we asked him to.

"He may have benefited from having someone with more experience alongside him, that always happens with young strikers as he was never going to be the finished article at 22.

"We signed him for his potential, which is why we paid £26m for him. In a few years we'll be saying that is really brilliant business."

 

[SteveH]

Scolari begins reign with victory 
 
Lampard (left) and Wright-Phillips were both on the scoresheet in Guangzhou
Frank Lampard was on the scoresheet as Chelsea crushed Guangzhou Pharmaceutical 4-0 in Luiz Felipe Scolari's first game in charge.

Lampard, who is yet to commit his future to the club, scored with a delightful chip to put Chelsea 2-0 up.

Salomon Kalou had slotted in Chelsea's first, while Argentine teenager Franco di Santo and Shaun Wright-Phillips added late goals in Guangzhou.

Jose Bosingwa came off just 20 minutes into his debut with a thigh injury.

However, Chelsea have confirmed the substitution of the Portugal right-back was merely precautionary.

Midfielder Deco also made his debut, playing alongside Lampard - who is in the final year of his Chelsea contract and has been strongly linked with a move to Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan.

But the 30-year-old England midfielder has made the trip to Asia for the pre-season tour and played the full 90 minutes on Wednesday.

Scolari said: "I have said before, Frank is here, he is with us training and playing very well, he is an important player for us.

"The speculation is normal because until 31 August there will be a lot of speculation."

Scolari declared himself happy with his side's first outing, the Brazilian's debut as Chelsea boss.
 
He had found his new club in the news earlier in the day after Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson suggested the Blues could struggle to compete for the title because of their age.

Scolari, though, refused to be drawn into an argument.

"I will not answer this question. This is not a question for me," said the former Portugal coach.

"I think I have a lot of experienced players and also some young boys in my team but I feel we have experience for the Premier League or whatever league."

 

[SteveH]

Muntari to complete Inter switch 

Lets say  £4M Profit for Pompey after Wages
 
Muntari joined Pompey from Udinese for £7m in May 2007
Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari is set to complete his move to Italian giants Inter Milan on Friday.

The 23-year-old is in Italy undergoing a medical and is expected to join Jose Mourinho's side in a deal worth £12.7m.

Muntari's agent Fabien Piveteau told BBC Sport: "Sulley is having a medical on Friday and we think the deal will go through on the same day."

Meanwhile, BBC Sport understands Portsmouth are lining up a move for Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Last month, Pompey boss Harry Redknapp revealed the former Manchester City man would be an ideal signing for the south-coast club.

"He'd be a hit here - the fans would love him," said Redknapp. "He's my type of player but the problem is whether we can afford him."

Wright-Phillips would not be a direct replacement for San Siro-bound Muntari but would increase Pompey's attacking options.

Muntari has agreed a four-year contract with the Italian champions, who turned to the Ghanaian after failing in their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.

Piveteau added: "Inter are a very big club playing Champions League football and Sulley is extremely happy to be joining them.

"He was a big fan of Mourinho when he was in charge of Chelsea and is happy to be joining him at Inter."

Portsmouth signed Muntari from Udinese for £7m in May 2007 and he was an ever-present in their first team last season, scoring seven goals.
 

[SteveH]

Pompey's Africa landing aborted 
 
Portsmouth defender Linvoy Primus said his team-mates were shocked
A plane carrying Portsmouth's footballers to Nigeria for a pre-season trip had to abort its landing in Abuja.

The pilot of the Airbus 319 abandoned the descent after failing to gain clearance from the control tower.

The team were instead flown around for half an hour in stormy conditions before a successful landing was made.

Pompey defender Linvoy Primus said: "We were just above the runway when the pilot suddenly pulled the plane out of the landing and back up in the sky."

He told the club's official website: "We were all shocked. No-one knew what was happening. There had been no warning that there was a problem.

"But credit to the pilot who soon told us that he had been unable to establish contact with the tower and had decided not to land.

"After circling for half an hour in lightning he then managed to get us down safely."

Portsmouth were set to play Kano Pillars on Saturday before taking on Community Shield opponents Manchester United in a warm-up game on Sunday.
 

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