Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Cristiano Ronaldo Takes Squad Number 9 At Real Madrid

Posted by Ahmed Ebrahim

World record signing Cristiano Ronaldo has selected the number 9 jersey as he paraded in front of journalists for the first time as a Real Madrid player.The Portuguese winger finally got his hands on the coveted white jersey, as his €96m move from Manchester United was sealed in front of 80,000 jubilant fans who packed the Santiago Bernabeu to the rafters this evening.


The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric as the former CR7 was revealed as 'RONALDO 9' for the 2009/10 campaign, replacing Javier Saviola who occupied the role last season.The choice of 'Ronaldo' as his shirt name is somewhat surprising.

It was widely expected that 'C. Ronaldo' would be used, given that Brazilian striker Ronaldo was a hugely popular purchase and shirt sale upon his arrival in 2002.The 24-year old has added his name to former Los Merengues legends such as Hugo Sanchez, Ronaldo, and of course the greatest of them all, Alfredo di Stefano in wearing the number nine jersey with pride, and in doing so joins an elite legacy of footballers.

At Manchester United, Ronaldo had initially selected the number 28, but after persuasion from Sir Alex Ferguson he was given the No. 7 and in doing so he joined the elite list of Red Devils such as Eric Cantona, George Best and David Beckham who all donned the jersey.

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Monday, July 6, 2009

Al Ahly Reject UAE Offer For Mohamed Aboutrika

Posted by Ahmed Ebrahim

The Egyptian champions have turned down a chance for their international star to join their UAE namesakes...


Mohamed Aboutrika will not get the chance to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup for a fourth time after Al Ahly rejected an offer from Ahli Dubai for the Egypt star.
UAE First League champions Ahli, who already have Egypt midfielder Hosny Abd-Rabou, will compete in this year's World Club Cup competition on home soil.

"Ahli Dubai wanted Aboutrika to be with them in the Club World Cup, but we turned down their bid,"
Ahly marketing director, Adli Al-Qaeyi :
"Aboutrika is not for sale, so is any of our star players. We had some changes this summer and thus we need to keep hold of our top players."

Ahly have blocked a host of offers for Aboutrika from overseas in recent years.
This summer, Ahly have already sold Angola international striker, Flavio Amado and Hussein Ali.

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Zhirkov flies in for medical

Posted by Ahmed Ebrahim

Yuri Zhirkov has flown to London to undergo a medical with Chelsea according to reports in his native Russia.

The CSKA Moscow winger has been rumoured to be close to joining the Blues all summer but it now appears likely that he will be unveiled as manager Carlo Ancelotti's latest signing next week.

The 25-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United in the past, is thought to be the subject of an £18million fee and will negotiate personnel terms once his medical is complete.

The Russian daily newspaper Sport Express revealed that Zhirkov had left his homeland to board a plane destined for London earlier on Sunday.
As of yet there has been no confirmation from either club but Sport Express claim that CSKA president Eugene Giner confirmed that the Russian international was close to joining the Blues.
Zhirkov shot to prominence at Euro 2008 where his standout performances alongside team-mate Andrey Arshavin helped guide Russia to the last four.

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Brazil regain top spot

Posted by Ahmed Ebrahim

Brazil have been rewarded for their recent Confederations Cup win by reclaiming top spot in the Fifa world rankings.
The Brazilians beat USA 3-2 in the final in June to end Spain's one-year reign at the top of the standings.


Brazil rose four spots to reach the top of the rankings while Spain - who surprisingly lost to the USA in the last four of the Confederations Cup - slipped to second.
Holland have fallen to third, World Cup holders Italy stay fourth while Germany slip two places to fifth.

Russia, England, Argentina, France and Croatia make up the top ten.
Scotland dropped two places to 24th, Northern Ireland slipped five places to 32nd, Republic of Ireland fell three places to 37th while Wales rose seven places to 67th.

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Sunday, July 5, 2009

Ghana's Junior Agogo May Dump Zamalek For Panionios Of Greece

Posted by Ahmed Ebrahim

Will the Ghana international striker finally turn his back on Egyptian club Zamalek and head to Greece?


Greek side Panionios are believed to be the favourites to land Ghana international striker Junior Agogo, who has also interested several other clubs in Europe.
Agogo looks set to snub overtures from his former club Zamalek, whose new chairman, Mamdouh Abass, would gladly have him back.

Newly promoted French top flight club Lens, German club Maniz 05 and Turkish giants Besiktas are reported to be in the chase for the big striker.
However, Panionios are reported to be willing to meet all the financial terms for the striker to move within the next month.

The only drawback would be the dispute with Zamalek over the rights of the player, he has already reported them to FIFA over unpaid wages.

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Andrea Pirlo Prefers Atletico Over Chelsea - Report

Posted by Ahmed Ebrahim

The Italian midfielder has reportedly indicated that he would favour a move to Atletico over a transfer to Chelsea...


Andrea Pirlo has been one of AC Milan's players linked with a summer exit, following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti to Chelsea.The Blues and Atletico Madrid are both understood to be in the running for Pirlo, who joined Milan from arch-rivals Inter in 2001.

And, according to Marca, Pirlo would prefer a transfer to Atletico rather than a reunion with Ancelotti at Stamford Bridge. The reason is simple: he believes his qualities suit Spanish football better.

It is also reported that the prospect of moving to the Spanish capital appeals to the player's family, especially his wife.Chelsea are, so far, the only side to have officially approached Milan, according to the Spanish paper, having had their €15 million offer rejected by the Italian giants, who value the midfielder at €18 million.

Pirlo has allegedly told the Milan board that his preference is to go to Atletico Madrid and that he would not mind signing an inferior deal if it meant a switch to the Vicente Calderon.

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Fabiano pleads for Milan move

Posted by Ahmed Ebrahim

Luis Fabiano has reiterated that he hopes to seal a transfer from Sevilla to AC Milan this summer.
On Friday, the Brazilian's agent, Jose Fuentes, claimed that Milan have made an official approach to Sevilla for the striker.
Fabiano has pleaded with Sevilla to accept Milan's approach, despite reports suggesting the offer is below the Spanish club's asking price.


"I know that Milan have made an offer and I would like for Sevilla to consider it," he told ABC.
"Until now I've preferred to stay on the sidelines, because Milan had not made me any proposals, but now I understand this is an incredible opportunity for me.
"I am happy at Sevilla, but I realise that at the age of 28 there will be few other chances like this for me. Milan are one of the best clubs in the world."

The Italian giants are keen to bring in an attacker for the new season as they look to replace Kaka, who has signed for Real Madrid.
Further speculation suggests Real attacker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is also a target of Milan, with the Rossoneri eyeing a loan deal.

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