Football Genius: Alexandre Pato

Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva was born 2 September 1989, commonly known as Alexandre Pato, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a striker for AC Milan and the Brazilian national team. His nickname, Pato, refers to his place of birth, Pato Branco. The literal translation of «pato» from Portuguese to English is «duck,» which has evolved into a common nickname for him. In 2007, Pato was engaged to Brazilian actress Sthefany Brito. They mutually split up in January 2009 due to their inability to keep a long-distance relationship. However, they got back together, and on 7 July 2009, they married in a ceremony at the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro. However, the marriage lasted less than ten months, and the couple divorced on 21 April 2010, with Brito citing Pato's constant partying as the reason for their split. In 2010, he had a brief romance with Miss Brazil 2010, Débora Lyra. Incumbent European champions Milan of the Italian Serie A officially confirmed the signing of Pato on 2 August 2007.

In June 2006, at only 16 years of age, Pato was signed by Sport Club Internacional to compete in the Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-20. Despite the fact that he was competing against players up to four years older than he was, Pato became top scorer of the competition as Internacional Sub-20 defeated Grêmio 4:0 in the championship's final match. Pato was included in the Internacional squad that won the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup. During this event, Pato broke Pelé's long standing record as he became the youngest ever player to score in a FIFA-organised competition at the age of 17 years and 102 days old against African club champions Al-Ahly. Pelé was 17 years and 239 days old when he scored against Wales during the 1958 FIFA World Cup. Ready to join the Inter 13th team in November that same year, his debut finally happened at the Estádio Palestra Itália against São Paulo team Palmeiras for the Campeonato Brasileiro. Alexandre Pato met and surpassed any and all expectations of what was expected of him as he scored his first professional goal within the first minute of the game. The rest of his participation was spent dribbling and confusing defenders as he made two assists to help Internacional rout Palmeiras 4:1. He was substituted off in the 77th minute.

Pato said in an interview with the Brazilian television program Esporte Espetacular that at age 11, he broke his arm and while examining the injuries, doctors found a tumour in the arm and feared the arm needed to be amputated. A successful operation removed the tumour. Due to FIFA football regulations regarding non-EU minors, Pato was unable to play official matches for Milan until 3 January 2008, when the Italian transfer window and registration reopened. Milan, however, were allowed to include the player in friendlies and training beginning 3 September 2007, one day after his 18th birthday. Pato made his non-competitive debut in a 2–2 draw against Dynamo Kyiv on 7 September 2007 and scored a header. On 4 January 2008, Pato's transfer to Milan became official.

Pato scored his first Milan goal on his Serie A debut against Napoli in a 5:2 home victory on 13 January 2008. He scored his first brace for Milan, in a 2:0 victory over Genoa at the San Siro on 27 January. He finished the 2007–08 season with nine goals in 20 appearances. Keeping up with his promising figure, Pato debuted at the Campeonato Gaúcho on 24 February against Veranópolis and scored a goal in the 2:1 victory. He also debuted in Copa Libertadores on 28 February against Emelec of Ecuador and scored once during the 3:0 thumping. But the biggest highlight of Pato's time with Internacional was during the Recopa Sudamericana, as he helped Internacional win their first ever title of that competition. Against Pachuca of Mexico, he scored one goal in the 2:1 defeat in Mexico. But on the return game on 7 June and with more than 51,000 Colorados present, Pato had a great performance as he scored once and led the 4:0 thrashing to win Internacional's third international title. On 13 September, in a Champions League group-stage match against FC Barcelona, Pato scored the fifth-fastest goal in the competition's history, 24 seconds after kick-off. Later that month, he suffered a thigh injury during a 1:1 draw with Udinese. Pato made his return as a sub against Fiorentina and hit the post in the 79th minute in a 0:0 draw. He then scored and won a penalty in a 4:0 win against Chievo and in midweek, scored against Viktoria Plzeň and setup Robinho in a 2:2 draw. He started against Bologna the next week in a 2:2 draw. In January 2012, Pato was on the brink of moving to French Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain. This move would have given Milan the opportunity to make a bid for Manchester City's Carlos Tévez. On 12 January, however, Pato refused the transfer, citing his commitment for the Rossoneri. During the Coppa Italia round of 16 victory over Novara, Pato picked up a muscle strain in his thigh, which tests revealed an injury of his biceps femoris of his left thigh, resulting in him missing the remainder of the season.

On 21 October 2012, Pato made his return to Milan, in which he assisted El Shaarawy for the second goal in a 3:2 away defeat to Lazio. On 6 November 2012, in a Champions League group stage match, Pato scored his first goal of the season with a header in a 1:1 draw against Malaga. He scored again in the Champions League against Anderlecht on 21 November 2012. Before the start of the new season, Pato switched to the squad number number 9, as Filippo Inzaghi had retired at the end of the 2011–2012 season. In the third training session of the season he injured his thigh and was kept out for the first six weeks of the new season.

Shevchenko will present the Golden Ball best player of the world

The legendary striker of Dynamo's Andriy Shevchenko in the first week of the new year to 2013 an honorary Mission in Swiss Zurich, reports the Press Office of the Metropolitan Club.

There's 7 January in city Congress-Hall he will present the Golden Ball footballer of the world in 2012.

Now the 23 originally selected candidates for the Joint Award by FIFA and France Football have three stars of world football: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta. The decision on the winner is decided by a vote head coaches and captains of national teams, as well as sports journalists.

Nene: I'm going to play in Brazil

PSG striker Nene admitted that he is going to pursue a career in Brazilian Club. In the Championship of France - 2011/12 32-year-old shared with Olivier Giroud in first place in the race scorers, scoring 21 goals. A total of Nene spent the Parisians 79 matches, however he had no relations with Carlo Ancelotti.

«I'm going to play in Brazil. Already talked with Leonardo, and they agreed to let go of me. I have offers from European clubs, as well as teams from São Paulo, but for me is return to their homeland,» - Nene said.

Van Persie has dedicated a goal to the deceased friend

The Manchester United's striker Robin Van Persie has dedicated to the deceased friend goal scored in a home match against West Bromwich Albion ended in victory with a score of 2:0. Scoring a goal, Van Persie lifted the shirt of Manchester United, which was a T-shirt with the inscription «Rest in peace, Chung. We will never forget you.» - Van Persie said to Friend Chong, died the day before in Rotterdam.

It is worth noting that the Dutchman started the match Manchester United-West Bromwich Albion "on the bench, and appeared on the field at the 66th minute, replacing Shinji Kagava.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: I prefer not to read newspapers

Striker of Paris Saint-Germain Zlatan Ibrahimovic described his purpose in Paris and said that all he asked is a winning Club.

«A lot of chatter in newspapers. Yesterday the press was writing about me today. And what they will write tomorrow? Anyway, I prefer not to read newspapers. Just keep doing your job. I have to play football and fully placed on the field. I want to win with PSG - that's all that matters. Even two years ago, fans of the Club and not dreaming that they will have such a team with such players. Today we've got a fantastic Squad, we can accomplish much,» - Ibrahimovic said.

Jose Mourinho: Asking whether Casillas monument? It's not clear to me

Head coach of Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho isn't going to deify someone from the players.

And the Royal Club Captain Iker Casillas in this sense is not an exception.

«Asking whether Casillas monument? It's not clear to me. The monument is not Casillas and Madrid. A coach always has to do for the team what it could do. I see no need to erect monuments or something in that spirit!» - Mourinho said.

As we have informed, in an away match 17-th round of the National Championship with Venables Mourinho planted Casillas on the bench, sparking disbelief and dismay among many.

Eric Abidal: Sometimes I was not easy when waking up in the morning

FC Barcelona defender Eric Abidal said he never has come to get away from the big football.

Earlier, French footballer twice subjected to surgery because of a malignant tumor. The second time he did a liver transplant.

«At the moment I feel good. Second surgery I underwent eight months ago, and I have a desire to fight and come back into operation. Sometimes I was not easy when waking up in the morning. But I never thought about having to hang up the boots on a nail. For football, as my family is my life. And what I do, I do in order to become an example for other people. I have passed many hurdles, but ahead of me waiting for other tests,» - Abidal said.

Carlo Ancelotti: No chance that Ronaldo will move to PSG

Head coach of Paris Saint-Germain FC Carlo Ancelotti denies reports of Spanish and French media, under which the Paris Club interested in acquiring the Portuguese striker of Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.

«No chance that Ronaldo will move to PSG. Big money is insufficient to seduce him, the decisive factor is the will of his club. I like great players as Ronaldo is, and I have a few of these players in the squad. What I read in the newspapers about the possibility of moving, doesn't make any sense. We now have 30 players per team with the arrival of Moura and I don't need to anymore,» - Ancelotti said.

Alfredo Di Stefano: Mourinho makes a very difficult job

Honorary President of Real Madrid Alfredo Di Stefano defended head coach José Mourinho.

Di Stefano called upon everyone who is going through the Real Madrid help Portuguese specialist.

«Mourinho makes a very difficult job. In Real Madrid should help him, since the entire second round ahead. I am convinced that this season's team can please their fans. Confident that we can win the Champions League. Players must do their utmost in the Spanish Cup and the Champions League,» - said Di Stefano.

Spanish media claim that Messi did Anji

Russian club that have made dizzying offer FC Barcelona's forward Lionel Messi is Anji Makhachkala.

It was reported that up to Messi's contract extension with Barcelona one of the Russian clubs offered the inducements amount, katalonskomu designated in the contract of Argentine: € 250 million. The Russian Club for football player whose name did not clarify, offered a salary of € 30 million per year, but Messi has refused to relocate to Russia.

The player recently extended the agreement with blue-pomegranate until 2018. The Argentina international will earn an annual salary of € 16 million.

Montolivo: Lately the Fiorentina I have had psychological problems

Central midfielder of AC Milan and Italy national team Riccardo Montolivo, previously played for Fiorentina, spared that left the Florentine team, which currently is above AC Milan in the standings.

«Lately the Fiorentina I have had psychological problems, but since the move to AC Milan has changed my career. Here many familiar players, so full I did not test the adaptation process. I hope that we have overcome difficult times. We remain close to the top, so it should just continue to play in recent matches,» - Montolivo said.

Marcello Lippi: I have a two-year contract with the Guangzhou

The celebrated Italian expert Marcello Lippi, who heads the Chinese Club Guangzhou Evergrande FC, refuted reports that he will replace Jose Mourinho in the summer in Real Madrid.

It was earlier reported that Zinedine Zidane, who played under Lippi at Juventus, advised President of Real Madrid Florentino Pérez to consider the candidacy of Italian.

«It is not true. Not to say that I am against when my name is flashing next to such clubs like Real Madrid, but nothing concrete. I read it in the newspaper, but nothing about conversation Zidane and Perez didn't know. I have a two-year contract with the Guangzhou and I feel good here, from all points of view,» - Lippi said.

Mancini: We have forwards the masthead light level

Head coach of Manchester City, Roberto Mancini has once again made it clear that the attackers led by him will command more, and did not rule out that this may be changing.

«We all have the same problem: we don't fill our how much should. And it means that changes are needed. Maybe you want to play without forwards and maybe with one striker. Need to do anything. If we want to be champions, you have to score goals the way did it last season.

We have forwards the masthead light level, however, in the case of scoring we act as, without the pressure to think that with players such is not necessarily now, so next time. We have four hitters in the top-tier, and it is time for them to score. This is why they are here: to crush rivals,» - Mancini said.

Manchester City after 19 rounds of the FA Cup - 2012/13 ranks second, behind leading Manchester United by seven points.

Falcao won the Globe Award for Soccer Awards player of the year

Striker of Atletico striker Radamel Falcao won the Globe Award for Soccer Awards player of the year. Awarding of the winners will take place on 28-29 December, at a ceremony which will be held in Dubai. Striker, nicknamed El Tigre in 2012, scoring 49 goals and together with the Madrid Club won the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup.

It should be noted that last year the Globe Soccer Awards Prize in this nomination was awarded a striker of Real Madrid and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo refused to renew a contract with Real Madrid

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo does not accept the proposal by club management on a contract extension.

Real Madrid's President Florentino Perez is going to offer the player to Portugal's extension of the agreement at the end of the season, but the latter had already clearly expressed its position. He's going to play out in Real Madrid the length of time that remains until the end of the current contract, and leave the Royal Club.

Recall that the reasons stated are not few. Ronaldo mood Different hypotheses as to why were his famous sorrow - until the financial. However, the player said that the problem is rooted not in financial terms and in psychology. Ronaldo asserts that in Real Madrid are not conducive to feeling completely happy person.

However, the French still hope to persuade Grande player by offering him a contract until 2018, with an annual salary of € 15 million.

Daniele de Rossi: I was born in Rome, and I never wanted to play for another team

AS Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi said that was not going to leave the Club of Rome, despite the uneasy relationship with head coach Zdenek Zeman.

«I was born in Rome, and I never wanted to play for another team. I first came to Roma study centre when I was 12 years old. This is my home. I love this town and this club. I love everything here. It would be very hard to make some changes in your life. I wanted to stay here,» - De Rossi said.

Guti: I don't think it is worth dismissing Mourinho now

Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti does not think that the idea of sending a mentor Jose Mourinho's team is successful.

World football public is now actively discussing this theme, which has become more urgent following the recent developments. As we have informed, in an away match 17-th round of the National Championship with Venables Blancos Captain Iker Casillas was on the bench, and Portuguese specialist said that replacing his Antonio Adan at this point looks stronger.

«I don't think it is worth dismissing Mourinho now. This would not be conducive to the stability of Real Madrid. We should allow him to complete the season. If he wins the Copa Del Rey and Champions League, instead of resigning he will express love and acceptance,» - Guti said.

Jose Mourinho: Adan better than Casillas

Real Madrid's coach Jose Mourinho after the match against Malaga, Blancos lost with a score of 2:3, commented on the decision to trust in goal Antonio Adan and stated that the break in the Championship is at hand.

«This was a technical decision, the decision of the coach. The coach analyzes the situation and the players that are available, and then picks up on the game. This technical solution. You can invent stories that you want, but this is a maintenance decision, nothing more. I count on your opinion. In my opinion, for now Adan better than Casillas.

Winter break is coming at the perfect time. The players are saddened and devastated emotionally. Defeat is always painful, but today the players had pushed themselves to the full, and I told them about it after the match. They have the right to relax because lost all forces tonight» - Mourinho said.

Mario Gobbi has confirmed the Brazilian club are trying to sign striker Alexandre Pato

Corinthians president Mario Gobbi has confirmed the Brazilian club are trying to sign striker Alexandre Pato from AC Milan in January. Rossoneri vice-president Adriano Galliani revealed earlier this week the Serie A giants had received an offer from an unnamed club for the 23-year-old. Reports suggest Pato is unsettled at the San Siro and the Brazil international has been heavily linked with a return to his homeland.

Gobbi has now confirmed Corinthians have entered early talks over signing the frontman.

«We sounded him out, there is interest, but we have to keep calm. I can't comment on what Milan said. This kind of subject affects the fans, we have to go slowly. And if the negotiations do happen, then great. Only then you start dating her, then you get engaged and married. Everything takes its own time.

It's still very early talks. It's like dating a woman, you sound her out first, see where she lives, get her phone number, talk with her friends, find out what she likes, check if there is interest, then you invite her for dinner. Then schedule other dinners to have success.» - Gobbi said.

Butragueno: We are Real Madrid - we will do our best and rise to the occasion

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he cannot wait to take on Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid in their Champions League last 16 showdown. Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno is also excited by the draw.

«I think the fans will be very very happy with the tie, it's very attractive. It's going to be a thrilling experience for everybody Manchester United are a great team and a great organisation, one of the most prestigious in the world. So we are very happy. We have a very good relationship with them. So we know it's going to be very, very difficult. But we are Real Madrid - we will do our best and rise to the occasion. We know it is going to be difficult, a very even tie. They are a very strong team with great leadership - Sir Alex Ferguson has been there for 25 years. He's a fantastic manager and he knows how to make the most out of his players,» - Butragueno said.

Football Genius: Diego Maradona

Diego Armando Maradona was born 30 October 1960. He is an Argentine football coach as well as a manager and former player. Many experts, football critics, former players, current players and football fans in general consider Maradona to be the greatest football player of all time. He was joint FIFA Player of the 20th Century with Pelé. Maradona was born in Lanús, but raised in Villa Fiorito, a shantytown on the southern outskirts of Buenos Aires, to a poor family that had moved from Corrientes Province. He was the first son after three daughters. He has two younger brothers, Hugo and Raúl, both of whom were also professional football players. Maradona has Italian, and indigenous ancestry. At age 10, Maradona was spotted by a talent scout while he was playing in his neighborhood club Estrella Roja. He became a staple of Los Cebollitas, the junior team of Buenos Aires's Argentinos Juniors. As a 12-year-old ball boy, he amused spectators by showing his wizardry with the ball during the halftime intermissions of first division games.

He played in four FIFA World Cup tournaments, including the 1986 tournament, where he captained Argentina and led them to their victory over West Germany in the final, winning the Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player. In that same tournament's quarterfinal round, he scored both goals in a 2:1 victory over England that entered football history, though for two different reasons. The first goal was via an unpenalized handball known as the «Hand of God», while the second goal followed a 60 m dribble past five England players, voted «The Goal of the Century» by FIFA.com voters in 2002.

He is the only footballer to set world-record contract fees twice, firstly when transferring to Barcelona for a then world record £5m, and secondly, when transferred to Napoli for another record fee £6.9m. During his professional club career Maradona played for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell's Old Boys. At club level, he is most famous for his career in Napoli where he won numerous accolades. In his international career, playing form Argentina, he earned 91 caps and scored 34 goals.

Maradona is considered one of the sport's most controversial and newsworthy figures. He was suspended from football for 15 months in 1991 after failing a drug test, for cocaine, in Italy, and he was sent home from the 1994 World Cup in the USA after testing positive for ephedrine. In 2005, he lost the weight and he overcame his cocaine addiction. His outspoken manners have sometimes put him at odds with journalists and sport executives but his honesty is admirable. Although he had little managerial experience, he became head coach of the Argentina national team in November 2008, and held the job for eighteen months, until his contract expired after the 2010 World Cup.

On 20 October 1976, Maradona made his professional debut with Argentinos Juniors, ten days before his sixteenth birthday. He played there between 1976 and 1981, scoring 115 goals in 167 appearances before his £1m transfer to Boca Juniors. Having joined the Boca squad midway through the 1981 season, Maradona played through 1982 earning his first league championship medal. Whilst playing for Argentinos Juniors, English club Sheffield United put in an offer of £180,000 for his services but the bid was rejected.

After the 1982 World Cup, in June, Maradona was transferred to FC Barcelona in Spain for a then world record £5m. In 1983, under coach César Luis Menotti, Barcelona and Maradona won the Copa del Rey, beating Real Madrid, and the Spanish Super Cup, beating Athletic Bilbao. However, Maradona had a difficult tenure in Barcelona. First a bout with hepatitis, then a broken ankle caused by an ill-timed tackle by Athletic's Andoni Goikoetxea threatened with jeopardizing Maradona's career, but after treatment and therapy it was possible for him to soon be back on the pitch. During his time in Italy, Maradona's personal problems increased. His cocaine use continued, and he received US $70,000 in fines from his club for missing games and practices, ostensibly because of 'stress'. He faced a scandal there regarding an illegitimate son, and he was also the object of some suspicion over an alleged friendship with the Camorra.

His parents are Diego Maradona Snr and Dalma Salvadore Franco. His father is of Native American origin. Maradona married long-time fiancée Claudia Villafañe on 7 November 1984 in Buenos Aires, and they had two daughters, Dalma Nerea and Giannina Dinorah, by whom he became a grandfather in 2009. In his autobiography, Maradona admits he was not always faithful to Claudia, even though he refers to her as the love of his life. At Napoli, Maradona reached the peak of his professional career. He quickly became an adored star among the club's fans, and in his time there he elevated the team to the most successful era in its history. Led by Maradona, Napoli won their only Serie A Italian Championships in 1986/87 and 1989/1990, placing second in the league twice, in 1987/88 and 1988/89. Other honors during the Maradona era at Napoli included the Coppa Italia in 1987, the UEFA Cup in 1989 and the Italian Supercup in 1990. Maradona was the top scorer in Serie A in 1987/88.

Maradona and Villafañe divorced in 2004. Daughter Dalma has since asserted that the divorce was the best solution for all, as her parents remained on friendly terms. They travelled together to Napoli for a series of homages in June 2005 and were seen together on many other occasions, including the Argentina matches during 2006 FIFA World Cup. During the divorce proceedings, Maradona admitted he was the father of Diego Sinagra (born in Naples on 20 September 1986). The Italian courts had already so ruled in 1993, after Maradona refused to undergo DNA tests for proving or disproving his paternity. Diego Jr. met Maradona for the first time in May 2003 after tricking his way onto a golf course in Italy where Maradona was playing. Diego Sinagra is now a footballer playing in Italy.

His younger daughter, Giannina, is currently married to Manchester City striker Sergio Agüero, with whom she has a son, Benjamin, born in Madrid on 19 February 2009. After the divorce, Claudia embarked on a career as a theatre producer, and Dalma was seeking an acting career; she had expressed her desire to attend the Actor's Studio in Los Angeles. His Mother, Dalma, died on 19 November 2011. Over the years following his retirement his health seriously deteriorated. On 4 January 2000, while vacationing in Punta del Este, Uruguay, Maradona had to be rushed to the emergency room of a local clinic. In a press conference, doctors stated that it was detected heart muscle damage due to "an underlying health issue". It was later known that traces of cocaine were found in his blood and Maradona had to explain the circumstances to the police. After this he left Argentina and went to Cuba in order to follow a drug rehab plan. Diego was in Dubai at the time, and desperately tried to fly back in time to see her, but was too late. She was 81 years old. From the mid-1980s until 2004 Diego Maradona was addicted to cocaine. He allegedly began using the drug in Barcelona in 1983. By the time he was playing for Napoli he had a regular addiction, which began to interfere with his ability to play football.

Prandelli is still counting on Balotelli in Italy National Team

Italy's coach Cesare Prandelli told reporters that will continue to be in the national team Manchester City 's striker Mario Balotelli, who has not obtained this season.

«I still look forward to it in your team. He should always play for the national team, he has the potential. I have a certain advantage over Manchester City coach Mancini. The team is 3-4 Balotelli and simply does not have time to scandals,» - Prandelli said.

Pedro: The tour was excellent for us

FC Barcelona winger Pedro Rodriguez did not hide the joy of victory with a score of 4:1 over Atletico in a match 16-round Spanish La Liga, but called on blue-pomegranate not ease off, despite the gap in 13 points behind Real Madrid.

«In the last match we played the goal effectively and so won big. Our team won an important victory, while Real Madrid lost points at home. The tour was excellent for us. At the same time, we must not relax. The race is not over yet, despite our big break. We must continue to play in the same vein, to lose so few points as possible,» - Pedro said.

Juventus had left them with the Defender Lucio

The current champion and current Championship leader Italy Serie A, Juventus announced that prematurely terminated the contract with Brazilian defender Lucio. 34-year-old left the Torino on a free transfer. The Lucio joined Juventus this summer, after his contract expired with Inter. The player's defence agreement was calculated for two years. However, in the first team since then, Lucio has played just four matches.

According to unofficial data, the career world champion-2002 will continue in Germany or Brazil.

Delio Rossi became the new head coach of Sampdoria

Sampdoria determined leadership named the new head coach. As the press service of the Genoa, lead a team will be a 52-year-old Delio Rossi. Terms of the agreement and the financial side of the contract have not been announced.

In this post was replaced by Ciro Ferrara, who was sacked yesterday, after the defeat of Catania in the Italian Cup. Last place of work, Rossi was Fiorentina, where specialist who worked with Palermo, Lazio, Lecce and Atalanta, retired in May this year.

Carles Puyol: With my new contract in Barcelona will have no problems

34-year-old central defender and captain of Spain national team and FC Barcelona Carles Puyol in an interview with the French press had said that was not going to hang up the cleats on a nail very soon.

«With my new contract in Barcelona will have no problems, I want to continue the performances for the Club. I intend to play at a professional level to 40 years and wish to do so. 

Can we say that we have already won the title of champion of Spain? No, we need to continue to fight every game like it's the last game for us. Of course, we have a big advantage, but you can pay dearly if his to lose,» - Puyol said.

Michael Ballack: I want to say goodbye to the fans

Former Germany Captain Michael Ballack has denied published a day earlier by the German Internet publications with information that he has tentatively scheduled a farewell match June 5, 2013, the city of Leipzig at the Red Bull arena.

«The idea to hold a farewell match is, it's true. Moreover, the issue is quite intense. However, I was surprised after reading reports about the specific date and venue. The fact is that this issue is not yet resolved. When you see the specific information I will report. I want to say goodbye to the fans, but new information is speculative,» - Ballack said.

Mancini: Today all my team played well

Manchester City's coach Roberto Mancini said the victory of their wards with a score of 3:1 in an away match against Newcastle United in the 17-th round of the Championship of England.

«Today all my team played well. We could have scored more, and five, and six, or even seven goals. There were a lot of moments. When you miss so many chances, everything may change if the opponent will punish thee bare, but the situation was fortunately because we scored more. Will tell you that a large number of created things reminded me of last season,» - Mancini said.

Andrea Stramaccioni: Klose is a world-class striker

Head coach of Inter Milan, Andrea Stramaccioni commented on the game for his team in the match against Lazio, which ended with the victory of the Romans with a score 1:0.

«Lazio played better in the first 45 minutes, and it was hard for us, we could not find approaches to target. But in the second half inter looked wonderful, we deserve the hammered the ball just ran out of luck in some episodes. And then Klose showed he is a world-class striker-take off my hat to him. But we did not deserve defeat.

Lazio was superb in the first half of the Championship, but I don't think I've seen teams that would come here, at the Stadio Olimpico, and transported to the Romans so many problems as we did in the second half. Of course, we may not win, but the team played and the defeat is not deserved,» - Stramaccioni said.

Allegri: Robinho always shows excellent game

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said his team's striker Robinho, who was runners-up Italy does not intend to let go.

«Robinho is proved by its goals and efficient transmissions. He always shows excellent game. Will see what happens in January, but I hope and believe we will lose that player. He proved that a great professional,» - said Allegri about Robinho, who is willing to return the Brazilian Santos.

It should be reminded that club owner Silvio Berlusconi made it clear he intends to persuade the player to stay in the team. For Santos Robinho made the 2005 year 2002.

Maxi Lopez: Ronaldo also fascinates me, but compared with Messi is simply impossible

Italian Sampdoria's striker Maxi Lopez believes that the FC Barcelona striker Lionel Messi will once again be the title footballer of the year, the Spanish media.

As we have informed, the Golden Ball FIFA claim, except for Messi, his claim a Andres Iniesta and striker Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.

«You cannot prevent Messi Golden Ball. In my head doesn't fit what he does on the field. This beast has scored 88 goals and only one year. Ronaldo also fascinates me, but compared with Messi is simply impossible,» - Lopez said.

Marchisio: Now we are completely focused on the matches with Atalanta and Cagliari

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio expressed confidence that with the return after the disqualification of head coach Antonio Conte, the Turin Club will present an even more formidable force.

«It was very difficult to play without a coach after winning the previous Championship. After such serious wins need someone who will guide you. But we already Conte maintained their high level, and now that he is back, we're going to play even better.

We have achieved the first two objectives - advanced to the knockout stage of the Champions League and established a bridgehead at number one in the Italian Cup. Now we are completely focused on the matches with Atalanta and Cagliari,» - Marchisio said.

Florentino Perez: Casillas is one of the great masters in the history of Real Madrid

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez addressed words of praise team goalkeeper Iker Casillas. The head of the Royal Club believes that the role of Captain, Blancos for the team cannot be overemphasized.

«Casillas is one of the great masters in the history of Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. This is a living legend of our club that has all the values of «Madridizm»,» - Perez said.

Earlier it was reported that Peres today, 15 December, intends to defend Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho. Recently the media have frequently reported that Portuguese specialist leaves the Spanish GP at the end of the season.

Fernando Torres: We began to play better

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres's duty that with the arrival of head coach Rafael Benitez London team on the field feels much better than before.

«As a team, we become stronger and act as one unit. We began to play better and in attack and in defence. This season we have met the very high level. The team had a hard time, but Benítez was able to unite us. I feel much better, and my Deco series continues. Hope I can check out bare and on Sunday,» - Torres said.

Hamsik: I'm happy to be wearing a T-shirt of the Club

Italian Napoli's Slovak midfielder Marek Hamsík stated that, despite persistent rumors, he is not thinking about a possible move to French club Paris Saint-Germain.

«My contract with Napoli is five years. I'm happy to be wearing a T-shirt of the Club. My team has made significant progress, and we want to remain at the top of Italian football. Yes, I've heard and read about the rumors that linked my name with PSG but I can say that now I have no reason to change my club,» - Hamsik said.

AC Milan will play Juventus in the Italian Cup

AC Milan players have achieved a landslide victory over the Regina in 1/8 finals of the Italian Cup. The game, held at the San Siro ended with a score of 3:0 in favor of AC Milan. Goals of the victors were Mario Yepes, Mbaye Niang and Giampaolo Pazzini.

In the quarter-finals of the tournament where they will play AC Milan against Juventus in the previous phase, which beat Cagliari with a score 1:0. The game between the best Italian football will be held on 9 January.

Tightening of security measures in Germany's stadiums

German football Bundesliga, as well as two top division clubs of Germany have agreed to tighten security measures at stadiums. The leadership of the League and representative 36 36 teams voted for the introduction of strict inspections at the stadium for pyrotechnics, as well as the introduction of limiting sales of tickets to out-of-town fans.

«Professional football is won. All 16 were adopted by a majority vote points. This decision is not against football fans, it's football and its future,» - Bundesliga's President Reinhard Raubol said.

Messi scores 88th goals of the year

Catalan FC Barcelona striker and striker Lionel Messi has improved personal performance 2012 year. In the Spanish city of Cordoba in the first leg of the 1/8 final of Cup of Spain Messi at the 74th minute scored twice, the second goal in this match became an 88th a year.

The record for most goals in a year is a long time belonged to Gerd Mueller, the German had scored 85 goals in 1972, in official matches for Bayern and the national team of Germany. However, today, 11 December, the Zambian Football Federation promised to provide a document stating that the record for most goals in a year is delivered to that country. In Zambia, claim that in 1972, Godfrey Chitalu striker scored 107 goals.

Today with data that is not Messi is a holder of record, Coordinator of research and statistics, Flamengo Bruno Lucena. According to him, the legendary red-and-black striker Zico scored in 1979, 89 goals.

Jose Mourinho: I would like to mention the game of Raphael Varane

Head coach of Real Madrid Jose Mourinho has commented on the first leg of the 1/8 final of the National Cup with Celta Vigo, the Spanish press reported.

Playing away, Blancos capitulated with a score 1:2.

«I would like to mention the game of Raphael Varane. This champion. He played injured and has made more of some players who were not injured. I will not hide that disappointed some players game. With one of them I will have to talk. It would be better to bet on Morato, although he was still very inexperienced. He has more ambition than the player who surely did not want to play in this match. Cold, rain, Cup ... Perhaps not always blame the coach, but I always take their share of responsibility,» - Mourinho said.

Del Bosque: Villa will have a chance in the national team

Spain's coach Vicente Del Bosque spoke about chances FC Barcelona striker David Villa for a place in the national team.

Recall that during the previous season Villa has received heavy legs injury and was put out of action for a long time. After that, he lost his place in the first team blue-pomegranate.

«If David will conduct many matches in Barcelona, then certainly it will have a chance in the national team. But the most important thing is that he has with his health was okay. FC Barcelona coach uses it as sees fit,» - Del Bosque said.

Claudio Ranieri: I am angry because I want to win

Monaco's head coach Claudio Ranieri does not hide anger due to the defeat of his team led from the Cann with a score of 0:3 in an away match, held December 11 through 17 in the second round of the French League.

«I am angry because I want to win. We have to win. Otherwise I killed my players,» - Ranieri said.

After 17 rounds of the Monaco took second place in the League table, behind leaders Nantes on point.

Santos made a formal offer to transfer Robinho

Santos guide has made a formal offer to the Italian AC Milan to move Brazilian forward Robinho went down. The Brazilian press has told President Santos Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro.

«We sent a written offer in Milan. While it is at variance with the requirements of the Italian Club, but I think we can fix it. We will be hard work. Robinho said himself that he wants to return to Brazil, which means a return to the Santos» - de Oliveira said.