DONETSK, UKRAINE – JUNE 19: Wayne Rooney of England crosses the ball during the UEFA EURO 2012 group D match between England and Ukraine at Donbass Arena on June 19, 2012 in Donetsk, Ukraine. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

England’s star striker Wayne Rooney is ready to face 2006 World Cup champions Italy in the quarter finals of Euro 2012 on Sunday.

The Manchester United player, who was suspended for the opening two fixtures at the tournament, scored in his debut appearance at the Euro 2012 against Ukraine and is in an optimistic mood ahead of the quarter finals. Speaking to talkSPORT, Rooney said:

“We’re more organised than ever. The lads have all been fighting for each other. We want to do this together, so I think we’ve got a great chance. We feel good, we’ve prepared well and we’re really looking forward to it.

“It’s important that we believe in ourselves. We’ve got a great group of players and we’re confident. It’s not going to be an easy game, but we’ve got the players, we’ve got the belief and the togetherness to do a job on them. Once you get to this stage of the competition anything can happen.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that the club is close to completing a deal for Olivier Giroud. The Gunners are reportedly willing to shell out a transfer fee in the region of £13million for the French striker.

The 25-year-old striker, who is currently on international duty for France in the Euros, attracted attention from some of the biggest clubs in Europe after scoring 25 goals and assisting 9 others in 43 appearances for Montpellier last season. Decent performances at the club earned him a debut for Les Bleus in November 2011 against Belgium and was eventually selected in the French squad for the Euros. Wenger told TF1:

“Giroud didn’t play much in the Euros, but he’s going to be an Arsenal player 90 per cent next season. I think he has exceptional potential and will integrate very well in our collective and our way of playing.

“He’s a real team player and knows how to combine with other players and I’m sure he will do well with us.”

The Frenchman was also left impressed by the performances of his latest acquisition Lukas Podolski at the Euros. He added:

“Podolski did a great job for the German team, he has superb team work. He plays in a cautious way sometimes, but he’s still scored a very important goal against Denmark for his 100th cap.”I am very happy with what I’ve seen from him.”

Sportskeeda, one of the fastest-growing sports websites across the globe with over 800 writers, has been appointed as the official Media partner of the “Golden Foot” award from India.
Sportskeeda representative will be present in Monte Carlo during the event as a jury member later this year.

Make yourself heard and vote for your favorite players (max. 10) from the list below.

The Golden Foot award is an international career prize only for footballers who are at least 29 years old (you can vote for players that were born in 1981 or before), who stand out for their sport results (both as single players and with their team), for their personality and for their popularity among the public and football experts.

Second brace in as many matches for Wayne Rooney

MANCHESTER UNITED

David De Gea (7): Had little to do as United dominated possession and created majority of chances throughout the 90 minutes. Made a couple of good saves in either half, holding on to a deflected freekick from Andrews and keeping out Shane Long’s narrow shot.

Phil Jones (6.5): With Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick covering up in defence, the 20 year old spent most of his time in WBA’s half, consistently sending crosses into the box. Defended solidly on set pieces.

Jonny Evans (6): The Irishman proved once again that he is at his best while playing alongside Rio Ferdinand. Worked tirelessly and made a couple of forward runs after WBA went down to 10 men.

Rio Ferdinand (7): Employed a no-nonsense approach. Looked assured and dominated the defence.

Patrice Evra (6): Neglected his defensive duties and was caught out of position on a couple of instances. Still, a slight improvement from his form off-late. Had a nervous moment when the referee wrongly played down a penalty appeal after the Frenchman had clearly fouled Odemwingie in the box. Looked sharp while going forward and made a formidable partnership with Young on the left flank.

Ashley Young (7.5): Played for the team as the England international linked up well with compatriots Welbeck and Rooney. Sent in Beckham-esque crosses from the flank. Made space for himself and managed to fire a couple of shots too.

Paul Scholes (8): Great outing for the 37 year old as the veteran midfielder kept sending the much younger forwards on a ball chase throughout the match with his long range balls. His passes were accurate, exquisite and a delight to watch.

Michael Carrick (7): Held the United midfield together and covered up for the fullbacks Evra and Jones.

Danny Welbeck (7): Started on an uncharacteristic right wing position but looked comfortable. Galloped with the ball and had a clear chance on goal but his shot went just wide of the goal.

Wayne Rooney (8): Made headlines yet again for a second brace in as many matches. His finish from Chicharito’s shot was delicate and his goal from the spot was precise.

Chicharito (7.5): Failed to get on the scoresheet but proved to be a nuisance for WBA’s defence with his express pace. Fired a couple of shots and looked desperate to get on the scoresheet after one of his shot deflected back from the crossbar. Forced Olsson into making a couple of late challenges that led to the Swedish international’s dismissal.

Substitutes:

Paul Pogba (5.5): Came on for Paul Scholes in the 73^rd minute amidst boos from the home crowd. Put in a spirited performance as United cruised to an easy victory.

Tom Cleverley (-): Replaced Danny Welbeck who seemed to have picked up an injury. Had nothing much to do except celebrate the 3 points with his teammates at full time.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Ben Foster (7): Had a good outing personally at his former club as the 29 year old kept out most of United’s shots on goal. Held on beautifully to Ashley Young’s deflected shot despite being wrong footed.

Liam Ridgwell (6): One of the best performers for West Brom. Looked solid while defending and partnered in attack in first half before going to sleep in the second. Defended assumingly nevertheless.

Gareth McAuley (6.5): Was a rock at the back as WBA fought hard to prevent United from scoring more goals. Made many important tackles as his defensive partners found it hard to take on United’s attacking quartet of Young, Welbeck, Rooney and Hernandez.

Jonas Olsson (5): Had a good outing barring the two bookable offenses that led to his expulsion against Rooney and Chicharito respectively.

Gabriel Tamas (4): Had a torrid time defending against Evra and Young as the duo ran rings around the out-of-sorts Romanian defender. Needed the support of McAuley and should have been substituted in the second half.

James Morrison (6): Couldn’t do much as the United players Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes ran the show in the middle of the park. Did a lot of running but got little time on the ball.

Keith Andrews (7): Carried forward his fine form and looked the most threatening WBA player with the ball. Had a shot on target forced out of play by David De Gea.

Youssuf Mulumbu (5): The deep lying midfielder failed to make an impact on the game. Looked better in the second half but failed to contain the attackers.

Chris Brunt (5.5): Returned to the side after two months out with a broken foot and appeared rusty. Remained anonymous for most of the match and failed to provide the ball from set pieces.

Fortune (6.5): Caused Evans all sorts of problems in the opening exchanges as the Baggies started out positively at Old Trafford. Failed to get any sort of support from the likes of Odemwingie, Morrison and Andrews.

Peter Odemwingie (6): Didn’t look comfortable at the wide right position. Attacking play from United forced the WBA leading goalscorer to spend most of his time defending in his own half. Was unlucky not to be given a penalty after being fouled by Evra inside the box.

Substitutes:

Nick Shorey (5): Replaced Brunt but had little impact on the game as United saw the game out easily.

Paul Scharner (5): Replaced Andrews in the 72nd minute but had little impact on the game as United saw the game out easily.

Shane Long (6.5): Manager Roy Hodgson must be ruing the decision of not getting the striker on earlier in the second half. Created a couple of good chances for himself but failed to convert any.

Some fine saves from De Gea have kept United in the tie

David De Gea (9): Its not always that a goalkeeper gets a 9 despite letting in 3 goals. Managed to keep out most of the shots as Bilbao amassed 25 goal attempts. Denied Muniain thrice in the second half with full stretch saves. Certainly the 21 year old’s best performance since joining the club.

Rafael da Silva (4.5): Another disappointing performance from the young Brazilian. Failed to notice Muniain on the rebound for Athletico’s third goal. To his credit, managed to last for the entire match.

Chris Smalling (5): The England center back, playing with a headband following an injury in an international friendly against the Netherlands, had a pretty ordinary outing. Failed to mark Llorente for Bilbao’s first goal. Had to be substituted in the 55th minute after his wound opened up.

Jonny Evans (5.5): Looked lost amidst the one-touch passing of Bilbao’s players. His lack of pace was exposed by Susaeta on more than one occasion. Needs an experienced player like Rio Ferdinand to play alongside.

Patrice Evra (5): The United skipper found it difficult to contain Susaeta and Iraola. Provided able support while attacking.

Ashley Young (5): Failed to recreate the magic of his recent performances. Looked completely out of sorts and failed to provide the ball into the box. Gave away possession too.

Phil Jones (5.5): A horrific performance in the midfield during the first half from the 20 year old. Looked assured while playing in defence in the second half. Made a couple of his usual mazy runs forward.

Ryan Giggs (6.5): Probably the best outfield United player. Troubled the Bilbao fullbacks with his usual trickery. Played an important part in the build up of United’s opener.

Ji Sung Park (4.5): Offered little in attack and gave away possession way too cheaply for United’s liking.

Wayne Rooney (7): Was everywhere on the pitch. Scored the first and last goal of the match with a striker’s finish. Was left frustrated by the incompetence of teammates. Defended well in his own half and on set pieces.

Javier Hernandez (6): Ran his heart out on the pitch as usual. Couldn’t keep hold of the ball on a couple of chances when he could have been through on goal.

SUBS:
Michael Carrick (6.5): No wonder the England midfielder has been praised time and again by the United gaffer. Made an immediate impact after coming on for Smalling in the 55th minute and carried on the dirty work of shielding the defenders.

Anderson (5): Looked rusty. Failed to contain De Marcos as the Spanish U23 international’s shot landed for Muniain on the rebound.

Nani (5): Came on for Ryan Giggs in the 75th minute when United were desperately in need of a goal. Didn’t get enough time to leave a mark on the game as the Portuguese was caught out of possession on several occasions.

Bilbao players celebrating Llorente's goal

ATHLETIC de BILBAO

Gorka Iraizoz (6): Wasn’t as busy as his Manchester United counterpart but managed to remain alert for the entire 90 minutes. Was unlucky for United’s opener from the rebound after managing to keep out Chicharito’s attempt.

Jon Aurtenetxe (6): Looked comfortable on the ball. Made a couple of important interceptions. The 20 year old looked mature enough to play at Old Trafford.

Mikel San Jose (6): Managed to keep hold of Chicharito. The 22 year old sent in a couple of crunching tackles to keep his side ahead.

Andoni Iraola (8): The 29 year old fullback played in the opposition half for almost the entire duration. Had a couple of attempts on goal saved by De Gea.

Ander Iturraspe (6.5): Was a rock in the midfield. Attacked and defended in equal measure.

Ander (7.5): Continuously kept supplying long passes to his front players. Provided the chip over United players for de Marcos’ goal.

Javi Martinez (7): Heavily linked with a summer move to the premier league, Martinez proved his talent by a composed performance. Controlled the midfield by some fine passing and defensive display.

Markel Susaeta (7): Troubled Evans for most of the match with his pace. Provided an assist for Bilbao’s opener with a killer cross into the box.

Iker Muniain (9): The highly regarded 19 year old started on the left and proved to be a nightmare for the United defenders with his skill and trickery. Was spectacularly denied by De Gea in the second-half, before reacting quicker than anyone to score his side’s third.

Oscar De Marcos (7.5): Scored the second goal for his team with a wonderful left-footed volley into the bottom corner of the net. Handed the ball in the dying stages of the match to allow United a penalty.

Fernando Llorente (7.5): Opened the scoring for the visitors with a precise header. Looked lively with his link up play before being substituted in the latter stages of the match.

SUBS:

Gaizka Toquero: Came on in the 83rd minute and still managed to force a spectacular save out of David De Gea with a thunderous strike on goal.

Inigo Perez: Came on minutes before full time and had little to do.

“The players, the staff, the fans… they all know what this stage of the season is like. This is the point of the season where history and tradition excels. This is when that really counts.”

Schmeichel: "United have the winning mentality"

The 48 year old played down the importance of winning every single game left in the season, adding that the current premier league season has been one full of all kinds of twists and turns.

“It’s been an odd season. United beat Arsenal 8-2 and then lost 3-2 to Blackburn, who then went and lost 7-1 to Arsenal a few weeks later. You don’t know what’s going to happen next.

“What you need to understand, though, is that you can have bad results in March and April and still win the league. Players at United know that losing one game won’t lose you the title. They know that’s no reason to panic.”

Schmeichel, who last played professional football for rivals Manchester City for the 2002-03 season, feels that United should concentrate on their own game and not get pressurized by how their title rivals are performing.

“All you hear about in March, April and May on the TV or radio is the title race and people analysing who’s going to win and who’s going to lose. It’s relentless and there’s no way you can avoid it. The media will talk about every defeat as if it’s the end of the world. There’s so much pressure on players at this time of the year, so the last thing you need is to invite more pressure on yourself by believing all the headlines when you drop points.

“And that’s where United have the advantage. If you’ve not been in that situation before, it’s easy to believe what you read or see on Sky Sports News. United have been here so many times. They know they can win the league even if they drop points. And that will be crucial.”

De Gea, signed for a massive £18million from Spanish club Atletico Madrid, has made 25 starts for the Red Devils thus far. Often criticized for his inability to overcome aerial threat, De Gea has made some fine saves in last few games, thereby managing to silence his critics to some extent.

De Gea in action against Norwich City

And his performances haven’t gone unnoticed as two of United greats Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes have praised the stopper. Giggs, who was making his 900th United appearance against Norwich and scored the winner in the dying moments of the match, said:

“David has been in good form over the last four or five weeks and credit to him. He is a young keeper and is constantly improving. He works hard on the training pitch and so he deserves everything he gets. He is great to have around the place.

“I was really pleased for him at Norwich. That performance doesn’t surprise me because he is a talent. There is pressure being a United player full stop and then there is extra pressure when you have a price tag like David has. It is an added pressure but the form he is showing is great for him and us. He has coped well with it all.”

Scholes, who opened the scoring against Norwich with a fine header, added:

“David de Gea was great at Norwich. He has made some really great saves. He came out and took some good crosses and held onto everything as well. When you have a keeper playing like that it gives the back four and all the team a lot of confidence.”

Bird's Nest Stadium

Named the ‘China Cup’, the one-off match will be played on July 27th  at 20:00 (12:00 GMT), six and a half hours before the London opening ceremony begins. Making the announcement, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said in a statement:

“It is fitting that two English clubs are playing each other on the opening day of the London 2012 Olympics, in the stadium which hosted the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

“We enjoy huge support in Asia and by playing a match in Beijing we will once again be bringing the club close to our loyal fans in China.”

A day after the win, the club has posted pre-tax profits of £49.5million for the six months to the end of November, thanks to the money generated from the summer sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. The Gunners were in a loss of £6.1million last season over the same period. The club’s cash reserves also went up to £115.2million, from £110.4million, with their turnover from football rising to £113.5million from £97.6million. Chairman Peter Hill-Wood told the club’s official website:

“We are proud of Arsenal’s record and consistency over many seasons and have the foundations in place, at every level of the club, to ensure we remain a force in the seasons ahead.”

Szczesny confident of Van Persie stay

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny remains confident that talismanic skipper Robin van Persie will be at the club next season. The Dutch international is yet to sign a contract extension with the club he joined back in 2004 from Feyenoord and his future at the Emirates has been a subject of speculation since the departure of big names Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri last summer. Speaking to London Evening Standard, Szczesny said:

“We really don’t discuss that, it is not our business. We just want to have him at the club. We are trying to make the most of it while he is here, he is a great captain and leader of the team and we are very pleased to have him.

“I’m personally confident that he will stay at Arsenal. That is where he belongs and that is where he is at his very best. Robin does his talking on the pitch by scoring all the goals for this club and I think that shows you his commitment. We are confident that he will be staying at Arsenal.”

Mind games at Chelsea?

Speaking to Portuguese radio station TSF, Villas-Boas compared the current situation to the club’s situation last season under Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian manager was brutally sacked by Roman Abramovich soon after Chelsea’s last match of the campaign. Villas-Boas said:

“We are now in the exact same moment as last year. It is an exact copy. The pattern of behaviour of the owner has led to a (manager’s) downfall in similar situations or even ‘better’ situations.

“What will be the reaction? It will be one of the two, a continuation of the project and full support or just the cultural pattern that has happened before. We don’t know.”

All is not well: Owner Roman Abramovich recently visited Chelsea's training ground

The fear of sack has not hindered Villas-Boas’ vision as he looks to carry forward his ‘project’ at the Bridge. The 34 year old is looking forward to the summer transfer window and is expected to launch bids for Porto’s trio of star forward Hulk, midfielder Joao Moutinho and wing-back Alvaro Pereira. Villas-Boas added:

“We have Kalou and Malouda, both of whom are nearing the end of their contracts, while Juan Mata and Daniel Sturridge are the future. As such, there will surely be a place to fill and I see room for an explosive player on the wing, someone who is strong in one-on-one situations and Hulk fits that profile. Moutinho and Pereira could also surely play in the Premier League and at Chelsea.”

Pogba, who was almost certain to start in the Europa League match against Ajax at Old Trafford, was not even named on the bench and a few suggested that a row with Sir Alex Ferguson led to him being excluded. United refused to comment on the situation but the player’s agent has come out and cleared the air around his contract situation at the club. Mino Raiola said:

“It is a precarious situation. It is difficult at the moment. Manchester United want him. It is up to the boy to make some decisions.”

Pogba: Nearing United exit?

On Pogba’s absence from the game against Ajax, Raiola said:

“It is never nice for the player not to be in the squad. It is the same for [Mario] Balotelli [whom Raiola also represents.] We must keep our minds cool and heads cool. Some things are good. Some things are not good [in this situation].”

A host of Italian clubs, including Milan and Juventus, are in the race to sign the youngster. However, the agent wants to end ties with United before focusing on finding a new club for his client.

“We know there are some clubs interested in him. We must finish first with Manchester and after that we will see other options, if they are there. The club give the indication that they want to keep him and we are talking contract terms. There is willingness from both parties at the moment.”

Pogba might become the second of an extremely talented crop of youngsters to leave Old Trafford after Ravel Morrison decided to join West Ham in the January transfer window. Signed in 2009 from French club Le Havre, the sturdy midfielder has made 4 senior appearances for the club, all as a substitute. He made his premier league debut against Stoke City, coming on for Javier Hernandez in the 72nd minute.

Sir Alex has expressed his desire for letting Pogba carry on with the club and has employed senior player Rio Ferdinand to persuade the youngster to sign a contract extension. The United gaffer said in an earlier interview:

Hazard, who came into limelight last season with his consistently good performances, has also been on the radar of various big European clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United. However, reports yesterday suggested that Tottenham have won the race to sign the highly rated 21 year old Belgian.

Eden Hazard

But Hazard, who plays for Ligue 1 club Lille, has denied that any deal has been finalised. Speaking to Belgian TV station RTBF, Hazard said:

“I have not signed anything at Tottenham. Maybe I will play there next season. It is a nice club with a lot of good players and absolutely a top coach.

“The transfer is still pending. I have not signed anything yet, but I hope it will happen in the near future.”

SkySports reported on Saturday that the Merseyside club have offered the 6ft3in striker to Manchester City in a swap deal with Carlos Tevez. The player was earlier linked with a move back to Newcastle, either on permanent basis or on loan. But Carroll, who has scored just 6 goals in his 35 appearances for Liverpool stressed that he has no qualms regarding his move from Newcastle.

“The club has been great with me and everyone outside the club has been fantastic and I am enjoying it down here. Everyone has backed me and helped us along the way. I have signed a contract here and this is the team I am playing for.”

Neville, who spent his entire playing career at Old Trafford before calling quits last year is fondly remembered by the Red Devils for his unquestionable commitment and fiery temper on the pitch. In a particular incident, Gary ran across the entire length of the pitch to celebrate a goal in front of Liverpool fans, a gesture for which he was later fined by the Football Association.

Neville in Mumbai, playing with the kids at Manchester United Soccer School

At the Manchester United Cafe in Mumbai, Neville said about his hatred for Liverpool:

“Its origins are during an interview when I was rather young and naive. I started supporting United as a lad of five and that was the time where Liverpool were winning everything. I said I hated the fact they won everything. The papers picked up what they had to and the rest, as they say, is history.”

Recalling another incident that ended up with United captain Roy Keane and Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira publicly fighting it out in the tunnel, Neville said:

“I and my brother (Phil) had played a charged last game with Arsenal and Vieira came and told me I wasn’t going to tackle any of his players. I obviously said otherwise. The next thing he does is squirt water at me from a bottle and catch Roy Keane in the ‘crossfire’. Then it was over them and Keane had quite a temper!”

Manchester United are currently second in the premier league, 3 points behind league leaders and arch-rivals Manchester City. But Neville is assured that the Red Devils have the grit to challenge for the title.

“It is still January. There is a lot to play yet. There are four more months. March, April and May are the most important months. At January, you are baking your cake and waiting to eat it. I remember we have been 10 points behind Arsenal in December and gone to win the title.”

United’s midfield injury crisis has forced Sir Alex to talk Paul Scholes out of retirement, a move that has earned mixed response from former players and pundits. A few have already started contemplating that Fergie’s time at Old Trafford is nearing retirement and that the Scotsman might actually step down at the end of the season. However, Neville is convinced that the gaffer is going nowhere anytime soon.

“You cannot plan for Sir Alex Ferguson finishing. I honestly don’t see him finishing. His mentality and person hasn’t changed in the last 5-10 years. He is still the same man. He is healthy. He’s the kind of manager that builds exciting teams. He would never let a squad grow old together. He’s always bringing changes every two years.”

Speaking about the famous “hairdryer” treatment, Neville said:

“I used to get it two or three times a season. He comes really alive during the big games and when you don’t end up performing according to the standards he sets, he won’t tolerate it. The only time he will truly be recognized is the day he leaves.”

A statement on AC Milan’s official website read:

“Alexandre Pato will stay in the red and black shirt, the striker has decided to continue his young, splendid and winning career with Milan.”

The player himself cleared the air surrounding his future at the club. The 22 year old striker who has scored 51 goals in 111 league appearances for the Rossoneries said:

“Milan is my home, I didn’t want to interrupt my career in red and black after having won my first two trophies with this shirt.”

Earlier in the day, French newspapers reported that the young Brazilian had agreed a three-and-a-half year long contract, worth around 7 million euros a season. Pato added:

“I want to help write the story of Milan and contribute to the future success of this club with happiness and in perfect harmony with the whole environment.

“This joy will give me the motivation to approach future games with maximum enthusiasm and the desire to win and score goals.

“Today is a special day for me. I want to thank the president Berlusconi, the club and the fans who have always believed in me.”

Philipp Lahm accompanied by a jovial Schweinsteiger

The 22 times Bundesliga champions are currently in the country to warm up ahead of the second leg of the competition and are set to play against the Indian National team at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium tomorrow in the capital. Even though its the club’s third visit to the country,  it is for the first time that they are bringing a full strength squad featuring the likes of Arjen Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller and Franck Ribery. Lahm admitted that his side is comparatively unaware of football in India, adding that they have seen Indian cricket team in action though.

“We have not followed Indian football much. The only Indian footballer we had heard of was Bhaichung (Bhutia) playing in the World XI. The only sport we have seen India participate is cricket. Back in Germany, we just get a bit of cricket on TV.

Anyways, we would like to test them. We are here to play attractive football and to show what a top European club is all about.”

The press room broke into laughter when an embarrassed Bastian Schweinsteiger joked that he is looking forward to check out Indian women more than Indian cuisine. The creative midfielder added that he has fully recovered from his shoulder injury.

“There is no problem now and I have recovered from my shoulder injury. If Baichung does not go for my shoulder I should be OK.”

Bhutia, at his witty best chipped in:

“If we reach a 0-3 scoreline, then I guess we will target Bastian’s shoulder!”

In reply to Sportskeeda reporter Siddharth Sharma‘s question regarding the veteran’s fitness, Bhutia said:

“I am not 100 per cent fit in the Indian national team standard as well as Bayern Munich standard but will start tomorrow in the playing eleven and hope to play full 90 minutes. I had suffered from calf muscle tear and I hope it does not occur again.”

Replying to Siddharth’s another question, Indian coach Savio Medeira revealed that Nirmal Chhetri is certain to start tomorrow after putting in decent performances for the national side in their title winning SAFF Cup campaign.

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has reiterated that he wishes to end his playing career with the Catalan giants. The Argentine international has been with the club since the age of 13 and it has been a magical story since then for a kid who was once on the verge of quitting football courtesy a growth deficiency disorder.

Messi has been a vital part of the success that has put the current Barcelona side in the category of “best ever” football team, scoring goals for fun. The 24 year old is just 25 goals short of toppling Cesar Rodriguez’ record of scoring the maximum number of competitive goals for the club. Rodriguez spent 14 years with the Catalans while Messi has achieved this feat just 7 years after making his first competitive appearance for the club.

But the Ballon d’Or holder wishes to carry on with the club. Speaking to Marca, Messi said:

“I have not taken any decision. If I had, the president would already know about it.”

Ahead of the FA Cup third round clash against their arch-rivals, the former Inter manager said:

“It is difficult to say your neighbour is playing better football.

“Tottenham can win the title. They have done a fantastic season until now and in the next four months, I don’t know. But, for now, we are playing the best football in the Premier League.”

City are the best in England at the moment, says Mancini

City have a 3 point lead at the top of the table over their rivals but Mancini is aware of the mental toughness of the defending champions and is not taking the Red Devils easily. Mancini added:

“If you want my opinion, Manchester United are the best team in England. Maybe not now because they have six or seven important players injured. But they have a strong team with a strong mentality and they are at the top.”

The man is currently being questioned by the police and a spokesman said:

“Merseyside Police can confirm that tonight a 20-year-old man from the Aintree area of Merseyside has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence following an incident at Anfield on Friday evening.

“The man is currently in custody being interviewed by detectives.”

Liverpool football club had earlier promised to hand over everything, from records of ticket purchase to the CCTV footage to still photographs, to the police that might help solve the case that has let the club’s reputation down.

Meanwhile, Norwich manager Paul Lambert has spoken with the English footballer. Adeyemi is currently on loan at Oldham from newly promoted premier league side Norwich City. Lambert is supposedly happy with the professional manner in which the case is being handled and added that the player is fine following an outburst on the pitch.

“I spoke to him last night after the game. He is okay, which is pleasing, but I am sure Liverpool Football Club will do it properly, investigate what has happened.

Oldham had a tough night against Liverpool as the visitors were humiliated 5-1 at the Anfield. However, things turned ugly when a small group of Liverpool fans hurled racist chants against Oldham’s 20 year old English defender Tom Adeyemi.

The player, defined by his manager as “a placid, well-educated lad with a fantastic temperament who never raises his voice” was visibly outraged and broke into tears following the incident. The fans then started chanting Luis Suarez songs. Suarez was recently handed an eight match ban after the Uruguayan international was found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United‘s Patrice Evra. Liverpool’s senior players Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard intervened and unsuccessfully tried to calm the player down. The fans didn’t stop there and started booing the youngster who responded by signaling them to carry on.

A witness who gave evidence to Liverpool officials and the police said:

“I was to the right of the Kop and the No11 turned to walk away after a tackle. I heard a single voice shout, ‘You fucking black bastard.’ He spun round with shock on his face and started pointing at the crowd, from where the shout had come.”

Liverpool Football Club and the Merseyside Police have launched separate investigations into the incident and a statement on club’s official website read:

“An incident occurred in the second half of the match which is now being investigated by both the club and the police. We will continue to work closely with the police to establish the details of what actually happened and will make a further statement in due course.”

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