• Man city completes the signing of David pizarro on loan till the end of the season from Roma
• QPR completes signing of fulhams Bobby Zamora (£5m)
• Keith Andrews joins west brom from Blackburn
• Louis Saha joins Tottenham from Everton
• Pavel pogrebnyak joins fulham from stuggart
• Chelsea signs 18 year old patrick bamford from Nottinham forest. (£1m)
• Man utd signs Frederic Veseli from Neighbours manchester city
• West Ham snaps Ravel Morrison from Manchester United
• Nikica jelavic joins everton from Rangers. (£7m)
• Cahill joins chelsea from bolton. (£7m)
• Sotirios kyrgiakos joins sunderland from wolfsburg
• Thomas Eisfeld joins Arenal from BVB
• Barcelona cancels Hleb contract
• Thiago motta joins PSG from inter
• Chelsea signs kevin de bruyne from genk
• Liam ridgewell joins west brom from Birmingham city
• Freddy Guarin joins Inter on Loan from Porto
• Djbril cisse joins QPR from Lazio
• Nedum Onouha joins QPR from city
• Taiye Taiwo joins QPR from Ac milan
• Ryo myiachi joins Bolton on lon from Arsenal
• Vedran Corluka joins Bayern leverkusen from Tottenham
• Wayne Bridge joins sunderland from Manchester city
• Sulley Muntari joins AC milan on loan From inter milan
Those are the last bitz from the last day of the transfer market.
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Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Match reports: Everton humbles City at Goddison, United beat stoke to level with city, tottenham maintains winning streak and carrol scores for liverpool in 3-0 win
Daron Gibson scored the only Goal as city stumbles (everton 1-0 man.city)
United equals city at the top with a 2-0 win over stoke with berbatov & chicharito scoring from the spot. (Man utd 2-0 stoke)
Tottenham defeated wigan 3-1, Bale getting a brace and modric on the score sheet. ( Spurs 3-1 Wigan)
Carroll made the score sheet for liverpool as they shoot three pass wolverhampton wanderers. Craig bellamy and dirk kuyt also on target (Wolves 0-3 liverpool)
Swansea failed to hold on to sinclair's lead as Neil taylor's late own goal cancels sinclairs effort and ensure chelsea shares the point at Swansea. ( Swansea 1-1 Chelsea)
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Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas hails Fernando Torres' improving form ahead of Swansea clash
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas hails Fernando Torres' improving form ahead of Swansea clash
The World Cup-winning striker has not hit the back of the net in the Premier League since scoring and being sent off against the Swans in their previous meeting in September
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has backed Fernando Torres to start scoring goals regularly, insisting that the striker's form has been steadily improving.
The Spaniard left Liverpool in the winter transfer window last season to join the Blues in a record breaking £50 million move but he has since scored just five goals in 43 appearances for the London club.
But now, ahead of the game against Swansea City, the Portuguese boss is hoping that his forward returns to his prime.
"I think we are seeing a player growing in terms of form," Villas-Boas told reporters.
"Eventually we expect goals from it, and we hope those goals will come back."
The last time that the 27-year-old found the net in the Premier League was back in September, when the west London club were playing Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.
Villas-Boas was asked if he could have foreseen the World Cup winning forward's goal drought, and he said: "That is the reality, but he has been helping the team.
"Fernando has equally one of the most assist totals for other players in the club so he is producing for the others as well.
"I think he is confident, to be fair. For the kind of effort he is doing, eventually it will be repaid."
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The World Cup-winning striker has not hit the back of the net in the Premier League since scoring and being sent off against the Swans in their previous meeting in September
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has backed Fernando Torres to start scoring goals regularly, insisting that the striker's form has been steadily improving.
The Spaniard left Liverpool in the winter transfer window last season to join the Blues in a record breaking £50 million move but he has since scored just five goals in 43 appearances for the London club.
But now, ahead of the game against Swansea City, the Portuguese boss is hoping that his forward returns to his prime.
"I think we are seeing a player growing in terms of form," Villas-Boas told reporters.
"Eventually we expect goals from it, and we hope those goals will come back."
The last time that the 27-year-old found the net in the Premier League was back in September, when the west London club were playing Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.
Villas-Boas was asked if he could have foreseen the World Cup winning forward's goal drought, and he said: "That is the reality, but he has been helping the team.
"Fernando has equally one of the most assist totals for other players in the club so he is producing for the others as well.
"I think he is confident, to be fair. For the kind of effort he is doing, eventually it will be repaid."
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In Thomas Eisfeld, Arsenal have signed a player not in Borussia Dortmund’s top five prospects, but the newcomer has potential
The Gunners' new addition has had his development harmed by injury, but in the right environment, might one day develop into a star player
On Monday afternoon, Arsenal fans produced a flurry of Tweets, making the name 'Thomas Eisfeld' a trending topic in many locales around the world. Most of these blurbs ended in a question mark: who is he? What can he bring to the Emirates? Is he the next Rosicky, Fabregas, or otherwise?
Truth be told, Eisfeld is hardly better known in his native Germany. At 19, he has yet to appear for any of the German youth national teams, and before his transfer never so much as sat on the bench of the Dortmund senior side: by contrast, at Eisfeld's age, Mario Gotze and Moritz Leitner had both become regulars in Jurgen Klopp's squad.
There is a reason why Eisfeld has had a relatively slow start compared to many of his Bundesliga colleagues: in late 2009, the player suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage, an injury that posed a significant set-back in his fledgling career.
To his credit, the young attacking midfielder has shown great resolve as he has worked his way back to form. This season he was the second-highest scorer for the BVB U19 team behind Marvin Ducksch, having found the net six times in 12 appearances. And that Eisfeld managed to attract the interest of Arsene Wenger, is in itself, enough to indicate that the player has potential waiting to be tapped.
THOMAS EISFELD
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER | ARSENAL

2010-11 SEASON CLUB STATS
Appearances
12
Goals
6
Assists
0
PLAYER FILE
Price tag
€475,000
He could be the next...
Mario Gotze
Even so, Dortmund have long been prepared for a future without Eisfeld: as youthful depth in similar positions they have in recent months signed 18-year-olds Leonardo Bittencourt and Mustafa Amini. Had he stayed in the Ruhr area, there would have been at least four direct competitors of similar age, plus about half a dozen older players to overcome if he were to earn playing time. Already set back by his previous injury, a move was necessary.
Arsenal fans expecting the next Mario Gotze would be wise not to be too hopeful just yet. Eisfeld is a very raw, and entirely unproven player: he is not yet ready for play at the highest level. But he comes with a formidable pedigree, having been raised in one of Germany's finest youth academies: if given the appropriate nurture, might blossom into a fine professional footballer.
Ultimately, all parties have something to gain and little to lose in Eisfeld's transfer. The player had little chance of making a name for himself at Dortmund, and needed a change. Dortmund have lost a potential star, but not one of their very best prospects, and can later claim responsibility for his development if he makes it big. And Arsenal have signed a player who might soon be a star for a modest price of under €500,000. A rare win-win-win scenario
Source: goal
Chelsea complete signing of Kevin De Bruyne & loan him back to Genk until June
Chelsea complete signing of Kevin De Bruyne & loan him back to Genk until June
The Blues have signed the midfielder on a five-and-a-half-year contract and have loaned him straight back to the Belgian club for the remainder of the season
Belgian side Genk have confirmed that midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has joined Chelsea.
The youngster has signed a long-term contract until 2017 but is to be loaned straight back to his former club until the end of the season.
The 20-year-old had been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for many months but a move failed to materialise during the summer.
The Belgium international was undergoing a medical with the Blues prior to a move reaching fruition.
Now the Belgian club have announced that the move has been completed and that the midfielder will return to Genk to finish the season before going to Chelsea.
The 20-year-old is believed to be seen as a long-term replacement for Florent Malouda, who has been linked with a move away from the west London club during the summer.
De Bruyne's arrival in the summer could also see Juan Mata play a more free role, as the youngster joins fellow international team-mate Romelu Lukaku at Stamford Bridge.
The deal that sees De Bruyne move to Chelsea is worth around £6.7 million
Monday, 30 January 2012
Official: Espanyol sign striker Kalu Uche from Neuchatel
Official: Espanyol sign striker Kalu Uche from Neuchatel
The Nigerian forward has agreed to join the Catalan club after the Swiss side's expulsion from the Super League, while Atletico have decided to loan out goalkeeper Joel Robles
Espanyol have announced that they have completed the signing of Neuchatel Nigerian striker Kalu Uche.
The Nigeria international had been on the lookout for a new club after Neuchatel were thrown out of the Swiss Super League for falsifying a bank document provided as a financial guarantee in 2011.
He has signed an 18-month deal with Espanyol, who were lacking numbers in attack following injuries to Alvaro Vazquez and Sergio Garcia in recent weeks.
The former Almeria striker joins the Catalan side on the same day as the La Liga outfit signed Inter's Coutinho on loan until the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano have confirmed the signing of Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Joel Robles on a six-month loan deal.
The Spain Under-21 international is the third Atletico player to move to Vallecas in January, following in the footsteps of Diego Costa and Jorge Pulido.
Source- Goal
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The Nigerian forward has agreed to join the Catalan club after the Swiss side's expulsion from the Super League, while Atletico have decided to loan out goalkeeper Joel Robles
Espanyol have announced that they have completed the signing of Neuchatel Nigerian striker Kalu Uche.
The Nigeria international had been on the lookout for a new club after Neuchatel were thrown out of the Swiss Super League for falsifying a bank document provided as a financial guarantee in 2011.
He has signed an 18-month deal with Espanyol, who were lacking numbers in attack following injuries to Alvaro Vazquez and Sergio Garcia in recent weeks.
The former Almeria striker joins the Catalan side on the same day as the La Liga outfit signed Inter's Coutinho on loan until the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano have confirmed the signing of Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Joel Robles on a six-month loan deal.
The Spain Under-21 international is the third Atletico player to move to Vallecas in January, following in the footsteps of Diego Costa and Jorge Pulido.
Source- Goal
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Arsenal set to sign Borussia Dortmund youngster Thomas Eisfeld - report
Arsenal set to sign Borussia Dortmund youngster Thomas Eisfeld - report
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder is said to be set to undergo a medical examination in London, with his move allegedly on the verge of being finalised
Arsenal have all but completed the signing of Borussia Dortmund talent Thomas Eisfeld, according to a report from Ruhr Nachrichten.
An employee of International Soccer Management revealed to the German source that the player is with his agent, Reza Fazeli, in London and pending a medical examination, will soon join the Gunners' ranks.
An attacking midfielder, Eisfeld's dreams of a career in professional football took a blow in late 2009, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Following his horror-injury, he has bounced back, however: in the current season with Dortmund's U19 side, heis his team's second-highest scorer, with six goals from 12 games.
Had he stayed at Dortmund Eisfeld would have faced heavy competition for a place, with the Bundesliga champions having signed midfielders Moritz Leitner, Leonardo Bittencourt and Mustafa Amini over the course of the last 12 months. But now, the 19-year-old appears to be on his way to Arsenal for a new challenge.
The player is expected to complete his transfer within the next 24 hours, assuming he passes what will be a stringent medical examination. Arsenal are expected to pay a fee on the order of €475,000 for his
Source- Goal
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The 19-year-old attacking midfielder is said to be set to undergo a medical examination in London, with his move allegedly on the verge of being finalised
Arsenal have all but completed the signing of Borussia Dortmund talent Thomas Eisfeld, according to a report from Ruhr Nachrichten.
An employee of International Soccer Management revealed to the German source that the player is with his agent, Reza Fazeli, in London and pending a medical examination, will soon join the Gunners' ranks.
An attacking midfielder, Eisfeld's dreams of a career in professional football took a blow in late 2009, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Following his horror-injury, he has bounced back, however: in the current season with Dortmund's U19 side, heis his team's second-highest scorer, with six goals from 12 games.
Had he stayed at Dortmund Eisfeld would have faced heavy competition for a place, with the Bundesliga champions having signed midfielders Moritz Leitner, Leonardo Bittencourt and Mustafa Amini over the course of the last 12 months. But now, the 19-year-old appears to be on his way to Arsenal for a new challenge.
The player is expected to complete his transfer within the next 24 hours, assuming he passes what will be a stringent medical examination. Arsenal are expected to pay a fee on the order of €475,000 for his
Source- Goal
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Giovani dos Santos set for Tottenham stay after MLS & Russia snub
Giovani dos Santos set for Tottenham stay after MLS & Russia snub
The Mexico international's representative has also hit out at Spurs' £6m valuation for the forward, claiming they shouldn't command a high fee if they don't play him regularly
Giovani dos Santos is likely to remain at Tottenham until the summer transfer window after declining moves to the MLS and Russia, the forward's agent has confirmed.
Dos Santos joined Spurs from Barcelona in 2008, but has managed just 30 appearances since his arrival at White Hart Lane.
The Mexico international looked likely to move to Villarreal earlier this month before the Spanish club pulled out of the running, while his agent has claimed the 22-year-old has received a wealth of offers.
Speaking with ESPN Raza Deportiva, Vicente Montes, said: "Giovani Dos Santos has offers from Russia and the United States but he has told them that he is not going to play there.
"Tottenham told Giovani that Major League Soccer had put in an offer for him but the player has other plans.
"As things stand it appears that Giovani Dos Santos will stay at Spurs."
It is believed Spurs value Dos Santos at £6 million, a fee that angers the player's representative because of his lack of minutes on the pitch.
"When it comes to valuing Giovani, they place him as a player with big numbers, yet they don't play him," he said.
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The Mexico international's representative has also hit out at Spurs' £6m valuation for the forward, claiming they shouldn't command a high fee if they don't play him regularly
Giovani dos Santos is likely to remain at Tottenham until the summer transfer window after declining moves to the MLS and Russia, the forward's agent has confirmed.
Dos Santos joined Spurs from Barcelona in 2008, but has managed just 30 appearances since his arrival at White Hart Lane.
The Mexico international looked likely to move to Villarreal earlier this month before the Spanish club pulled out of the running, while his agent has claimed the 22-year-old has received a wealth of offers.
Speaking with ESPN Raza Deportiva, Vicente Montes, said: "Giovani Dos Santos has offers from Russia and the United States but he has told them that he is not going to play there.
"Tottenham told Giovani that Major League Soccer had put in an offer for him but the player has other plans.
"As things stand it appears that Giovani Dos Santos will stay at Spurs."
It is believed Spurs value Dos Santos at £6 million, a fee that angers the player's representative because of his lack of minutes on the pitch.
"When it comes to valuing Giovani, they place him as a player with big numbers, yet they don't play him," he said.
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Thomas Vermaelen admits Arsenal were confident of FA Cup revival against Aston Villa
Thomas Vermaelen admits Arsenal were confident of FA Cup revival against Aston Villa
Despite a two-goal disadvantage at half-time at the Emirates on Sunday, the defender maintains his team-mates were imposing enough to secure victory
Thomas Vermaelen maintains Arsenal were always confident of a second-half turnaround in their FA Cup fourth-round tie against Aston Villa.
Goals from Richard Dunne and Darren Bent fired Villa into a two-goal lead at half-time before Robin van Persie's penalty double and a Theo Walcott effort secured victory for Arsene Wenger's side, placing them in them in the fifth-round draw where they face either Sunderland or Middlesbrough.
Despite their two-goal disadvantage, the Belgium international believes his side's style of play would always lead to a comeback against Villa.
"It was a bit of a shock to be 2-0 down at half time because if you look at the way we played, we were quite aggressive and had some good opportunities to score, but Villa got a 2-0 lead," Vermaelen told the club's official website.
"I was still confident at half time. We were the better team the whole game, we were never really under pressure.
"You could see that even in the first half we wanted to put them under pressure straight away, we wanted to keep the tempo high when we had the ball and we did that. In the second half we had that little bit of luck to score the goals.
Source- Goal
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Despite a two-goal disadvantage at half-time at the Emirates on Sunday, the defender maintains his team-mates were imposing enough to secure victory
Thomas Vermaelen maintains Arsenal were always confident of a second-half turnaround in their FA Cup fourth-round tie against Aston Villa.
Goals from Richard Dunne and Darren Bent fired Villa into a two-goal lead at half-time before Robin van Persie's penalty double and a Theo Walcott effort secured victory for Arsene Wenger's side, placing them in them in the fifth-round draw where they face either Sunderland or Middlesbrough.
Despite their two-goal disadvantage, the Belgium international believes his side's style of play would always lead to a comeback against Villa.
"It was a bit of a shock to be 2-0 down at half time because if you look at the way we played, we were quite aggressive and had some good opportunities to score, but Villa got a 2-0 lead," Vermaelen told the club's official website.
"I was still confident at half time. We were the better team the whole game, we were never really under pressure.
"You could see that even in the first half we wanted to put them under pressure straight away, we wanted to keep the tempo high when we had the ball and we did that. In the second half we had that little bit of luck to score the goals.
Source- Goal
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Chelsea's Juan Mata defends Daniel Sturridge following penalty award at QPR
Chelsea's Juan Mata defends Daniel Sturridge following penalty award at QPR
The Spaniard highlighted the importance his goal which places Andre Villas-Boas' side into the fifth round following a 'difficult' game at Loftus Road
Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata has defended Daniel Sturridge after the forward won a controversial penalty against QPR in the FA Cup fourth round.
Mata netted the game's only goal to put Chelsea into the fifth round after Sturridge went down in the box following a slight challenge from QPR defender Clint Hill.
QPR boss Mark Hughes blasted the decision which subsequently led to his side's FA Cup exit, but Mata is sympathetic towards his team-mate.
"I think Danny went to head to it and I think the defender tried to stop him. The referee made the decision," Mata told the club's official website. "It was an important penalty. We were drawing 0-0 and with this goal we won finally and I am very happy with this penalty and with this win because it was a very difficult game for us."
In recent years the FA Cup has fallen victim to managers valuing a higher league finish more than success in domestic cup competitions, but Mata still values it greatly.
"The FA Cup is a special competition for every team and from now we are going to put all our commitment and effort into winning it," he concluded
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The Spaniard highlighted the importance his goal which places Andre Villas-Boas' side into the fifth round following a 'difficult' game at Loftus Road
Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata has defended Daniel Sturridge after the forward won a controversial penalty against QPR in the FA Cup fourth round.
Mata netted the game's only goal to put Chelsea into the fifth round after Sturridge went down in the box following a slight challenge from QPR defender Clint Hill.
QPR boss Mark Hughes blasted the decision which subsequently led to his side's FA Cup exit, but Mata is sympathetic towards his team-mate.
"I think Danny went to head to it and I think the defender tried to stop him. The referee made the decision," Mata told the club's official website. "It was an important penalty. We were drawing 0-0 and with this goal we won finally and I am very happy with this penalty and with this win because it was a very difficult game for us."
In recent years the FA Cup has fallen victim to managers valuing a higher league finish more than success in domestic cup competitions, but Mata still values it greatly.
"The FA Cup is a special competition for every team and from now we are going to put all our commitment and effort into winning it," he concluded
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PFA chief condemns booing of evra
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has condemned the booing directed at Manchester United's Patrice Evra during the FA Cup clash at Liverpool on Saturday.
Evra was targeted by sections of the Anfield crowd during his side's 2-1 fourth round defeat, after his claim of racist abuse against Luis Suarez was upheld by the FA and led to a eight-game ban for the striker.
Taylor has since spoken of his disappointment regarding the behaviour of some supporters, suggesting it could leave players unwilling to speak out in future and hinder any hope of eradicating the issue from the British game.
He told Sky Sports: "The booing of Evra was unwelcome. For someone to be booed for reporting racist comments is not something we want to see happening.
"Black players may be worried about reporting such things, if there is going to be a backlash like this.
"The game must do all it can to eradicate it."
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Evra was targeted by sections of the Anfield crowd during his side's 2-1 fourth round defeat, after his claim of racist abuse against Luis Suarez was upheld by the FA and led to a eight-game ban for the striker.
Taylor has since spoken of his disappointment regarding the behaviour of some supporters, suggesting it could leave players unwilling to speak out in future and hinder any hope of eradicating the issue from the British game.
He told Sky Sports: "The booing of Evra was unwelcome. For someone to be booed for reporting racist comments is not something we want to see happening.
"Black players may be worried about reporting such things, if there is going to be a backlash like this.
"The game must do all it can to eradicate it."
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Fulham in talks to sign Stuttgart's Pavel Pogrebnyak - report
Fulham in talks to sign Stuttgart's Pavel Pogrebnyak - report
The Cottagers close to adding to their attacking options with Russian striker, as Martin Jol looks set to keep Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora at Craven Cottage
Fulham are in talks to sign Stuttgart striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, according to a report.
The Russia international has also been linked with a move to West Brom this month but according to Press Association Sport, the forward is now close to a move to Craven Cottage.
Fulham boss Martin Jol is looking to add to his attacking ranks, while Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora appear set to stay at the club, despite being linked with moves away.
Pogrebnyak, 28, has struggled for first-team football at Stuttgart this season, and has scored just once in 14 Bundesliga appearances
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Sunday, 29 January 2012
NFF SANI LULU spends 24million naira to change name from association to federation, (NFA-NFF)
More facts are beginning to emerge over the circumstances that led to the legal quagmire in which the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is stuck as investigations revealed that the Alhaji Sani Lulu-led board spent a whopping N23.39 million to effect the change name from association to federation. In the federation's 2009 budget performance document submitted to the House of Representatives Committee on Sports and made available to Daily Sunsports at the National Assembly Complex, the Lulu board revealed that it spent the amount to organise the Congress during the Annual General Assembly held in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, that changed the name.
What is our country turning into that one would spend such amount just to change an alphabet of a name when some people are dying of hunger?
Source- daily sun
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Arsenal makes remarkable comeback against villa.
Two Robin van Persie penalties and a fortunate Theo Walcott goal saw Arsenal complete an amazing comeback against a stunned Aston Villa.
The Villans had stormed into a half-time lead with goals from Richard Dunne and Darren Bent.
But Arsenal returned with a fierce performance in the second half to turn the game on its head and shock Alex McLeish's side.
MATCH DETAILS
Arsenal: Fabianski, Coquelin, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Henry 89), Ramsey, Song, Rosicky (Arteta 71), Walcott (Sagna 88), Van Persie.
Subs not used: Szczesny, Park, Henry, Arshavin, Benayoun.
Goals: Van Persie 54 pen, 61 pen, Walcott 57
Bookings: Koscielny
Aston Villa: Given, Hutton, Dunne, Cuellar, Warnock, Ireland, Petrov (Bannan 82), Clark, Agbonlahor (Gardner 71), Keane, Bent.
Subs not used: Guzan, Heskey, Weimann, Lichaj, Baker.
Goals: Dunne 33, Bent 45
Bookings: Dunne
Attendance: 60,019
Referee: Mike Jones
Fa cup draw
FA Cup fifth round draw: Liverpool to face Brighton at Anfield as Chelsea host Birmingham City
The Seagulls have been rewarded with a trip to Anfield after their shock fourth round victory while Chelsea also host Championship opposition
League Cup finalists Liverpool have been handed a home draw in the fifth round of the FA Cup against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The seagulls caused the biggest upset in round four when the beat Newcastle United at The Amex and will want revenge on Liverpool who knocked them out in the third round of the league cup earlier this season.
Chelsea have been given a home tie against Championship side Birmingham City after their victory over QPR.
FA CUP FIFTH ROUND DRAW IN FULL*
Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion
Everton v Blackpool/Sheffield Wednesday
Chelsea v Birmingham City
Crawley Town v Stoke City
Stevenage v Tottenham Hotspur
Norwich City v Leicester City
Sunderland/Middlesbrough v Arsenal
Millwall or Southampton v Bolton Wanderers
Source: goal.com
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The Seagulls have been rewarded with a trip to Anfield after their shock fourth round victory while Chelsea also host Championship opposition
League Cup finalists Liverpool have been handed a home draw in the fifth round of the FA Cup against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The seagulls caused the biggest upset in round four when the beat Newcastle United at The Amex and will want revenge on Liverpool who knocked them out in the third round of the league cup earlier this season.
Chelsea have been given a home tie against Championship side Birmingham City after their victory over QPR.
FA CUP FIFTH ROUND DRAW IN FULL*
Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion
Everton v Blackpool/Sheffield Wednesday
Chelsea v Birmingham City
Crawley Town v Stoke City
Stevenage v Tottenham Hotspur
Norwich City v Leicester City
Sunderland/Middlesbrough v Arsenal
Millwall or Southampton v Bolton Wanderers
Source: goal.com
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Tevez might still join milan as milan prepares fresh bid for the argentine
The Rossoneri will allegedly still try to sign the unsettled striker before the transfer market closes but they are said to be unwilling to meet the Premier League side's demands
AC Milan have not given up on signing Manchester City wantaway Carlo Tevez, Corriere dello Sport claims.
The Serie A champions landed Catania's Maxi Lopez on a temporary basis on Friday after failing to reach an agreement with City before the deadline of 19.00CET set by the club.
Milan CEO Adriano Galliani stated later that day that his side would only reopen negotiations for Tevez in June, but fresh speculation suggests that the San Siro outfit will make one last attempt to sign the controversial striker on loan in January.
It is believed that the two clubs are still some distance apart in negotiations for Tevez, with City reportedly demanding €8 million in compensation in case Milan do not exercise their €24m buying option for the striker at the end of the season.
The Argentina international, who is understood to be in exile in his homeland, has been frozen out of City's squad after allegedly refusing to warm up in the Champions League group game against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in September

Carlitos Tevez - Manchester City
SOURCE: GOAL.COM
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AC Milan have not given up on signing Manchester City wantaway Carlo Tevez, Corriere dello Sport claims.
The Serie A champions landed Catania's Maxi Lopez on a temporary basis on Friday after failing to reach an agreement with City before the deadline of 19.00CET set by the club.
Milan CEO Adriano Galliani stated later that day that his side would only reopen negotiations for Tevez in June, but fresh speculation suggests that the San Siro outfit will make one last attempt to sign the controversial striker on loan in January.
It is believed that the two clubs are still some distance apart in negotiations for Tevez, with City reportedly demanding €8 million in compensation in case Milan do not exercise their €24m buying option for the striker at the end of the season.
The Argentina international, who is understood to be in exile in his homeland, has been frozen out of City's squad after allegedly refusing to warm up in the Champions League group game against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in September

Carlitos Tevez - Manchester City
SOURCE: GOAL.COM
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Honda to lazio: deal completed
The 2011 Asian Cup's most valuable player is to join the Serie A giants, after reported interest from the likes of Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus fell through
Japan and CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda is to join Serie A side Lazio in a €14 million transfer, ending weeks of speculation.
According to Sports Nippon, the 25-year-old has agreed terms with the Rome outfit and will join the club pending a medical.
Lazio will formally announce the signing once the Italian side fulfills its quota on non-European Union players.
Yesterday, Honda met with Lazio president Claudio Lotito in Rome after arriving from Barcelona, where he was undergoing rehabilitation on his injured right knee, the newspaper writes.
The move ends weeks of speculation in which several major English clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa were reported to have shown an interest in Honda during the Asian Cup in January last year.
In June 2011, Juventus reportedly held talks with CSKA Moscow over the midfielder, who was also linked with Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the month.
Honda spent four years at J-League side Nagoya Grampus until 2007, followd by a two-year spell at Dutch club VVV Venlo. He joined CSKA in January 2010, signing a four-year deal, and became the first Japanese player to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League later that year.

SOURCE: goal.com
Saturday, 28 January 2012
Dani Alves believes barcelona are lacking balance
The Brazilian full-back is aware Barca are struggling to match the dizzying heights they set for themselves last season after drawing a blank at El Madrigal
The Blaugrana were once more forced to settle for a point at El Madrigal, which was a surprise against Jose Francisco Molina's struggling outfit, and the former Sevilla man admits his team are not functioning as efficiently as last season.
"We have not scored, but we played a great match. However, no goals mean we cannot win," said Alves after the match.
"We're not getting the balance of last year, we did uphold the points earned at home is becoming more difficult."
Barcelona have now fallen seven points behind Real Madrid in La Liga, but Alves insists the title remains a realistic objective for the season.
"This does not mean anything, [the season] goes all the way to the end," continued Alves. "It is an advantage but I have seen more difficult scenarios, so we must carry on."

Source- goal
Pep refuses to lay blames
Barcelona's Pep Guardiola refuses to blame squad despite goalless draw with Villarreal
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has refused to criticise his team, despite overseeing a 0-0 draw to lowly Primera Division side Villarreal on Saturday.
The champions picked up a sixth draw of the campaign against the Yellow Submarine, which means they now fall seven points behind Real Madrid at La Liga's summit, but the 40-year-old insists he could not ask for more from his players.
"We played very well and ran a lot. I want to fight for every point like we fought tonight," said Guardiola after the match. "Playing like we have a good season, there is no blame.
"I want to convey to my players that we will fight to the end. Now we have to win everything at our disposal.
"Being five [points behind] is better than seven. We have been too attentive to the things they do well, we have lacked luck when putting the ball in the net but my assessment is that I am satisfied, especially after last week's work."
Guardiola also shrugged off suggestions Barcelona had paid the price for their two-legged Copa del Rey quarter-final victory over Real Madrid in midweek, before praising Villarreal for their courageous display.
"We did not get tired at the end. We have been very demanding, but I prefer to stay in all competitions," continued the trainer. "I have few criticisms.
"We have played an excellent game, but Villarreal are a team that have a lot of shots on goal and play very well if given space.
"Marco Ruben was fantastic and won all the second balls, while Joselu and Camunas found lots of space."

Pep Guardiola - Barcelona
Source- goal
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has refused to criticise his team, despite overseeing a 0-0 draw to lowly Primera Division side Villarreal on Saturday.
The champions picked up a sixth draw of the campaign against the Yellow Submarine, which means they now fall seven points behind Real Madrid at La Liga's summit, but the 40-year-old insists he could not ask for more from his players.
"We played very well and ran a lot. I want to fight for every point like we fought tonight," said Guardiola after the match. "Playing like we have a good season, there is no blame.
"I want to convey to my players that we will fight to the end. Now we have to win everything at our disposal.
"Being five [points behind] is better than seven. We have been too attentive to the things they do well, we have lacked luck when putting the ball in the net but my assessment is that I am satisfied, especially after last week's work."
Guardiola also shrugged off suggestions Barcelona had paid the price for their two-legged Copa del Rey quarter-final victory over Real Madrid in midweek, before praising Villarreal for their courageous display.
"We did not get tired at the end. We have been very demanding, but I prefer to stay in all competitions," continued the trainer. "I have few criticisms.
"We have played an excellent game, but Villarreal are a team that have a lot of shots on goal and play very well if given space.
"Marco Ruben was fantastic and won all the second balls, while Joselu and Camunas found lots of space."

Pep Guardiola - Barcelona
Source- goal
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Arsenal fails to land lucas podolski
ARSENAL failed in an £8million move for Germany ace Lukas Podolski – and now fear they will miss out again in the summer.
The Gunners made an approach to Cologne earlier this month but the German outfit made it clear Podolski will not leave in January.
Arsenal are concerned that could harm their aim of landing him when the transfer window re-opens.
Podolski, 26, will have just a year remaining on his Cologne contract at the end of this season and an impressive Euro 2012 could see other big clubs muscling in.
Arsenal's striking options have improved with the arrival of Thierry Henry on a short-term contract.
Boss Arsene Wenger said: "I am tempted to go into the market, but the players we have approached were not available."
Source: the people
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.
The Gunners made an approach to Cologne earlier this month but the German outfit made it clear Podolski will not leave in January.
Arsenal are concerned that could harm their aim of landing him when the transfer window re-opens.
Podolski, 26, will have just a year remaining on his Cologne contract at the end of this season and an impressive Euro 2012 could see other big clubs muscling in.
Arsenal's striking options have improved with the arrival of Thierry Henry on a short-term contract.
Boss Arsene Wenger said: "I am tempted to go into the market, but the players we have approached were not available."
Source: the people
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PSG COMPLETES SIGNING OF CHELSEA'S ALEX
The Brazilian fell out of favour with Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas and has now been reunited with Carlo Ancelotti, having signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Ligue 1 club
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the signing of Alex from Chelsea for a reported fee of €6 million.
After completing a medical in the French capital on Friday morning, the Brazilian defender was officially presented to the media at a press conference at 16:30CET and he wasted little time in outlining the reasons behind his departure from Stamford Bridge.
"Basically, I had not played much in the last two months and I wanted to leave Chelsea," Alex told reporters.
"Finally, we began to negotiate with PSG and everything went very well.
"I know the fame of the club, so I wanted to come. And I spent two years with [PSG coach] Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea. I wanted to play again with him."
Former Blues boss Ancelotti had stated earlier in the day that he was thrilled with having been reunited with the 29-year-old centre-back.
"It was a good opportunity because of his price and his desire to come to PSG," the Italian coach explained.
"I know him very well. He's a fantastic player and a great guy. He has extensive experience as he played in the Dutch league, English league, the Brazil national team and many Champions League matches.
"He's a great professional and I think he will have a great season."
The Premier League outfit originally signed Alex from Santos but he spent three years on loan at PSV Eindhoven before finally arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2007.
He proved a reliable performer for Chelsea but fell out of favour at Stamford Bridge following the arrival of Andre Villas-Boas as manager last summer.
Source: goal.com
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Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the signing of Alex from Chelsea for a reported fee of €6 million.
After completing a medical in the French capital on Friday morning, the Brazilian defender was officially presented to the media at a press conference at 16:30CET and he wasted little time in outlining the reasons behind his departure from Stamford Bridge.
"Basically, I had not played much in the last two months and I wanted to leave Chelsea," Alex told reporters.
"Finally, we began to negotiate with PSG and everything went very well.
"I know the fame of the club, so I wanted to come. And I spent two years with [PSG coach] Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea. I wanted to play again with him."
Former Blues boss Ancelotti had stated earlier in the day that he was thrilled with having been reunited with the 29-year-old centre-back.
"It was a good opportunity because of his price and his desire to come to PSG," the Italian coach explained.
"I know him very well. He's a fantastic player and a great guy. He has extensive experience as he played in the Dutch league, English league, the Brazil national team and many Champions League matches.
"He's a great professional and I think he will have a great season."
The Premier League outfit originally signed Alex from Santos but he spent three years on loan at PSV Eindhoven before finally arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2007.
He proved a reliable performer for Chelsea but fell out of favour at Stamford Bridge following the arrival of Andre Villas-Boas as manager last summer.
Source: goal.com
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Ghana close to qualifying after seeing off Eagles of Mali
Match Reports (goal) Ghana 2-0 Mali
Ghana are closer to qualifying for the quarter-final of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations after having beaten Mali 2-0 courtesy of goals from Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew at the Franceville Stadium on Saturday.
Both goals came in the second half after the sides had battled it out in a tense but physical first half that saw few attempts on goal.
Al Ain marksman Gyan finally broke the deadlock in a tight game with a superb curling free kick that flew over the Malian wall and landed in the top left corner of goalkeeper Soumbeila Diakite's goal.
The Eagles came close to equalising in the 67th minute through Modibo Maiga when he jumped above the Black Stars defence but his header shaved the top of goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey's post to leave Ghana in the lead.
The climax of the second west African derby in Group D arrived in the 73rd minute when a back heel from Gyan set up Olympique Marseille's Ayew, who brilliantly turned two of his markers inside out and curled a low shot into the corner of the goal to beat shot-stopper Diakite and double the lead of the four-time African champions.
Both teams started off with a great deal of respect to each other. It was a game characterised by tensed moments and physical challenges as both sides made few attempts on goal in the first half.
The first real chance surfaced when Ghana's midfield creative force Kwadwo Asamoah unleashed a thunderbolt, which was parried by the Malian goalkeeper and Sulley Muntari's rebound was off target.
The Udinese play-maker Asamoah was once again on hand for the Black Stars when he turned one of the Eagles' defenders inside out, but his left-footed shot was off target.
It was a half full of fouls and close marking as the two west African countries looked determined to outdo each other.
With about seven minutes left before the interval, Cheick Tidiane Diabate took a breathtaking free kick that slammed off one post and onto the other despite Ghana shot-stopper Kwarasey spreading wide to cover the bottom right corner of his post. Abdou Traore was unlucky with his rebound under pressure, which was hit high above the intended target.
The two goals in the second half broke the silence at the Franceville Stadium in Gabon and arrived at the right time for the Black Stars.
The win gives Ghana a better chance of moving to the next stage of the continental showpiece, as they now top the group on six points, with Mali and Guinea on three and Botswana yet to register a positive result
Source: goal.com
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Madrid comes from behind to snatch all points
Real Madrid 3-1 Zaragoza: League leaders come from goal behind as Kaka, Ronaldo & Ozil strike to seal victory
Jose Mourinho's men came from a goal down to put Manolo Jimenez's men to the sword at home, with the three attackers all getting on the scoresheet in the 3-1 victory
Match report( goal)
Real Madrid survived an early scare against Zaragoza to come back and earn a comfortable 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening, with Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil all getting on the scoresheet for the hosts.
Angel Lafita gave the visitors a shock lead on 11 minutes after some slack defensive play from Los Blancos, yet Kaka got his side back on level terms in the 32nd minute.
The home side were 2-1 up not long after the break when Ronaldo scored from close range before Ozil completed the scoring with a powerful finish in the area.
Mourinho's side head eight points clear of rivals Barcelona who visit Villarreal later in the evening while Zaragoza remain bottom after extending their winless run in the league to 13 games.
Madrid forged the first opportunity of the game in the sixth minute when Cristiano Ronaldo's precise cross into the box was inexplicably headed wide of goal from four yards out by Karim Benzema.
Despite their bright start to the game, Madrid found themselves a goal down five minutes later after some poor defending. Carlos Aranda was allowed time and space to make a run into the box before the forward played a low ball along the six-yard line for Angel Lafita to tap into an empty net - his third goal at the Santiago Bernabeu after his double last season.
In the 26th minute, Mourinho's men came close to an equaliser from a set-piece. Mesut Ozil whipped an inviting ball into the box which was met by Kaka's flicked header that narrowly crept wide of the top corner with Roberto at full stretch.
However, the home side did not have to wait long to draw back level and on 32 minutes, the goal arrived. Ricardo Carvalho's defensive-splitting pass fell to the feet of Kaka who took a composed touch before stroking the ball into the net, despite Roberto's best attempts at keeping it out.
A determined Madrid side came out for the second half and in the 49th minute the hosts grabbed the lead. After a slick passing move, Esteban Granero slid the ball to Ozil who cut the back across the six-yard line for Ronaldo to slam home - a goal reminiscent of Zaragoza's opener.
Seven minutes later Mourinho's team extended their lead with another well-executed team goal. Granero and Kaka both linked up impressively before the Brazilian found Ozil in the box, who smashed the ball past Roberto at his near post for the German's first league goal of the season and the final goal of the game.
Madrid are back in Liga action next weekend when they travel to local rivals Getafe while Zaragoza are due to entertain Rayo Vallecano
Source: goal.com
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Chelsea through to 5th round in FA cup as liverpool send man.utd packing
QPR VS CHELSEA (MATCH REPORT: goal)
After a forgettable first half, Mata delivered the telling goal from the spot on the 62nd minute to put Chelsea's name in the hat for the fifth round draw.
The winning goal was shrouded in controversy though as referee Mike Dean deemed Clint Hill's push on Daniel Sturridge in the box enough to warrant a penalty, much to the disbelief of the home fans.
The game started brightly with Ashley Cole's crunching tackle setting the tone for the game. However any hopes of a feisty west London clash quickly diminished as Chelsea settled into their stride. QPR found it hard to gain and retain possession as the away side stroked the ball across the Loftus Road pitch.
Mata had the first real chance of the game in the 12th minute, pouncing on Luke Young's slip to drive at the heart of the QPR defence. His shot from just inside the area was on target but close enough to Paddy Kenny to have it parried away for a corner.
The first half saw few chances as both teams cautiously worked their way into the game. David Luiz's overhead kick from a Terry flick-on required a much more deft touch to trouble Kenny's goal.
Shaun Wright-Phillips was booked for a lunge borne more from frustration at a loose touch than genuine malice and that summed up an opening period that offered supporters little cheer.
Chelsea were reduced to shots from range as Fernando Torres drifted wide in search of the ball and it nearly paid off as Raul Meireles found room on the edge of the box to take a touch on his thigh and volley the ball at goal. The well-struck shot fizzed wide of Kenny's right-hand post.
There were moments of magic though and the most notable invariably came from Mata, whose backheel on 40 minutes played Ramires into the right channel of the box. For the Spaniard's good work, the Brazilian fluffed his lines, over-hitting his cross well past the waiting Florent Malouda at the back post.
Half-time led to Mark Hughes making one change, introducing Manchester United loanee Federico Macheda for the largely innocuous Heider Helguson but Villas-Boas' team provided the early threats on goal.
Torres' fine work inside the right corner of the box saw him elude two QPR defenders and feed Sturridge marginally behind him. The young English striker's powerful first-time left foot strike looked to be headed in but rose just over Kenny's crossbar.
Chelsea's intent was obvious and Luiz combined to a more positive start to the half, roaming to the edge of the box before unleashing his drive just wide.
Then came the minute of drama. QPR produced their first glimmer of threat as Macheda and Wright-Phillips teamed up to unlock the Chelsea defence. As Cole was left on his heels, Wright-Phillips nipped down the right channel but his flashed drive across goal was beaten away by Petr Cech.
The Chelsea break, perhaps stirred by the QPR chance, showed intent but it was smothered in controversy. As Mata cut back and crossed towards Sturridge, the striker felt contact from Hill and tumbled in the box. Referee Mike Dean had no hesitation in pointing to the spot amid boos from the home support, who had presumed Sturridge was guilty of simulation.
Regardless, Mata composed himself before striding towards the penalty spot and sending Kenny the wrong way to give Chelsea the lead in front of the away support
LIVERPOOL VS MAN UTD(match report: goal)
Daniel Agger opened the scoring for the Reds, heading home a Steven Gerrard corner, but Park Ji-sung brought the visitors level shortly before half-time.
United enjoyed plenty of possession in midfield but struggled to find their way past the Liverpool defence and they were punished when Kuyt provided the decisive strike.
Tensions between the two clubs had been high prior to this match following the fallout of their last meeting at Anfield, but while Patrice Evra was booed by the home fans throughout, the game itself proved a low-key affair until Kuyt's dramatic winner.
Kenny Dalglish opted to remove, Kuyt, Craig Bellamy, Glen Johnson and Charlie Adam from the team that beat Manchester City in the League Cup on Wednesday. Instead Andy Carroll started in attack, with Maxi Rodriguez replacing Kuyt on the right wing. Martin Kelly came in at right-back, with Jamie Carragher providing a defensive presence in central midfield.
Wayne Rooney failed to recover from injury in time for the tie, so Sir Alex Ferguson added an extra man in midfield in the form of Paul Scholes while Park replaced the injured Nani on the left wing.
Chances from distance for Rodriguez and Ryan Giggs aside, the battle of the opening 15 minutes took place largely in midfield. In terrific form but without his partner in crime, Nani, on the opposite flank, Antonio Valencia would be relied upon as a primary creative force for United on the right-hand side and he burst past Rodriguez before thumping a 20-yard shot against Pepe Reina's far post.
United goalkeeper David De Gea has sometimes looked uncertain when dealing with high balls into the penalty area this season and Liverpool were determined to exploit that potential weakness from the first minute. Each set-piece saw the Spaniard crowded by three or four red shirts and he was left stranded when Gerrard curled a corner into the six-yard box that Agger rose to head home.
The away side dominated the ball for long periods from that point, patiently probing for a gap to take advantage of in the Liverpool defence. They found it when Valencia's flick drew Jose Enrique and Rafael into a race for the ball that the Brazilian won. The right-back cut a cross back into the penalty area into the path of Park, who hammered a first-time shot beyond Reina.
Agger and Chris Smalling both survived handball appeals in their own area early in the second half; the home side's claim on the latter incident was strongest, but both were from close range and neither could be judged as deliberate.
Match details drafted from goal.com
Diego forlan pledges future to inter
The 32-year-old has scored just one goal in nine matches since his arrival from Atletico Madrid last summer, leading to speculation over his future after so far failing to replicate the impact of Samuel Eto'o, who departed for Anzhi Makhachkala in the summer.
However, in response to the rumours, Forlan assured that he will stay put with the Nerazzurri until 2013, after speaking of his admiration for boss Claudio Ranieri, before eventually bringing the curtain down on his career in South America.
"I still have several years of my contract remaining and I will respect them," Forlan told Il Cacha.
"I want to stay in Europe a little longer after that and then, permitting my physical condition, I will return to South America.
"[Ranieri] is a coach of great experience, I have a good relationship with him."
An injury-hit campaign followed, as the oft-prolific striker netted just eight Liga goals in 32 appearances, although he did manage to salvage some form during last year's Copa America. Forlan, meanwhile, is adamant his setbacks are nothing out of the ordinary.
"Those are things that happen," continued the forward. "I know that I will be faced with different types of injuries, but if you analyse previous years, my fitness has been very positive.
"First I had the Copa America to deal with, then the move to Inter straight after. However, you must not forget the fact that I've always done the best I can, regardless of whether it was a good year or bad.
"Of course [not playing has affected me], especially because I am at a new team and I want to play. In the past, I had always started playing for a new club immediately.
"It is only natural that the years pass and after consecutive matches, you feel more and more tired, but it is normal. However one thing is certain: Diego does not want to hang up his boots."
"I want to go to the Olympic Games, but I also know that Oscar Tabarez has the final decision. My desire is there, but I know that many of us are targeting the Games," he said.
Reports in Italy have also claimed that Inter midfielder McDonald Mariga is set to cut his loan spell at Real Sociedad short and complete his move back to Parma on Monday
Source: Goal
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