IBRAHIMOVIC HAS FUNCTIONAL EMPATHY SAYS MOURINHO

Manchester united manager Jose Mourinho believes his experienced new striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's "big ego" can be used in a positive way for Manchester United.
The 34-year-old started training with United for the first time this week after his new teammates returned from their frustrating tour of China, when they lost 4-1 to Borussia Dortmund then had a game against Manchester City cancelled.
Speaking before United departed for Sweden, Mourinho told MUTV: "With Zlatan, you may see someone with a big ego, big self-esteem, but it is in a positive way. When he is with the group, he is humble and friendly to everyone -- integration is good.
"Zlatan is a fantastic player and, immediately in training, we could feel what I call 'functional empathy' -- people looking to him, him looking to connect with other players. He is an amazing link player, an amazing player. He could be anything on the pitch, not just a goalscorer."
Looking ahead to the prospect of making his United debut in Sweden, Ibrahimovic told MUTV: "Everybody has been waiting for that moment. There has been a lot of talk and to make my debut in my country will feel great. I think the fans are waiting for me to come back and they are waiting to enjoy not only me, but the team as well."
Mourinho added that the striker's language skills are helping him settle in. The United manager said: "Zlatan and Henrikh [Mkhitaryan] are fluent in English and in many other languages. They are good guys and experienced guys.
"Eric [Bailly] doesn't speak English too well, but he speaks French and Spanish, which makes it an easy position in this squad with all his teammates who speak those languages."

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PSG ON MY MIND AND HEAD NOT REAL REAL MADRID SAYS VERRATTI

Italy international midfielder Marco Verratti has distanced himself from reported interest from Real Madrid, saying he remains committed to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Italy midfielder, 23, missed much of last season with a groin injury but that has not prevented speculation about his future this summer.
Real were reported to have lined him up as a possible alternative to another of their targets, Juventus star Paul Pogba. But, with the France international looking set to join Manchester United, they face further disappointment.
"I'm flattered that a club like Real Madrid is interested in me," Verratti told Spanish news agency EFE. "But I have made the decision to stay in Paris and be successful with PSG. Before I get tired or the club doesn't want me any more, I want to win something big here."
Four straight Ligue 1 titles and five domestic cups have not sated Verratti's appetite for trophies and he is desperate to help PSG prove themselves outside of France.
"Until we've won the Champions League I want to stay here," he continued. "That's the goal I've set for myself.
"I want to win with this team because they are a bit like a family to me."
While Verratti will not be heading to Madrid, PSG coach Unai Emery hopes to persuade forward Jese to move in the opposite direction.
"He is a good player," the Spaniard said. "I know him well and the club does too. It's a possibility."

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SEVILLA CAPTURES WISSAM BEN YEDDER FROM TOULOUSE

Spanish outfit Sevilla have agreed a deal to make Toulouse striker Wissam Ben Yedder their eighth signing of the summer.
Ben Yedder, 25, will sign a five-year contract and move for a reported €9 million fee after scoring 17 goals in 35 Ligue 1 appearances last season.
The former France under-21 international follows Luciano Vietto, Paulo Henrique Ganso, Franco Vazquez, Joaquin Correa, Matias Kranevitter, Pablo Sarabia and Hiroshi Kiyotake into the club.
But they have also lost Ever Banego to Inter Milan, Jose Antonio Reyes to Espanyol, Grzegorz Krychowiak to Paris Saint-Germain, Ciro Immobile to Lazio and Kevin Gameiro to Atletico Madrid.

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LEGENDARY STRIKER VIERI TO COME OUT RETIREMENT AND HIS DESTINATION

Former Italy international striker Christian Vieri has announced his intention to come out of retirement and play in China.
Vieri, 43, retired in October 2009, after a long career that saw him play for Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Inter Milan among others.
"Good morning everyone. At more or less 8:30a.m., there's huge news on the Formentera broadcast: Bobo is back, I've decided to go play in China," he said on his official Instagram page.
"Five months ago I weighed 101kg, now I'm at 91kg, I've lost 10. I must drop another two, reach 89kg and I'm ready. Have a nice day."
In 1999 he became the most expensive player in the world when he joined Inter from Lazio for a fee of £32.1 million.
Vieri would be the latest high-profile player to move to China, following Graziano Pelle, Hulk and Ramires.

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MAHREZ TO BE OFFERED NEW CONTRACT IF HE WANT SAYS RANIERI

Leciester city boss has continually stated that it important the dazzling Algeria international stays with the premier league defending champion.
It's "important" that Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez remains with the Foxes this season, says manager Claudio Ranieri.
The defending Premier League champions have already seen standout midfielder N'Golo Kante transfer to Chelsea this summer, and are desperate to keep hold of last 2015-16's PFA Player of the Season despite reported serious interest from Arsenal.
But Ranieri said he's confident he'll be able to count on the Algeria international at the King Power Stadium for at least another Prem campaign.
"If he wants to sign a new contract it is OK. For me it is important that this season he stays with us," Ranieri said.
He is very happy. I see him every day and he has never talked to me about something strange. I am confident with him. This is experience. "The club is working very well and I think the players want to stay with us to try and to improve on last season. We know that is very difficult but we are ambitious. Then it is important they sign, stay with us and gain experience in the Champions League. Then we will see."

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KANTE FOOTBALL DOES THE TALKING FOR HIM SAYS CONTE

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has praised new signing N'Golo Kante for his reserved personality, and has backed the France international to be a "fantastic" midfielder for the squad.

Kante left Premier League champions Leicester City for a £30 million move to Stamford Bridge earlier this month.
The former Caen midfielder has impressed new boss Conte during preseason training sessions, leaving the Italian convinced the 25-year-old will play a major role in his side this season.
"We are very happy to have N'Golo with us because he is a player who does not speak a lot, but just does his job," Conte told reporters ahead of Chelsea's International Champions Cup match with Real Madrid on Saturday.
"He is a good guy, very humble and very keen to work hard, which is important to me. I have had a conversation with him to explain what I expect from him and he can become an important player in midfield, just like [Cesc] Fabregas, [Nemanja] Matic and the others.
"He is in great shape physically. He is a player who keeps on running, someone who has great stamina and endurance. The people who know him better have all told me he has a fantastic attitude and a lot of energy.
"He does not talk a lot, but acts instead. It is not necessary for him to talk a lot. I think he might be a bit shy. I just need a few players who do the talking during the game. He just arrived at a new club and still needs to find his feet a bit. N'Golo can become a fantastic midfielder. He can still improve, maybe he can score a bit more."

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SUPER CUP AND LA LIGA OPENER MISS FOR RONALDO SAYS ZIDANE

 Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane confirmed that Cristian Ronaldo won't play in the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla on Aug. 9, and could miss the league opener against Real Sociedad 12 days later.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday's game against Chelsea in the International Champions Cup, Zidane gave an update on the status of Ronaldo, as well as others.
"Basically it looks like [Ronaldo's] injury requires a month of rehab, and we also have to make sure he's prepared," Zidane said through a translator on Friday. "We can't just put him in after not playing for a month. From the Super Cup to the start of the season there's 12 days, so we're not sure, but he'll be with us. But I don't think he'll play at least for the first [league] match."
"Obviously any injured player, it's something that is worrisome, and it's a tough injury where [Benzema] has had it for a while," Zidane said. "It's his hip. But overall, every day he's been working with the trainers and the medical staff and my hope is that he can play in the third match [of the ICC]. It's important for him to play in the third match as we'd like to be able to count on him for the Super Cup."
Zidane was also optimistic about the trio of James Rodriguez, Luka Modric, and Sergio Ramos -- all of whom were given time off after international duty this summer -- saying they had all nearly caught up with the main group in terms of fitness, though they may sit out Saturday's match.
"Right now, what they're doing is exactly the same as the other players; the same type of training and they're following the same plan," said Zidane. "[Saturday] in the morning, they'll train again, and then in the afternoon we'll see if they're able to play. The idea that we have is for all of them to be available on Aug. 9, for the Super Cup. And to be ready on Aug. 9, they definitely have to play on Aug. 3 in the last game of the ICC."
As for goalkeeper Keylor Navas, Zidane said the player was recovering well from the Achilles tendon injury that kept him out of this summer's Copa America, but was unsure if he would return in time for the Super Cup.
"I can't really speak about the [Super Cup] because we don't know, but it does look tough," he said. "When [Navas] returns to Europe he needs to go see the doctor that operated on him and continue the rehab plan."
If Navas doesn't recover in time, Zidane is confident that backup Kiko Casilla will step up.
"We're going to look to continue putting [Casilla] in the best position possible, we'll continue to work," he said. "We believe in him and we're happy with the work he's done.
Shifting focus to Saturday's game, Zidane said he wants to see "a little bit stronger team" against Chelsea.
Real lost the first match of the preseason competition 3-1 to Paris St. Germain, a match where Zidane bemoaned his side's lack of aggression.
"We want to see a little more rhythm, and more of the things that we've done in training recently," he told reporters in his pregame press conference. "That's why were looking forward to seeing the match. We're good, we're prepared."
He later added, "We some good things in the last game, and that's what we want to improve on. Overall, we want to show that we're better physically even though we're not at 100 percent. And obviously we want to give a show to the fans that are here."

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LORIS KARIUS TO MISSS LIVERPOOL SEASON OPENER

Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow as goalkeeper Loris Karius is set to miss the start of the season through injury, a club source has told CCS.
The 23-year-old German is returning home from the club's United States preseason tour after breaking his hand in the Reds' 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday night after colliding with teammate Dejan Lovren.
The custodian came out to deal with a cross just before the hour mark, but accidentally struck the defender in the process. Karius completed the game despite the injury.
The £4.7 million summer signing from Mainz is expected to be out of action for 8-10 weeks, which means he might have to wait until October to make his Liverpool debut.
It is devastating news for the player and manager Jurgen Klopp, who had brought Karius in from the Bundesliga to compete with Simon Mignolet for the starting spot in Liverpool's goal.
Karius recently revealed he had turned down a opportunity to feature at the Rio Olympics as he wanted to establish himself as the Reds' No. 1 and felt missing part of the preseason would hamper his chances.
Liverpool also signed veteran keeper Alex Manninger earlier this month. The 39-year-old joined on a free transfer from Augsburg and is expected to be third choice.

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NAPOLI MUST PAY OVER €60 MILLION FOR ICARDI

Inter Milan aren't looking to sell striker Mauro Icardi to Napoli for less than €60 million, club president Erick Thohir told reporters on Friday.
The 23-year-old Argentine has been rumoured to replace Gonzalo Higuain at the San Paolo club, after the former Real Madrid man joined Juventus for €94m earlier this week, with Icardi's agent claiming Inter's offers of a new contract have not been acceptable.
"All of us are hoping that number goes over €60m. But for us, that isn't important at the moment," Thohir said.
"Inter will be here for hundreds of years yet. Inter is made of individuals who can change. This happens every year."

Thohir, though, highlighted the importance of Icardi -- who serves as Inter's captain -- within the the San Siro side.
"He's a very important player for the team, he's our captain. We're building a team and we have to look at the dynamic," Thohir said.
Roberto Mancini's future at the club is uncertain, with reports indicating the former Manchester CIty boss is unhappy with the lacking of signings during the current transfer window. Thohir admitted the two men have had differing opinions at times, but characterised their relationship as a good one.
"The relationship with Mancini is good, although we've had some disagreements," he said.
"There are some differences in views, but the important thing is to work for the team."

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MY SQUAD IS READY FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE BATTLE SAYS KLOPP

Jurgen Klopp believes the players he had added to his Liverpool squad this summer gives them the chance to compete right from the off.                                                                                                                           

In his first summer in charge of the Reds, Klopp has welcomed seven new faces to the side -- in Sadio Mane, Loris, Karius, Ragnar Klavan, Georginio Wijnaldum, Marko Grujic, Joel Matip and goalkeeper Alex Manninger -- while letting 10 players depart Anfield in the process.
The German manager, who replaced Brendan Rodgers on Merseyside in October, feels his acquisitions can help the squad build on last season's two cup-final appearances and eighth-placed league finish.
"I'm not afraid of making decisions -- it's part of the job," Klopp said. "I am pretty sure I cannot make all the ones everyone likes, but I have to be convinced about it.
"At the end you are alone with the decision but it's no problem to me. I am happy with my team now, and all I can say is we will be a challenger, we will fight for everything, for every cup and what'll happen in the end we will see.

Certainly at the moment we should not look for excuses and say things like 'I need another year' or things like that.
"We will try everything 100 percent and see what happens. We built this team only to be successful, not one where we say we will have to wait."
He added: "This is my squad now. After all the transfers, this time it is my team. There are probably no players here any more I don't want. There are no signings I didn't want, we have not sold anyone I didn't want to.
"And if you have seen them in training, there is a special quality that we did not have last year.
"Above all, you can see we have created a special atmosphere, not only in our team but with our fans."

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REAL MADRID TRAINING REQUEST TURNED DOWN BY FIFTH TIER CLUB

UEFA champions league winner Real Madrid have been denied permission to train at fifth-tier Norwegian club Malvik ahead of the UEFA Super Cup clash against Sevilla because the facilities are needed for a summer camp for local children.
Champions League holders Madrid had asked amateur club Malvik for permission to train at their facilities ahead of the game in Trondheim on Aug. 9.
However, Malvik vice-president Frode Forbord said the request had been turned down.
"The training sessions would coincide with our football school for children in Malvik," Forbord told Norwegian public broadcaster NRK. "It would be nice to have Real Madrid, but we do not want to send 270 children home."
Forbord said that Madrid's insistence on no fans attending their training session ahead of the big game in nearby Trondheim had also been a factor in the decision.
"I hope that [the kids] learn something at our football school, and someday reach Real Madrid," he said. "Madrid did not want to have fans [at their session] and the school has 270 children, so it was not possible to combine the two."

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TIAGO AND OBLAK WERE ON POINT SAYS DIEGO SIMEONE

 

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone hailed the importance of fit-again veteran midfielder Tiago Mendes in their side's 1-0 International Champions Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur in Melbourne on Friday.
Tiago suffered a broken leg during a La Liga game against Espanyol last November, and missed the remainder of the 2015-16 season due to the lengthy recovery period required.
Speaking at his post-match news conference at the MCG, the Colchoneros coach said such work was paying off as the midfielder was getting his game back.
"Tiago is doing well, he got a good preseason and is improving with games," Simeone said. "His tactical and technical play is always extraordinary, and we need him to get match fitness. He is improving with that, he needs it, and it will be very good for him."
Tottenham might have got at least a draw if not for the woodwork and some excellent saves from Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who Simeone said was again showing just why he was one of the world's best players in his position.
"[Oblak] is one of the best goalkeepers in the world," he said. "He has started the season really well, maintaining his standards and his level. He's continuing to do what he has done ever since he arrived here."
Last May's agonising Champions League final defeat on penalties to Real Madrid was especially painful for both Atletico and their coach, but they looked recharged and ready for the new campaign even as both teams used the usual large number of substitutions during the second half.
Simeone said that even at this stage of the preseason he and his players knew no other way of going about their jobs.
"Our structure and our way of understanding the game is the same these last four years -- whether in friendlies, Supercups, Europa League, La Liga, or the Champions League we play with the same enthusiasm and we are not going to change."

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DE LAURENTIIS HAS BLAST HIGUAIN OPEN LETTER AS FALSESHOOD

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has hit back at Gonzalo Higuain after the Argentina forward blamed the breakdown in the relationship for his decision to join Juventus.
Higuain thanked everybody at Napoli and the whole city of Naples for three unforgettable years there, but he criticised De Laurentiis and accused him of pushing him out of the door after completing a €90 million transfer to the Bianconeri.
In a letter posted on Napoli's website, De Laurentiis exerted his right to reply and condemned Higuain's words.
"Dear fans of Napoli, dear lovers of football, I've read Gonzalo Gerardo Higuain's comments in the news conference arranged by Juventus and I would like to touch on how he said that the reason he left was my fault," De Laurentiis wrote.
"I've reflected a long time as to whether these remarks warranted a reply, since it is clear to everybody what the truth actually is. In the end, I thought it was best to say the following, to go on the record in future. This is my reply.
"1) If Mr Gonzalo Gerardo Higuain was so annoyed by my presence, it took him many years to realise it, unless he is a false person and a great actor -- but I would exclude this last eventuality because I am an expert when it comes to actors.
"2) We spent a lot of time together, even recently, for example on April 15 when we tried to reduce his four-game suspension while we were in the hunt for the Scudetto. I can assure you that on that day, Gonzalo was very serene and did not show any signs of suffering in my presence, as the people who were with us can testify.
"3) Why is it that his agent never showed any impatience when we met to discuss his contract renewal, and this happened a lot in this last year? If they were truly so intolerant of my presence, they would not have spent hours discussing money -- lots of money -- with great interest and willingness.
"4) Does it not seem a bit shameful when your agent says that the team you were playing in, the team who put you in a condition to score 38 goals, were not good enough? Is it not a disgrace to say, basically, that Gonzalo's teammates were rubbish, considering that Napoli were the team who had the most number of chances in Italy -- a fundamental condition to allow a striker to score many goals?
"5) Trying to explain that moving into a new family was my fault is disrespectful to the people of Naples. If Higuain had read the history of Napoli, he would discover that this city is the only one to have freed itself from the Nazis by itself, before the Americans arrived and found the city free already when they marched in. You can betray these people if you have no shame, but you cannot take the p--- out of them."

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CHELSEA CAPTURES GOALKEEPER MARCIN BULKA FROM FCB ESCOLA

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign young goalkeeper Marcin Bulka from FCB Escola Varsovia, according to the Polish academy.
FCB Escola Varsovia, which is the official academy of FC Barcelona in Poland, said on its official website that Bulka, 17, has reached an agreement to join up with the Premier League side.
The move follows a successful trial at Chelsea's Cobham training base in April.
FCBEscola Varsovia, the first official FCBEscola in Europe outside Spain, was founded with the intention of training players "the Barca way

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OLYMPIC MARSEILLE CAPTURES GOMIS FROM SWANSEA

Bafetimbi Gomis has left Swansea to join Marseille on a season-long loan, both clubs have confirmed.
Gomis, 30, moved to Swansea on a free transfer from Lyon in 2014 after scoring 56 goals in 120 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit.
But he returns to France with the nine-time Ligue 1 champions having only managed 17 goals in 71 appearances.
Marseille said on their official website that Gomis arrives at the club to replace Michy Batshuayi who joined Chelsea this summer, while Swansea added on theirs: "Everyone at Swansea City would like to wish Bafe good luck for the rest of the season."
In a message posted via his official Instagram account the striker said: "Today is an important day in my career. I am proud to wear the colours of Olympique Marseille. One of the great clubs of the French championship."

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ADRIANO JOINS BESIKTAS FROM BARCELONA

Besiktas have completed the signing of Adriano Correia from Barcelona for an initial €600,000, but defender Jeremy Mathieu says he turned down an offer to leave the Camp Nou and join the Turkish club

Barcelona said the transfer fee for Adriano, 31, will rise by €1.7 million if Bestikas qualify for the Champions League within the duration of his contract. He was previously reported to have agreed a three-year deal.
The Turkish club confirmed at the weekend that negotiations to sign the Brazilian full-back were underway and he has now completed the move.
Adriano, who had one year remaining on his contract at the Camp Nou, joined Barca from Sevilla in 2010 and won 16 trophies during his time with the club, including four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues.
Adriano started only four La Liga games last season, with a further four substitute appearances.

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I LOVE RIBERY SAYS GUARDIOLA

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said he still "loves" Franck Ribery despite facing strong criticism from his former Bayern Munich player.
Ribery, 33, has spoken out about his difficulties under Guardiola in recent days, telling kicker that he finally feels "trusted again" under new Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti as well as praising two of the former Barcelona coach's predecessors, Ottmar Hitzfeld and Jupp Heynckes.
He then told Bild during Bayern's tour of the United States: "Pep didn't have a long career as manager. He is a young coach. He lacks experience. Sometimes he talks too much. Football is very simple."
Guardiola, 45, was confronted with Ribery's comments after his City side beat Borussia Dortmund on penalties in the International Champions Cup on Thursday.
He replied: "About Ribery I must say: I love him very much. It's good that Ribery says that I'm young. I'm here to learn."

During Heynckes' final spell in charge at Bayern from 2011 to 2013, Ribery played 93 times, winning the treble in his final season. In Guardiola's three-year spell at Bayern, Ribery -- who criticised the Catalan for his rotation policy in 2014 -- only made 84 appearances.
However, the former France international missed a total of 94 games through injury during the Spaniard's reign, with an ankle injury keeping him out for more than eight months in 2015.
Ribery has shown signs of a return to former under Ancelotti, and netted twice in the International Champions Cup game against AC Milan in Chicago on Wednesday.

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TRANSFER MARKET IS ESCALATING SAYS TUCHEL

Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel says the escalation of the transfer market is "crazy" and risks alienating supporters.
Tuchel, 42, feels the high fees could damage the relationship with fans.
"The market is crazy," he told a news conference on Thursday in Shenzhen, China. "Prices are out of control in my opinion, and it's not healthy, because there it has no relation anymore to the people who come to the stadium and watch the game.
"We have to be careful not to lose it [the relationship with fans]. If it's only about ego, if it's only about money, then we lose it. The game is for the people.
"As with any subject, if there is too much money in circulation, it's only a question of time until it gets out of control and blows itself up."
Borussia Dortmund have sold Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Ilkay Gundogan and Mats Hummels this summer for over €100m in total. All three had one year left on their contracts.
Overall, the club has invested more than €110m on eight new signings.
"It is what it is, but we keep our feet on the ground and do it our way," he said.
Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller, 35, agreed with Tuchel's assessment.
"It has been often discussed whether a ceiling will be reached at some point, but the current trend shows that there are no limits in football," Weidenfeller told Sky Sports.
"It's a pity that contracts are not adhered to anymore. They don't count for much. Football is becoming more selfish, which is sad considering that it's still a team sport."
Weidenfeller joined BVB in 2003 as a free agent and is currently under contract until next summer.

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SCHWEINSTEIGER QUITS INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his retirement from international football.
Manchester United midfielder Schweinsteiger, who was part of the 2014 World Cup-winning side, said after Euro 2016 that he would decide on his future with the national side.
The 31-year-old former Bayern Munich star confirmed on social media on Friday that he has told coach Joachim Low that he has decided to call time on an international career in which he had 120 caps.
In a message to Germany fans, he wrote: "I just asked the national team coach to not consider me for future call-ups for the German national team, because I want to end my international career. My thanks go out to the fans, the team, the DFB [German FA], and the coaches and staff around the German national team.
"In 120 international matches I was allowed to play for my country and experience moments of incredible joy and success."
Schweinsteiger was included in the squad for Euro 2016 despite concerns over his fitness and made four substitute appearances before starting in the semifinal defeat to France, when his handball led to the host nation taking the lead through an Antoine Griezmann penalty.
He added, "Jogi Low knew how much the Euro 2016 in France meant to me, because I wanted to do everything in my power to win the title, which we haven't been able to bring back to Germany since 1996. It wasn't to be, and I had to accept that.
"By winning the World Cup in 2014, we created something historical and emotional, which cannot be repeated in my career. Which is why drawing a line is now the reasonable and right thing to do. I wish the national team all the best for the qualification and the World Cup in 2018.
"With my decision I leave the national team, which was always a precious family to me. I hope that this connection will stay intact in another form.
"To my fans I want to say: 'It was an honour for me to play for you. Thank you for everything that I could experience with you!'"
Schweinsteiger, who has been linked with a move away from United this summer, featured for Germany at the European Championships in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 as well as the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
He made his Germany debut in June 2004, and his 38 appearances at major international tournaments stands as the world record.
He made 20 World Cup and 18 European Championship appearances, with his last coming in the Euro 2016 semifinal loss to France. That appearance saw him overtake former Germany teammate Miroslav Klose, who had played in 37 games at major tournaments.

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SECURITY BREACH IN BRAZIL OLYMPIC FOOTBALL TEAM HOTEL

A fan of Barcelona star Neymar was arrested after being discovered in the laundry room of the Brazil national team's hotel ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Neymar and his teammates are currently preparing for August's OIympic Football Tournament, where they begin against South Africa on Aug. 4, and also play Iraq and Denmark in their other Group A games.
These preparations were affected momentarily when a 21-year-old sports student managed to get into the team hotel in the central city of Goiania, ahead of Saturday's warm-up friendly against Japan.
"Hotel staff noticed something strange in his behaviour and called us," police officer Vladimir Passos told AFP. "[He] planned to approach Neymar and the team."
Reportes that the youngster, who was arrested and later released after being cautioned, had used a faked Brazil FA [CBF] credential to gain access to the hotel.
Other reports say the individual had planned to take a selfie with Neymar, before he was apprehended.
The security breach taken advantage of has now been dealt with, Passos said. "The flaw was spotted and we've fixed it," he said.
Neymar and the rest of Rogerio Micale's squad had travelled to Goiania on Thursday morning, having previously been preparing for the Olympic tournament at Granja Comary national training centre at Teresopolis, near Rio de Janeiro.

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I GOT A CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM RONALDO AFTER SIGNING FOR BARCELONA SAYS GOMES

New Barcelona signing Andre Gomes says his compatriot and rival at inter-club level Cristiano Ronaldo has congratulated him on his move to Barcelona, and that playing alongside Ronaldo for Portugal and Lionel Messi at the Camp Nou is not an issue.
Speaking to Catalan station TV3, the 22-year-old said he had already spoken with Portugal teammate Ronaldo about the Barca move and was now looking forward to enjoying playing alongside the two players acknowledged as the world's best over the last decade.
"I spoke with Cristiano Ronaldo," Gomes said. "He congratulated me and the truth is he was happy for me, but now I will remain a rival of Cristiano, as I was before [at Valencia]. On the pitch there is no friendship.
"I have time with the national team to be with him, and enjoy being with him. For the moment what I want most is to enjoy playing with Messi."

Gomes was presented as a Barca player on Wednesday, but as he was part of the Portugal squad that won Euro 2016 this summer, he will not join up with his new squad until Aug. 8.
His arrival appears to mean Luis Enrique has a surfeit of midfielders, with Gomes, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Rafinha, Sergi Roberto, Denis Suarez and Sergi Samper all competing for the three central spots in the coach's preferred 4-3-3 system.

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MOURINHO HAS BROUGHT BALANCE TO MANCHESTER UNITED SAYS ROONEY

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney believes new manager Jose Mourinho has brought a winning mentality back to the club.
Mourinho, who has 17 major trophies on his CV including eight league titles in four countries and two Champions League triumphs with different clubs, replaced Louis van Gaal this summer.
Although his predecessor won the FA Cup in his final match in charge, he struggled to live up to the standards set during Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure.
Rooney, who described Mourinho as having "a good balance of being the manager but also being a friend to the players," said the arrival of the former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss has corrected that.
"It's always great to get a new manager but when you get someone in the stature of Jose Mourinho he's great to work under and he's brought a winning mentality back to the club," the England captain told Manchester radio station Key 103.
"Manchester United, as a football club, we have to win and we have to deliver for him. There's pressure on the players but we're ready and I think this season we'll give a real challenge on all fronts.
"He's come in, he's been great with the players. The training has been hard but enjoyable. We're ready, we're working hard. We know it's a big season for us."
Since his arrival Mourinho has brought in defender Eric Bailly, midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and are close to a deal for Juventus' France midfielder Paul Pogba.
"He's made, in my opinion, some great signings who have gelled in really well with the squad so it's exciting times."
The 30-year-old starts the season needing just five goals to break United's all-time scoring record, which is currently held by Sir Bobby Charlton, but he is already looking at life beyond his playing days.
"I've started taking my coaching badges now so that will probably take about four or five years to complete," he added.
"Of course I've got a lot of experience playing football so I think it would be criminal if I didn't try and pass that knowledge on so hopefully when I finish playing I can get some role as a manager or coach and try and use the experience I've built up over the years."

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LIVERPOOL WONT SPEND £100 MILLION ON A PLAYER SAYS KLOPP

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted that he is undaunted by rival clubs who sign players for big money and says he wants to do things differently on Merseyside.
With Jose Mourinho's Manchester United seemingly close to sealing a deal for Juventus' French midfielder Paul Pogba for more than a £100 million, the former Borussia Dortmund boss is unfazed by his own club's transfer tactics.
The Reds' two biggest signings in the summer have been Southampton forward Sadio Mane for £34m, and Newcastle United midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum for £23m, along with names like Joel Matip and Loris Karius.
Klopp has stated this week that he is unsure if the club will be bringing more new faces into the team, but is ready to kick off the season with the current players at his disposal.
"If you bring one player in for £100m and he gets injured, then it all goes through the chimney," he said.
"The day that this is football, I'm not in a job anymore, because the game is about playing together.
"That is how everybody in football understands it. You always want to have the best, but building the group is necessary to be successful.
"Other clubs can go out and spend more money and collect top players. I want to do it differently. I would even do it differently if I could spend that money.
"I don't know exactly how much money we could spend because nobody has told me, 'No, you can't do this.'
"If I spend money, it is because I am trying to build a team, a real team. Barcelona did it. You can win championships, you can win titles, but there is a manner in which you want it."

Klopp was also quick to add that he has no interest in rivalling other clubs for the big names in the market, preferring to look for potential that can be groomed, rather than fight in "the same pool" as other big clubs.
"If you all swim in the same pool, the pool is too small -- you all go for the same players," he added.
"There are a lot of players outside that pool -- good players on to the next step in their career. We try to find them.
"The best player of the last season is good to know but it is more interesting trying to find out who will be the best next year.
"If you knew it now that would be a really cool transfer! It would be much cheaper too. That is what we work for.
"It is not about being creative because creative is cool or something. It is about finding the players who can make the next step with us."

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LACAZETE WONT SIGN FOR ARSENAL SAYS CLUB PRESIDENT

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas does not expect Arsenal to return with an improved bid to buy Alexandre Lacazette amid reports that Paris Saint-Germain could also make a move for the striker.
Earlier this week, Lyon confirmed that they had rejected Arsenal's offer of €35 million for Lacazette, 25, who scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season.
Aulas recently said that the academy graduate is "irreplaceable" and he is now confident that only winger Rachid Ghezzal could leave before the close of the transfer window.
"Arsenal have not come back [with another offer] and they will not come back," Aulas told L'Equipe. "No one will leave OL, except for Rachid Ghezzal if he has an offer, which I doubt."
Lacazette, who was named on standby for France's Euro 2016 squad, has a contract with Lyon that runs until 2019.
L'Equipe reported on Friday that PSG, who want another forward to support Edinson Cavani, could also bid to sign Lacazette.
However, the paper also claims that the firm position taken by Aulas could mean the French champions will turn their attentions to Real Madrid's Jese instead.
Lyon will feature in the Champions League group stages again after finishing as runners-up to PSG in Ligue 1 for the second year running. Having already sold centre-back Samuel Umtiti to Barcelona, they do not want to lose any more key players.

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MANCHESTER CITY DEFEATED BORUSSIA DORTMUND ON PENALTIES. FT 1-1

Sergio Aguero scored the first goal of the new Pep Guardiola era but he needed penalties to see his first win as Manchester City beat Borussia Dortmund in the International Champions Cup.
Argentina striker Aguero came on as a half-time substitute to put City ahead in the 78th minute before Christian Pulisic scored with virtually the last kick of the game to send the match to penalties.
Academy keeper Angus Gunn then became the hero -- saving three spot-kicks as City won 6-5 on penalties.
It was just City's second game of preseason -- following the cancellation of Monday's game against Manchester United -- while it was Dortmund's sixth and Guardiola can be pleased with his side's workout on a sultry night and on a pitch that cut up badly.
But they started poorly with Willy Caballero, twice, and Tosin Adaroiboyo needlessly gifting the Bundesliga champions clear openings with stray passes but Ousmane Demble and Emre Mor failed to hit the target.
Guardiola wasn't happy with his defence and marched onto the pitch during a drinks break midway through the first half to passionately issue orders to several players.
City picked up for the rest of half and Kelechi Iheanacho was twice denied by saving tackles as he threatened to score.
Only Nicolas Otamendi started City's penultimate game of preseason from the Copa America and Euro 2016 players that joined up with the squad in China.
But Guardiola made a raft of changes at the start and throughout the second half with Aguero, David Silva, Nolito and Raheem Sterling getting their first runout of the new era.
Aguero rounded off a neat passing move to fire City ahead from a David Silva assist but Dortmund scrambled a late equaliser when Pulisic fired a low shot through a forest of legs.
Aleix Garcia and Raheem Sterling missed for City in the shootout but England youth keeper Gunn made three fine saves, including the final spot-kick from Mikel Merino, to claim a victory in front of a 30,000

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IBRAHIMOVIC TO SUCCEED IN MANCHESTER SAYS LARSSON

Sweden legendary striker Henrik Larsson has backed his compatriot Zlatan Ibrahimovic to be a success at Manchester United.
Larsson moved to Old Trafford on loan towards the end of his playing career in 2006, and insists Ibrahimovic can take United back to the top at age of 34.
"Zlatan is gigantic in Sweden," Larsson told United's official website. "He is the number one. Everyone knows of him and everyone knows about him. There are going to be a lot of people interested to see him as well.
"I think everybody has seen him play but, for a man that big to have the technique he has and the skills he has, it's a pleasure to watch. So I have to hope everything goes well now when he comes to Manchester United. Hopefully, he can bring United back to where it belongs."
Larsson also believes Ibrahimovic's age won't affect how he copes in the Premier League.
He said: "No, I don't think so. He's a fit guy. He takes care of his body so that won't be a problem.
"I hope everything goes well because United deserves it and he deserves every good thing that is happening to him. He's Sweden's biggest footballer ever and to see him join United, yes, it was a pleasure."
Now manager of Helsingborgs, Larsson agreed with fellow boss Jose Mourinho's belief that playing in England will be Ibrahimovic's biggest challenge.
"Yes, it is a huge challenge," he said. "It's one of the best leagues, if not the best in the world, and it has a lot of players with quality. So you need to perform week in and week out.
"There are also the English cups to play in and you want to be able to do something in Europe as well so there are going to be a lot of games. But, as I said, he's fit and he likes to train. You have got a great physical department at United as well so I'm sure everybody is going to make it happen in the best way possible for the club.
"What I remember of him, although it was a long time ago when we played, was that he used to train hard and train well. I expect he's still doing that, otherwise he wouldn't be able to play football at that level at that age."
Ibrahimovic labelled Larsson a "god" when playing alongside him, but the Celtic cult hero says the rise of the forward was not down to him.
"We took care of all the new players when they came to the national team," Larsson said. "That is what the other players did for me when I first came and is what we tried to do all the time. It's common sense -- when you want to achieve good things together, you need to be together. I made sure with the others that he felt welcome when he came in and I think that is the way it should be, especially when you're playing in a team sport." Although United's new star signing is a global icon, Larsson has attributed hard work as the reason for his success and fame.
He said: "I think when a footballer has reached a certain level it's not having somebody handing it to you but a question of work ethic from the player.
"He's been working hard and that is why he has got all the success and all the adulation from fans all over the world. I think [following individual players] is the way society is going with all the different kinds of access to the players. You have the internet and social media of course, and everyone can watch football every day. It's a lot easier to follow somebody's career now than it used to be."

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GUARDIOLA FANCIED TUCHEL TO SUCCEED HIM SAYS BAYERN DIRECTOR

Bayern Munich technical director Michael Reschke has revealed that Pep Guardiola wanted Thomas Tuchel to be his successor at the Allianz Arena.
Borussia Dortmund boss Tuchel had been on an enforced year-long break from football at that stage as Mainz had refused to release him from the final year of his contract after he opted to step down.
Reschke, who joined Bayern in 2014, organised a meeting between Guardiola and Tuchel in Munich's Schumann's restaurant in December that year.
He told 11 Freunde that Guardiola had said to him shortly after his arrival: "Thomas has to become my successor at Bayern."
He added: "I had a trusting relationship with Thomas Tuchel, and knew that he admired Pep's work. Pep on the other hand was impressed with Mainz's displays. He often talked to me about Thomas."
Tuchel ultimately agreed to become Dortmund boss in April 2015, with Guardiola leaving Bayern to join Manchester City when his contract expired this summer.
Asked about reports suggesting Guardiola wanted Reschke to follow him to City, the technical director replied: "That isn't entirely correct. It was clear that I would stay in Munich. Pep never asked."
Reschke remains under contract at Bayern until 2018.

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CHAMPION LEAGUE TO REAL MADRID WAS LIKE DEATH SAYS DIEGO SIMEONE

 Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone says he is attracted by the idea of managing in the Premier League and Serie A.
The Argentine has previously spoken of his desire to manage Inter Milan and was linked with Chelsea before the appointment of Antonio Conte as well as being mentioned as a possible successor to Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.
Asked if he wanted to manage in England, he told a news conference in Melbourne: "I am a young coach so I feel that it is possible.
"There are many other leagues that would provide great challenges, but the English and Italian leagues are particularly attractive."
Simeone, who has won the Europa League, La Liga and the Copa del Rey since joining Atletico in 2011, described the loss to Champions League final loss on penalties as "like a death" but said he had recovered and was looking forward to the new season.
"I never spoke of the feelings I had. They were difficult to explain. The loss was like a death and after any death you must have a period of mourning. But that period is now over," he said.
"I think we have a strong team. We are enthusiastic and have big hopes. We have improved the work we are doing as a club and as a team. We are strong and want to work hard to reach our potential."

Simeone will come face to face with his former Argentina international teammate Mauricio Pochettino when Atletico face Tottenham Hotspur in the International Champions Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.
Both Pochettino and Simeone have been linked with the vacancy with Argentina national team and a job share has been suggested for both men.
"The truth is no one has done that before but in the future that could be a real possibility," Simeone replied, when the idea was put to him. "The commitments of a coach make it virtually impossible but maybe it could happen one day.
"I have known Mauricio a long time -- we played in the national team together. We have also coached in Spain. He has had a fabulous career in the English league -- he is a great coach but most importantly he understands the essence of the game. I hope he can continue to do well."

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ROTATION WILL KEEP BAYERN PLAYERS MOTIVATED SAYS ANCELOTTI

Bayern Munich manger Carlo Ancelotti has said rotation will be key to maintaining a fit and motivated squad throughout the season.
"My plan is to rotate," the Italian told kicker. "There are many games in the thick of the season. I don't want to overextend the players."
However, former AC Milan, Chelsea and Real Madrid boss Ancelotti said it would be a mistake not to make regular changes.
"Half of the team would be completely worn out towards the end of the season, while the other half would be heartbroken," he said. "Rotation is important to keep players motivated.
"We have every medical possibility to control the amount of wear the players face. If they need a break, they will get one."
However, Ancelotti is set to take a very different approach to in-game coaching, with Guardiola making regular tactical tweaks during matches and issuing strong directions to his players. Asked about his calm demeanour in the dugout, Ancelotti said: "You cannot do anything during the match. It's down to the players then. The coach can't change much from the dugout. Only at half-time.
"The bulk of the work is in the preparation, where you can set the strategy and everything else, but that's not possible within the game anymore."
Ancelotti, whose side lost to Milan on penalties in the International Champions Cup on Wednesday, also stressed that no individual is bigger than the club.
"The club is the star," he said. "Bayern is an established and successful club. Every player feels something special when he puts on the Bayern jersey. I haven't been here for long but it's palpable that the clubs stands above all."

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GUARDIOLA TALKS TOO MUCH AND INEXPERIENCED BLASTS RIBERY

France international Franck Ribery backlashes his former manager Pep Guardiola, citing that he "lacks experience."
"Pep didn't have a long career as manager," he told Bild. "He is a young coach. He lacks experience. Sometimes he talks too much. Football is very simple."
On Monday, Ribery praised his new coach Carlo Ancelotti, telling kicker: "I'm finally feeling the trust again under Ancelotti. He is a great coach. I'm feeling free and motivated. Ancelotti is a gift for the club."
It is not the first time Ribery, who scored twice in Bayern's 3-3 draw against AC Milan on Wednesday, has criticised Guardiola.In 2014, the Frenchman questioned Guardiola's selection policy, saying he was struggling to find his rhythm.
"I don't need to be told: Do this and this. I need be free on the pitch. I need face-to-face encounters, I need a motivating pat on the back. That was the case with Ottmar [Hitzfeld] and Jupp [Heynckes]. Ancelotti is cool," Ribery told Bild. "[It is] Important to move forward quickly and score. Not playing too much back and forth."
Ribery's contract with the German side expires at the end of 2017 and he his confident he can continue to be an asset for the team.
He added: "We still have time to talk. But I can still play two more years on this level. It's important that I stay healthy. Even with 33 I want to give my best for the club and fans. That is my character."

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SAKHO CONTINUOUSLY BROKE CAMP RULES SAYS KLOPP

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that he sent defender Mamadou Sakho home from the United States preseason tour early because he repeatedly broke club rules.
Sakho is to sit out the start of the Premier League season due to an Achilles injury and will continue his rehabilitation work at Melwood, the club's training ground.
"I have to build a group here, we have to start new here," Klopp said on Wednesday. "So I thought maybe it made sense for him to fly home to Liverpool and after eight or 10 days when we come back we can talk about it. It's not that serious."He nearly missed the departure of the plane, he missed a session and was late for a meal. We have some rules and we have to respect them. If somebody doesn't respect it or somebody gives me the feeling he is not respecting it then I have to react that's all.
"It is private how he reacted. But we had no argument, it wasn't 'aghh, you, no...'. I spoke. You cannot argue when only one person is speaking. That's all."
Klopp has ruled out hitting Sakho in the wallet for stepping out of line, but he does want to see the 26-year-old's attitude improve.
"Fine him? I am not interested in the money of the players," Klopp added. "Actually not really often in my life I've had to fine anybody because I want that we learn together to do the thing that is right.
"Always it is the same with every group. I don't like fining. Sometimes it's funny, when the fine is bull----. Come on, pay for it, that's nice. But mistakes -- fining never helps.
"It's not because they care about money, it's always yeah in the moment it hurts but after a while not. So I want them to do the things because they want to do it, that's all."

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I AM A TEMPORARY CENTRE BACK SAYS COQUELIN

After a severe blow to Arsenal defensive rank the north Londoners may have found a short-term solution to their centre-back crisis in midfield Trojan Francis Coquelin.
The holding midfielder said he has been playing as a central defender in training this week as the Gunners cope without Per Mertesacker, Gabriel Paulista and Laurent Koscielny on their preseason trip to the United States.
On Arsenal's Snapchat channel, Coquelin was asked what he had been doing on Wednesday, and replied: "I've been playing centre-back."
The Frenchman could have to deputise in the position as Calum Chambers and newly signed Rob Holding are the only two senior centre-backs on the trip.
Coquelin emerged as Arsenal's first-choice holding midfielder in 2015 but could face competition for that role from new midfield signing Granit Xhaka.
Mertesacker has been ruled out for several months with a knee injury, while Gabriel stayed home with tonsillitis and Koscielny is still on holiday after France's run to the Euro 2016 final.

Koscielny is unlikely to be ready for Arsenal's opening Premier League game against Liverpool on Aug. 14, leaving Arsene Wenger with a severe shortage of experienced central defenders.
Wenger has said he wants to bring in a replacement in the transfer window but has only signed the 20-year-old Holding, who has never played a Premier League game.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Valencia's German centre-back Shkodran Mustafi, who is reportedly available for around £20 million.
The Gunners have also brought 18-year-old Krystian Bielik on the trip to the U.S., and the teenager was praised by Wenger after playing in central defence during the second half of their opening preseason game at French club RC Lens.
Arsenal take on the MLS All-Stars in San Jose, Calif. on Thursday evening local time, when fans should get a first look at short -- and whether Wenger actually plans on giving Coquelin a try-out in defence.

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ZIDANE SON DEBUT FOR REAL MADRID IN LOSS TO PSG

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said he is happy to give the club's academy players a chance to shine, after his son Enzo made his Blancos first team debut in Wednesday's 3-1 friendly defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Columbus, Ohio.
Eleven different youth-team players have been taken on the tour, including head coach Zidane's sons Enzo, a 21-year-old midfielder who featured regularly for Castilla last season, and 18-year-old Luca, one of five goalkeepers to have made the trip.
Madrid started a relatively strong side in Wednesday's first friendly of the preseason, and by half-time were already 3-1 behind after a slow start. Zidane made many changes after the break, with first-team debuts for Enzo Zidane, who replaced winger Lucas Vazquez, defender Achraf Hakimi, midfielder Aleix Febas and forward Mariano.
Other youngsters to feature for Madrid in the game included Norwegian teenager Martin Odegaard, midfield prospect Marcos Llorente, Austrian defender Philipp Lienhart, and Spain under-21 playmaker Marco Asensio, who has returned to the club following a successful 2015-16 season on loan at Espanyol.

Speaking after the game, coach Zidane told a news conference that he had a lot of faith in his club's emerging talent, but he would not be rushing youngsters into regular first team action too quickly.
"Whenever we need to, we'll take players from the academy," Zidane said. "They're here with us, are focused and are good players. When they get their chance they'll take it. We've got a fine squad and the first thing is to get the players ready. The academy products are good players, but they're still young. That's why you've got to take things slowly and be sensible with them, even in the case where they're already part of the first-team squad."
When coaching Madrid's Castilla youth side last season, Zidane made Enzo team captain, and then Blancos boss Rafa Benitez called the youngster up to train with the first team on occasion. He played 38 times for Castilla over 2015-16, scoring twice, as the team missed out on promotion from Spain's third tier.
Goalkeeper Luca Zidane Fernandez was first choice for Madrid in the UEFA Youth League last season, where he impressed early in the competition, but was criticised for a mistake  as his team were eliminated at the semifinal stage by PSG.

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MATIC WILL REMAIN WITH CHELSEA SAYS CONTE

Chelsea new boss Antonio Conte says Chelsea have no intention of selling Nemanja Matic this summer, insisting the midfielder is very much part of his plans for the new season.

The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to Serie A champions Juventus in the national press following the £32m arrival of N'Golo Kante at Stamford Bridge.
Matic, who has three years remaining on his current contract, has already expressed his desire to remain at Chelsea and Conte expects the Serbia international to play an "important" role for him.

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"Matic is an important player for me, a very important player," the Chelsea head coach said. "In my idea of football he is an important player and he knows this.
"N'Golo, Nemanja, Cesc [Fabregas], Oscar, [Nathaniel] Chalobah and [John Obi] Mikel, who is in the Olympics, it is not easy to choose. I want to have this problem."
Chelsea are currently preparing for the new season in the United States and face Premier League rivals Liverpool in a pre-season friendly on Thursday at the Rose Bowl in California.
Conte also expressed his desire to create a good team spirit as Chelsea look to build a title challenge and improve on last season's 10th place finish in the Premier League.
"In these two days we worked a lot, but we want to play a good game against Liverpool and I want to see improvement of my players," Conte added.
"When you have a bad season like last season for Chelsea I think the blame is a bit with all.
"For this reason it's important to create a good spirit and stay together, both if we win or lose."

Correct Score

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POGBA GOES FOR €120 MILLION OR NO DEAL

Juventus are refusing to budge on their €120 million asking price for Paul Pogba, putting his anticipated move to Manchester United in doubt, sources close to the club have told Reporters.
The Italian champions are also insisting that the English club pay all representative fees for the deal -- namely the €25m fee for agent Mino Raiola -- meaning the total price could end up at around €145m in addition to his wages of around €300,000 per week.
The principles of the deal had been agreed at the start of Euro 2016, with Juventus accepting they would sell, but the Italian club are in a position of strength and want to maximise what they can get for the French midfielder.
After completing the acquisition of Gonzalo Higuain on Tuesday, Juventus chief Beppe Marrotta said talks over Pogba had come to a standstill.
"Pogba to Manchester United? We will see when everything is over. Right now everything has stopped," he told reporters.

Earlier, Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri laughed off a question about Pogba's potential fee after 2-1 win over Tottenham in the International Champions Cup in Australia.
"That's what it is, I don't assign prices to the players," Allegri said at a news conference. "Each player has a value, some lower, some higher."

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VILLAREAL ON THE VERGE OF PATO €3 MILLION CAPTURE SAYS CORINTHIANS

Brazilian football outfit Corinthians confirm they have sold their stake in Alexandre Pato, setting up a move that will send the former Selecao man to Villarreal.
The Brazil club said via news release that they would not release the terms of the deal by mutual agreement between the two clubs, but reports say the Spanish Primera Division side will pay Corinthians in the area of €3 million for 60 percent of Pato's rights.
The move puts a somewhat happy end to a disastrous signing for Corinthians, who spent €15m to bring Pato from AC Milan in the winter of 2013, only to loan him out soon after to rivals Sao Paulo and then to Chelsea last winter.
Corinthians sporting director Edu Ferreira confirmed on Tuesday that there was agreement in principle between the two clubs. Villarreal have yet to make the transfer official.
The 26-year-old's contract with Corinthians was set expire in December, allowing him to negotiate a free transfer with any club.

Pato had reportedly refused an offer from Lazio earlier this summer, angering his parent club who were seeking to recoup any money from their hefty initial investment.
Pato played 62 games for Corinthians, scoring 17 times, while appearing in 101 matches and collecting 38 goals in two years at Sao Paulo.
He played just two matches in five months for Chelsea, scoring once.

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JUVENTUS CAPURES €90 MILLION HIGUAIN

Juventus completed the signing of Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli on Tuesday after activating the striker's €90 million release clause in the most expensive transfer ever in Italian football.
The Italian champions confirmed that Higuain has signed a five-year deal with the club, tying him to the Bianconeri until 2021.
Higuain broke Gunnar Nordahl's 66-year-old Serie A goal-scoring record on the final day of last season when he scored a hat trick to give him 36 goals in 35 matches.
The 28-year-old's transfer fee is the third largest overall in history, following Real Madrid's acquisitions of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The previous most expensive transfer involving an Italian team was Juventus' sale of Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid for €75m in 2001, while the most an Italian team had ever paid to acquire a player was the €56.5 million Lazio sent Parma for Hernan Crespo in 2000.
Juventus director Beppe Marotta confirmed earlier on Tuesday that he had completed the registration of the Argentina forward in person, taking all the necessary documents to Lega Serie A headquarters in Milan to seal the deal.
"It's all done, we've registered Higuain's contract," Marotta told Sportitalia on Tuesday evening.
Napoli confirmed that Juventus had activated a release clause in Higuain's contract.
A Juventus statement read: "Juventus Football Club S.p.A announce that they have completed the permanent purchase of the playing rights of the footballer Gonzalo Gerardo Higuain for a fee of €90 million, payable in two equal instalments in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons."
The former River Plate and Real Madrid striker scored a total of 71 goals for Napoli after joining the club in 2013 and helped the club to success in the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in 2014.
He will hope to help Juventus to a sixth successive Serie A title this season.

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PSG CAPURES LO CELSO ON A FIVE YEAR DEAL

 

Paris Saint-Germain have completed the long-awaited signing of Giovani Lo Celso from Argentine club Rosario Central on a five-year deal.
The 20-year-old, who will be part of Argentina's Olympic team, will remain with Rosario on loan until January as part of the deal.
Lo Celso told the club's website he hopes to "follow in the footsteps" of countrymen Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore at PSG.
"I will soon join one of Europe's most important clubs with a squad comprising numerous great players, including my compatriots Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore," he said. "I hope to follow in their footsteps and become a key player for my future club.
"I would like to thank Paris Saint-Germain for the faith they have shown in me, and also the club where I came through the ranks, Rosario Central, which allowed me to fulfil my dream of becoming a footballer."
The probing playmaker is new PSG coach Unai Emery's fourth signing since replacing Laurent Blanc last month.

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SUNDERLAND IN TALKS WITH NZOGBIA OVER CONTRACT AFTER TRIAL

 

Sunderland have offered former Aston villa midfielder Charles N'Zogbia a deal at the Stadium of Light after impressing on trial, sources close to the club have told news outlet.
N'Zogbia, 30, is currently a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Aston Villa earlier this summer and he was invited to train with Sunderland by former boss Sam Allardyce.
The Frenchman has caught the eye in training and he boosted his chances of winning a move to Sunderland with the winning goal in the preseason friendly victory over Rotherham last weekend in front of new Sunderland manager David Moyes.
Moyes has included N'Zogbia in his squad for this week's training camp in France and sources have told CCS that Allardyce gave Moyes a positive report on N'Zogbia.
Sunderland have held a long-term interest in the former Newcastle and Wigan winger, with the club just failing to sign the player on transfer deadline day in January.
N'Zogbia saw his career at Villa stall last season after finding himself out of favour at Villa Park with the player making just two appearances last season.
Moyes is now ready to offer N'Zogbia the chance to get his career back on track and he could become Moyes' first signing since taking over from Allardyce at the Stadium of Light.

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DONNARUMMA KEEN TO SPEND HIS WHOLE CAREER AT THE SAN SIRO

AC Milan young  goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has said he would like to spend the entirety of his career with the Serie A club.
Donnarumma, 17, forced his way into the Rossoneri goal early last season at the age of 16 and he held down a regular starting berth throughout the campaign, earning rave reviews and almost claiming a place in Italy's Euro 2016 squad.
His displays saw him linked with Chelsea but Donnarumma has not pledged his future to the San Siro outfit.
"I'm really keen on renewing my contract and I'd be pleased to think that my relationship with Milan will be an enduring one," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I am the kind of person who could easily imagine spending all of my career with the same club.
"Since I have always been a Rossoneri fan, I would also say that it would be a dream to wear the captain's armband. That would crown my journey. One thing at a time, though, obviously."
The first step was taken last October, when he was handed his debut in Milan's 2-1 win over Sassuolo by then-Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic.
"I will never be able to thank him enough -- I owe him so much," Donnarumma said. "It was the eve of Milan-Sassuolo and we were in Milanello [training centre]. He took me to one side and asked me if I felt up to it.
"There and then, I was taken aback. I didn't expect it, but he knew full well that he could count on me. I wish this [picking young players] would happen more often. I see too little courage in coaches -- they should take more risks and give youngsters more room."

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LIVERPOOL MONITORING JETRO WILLEMS PSV SITUATION

The Anfield landords Liverpool are not planning a move for PSV Eindhoven defender Jetro Willems, sources close to the player have told a news outlet.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Willems in recent days with Jurgen Klopp in the market for a new left-back as Brad Smith closes in on a switch to Bournemouth.
Klopp has made signing a new left-back one of his top priorities this summer as he looks to bring in cover and competition for Alberto Moreno, but Liverpool have informed Willems' representatives that they have no plans to move for the Netherlands international and will look elsewhere.
Willems is entering the final year of his contract at PSV Eindhoven and sources have told CCS that the 22-year-old is ready to move on in search of a new challenge.
PSV are reluctant to lose Willems but are willing to cash in on the full-back this summer rather than let the player run down his contract at the Philips Stadion.

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WITH IBRAHIMOVIC THE PRESURE IS OFF ROONEY SAYS BRYAN ROBSON

Former manchester unite captain Bryan Robson believes the clubs new acquisition Zlatan Ibrahimovic could become another Robin van Persie for Manchester United and take the pressure off Wayne Rooney..

Zlatan 34, will train with his new teammates for the first time this week since joining the club as a free agent.
The striker's age has been a talking point but former United captain Robson gave a reminder that Van Persie's age was also questioned when the Dutchman signed for the club in 2012.
Van Persie, however, was 29 at the start of his first season with the club, in which United won their last Premier League title.
Robson told MUTV: "Zlatan is 34 and it would have been nice to get him at 28 or 29, something like that, but the way he played for PSG last year showed he has a lot to offer still and he looks really fit.

"I think back to Sir Alex's last year [2012-13] when everybody talked about Robin van Persie's age and his injuries when he joined, but he won us the title with his goals that season. Hopefully Zlatan can do the same.
"He will take the pressure off Wayne Rooney as well. Every time we've had a bad result the excuse is that Wayne didn't play particularly well. The pressure has always been on him to perform and Zlatan will take that away from Wayne a wee bit, so Wayne can relax and enjoy his game."
Robson added: "Zlatan gave a great interview when the reporter told him that he'd previously described himself as 10 out of 10 and asked how he would rate himself now. Zlatan said 11 out of 10.

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