It’s always interesting to find out what footballers get to in their free time as it is sometimes surprising to find that most are not really into the game. In fact, you can find most of them tending to matters that bring them equal or greater joy. Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is no exception.
The 31 year old runs his own non-profit foundation that seeks to help disadvantaged children. It is such kind of actions that endear football stars to their fans.
Very interesting reports from Arsenal quarters this week. According to the club’s chief executive, Robin Van Persie will not be allowed to leave Arsenal this summer “at any price” even if he refuses to sign a new contract.
Talk about an executive order, so anyway RVP will have to remain content with finishing another season trophyless and with his current contract set to expire in the summer of 2013, Van Persie’s future is in the hands ofIvan Gazidis.
Sources close to the Dutchman have revealed that Van Persie feels ‘powerless’ and ‘anxious’ about his future. Here is a very shocking statement from an Arsenal source on Van Persie’s future.
After failing to make it to the knockout stage, Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini believes that his former Group members Napoli have what it takes to move into the quarter finals of the Champions League at the expense of Chelsea.
It is true that Chelsea are in a crisis, however, this should not be a guarantee to Napoli that they will fail at their attempt for European glory. Mancini believes that Chelsea’s four games without a win is reason enough to tip Napoli as favourites for the tie.
Speaking to Il Mattino, Mancini maintained that Chelsea had problems that Napoli could exploit for their benefit.
After coming off at halftime in Chelsea‘s 1-1 draw against Brimingham on Saturday it is looking very likely that Drogba will get the nod ahead of Torres for tonight’s match.
Torres though fit, is still not scoring goals and his current drought is raising concerns that he could be on his way out of London, this is despite the many reports that claim otherwise.
That said, there are still many sympathizers of the Spaniard, many who believe that the unnecessary pressure from the media and fans alike is to blame for his woes and that is why i ask whether Villas-Boas should start him.
Though not quite shocking, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he will stay on as boss of the Red Devils for two or three more years. Ferguson has been in charge of United for 25 years an has won 12 league titles, 2 European cups and 5 FA Cups in the process.
Love him or hate him (i hate him), Ferguson will go down in history as one of the most successful coaches in the English game and though he is 70, the Scot looks way younger than his age.
Brazil international Leandro Damiao has revealed that he will sign for North London Club Tottenham Hotspurs in the summer. The 22 year old striker has been a long term target for Harrry Redknapp’s side and was close to joining the club last summer but a deal never materialised.
The Internacional player was also linked with a move to high spending French side PSG but denied the reports saying that only Tottenham is the club that made a formal request to him.
Speaking to Telefoot, Damiao however maintained that he will only talk about transferring at the end of the season as his focus for now remains with his club and the Copa Libertadores.
After being dumped out of the FA Cup, Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has revealed that his major goal now remains to finish the season in a top four spot. The Gunners 4-0 loss to Milan in midweek European action seems to have really knocked the wind out of their sails and probably did more damage to Wenger’s chances or remaining as coach beyond this season.
Speaking to reporters on the club’s ambitions after Saturday’s loss, this is what Wenger had to say:
“People are always asking the same question but the first trophy is to finish in the top four and that’s still possible for us,”
A storm is brewing over Manchester based clubs United and City after United player Wayne Rooney laughed at City’s Ivorian duo Kolo and Yaya Toure after existing the AFCON tournament in dramatic fashion against the less fancied Zambia more than a week ago
Rooney who made the remarks on twitter, was earlier thought to be supporting The Elephants and showed solidarity with them when Drogba missed their second half penalty by tweeting:
‘Wow just seen drogbas pen. Awful. He is a great player though. I think he will score winner.’
Arsenal fans are still trying to come to terms with their shock FA Cup exit after they suffered a 2-0 loss to Sunderland yesterday in a FA Cup 5th round tie to cap a horrible week for them in Europe as well as domestically.
It’s now very certain that the Gunners will end the season without any silverware extending their trophy drought to an astonishing 7 years. However, what’s worse for Wenger and Arsenal fans is that this could be Robin Van Persie’s last season with the club.
If reports doing the rounds are to be believed, Chelsea coach Andres Villas-Boas could further alienate himself from his players as he adamantly claimed yesterday that he did not need their support to remain as coach.
After a string of poor performances in the league and rising tensions between himself and some of his senior players, it is surprising that Villas-Boas still has a job. With that kind of attitude, AVB will be lucky if he gets a fourth place finish this season.
“They don’t have to back my project, only the owner needs to back my project,” AVB said.
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