Terry hungry for success

Chelsea captain John Terry has reiterated his commitment to the club. Terry has made it clear that he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge for life and is looking forward to the rest of the season after two months spent on the sidelines with a fractured foot."I really can't see myself leaving and I signed a new contract earlier in the season. I love the club, and I'm so passionate about Chelsea," Terry said."I just want Chelsea to succeed. I like to think I know what the fans go through on a weekly basis. I don't just come in, train and go home and forget about things, I take it home with me.I am fortunate to be in the position I am at an amazing club like Chelsea, and to enjoy the things that come with being a professional footballer."

2008-02-29 19:20:16

Thaksin will stand by City, promises Eriksson

MANCHESTER (AFP) - Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes owner Thaksin Shinawatra, who has returned to his native Thailand to face corruption charges, will continue to support the Premier League club.The 58-year-old former Thai Prime Minister, who became City's owner before the start of the season, was taken into custody on Thursday by police after his arrival in Bangkok from Hong Kong.Thaksin was ordered to post bail of 281,000 dollars and ordered not to leave the country without permission before his trial on corruption charges, due to start on March 12.On the flight to Thailand, Thaksin told reporters of his ambitions for City, saying: "It is my investment", adding he hoped the club could become a global brand like cross-town rivals Manchester United.Club spokesman Paul Tyrrell said Thaksin wanted City to qualify for Europe this season and move into the lucrative Champions League within three years.City are lying eighth in the table, six points behind Everton in the fourth spot which guarantees Champions League qualification.Eriksson is keen to fulfil the owner's dreams although the club could do with a win against Wigan on Saturday after taking a mere seven points from a possible 21."Thaksin has already given us what he promised in (transfer funds) in July, August and January," said Eriksson."His support and his involvement with Thailand, I do not think has anything to do with the club," the former England manager added."Every time I meet him and the people working for him, it is the same. They want City to be bigger and better. He wants to create one of the biggest clubs in the world - and I hope that happens, of course."To do that we need many things. But one thing which is very important is to play in Europe next season, either in the Champions League or UEFA Cup."We have a new team and need to give them experience at that level. It would be good for our future."But in the short-term City must do without Micah Richards for six weeks after the England defender had a knee operation."It is really bad news and big blow," said Eriksson. "Everyone knows how important he is to us."He had an operation yesterday (Wednesday), and our medical people tell me he is quick healer - so maybe he might be back before then, but we will have to wait and see."Martin Petrov will also miss the Wigan match as he will be starting a three-match ban for being sent-off in Monday's defeat against Everton.jdg/dj08Fbl-ENG-Pr-ManCity-Thailand-politics-Thaksin-Eriksson

2008-02-28 22:22:03

Mascherano signs Liverpool deal

Javier Mascherano has signed a four-year contract to stay with Liverpool on a permanent basis. The Argentine midfielder originally moved to Anfield over 12 months ago on loan following a brief stint at West Ham United.Liverpool have been involved in protracted negotiations to secure Mascherano on a permanent deal, with a number of other clubs rumoured to be waiting in the wings. An agreement has now been finalised and the 23-year-old expressed his delight at committing his future to Rafa Benitez's side."I am very, very happy and now I can concentrate just on playing football," Mascherano told the club's official website.

2008-02-29 19:21:11

Update Score 25 Feb 2008

Carling Cup Final 

Tottenham H. 2 - 1 Chelsea 

Castillo Return Delights Eriksson

Sven-Gorän Eriksson was given a boost as Nery Castillo returned to training after recovering from a shoulder injury that has sidelined him in recent weeks.

The Mexican international moved to Eastlands during the winter transfer window on loan from Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk after paying half the fee himself.His enthusiasm was short-lived as he picked up the blow to his shoulder in the FA Cup replay against West Ham United in mid-January.Now Eriksson is close to being able to call him back into the side and the Swede is delighted that the 23-year-old's return will give more options going forward."The medical people say Nery is now allowed to do everything with the senior squad including physical contact and tackling, so that is good," Eriksson told the club's official website."It has not been easy for him having to work with the fitness coaches all the time."Ian Dixon, Goal.com

Alonso: Time For Me To Respond

Xabi Alonso has been challenged by Rafa Benitez to get back to his best, and is hoping to use the FA Cup tie against Championship outfit Barnsley as a springboard towards a starting berth...

Xabi Alonso is ready to put his injury and form woes behind him and force his way back into the Liverpool starting XI. The frustrated midfielder has started only 13 games this term for the Reds, but is now seemingly ready to rise to the challenge of Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva to reclaim his place. "It hasn't been an easy season for me," Alonso admitted to the club’s official website. "If you ask any player what it is like coming back from injury and they will tell you the most important thing is to get a run of games. "That is exactly what I need now and hopefully I can get that, although I know it will be difficult because Steven [Gerrard], Javier and Lucas have all been doing well. "But I will keep on working hard in training and hopefully my chance will come."
The 26-year-old is now targeting an impressive FA Cup showing against Barnsley at Anfield on Saturday.
Indeed, Lucas was afforded a run in the side after a superb strike against minnows Havant and Waterloovile in the last round, with Alonso targeting a similar outcome. "You have to make sure you are ready when your chance does come, so if I am selected tomorrow I will give everything. "It is always nice when fans tell you they like to see you in the team, and I am grateful for the support I have had from them, but now is the time for me to deliver."
Wembley
In light of the wayward title challenge, Alonso has turned his thought towards the Fifth Round of England’s premier cup competition. He enjoyed winning the trophy against West Ham in 2006.
The Spaniard is keen, though, to take part in a Wembley showpiece, having celebrated at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff two years ago. "Wembley is a big incentive for me and the rest of the players because it is such a special place to play. "I have never played there before but Stevie, Carra [Jamie Carragher] and Crouchy [Peter Crouch] have played there for England since it was re-opened and they have all spoken about how good it is. "That day when we beat West Ham was a very special day for the team and for myself even though I had to go off after 70 minutes because I'd picked up a knock when we played Portsmouth in the league in the game before. "The atmosphere was fantastic and the game had everything which makes the FA Cup such a great competition."
Never Say Die
Liverpool’s Premiership performance against Chelsea last week was a big improvement after a worrying slump. Alonso is keen to help his side put a run together and achieve in cup competition, with the Champions League also due to resume. "The performance at Chelsea was very good, but now we have to carry that on," he continued. "It was the first step but we need to put together a run of wins. "We know it is going to be very difficult to challenge for the title but there are still a lot of games to play so we have to do everything we can to move up the league and try to make sure we get into the top four. "There is still a lot for us to play for."
Goal.com UK

Fabregas Enters Gunners Contract Talks

Francesc Fabregas indicated once again that he's looking to sign up with the Gunners once more by revealing that the London club are looking to extend his current deal...

Despite having plenty of time left to go on his old contract, Cesc seems willing to answer the call from the London side to commit his future to the club.He said Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, "I have six years remaining and they are interested in renegotiating."I want to succeed at Arsenal and the club wants me. I am from Barcelona and have played there, but I only think of winning many titles here."Barcelona and Real Madrid both hold a long-term interest in the young Spanish international, but these latest remarks seem to indicate that he is settled and happy in the Premier League.Cesc was a youth player with FC Barcelona before being lured to Arsenal by coach Arsene Wenger in 2003.Steve Michaels, Goal.com

Neville: Ronaldo An All Time Great

Manchester United club captain Gary Neville has sensationally declared that Cristiano Ronaldo is as good as anyone he has ever seen in football.

The Portuguese winger has been in sparkling form in England this season, and has already scored 27 times in all competitions. Only last week Ronaldo self-proclaimed that he was the best player in the world, and Neville has now gone a step further in saying that the 23-year-old is as good as anyone he has ever seen. "In terms of entertainment, performance and production, the player that we’re watching now is every bit as good as anything I’ve ever seen," Neville told United Review. "He’s playing on another planet at the moment. "His goals’ tally is exceptional, but the most impressive thing is the appreciation he has for playing in a team. His passing, dribbling and crossing are all carefully selected and completed at the right times." Neville, who has been out injured for 11 months, believes that Old Trafford is an exciting place to be at the moment. "I said at the start of the campaign that United fans should be as excited as they’ve ever been and that’s been proved," he said. "We’ve had the odd blip, but you experience that every year. We’re getting to the business part of the season now, there’s everything to play for."

Anthony Sormani

Shevchenko Pleads For Carling Cup Action

Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko has pleaded with Avram Grant to let him play in next Sunday's Carling Cup final against Spurs

After another injury setback it finally appears that Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko is nearing his Chelsea return.
And although the striker won't be able to take part in the FA Cup this weekend, he has begged Avram Grant to let him play in the Carling Cup final at Wembley the week after.
Shevchenko has not been the same player since quitting AC Milan for Stamford Bridge, but the 31-year-old is still intent on proving himself to critics, believing there's no better place to do so than in a final.
But with Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou now back from the Africa Cup of Nations and Chelsea having spent £15m on Nicolas Anelka during Shevchenko's absence, competition for places is now tough.
"Andriy is ready," a source close to the player told The Mirror. "He has been working very hard and he is feeling good now. He has been very frustrated. He was in good form before he got injured, so it was unfortunate.
"He has been working very hard on his fitness. It was an awkward injury and it took longer to get right than we thought. Andriy wants to play.
"He wants to be a part of things at Wembley, though he knows he will almost certainly be starting on the bench. He is ready for that. He just wants a chance."
Goal.com UK

Ronaldo Operation A Success

Ronaldo went under the knife at the Pieté-Salpetriere hospital in Paris this evening and early news from France seems to suggest it was a success.

The operation was over by 21:00 CET and it was Professor Gerrard Saillant who carried out the surgery on Ronaldo’s left knee.

After the operation the surgeon spoke about how it went and so far the news is positive.

“The operation went smoothly and there were no problems, it lasted two hours,” said Saillant.

Although the operation seems like a success, it will be a long time before Il Fenomeno is back to action.

“Ronaldo now has to under go rehabilitation which will be around nine months,” he declared.

Saillant also insists that Ronaldo will be able to get back to his best.

“Ronaldo can get himself back to his best but that is down to him," he revealed. "He knows now, it’s up to him whether he decides to carry on playing or whether he stops.”

The Brazilian had only recently returned from injury but he ruptured the tendons in his left knee in Milan’s 1-1 draw with Livorno on Wednesday night. The phenomenal striker collapsed in a heap as he re-lived his Roman nightmare of 2000 when he suffered the same injury to his other knee.

Football fans around the world will be hoping to see the Brasilian legend one more time on the pitch. It will be a huge loss to the football world should the player hang up his boots after this latest setback.

Salvatore Landolina

Score Update 11 February 2008

09/02/08

Aston Villa 4 - 1 Newcastle U. (Bouma 48,Carew 51,72,(pen.) 90 // Owen 4)
Bolton W. 0 - 1 Portsmouth (Diarra 81)
Derby County 0 - 3 Tottenham H. (Keane 68,Kaboul 81,Berbatov (pen.) 90) Everton 1 - 0 Reading (Jagielka 62)
Middlesbrough 1 - 0 Fulham (Aliadiere 11)
Sunderland 2 - 0 Wigan Athletic (Etuhu 42,Murphy 74)
West Ham U. 1 - 1 Birmingham C. (Ljungberg 7 // McFadden (pen.) 16)

10/02/08

Manchester U.1 -2 Manchester C. (Carrick 90 // Vassell 24,Mwaruwari 45)
Chelsea 0 - 0 Liverpool

11/02/08 Arsenal 2 - 0 Blackburn R. (P. Senderos 4,E.S. Adebayor 90)

Chelsea NEWS 11 February 2008

Van der Vaart impresses Chelsea scout Bonhof tribalfooball.com - February 11, 2008 Chelsea's German scout Rainer Bonhof saw Rafael van der Vaart star for Hamburg in their 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen on the weekend. "I will not betray who I looked at," Bonhof told Bild. "But if you watched the game, you will know who caught the eye." Asked about Bonhof's presence, Van der Vaart said: "The interest of other clubs is secondary for the moment. "I would like to finally win with HSV and get a title at the end of the season." Rainer Bonhof

Chelsea, Man Utd target Dos Santos waiting on Barcelona talks tribalfooball.com - February 11, 2008 Barcelona whizkid Goivani dos Santos admits there's been no movement over new contract talks.

Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with the Mexico international, who said last night: "There's nothing new to report. When the club feels ready, we will talk." Chelsea's Obi Mikel: Man Utd tried to wreck my career tribalfooball.com - February 11, 2008 Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has reopened his row with Manchester United - claiming the Reds tried to wreck his career. United eventually sold Mikel to Chelsea after a drawn-out row over his original transfer from Lyn and the Nigeria midfielder told the News of the World: "All United were after was money. I didn't see why they wanted to wreck my career. "The thing is, I didn't know the reason why United had to drag the whole thing out. It didn't make any sense. "FIFA didn't let me train with either team so I was training alone in my neighbourhood. "But Chelsea fought for me and when people do things like that, it's difficult to abandon them. "That's why I'll be at Chelsea for a very long time

Charlton set to win race for Chelsea's Sinclair tribalfootball.com - February 11, 2008 Charlton Athletic boss Alan Pardew is set to snap up Chelsea attacker Scott Sinclair. The exciting left-wing prospect will be allowed out by Avram Grant to get first-team experience after flirting with the quadruple-chasing squad recently. Sinclair - just back from a loan spell at QPR - is being pushed towards Charlton by his advisers despite rival interest from Leicester City and Burnley. The teenage talent would be a major asset for Pardew in his bid to bounce back to the Premier League and Sinclair may also be keen to stay in the London area.

Chelsea lead race for Palermo star Amauri tribalfootball.com - February 10, 2008 Chelsea lead the chasing pack for Palermo striker Amauri. The Sunday Mirror says Blues boss Avram Grant failed with a £15million bid for the Palermo top scorer last month. But he is set to beat Juventus to the 27-year-old, who will soon qualify for a European Union passport. Amauri has eight Serie A goals this season, and six years' top-flight experience in Italy with Napoli, Chievo and Palermo. "I can confirm that Amauri will leave Palermo this summer," said his agent Mariano Grimaldi. "He is due to become an EU citizen shortly, and that could open up the English stage to him. "He will be playing Champions League football next season - that is for certain. Chelsea boss Grant: Anelka can fire us to title tribalfooball.com - February 10, 2008

Chelsea boss Avram Grant believes Nicolas Anelka can fire them to the Premiership title. "We hope Anelka will get the goals that will take us to the title," said Grant. "I believe in him. "He wants to prove himself. He is a good player, very quick, he's got good technique and he knows how to score goals and make them. "Before he came we had to use Claudio Pizarro and others. "You need more than two top strikers at a top club - you cannot go a season with two strikers. When Didier Drogba and Andriy Shevchenko were injured at the start of the season it was difficult."