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