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Diego Maradona accused his fiancée of flirting with Man United keeper David De Gea in Dubai

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Man United goalie David De Gea was last night unwittingly at the centre of a row between Diego Maradona and his fiancée.

Argentinean World Cup winner Maradona met De Gea in Dubai, then reportedly wrongly thought lover Rocío Oliva had flirted with him.

A few more details are provided on The Sun’s website, which has a different headline of “MADadona – Diego in rage at young lover’s de Gea ‘flirting’”.

Diego Maradona reportedly flew into a rage with his young fiancée after becoming wrongly convinced she had FLIRTED with Manchester United’s goalie.

So how did Rocío Oliva allegedly flirt with the United keeper? Apparently she gave him her Twitter handle and mobile phone number. That’s it.

Written by Steve Milne @stevenmilneline

Arsene Wenger confirms internal punishment for goalkeeper

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that the club will deal with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny internally after he was caught on camera making a rude gesture to the fourth officials on Wednesday night.

The Polish international was clearly annoyed at being sent off against Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League last-16, and after making his way to the tunnel, Szczesny was caught making a rude gesture as the video went viral.

It has been reported that UEFA won’t be taking any action on the goalkeeper due to the referee not including it in his report, but Wenger has confirmed today that he will be dealt with internally.

“We will deal with that internally,” he said. “We don’t agree with that.

“Yes, it (the gesture) was frustration, but we are professionals, me included, and we have always to master reactions. Wojciech is part of that as well.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsene Wenger confirms player exit

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski will most likely leave the club in the Summer in order to play regular first-team football.

The Polish shot-stopper has been second fiddle to his counterpart Wojciech Szczesny for a few seasons now, and after seeing third-choice ‘keeper Vito Mannone leave the club and do well at Sunderland, Fabianski is now ready to do the same.

The 28-year-old has spent seven years at Arsenal, but has only managed to make 31 first-team appearances, and today, Wenger confirmed that he is likely to leave the club at the end of the season.

Wenger said: “Of course it is a possibility that it is his last campaign with us because he wants to play somewhere but if he changes his mind, my door is open.”

Fabianski’s current deal expires in the Summer and he has recently turned down a new deal from the club.
 
Earlier this month, Fabianksi said:  “I want to be number one in the club and in the Polish national team. I have learned a lot at London during very positive and challenging periods.
 
“With biggest respect to this great club, I didn’t accept the extension offer as I am looking forward to a new challenge in England or abroad.”
 
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

I can achieve all my dreams with the Reds

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Luis Suarez says he owes a debt of gratitude to Liverpool FC for helping him produce the best form of his career as he insisted: “I know I can achieve my dreams here.”

In an exclusive interview with the ECHO, the Uruguayan striker spoke candidly about life with the Reds and his hopes for the future.

“The fans have helped me so much,” he said. “Everyone knows that I had some difficult times last summer.

“But they have always supported me and always had confidence in me. I really feel that support in my heart.”

“I think this has been the best season of my career so far. It’s my job to score goals and create goals, and help the team.

“When you have really good team-mates and a manager who believes in you then it helps so much with your job.

“For me, stepping on to the pitch knowing I have the confidence of the supporters means everything to me as a player. They help me to give my best.”

Suarez felt that support more than ever on his Anfield comeback last October.

The visit of Crystal Palace was the frontman’s first competitive appearance on home turf since serving his 10-game ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic six months earlier.

He emerged from the tunnel before kick-off with his newborn son Benjamin and his three-year-old daughter Delfina.

“That was a special day for me,” he said.

“I know in England it’s not normal to take your children on to the pitch like that but it’s normal in Uruguay.

“I wanted to show the Liverpool fans my family and I wanted everyone to know I was so happy with life both on and off the pitch.

“It was my first game back at Anfield and I wanted my children to share that moment.

“It was an emotional moment for me. To come back and play at Anfield after so long was brilliant.”

Since then Suarez hasn’t looked back. He has been the driving force behind Liverpool’s sustained push for a top four finish.

Written by Steve Milne @stevenmilnelive

Podolski backs German team-mate Ozil on Social Media.

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Lukas Podolski has leaped to the defence of Arsenal, and German team-mate Mesut Ozil, following a torrid week for Ozil himself. 

Ozil missed a first half penalty in Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat at home to Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening, having his spot kick saved by Manuel Neuer in the Bayern Munich goal. 

The German, who signed from Real Madrid for £42 million in the summer, has seemed to have lost his early season form at the Gunners, with many Arsenal fans questioning the players stature and general commitment to the cause. 

However, German team-mate Podolski has took to Social Media site Facebook to defend his friend Ozil. 

‘Everyone is disappointed about the result but that is football,’ said Podolski.

‘It is not fair to single out Maharaj. Criticism is not controversial but picking out a single player helps neither the player or anyone else.

‘He is a class player who will bring us much joy.’ 

Arsenal travel to play the second leg in Munich on March 11th. 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

Ozil not accepted by Arsenal team-mates, claims Ballack

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Former Germany captain Michael Ballack believes Mesut Ozil does not have the support of his Arsenal team-mates.

Ozil has been struggling to find his best form in recent weeks after initially impressing for the Gunners following his £42 million summer move from Real Madrid.

The attacking midfielder missed a crucial penalty in Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich and was rounded on by Mathieu Flamini and Jack Wilshere in the second half for failing to track forward runs.

And Ballack fears his compatriot has not been completely accepted by the rest of Arsene Wenger’s team.

“With his quality he should be untouchable and bring out so much in the team. But it looks like he does not have the acceptance of the team,” he told Sky Sports.

“When he came to Arsenal there was so much expectation with the quality he has. The first games he looked good, played well and was comfortable.

“But now he looks a bit lost in this team.”

Written by Steve Milne @stevenmilnelive

Ozil isn’t over penalty miss, says Wenger

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that midfielder Mesut Ozil still hasn’t recovered from his missed penalty against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.

With the score at 0-0 and after a fast start from The Gunners, Ozil had the chance to give the hosts the lead from the spot-kick, but his tame effort was easily palmed away by Manuel Neuer, much to the annoyance of many Arsenal fans.

The German international came under a lot of scrutiny on social networking sites from the angry fans and the morning after the game, Ozil sent out an apology message on his official Facebook account.

That was then followed by a message from Lukas Podolski telling the fans to stick behind his German counterpart, and today, Wenger has confirmed that Ozil is still feeling down after his poor penalty.

When asked about whether the midfielder has recovered, Wenger said: “Certainly not. 48 hours is a bit short. It’s part of the job to deal with disappointment and prove you can get on with it. He apologised after the game. I don’t think people are shocked he missed, it’s just he takes his penalties in an unusual way.

“I believe that at the moment I have to let him recover from that. I have seen this before with Bergkamp, missing in 1999 (in the FA Cup semi-final replay against Manchester United) and refusing after to take any penalties.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool starlet keen to extend La Liga loan

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Suso, who has just over one year left remaining on his existing deal at Anfield, is currently thriving at Almeria, where he has scored two goals and set up seven in 22 La Liga outings.

The Spaniard is highly-rated at Liverpool – he featured 20 times under Brendan Rodgers last season – and he has been tipped for a big future on Merseyside.

The 20-year-old is expected to be offered a new contract, and he says a further year of development in Spain would be beneficial if Liverpool tie him down to a longer deal.

He told AS: “I have one more year left on my contract at Liverpool.

“If I renew I think that it would be a good option to continue for another year at Almeria on loan, but it will be discussed at the end of the season. It does not depend upon me.”

Written by Steve Milne @stevenmilnelive

Arsenal goalkeeper WON’T face action after rude gesture

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Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny will not face any further action for his rude gesture on Wednesday night after he was sent off against Bayern Munich in their Champions League clash at the Emirates Stadium.

The Polish shot-stopper gave away a penalty when he tripped over Arjen Robben, and due to denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, the ‘keeper was given a straight red by the match official.

After making his way to the dug-out and wishing luck to Lukasz Fabianski, Szczesny made a rude gesture towards to fourth official it is believed, and unfortunately for the Arsenal-man, his action was caught on camera and it was believed that he would face action from UEFA.

However, according to reports, the match official from the game hasn’t included the incident in his match-report and it’s believed that UEFA won’t take any further action over the incident.

Szczesny will miss the second-leg due to the straight red card.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Real Madrid willing to sell Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea target

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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has handed the officials at the club a list of players he wants to sell this Summer, and on it are; Angel Di Maria, Iker Casillas and Sami Khedira.

The three players are not regular first-team starters at the Bernabeu and Ancelotti is keen to clear up some funds and also cut down his squad this Summer in order to bring in some new faces.

Casillas, who has been number-one at Madrid for over a decade, lost his place in the first-team when Jose Mourinho was at the club, and since then, he hasn’t been able to win it back, and it is believed that Premier League side Arsenal are showing interest in the Spaniard if he does come available at a good price.

Di Maria is also another player who could be leaving, who has been monitored by Premier League trio Arsenal, Manchester United and Totteham Hotspur, and due to the arrival of Gareth Bale last Summer, first-team opportunities have been limited for the Argentine.

Finally, holding-midfielder Khedira could be on his way out this Summer with both United and Chelsea interested in signing the German.

Mourinho built up a good relationship with the midfield-man during his time in Spain, and a move to Stamford Bridge could interest the 26-year-old, but The Blues will face strong competition from fierce-rivals United.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Turkish club eye Manchester United outcast

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Turkish side Besiktas are showing interest in Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa after the Japanese international has failed to break into David Moyes’ first-team.

Reports are coming out of Turkey suggesting that Kagawa will be their number-one target and it is thought that they are already putting together a deal to offer to United and the player himself.

Since arriving at Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund last Summer, the 24-year-old hasn’t settled very well and wasn’t used much under Sir Alex Ferguson, and is now backup to Moyes due to the emergence of Adnan Januzaj and the signing of Juan Mata from Chelsea in January.

United paid £24million in order to sign the midfielder last season, but since then, he hasn’t been able to find his form that he showed in the Bundesliga with Dortmund.

Interestingly, there have been several reports claiming that Dortmund are also interested in re-signing the 24-year-old in the Summer, but they will now face serious competition from Besiktas.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Mark Lawrenson predictions for weekend

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BBC pundit picks wins for Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City

With another weekend just around the corner, it’s time to take a look at Mark Lawrenson’s weekend predictions!

Chelsea 2-0 Everton

“Chelsea have never lost at home in the Premier League under Mourinho, going back to his first spell at Stamford Bridge, and I am backing them to win here to extend that impressive record.”

Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland

“I don’t think Sunderland are good enough to go to the Emirates Stadium and get anything.”

Cardiff City 1-1 Hull City
“I am not so sure about Cardiff, although they should get a draw on Saturday.”
Manchester City 3-0 Stoke City
“It is always interesting to see Stoke boss Mark Hughes going back to his former club, but I don’t think the Potters will be able to keep Manchester City out.”
West Brom 2-0 Fulham 
“West Brom look a bit short of firepower up front but I am still backing Pepe Mel to get his first win as Baggies boss.”
West Ham 1-1 Southampton
“Overall, though, they have had a very good season and in the league they are continuing quite merrily.”
Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester United 
“I am backing them to get three points at Selhurst Park, though. It should be a good game because Palace will have a real go at them but, as long as they match Palace’s work-rate, United should have too much quality.”
Liverpool 3-0 Swansea City
“The Swans lost on Merseyside last weekend when they were beaten by Everton in the FA Cup, and I cannot see a different outcome for them this time.”
Newcastle 1-1 Aston Villa
“I am going for a draw on Sunday and I think that will suit Aston Villa too. Their form has generally been better than last season, and now they just need to keep ticking over to stay clear of the relegation battle.”
Norwich City 0-2 Tottenham 
“All Sherwood can do is keep winning games, and I expect him to do that at Carrow Road.”
What are your thoughts on these predictions then? Comment below!!
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Chelsea make shock bid for Inter Milan veteran

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is planning on making a surprising bid for Inter Milan veteran Javier Zanetti in the Summer.

The 40-year-old defender is still going strong in Serie A and spent a successful period working under Mourinho during his reign as head-coach at the San Siro, and according to reports, Mourinho is keen on reuniting himself with the right-back, despite his age.

If reports are to be believed, Mourinho is keen to sign him for one more season as a player and then add him to his coaching staff at Stamford Bridge.

However, it is a club policy at Chelsea to be cautious when dealing with players over the age of 30, and with Zanetti being 10-years over that bracket, a deal may be blocked by Roman Abramovich.

Zanetti can play all across the back-line and that is why Mourinho is keen to add him to his side.

The Argentine has played over 600 times for Inter Milan during his 19-year career there.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Beckham targets Xavi

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First Ronaldo, now Xavi, Beckham seems to be aiming big with his soon to be new Club.

Xavi, who played his 144th Champions League tie in the 2-0 win over Manchester City on Tuesday night is tied to Barcelona until 2016 when he will be 36 and, despite interest from elsewhere, he has made it clear he wants to see out his career at the Camp Nou.

But this obviously doesn’t bother Beckham at all and seems as if he’s going big with his new team, Xavi being contracted with Barcelona till 2016 will fall perfectly for Beckham with his club not being made until 2017. 

Xavi was linked with a move to New York Red Bulls earlier this year but responded by revealing the only club he had considered leaving Barca for was Bayern Munich in 2008.


Article Written By – @jakeee03

 

Manchester United supporters angry over ticket prices.

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Manchester United are angry about the possibilty of having to pay Champions League ticket prices, for Europa League games. 

Broadsheet Newspaper The Independent have reported that United supporters will have to automatically pay for Cup competitions. 

The policy, brought in under Malcolm Glazer and family, forces United season ticket holders to buy F.A Cup, League Cup and Champions League tickets, in a rather bizarre, controversial scheme. 

And with United struggling in the current season, Europa League football is the most likely option at Old Trafford. 

The ticket scheme will presumably see supporters pay around £50 for tickets in Europe’s second tier club competition. 

Europa League football may be the better option for United, as they now sit in seventh, 11 points behind Liverpool in force. 

United last played in the Europa League in the 2011/12 campaign, with the Old Trafford outfit being knocked out by Athletic Bilbao. 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1