Chelsea sets sight on Paul Pogba....Should Chelsea still be shopping for another Midfielder?

The Chelsea team are currently made up of attacking midfielders such as Eden Hazard, Oscar, Ramires, Nemanja Matic, Willian, Mohamed Salah, Frank Lampard and host of others. You would assume that in the area of midfield no problem. 
But that don't seem to be the case, reports says that Chelsea has made Juventus play maker Paul Pogba their major target for the summer.
The France international has been the subject of serious interest from Real Madrid and Paris Sain-Germain, with the French champions reported to be leading the chase for him.
However, Londoners are willing to use the €49 million raised by the sale of David Luiz to PSG to part-fund a bid for the former Manchester United man.

Juventus on the otherhand are determined to keep hold of the 21-year-old but could be tempted into a sale were they to receive an offer in the region of €80m.
Jose Mourinho has made it clear to the Chelsea hierarchy that he wants a marquee central midfielder to partner January signing Nemanja Matic next season.
Everybody would agree that the reason for Chelsea trophy drought this season is due to lack of adequate finishing by the strikers available. But instead of shopping for strikers they are in the market for more midfielders. 

Nigeria VS Scotland. Its going down tonight in London... GoTeamNaija

Stephen Keshi's men are getting ready to play against Scotland, Greece and USA as warm up matches to find form and rhythm before the main test of World cup.
The first warm up match against Scotland is slated to take place today at Craven Cottage in London by 8pm Nigerian Time.
Scotland, though are not playing in the World Cup this term but boast of 4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 fixtures and this indicates they are indeed building a strong team for upcoming competitions. 
Nigeria are together with Argentina, Bosnia, Iran in Group F of the World Cup.

Ronaldo has been named world's most marketable footballer... 82 Million fans on facebook no be Moi-Moi

Cristiano Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi again, after helping his team secure 10th Champions League trophy, he also won the 2014 Ballon D'or, won Copa Del Rey, La Liga Top scorer and UCL top scorer.
Lionel Messi, often labelled world's best player has gone missing both in matches and also in trophy, though he just extended his contract with Barcelona to make him the highest paid footballer in the world. There has been a lot of criticism based on his under performance for his national side
We hope he would be able to pick up form and live up to expectation in the forth coming World cup tournament.

Find the full list of top 10 most marketable footballers in the world, you would be surprised at some of the players that  made the cut.

One more reason to love Ronaldo.

Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager on a five-year deal.

The 42 year old Argentine resigned from Southampton after 18 months with the club and has now been appointed Tim Sherwood replacement.

The former Espanyol boss took over at Southampton in January 2013, when he replaced Nigel Adkins, and led them to eighth last season - their highest ever finish in the Premier League.

Luke shaw, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez all earned their first England caps under Pochettino as the club secured notable wins over Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.

"This is a club with tremendous history and prestige and I am honoured to have been given this opportunity to be its head coach," Pochettino told the Spurs website.

"There is an abundance of top-class talent at the club and I am looking forward to starting work with the squad," he added.

"Tottenham Hotspur has a huge following across the world and I have great admiration for the passion the fans show for this team.

 ''We are determined to give the supporters the kind of attacking football and success that we are all looking to achieve''

selfie by Belgium squad...can they create an upset at the world cup....Please disregard Fellaini

Thibaut Courtouis, Eden Hazard, Adnan Januzaj, Maroune Fellaini, Vincent Kompany, Romelu Lukaku, Jan Vertonghen, Kevin De Bruyne are just some of the players that make up the Belgium squad.

This is one team that has the potentials of going all the way, coming in 12th position in the latest Fifa ranking, shows they can create an upset. I think they should be tipped to be one of the favourites to lift the world cup, what do you think?
Belgium are in Group H, together with Algeria, Russia and Korea Republic.

Enyeama wins Nigeria player of the season Europe award....1062 minutes without conceding a goal no be Beans.

So what this means is that, with Enyeama at the post, Nigerian fans should not be scared of attacks from Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi, Di Maria, Higuain and co. Enyeama will make us proud

Goalkeeper VIncent Enyeama has won the Nigeria Player of the Season Europe award voted for by readers of Goal.com

He topped the poll ahead of four other players who are among the best performing Nigerians in Europe in the just ended 2013-14 season.

The Lille goalkeeper got 59.4% of votes cast to win the accolade ahead of nearest contender Ikechukwu Uche.

The Villareal striker, who scored 14 goals in the Spanish top flight but was dropped from the Super Eagles squad to the World Cup, got 23.1% of the votes.

Finishing in third place was Emmanuel Emenike who won the Turkish title with Fenerbahce. He polled 9.9% of votes cast by Goal readers.

For his feat with Stoke City, Peter Odemwingie polled 6.2% to finish fourth ahead of Efe Ambrose who won the Scottish title with Celtic who got 1.4% of the votes cast.

Enyeama had his best season with the French club as he went 1062 minutes without conceding a goal. He was also named Ligue 1 player of the month for October and November 2013. Lille will play in the Uefa Champions league next season.

The 31-year-old will lead Nigeria to the World Cup next month where he is expected to shine like he did at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

Brendan Rogers signs new long term contract with Liverpool

Liverpool has confirmed that Brendan Rogers has signed a new long term contract. But we all saw that coming, after hem nearly led them to their first premiership title in 24 years and guiding them back to the Champions League after 4 years absence.

"I am both humbled and privileged to be offered the chance to extend my stay at this great club. I am very happy to build on the foundations we have built over the last two years and now we move onto the next phase which I believe will be as exciting, challenging and rewarding," Rodgers told the club's official website.

"I would like to place on record my thanks to the players and staff, who have been absolutely brilliant for me since the day I started at this great football club. I am grateful to our owners and senior management team who have supported me and who share my vision of how we can progress on the field. 
"Finally, I must thank the supporters who are at the heart of everything we do here. I am honoured every day to lead this team and I thank the fans for their continued support as together we strive to bring  success back to Liverpool Football Club."

Did you wonder who Ronaldo celebrated with after the Champions League final? Read this true story below

Fact of life....What is the moral of the story?

This is the second season in a row that Jose Mourinho has failed to secure a major trophy. He has been accused of having a big mouth, condemning players and managers alike. It is very strange that even after Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto'o labelled Mourinho a puppet and a fool, we are yet to get a response from him.

Angel Di Maria was presented the Man of the match award after yesterdays match...Who was your man of the match?

Angel Di Maria was also my man of the match. He completed 71 passes and made 23 crosses and 126 touches. He was simply sensational, constant threat from the left hand flanks. Thumbs up Di Maria

Real Madrid crowned European Champions for the 10th time. La Decima reality

Gareth Bale helped Real Madrid win their 10th European Cup as they finally overwhelmed arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in a compelling Champions League final in Lisbon.

The emphatic scoreline after extra time does no justice to the drama that unfolded at Estadio da Luz as Atletico stood moments from winning the trophy for the first time only to end exhausted and well beaten.

Real Madrid left it till late before they could find an equalizer, Atletico had to hold on for just another 90 seconds to deny Real Madrid La decima. But after Real drew level with a fantastic header by Sergio Ramos, the game was all over. 

Extra time goals from Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo buried the hopes of Atletico getting close to the European trophy.

The Madrid derby final .......What are your predictions... Can Simeone's men steal La decima from Real?

David is quarter to leave Chelsea for a £40million move to PSG... Thumbs up Luiz.... Hope Mikel would move also.

Chelsea  have confirmed they have agreed terms with Paris Saint-Germain over a move for defender David Luiz
The Brazilian is set to seak a sensational £40 million move to the French champions after the two clubs agreed a deal. 
Luiz has made just 15 starts for the Blues this season after falling down the pecking order with John Terry and Gary Cahill, manager Jose Mourinho's preferred centre-back pairing.
"The move is now subject to David Luiz agreeing personal terms with PSG and passing a medical examination."
"The move is now subject to David Luiz agreeing personal terms with PSG and passing a medical examination."

"Chelsea football club and Paris Saint-Germain have agreed terms for the transfer of David Luiz to the French club," said a statement on the club's website.

Luis Suarez sustains knee injury in training and is a doubt for the World cup...Oh no !!!

Luis Suarez is set to miss the World Cup after it was revealed he will undergo surgery imminently on a knee injury picked up in training on Wednesday. 

The Uruguay striker has injured his knee in training and could be a doubt for the World Cup, according to media reports in the country.

The 27-year-old Liverpool striker will have keyhole surgery on Thursday to repair damage to his meniscus, says Uruguayan broadcaster Tenfield.

Recovery normally takes between 15 and 20 days, adds the report.Uruguay play England on 19 June in Sao Paulo after their Group D opener against Costa Rica on 14 June.

Suarez finished as the Premier League's leading scorer this season with 31 goals, despite missing the opening five matches through suspension.

He also finished as top-scorer in the South American section of World Cup qualifying, scoring 11 goals as Uruguay finished fifth in the continent's nine-team group.

Yaya Toure says he does not know who he will be playing for next season....Still on the birthday matter

Yaya Toure who is earning over  £200,000 per week, says he is not happy at the club because he felt he was snubbed by the club on his birthday. In Naira Yaya Toure is earning over N50,000,000 a week. why would you be unhappy because of ordinary birthday?

Yaya Toure has fuelled talk of a possible departure from Manchester City by saying he does not know who he will be playing for next season.

The midfielder's agent, Dimitri Seluk, indicated he could leave because he felt he had been treated with a lack of respect by the club's owners. Now Toure, 31, has said "everything is open" when it comes to his future. Asked if he could be playing for another club, he replied: "Yes. We never know in football. We never know.

"In an interview with global broadcaster beIN SPORTS, given on Monday before Seluk's comments had reached the public, the Ivory Coast star added: "Because of the brilliant season Man City have had, everybody is talking about me and everything is open.

Manchester City are understood to be relaxed about the situation and have no intention of selling or even listening to offers for a player who still has three years left on a contract he signed in April 2013.

Eto'o labels Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho a puppet and a fool.... Now I think Eto'o is taking it too far.

The 33-year-old Cameroon striker made the reference to Mourinho after previously describing his boss as a 'fool' in comments which are almost certain to signal his departure from Stamford Bridge.

Eto'o told the Confederation of African Football website: 'Contrary to what a puppet says about my age, I am still physically fit. 'At 33, I feel real good. I have proven that I could do better than youths.'

'And I wish to also say that I am not going to the United States or to the Middle East,' said Eto'o, who is out of contract at Stamford Bridge following a season-long deal after leaving Anzhi Makhachkala.

'I will continue at the top level. I will continue to play the Champions League.

'My romance with this competition is far from over.

'I will not tell you where, but I will be at the top level. I am 33 and I have two World Cups to play.

'Before me there are other players who went on until the age of 41. So I can continue.'

Ancelloti reveals that Ronaldo and Bale would be fit for the Champions League final.... Atletico be scared, be very scared!!!

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale will be fit to play for Real Madrid in Saturday's Champions League final against Atletico Madrid.

Ronaldo, 29, missed Real's last two games, while fellow forward Bale, 24, sat out a training session on Tuesday.

"The two of them are going to play," said manager Carlo Ancelotti, who could win a third European Cup. "That is what is important for us."

Defender Pepe and striker Karim Benzema remain doubts for the final in Lisbon.

If Real Madrid overcome rivals Atletico, Carlo Ancelotti will become only the second manager to win three European Cups - joining Bob Paisley

While some managers are being given up to £200million to buy players in the summer some managers are given just £20million to buy players... All this money they are sharing..

Sam Allardyce has been given £20million to spend by West Ham's owners after it was decided that the under-fire manager would be staying at Upton Park next season. 

Allardyce met the club's board on Tuesday and will stay on after agreeing to add to his coaching team and place more emphasis on attacking football.

A West Ham statement read: 'West Ham United can confirm that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the club into the 2014-15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks with the club's board.

'The board and Allardyce have held lengthy and detailed discussions on the club's direction, values and philosophy and a positive way forward for next season has been agreed.

Allardyce said: 'I look forward to taking the club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week.'

Allardyce's side were regularly booed by their own fans during the season with calls for the manager's head growing in the final weeks of the campaign as the club could only manage a 13th-placed finish in the Barclays Premier League table.

While Manchester United who finished 7th in the league are giving £200million to the new signed manager to improve the squad....There is God ooo!!!

Ranieri steps down as head coach of Monaco.... Is coming second in the league now a bad performance?

Claudio Ranieri has left French Ligue 1 runners-up Monaco after two years as head coach.

The ex-Chelsea manager led the club to the Ligue 2 title in his first season and they finished nine points behind champions Paris St-Germain this year.

Ranieri was denied the services of the club's £50 million striker Radamel Falcao from January onwards by a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Club vice-president Vadim Vasilyev said the Italian had done "a very good job".

Monaco are owned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, who bought the club in December 2011.

"It was a difficult decision, it's never easy when the results are good," Vasilyev continued, "But we believe that at this stage of the project we need to find a new dynamic."

Louis van Gaal would be handed £200 million to buy players....Who do you think he should buy this summer for Manchester United?

Louis van Gaal will be armed with a 6million-a-year salary and a £200million transfer budget to help him ‘make history’ as Manchester United’s new manager.

The Holland coach’s appointment as David Moyes’ successor on a three-year deal was finally confirmed at 2pm on Monday

Van Gaal will officially start work after the World Cup, but he has already begun shaping United’s fortunes for next season, by ordering a series of backroom departures and arrivals and drawing up a list of transfer targets.

While Germany defenders Mats Hummels and Holger Badstuber, midfielders such as Toni Kroos and Arjen Robben and striker Mario Mandzukic are all under consideration

Van Gaal can top up his basic salary with a hefty bonus for reaching the Champions League, and it was apparent from his demeanour that he intends cashing in at the earliest opportunity.

Yaya Toure says he wants to quit Manchester City over lack of respect on his 31st birthday.....Do you think he is right to go that far?

Yaya Toure has thrown his Manchester City future into doubt by backing up his agent's claims that the club's wealthy owners showed him a lack of respect on his 31st birthday.

Dimitri Seluk told BBC Sport that Toure was "very upset" and could leave City.

Toure initially played down the row on Twitter, saying: "Don't take words that do not come from my mouth seriously."

But he then posted "Everything Dimitri said is true. He speaks for me. I will explain after the World Cup."

City gave Toure a birthday cake as they flew to Abu Dhabi and tweeted their congratulations after he turned 31 on 13 May, but Seluk says he was ignored by the club's owners when the squad arrived in the United Arab Emirates last week to celebrate their Premier League title triumph.

"None of them shook his hand on his birthday. It's really sick," Seluk said.

City declined to comment officially on Seluk's initial claims and are yet to respond to BBC Sport over Toure's subsequent comments.

The agent also claimed Toure was unhappy last summer, shortly before he signed a new four-year contract, but insisted this latest row is about "respect", not money.

"He got a cake but when it was Roberto Carlos's birthday, the president of Anzhi gave him a Bugatti," Seluk added.

"I don't expect City to present Yaya with a Bugatti, we only asked that they shook his hand and said 'we congratulate you'. It is the minimum they must do when it is his birthday and the squad is all together.

Seluk is adamant he is not looking to negotiate an improved contract for Toure, saying: "No. Money is not important. He has enough money.

"The most important thing is a human relationship and maybe this is his opportunity for Yaya to find that. If City don't respect him, then, easy, Yaya will leave. No problem.

"It is more important he plays for a club that respects him more than having a few thousand pounds added to his salary."

"I have spoken to him about leaving and we will see what happens, but, at the moment, Yaya is really upset."

Barcelona appoints Luis Enrique as new Manager....Do you think he would do better than Tata?

Barcelona have appointed Luis Enrique as their new first-team coach on a two-year deal.

The 44-year-old former Barca player, who managed the club's B team between 2008 and 2011, left his role as Celta Vigo boss last week.

He replaces Gerardo Martino, who left after Barcelona finished second to Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta recommended Enrique, who has also managed Roma, to replace the Argentine.

Enrique's arrival had been widely expected because of his strong links with the club, although he said he did not know who he would be managing next season upon leaving Celta, who finished ninth in La Liga.

Celta, meanwhile, have appointed Eduardo Berizzo, who was coaching O'Higgins in Chile, as their new boss on a two-year deal.

A versatile midfielder and attacker, Enrique made 300 appearances for Barca between 1996 and 2004 which included a two-year spell as captain.

After joining the Catalans from rivals Real Madrid on a free transfer, the Spaniard won two La Liga titles, two Spanish cups and the Uefa Cup.

His return to Barca as first-team boss sees him follow in the footsteps of Guardiola, the only other man to be the club's captain, B team coach and first-team manager.

Its Official: Louis van Gaal has been appointed as the new Manchester United manager with Ryan Giggs named as his assistant...Well everybody knows that already

Louis van Gaal has been confirmed as the new manager of Manchester United, with Ryan Giggs named his assistant.

The Dutchman will begin a three-year contract at Old Trafford after the conclusion of his work in charge of Netherlands at the World Cup.
Frans Hoek and Marcel Bout, countrymen of Van Gaal, also arrive at Old Trafford as coaches, with the former specialising in goalkeeping and the latter in scouting the opposition.
"This club has big ambitions; I too have big ambitions. Together I'm sure we will make history."

"In Louis van Gaal, we have secured the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today," United's chief executive, Ed Woodward, said in a statement.

"He has achieved many things in his career to date and Old Trafford provides him with a fitting stage on which to write new chapters in the Manchester United story.

"Everyone is very excited about this new phase in the club's history. His track record of success in winning leagues and cups across Europe throughout his career makes him the perfect choice for us.
"This club has big ambitions; I too have big ambitions. Together I'm sure we will make history."


"I am thrilled to have the chance to serve as assistant manager," the Welshman enthused. "Louis van Gaal is a world-class coach and I know I will learn a lot about coaching from being able to observe and contribute at such close quarters.
"Manchester United has been a huge part of my life and I'm delighted to be able to continue that relationship in such a key role."

Didier Drogba announces intention to leave Galatasaray.....Will he go back to Chelsea?

Didier Drogba has announced his intention to leave the Turkish club when his contract expires this summer.

The 36-year-old moved from Shanghai Shenhua in January 2013 and helped the side to the Super Lig title the Turkish Super Cup the same year.

Speaking to the club's official TV channel, the former Chelsea icon issued a heartfelt goodbye.

"Galatasaray will always be in my heart, I'm very proud to have represented this team.

"I didn't come here for money. If I wanted money I would have stayed in China. I came to Turkey to play football, to feel the passion again. Scoring against Fenerbahce and Besiktas, I think I gave some happiness to our fans."

Drogba also went on to thank a certain former manager for recommending that he move to the Turkish heavyweights.
"Jose Mourinho and Wesley Sneijder had a big impact on my decision to sign. Jose said to me 'if Wesley is going then you should go to', so I came.
"It was great to have a chance to play alongside him [Sneijder]."
Drogba did not give any indication as to where his future lies but his foremost concern will be Cote d'Ivoire's World Cup campaign.

Borussia Dortmund 0-2 Bayern Munich.....Congrats to Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich sealed a second successive domestic double with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal final after extra-time.
Netherlands winger Robben popped up in the 107th minute at the Olympiastadion in Berlin to set the Bavarians on the way to a fourth trophy in their first season under the stewardship of former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.
Dortmund pressed in vain for an equaliser, but the match was settled in injury time when Muller broke clear to grab a second for Bayern.
Their success was not without fortune, as Dortmund were denied a goal midway through the second half of normal time when a header from Mats Hummels appeared to cross the line.
Victory for Bayern was also somewhat marred by an injury to Germany captain Philipp Lahm, who limped off during the first half to place his participation in next month's World Cup into doubt.

Arsenal and Trophy.... So those two could go together. lol.. Congrats to the Gunners, they finally have mouth

An open-top bus parade set off from the club's Emirates Stadium at 1pm Lagos time.

The victory secured the Gunners' first trophy in nine years and was the 11th time the club had won the competition.

Arsenal, who started the final as favourites, came from two goals down against Hull to win 3-2 in Saturday's match.

The Last time Atletico won the La Liga, this man was playing for Atletico... True Legend.

Diego Simeone preached discipline, team work, and camaraderie week after week - win or lose. And while such words are chalked up to sport cliches perhaps, in Atletico's case, it wasn't just a turn of phrase. 

Atletico Madrid 2013/2014 La Liga Champions!!! First La Liga title in 18 years

This team eliminated Barcelona at the Quarter final of this year Champions league and now they snatched La Liga title from the same Barcelona. 

Even the 99,000-capacity Camp Nou spectators were grateful for the first non-Barcelona or Madrid champion since Valencia in 2004, as chants of 'Atleti' showered the visitors after they won their 10th title. 

'What we're trying to do is to show society and other clubs that if you keep working you can compete,' said Simeone, whose season-long discourses have often touched on Atletico's 'of the people' character.

This is a confirmation that you dont need big budget to win trophies. Good job Atletico

Tata Martino steps down as Barcelona head coach...Awwww but was he that bad this season? 40 wins in 59 games haba!

Barcelona finished the season without a major trophy for the first time since 2007-08.

Martino, 51, said: "I'm sorry I was unable to deliver. I'd like to thank the club for their confidence in me."

Martino replaced Tito Vilanova in July last year, signing a two-year contract at the Nou Camp club.

"I deeply regret not having achieved the goals that this club has always been set and achieved," Martino added.

"These are great players. My greatest gratitude goes to the players. They have made me proud."

Look at what these teams have in common....

At least they are sure of Champions League particiation next season, ask Manchester United to tell you what it feels like not to be in an European competition next season.

Picture of the day: Finally after 9 years Wenger can celebrate a trophy...UP Gunners !!!

Arsene Wenger is a winner again. Arsenal are winners again after 120 dramatic minutes that forced manager, players and fans through so many of the experiences they have shared in recent years - only this time with a happy ending.

"Wenger has every right to celebrate this success but he must not - and surely will not - believe that this means Arsenal do not still require serious investment

Super Saturday: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid...Judgement Day. Diego Simeone, the only manager that has stopped Lionel Messi from scoring 6 times in a row. #TwaleBaba

Messi has triumphed against Atletico for many a year, netting 20 goals in his first 14 fixtures versus the Madrid side. But since Simeone's arrival, he has found himself halted and is now without a goal in his last six games against the Rojiblancos: 431 minutes in total.

Super Saturday: DFB-Pokal Final going down tonight: Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich.... I am rooting for BVB

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp believes that anyone hoping to win the DFB-Pokal must beat Bayern Munich at some point.

BVB are looking to claim their second German cup under the tutelage of the former Mainz boss, having beaten the Bavarians 5-2 to triumph in Berlin two years ago.They face another final against their arch rivals on Saturday and Klopp is looking forward to the chance to add to his medal collection."There are just two ways to win the DFB-Pokal," he told reporters."Either you are beating Bayern on the way or you are meeting them in the final. That anyone else is beating them for you is very rare. "Because of that it is just logic that this is our opponent. It is a great team. For me it is the biggest final you could play in, because it is much closer to reach than the Champions League final."We are really happy to be here, because this was our goal since the very first day of the season. Not just to be here, of course, also to win the game. This is our goal. And I am happy that the team made it happen."

Super Saturday: Are we going to see this on Arsene Wenger's face at the end of the FA cup final today.....9 years without a trophy,does it end today

Arsenal hope to end a nine-year wait for a trophy when they take on Hull in Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley.

The Gunners last lifted silverware when they beat Manchester United in the 2005 FA Cup final in Cardiff, while Hull are appearing in their first major final.

"We're rank outsiders for the weekend," said Hull manager Steve Bruce.

"Arsenal are clear favourites but for a club like ours to take on the mighty Arsenal has a ring to it which is what the FA Cup is all about."

Former X-Factor winner Leona Lewis will sing the traditional Cup final hymn 'Abide with me' as well as the national anthem before kick-off.

Fans of both teams were allocated 25,000 tickets each, with approximately 20,000 tickets distributed by the FA to volunteers from the counties, leagues, local clubs and charities.

Under manager Arsene Wenger the Gunners won the trophy in 1998, 2002, 2003, and 2005 - and were beaten finalists in 2001.

But since winning the 2005 final the club's fans have had to wait for success, with defeats in the final of the 2006 Champions League and League Cup finals of 2007 and 2011.

Ancelotti confirms CR7 is fit and would play against Espanyol.....Oh no!! dont play him, reserve him for Champions League final

Coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will return to the fold when his side face Espanyol on Saturday.
The Portuguese was injured during the recent draw with Real Valladolid and sat out last week's loss to Celta Vigo in a bid to rest ahead of the Champions League final.
However, he will be available when the Spanish giants host the Catalans as they look to finish the Liga season on a high.
"Cristiano Ronaldo will play because he is available and has no problems," Ancelotti told reporters.
"The team will be decided tomorrow. Only Pepe, Jese and Diego Lopez are not available. We'll give Sami Khedira some time because he needs it after a long period out.
"He did very well in Vigo for an hour and had no problems afterwards. He's an option for the Champions League final.

Lionel Messi is now the highest paid player in the world... He is now officially the boss...Messi would be earning over 11 million naira per day. ''All this money they are sharing, Daris God ooo"

Lionel Messi has agreed a new contract at Barcelona with the Argentina superstar set to become the world's highest-paid player on £16.3million a year. 

The player’s father Jorge met club officials Javier Faus and Antoni Rossich last week and closed what is the seventh new deal in 11 years for the four-time Ballon d’Or winner. 

Messi will be 27 in June and the new deal is not expected to extend his existing contract length taking him to 2018.

But his earnings have been boosted to put him ahead of Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who earns £15m before bonuses. 

Wayne Rooney, the highest-paid player in England, is on £15.6m a year (£300,000 a week).

In effect Messi will earn £16.3m next season but if he wins the Champions League the appropriate bonus will be added and the sum total will become his new basic pay level the following season.

Messi’s £250m buy-out clause will remain the same leaving the door open for Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain to make a bid, though the rigours of Financial Fair Play surely rule out such a move for either club.

Bayern Munich preparing a £25million bid for David Luiz

Bayern Munich are poised to launch a £25million bid for Chelsea defender David Luiz.

The 27-year-old is ready to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. 

Barcelona are understood to be his preferred club but no deal has yet been agreed, with some technical staff at the Nou Camp unsure whether Luiz should be their priority for central defence.

Bayern coach Pep Guardiola, however, is keen on the Brazilian.

Talks may have to wait until after the World Cup, as Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari does not want his players distracted by transfer negotiations.

Barcelona enquired about Luiz last summer and were quoted £35m.

Arsene Wenger makes a 3rd attempt to sign Karim Benzema from Real Madrid

Arsenal will check on the availability of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema after the Champions League final.

The France international has been coveted by Wenger for years, with the Gunners having failed with moves for the forward in the last two summers.

And Arsenal are ready to make another move for Benzema this summer as the club targets a bone-fide world class striker ahead of next season.

Benzema has 12 months left on his contract leaving him in a strong position to either re-negotiate a new deal or force a move away this summer.

And the Gunners are hopeful this could be the summer Real finally do business with regards to the Frenchman.

The Emirates Stadium club have been alerted to Real's growing interest in Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and feel the Spanish giants will look to cash in on Benzema to fund a move for the Uruguayan.

Manchester United's absence from the Champions League next season will cost the club £30m

Manchester United's absence from the Champions League next season will cost the club £30m, revealed the club's executive vice chairman Ed Woodward.

However, Woodward insisted it would not affect United's transfer business.

'Due to the television deals, we estimate our loss of European football will cost us in the mid £30m. The club's expectations are to absolutely get back into the Champions League and you'll see it in the transfer market.'

United's seventh-placed finish was their worst since the 1989-90 season.Speaking to investors, Woodward also touched on United's managerial vacancy, saying: "We are focused on bringing in a manager. An announcement will be made in due course."He added the club was in "a healthy position to invest in the squad."United's poor season costs David Moyes his job as manager.

Samuel Eto'o calls Mourinho a fool for calling him old......Ghen Ghen!! Oya Mourinho respond

Mourinho was unwittingly caught on camera lamenting the quality of the strikers at his disposal at a sponsors' event in Switzerland in February, and jokingly suggested that Eto'o could be older than he claims to be.
However, Eto'o - who is now out of contract at Stamford Bridge - has blasted Mourinho for his comments, while also insisting that he can continue playing at the highest level for the foreseeable future. 

"Today, I am 33-years-old - and it is not because a fool called me an old man that you must believe it," the Cameroonian told africanfootball.com.

"And you may have noticed that the old man was better than the youngsters. Some believe I am going to retire in the United States or in the Middle East, but I have regained the joy of the Champions League and I am going to carry on playing in the Champions League.

"Where? I am not going to tell you."

Eto'o is set to feature at his fourth World Cup for Cameroon next month, and the four-time African Player of the Year feels he could go on and break Lothar Matthaus' and Antonio Carbajal's record of playing at five World Cups. 

"I am going to carry on playing because physically and mentally I feel great," he added.

"So I am going to go to this World Cup and to the next one when I will be 37. Some did it at 42, so I can still play at two more World Cups."

Juventus are interested in signing Patrice Evra who turns 33 today.

Manchester United full back turns 33 today and is almost certain to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season with his current deal due to expire.
Juventus are hoping to lure the French International full back to Turin this summer with the offer of a two-year contract.

Italian champions Juventus are set for a busy transfer market as, having just clinched a third straight Scudetto, they are desperate to improve their squad ahead of a Champions League assault.

Discussions have already taken place between Evra's Italian representative Federico Pastorello and Juventus directors, and according to Goal the results of these talks were positive. 

Evra is interested in the Juve project and would be prepared to take a cut to his current €110,000-a-week wages in order to move to Turin.

Evra joined Manchester United in 2006 and has enjoyed a highly-successful spell in England, winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League.