Tag Archives: birth

No Milan move for Balotelli or Beckham as Rossoneri eye Kaka return

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No Milan move for Balotelli or Beckham as Rossoneri eye Kaka return

By
Peter Scott

PUBLISHED:

18:42 GMT, 19 January 2013

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UPDATED:

18:42 GMT, 19 January 2013

AC Milan coach Massmiliano Allegri has insisted his club are not interested in signing Manchester City
striker Mario Balotelli or free agent David Beckham.

The Rossoneri have been heavily linked with Manchester City striker Balotelli, who came to prominence at Milan rivals Inter.

His fractious relationship with Blues boss Roberto Mancini has led to speculation that he will return to Italy.

Fractious: Mario Balotelli (right) has not always enjoyed a good relationship with Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini

Fractious: Mario Balotelli (right) has not always enjoyed a good relationship with Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini

Beckham meanwhile, is without a club after leaving LA Galaxy, and enjoyed a successful loan spell with Milan in 2009.

But Allegri insisted there will be no move for either player.

'[We are] only negotiating for Kaka, so there will be no Mario Balotelli or David Beckham,' he said.

'There are talks in progress for Kaka, an important negotiation process if this great return should occur. I agree with the club and Adriano Galliani on everything, so there has never been my position opposed to that of the club. There is an exchange of ideas, certainly, but it's not true that I don't want Kaka.

Heady days: David Beckham and Kaka (right) when both played for AC Milan

Heady days: David Beckham and Kaka (right) when both played for AC Milan

'Beckham I know Beckham, he is a great guy and a player of real class. However, you can't wipe out his birth certificate and Milan have chosen to focus on youth hopefully with support from an important champion like Kaka.

'Balotelli We are only negotiating for Kaka. In attack we have Giampaolo Pazzini, Bojan Krkic and M'Baye Niang, while we also have experienced players who bring a sense of security.'

Mario Balotelli kicks bottle in training ahead of Manchester derby

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Temper, temper, Mario… New Dad Balotelli throws his toys out of the pram in training ahead of Manchester derby

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UPDATED:

12:38 GMT, 8 December 2012

Mario Balotelli was said to be ‘delighted’ at the news that on-off girlfriend Raffaella Fico had given birth to his daughter.

But the 22-year-old looked a little worn out as he arrived at Carrington training ground yesterday – and lashed out at a bottle on the eve of Sunday's Manchester derby.

Perhaps he was upset at having missed the unexpected birth due to his Manchester City commitments.

Mario Balotelli kicks water bottle during training

The new Dad looked weary during training with Manchester City

The eccentric striker appeared
strained in this set of images, at one point launching his water bottle across the ground, as
well as giving a teammate a good kicking.

The Italian’s apparent frustration is
understandable, as he hasn’t been able to hold his daughter yet. She and
her mother are currently residing at a private clinic in Naples.

Little Pia’s arrival, which was
expected on Christmas Day, has awkwardly clashed with Manchester City’s
fixture against Premier League rivals Manchester United. Balotelli will
have to wait until after tomorrow’s derby before he can fly to meet his
baby girl.

Mario Balotelli gives Javi Garcia a kicking during training

The Italian took out his frustration on teammate Javi Garcia

Mario Balotelli looks upset during training

Pregnant Raffaella Fico poses on the catwalk

The young father was not able to be with his on-off girlfriend Raffaella Fico for Pia's birth, and the status of their relationship remains unclear

The status of the young striker’s
relationship with his new-born’s mother is unclear. After an acrimonious
split, prompted by Balotelli’s wandering eye, the pair recently
reunited in Naples.

However, it is thought to have been two months since the ex-model and TV star last saw the father of her child.

It remains to be seen whether the
arrival of his first child will tame the Italian and put an end to his
playful antics off the pitch.

It will certainly be hard for him to get away with setting off fireworks from his bathroom window once he has an infant in the house.

Ian Bell misses birth of baby son

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Bell misses birth of baby son despite leaving India before end of first Test

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UPDATED:

00:33 GMT, 21 November 2012

Ian Bell’s hopes of rushing home to be present for the arrival of his first child were dashed when his wife Chantal gave birth to a boy without him.

Bell attracted criticism in some quarters for leaving Ahmedabad on Monday — with permission — before the end of England’s first-Test defeat by India after hearing that his wife had gone into labour.

But his decision to bring forward his flight after his active participation in the match had ended proved in vain as Joseph William Bell appeared early.

Missing out: Ian Bell did not make it back to England in time for the birth of his son

Missing out: Ian Bell did not make it back to England in time for the birth of his son

Bell, who had seemed distracted on tour and was out to an awful shot first ball in the first innings of the first Test, will now spend a few days at home with his wife and son before returning for the third Test in Kolkata.

Jonny Bairstow is expected to replace Bell in the team for Friday’s second Test.

Arsenal take on United for Crewe starlet Max Clayton – dubbed the new Michael Owen

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Arsenal take on United for Crewe starlet Max Clayton – dubbed the new Michael Owen

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UPDATED:

10:33 GMT, 30 October 2012

Arsenal will battle Manchester United for the 3million signature of highly-rated Crewe striker Max Clayton.

The 18-year-old, who has been likened to Michael Owen, is the latest product of the prestigious Gresty Road production line. He has made 48 appearances since his first-team debut in April 2010.

Clayton, who has represented England at every age group from Under 16 has been watched by scouts from Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Big-game player: Crewe's Max Clayton celebrates scoring the second goal during last season's npower Football League Two Play Off Semi Final Second Leg match at Southend

Michael Owen of Manchester celebrates after scoring his third goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B match at Wolfsburg

'The new Owen': Crewe striker Max Clayton (left), who has been likened to former England striker Michael Owen (right), is on Arsenal's and United's radar

Arsenal are now ready to make a move when the January transfer window opens, with manager Arsene Wenger being alerted to Clayton’s progress by his former assistant, now scout, Pat Rice.

Gunners staff watched the Crewe youngster in games against Portsmouth and then Walsall earlier this month, and Wenger was handed promising reports on the striker, who has been likened to ex-England star Owen because of his movement in the box.

CLAYTON'S KEY STATS

Crewe's Max Clayton

Date of birth: 9 August 1994
Place of birth: Crewe, England
Height: 5ft 9in

Senior career
2011– Crewe 48 apps (9 goals)

National
2010 England U16 5 (2)
2010–2011 England U17 20 (4)
2011– England U18 2 (0)
2012– England U19 1 (0)

Follow him on Twitter @MaxJClayton

Arsenal scout's presence at those matches has prompted speculation that a potential deal with Crewe has already been secured, and while that was rebuffed by Alex boss Steve Davis, he has admitted that he expects Clayton to move on soon: 'I’ve had no inquiries about Max, only people watching, so it’s only a rumour. He’s not ready to go anywhere,’ said Davis last week. ‘When the situation is right he will leave to go in somebody’s first team.’

Clayton is said to be valued at 3m by Crewe, who sold fellow teenager Nick Powell to Manchester United for a similar fee during the summer.

England v South Africa: Graeme Smith confident he will fly home for birth of first child

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Celebrations all the way for Smith as South Africa skipper aims to fly home for birth of first child

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UPDATED:

22:15 GMT, 21 July 2012

Graeme Smith was confident that he will fly home for the expected birth of his first child on Tuesday with victory achieved in the first Test.

South Africa’s captain was overjoyed by his ‘dream’ performance of scoring a hundred in his 100th Test and expects his bowlers to have the chance to begin a demolition job against England late today.

After his 9hr 9min at the crease, he said: ‘It was a dream. At one time, when Graeme Swann was spinning the ball, it looked a long way away. But once I fought through those tough times it became a reality. When I got to a hundred, so many emotions were flying through me, knowing my wife is giving birth in three days.

Flying visit: Smith acknowledges the crowd after his dismissal - and he hopes to return home for the birth of his first child

Flying visit: Smith acknowledges the crowd after his dismissal – and he hopes to return home for the birth of his first child

‘Our biggest achievement in this Test is how we bounced back with the ball.

‘But England are No 1 in the world and we have to respect that. We are positive and we do want to push for victory.’

England players – caption competition: June 15, 2012

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Caption competition: Your chance to win 100 Sportsbook bet with Paddy Power

UPDATED:

16:24 GMT, 15 June 2012

Sportsmail has a caption competition for you to battle it out each week for a brilliant prize of a 100 Sportsbook bet with our friends at Paddy Power.

All you have to do is send in your witty caption (keep it clean, please!) for our choice of picture of the week and the best entry, chosen by Sportsmail's panel, will win.

So, take a look at this image – featuring Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ashley Cole – and send us your details as specified below…

England players


Caption competition: Your chance to win 100 Sportsbook bet with Paddy Power

Email your answer – with your full name, address, daytime telephone number and date of birth – to sportcomp@dailymail.co.uk by 3pm next Thursday. You must include the words 'CAPTION COMP' in the email subject box.

The winner will be announced next Friday alongside the next caption competition.

Last week's winner was Richard Byrne from south London, whose caption – to accompany the picture of Ireland's players (right) – read: 'Check out Steven Ireland's new car!'

Congratulations, Richard.

Think you can do better Then enter our latest competition…

PLEASE NOTE: You must 18 or over to enter. It is open to UK residents only. There are no limits on the number of entries per person. The winner will be credited with a 100 free bet courtesy of Paddy Power valid for bets placed on paddypower.com sportsbook only. Not valid for casino, bingo, lotteries, games or poker. This is a free bet token for 100. It must be used in its entirety. Free Bet stakes are not included in returns.

The free bet is valid for 30 days from receipt by the winner.

Usual Promotional Rules apply, click here to read. The Editor's decision is final. The prize is non-negotiable.

Republic of Ireland squad – caption competition: June 8, 2012

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Caption competition: Your chance to win 100 Sportsbook bet with Paddy Power

UPDATED:

23:01 GMT, 7 June 2012

Sportsmail has a caption competition for you to battle it out each week for a brilliant prize of a 100 Sportsbook bet with our friends at Paddy Power.

All you have to do is send in your witty caption (keep it clean, please!) for our choice of picture of the week and the best entry, chosen by Sportsmail's panel, will win.

So, take a look at this image – featuring the Republic of Ireland squad – and send us your details as specified below…

Caption competition: Your chance to win 100 Sportsbook bet with Paddy Power


Wladimir Klitschko

Email your answer – with your full name, address, daytime telephone number and date of birth – to sportcomp@dailymail.co.uk by 3pm next Thursday. You must include the words 'CAPTION COMP' in the email subject box.

The winner will be announced next Friday alongside the next caption competition.

Last week's winner was Barbara Connolly from Merseyside, whose caption – to accompany the picture of Wladimir Klitschko (right) – read: 'Let's have a big hand for the kid who knocked the champ down!'

Congratulations, Barbara.

Think you can do better Then enter our latest competition…

PLEASE NOTE: You must 18 or over to enter. It is open to UK residents only. There are no limits on the number of entries per person. The winner will be credited with a 100 free bet courtesy of Paddy Power valid for bets placed on paddypower.com sportsbook only. Not valid for casino, bingo, lotteries, games or poker. This is a free bet token for 100. It must be used in its entirety. Free Bet stakes are not included in returns.

The free bet is valid for 30 days from receipt by the winner.

Usual Promotional Rules apply, click here to read. The Editor's decision is final. The prize is non-negotiable.

David Beckham and Barack Obama. – caption competition: May 18, 2012

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Caption competition: Your chance to win 100 Sportsbook bet with Paddy Power

UPDATED:

15:22 GMT, 18 May 2012

Sportsmail has a caption competition for you to battle it out each week for a brilliant prize of a 100 Sportsbook bet with our friends at Paddy Power.

All you have to do is send in your witty caption (keep it clean, please!) for our choice of picture of the week and the best entry, chosen by Sportsmail's panel, will win.

So, take a look at this image – featuring David Beckham and Barack Obama – and send us your details as specified below…

David Beckham and Barack Obama


Didier Drogba and Daniel Sturridge.

Email your answer – with your full name, address, daytime telephone number and date of birth – to sportcomp@dailymail.co.uk by 3pm next Thursday. You must include the words 'CAPTION COMP' in the email subject box.

The winner will be announced next Friday alongside the next caption competition.

Last week's winner was Kevin Farmer from London, whose caption – to accompany the picture of Didier Drogba and Daniel Sturridge (right) – read: 'Yeah, I also heard Fernando thinks he‘s going to start in the Champions League final!'

Congratulations, Kevin.

Think you can do better Then enter our latest competition…

PLEASE NOTE: You must 18 or over to enter. It is open to UK residents only. There are no limits on the number of entries per person. The winner will be credited with a 100 free bet courtesy of Paddy Power valid for bets placed on paddypower.com sportsbook only. Not valid for casino, bingo, lotteries, games or poker. This is a free bet token for 100. It must be used in its entirety. Free Bet stakes are not included in returns.

The free bet is valid for 30 days from receipt by the winner.

Usual Promotional Rules apply, click here to read. The Editor's decision is final. The prize is non-negotiable.

Petr Cech – caption competition: April 20, 2012

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Caption competition: Your chance to win 100 Sportsbook bet with Paddy Power

UPDATED:

09:43 GMT, 20 April 2012

Sportsmail has
a caption competition for you to battle it out each week for a
brilliant prize of a 100 Sportsbook bet with our friends at Paddy
Power.

All you have to do
is send in your witty caption (keep it clean, please!) for our choice of
picture of the week and the best entry, chosen by Sportsmail's panel, will win.

So,
take a look at this image – featuring Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech – and send us your
details as specified below…

Petr Cech

Lewis Hamilton & Yao Ming

Email your answer – with your full name, address, daytime telephone number and date of birth – to sportcomp@dailymail.co.uk by 3pm next Thursday. You must include the words 'CAPTION COMP' in the email subject box.

The winner will be announced next Friday alongside the next caption competition.

Last week's winner was James Stanton from Liverpool, whose caption – to accompany the picture of Lewis Hamilton with Yao Ming (right) – read: 'Now I know how Bernie felt when he was out with Slavica!'

Congratulations, James.

Think you can do better Then enter our latest competition…

PLEASE NOTE: You
must 18 or over to enter. It is open to UK residents only. There are no
limits on the number of entries per person. The winner will be credited
with a 100 free bet courtesy of Paddy Power valid for bets placed on paddypower.com
sportsbook only. Not valid for casino, bingo, lotteries, games or
poker. This is a free bet token for 100. It must be used in its
entirety. Free Bet stakes are not included in returns.

The free bet is valid for 30 days from receipt by the winner.

Usual Promotional Rules apply, click here to read. The Editor's decision is final. The prize is non-negotiable.

Lewis Hamilton and Yao Ming – caption competition: April 13, 2012

Posted on by

Caption competition: Your chance to win 100 Sportsbook bet with Paddy Power

UPDATED:

07:00 GMT, 13 April 2012

Sportsmail has
a caption competition for you to battle it out each week for a
brilliant prize of a 100 Sportsbook bet with our friends at Paddy
Power.

All you have to do
is send in your witty caption (keep it clean, please!) for our choice of
picture of the week and the best entry, chosen by Sportsmail's panel, will win.

So,
take a look at this image – featuring Lewis Hamilton and Yao Ming – and send us your
details as specified below…

Lewis Hamilton & Yao Ming

Westwood, Ant and Dec

Email your answer – with your full name, address, daytime telephone number and date of birth – to sportcomp@dailymail.co.uk by 3pm next Thursday. You must include the words 'CAPTION COMP' in the email subject box.

The winner will be announced next Friday alongside the next caption competition.

Last week's winner was Michelle Ptak from Derby, whose caption – to accompany the picture of Lee Westwood with caddies Ant and Dec (right) – read: 'I'm a Golfer get me out of here!'

Congratulations, Michelle.

Think you can do better Then enter our latest competition…

PLEASE NOTE: You
must 18 or over to enter. It is open to UK residents only. There are no
limits on the number of entries per person. The winner will be credited
with a 100 free bet courtesy of Paddy Power valid for bets placed on paddypower.com
sportsbook only. Not valid for casino, bingo, lotteries, games or
poker. This is a free bet token for 100. It must be used in its
entirety. Free Bet stakes are not included in returns.

The free bet is valid for 30 days from receipt by the winner.

Usual Promotional Rules apply, click here to read. The Editor's decision is final. The prize is non-negotiable.