Tag Archives: granada

Cristiano Ronaldo will not leave Real Madrid – Jose Mourinho

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Forget it! Mourinho rules out selling Madrid star Ronaldo to City

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UPDATED:

08:58 GMT, 15 September 2012

Jose Mourinho has told Manchester City to forget about signing Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese forward claimed he was 'sad' after the 3-0 win over Granada a fortnight ago and has been linked with a move to the Premier League champions.

But his boss has ruled out selling Ronaldo, who has scored 150 goals in 149 games.

Going nowhere: Cristiano Ronaldo (right) will not be leaving Real Madrid

Going nowhere: Cristiano Ronaldo (right) will not be leaving Real Madrid

'I would say to every club to forget Cristiano,' Mourinho said.

'Don’t waste your time… Cristiano and Real Madrid are perfect for each other.'

Madrid return to action on Saturday against Seville after mustering just four points from three games.

Warning: Jose Mourinho expects Ronaldo to be at his best against Sevilla

Warning: Jose Mourinho expects Ronaldo to be at his best against Sevilla

And Mourinho warned Ronaldo he must be at his best.

'If he plays awful and tired I will take him off in the 75th minute like anyone else.

'Finally after 15 days of talking about Ronaldo it is time to see if he plays well or not. Ronaldo now needs peace, quiet and to play football which is what he does the best and likes the best.'

Cristiano Ronaldo doesn"t want leave, says Real Madrid chief

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No chance! Real Madrid chief rubbishes claims star man Ronaldo wants to quit

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UPDATED:

07:57 GMT, 6 September 2012

Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez has defiently dismissed suggestions Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave the club.

The world's most expensive player sent shockwaves through the world of football on Sunday when he revealed he was unhappy in the Spanish capital.

Ronaldo refused to celebrate his two goals in the weekend win over Granada and spoke out against what he called a 'professional issue' afterwards.

Stretching it: Cristiano Ronaldo is the talk of football after he revealed that he is unhappy with certain aspects of life at Real Madrid

Stretching it: Cristiano Ronaldo is the talk of football after he revealed that he is unhappy with certain aspects of life at Real Madrid

Many considered the move a bid to engineer improved terms on his current deal which, at 10million a year, has three years to run.

However Ronaldo refuted those suggestions in a statement on Tuesday night.

He wrote: 'I am accused of wanting more money, but one day it will be shown that this is not the case.

'At this point, I just want to guarantee to the Real Madrid fans that my motivation, dedication, commitment and desire to win all competitions will not be affected.

'I have too much respect for myself and for Real Madrid to ever give less to the club than all I am capable of.'

Uncertain future: Ronaldo refused to celebrate his two goals against Granada

Uncertain future: Ronaldo refused to celebrate his two goals against Granada

But now Perez has stoked the fire even more by insisting the player has no intention of quitting Los Blancos.

'If he wanted to leave he’d have said so when the transfer window was still open,' the 65 year-old told Marca. 'There are other reasons behind it.'

Ronaldo, bought from Manchester United
for 80m in 2009, led Real to the title last season scoring 46 goals in
38 La Liga games and 60 in all competitions.

Defiant: Florentino Perez

Defiant: Florentino Perez

He has raced to 150 goals for the club at the rate of more than a goal a game but continues to be eclipsed in Spain by Lionel Messi's heroics at Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Spanish newspaper AS claim that Manchester City will make a fresh 170m bid for the Portugal star.

The report says agent Jorge Mendes made an offer to Perez which would have almost doubled Ronaldo's wages.

City's first bid for the former United man came in at 145m, while they expect talks to be held when the two sides meet in Spain on September 18.

Cristiano Ronaldo latest: Real Madrid team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa offers support

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All he needs is love! Arbeloa vows to stand by 'sad' Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo

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UPDATED:

14:20 GMT, 4 September 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Alvaro Arbeloa has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo needs more affection from his Real Madrid team-mates after the Portuguese striker declared he was unhappy at the club.

Super-rich Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester City were put on alert when the former Manchester United superstar made the revelation on Sunday.

Ronaldo refused to celebrate his two goals in a 3-0 victory over Granada on Sunday, and later admitted that he was feeling 'sad' for 'professional' reasons.

In need of affection: 95million-rated Cristiano Ronaldo said he is 'sad' at Real Madrid

In need of affection: 95million-rated Cristiano Ronaldo said he is 'sad' at Real Madrid

In need of affection: 95million-rated Cristiano Ronaldo said he is 'sad' at Real Madrid

In need of affection: 95million-rated Cristiano Ronaldo said he is 'sad' at Real Madrid

But Merengues defender Arbeloa revealed on Tuesday that the squad knew nothing about the 27-year-old's malaise prior to his announcement and has vowed to stick by his 'friend' Ronaldo.

Quoted in Marca, Arbeloa told reporters at the Spanish national team's base in Las Rozas: 'He just needs more affection from everybody, I don't know, that's all we can give him.

'Everybody has the right to be sad, he's a person just like anyone else.

'He doesn't share the problems of most Spanish people but it's perfectly reasonable that he can be sad.

'When Cristiano says (that he's sad) then perhaps it makes more of an impression.

'We're all going to help him because he is our friend.

'I
hope the fans haven't taken his words the wrong way. The media have
great power and people are influenced by what they hear and read.

Standing by my man: Alvaro Arbeloa has said Real Madrid team are like a family

Standing by my man: Alvaro Arbeloa has said Real Madrid team are like a family

Loyal: Arbeloa (right) described 'sad' Ronaldo as a friend and has vowed to support him

Loyal: Arbeloa (right) described 'sad' Ronaldo as a friend and has vowed to support him

Out of sorts: The Portugal captain refused to celebrate his two goals in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Granada

Out of sorts: The Portugal captain refused to celebrate his two goals in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Granada

'He knows that he's with the best team and hopefully he'll stay here until he retires.

'And if the fans keep believing in him, he'll be remembered as a club icon. We will help him.'

Ronaldo was quick to deny that the cause of his depression was missing out on being named UEFA's best player in Europe, with the award going to Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta.

'Cristiano always wants to win every trophy,' Arbeloa added.

'His ambition has turned him into one of the world's greatest, but the most important thing for him is Real Madrid.

Oh dear: Ronaldo was substituted on Sunday after taking a heavy hit from Borja Gomez of Granada

Oh dear: Ronaldo was substituted on Sunday after taking a heavy hit from Borja Gomez of Granada

'Do not think that winning the Ballon d'Or is his primary concern.

'We are a family, we have to help him. Don't go thinking that money is the issue.'

It has been reported that Ronaldo is unhappy with his current deal at the Spanish champions and is shocked he has not been offered a new one, despite having three years remaining.

Media outlets in Spain have reported that the prolific goalscorer had a meeting with his agent and Real president Florentino Perez on Saturday, although it is unclear exactly what its purpose was.

Real Madrid 3 Granada 0: Luka Modric makes first start

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Real Madrid 3 Granada 0: Ronaldo steals show as Modric makes first start

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UPDATED:

21:02 GMT, 2 September 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show from new boy Luka Modric by scoring a brace in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Granada, their first in La Liga this season.

Madrid displayed little of the attacking flair they possessed to topple Barcelona in the Spanish Supercup earlier this week, but Ronaldo's first league goals of the campaign proved more than enough against a modest Granada side.

Former Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric made his first start for Real Madrid, and looked good in the centre of the park before being substituted for Mesut Ozil in the second half.

Looking good: Luka Modric made his first start for Real Madrid in their 3-0 win over Granada

Looking good: Luka Modric made his first start for Real Madrid in their 3-0 win over Granada

Show-stealer: Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals in a routine victory for the champions of Spain

Show-stealer: Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals in a routine victory for the champions of Spain

Modric – who cost Real Madrid
33million from Tottenham – drew an early save from Antonio Rodriguez in a promising display for boss Jose Mourinho.

Ronaldo bagged two well taken goals before leaving the pitch grimacing and clutching his left leg following a mistimed tackle by Borja Gomez that cost the Granada defender a second booking.

With Granada down a man, Gonzalo Higuain scored in the 76th to seal the much-needed win. The defending champions had only one point after the first two games of the campaign.

Ronaldo opened for Real when he slotted Jose Callejon's pass between Rodriguez's legs from a tight angle on the left side of the area.

Ouch! Ronaldo had to be substituted after a strong challenge from Borja Gomez

Ouch! Ronaldo had to be substituted after a strong challenge from Borja Gomez

But just like in the previous two matches against Valencia and Getafe, a nervous looking Madrid retreated after going in front, giving Granada the chance to advance.

Granada forwards Floro Flores and Youssef El Arabi both came close before Ronaldo tested the Granada keeper once more before the break.

Mourinho sent on winger Angel Di Maria for Callejon at the start of the second half to try to jump-start his attack again.

The Argentina international was instantly in the thick of it and slid a through ball to Ronaldo cutting toward the near post. Rodriguez did well to block his first shot, only to see the ball fall to Ronaldo's feet for him to fire into the open net.

The Portugal striker chose not to celebrate his goals, apparently still displeased with his poor displays in the league so far.

Reduced to 10 men after Gomez's sending off, the visitors fell apart at the back, leaving Higuain alone to tap in a cross from Karim Benzema to cap the victory.

Nice moves: Modric moved for 33million from Tottenham

Nice moves: Modric moved for 33million from Tottenham

Good shift: Modric was replaced by Mesut Ozil in the second half

Good shift: Modric was replaced by Mesut Ozil in the second half

Gianfranco Zola new Watford manager

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Zola ushers in new era at Watford with two-year deal

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UPDATED:

17:51 GMT, 7 July 2012

Gianfranco Zola has been appointed as manager of Watford, the club have announced.

The Italian has signed a two-year deal at the npower Championship club after the Hornets' new owners confirmed the sacking of Sean Dyche on Friday.

Watford deal: Gianfranco Zola receives a two-year contract

Watford deal: Gianfranco Zola receives a two-year contract

'Everyone knows how Gianfranco Zola
likes football to be played,' Watford technical director Gianluca Nani
told the club's official website.

'I think Watford's fans can expect an exciting and attacking style from his team. Gianfranco represents this project perfectly.'

The appointment completes Zola's return to English football two years after he left West Ham.

Sacked: Sean Dyche faced the harsh realities of a takeover

Sacked: Sean Dyche faced the harsh realities of a takeover

It had been expected since the Pozzo family, who completed their takeover of the club from Laurence Bassini last week, revealed the 46-year-old Italian was their preferred candidate.

The Pozzo family also own Serie A side Udinese and La Liga outfit Granada.

The former Chelsea player had two seasons in charge of the Hammers, impressing in the first as he led the club to ninth place in the Premier League in the 2008/09 season.

He struggled badly the following campaign, though, as his side finished just one place above the bottom three and he left his post two days after the end of the season.

Zola, who previously coached the Italy Under-21 side, is best known for a seven-year spell as a player with Chelsea, though, when he established himself as one of the most talented and possibly the best loved foreign player to play in the Premier League.

But he will not have an easy act to follow at Watford, with Dyche helping them finish a respectable 11th in his only season at the helm after succeeding Malky Mackay.

GIANFRANCO ZOLA FACTFILE
Italian favourite: Gianfranco Zola loved by Cagliari fans

Italian favourite: Gianfranco Zola loved by Cagliari fans

1966: Born in Oliena, Sardinia on July 5.

1984: Signs first professional contract with Nuorese, for whom he scores 10 goals in 31 appearances.

1987: Remains in Sardinia and signs for Serie C outfit Sassari Torres and nets 21 times in 88 games.

1989: Joins Serie A side Napoli, where he serves as an understudy to Diego Maradona.

1990: April – Part of the Napoli side which wins the Scudetto for only the second time in their history. August – Helps Napoli win the Italian Super Cup with a 5-1 win over Juventus.

1991: November – Called up to the full Italy squad and makes his debut in a friendly against Norway.

1993: Joins Parma after Napoli finish a disappointing 11th in Serie A.

1994: June – Part of Italy's squad for the World Cup in the USA. Italy reach the final but Zola only features in the 2-1 extra-time victory over Nigeria in the last 16. 1995: Plays in both legs of Parma's 2-1 win over Juventus in the UEFA Cup final.

1996: New Parma coach Carlo Ancelotti decides Zola will not fit into his system and he is signed by Chelsea boss Ruud Gullit for 4.5million.

1997: February – Scores the only goal of the game with a superb strike from a narrow angle past Ian Walker to give Italy a 1-0 win over England in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley. May – Named Football Writers' Association player of the year. October – Wins the last of his 35 caps against England in a World Cup qualifier in Rome.

Simply the best: Chelsea fans rated Zola the tops

Simply the best: Chelsea fans rated Zola the tops

1998: Left out of Italy's squad for France '98. 2000: May 20 – Helps Chelsea land the FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Wembley.

2003: January – Overwhelmingly voted Chelsea's best player ever in a fans' poll, ahead of Peter Osgood, Dennis Wise and Jimmy Greaves. July – Swaps Chelsea for Serie B side Cagliari despite an 11th-hour bid from new Blues owner Roman Abramovich to keep him at the club.

2004: Achieves promotion to Serie A with the Sardinian club.

2005: June – Retires at the age of 38. 2006: Accepts role as assistant to Italy Under-21 boss Pierluigi Casiraghi.

2008: March – Admits he would be interested in managing in the Premier League, preferably with old club Chelsea.

September 10 – Agrees a three-year deal to become West Ham manager.

Playing the right way: Zola brought back attractive football to Upton Park

Playing the right way: Zola brought back attractive football to Upton Park

2009: April 25 – Signs new contract to keep him at Upton Park until 2013. May – Leads Hammers to ninth-place finish in Premier League.

2010: March 25 – West Ham co-owner David Sullivan slammed the club's performance in their 3-1 home defeat to Wolves as “shambolic” and “pathetic”.

March 27 – Zola says he will consider his future after the home loss to Stoke – a sixth defeat in succession.

March 29 – Zola tells the club's website he is “determined to carry on” as West Ham manager.

April 24 – West Ham beat Wigan 3-2 to all but confirm their safety, easing the pressure on Zola.

April 30 – Zola admits he had not been consulted about the club's 4million bid for West Brom's Graham Dorrans, or Sullivan's announcement the entire squad was for sale except Scott Parker.

May 3 – West Ham's safety is confirmed as Hull fail to beat Wigan.

May 9 – Season ends with 1-1 draw against Manchester City.

May 11 – Has contracted terminated by West Ham.

2012: July 7 – Named manager of Watford, signing a two-year deal with the Championship club.

Sean Dyche sacked by Watford

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New Watford owners confirm Dyche exit with Zola awaiting Hornets' top job

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UPDATED:

10:04 GMT, 3 July 2012

Sean Dyche has officially been removed as Watford manager following the club's takeover by the Pozzo family, clearing the path for Gianfranco Zola to take over.

Dyche learned on Monday that Zola was in the frame to take over after Giampaolo Pozzo revealed details of his plans to Italian press.

The former Hornets boss can consider himself unfortunate to lose his job, having guided his unfancied squad to 11th
place in the Championship last season.

Game over: Dyche has been sacked by Watford - despite a fine season

Game over: Dyche has been sacked by Watford – despite a fine season

And they pushed a star-studded Tottenham side all the way in their FA Cup fourth-round clash in January.

The Chelsea legend and former West Ham
boss could be joined at Vicarage Road by director of football Gianluca
Nani – a former colleague at Upton Park.

Scott Duxbury, West Ham's chief executive during Zola's time as manager, is thought to be in line for a role at Watford and is said to have brokered the deal.

The deal to buy the Hornets was
completed on Saturday and the new Italian owners, who already have
control of Serie A side Udinese and Spanish club Granada, look to be
moving quickly to install a new regime.

Zola has been out of work since being dismissed by West Ham in May 2010.

Back in the game: Zola has been out of football since leaving West Ham

Back in the game: Zola has been out of football since leaving West Ham

Watford sale to Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo agreed, Gianfranco Zola involved

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Zola in the frame as Udinese owner Pozzo has bid accepted to buy Watford

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UPDATED:

12:18 GMT, 19 June 2012

Gianfranco Zola could be set to become Watford's new boss with Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo on the verge on buying the Championship club.

Pozzo has run the Serie A club since 1986 and his family purchased Spanish side Granada three years ago.

And the wealthy 71-year-old Italian businessman has had an initial offer accepted to buy the Hornets.

Takeover: Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo is set to take charge at Championship club Watford

Takeover: Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo is set to take charge at Championship club Watford

Taking over: Italian businessman Giampaolo Pozzo

Taking over: Italian businessman Giampaolo Pozzo

Current Hornets owner Laurence Bassini bought the club 15 months ago but has now decided to sell up.

A club statement read: 'The Board of
Directors, acting on behalf of Watford Football Club, is pleased to
confirm that agreement has been reached in principle for the transfer of
ownership to the Pozzo family.

'Representatives from the (Pozzo) family have been in discussions with Watford Football Club and both parties have agreed initial terms.'

Reports in Italy suggest that Pozzo could invest around 15million in the club.

But manager Sean Dyche's future is now clouded in uncertainty after Pozzo admitted former West Ham boss Zola could be involved in the project.

'There are contacts with Watford, so we'll see,' Pozzo told gazzetta.it.

'Gianfranco Zola enters in the project, but it's too early to talk about it.'

Zola has been out of work since he was sacked at Upton Park two years ago but is understood to be very keen to get back involved.

Project: Gianfranco Zola could be involved at Watford following the club's takeover

Project: Gianfranco Zola could be involved at Watford following the club's takeover

The news will come as a blow to 40-year-old Dyche who has impressed on a tight budget since replacing Malky Mackay in the hotseat last summer.

Despite being considered as relegation candidates Dyche managed to guide Watford to a respectable 11th-finish in the Championship.

Watford were in the Premier League in 2006-07 but were relegated after just one season and have been in the championship (second division) since.

Football League blog

They enjoyed their best years in the early 1980s when singer-songwriter Sir Elton John was chairman.

The Hornets finished runners-up in the old first division behind Liverpool in 1983 and were beaten FA Cup finalists a year later.

Watford sale to Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo agreed

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Watford in Italian takeover with Udinese owner Pozzo set to buy cash-strapped club

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UPDATED:

10:44 GMT, 19 June 2012

Watford are set to be taken over by the owners of Udinese after an initial offer from Giampaolo Pozzo for the Championship club was accepted.

Pozzo has run the Serie A club since 1986 and his family purchased Spanish side Granada three years ago.

A club statement read: 'The Board of Directors, acting on behalf of Watford Football Club, is pleased to confirm that agreement has been reached in principle for the transfer of ownership to the Pozzo family.

Takeover: Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo is set to take charge at Championship club Watford

Takeover: Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo is set to take charge at Championship club Watford

Taking over: Italian businessman Giampaolo Pozzo

Taking over: Italian businessman Giampaolo Pozzo

'Representatives from the (Pozzo) family have been in discussions with Watford Football Club and both parties have agreed initial terms.'

Reports in Italy suggest that 71-year-old Italian businessman Pozzo could invest around 15million in what would provide previously cash-strapped boss Sean Dyche a much-welcome boost ahead of the new season.

Watford were in the Premier League in 2006-07 but were relegated after just one season and have been in the championship (second division) since.

Football League blog

They enjoyed their best years in the early 1980s when singer-songwriter Sir Elton John was chairman.

The Hornets finished runners-up in the old first division behind Liverpool in 1983 and were beaten FA Cup finalists a year later.

Lionel Messi can break Barcelona goal record against Granada

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Messi just one goal away from equalling Barca record after club revise holder's total

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UPDATED:

08:29 GMT, 20 March 2012

Lionel Messi needs just one goal tonight to equal the Barcelona scoring record after all-time holder Cesar Rodriguez's total was revised to 232 from 235.

Barca's Documentation and Studies Centre and La Vanguardia newspaper conducted a joint study to verify the number of official goals scored by legend Rodriguez in the 1950s.

On target: Lionel Messi is set to break Barcelona's goal record

On target: Lionel Messi is set to break Barcelona's goal record

The study showed he had scored three less than previously thought meaning World Player of the Year Messi, who has 51 goals in all competitions so far this season, could overhaul the record when Barca host Granada in La Liga this evening.

The 24-year-old is in his eighth season with Barca.
'After studying all of Cesar's matches, it has been confirmed that Messi is only one goal behind,' a club statement read.

Gr-eight: Argentine superstar is closing in on Barcelona's record after just eight seasons with the club

Gr-eight: Argentine superstar is closing in on Barcelona's record after just eight seasons with the club

Messi, in his eighth season with the Catalan giants, still has a long way to go before breaking the absolute club record held by Filipino-Spanish icon Paulino Alcantara – although the former Spain manager's haul, accumulated between 1912 and 1927 includes goals scored in friendlies.

The club added: 'It's worth noting that Cesar Rodriguez is the club's all-time top goalscorer in official matches, but the absolute record belongs to Paulino Alcantara, who scored 369 goals in 357 official and friendly matches.'

Ryan Giggs at 14: Watch Manchester United star at Anfield in 1988

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Ryan Giggs at 14: Watch the Manchester United star steal the plaudits at Anfield in 1988

There's one lad in this footage from 1988 that looks familiar.

Oh yes, it's him. The most decorated player in the history of English football. One Ryan Giggs.

This is the Welsh star in very early action, playing for Salford against Blackburn in the final of the Granada Schools Cup.

The match, played at the home of United's great rivals Liverpool, sees Giggs, who makes his 900th appearance for the Reds this week, turn in a brilliant performance.

Even back then Giggs, who was in those days known as Ryan Wilson, shows plenty of the quality that would help him become of one of the most famous British footballers of all time.

WATCH GIGGS IN ACTION AT ANFIELD IN 1988…