Thibaut Courtois is transfer target for Atletico Madrid

Posted on February 5, 2013 by adminsports

EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea rising star Courtois set to be offered long-term deal by Atletico

By
John Edwards

PUBLISHED:

00:12 GMT, 5 February 2013

UPDATED:

10:07 GMT, 5 February 2013

Chelsea are facing a battle to hang on to Thibaut Courtois after Atletico Madrid made it clear they want him for at least another season and are ready to offer him a permanent move to the Vicente Calderon in the summer.

After snapping him up from Genk as a little- known teenager 18 months ago, Chelsea have been presented with a dilemma by on-loan Courtois’ rapid development into a cult figure at Atletico, where fans have done tribute videos on the internet and started a new craze – Thibauting – imitating the keeper's diving saves.

Sportsmail can reveal that anxious Stamford Bridge bosses despatched goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon to Madrid over the weekend to monitor his form against Real Betis and talk over his future plans.

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Impressive: Thibaut Courtois has turned a few heads at Atletico

Though reluctant to return to London in an understudy capacity, it is understood the 20-year-old has
been assured Chelsea see him as long-term successor to Petr Cech.
Despite being linked recently with Jack Butland and Asmir Begovic, they
have outlined an intention to instal him, eventually, as first-choice
and bring in a new No 2.

Atletico have dismissed suggestions
they are prepared to include Chelsea target Radamel Falcao in a
part-exchange deal for Courtois but have stressed they want him on loan
for another year and may well bid for him at the end of the season.

As they weigh up their next move, the English club may consider opening talks over a new improved contract.
Courtois signed a five-year deal in July, 2011 on relatively modest
terms and feels they should now be amended to reflect his progress in
Spain.

Full length: Courtois's acrobatics have inspired a new craze in Madrid - Thibaulting - where fans imitate his diving saves

Full length: Courtois's acrobatics have inspired a new craze in Madrid – Thibaulting – where fans imitate his diving saves

It is a delicate balancing act for
Stamford Bridge chiefs, as confirmed by Courtois’ father Thierry, who
said: ‘It is very rare to see any team with two top international
keepers on their books but that is the case with Chelsea.

‘They have two world-class keepers,
and it is probably fair to say Thibaut has developed into a No 1
more quickly than anyone could have expected. He is a great keeper for
Spanish football, because he has adapted to the style of play over there
and has the height to command his area.’

Lollichon returned from Madrid with a
positive evaluation of Courtois’ form and fitness but was left in little
doubt that, after 18 months as Atletico’s first choice, the Belgium No 1 is in no mood to sit on the bench at Stamford Bridge.

VIDEO: Atletico fans' tribute to Courtois

Pep Guardiola wants Chico Flores at Bayern Munich

Posted on January 30, 2013 by adminsports

EXCLUSIVE: Pep plundering the Premier League… Swansea's Chico lined up to join Suarez at Bayern

By
Riath Al-samarrai

PUBLISHED:

11:39 GMT, 30 January 2013

UPDATED:

11:45 GMT, 30 January 2013

Pep Guardiola is considering a shock move to sign Swansea City defender Chico Flores when he takes over at Bayern Munich in the summer.

The former Barcelona boss is a huge fan of the eccentric centre-half and in 2008 signed him on loan from Cadiz for Barcelona B. He was keen to take Chico with him to the senior team when he was promoted later that year, but could not reach a deal with Cadiz.

Guardiola has stayed in contact with the 25-year-old and Sportsmail understands he spoke to him as recently as last week, with a source close to both parties claiming a bid could follow soon after he takes the reins at the Allianz Arena from Jupp Heynckes in July.

Case for the defence: Chico has been outstanding for Swansea this season

Should such an extraordinary deal materialise, it would cap a fine season for the Spaniard.

After some shaky early performances following his 2million summer move from Genoa, Chico has impressed immensely at the Liberty Stadium and his partnership with Ashley Williams has developed into one of the Premier League’s most effective. On the past four occasions in which they have both started, Swansea have kept a clean sheet.

Indeed, Chico was one of the best players on the pitch in last night’s 0-0 draw at Sunderland, having produced a man-of-the-match performance in the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea last week.

Old acquaintances: Guardiola worked with Chico at Barcelona B

The former Spain Under-21 international is also close to a full cap after national manager Vicente del Bosque watched him impress in the 0-0 draw at Everton on January 12.

Swansea’s position in any future negotiations will be strengthened by the fact Chico still has two years remaining on the deal he signed last summer.

But it would be close to impossible for the defender to turn down Guardiola, who he described as ‘a great man’ in an interview with Sportsmail last month.

Strong position: Chico still has two years left on his deal at Swansea

Referring to the time he spent on loan at Barcelona B, during which they were promoted to the third tier of Spanish football, he said: ‘It was a wonderful education. All the memories I have from that time playing with Pep Guardiola are really positive.

‘Pep is very close to the players. He was and is a great but he is very modest, he behaves as one of us. It went well for me. Pep wanted to take me to the first team but Cadiz wanted too much money. That was it.

Mentor: The former Genoa man has the utmost respect for Guardiola

‘I still have a book that Pep gave me. It’s called Learning to Lose. He helped all the players there so much.

‘When you have the playing career he had, it creates so much respect. It is a very similar thing with (Michael) Laudrup (the Swansea manager).’

Jose Mourinho misses Ballon d"Or gala to watch son play in Madrid

Posted on January 9, 2013 by adminsports

So, why did Mourinho snub Spanish football's big night at the Ballon d'Or gala

By
Lee Bryan

PUBLISHED:

15:41 GMT, 9 January 2013

UPDATED:

15:52 GMT, 9 January 2013

Amidst the glitz and glamour of the Ballon d'Or gala night, one of football's most famous faces was missing.

But Jose Mourinho's absence wasn't a calculated snub in protest at the Barcelona dominance, as many have been speculated.

The Real Madrid boss, who missed out on coach of the year to Spain's Vicente del Bosque, claimed initially that he would miss the event in order to swat up on Celta Vigo, his team's next opponents.

Keeping it real: Jose Mourinho missed the Ballon d'Or gala to watch his son play

Prize guy: Vicente del Bosque won coach of the year, while Messi was the player of the year for the fourth consecutive year

However, Spanish newspaper AS has revealed that Mourinho was in fact in Madrid, watching his son in action for CD Canillas.

According to the report, the former Chelsea and Inter Milan manager arrived at around 7.45pm and was accompanied by two bodyguards.

It was about that time in Zurich that Lionel Messi was being awarded his fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or, ahead of Barca team-mate Andres Iniesta and Real star Cristiano Ronaldo.

**Click here to see video of Mourinho at the match in Madrid

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup vows to keep Michu

Posted on January 6, 2013 by adminsports

Laudrup ready to use Michu in Cup clash as Swansea boss bows to keep hot shot

By
Andrew Gwilym, Press Association

PUBLISHED:

23:33 GMT, 5 January 2013

UPDATED:

23:33 GMT, 5 January 2013

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has made it clear there is 'no way' Michu will be leaving the Liberty Stadium this month.

The 2million signing from Rayo
Vallecano has been the bargain of the season to date, scoring 14 goals
in 22 appearances for the Swans and taking the Premier League by storm.

Hot shot: Swansea's Michu

The Spaniard's impact, which has brought him to the attentions of national coach Vicente del Bosque, has understandably attracted interest from other clubs.

And Laudrup had previously slapped a 30million price tag on the midfielder's head. In the wake of rumoured interest from Russian clubs Zenit St Petersburg and Anzhi Makhachkhala the Dane has again moved to make his position on Michu's future clear, and wants to avoid being left in the same position as Newcastle following the departure of Demba Ba to Chelsea.

“There is no way he will leave,” said Laudrup. “It is absolutely out of the question.

“One reason is because it is so difficult to get someone in right now, and the second is that he is happy here and doesn't want to leave.

“Newcastle have just lost their top scorer mid-season and that is obviously very bad. especially because it is not easy to find a guy who scores goals like him.”

Swansea face Arsenal on Sunday in the third round of the FA Cup with Laudrup facing a selection conundrum.

The Swans meet Chelsea in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final on Wednesday, and with that game in mind Laudrup could be tempted to make changes, but appears to have no plans to rest Michu ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge.

“Your top scorer, you always want him playing every game,” he said.

“Together with Ashley Williams they are the two players with the most games this season.

“They always want to play. Obviously I am the one who has to decide and see if they are a little tired – or to let them rest or to play them.

“But he is our top scorer and it is important for the team-mates to have him there and it's important with the opposition because they always know they are in danger when he is there.

“If he is fit then he will play.”

Swansea have won their last two meetings with the Gunners, including their 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium last month thanks to a Michu brace.

And Laudrup expects Arsenal to be thirsting for revenge after they were booed off following that defeat.

“It's never nice to have lost at home and they will remember our game – they will want revenge,” he said.

“It looked bad after they played us – they were 10th. For a club like Arsenal, that's a disaster.

“But they won three games consecutively and they are back again.

“They are many years without a trophy and they know the league is not a trophy for them. They have two left so they will come with their best possible line-up and do everything to beat us.”

Roberto Mancini wants to pick Manchester City up by beating Manchester United

Posted on December 9, 2012 by adminsports

Mancini bids to lift mood at his Theatre of Gloom with another derby win over Fergie

UPDATED:

22:30 GMT, 8 December 2012

Roberto Mancini tried comedy when asked if he and Manchester City's new director of football, Txiki Begiristain, shared the same ideas about transfer targets.

'Yes. Him, me and Guardiola,' he quipped, before adding hastily: 'That is a joke.' It was a rare moment of levity in a peculiarly joyless season.

At face value, City should be feeling buoyant as they welcome Manchester United for their first meeting since the balance of power shifted last May.

Now's the time: Roberto Mancini (left) hopes Yaya Toure (right) can run the show from midfield

The blue army: Mario Balotelli (left) and Edin Dzeko (right) will want to sink United again

They are champions, pipping United with the final kick of last season, they are the only unbeaten league team in the country this season and have not lost at home for two years.

Yet morale has been low and relationships strained, even before the defeat by Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday which left City owner Sheik Mansour without European football despite his 1billion investment.

At the top, Mancini is distant from his players, booed by some fans for his substitutions and aware that the appointment of two Barcelona executives, Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano, has increased the likelihood of Barca's double Champions League-winning manager Pep Guardiola replacing him at some stage. Off the field, a corporate restructure has left staff fearing for their jobs.

Head of partnerships Luis Vicente cleared his desk last month while finance director Graham Wallace will be vulnerable when the next set of figures show another big loss.

Elsewhere, employees whose annual salary is equivalent to what Yaya Toure earns in a day, have been let go to cut costs.

The dismal Champions League exit – accompanied by damning comments from players Micah Richards and Joe Hart – means City desperately need a tonic today.

And skipper Vincent Kompany, who scored the only goal when United last visited in April, has issued a rallying cry.

He said: 'We know the challenge is huge. It's a good game to pick yourself up with, but there is always a risk attached to a game like this.'

Larking about: Manchester City's players appear to be having some fun on Saturday in training

Returning to haunt them Carlos Tevez could feature for Manchester City

He won the mind games with Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of last season with his mantra that United were certain to win the title, and the Old Trafford club squandered an eight-point lead, including a crucial 1-0 defeat at the Etihad.

Only now can the City boss admit: 'They thought it was over, yes.' Mancini starts today having to defend his overall record, not least to those who booed the replacement of Carlos Tevez in last week's 1-1 draw with Everton.

'I accept the criticism,' he said. 'But I think in two years we did a good job because we won three trophies. In the last two years not many managers won three trophies and if they should sack me…'

While Mancini was feted for the 6-1 win at Old Trafford last season, he is prouder of the 1-0 home win over United in the title run-in, which was more emphatic than the scoreline suggested.

Ready for Mario Balotelli (left) scored a brace and was instrumental in Jonny Evans being dismissed when City battered United 6-1

'United had 10 men at Old Trafford [Jonny Evans was sent off] and that is always a problem for teams.

'The home win was a proper reflection.'

Despite that result, Mancini is likely to split the starting attack from that night, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero, with Mario Balotelli preferred to former United man Tevez.

David Silva and Gael Clichy also hope to be fit. One mid-term silver lining for Mancini is that he respects Begiristain's ability to sign a player above that of Brian Marwood, who oversaw the purchases of Jack Rodwell, Scott Sinclair and Javi Garcia in the summer and has since moved to take charge of the club's academy.

'I think that now we have people who know the market and can move quickly,' he said. 'But it will still be difficult to find the players in January to improve our team a lot.'

Never has he or the club needed a positive result more than Sunday. It may even spread a little happiness around the Theatre of Gloom.

Pick that one out! Rooney scored a belter against City in 2011

West Ham want Thibaut Courtois and Andrej Kramaric

Posted on November 2, 2012 by adminsports

West Ham want to bring in Chelsea and Belgium goalkeeper Courtois on loan

UPDATED:

08:13 GMT, 2 November 2012

West Ham have expressed an interest in Chelsea's Belgian No 1 Thibaut Courtois – who is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper cost the Blues 7million from Genk in 2010 but he is in his second season at Atletico as he bides his time behind Petr Cech.

Courtois won the Europa League in his first season at the Vicente Calderon but The Sun are reporting that West Ham want to bring him back to England.

No 1: Courtois is a regular for Atletico and Belgium

Striking it rich: Kramaric will cost 1.2m

Chelsea do not want to sell Courtois but they are thought to want to loan him out to a Premier League club next season as Cech is still only 30.

Meanwhile, the Hammers are also looking to add to their attacking options in January with a move for Croatia Under 21 striker Andrej Kramaric.

The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Lokomotiva from Dinamo Zagreb in his homeland and he has caught the eye with 14 league goals in a breakthrough season.

Italian Serie A side Chievo are known to be tracking Kramaric but talkSPORT are reporting that West Ham are ready to rival them with a 1.2million bid.

Kramaric has scored three goals in six Under 21 internationals and would add to a striking department at Upton Park already including Andy Carroll, Carlton Cole and Modibo Maiga.

Juan Mata says Chelsea need to fight over upcoming weeks

Posted on October 22, 2012 by adminsports

It's a Mata of staying positive in Blues test of ambition over upcoming weeks

UPDATED:

21:30 GMT, 21 October 2012

Eden Hazard started with a bang and Oscar scored one of the most beautiful goals Stamford Bridge has seen, but it is Juan Mata who has re-emerged as Chelsea’s true creative force.

Mata has looked fresh in body and mind since his two-week break at the start of last month and took his goal tally to six in five games in the 4-2 win at Tottenham on Saturday.

Of the players who started for Chelsea at White Hart Lane he was the only one who did not go away on international duty, having been dropped by Spain.

Top team: Juan Mata (right) with Eden Hazard

His omission was interpreted as a warning from manager Vicente del Bosque that anyone asking to be ‘rested’, as Mata did last month, was taking a risk. It is a point of principle more easily made with the embarrassment of riches at Del Bosque’s disposal, but not one likely to bother Roberto Di Matteo.

Mata took a few more days off, trained with the youth team and dazzled at Spurs, the first in a series of fixtures which seem set to define Chelsea’s season and with it the development of Di Matteo’s exciting team.

‘The next two months will decide if this is a genuine title challenge,’ said Mata. ‘It’s always like that in November and December. There are a lot of games and you have to keep fighting for the title in those two months. For me it’s the most important part of the season.’

Di Matteo’s team are clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League and well placed in Europe but the autumn is when promising campaigns often start to sour at Stamford Bridge.

Shakhtar Donetsk will provide a stern test in Ukraine on Tuesday, followed by two dates with Manchester United, in the Premier League and the Capital One Cup. Manchester City visit Chelsea next month. The fixture crush will examine a squad which still appears thin in places — and December includes a trip to Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Delightful: Mata's form in recent weeks has been a joy to behold

EURO WATCH

Strikes from Brazilian midfielder Ilsinho and defender Dmytro Chygrynskiy earned Shakhtar Donetsk, who play host to Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday night, a 2-1 comeback win against Illichivets. That made it 12 wins from 12 as Shakhtar extended their lead at the top of the Ukrainian league to 12 points.

Chelsea have flair and fluency. They are not watertight in defence but rose to the challenge of going behind at Tottenham by proving that their will to win, the chief characteristic of their years of success since Roman Abramovich took over, has not been entirely lost amid the desire to thrill.

It is a careful balance for Di Matteo but helped by the talent of the potent attacking trio of Hazard, Oscar and Mata who operate in support of Fernando Torres.

‘The three behind the striker always try to play with movement, swapping positions and trying to assist,’ said Mata. ‘We have to work at it in training but we are players who play like this naturally.

‘As I understand football, I always want to play with the ball. If you can win and also play really well, it is the perfect way. We have to keep going and try to translate this momentum into the whole season.’

Battle: Mata tussles with Clint Dempsey for the ball

For it to work, the trio of flair must also be committed to defend. ‘They do have responsibilities to cover,’ insisted Di Matteo. ‘They have a degree of freedom, but they do have responsibilities.

‘We had different players last season and we had to play differently to get the best out of our team.

‘I liked my team last year and I enjoy watching them this season. What has changed is our attitude. We go away and play with the same attitude we have at home. We take the initiative. The players have bought into this change and who knows where it will take us’

The cloud of the John Terry case has started to clear, not that it ever seemed to hurt the team. Terry, banned against Spurs, is expected to return as captain in Donetsk with the support of his team-mates, judging by Mata’s opinion.

Mata said: ‘I am really happy to train and play with him. He’s a really good guy. It will help us now it is finished. He is a very important player. As team-mates you have to be together and we are.’

After eight

Fulham 1 MK Dons 0: Pre season round-up

Posted on August 8, 2012 by adminsports

Reading and Southampton held to friendly draws as Rodallega shines for Fulham

UPDATED:

22:19 GMT, 7 August 2012

Hal Robson-Kanu spared Reading's blushes as they drew 1-1 with npower Championship side Brighton in Michael Kuipers' testimonial match at the American Express Community Stadium.

Kuipers played the first 15 minutes in goal for the Seagulls before being replaced by Tomasz Kuszczak, but it took a penalty for Brighton to open the scoring.

Alex Pearce conceded the spot-kick after 32 minutes, upending Ashley Barnes, with Vicente Rodriguez stepping up to convert the penalty.

Saved: Reading's Hal Robson-Kanu (left) earned his side a draw with Brighton

Some bright play from Reading yielded results in the second half though, with Robson-Kanu eventually levelling the scores on the 90-minute mark.

Billy Sharp managed to salvage a 1-1 draw for Southampton as they clashed with Bristol City at at Ashton Gate.

The home side took the lead through Jon Stead after 36 minutes but Saints, who had Olympic player Jack Cork back in the side, levelled the score as Sharp knocked home a far-post shot at the death.

Craig Dawson was another to suffer Olympic disappointment with Team GB, but he featured on the scoresheet as West Brom saw off fellow midlands club Walsall 3-1.

Helping hand: Craig Dawson ends up in the crowd after scoring the first goal for West Brom

Dawson gave the Baggies the lead when heading home Yassine El Ghanassy's 16th-minute corner while Saido Berahino doubled the margin after 62 minutes.

El Ghanassy secured his first Albion goal in the 87th minute while George Bowerman scored a consolation effort for the home side with a minute to go.

Hugo Rodallega made an immediate impact for Fulham by notching a late winner in their penultimate pre-season friendly at MK Dons.

Instant impact: Hugo Rodallega of Fulham celebrates scoring the only goal of the game

The ex-Wigan Star joined Fulham on a three-year deal last month and he made the most of an opportunity in the six-yard box after 81 minutes to seal a 1-0 win for the Whites.

Norwich gave plenty of players a run out as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Hull at the KC Stadium.

Meanwhile,Swansea manager Michael Laudrup was coy over speculation linking him with a move for Newcastle winger Gabriel Obertan after watching his side's 4-2 pre-season win over Blackpool.

Laudrup revealed on Monday he is closing in on another couple of additions to his squad, saying one deal in particular was not too far away from completion.

As well as Obertan, Valencia's Pablo Hernandez and Hannover's Didier Ya Konan have also been mentioned as targets for the Dane.

Target: Swansea are reportedly keen on Gabriel Obertan of Newcastle United

But when Obertan's name was put to him, Laudrup said: 'I can only say this. Speculation about players coming in, I don't want to comment on that.

'It is better for me to say I don't comment on rumours, I can comment on things about our players as it is different.

'When something is near or is done then you can ask me all you want.'

Danny Graham's hat-trick set the Swans on their way to a comfortable victory over the Seasiders, with new arrival Michu also getting on the scoresheet as Liverpool target Joe Allen watched from the stands, ahead of his crunch talks with Laudrup over the interest from Anfield.

A Ludovic Sylvestre strike and Thomas Ince's penalty provided some consolation for Blackpool.

Euro 2012: Spain celebrate back in Madrid

Posted on July 2, 2012 by adminsports

Welcome home! History boys Spain greeted by jubilant fans in Madrid after Euro glory

UPDATED:

15:13 GMT, 2 July 2012

Spain touched down in Madrid to ramp up the country's Euro 2012 party.

After beating Italy 4-0 in Kiev on Sunday night, the Spanish contingent flew home on Monday afternoon to a rousing reception in the capital.

Captain Iker Casillas and manager
Vicente del Bosque proudly paraded the trophy as they stepped off their
flight at Barajas airport.

Spain off the plane: Iker Casillas holds the trophy alongside boss Vicente Del Bosque

All smiles: Del Bosque and Casillas enjoyed touching down in Madrid

Cheer we go! Airport workers celebrate the return of the national team in Madrid

Spain reign… in numbers

20 – Competitive games since they last lost.
29 – European Championship games without defeat since going down 2-0 to Sweden in a qualifier in October 2006.
8 – The number of Spaniards to have appeared in two European Championship final victories – Iker Casillas, Andris Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Fernando Torres, Cesc F`bregas, Xabi Alonso, Sergio Ramos and David Silva.
79 – International clean sheets for Casillas, who has won 100 of his 137 games to date for his country.
513 – Minutes since Casillas last conceded a goal, in the 1-1 Group C draw with Italy on June 10.
189 – The total number of minutes played by Torres at the finals.
63 – The average number minutes on the pitch needed for Torres to score each of his three goals.
3,946 – Completed passes at Euro 2012.
620 – Total passes attempted by Xavi.
531 – Total passes completed by Xavi at an average success rate of 86%.

The Iberia plane that brought them from Kiev bore the logo 'proud of our national team.'

They are due to meet with King Juan Carlos, then take an open air bus ride through the Spanish capital to the adulation of tens of thousands. Madrid's central plaza was all geared up for a victory rally.

It will be the start of big celebrations as the nation revels in their latest, historic triumph.

Spain became the first country to win three major trophies in succession thanks to Sunday's epic win.

Fernando Torres believes Spain have established the yardstick by which future international success will now be measured.

Del Bosque's men destroyed Italy in the final of Euro 2012 in Kiev last night to become the first team to win three successive major international tournaments, including the World Cup.

Torres came off the bench to score the third goal in a 4-0 hammering as Spain added another European title to their Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 crowns.

The Chelsea striker told Marca: 'You can't ask for more, but it is the work of the team and the togetherness that has brought us here.

'You always want to win more and more, but right now we have to enjoy this. We have won by a distance against a great team like Italy.

Landing: The Spanish side wore shorts and t-shirts as they emerged into the Madrid heat

Gerard Pique

Andres Iniesta (L) and Cesc Fabregas

Souvenirs: Gerard Pique (left) and Andres Iniesta took home some special footballs for memories

'We are very happy. This was the objective that we had at the start of the tournament. We knew we were the opponent to beat, that it was going to be more difficult than ever and it has been.

'We had luck in some moments of the championship but at the end we will reflect on what today means in Spanish football history.

'We have dominated from start to finish and enjoyed a magical evening. Now we can say that national teams of the future will concentrate on us to try and make history.'

Torres spent much of the tournament on the sidelines as Spain played for long periods without a recognised striker, with Cesc Fabregas deployed as their most advanced player.

But he finished the campaign with three goals and, courtesy of his assist for Juan Mata's fourth, the Golden Boot.

He also became the first player to score in two European Championship finals following his winner against Germany four years ago.

Pride: The plane taking the players back home had two national flags up front

Water way to go: Fire trucks spray over the plane carrying Spain's players

Torres, who only started three of Spain's six games, added: 'Football is like this, This is my third Euros, in the previous ones I played almost all the games and scored two goals. In this one I have played less but won the Golden Boot.

'Football can be just or unjust like that depending how you look at it and that is why we like it so much.'

Spain's first two goals came from David Silva and Jordi Alba, while Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta was named man of the match in the final and hailed a truly historic achievement.

'This is something unique, magical and unrepeatable,' he told AS. 'We have to enjoy the moment. The important thing is Spain are the champions which is what we came here for.

'It was a very complete game, we played very well with the ball and when Italy were left with 10 (when Thiago Motta went off injured) we pressured them very well. We played such a good all-round match which is what was demanded of us in this final.'

Cool: Sergio Ramos peers through his sunglasses on the tarmac at the airport

Wave: Casillas was greeted by crowds as he headed into the check-in area

Euro 2012: Media laud Spain after triumph over Italy

Posted on July 2, 2012 by adminsports

We've won the impossible… Spanish media laud La Roja after third consecutive title

UPDATED:

08:30 GMT, 2 July 2012

There has been an understandably euphoric reaction from the Spanish media after the national side became the first side to win three major international tournaments in a row on Sunday night.

Spain retained their European Championship crown with a resounding 4-0 win over Italy in the final.

'Champions of Europe,' read the headline in El Pais. 'After a memorable game with the best of their style, La Roja crushed Italy and completed the triple crown of European Championship-World Cup-European Championship.

We've done it again: Spain celebrate their third title in as many attempts after beating Italy in Kiev

'With goals from (David) Silva, Jordi Alba, (Fernando) Torres and (Juan) Mata, Spain completed the biggest ever victory in a European Championship final.'

El Mundo similarly ran with: 'Legendary Champions.' Spain, they said: 'had changed football with their short passing style and domination of the ball in a style that everyone now wants to copy.'

Marca

Mundo

'Spain wins the impossible,' wrote La Vanguardia. 'La Roja completed the most successful cycle in the history of international football with its third title in six years.'

And there was special praise from the Catalan daily for one of their own, Xavi, who they said: 'showed a magisterial direction of his teammates with two assists.'

La Vanguardia

ABC

Madrid sports daily Marca thanked the players from bringing joy to the country at a time of otherwise economic gloom with their headline of 'Thank You, Thank You, Thank You'.

Both AS.com and El Mundo Deportivo both hailed La Furia Roja as 'Triple-champions'.

Barcelona based Sport declared Vicente del Bosque's men as 'Kings of football and kings of Europe', adding: 'The Spanish national team has its place in history and it was ruthless.

'With less suffering than expected, Del Bosque's men achieved a second consecutive European Championship.'

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Tag Archives: vicente

Thibaut Courtois is transfer target for Atletico Madrid

Pep Guardiola wants Chico Flores at Bayern Munich

Jose Mourinho misses Ballon d"Or gala to watch son play in Madrid

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup vows to keep Michu

Roberto Mancini wants to pick Manchester City up by beating Manchester United

West Ham want Thibaut Courtois and Andrej Kramaric

Juan Mata says Chelsea need to fight over upcoming weeks

Fulham 1 MK Dons 0: Pre season round-up

Euro 2012: Spain celebrate back in Madrid

Euro 2012: Media laud Spain after triumph over Italy