Soccer Makes The World Go Round

Cuenca to have knee surgery

30 May 2012

Barcelona striker Isaac Cuenca will spend most of the summer break from La Liga recovering from knee surgery.

The 21-year-old missed the Catalans’ 3-0 Copa del Rey final win over Athletic Bilbao due to the ailment, and will now face a spell on the sidelines as a result of the operation.

“The latest examinations of Isaac Cuenca have confirmed an injury to the external meniscus of his right knee, and therapeutic arthroscopy shall therefore be required,” a statement on the Barcelona website reads.

“The operation will be performed on Thursday by doctors Ramon Cugat and Ricard Pruna.”

Cuenca came through the ranks of the Barcelona youth academy, and made his official first-team debut in October 2011.

The attacker has been capped at Under-21 level for Spain, and was widely expected to make La Rojita’s squad for the Olympics in London, but could now miss the tournament.

SOURCE: bleacherreport.com

Vermaelen: I’ll be here forever

May 31, 2012

By ESPN staff

The Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has said he wants to stay at the North London club “forever”.

Thomas Vermaelen heads Arsenal back into the game

GettyImagesThomas Vermaelen says he has no reason to ever leave Arsenal

Vermaelen, 27, who joined the Gunners from Ajax in 2009, pledged his future to the club as Belgium prepared for Saturday’s friendly against England at Wembley.

He said: “I will stay at Arsenal forever. There will be no transfer for me. I love London. I’ve got a house there, I’m happy there and I don’t see any reason to ever leave the club.”

The Belgian international has been struggling with a groin injury but said he hoped to be fit for the England game, telling Sky Sports News: “It’s a big game for us against England at Wembley.

“Everybody wants to play in that game, and I’m doing everything to get fit to play in that game.”

Caceres: Suarez has asked me about Juventus

May 31, 2012 12:05:00 PM

The Uruguayan defender has admitted that he has been in touch with his compatriot about the Old Lady, but added the attacker is happy on Merseyside for now.

Getty Images

Martin Caceres has revealed that Liverpool star Luis Suarez has asked him about Juventus, before adding that the tricky attacker is happy at Liverpool for now.

A number of recent reports suggest that the Old Lady are keen to sign Suarez, and although Goal.com can confirm that the attacker is not an option for Juve at this point, the Uruguay international does take an interest in the Serie A champions.

“It’s true that Luis and I have talked about Juventus. He has asked me about the club without going into any details,” Caceres stated to Tuttosport.

“I told him that Juventus are a team that always want to win. He liked what I told him about the club, but he’s happy at Liverpool at the moment.”

The 25-year-old Suarez has a contract with the Reds until June 2016, and the Premier League side are keen to offer him a new and improved deal.

SOURCE: goal.com

Roberto Mancini plays down interest in Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Jamie Jackson
guardian.co.uk,Wednesday 30 May 2012 14.38 BST

• Mancini happy with Tevez, Dzeko, Balotelli and Agüero
• ‘We are OK up front,’ says Manchester City manager

The Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be joining Manchester City according to City’s manager, Roberto Mancini. Photograph: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Roberto Mancini has played down any interest in signing Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and said he is happy with his current strikers, who just need “to compete in the Champions League”. The Italian’s claims suggest that Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli will all remain at Manchester City next season.

While there is no doubt regarding the future of Sergio Agüero, the fourth of Mancini’s forwards, for differing reasons Tevez, Dzeko and Balotelli are all thought to face uncertain summers with the champions.

But according to Mancini he is content for all to stay at City. Regarding his interest in Ibrahimovic Mancini told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Ibrahimovic is a champion. But I already have four very strong strikers. I just need them to compete in the Champions League. We are OK up front.”

While Napoli’s Ezequiel Lavezzi and Bologna’s Gastón Ramirez have also been linked with City, Mancini’s stance may cause surprise. Tevez’s problems with the manager led to a six-month absence from the team though both have recently stated they have resolved their issues. Dzeko’s uneven goalscoring record and sluggish pace has caused speculation he may depart and Balotelli’s temperament has also raised questions about where the Italian may play next season.

Van der Vaart agent confirms Schalke interest

May 31, 2012 9:29:00 AM

The Dutchman’s representative claims the German side want the playmaker, with Spurs’ failure to reach the Champions League and his relationship with Harry Redknapp fuelling a move.

egypt

Rafael van der Vaart’s agent Robert Geerlings has confirmed that Schalke are interested in signing the Tottenham playmaker.

The Dutchman is currently preparing for Euro 2012 with the Netherlands squad and refused to comment on the speculation when questioned on Wednesday.

Geerlings told Kicker of the Gelsenkirchen side’s interest but also explained that Van der Vaart is happy to remain in London for the foreseeable future.

A lack of Champions League football at White Hart Lane next season is thought to be a key factor that may see the Dutchman move from north London.

Geerlings also hinted that the Dutchman’s relationship with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is a cause for concern, further fuelling speculation of a move away.

Since joining Tottenham in August 2010, Van der Vaart has gone on to make 75 appearances for the club, scoring 28 goals in the process.

SOURCE: goal.com

Messi ‘shocked’ at Guardiola exit

May 30, 2012

By ESPN staff

Lionel Messi has told reporters that he was “surprised and saddened” by the departure of Pep Guardiola from Barcelona after four years in charge at the Camp Nou.

PA PhotosLionel Messi scored a record breaking 73 goals in the 2011-12 season

Messi, 24, gave his first public comments on the managerial changes at the club, expressing his sadness at Guardiola’s exit. However, the Argentine was quick to offer his backing to successor Tito Vilanova, who has already played a role in the club’s success of recent years.

Guardiola’s era at the helm came to an end last weekend, with a comprehensive victory over Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey - the 14th trophy over his reign. Messi, though, holds some regrets over missed opportunities.

“I was surprised and saddened by Guardiola’s departure after four great years together with many titles. It won’t be easy after all that Pep achieved, but they did everything together and Tito was a great help in these years,” Messi told AS.

“We were close to winning the league and the Champions League. I am madder about the Champions League because I think our elimination was unjust and also for missing that penalty. But this is already behind us. I am very happy for all the goals that I scored. My objective is the same every year - to keep learning, growing and improving.”

Messi scored an incredible 73 goals this campaign, including a record 50 goals in La Liga. He is currently with the Argentina squad ahead of this week’s World Cup qualifying clash with Ecuador in Buenos Aires.

Barry Out, Jagielka In

By Michael Cummings (World Football Lead Blogger) on May 30, 2012

England also have injury concerns heading into the tournament, with Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry (pictured) ruled out due to an abdomen muscle tear.

Barry has been replaced by Everton defender Phil Jagielka, who is backing new manager Roy Hodgson to give England “the missing ingredient” at Euro 2012.

SOURCE: bleacherreport.com

Foley Feels Betrayed

By Michael Cummings (World Football Lead Blogger) on May 30, 2012

Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back Kevin Foley earned a spot in the Republic of Ireland’s 23-man final squad, which was released three weeks ago.

This week, however, Foley was dropped by manager Gionvanni Trapattoni and replaced by Paul McShane.

Foley, as you might expect, is not happy.

“It is hard to take,” he said. “I don’t want to go into too much detail. I just feel betrayed.”

SOURCE: bleacherreport.com

Friendly Called Off

By Michael Cummings (World Football Lead Blogger) on May 30, 2012

Italy and Luxembourg were set to play an international friendly Tuesday in Parma, Italy.

The match was called off, however, after a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck the region Tuesday morning.

Italy’s next match is scheduled for Russia on Friday in Zurich.

SOURCE: bleacherreport.com

Frank Lampard ruled out of England’s Euro 2012 squad

31 May 2012 Last updated at 17:46 GMT

Frank Lampard is out of England’s Euro 2012 campaign with a thigh injury suffered in training on Wednesday.

The news was confirmed after the Chelsea midfielder, 33, was examined by medical staff after a scan.

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson will be called into the squad, subject to agreement from Uefa’s medical team.

“It’s a huge blow for the team, especially coming after the loss of another senior player in Gareth Barry,” said manager Roy Hodgson.

“The fact that the doctor cannot guarantee Frank could take part in any of the group matches means we have to replace him in the central midfield area.

“Apart from it being a huge blow to me and the team, I’m especially disappointed for Frank himself,” he added.

“He has been in very good form and was looking forward to the tournament. He made a huge contribution towards us qualifying for the Euros so it is cruel to be forced out through injury just before the tournament.”

Chelsea’s Lampard is one of the most experienced players Hodgson had to call upon, with 90 caps.

BBC Sport’s chief football writer Phil McNulty believes Lampard’s absence will be a big loss to the squad.

“Frank Lampard has occasionally been a maligned figure for England - but his loss from the Euro 2012 squad will be a heavy blow for manager Roy Hodgson,” he said.

“Lampard has maturity, experience and continues to be a winner as proved by his vital role in Chelsea’s Champions League and FA Cup victories.

“He may not have started England’s first Euro 2012 game against France but his presence and professionalism around the squad is always beneficial and he would have been determined to force his way into the side.”

Manager Roy Hodgson is already without another experienced midfielder in Barry, who was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a groin injury in the 1-0 win over Norway.

If Henderson, 21, is allowed to replace Lampard then Liverpool will be the most represented club in Hodgson’s squad, with five, despite a disappointing season which saw them eighth in the Premier League.

SOURCE: bbc.co.uk