Sturridge and Rashford makes England squad.

Roy Hodgson has handed both Daniel Sturridge and the 18-year-old Marcus Rashford an opportunity to make a mark at the summer’s European Championship after including the strikers among a quintet of forwards in his final 23-man squad for Euro 2016.

The England manager, who had already seen Fabian Delph ruled out with a groin injury, chose to omit Leicester City’s Danny Drinkwater and the Newcastle United winger Andros Townsend as he trimmed his party for Uefa’s 11pm (BST) deadline. The pair were told they had not made the cut in a face-to-face meeting with Hodgson after training at Watford’s London Colney base on Tuesday morning.

Sturridge’s inclusion comes after he proved he had recovered fully from his latest calf complaint, which had ruled him out of Friday’s friendly victory over Australia at the Stadium of Light. The Liverpool forward, who has played only 58 minutes for his country since September 2014, worked on his fitness over the weekend and has now completed two sessions with the squad in preparation for Thursday’s final pre-tournament friendly, against Portugal. He will hope to play some part in that game at Wembley.

The inclusion of Rashford is arguably more eye-catching given he was playing under-18s academy football at Manchester United only a few months ago. In the period since he has scored on his first-team, Premier League and senior England debuts, as well as in his first Manchester derby, with his form persuading Hodgson that he would be an asset in France despite the fact that Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Jamie Vardy will start as the team’s first-choice forwards.

While Drinkwater’s omission, despite a fine season as a key member of Leicester City’s Premier League title winners, was expected, the decision to cut Townsend from the party was taken despite Gary Neville, the assistant coach, championing the Newcastle player’s cause. Neville had contemplated trying to sign the 24-year-old, then with Tottenham Hotspur, during his stint in charge of Valencia and had pointed to the variety he would offer the squad as a natural wide player. His form for Newcastle since January had been impressive.


However, Hodgson had recalled Townsend to the setup only when Danny Welbeck was ruled out with a knee injury and had granted the winger only 14 minutes to make a mark in the games against Turkey and Australia this month. By trimming him from the party, the England manager has in effect retained the balance he had always expected for his squad, with five strikers – plus Raheem Sterling, who can operate centrally if required – eight midfielders and seven defenders.

The group departs for Chantilly, to the north of Paris, on Monday, ready for their opening Group B fixture, against Russia in Marseille, on 11 June.

England squad
Goalkeepers Joe Hart (Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley), Fraser Forster (Southampton).

Defenders John Stones (Everton), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Danny Rose (Tottenham).

Midfielders Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Dele Alli (Tottenham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Ross Barkley (Everton), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), James Milner (Liverpool).

Forwards Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Harry Kane (Tottenham).

Reus out of Germany squad due to health issue.

Marco Reus has been left out of Germany’s squad for Euro 2016 because of injury concerns, according to the head coach Joachim Löw.

It is a huge blow for Reus, who enjoyed a fine season for Borussia Dortmund, scoring 20 goals as they finished second in the Bundesliga and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League. The forward, who also missed the 2014 World Cup through injury, has been struggling at the team’s training camp in Ascona, Switzerland, and Löw has ultimately decided the 27-year-old would struggle to get through a one-month tournament. Dortmund later said Reus has a groin injury.


“He has huge health problems and can only run straight at the moment,” Löw said. “The medical staff could not give a clear prognosis for Marco. He has massive injury problems and the medical staff was very sceptical about his ability to last through the coming weeks and such a gruelling tournament. It is a bitter decision and bitter for Marco. It’s a bitter decision for us and for him, a disappointment for us all, because a Marco Reus in form, healthy and fit, would have been a huge addition.”

Bastian Schweinsteiger was picked despite not playing since a partial ligament tear in national team training on 22 March, his second knee injury of the year, while Mats Hummels, who has a calf injury, also made the cut. “The prognosis on Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mats Hummels is clear from our medical department that they will be available for the tournament,” Löw said. “Schweinsteiger, fully fit, will start training with the team this afternoon. Hummels will need a little longer. According to the doctors, they’ll both be available.”

Reus’s Germany team-mate Sami Khedira, who did make it into the squad, said: “You have to be fully fit if you play in a European Championship. It is very bitter but I am confident Marco will get his chance on the big stage. He was very calm and composed in accepting the decision.”

The head coach has also cut the 20-year-old midfielder Julian Brandt from the 23-man party, as well as Brandt’s Bayer Leverkusen team-mate Karim Bellarabi and Hoffenheim midfielder Sebastian Rudy. “The young players Joshua Kimmich, Julian Weigl and Leroy Sane will be there. It’s not a decision against three players, or four players, but for the 23 players that are there now,” Löw added.

Kimmich and Weigl made debuts in the 3-1 loss to Slovakia in Augsburg on Sunday, along with Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Sane, a winger at Schalke, made his second appearance. Germany play Hungary on Saturday in their final warm-up game before travelling to France.

Germany squad
Goalkeepers Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona). Defenders Jérôme Boateng (Bayern), Emre Can (Liverpool), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Benedikt Höwedes (Schalke), Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia), Antonio Rüdiger (Roma). Midfielders Julian Draxler (Wolfsburg), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Thomas Müller (Bayern), Mesut Özil (Arsenal), Lukas Podolski (Galatasaray), Andre Schürrle (Wolfsburg), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United), Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund). Forwards Mario Gomez (Besiktas), Mario Götze (Bayern), Leroy Sane (Schalke).

José will not get personal with pep.

José Mourinho has said he will not get into personal arguments with Pep Guardiola next season when they are in charge of Manchester United and Manchester City respectively as it would mean “someone else” winning the title.

The two have a history of animosity from their time in Spain, when Mourinho was the Real Madrid manager and Guardiola in charge of Barcelona, but Mourinho has said that it would not make sense for either of them to focus on each other.

José Mourinho has said he will not get into personal arguments with Pep Guardiola next season when they are in charge of Manchester United and Manchester City respectively as it would mean “someone else” winning the title.

The two have a history of animosity from their time in Spain, when Mourinho was the Real Madrid manager and Guardiola in charge of Barcelona, but Mourinho has said that it would not make sense for either of them to focus on each other.

Carrick on new deal.

Michael Carrick has signed a new one-year contract with Manchester United, according to club legend Paddy Crerand.

Carrick's current deal runs out this summer and he appeared to be on his way out of Old Trafford after 10 successful seasons with the club.

In his time with United, Carrick has won five Premier League titles and also won the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.

There has been no official confirmation from United that the 34-year-old has signed, or agreed, a new deal but Crerand appeared to let the news slip on MUTV on Monday night.

Crerand, who made over 300 appearances for United, said: "Something that happened today that nobody has mentioned, and I'm delighted that he has signed another contract: Michael Carrick. He's signed a contract for another year.

"There was a situation where it looked as if his contract was up at the end of this year and that was it, but from what I'm gathering he's there for another year."

Carrick would become the third United player to sign a new deal since Jose Mourinho was confirmed as their new manager last week - young pair Marcus Rashford and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson committed their long-term future to the club on Monday.

Mourinho getting acquainted.

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton appears to have given new manager Jose Mourinho his seal of approval after the pair were pictured together on Monday.

Charlton, alongside executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, welcomed the former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss to United's training base in Carrington.

Mourinho, who replaced Louis van Gaal as manager at Old Trafford earlier this month, was joined by long-time assistant Rui Faria on a tour of the club's training facilities.

Charlton has previously questioned Mourinho's style of management, most notably after the Portuguese poked Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye during an El Clasico match in 2011.

He pontificates too much for my liking. He's a good manager, though."

However, Charlton appeared happy to welcome Mourinho to Carrington on Monday, telling the 53-year-old he was "very happy" to see him at the club.

United have moved swiftly to tie down a number of young talents following Mourinho's appointment, with Marcus Rashford and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson both penning long-term deals on Monday.

Mourinho will now begin work at Old Trafford ahead of the club's pre-season tour of China in July.

Sturridge to know later today.

Daniel Sturridge will learn on Tuesday afternoon whether he is in Roy Hodgson’s final England squad for the European Championship after a timely return to training at the team’s base in London Colney.

The Liverpool forward, who missed England’s friendly win against Australia with a calf injury last Friday, completed the full session at Watford’s training ground as he attempted to convince Hodgson he should make the cut.

Ryan Bertrand was absent receiving treatment on an unspecified injury – the Football Association is apparently confident the left-back’s problem is not serious – and Hodgson will oversee one more workout before naming his 23-man party by Uefa’s midnight deadline.

The manager intends to tell the two players who have missed out on the squad after the morning drills. It seems likely the Leicester City midfielder Danny Drinkwater will be one of those omitted, following Fabian Delph, who has been ruled out with a groin complaint, out of the original 26-man squad. There has been fierce debate within the England coaching staff over who else will be left out and it is unlikely the final decision will have been unanimous.

Sturridge’s goalscoring ability, as demonstrated in the Europa League final against Sevilla this month, would normally smooth his inclusion but his regular injury issues have limited him to 58 minutes for his country since September 2014. Hodgson has stated he would not consider players for the final party who have not proved their fitness in the friendly fixtures before the tournament, which conclude against Portugal at Wembley on Thursday before they depart for France next Monday. That would suggest some doubt remains around the Liverpool forward’s inclusion.

Marcus Rashford’s eye-catching debut against Australia last Friday potentially offers Hodgson the chance to stick to his original plan to take five strikers in his party, though whether the 18-year-old would offer effective cover out wide is open to debate. Ross Barkley has moved to demonstrate his fitness by taking on extra training over recent days given he has played only 27 minutes of football since the Premier League’s final matches.

Andros Townsend, who was called up to replace the injured Danny Welbeck, has his backers among the coaching staff with Gary Neville having championed the Newcastle United winger’s cause, pointing to the variety he offers as a natural wide player. Indeed, the England assistant coach had contemplated trying to sign Townsend, then with Tottenham Hotspur, during his recent stint in charge of Valencia. Yet the 24-year-old played only 14 minutes of the games against Turkey and Australia and, given he was not under consideration until Welbeck’s knee injury, fears he could now drop out of the party once again.

England wins final.

England Under-21s won the Toulon Tournament for the first time in 22 years thanks to goals by Lewis Baker and Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea as they beat France 2-1 in the final in Avignon on Sunday.

Baker opened England’s account in the eighth minute with a looping header which took his tournament tally to four and earned him the golden boot.

Loftus-Cheek, who was named player of the tournament, doubled the advantage with a neat finish from 15 yards and, although Abdou Diallo struck for France, England remained in control.

Afterwards the England Under-21 manager, Gareth Southgate, told FATV: “I think we were the best team today and the best team in the tournament. The players were exceptional over the whole two weeks.”

Rashford earn long term deal.

Marcus Rashford has been rewarded for his breakthrough season at Manchester United with a £20,000-a-week contract. The striker, 18, has one year left on his current deal and United have acted swiftly, offering him a long‑term extension.

Rashford, who scored after 138 seconds for England in their 2-1 victory against Australia on Friday night, will find out on Tuesday whether he has made Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2016 squad.


It has been a whirlwind few months for the teenager who broke into the United side only in February, scoring twice on his debut against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League before hitting two goals against Arsenal in the Premier League.

Rashford scored eight times in 18 appearances in his debut season and has now been offered the extension following his display on the international stage.

United are also reportedly close to agreeing a new deal for the defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, who has one year left on his current terms.

The Pepe Rule.

During the Champions League final Gary Lineker posted a simple five-word tweet: “Pepe is such a dick!” It did not so much strike a chord as create global symphonic harmony on social media. More than 50,000 retweets and likes later, and following yet more devious behaviour by the Real Madrid defender, Lineker clarified his position. “Pepe is an enormous dick!” That tweet proved to be even more popular. How could it not be, given Pepe’s outrageously hammy behaviour?

One scene in particular should earn him a golden raspberry. What appeared to be harmless mano a mano coming together with the Atlético Madrid defender Filipe Luís in the second half ended with Pepe rolling along the turf, howling in apparent agony. It was first-year stage school stuff and the referee Mark Clattenburg was having none of it.

Pepe’s great act was not finished there, though. When Filipe placed a palm on his left cheek, he then grabbed his face and thrashed around as if his eyes had been gouged. Clattenburg’s disappointed-parent face quickly became an internet meme. But there was no yellow card despite the double simulation. So Pepe carried on being Pepe, kicking and niggling away.

Soon afterwards he was play-acting again, this time after another tangle with the substitute Yannick Carrasco. Again Pepe clutched his face as if an arrow had split his nostrils. Yet still there was no sanction.

It took until extra-time for the Real Madrid central defender to finally be booked. Remarkably this season he has picked up only seven yellow cards in 32 games. Some say he has cleaned up his act. More likely he has just got cleverer at covering it up.

Later, after the trophy had been lifted, Pepe swanned around San Siro with a selfie stick and his tongue poked out in celebration. It was an act almost laser‑targeted to cause annoyance to anyone still watching. But Pepe did not care. Real had won. And so had he.

It is a familiar story. For years Pepe has been a neat symbiosis of Fagin and Bill Sikes, both cunning and with enough muscle to back it up. Famously he received a 10-match ban after raking his studs down the back of the Getafe player Javier Casquero while he was on the floor before treading on his ankle – and then, for good measure, smacking Casquero’s team-mate Juan Albín. As he left the field after being shown the red card Pepe shouted, “You’re all sons of bitches.”

His subsequent rap sheet would make Grandmaster Flash blush and he is still usually at the epicentre of at least one el clásico rumpus a season, most famously when he appeared to stamp on Lionel Messi’s hand in 2012. But has there ever been a tough guy footballer who has turned out to be a bigger ham than Pepe? At least Vinnie Jones waited until his playing career was over to turn to acting.

Yet such has been the outcry since Saturday night there might just be a renewed opportunity to tackle such nefarious behaviour. The current system, of awarding yellow cards for simulation, clearly isn’t working. And while the most obvious alternative - retrospective punishments - has its merits, the Champions League final showed up a major flaw. Would Pepe really care if he missed Real’s first game of the new season? Of course not.

So what might work better? Start by making the punishment for the cheat match the intended crime. So, if Pepe tries to trick the referee into giving Filipe Luís and Carrasco red cards, then he should receive that punishment. Not yellow. Next, give officials a push and a helping hand.

Of course football often operates in shades of grey - look at the way Fernando Torres won a penalty early in the second half, cleverly getting his body ahead of his marker and earning the foul. would not have been given by all officials - but Pepe’s antics were as black as charcoal. He should have been sent off.

So praise the referees who punish simulation. Push them constantly to do more. And, because we know they need so help when the game rushes past so quickly, give them some back up by al

Herrera sack after punch.

Mexico have dismissed head coach Miguel Herrera after he allegedly punched a journalist.

The incident involving Television Azteca's Christian Martinoli took place on Monday at Philadelphia airport as the team prepared to return home after winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Martinoli, who had been a tough critic of Herrera, said the coach threatened him in the security line and then hit him in the neck.

Herrera denied the claims and said he had only "pushed" Martinoli, adding: "I'm not that stupid."

However, the president of the Mexican soccer federation, Decio de Maria, confirmed on Tuesday that Herrera has been dismissed.

"We have taken the decision to relieve national coach Miguel Herrera of his duties," he said. "Our values and principles must be maintained regardless of results."

De Maria did not name a successor but added: "Sacking Herrera was a tough decision. However, violence has no place in society, in the family and even less so in our sport.

"I believe that Miguel perfectly understands the reason for this decision... all this has made him suffer a lot."

Mexico advanced to the final after winning two knockout-round matches with the help of late penalties and then beating Jamaica 3-1 to win the tournament.

Have your say.

How do you think the 2016/17 Premier League will unfold?

Where will Manchester United finish under Jose Mourinho? Can Jurgen Klopp inspire Liverpool to the top? How will Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte fare with Manchester City and Chelsea? And what of the promoted sides Burnley, Middlesbrough and Hull City?

Barnsley back to Championship.

Barnsley won promotion to the Sky Bet Championship after beating Millwall 3-1 in the League One play-off final at Wembley.

Goals from Manchester United loanee Ashley Fletcher plus Adam Hammill and Lloyd Isgrove saw off the Lions, who had halved an early deficit through boyhood Barnsley fan Mark Beevers.

It caps a remarkable 2016 for Paul Heckingbottom's men, who were bottom of League One on December 11 but went onto win the Johnstone's Paint Trophy before securing their place in the play-offs by finishing sixth.

Millwall's preparations suffered big disruption in the warm-up with Byron Webster breaking down injured, which meant the Lions' back four had to be reshuffled with Tony Craig drafted in as a centre-back.

It took time for Millwall to adapt to their new-look defence and Barnsley took full advantage inside two minutes.

Sam Winnall flicked the ball into the path of Fletcher, who took the ball in behind Craig and fired into the bottom corner.

Millwall looked shell-shocked in the Wembley sunshine while the Tykes kept on probing.

Alfie Mawson hooked a ball over the top for Fletcher on 10 minutes but Jordan Archer was quick off his line to block the ball away with his legs.

However, Barnsley only had to wait nine more minutes to double their lead.

Mo Diame scored a stunning goal for Hull City in the Championship play-off final and Hammill must have been watching as he recreated the effort 24 hours on.

There didn't seem much on when he picked the ball up around 30 yards out but he let loose with a curling effort that flew past Archer's grasp and into the top corner.

Some Millwall fans might have headed to the bar early but their side slowly grew into the game.

Shane Ferguson epitomised his team's belated belief, winning and taking a corner on 34 minutes that caused bedlam in the Barnsley area.

Craig and Lee Gregory both wanted the ball more than their markers and it subsequently dropped to Beevers, who held off his man and hammered home from close range.

Barnsley regained their composure after the break with Hammill providing a dangerous outlet on the left. However, Gregory nearly latched onto a loose ball for the Lions in the six-yard box on 58 minutes, only for the Tykes to scramble away.

Millwall were struggling to cope with the silky Hammill, who beat his man and tested Archer with an effort from the edge of the box on 61 minutes.

Lions substitute Aiden O'Brien nearly levelled on 67 minutes but his shot from 15 yards after Morison had sprung the offside trap was straight at the goalkeeper.

That would end up being a key moment as Barnsley scored again on 74 minutes to seal their promotion.

Conor Hourihane whipped in a corner from the right and somehow Isgrove - the smallest man on the pitch - rose highest to flick a header into the net past a flapping Archer.

Millwall pushed relentlessly for a way back into the game in the closing stages with Chris Taylor forcing a fine save from Adam Davies, but Barnsley kept control of the ball very cleverly as the clock ticked down.

Millwall have now lost four of their five visits to Wembley and manager Neil Harris will have to galvanise his young side next season for another crack at promotion.

Meanwhile, Barnsley can look forward to trips to places like Newcastle United and Aston Villa in what is shaping up to be a fascinating Championshipy

Xhaka Arsenal dream move.

Arsenal's new midfield signing Granit Xhaka has described his move to the Emirates as a "dream come true".

Xhaka became Arsene Wenger's first major signing of the summer transfer window earlier this week when he completed a switch from German club Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Switzerland international is thought to have cost the Gunners around £30m - making him the third most expensive signing in Arsenal's history.
The 23 year-old, who has made over 100 Bundesliga appearances for Monchengladbach, says he is delighted to have completed his move to the Premier League ahead of this summer's European Championships in France.

"I feel good, now I'm happy to be a Gunner," Xhaka told Sky Sports News HQ reporter Gary Cotterill following Switzerland's friendly defeat to Belgium on Saturday.

"It's been a big week for me but now it's official and I'm very happy. Arsenal is a big club. I've seen the pitch, it's unbelievable. It was a dream for me and I'm happy now."

Former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou has backed his international team-mate to impress for Wenger's side next season and insists the midfielder is well-suited to English football.

"He's got the ability to play the Arsenal way; he's got this aggressiveness about him that will help him in the Premier League," said Djourou, who went on to compare Xhaka to Italy's legendary midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

He's a great ball player and a ball winner so I think in the midfield he could help a lot.

"He's got the ability to play very long balls and precise balls. He reminds me a bit of Pirlo, the way he plays."

Djourou also revealed that Xhaka had asked him about his own personal experience of playing at the Emirates and living in London.

"He asked me a lot of things about London and the club and I could only say great things about it because I had a good experience there," said Djourou.

"I think the people at the club are just amazing so I think he's going to have a great time."

Ronald Koeman : Van gaal not decent.

Ronald Koeman has criticised Manchester United for the way they handled the sacking of Louis van Gaal.

The Dutch pair have endured a frosty relationship since falling out in 2004 when Van Gaal was Koeman's director of football at Ajax. 

But the Southampton manager believes United officials should have treated Van Gaal better and made him aware about their plans to replace him with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, insisting that "these kind of deals are not done overnight"

Van Gaal was sacked by United last Monday following months of speculation over his job and replaced by Mourinho three days later. 

The 64-year-old's departure also came just two days after he led United to the FA Cup at Wembley - the club's first major trophy since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

"I have watched the process around Louis and Jose Mourinho from a distance," Koeman told the Sunday Mirror. 

"For months we were all reading that Mourinho was busy with Manchester United.

"If Louis was not told about getting the sack until after the FA Cup final, then Manchester United as a club don't deserve a medal for the way they treated him.

"If you know a little bit about the business at the highest level in football, then you know that these kind of deals are not done overnight.

But Louis has been put under tremendous pressure for months. This is why I admire the way he kept his dignity.

"Of course, he had a number of run-ins with the media and there were moments when I thought 'Louis, you could have dealt with that in another way.' But Louis is Louis.

"But looking at the incredible pressure all around him, I think he did a great job winning a big trophy like the FA Cup."

Van Gaal failed to secure a top-four spot in what proved to be his final season at United, with the Red Devils finishing in fifth place. 

José Mourinho unveiled.

Jose Mourinho has told Manchester United supporters to forget the last three years in his first interview as the new manager at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese was confirmed as United boss on Friday, after Sky Sports News HQ broke the news that he had signed the contract on Thursday, succeeding his sacked former mentor Louis van Gaal.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 - the year Mourinho reportedly originally wanted the job - the Reds have failed to qualify for the Champions League twice and won just one trophy - this season's FA Cup - which proved to be Van Gaal's last game in charge.

Speaking to MUTV after signing his three-year-contract, Mourinho said he will give everything to restore the club to the top of world football and spoke of the affinity he has had with United supporters since he first took Porto to Old Trafford in 2004.

He said: "I feel great. I am honoured, I am proud, I am everything. But I am here to work and I cannot wait until July 7 to go out on the pitch.

I think it comes in the right moment in my career because Manchester United is one of these clubs that I call a giant club. You need to be prepared for it and they need the best managers. I think I am ready.

"We can look at our club in two perspectives. One is the past three years, and another is the club history. I prefer to forget the past three years and focus on the history, and the giant club that I have in my hands now.

"I will give absolutely everything to go in the direction we want. I think the fans are expecting me to say that I want to win, and the players need to listen that I want to win.

"I think the players and supporters want to feel that I say that, but we can, really - it's not just to say.

"I think I know what the fans can give me. They know what I can give them. The most important thing is the players, and the relationship with the players and them."

Mourinho has faced the Reds on 20 occasions in all competitions as an opposition manager, presiding over nine wins, nine draws and just two defeats, and he says he has always felt a connection with the club's supporters.

He said: "It is important and curious that I play so many times against them at Old Trafford, with other clubs, and there was empathy, no problems, and I was pushed sometimes to say things that my clubs were not happy with.

"I remember when we won at Old Trafford with Real Madrid [2012-13 Champions League last 16] and I said that the best team lost, and Real Madrid was not very happy."

Ronaldo up to break his record.

Real Madrid secured La Décima in 2014 after chasing their 10th European Cup for 12 years. Sergio Ramos’ header deep into second-half injury time cancelled out Diego Godin’s opener to set Real Madrid on their way against Atlético Madrid, with Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo finishing off the 4-1 victory in extra time. The clubs meet again on Saturday as Real Madrid chase La Undecima. Atlético, meanwhile, are hoping to secure their first European Cup, having lost two finals.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s form will be key in Milan. He scored his 17th goal of the 2013-14 competition when he tucked a penalty past Thibaut Courtois in the dying minutes of the final in Lisbon, becoming the competition’s record scorer in the process. With 16 goals in this season’s Champions League – more than any other player and as many as Atlético have scored in their 12 matches – Ronaldo can break his own record this weekend.

However, the 31-year-old is a doubt for the final, having sustained a knock in training this week. Given his mentality and physical stature, it’s unlikely Ronaldo will miss the last game of the campaign. “I am fine,” he said on Tuesday. “I had a little problem in training, a dead leg as they say here, but tomorrow or the next day I will be fine. It was a minor scare, a knock.”


Real Madrid have only won one of their last six competitive meetings with Diego Simeone’s battling side, and that was down to a late Javier Hernández goal at the Bernabéu against 10 men following Arda Turan’s sending off. Ronaldo has not always had the best goal return against Atlético – 15 goals in 24 competitive outings – but, with 51 goals this season, he remains their most likely matchwinner.

Ronaldo comes into the final in fine form, having scored nine goals in his last seven appearances in all competitions. His 8.17 rating is the fourth best in the Champions League this season, while an average of 8.1 shots per game in the competition is the the most by far – showing his unwavering confidence in his goalscoring ability.

Atlético’s defence is among the best in Europe, having conceded just seven goals in the Champions League this season. The way they shut out Barcelona and Bayern Munich on home turf was nothing short of spectacular, given their attacking power. Diego Simeone’s regimented backline provides the foundation for success, with opponents often struggling to break them down.

They remain compact in defence and midfield to force attackers down the flanks to put balls into the box. Given the defensive qualities of centre-backs Diego Godín and José María Giménez, the experience and positional discipline of Filipe Luís and Juanfran, and the goalkeeping ability of Jan Oblak, Atlético back themselves to deal with any threat from wide positions.

The defensive discipline of the team ensures Atlético stay narrow and extremely tough to break down. This approach could be the best way to limit Ronaldo’s influence. Starting on the left, he likes to cut on to his right foot before going for goal – regardless of distance or the number of players standing between him and the back of the net.

The tactic has served Ronaldo well in the past, but Atlético’s shape minimises his impact. With Atlético putting every player behind the ball and working tirelessly to deny opponents, Ronaldo will find that space is at a premium for him to cut inside and shoot. While Real Madrid ultimately overcame Atlético back in 2014, it speaks volumes that it took until the 93rd minute for Ramos to head home the equaliser.

Simeone was forced into an early change when Diego Costa’s hamstring problem flared up, putting Atlético on the back foot despite their early lead. Without the extra substitution to freshen up his side, gaps began to appear as tiredness set in and allowed Real Madrid to pile on the pressure as the minutes ticked by. Simeone is unlikely to make a similar mistake again, with the loss in Lisbon serving as a lesson. But Ronaldo is more than capable of moments

FA cup down to one leg from quarter final.

FA Cup replays will be dropped for the quarter-finals next season after plans for the competition were approved today.

Under the new rules, eight clubs will battle it out over one weekend with each tie to be played to a finish on the day with extra-time and penalties to decide a winner.

The initiative is being seen as part of the FA’s commitment to ease the congested fixture schedule and help the England team.


The FA chief executive Martin Glenn said: “The Emirates FA Cup remains at the heart of English football and this change adds to the excitement of the competition and will benefit the wider game in general.

“In a demanding calendar and with increased pressures on fans, it is important we move with the times and consider new innovations such as last week’s successful Non-league finals day which saw 50,000 fans at Wembley for the Vase and Trophy.

“While fully respecting tradition and history, this new development will help the Cup retain its status as a much-loved and world-renowned competition.”

Liverpool in for Guerreiro.

Liverpool have made an offer for left-back Raphael Guerreiro, according to the Portugal international's French club Lorient.

French-born Guerreiro - who is in the Portugal squad for Euro 2016 - is being chased by the Reds and three other clubs this summer, according to Lorient vice-president Alex Hayes, but he says none of them has offered enough money for the 22-year-old.

"No one wants to see Raphael leave, especially the president," Hayes told Ouest France.

He will only be transferred if a club makes an offer that we can't refuse. For the moment four major foreign clubs, including Dortmund and Liverpool, have made an offer.

The fourth one shouldn't take too long to be made [officially] but for the moment none of them satisfy us.

"We're calm. We don't need to sell to balance the books."

Guerreiro, who has won five senior caps for his country to date, joined Lorient from Caen in June 2013 and helped Portugal's Under-21s to second place at last summer's European U21 Championships in the Czech Republic.

Meanwhile, out-of-favour centre-back Martin Skrtel looks set to depart Anfield, with his agent Karol Csonto admitting the 31-year-old Slovakia international defender could be on his way to Turkey.

Besiktas is one of those interested in Martin but we're haven't reached a point where I can confirm Martin is going there, or anywhere else," he told TV Markiza in Slovakia.

"But I can say that it is 90 per cent sure Martin will leave Liverpool, but it is far from closed."

United finalise Mourinho deal.

Jose Mourinho has signed his contract to become the new manager of Manchester United.

The Portuguese left home at 2.50pm on Thursday and concluded talks at a central London hotel, agreeing to succeed Louis van Gaal as the new boss at Old Trafford.

Sky Sports News HQ broke the news at 5.20pm after Mourinho returned home half an hour earlier with documents in his hand and a bottle of red wine, having met with United's executive vice chairman Ed Woodward to complete the deal.

Mourinho symbolically wore a black and red tie for the final stage of negotiations, and the deal is completed on the 12th anniversary of his winning the Champions League for the first time with Porto, who knocked out United on their run to the final.

Mourinho, who has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in December, replaces his former mentor Van Gaal, who was dismissed by United two days after they won the FA Cup against Crystal Palace at Wembley.

Sky sources reported after the final whistle that Mourinho was set to replace the Dutchman as soon as possible, and Van Gaal was informed of the club's decision in a personal visit by Woodward to his home on Sunday night.

By Tuesday, talks between Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes were well under way via phone and email and negotiations were expected to be a formality and completed within 48 hours.

But Mendes and Woodward were forced to meet at United's offices in central London to rectify a number of image rights issues, including Chelsea's ownership of Mourinho's name.

Zlatan : The future has been written.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he has already decided what his next move will be - and Sky sources understand Manchester United are the only Premier League option he has considered.

Ibrahimovic is a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain and he confirmed on Thursday that he has had "concrete offers" from England, Italy and other clubs including some outside of Europe.

Sky Sports News HQ understands he has also been considering an offer from China and that United are not prepared to match the financial terms Ibrahimovic can earn from an unnamed Super League club, worth £53m over two seasons.

But the Sweden striker says he decided his next club "a long time ago" and spoke in glowing terms of soon-to-be Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, who worked with him at Inter Milan.

He told a press conference in Stockholm: "I know what I want. The future is already written. I made my decision a long time ago.

"There are concrete offers from England, Italy and other countries, including outside of Europe. Nothing is happening right now. It's the European Championship that's happening.

"I think it's a great move [for Manchester United to bring in Mourinho]. I believe he is the man to bring them back to the top. If you want to win, you bring Mourinho.

"I have spoken to Mourinho every day since I left Inter, so there is no secret. I had a great relationship with Mourinho and a fantastic time when I was working with him.

I don't know if I will work with him again. Let's see how it plays out."

Mourinho believes Ibrahimovic can still make an impact at Old Trafford despite his age - he turns 35 in October - while United see obvious appeal in marketing terms, due to his global fan base and iconic status in the modern game.

And Ibrahimovic insists he can cut it in the Premier League after he is finished having "fun" at Euro 2016 in France.

The 34-year-old said: "I am only warming up. I had a great season. I proved that age is just a number. Everything is in your head. If I want to do it, I will do it.

"I am looking forward to the games. Training is going good and I am not feeling my calf. We have the warm-up games, then to France, where the fun begins.

"It does not matter that [my future] is done before the Euros because it would already be done. I only need to push the button. There is time.

I want to enjoy what you are writing. There is a lot being written. According to someone it would have been done in 48 hours, another said it was 90 per cent, another 10 per cent.

"It is fun finding out who the rat is; who is talking."

Should United sign Ibrahimovic, the money they could expect to make in shirt sales and other marketing ventures would go some way to offsetting his sizable wage demands, which are reportedly in the region of £11.4m.

However, Chinese clubs have demonstrated their immense spending power in recent months, and one club has been able to offer a contract that would pay him £26.6m per season.

The decision for Ibrahimovic is whether his motivation is financial, or the opportunity to add to his already impressive footballing legacy. He has won league titles in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France, and he could potentially add a Premier League title to his considerable CV by joining Manchester United.

While Mourinho and Ibrahimovic clashed at times when they worked together at Inter Milan between 2008 and 2009, with Ibrahimovic firing in 25 goals as Inter won the Serie A title, they subsequently formed a strong bond.

Champion league finals analysis.

Only a mere 7.2 miles, 20 minutes along the M-30, separates the Santiago Bernabeu and Vicente Calderon stadiums, but in terms of football philosophies and preparation, Real Madrid and Atletico are a million miles apart.

Ahead of Saturday's Champions League final between the Madrid rivals, Sky Sports' Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has run through what we can expect in Milan.

So just what are the major differences between the two finalists?

The managers

Both Diego Simeone and Zinedine Zidane were great players and cult heroes at their respective clubs. That, however, is where the similarity ends. In just about every other way, they are polar opposites.

To merely describe Simeone as 'hands-on' is to seriously underestimate his level of involvement. What we have here is a man totally obsessed with football, who transmits his heart, soul and very being into every single aspect of this Atletico side.

A man who, in his head, kicks every ball, takes every throw, hits every free-kick, saves every shot and scores every goal. A man who lives, breathes and feels the pleasure and the pain of every one of his players, and a man who believes to the very depths of his red-and-white-striped soul that to do it any other way would be nothing short of a dereliction of duty.

Zidane, as we have all seen and Marco Materrazi has personally felt, is not above the occasional overt display of football passion, although it has to be said that from a coaching point of view, his approach occasionally seems laid back to the point of being almost horizontal.

What we have here, in complete contrast to his predecessor Rafa Benitez, is a man who has more or less let his team develop on its own and discover its own identity.

That said, he has taken on board a few of the decisions that Benitez put in place, namely the inclusion of Casemiro, the gradual sidelining of Isco and James Rodriguez, and the increased prominence to the attack of Gareth Bale.

And to date, despite my early misgivings, this particular style of management seems to sit very well with this Real Madrid side.

As the saying has it, what can't speak, can't lie. Since taking over in January, in addition to taking Real Madrid to just one match from their 11th European Cup, he also saw his side take the title race against Barcelona right to the wire, winning 21 and losing just two out the 26 league games in charge.

He must be doing something right, yet deep down I can't help but feel that the real problem with Real is that at one point or another during every game, they are showing vulnerability. The only exception to that was, perhaps, the Manchester City semi-final, although that may have had more to do with City's weakness rather than Real's strength.

These are weak areas that can normally be corrected in training with hard work and application, but the feeling I get is that he doesn't really bother too much with it, concentrating more on keeping the side fit and, above all, content.

Simeone's Atletico could not be more different. Like a predatory animal sensing blood, they harass and encircle their quarry, looking to exploit any of their opponent's shortcomings.

They will work to that end relentlessly in training and if there is the slightest indication of any frailty during the game, the merest suggestion of an Achilles heel, then Atletico will go for the jugular. That is exactly what I think will happen in this final.

The physicality

Compared to the team that reached the final against Real two years ago in Lisbon, just about every single Atletico Madrid player has played less minutes this time around.

In addition, every single player, including those on the bench, feel they have a part to play, not least the re-born Fernando Torres, who has gone from being a third striker to automatic starter.

Two years ago, Sergio Ramos' last-gasp equaliser was a dagger to the heart of a spent, broken, over-used, battered and bruised Atletico side that realised at that one moment t

Bayern : Gotez have to decide future.

Bayern Munich say Mario Gotze will have to decide for himself whether he wants to move away from the club.

The Germany international, who famously scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, has struggled to establish himself in Bayern's starting eleven since joining from Borussia Dortmund.

Sky sources understand the 23-year-old is a transfer target for Liverpool, where he would be reunited with his former boss at Dortmund, Jurgen Klopp.

And with new head coach Carlo Ancelotti set to begin work at the Allianz Arena, Bayern's CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has refused to give Gotze any guarantees.

"I had talks with him (Mario) and (Carlo) Ancelotti. Mario knows the thoughts of Bayern," Rummenigge told Kicker magazine. "Everything was clearly and seriously explained to Mario.

"He knows what the club thinks and what the new coach thinks. Mario has to evaluate for himself whether he wants to play constantly."

He also split with his agent, Volker Struth, who had previously criticised the club.

Despite only starting 11 Bundesliga games last season, Gotze is expected to be part of the Germany squad for Euro 2016 and is in contention to play in their upcoming friendlies against Slovakia and Hungary.

Michy to movs after Euro16.

Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi says he is attracted by a move to the Premier League but he will not change clubs until after Euro 2016.

The Belgium international, currently part of his country's preparations for the tournament next month, is of interest to Tottenham and West Ham, as well as other top clubs in Europe.

After scoring 24 goals in Ligue 1 last season, he has confirmed he is leaving the French club, who must sell him due to financial difficulties.

But the 22-year-old insists he is concentrating on performing for Belgium first.

"I don't think about that, I prefer to concentrate 100 per cent on the Euros, then we will see what happens," Batshuayi told Sky Sports News HQ.

"Everybody likes the Premier League. It has a lot of spectacle, a lot of goals and many good players. It is natural that every good player is attracted by that league."

Belgium play Switzerland in Geneva on Saturday as part of their Euro 2016 preparations, where they will compete in Group E alongside Italy, Republic of Ireland and Sweden.

Lukaku : I'm leaving.

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has revealed that he wants to leave the club over the summer in order to further his career.

The 23-year-old Belgium star scored 25 goals this season for the Toffees and has been linked with a return to former club Chelsea while his father believes he could join Manchester United or Bayern Munich.

Everton finished a disappointing season in 11th place in the Premier League, a performance which cost boss Roberto Martinez his job.

The club has a new owner in Farhad Moshiri and Lukaku says he will listen to what he has to say - but still expects to leave.

"I'm at a point where I have to make a good career choice," Lukaku is quoted as saying in the Daily Star.

We have a new investor at Everton and out of courtesy I will listen to what he has to say. But I have my own ideas in mind. I want to win titles.

"I have had a very good season, but it is time for me to write myself a CV. That is why I play football. I got that trophy-winning mindset from Chelsea.

"People in Belgium don't see me playing for Everton, but I am respected by fans, managers and experts like Jamie Carragher, Graeme Souness and Thierry Henry."

Balotelli to return back.

Striker Mario Balotelli appears likely to make a return to Liverpool from AC Milan for pre-season training.

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has intimated the Serie A club would not be making their loan deal for the mercurial Italian a permanent one.

Balotelli is expected to exit the San Siro along with Alex, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Philippe Mexes as Milan look to reshape their squad.

The 25-year-old moved back to Milan on a season-long loan last year after failing to impress at Anfield, scoring just one Premier League goal following a £16m switch from the San Siro in August 2014.

But his second stint with Milan has proved similarly unproductive as he only managed to find the back of the net once in 20 league appearances, and that was last September in a 3-2 win at Udinese.

Balotelli started Milan's last two league matches, leading to suggestions he could remain with the club, but Berlusconi has signalled the former Manchester City striker will be heading back to Merseyside.

Berlusconi said: "There will be many departures because players such as Alex, Mexes, Boateng and Balotelli are at the end of their contracts."

Balotelli, who was left out of Italy's Euro 2016 squad, admitted in April that he would be reluctant to link up with the Reds once more.

"In terms of my future I want to stay with Milan because I was not happy at Liverpool and don't want to go back," Balotelli said.

Ronaldo : Mourinho can restore united.

Cristiano Ronaldo says Jose Mourinho can restore Manchester United's "identity" when he takes over - but insists he won't be joining his fellow Portuguese at Old Trafford.

Sky Sports News HQ understands Mourinho will be unveiled as Louis van Gaal's successor by Friday this week.

In an interview with the 'Jugones' programme on Spanish television - to be aired on Friday afternoon and quoted by The Sun - Ronaldo backed Mourinho to reinvigorate United but insisted he will be staying at Real Madrid.

Ronaldo played under Mourinho at Real Madrid and the pair famously did not get on, in particular during the coach's last season at the Bernabeu in 2012-13.

Ronaldo said: "He's already signed hasn't he? I think it's good. If it's something United wanted I think it's good - I hope Manchester United get back to what they were because it's an impressive club but in the last years they lacked an identity a bit.

"And it hurts me seeing United like that because it's a club I carry in my heart. I wish Mourinho can restore them back to the top."

Ronaldo said that rumours linking him with a return to the club where he made his name are wide of the mark.

"Right now yes I am happy and I want to stay at this club," he said. "I don't see any other club that is better than Real Madrid. If you weigh things up there is no better club.

"So all other clubs can forget about me because Real Madrid is the best."

United : No Zlatan agreement yet.

Manchester United do not have an agreement in place to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic, sources close to the player have told Sky Sports News HQ.

But it is understood he is a player United would be interested in as they eye a new centre-forward this summer.

Reports across both English and European newspapers have claimed that the Sweden international is close to joining United on a free transfer, with his Paris Saint-Germain contract due to expire next month.

Ibrahimovic and incoming United manager Jose Mourinho clashed at times when they worked together at Inter Milan between 2008 and 2009, with Ibrahimovic firing in 25 goals as Inter won the Serie A title, but they subsequently formed a strong bond.

And Ibrahimovic has previously indicated a willingness to move to Old Trafford if Louis van Gaal was no longer at the club, according to Sky sources.

Ray Wilkins told Sky Sports News HQ on Tuesday that Ibrahimovic would be a superb signing for United.

He is Cantona-esque coming into Old Trafford," Wilkins said. "This guy would be a marquee signing and you haven't got to pay any money for him, only his wages.

"United need characters, charisma back at the club and he would give them that. It would probably only be a one-year contract, but it's well worth the gamble."

Ibrahimovic, a vastly experienced centre-forward with titles in Italy, Spain and France, scored 156 goals in 180 appearances during his four-year spell at PSG.

The 34-year-old is understood to be of interest to a host of clubs across Europe, including in the Premier League, after confirming his intention to play on when he leaves PSG.

Varane out of Euro 2016.

France defender Raphael Varane has been ruled out of Euro 2016 with a thigh injury.

The 23-year-old suffered the injury in training with Real Madrid and will be replaced in the squad by Sevilla's Adil Rami.

The French Football Federation (FFF) said in a statement that scans had confirmed the initial diagnosis of Real Madrid team doctors, who estimated the player would be out of action for up to three weeks.

Given the unavailability time is considered too long for national team deadlines, (coach) Didier Deschamps decided not to retain Raphael Varane for Euro 2016," the FFF statement continued.

"As a result, the coach made the decision to integrate Adil Rami in the list of 23."

Varane will also miss the Champions League final this Saturday as Real Madrid face rivals Atletico Madrid in Milan.

Aside from Varane, Real should have a fully-fit squad, with head coach Zinedine Zidane saying on Tuesday: "I think we'll be in good shape physically."

Mourinho to complete deal by Friday.

Jose Mourinho expects to sign his Manchester United contract by Friday, although a deal could be completed on Thursday, according to Sky sources.

Mourinho's agent, Jorge Mendes, was locked in talks with Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward on Wednesday, where a number of complicated image rights issues were addressed.

Sky Sports News HQ has been told significant progress was made on a number of those issues, and the outstanding points will be worked through on Thursday. Provided both parties continue to make progress at a similar pace, both sides remain hopeful the contract will be signed by the close of business on Friday.

Among the issues addressed on Wednesday were conflicts of interest concerning both parties' pre-existing sponsorship commitments, including their watch and car deals. United have a watch endorsement deal in place with Bulova, while Mourinho is an ambassador for Hublot. United have Chevrolet as their shirt sponsor while Mourinho is contracted to use a Jaguar.

An issue with the copyright of Mourinho's name is understood to have been resolved. As well as being registered in the UK, 'Jose Mourinho' is registered as a trademark of Chelsea FC on the European Union's Intellectual Property Database. However, this issue is now said to be concluded.

Mourinho is keen for a speedy resolution to negotiations, so he can begin in earnest his efforts to rebuild United and return them to the top of English and European football. He is already planning his moves in the summer transfer window and looking at what United already have in place for pre-season.

Meanwhile, SSNHQ understands Mourinho has no plans to go to Sunderland for England's game with Australia on Friday night, despite the fact United forward Marcus Rashford is poised to make his senior England debut.

Two other United players may also be involved, with Chris Smalling expected to start the game and Wayne Rooney likely to feature in some capacity.

According to Sky sources, there has been no telephone conversation yet between Mourinho and Ryan Giggs, who remains the United assistant manager but will be replaced by Mourinho's long-term assistant Rui Faria.

José Mourinho to bring Zlatan to United.

José Mourinho has prioritised the signing of an A-list centre-forward when he becomes Manchester United manager, with the Portuguese considering a move for the free agent Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose favoured destination is Old Trafford.

Mourinho’s decision to target an elite striker in the summer market confirms Wayne Rooney will no longer regularly play in attack. The captain has previously acknowledged Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are now better suited to the No9 role.

If Mourinho decides to sign Ibrahimovic or any other high-class finisher, it means Rashford would be the deputy centre-forward and Martial would continue to operate mainly from a wide left position. Rooney would drop back into midfield, where he operated in the closing part of the season, and also offer an option at No10.

Mourinho enjoyed a good relationship with Ibrahimovic when the 53-year-old was in charge of Internazionale, between 2008 and 2010. The pair worked together in the Portuguese’s first season before Ibrahimovic left for Barcelona. At 34 the Swede is vastly experienced and a proven leader of the attack in La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1, three of Europe’s major leagues.

United do not have Champions League football to help attract elite players. Ibrahimovic is entering his career’s final phase and as United is his first choice he may prove Mourinho’s best option. Ibrahimovic is viewed by the United executive as being an ideal commercial acquisition, given his global profile. He would cost nothing so the club would countenance paying him the £250,000-a-week salary the Swede may demand, given the revenues yielded by his presence at the 20-times champions.

Arsenal first to surpass £100m in premier league payment.

Arsenal became the first club in history to receive more than £100m from the Premier League last season, according to figures released on Tuesday.

Despite finishing as runners-up to Leicester City, Arsène Wenger’s side were featured live on television in 27 different matches – 12 more than Claudio Ranieri’s title winners. That meant Arsenal’s total earnings from the Premier League amounted to a staggering £100,952,257, including “facility fees” of almost £21.5m, prize money of £23.6m for finishing second and almost £55m for domestic and overseas TV rights and commercial deals.

Under the rules of the Premier League for the 2015-16 season, each club is guaranteed a slice of the £400m pot for domestic TV deals and a further £600m for overseas rights. Despite winning the league by 10 points from Arsenal, Leicester’s overall income from the Premier League was just over £93.2m – behind Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United in the overall total.

That was mainly down to the fact only 15 of Leicester’s matches were shown live, with a total of eight teams surpassing that total including the relegated Newcastle United. Despite earning only £1.2m in prize money for finishing bottom, Aston Villa still banked £66.6m for the season and will be guaranteed parachute payments of about £90m over the next three seasons.

Uefa to hold talk over Sakho's failed drug test.

Uefa will hold a disciplinary hearing into Mamadou Sakho’s failed drugs test on Thursday, with the Liverpool defender likely to discover next week whether he must serve a lengthy suspension from the game.

The France international is serving a 30-day worldwide ban for failing a drugs test taken after Liverpool’s Europa League tie at Manchester United on 17 March. Sakho accepted the findings, opting not to have the results of his B sample tested, and reports in France have claimed it was a fat-burning substance that breached anti-doping regulations.

Uefa’s control, ethics and disciplinary body has been investigating Sakho’s failed test for the past month, and considering his explanation for it, and are scheduled to discuss possible sanctions on Thursday. The 26-year-old, who made 34 appearances for Liverpool this season and was in fine form before the results of the failed test were announced, could be banned for between six months and two years. His provisional 30-day suspension expires on Saturday.


The Liverpool hierarchy and the manager, Jürgen Klopp, decided not to consider the £19m defender for selection after the A sample results were confirmed prior to the Premier League game against Newcastle United on 23 April. Sakho missed eight games in total as a result of Liverpool’s action and the provisional suspension imposed by Uefa, including the Europa League final defeat by Sevilla last week.

Sakho’s acceptance of the A sample results hastened the disciplinary process and will mean any suspension imposed will start earlier than if he had challenged the findings. The breach has cost the former Paris Saint-Germain player his place in the France squad for the European Championship being staged on home soil this summer. A lengthy suspension may also have an impact on Klopp’s transfer plans, with the Liverpool manager looking for defensive recruits in addition to Joel Matip, the Cameroon international centre-half signed on a free transfer after his contract expired at Schalke.

Conte; MLS players facing the consequence.

Antonio Conte, the Italy national coach, has said that Italian players who move to MLS must “pay the consequences in footballing terms” – which means not being picked for international tournaments while he is coach.

NYC FC midfielder Andrea Pirlo and Sebastian Giovinco of Toronto were not included in Conte’s 30-man preliminary squad for the Euro 2016, and Conte admitted that their decision to move to North America from Juventus had hurt their chances.

Conte, who will take charge at Chelsea after the tournament is finished, said: “I spoke to Andrea. I needed to hear from him and we sent people to the US. However, we’ve made other choices and you have to accept them and deal with the consequences. Nothing was left to chance.”

Pirlo turned 37 last week, and has struggled to produce his best form in NYC FC’s midfield. Giovinco, by contrast, has been a revelation since moving to MLS in January 2015, and was voted player of the season last year for his 22 goals and 16 assists.

However, Conte was not to be swayed, despite much clamour for Giovinco’s inclusion and a general lack of quality in Italy’s attacking positions. Mario Balotelli has also been left out; Conte has picked instead Graziano Pelle of Southampton, Eder of Inter, Torino loanee Ciro Immobile and Juventus back-up Simone Zaza.

“We evaluated [Pirlo] and Giovinco,” Conte said. “It’s normal that if you choose to go and play there then you can pay the consequences in footballing terms.

“We evaluated them technically, we didn’t leave anything to chance. Anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong, we went everywhere to have clear and precise ideas. I picked the 30 who I think will give me the most guarantees.”

Italy, beaten finalists in 2012, have been drawn alongside Belgium, Sweden and Republic of Ireland in Group E. The Azzurri will face Scotland and Finland in warm-up friendlies before the tournament.

José mourinho agrees terms with united.

Jose Mourinho has agreed personal terms with Manchester United, according to Sky sources.

Lawyers for both parties are still in negotiations over a number of image rights issues, which must be resolved before a contract can be signed.

SSNHQ understands the length of Mourinho's contract and his salary have now been agreed after positive talks between Manchester United executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, and Mourinho's agent, Jorge Mendes.

However, dialogue is on-going regarding the image rights conflicts, and it remains unclear whether or not these issues will be concluded in time for Mourinho to put pen to paper on his contract on Wednesday.

Both Manchester United and Mourinho are tied to numerous commercial partnerships, and must pay careful consideration to the pre-existing commitments to their respective sponsors when Mourinho becomes United's manager.
There is common ground for Mourinho and United in their respective deals with adidas. The incoming United manager is a global ambassador for the kit suppliers, who signed a £750m, 10-year deal with United, which came into effect in 2015.

However, one example of potential conflict is Mourinho's commercial deal with Jaguar, which is at odds with United's seven-year deal with General Motors, which sees Chevrolet as the club's shirt sponsor.


Mendes, Woodward, and both sets of legal teams are continuing to work on how they can keep their respective sponsors happy, and those talks will continue on Wednesday.

Finding a resolution to these issues is said to be the final hurdle to overcome before Mourinho is officially confirmed as United's next manager.

Ronaldo say he's fit for final.

Cristiano Ronaldo has played down fears over his fitness ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League final against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

The three-time Ballon d'Or winner was forced to leave Real's training session on Tuesday, which was part of an open media day, after competing for a ball with reserve goalkeeper Kiko Casilla and collapsing to the floor.

Several members of Real Madrid's medical staff helped to pick the star forward up off the floor, and the Portugal international was able to hobble off the pitch unassisted.

Ronaldo left the session with training still in progress, and was seen to throw a water bottle away in anger as he headed for the changing rooms.

But speaking after the training session, Ronaldo insisted his limp was nothing more than the result of a dead leg.

I am fine. I had a little problem in training, a dead leg as they say here, but tomorrow [Wednesday] or the next day I will be fine. It was a minor scare, a knock," he said.

Ronaldo came off at half-time of Real Madrid's final game of the La Liga season at Deportivo La Coruna 10 days ago having scored twice in the first half to take his tally for the season to 51.

He then sat out a practice match on Saturday ahead of this weekend's showdown with city rivals Atletico at the San Siro in Milan.

Prior to this latest injury scare, coach Zinedine Zidane said Ronaldo would be fit for the Champions League final, despite a persistent thigh problem.

And Ronaldo also thinks he is in better physical condition than he was before the final two years ago when Real beat Atletico 4-1 after extra time in Lisbon.

"I believe I'm in better shape," he said. "I've had a slight problem but it's normal as I have been the most used player in the team.

"I think this is the season where I have played the most minutes. Besides the problem of today's training session, I believe I'm at my best level."

Real are already without defender Raphael Varane for the final due to a thigh problem.

"The only major drawback, and that really is very serious, is Varane," said Zidane. "He is now out for Saturday. He may not be ready in two or three weeks. It is less serious than we thought. He will travel but will not play on Saturday.

"With regard to the selection I hope he can play the Euros. It's a blow for him and I'm worried about him."