Chelsea's FA Cup

Chelsea's FA Cup pedigree down to easy draws, claims Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has delivered a dismissive assessment of Chelsea’s FA Cup pedigree by claiming their haul of four successes in six seasons is down to Manchester United’s quarter-final opponents not having “one hard game” in the early rounds of recent campaigns.

Ferguson, whose handshake row with Rafael Benítez overshadowed last month’s 2-2 draw at Old Trafford, is expected to restore Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Javier Hernandez to the starting line-up on Monday after resting the trio for the 1-0 victory at Sunderland on Saturday.

Premier League leaders United must overcome FA Cup holdersChelsea in Monday's replay at Stamford Bridge to maintain hopes of a domestic double and a clash with neighbours Manchester City in the semi-final on April 14.

Having allowed Chelsea to claw back a 2-0 deficit at Old Trafford last month in order to force a replay, Ferguson accepts that United face a difficult opponent. But the United manager says his team will not be affected by Chelsea’s ability to succeed in the Cup in recent years.

“Chelsea have [got a good record], but we try to win it every year,” Ferguson said. “But over the last few seasons, we’ve had some very difficult draws.

“I think Chelsea have enjoyed the benefit of home draws over the past few years, though, and I don’t think they have had one hard game in their run to semi-finals over the years. And that helps, there is no doubt about that, but they have us to play at Stamford Bridge and that won’t be easy.”

For The User 

******Usman ahmed owner of this blog created this post with his knowledge.All content provided on this blog is not copied from any other blog and site and is for informational purposes only and  The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

Andy Brassell votes for Chelsea star Ramires in Samba Gold Trophy 2012

Renowned European football writer Andy Brassell has cast his votes for the 2012 Samba Gold Trophy, with Ramires taking the top spot.

The BBC, ESPN and The Independent journalist cast his vote earlier this week as the end of the voting period nears, with the winner of the 2012 trophy set to be announced on 31 December.

Andy's vote was as follows:

3) Fernandinho (Shakhtar) The midfielder came back superbly from a broken leg to lead Shakhtar out of a difficult spell and on to a record run of consecutive Ukrainian league wins. He then capped it internationally with a tremendous winner in the Champions League match with title holders Chelsea.

2) Thiago Silva (PSG) Even if the Serie A title slipped away from Milan, few would argue against the widely-held belief that Silva is the best central defender in the world - which is exactly why PSG pursued him so doggedly.

1) Ramires (Chelsea) He made astonishing progress during his second season in England. Even if he missed the Champions League final, he had a huge influence on Chelsea winning the trophy, scoring crucial goals in the final group game against Valencia and in the semi-final at Barcelona.

For The User 

******Usman ahmed owner of this blog created this post with his knowledge.All content provided on this blog is not copied from any other blog and site and is for informational purposes only and  The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

Neymar admits talks to extend contract with Santos

Santos star Neymar has been linked with a move to top teams like Chelsea, Bayern and Barcelona.

The player however has admitted he might extend his contract with Santos. He was asked by Brazilian TV channel ESPN Brasil if there is a possibility of staying at Santos beyond the 2014 World Cup, he said: "Why not?"

Neymar added: "Talks to extend my contract are underway, but they are being handled by by father".

Santos reportedly plan to increase his salary by R$ 1 million (about 385,000 Euros) a month, from his current R$ 3.5 mllion a month to R$ 4.5 million a month (about 1.7 million Euros a month).

If Neymar does not renew his contract with Santos, he can leave the club for free after the World Cup.

The Brazilian star has however promised not to leave the club for free, and by signing a new contract, any buyer would have to pay a transfer fee to sign him from Santos.

For The User 

******Usman ahmed owner of this blog created this post with his knowledge.All content provided on this blog is not copied from any other blog and site and is for informational purposes only and  The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

Santos set to offer Neymar new contract says father

Neymar has been offered a new contract to by Santos to extend his stay at the club beyond 2014, according to his agent and father.

Neymar Sr. says the club have moved to secure the forward's future in light of interest this summer from some of Europe's biggest clubs.

"Santos have now offered us a deal for him to renew his contract, but we will have to wait and talk to them," Neymar's father and agent explained at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Brazil.

"It is very difficult to see him leaving before 2013 although we will have to think about what is best for him."

The Santos sensation has already been linked with moves to Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid but his club believe they have a chance of keeping him in Brazil.

Bayern Munich were recently ruled out as a possible destination after club legend Franz Beckenbauer believes they do not need the Seleção star.

For The User 

******Usman ahmed owner of this blog created this post with his knowledge.All content provided on this blog is not copied from any other blog and site and is for informational purposes only and  The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

Ronaldinho: Manchester United would have won more European Cups with me

Ronaldinho has expressed his belief that Manchester United would have won more European trophies if they had signed him, as the Brazil star spoke about England ahead of Wednesday’s Wembley friendly.

The 32-year-old was widely expected to sign for the Old Trafford outfit before a deal broke off and he instead joined Spanish giants Barcelona.

Now plying his trade in his homeland, the Atlético Mineiro man told the Daily Mail that he doesn’t regret not moving to the Premier League.

He said: "That was the only time it has been a real option. If Manchester United had signed me they would have won more European Cups.

"I have played for some of the biggest teams in the world and won everything. The only regret is not playing more seasons with Lionel Messi."

Ronaldinho won numerous trophies and individual accolades during his five years at Camp Nou, including two FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

The Brazilian has also represented the national side since 1999, winning one World Cup title, and went on to discuss some of his upcoming English opponents.

Ronaldinho added: "Rooney is a player I like. There is not a national squad in the world he would not improve. Ashley Cole is a fantastic defender also, I have seen him keep the best players in the world quiet.

"There are so many good English players, Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney, all players who, at their peak, would have got into any team in the world."

The former PSG and Milan star also gave his opinion of the English game and why he believes the national side have failed to win a major tournament since their 1966 World Cup victory.

He concluded: "The game is far more physical. I have played against some great players in England, but also the mentality is that we don't mind kicking you as well.

"You look at the Brazil, France and Spain teams who have been successful and I don't think England have ever been at that level in these years."

For The User 

******Usman ahmed owner of this blog created this post with his knowledge.All content provided on this blog is not copied from any other blog and site and is for informational purposes only and  The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.