Freestyle football - Matt's got the moves

MATT Aird has busked in Rundle Mall but this week the 19-year-old from Adelaide's south will begin his campaign to take on the world's best freestyle footballers in South Africa.

Aird's biggest audience to date has been a handful of shoppers in the city centre but on Thursday the soccer ball juggler will be South Australia's sole hope in the Red Bull Street Style qualifier in Melbourne.

If he wins the try-out stage on either Thursday or Friday, Aird will be flown to Sydney to face the leading contenders from NSW and Queensland. After launching in Australia this year, Red Bull Street Style national trials will be staged in 45 countries over the coming months.

The Aussie winner will be invited to an international shootout at the 2010 world finals in Cape Town in March.

"I've only done a couple of performances, but not nearly as big as the one I'm going doing for Red Bull," Aird said.

"With performing, for some reason you can do the combos that you can't do when you're practising at home. Being in front of a crowd, it's like stepping up another gear.

"Sometimes I get comments if I'm busking at Rundle Mall, you get people who say 'You can't do that on a pitch', or 'I can do that', that kind of thing. I think it's a compliment. I love it."

Happy Valley's Aird, studying mechanical engineering at university, took up the sport three years ago after seeing a highlights package on YouTube.

He played soccer through high school but said freestyle's extreme range of skills meant the two sports were worlds apart.

"It's like comparing figure skating to ice hockey - they both involve skating but they're totally different," Aird said.

The street style competition is similar to Australian Idol - but with a soccer ball.

Rivals perform stunts in solo and head-to-head battles, on a stage with pumping music.

Judges award points for individual tricks and combinations, and apply penalties for dropping the ball or use of hands. The world leaders also merge juggling talent with breakdance-inspired moves.


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Rooney hospitalised after stumbling over his yacht

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who is holidaying on the French Riviera, ended up in a hospital after stumbling over his luxury yacht.
According to reports, his pregnant wife Coleen took him to a hospital in St Tropez after he toppled over on the deck.

Doctors feared that Ronney might have suffered a concussion, following which he was kept under observation for two and a half hours.

“He cut his head and everyone was worried he may have a concussion. So, he was taken for a check-up,” The Mirror.co quoted an insider, as saying.

“Wayne might have looked like he was trying to keep a low profile by wearing a cap and hoodie but he was probably trying to hide his cut,” he added.

The Man U star was finally discharged, when doctors were satisfied that the medical reports showed no serious injury. (ANI)


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Manchester City test John Terry's loyalty with £40m bid

Manchester City will make an increased bid of £40 million for John Terry, although any transfer is likely to be dependent on the England captain’s willingness to force the issue.

Chelsea suspect that Terry may be using City’s interest as leverage in an effort to secure an improved contract, but if he is serious about leaving Stamford Bridge, the club will insist that the defender submits a transfer request as they are determined not to be painted as the villains in any prospective sale.

City would not have pursued Terry so rigorously had they not been given grounds for encouragement and are refusing to concede defeat despite having a £30 million bid rejected last week.

Terry would stand to earn about £200,000 a week at City — compared with his existing wages of £135,000 a week at Chelsea — and is said to be impressed by the scale of City’s ambitions, although the club must be aware that they could be being used as a bargaining tool.

Chelsea would consider opening talks with Terry, whose present contract has three years left to run, about a new deal, but they will not be held to ransom and know that £40 million is a lot of money for City to offer for a player who turns 29 in December.

The tone of the statement Chelsea released last week, confirming that they had “completely rejected” City’s offer, reflected their frustration, but despite encouraging Terry to reiterate his commitment to the club, the defender has yet to do so.

City lodged an initial bid for Terry in January, despite being warned off by Chelsea before that, but the situation is intriguing not least because it pits the two of the richest owners in world football against each other for the second time in less than a year.

Sheikh Mansour, the City owner and Arab billionaire, won the previous battle of wills in September last year, with Roman Abramovich, his Chelsea counterpart, refusing to match City’s £34.2 million British record bid for Robinho, the Brazil forward.

Mark Hughes, the City manager, has made it clear that he covets Terry over most others and believes that his leadership qualities, along with his defensive nous and goalscoring prowess from set-pieces, will greatly strengthen a rearguard that still has a fragile look.

Reports that Hughes and Terry were on holiday at the same hotel complex in Dubai last week will only add fuel to the heated speculation.

Hughes wants to pair Terry and Joleon Lescott, of Everton, in central defence next season, although the City manager may wait to see how the Terry situation pans out before stepping up his efforts for Lescott. Everton’s £20 million-plus valuation of Terry’s England team-mate may prove a sticking point.

If a second bid for Terry fails, Hughes is likely to turn to Kolo Touré, the Arsenal defender who is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium next summer and who would be available for about £14 million.

City are still awaiting a decision from Samuel Eto’o, the Cameroon striker, who is locked in a dispute with Barcelona.

Manchester United also inquired about Eto’o this summer but it seems unlikely that Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, will sign another striker now that Michael Owen has joined on a free transfer.
Despite the uncertainty over Terry and Eto’o, however, Carlos Tévez’s £25.5 million transfer to City should finally be ratified this week, with the former United striker rejecting suggestions that a cross-city move would be an act of betrayal.

“If I play for Manchester City I don’t think the United fans will feel I am a traitor,” Tévez said.
¤ Christopher Samba has put Manchester City on red alert by refusing to pledge his future to Blackburn Rovers (Graham Chase writes). The centre back was brought to Ewood Park by Mark Hughes in January 2007 and the City manager wanted to take him to Manchester last summer.

The 25-year-old defender has also been linked with Everton and West Ham United and has left himself open to a move away from Blackburn.

“I am still at Blackburn, so I can’t comment,” he said. “Whoever wants me will need to talk to Blackburn Rovers and we will see. I am calm and waiting.”


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Owen Will Be Better Than Tevez For Manchester United

Former England manager Glen Hoddle has insisted that Michael Owen will be a better attacking option than Carlos Tevez for Manchester United.

Owen went from Newcastle United to Old Trafford on Friday in a move that has taken the football world by surprise.

However, Hoddle insisted the transfer would suit Owen perfectly and he tipped the striker to thrive at his new club.

“The way United play will suit Michael down to the ground,” Hoddle told the Sunday Mirror.

“Possession football and a lot of chances. It couldn't be better for him.

“At United, he won't be the focal point of the team. He will have the likes of Rooney, Berbatov and Valencia around him. They are match-winners as well. He will thrive at United.”

Hoddle also insisted that Owen would outscore Tevez, who rejected the chance to stay on at the club and now looks set to move to Manchester City instead.

“It is a superb bit of business by Sir Alex Ferguson. I'm convinced it could be the shrewdest signing of the summer,” he added.

“If Michael can stay relatively fit and be involved in 30 or so games, he can be better for United in front of goal than Tevez.”





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Life without Kaka will be difficult for Milan

In summer of 2003, two relatively unknown players, Riccardo Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, signed for Milan and Manchester United from Sao Paolo and Sporting Lisbon respectively.
In a matter of months both became valuable assets for their new clubs.
Kaka steered Milan to the 2007 Champions League and a year later, Ronaldo helped United beat Chelsea in an unprecedented all-English final to lift their third European Cup. On a personal level, Kaka won the 2007 Golden Ball whereas Ronaldo was given the same France Football award last year.
By sheer coincidence, these two players were Real Madrid's first signings in Florentino Perez's second reign at the club this summer.
Whereas United intend utilising the proceeds made from the sale of Ronaldo (thought to be in the region of €93 million) to bolster an already-strong squad, Milan have used the €64 million cashed in on the sale of Kaka to balance their books.
This move has irked many Rossoneri supporters because the transfer of Kaka is seen as a big step in the wrong direction for a club harbouring aspirations of glory both domestically and on the continent.
In the past, Milan did lose some of their best players but stability in the team was always maintained and they went on to conquer Europe and lift the scudetto.
Marco van Basten's last competitive game for Milan was the 1993 European Cup final. The following season, Milan replaced the Dutch master by giving more playing time to veteran Daniele Massaro.
The move paid rich dividends as in 1993/94 Milan became the second Italian club - after Inter in 1964/65 - to win the scudetto and the European Cup in the same season.
More recently, in summer of 2006, Milan offloaded Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea and in the following year they went all the way to lifting the Champions League trophy at the expense of Liverpool.
So, can history repeat itself this time around as Brazil duo Ronaldinho and Alexander Pato are now expected to be allowed a free role to operate behind a lone striker, likely to be new signing Emanuel Adebayor (Arsenal).
In other words, can Milan achieve more with less?
The answer to this depends mainly on Milan's new signings.
Ronaldinho was largely out of action for most of last season. If the 2005 Golden Ball winner can hit top-form again, the departure of Kaka could indeed pass unnoticed. Up to 2006, Ronaldinho was considered the best player in the world before hitting a dark patch with Barcelona.
Last season, Ronaldinho showed just a glimpse of his magic but to replace Kaka over an entire campaign he has to step up several gears, keep up in shape and, perhaps, earn his place back in the Brazil national team ahead of the World Cup.
New Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, formerly of Milan, is doing his utmost this summer to prise Pato away from the San Siro.
However, Milan chief Adriano Galliani has insisted several times that the Brazil prodigy is not for sale.
If Pato stays put, Milan could still vie for the honours but if Milan give in to Chelsea's offers, then it becomes pretty obvious that money matters more for Galliani and the rest of the Milan hierarchy.
Pato is Milan's future. For the fans, he has become what Kaka has represented after the departure of Shevchenko.
In recent years, Milan signed seasoned players, putting commercial interests as priority ahead of football matters. But there are indications this summer that the trend is changing as Milan have already snapped up a number of promising youngsters in the shape of Ignazio Abate (Torino), Giacomo Beretta (Albinoleffe) and Gianmarco Zigoni (Treviso).
Club supremo Silvio Berlusconi was criticized in the past for having appointed novices Arrigo Sacchi and then Fabio Capello at the helm of the team. But results have always proved the Italian premier right.
Given the prevailing negative economic climate around the globe, it was inevitable not to sell Kaka at such a conspicuous transfer fee. Milan have a mammoth task in replacing the Brazil wizard but with the right moves and signings, this seemingly-insurmountable hurdle could be overcame.
It is a matter of belief.


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40,000 fans welcome Kaka to Real Madrid

Around 40,000 fans flocked to Real Madrid's Estadio Bernabeu to see the presentation of new signing Kaka.

The Brazilian playmaker - signed from AC Milan three weeks ago for around 65 million euros ($91.31 million) - was presented to the fans and media Tuesday by new club president Florentino Perez, who said that the Brazilian was 'unique and special' and 'an icon of our times'. 

Kaka, for his part, said that 'today is a very special day for me. I am very happy to start a new stage in my career at Real Madrid, and I hope to write my name into the history of this great club.' 

It was then announced that Kaka will wear the No.8 shirt for Real. The Spanish giants have already sold more than 2,000 Kaka replica shirts, without any number on them. 

Kaka, 27, flew into Madrid Tuesday morning from South Africa, where he had guided Brazil to triumph at the Confederations Cup. He underwent rigorous medical checks at the Estadio Bernabeu and then put his name to a lucrative six-year contract. 

Perez, who returned as Real president June 1, is prepared to spend more than 250 million euros building a star-studded team to challenge European champions Barcelona. 

He has also signed Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for a world record fee of around 94 million euros, and defender Raul Albiol from Valencia. 

Ronaldo will be presented to the media July 6, Albiol later next week. 

According to the Spanish media, Perez' next transfer targets are Liverpool pair Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, plus Valencia's David Villa and Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich.

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Brazil door open for Ronaldinho

Brazil manager Dunga has told former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho the door is still open for a return to the national side.

The AC Milan forward was left out of Brazil's squad for the Confederations Cup in South Africa as they bid to win the tournament for a third time.
Ronaldinho has suffered indifferent form since his move to the San Siro from Barcelona, scoring 10 goals in 32 outings in his first campaign.
Wayward form for both club and country towards the end of last season prompted Dunga to omit him from his squad for the Confederations Cup, which acts as a dress rehearsal for next year's World Cup.

Responsibility

"I would like him to come back," said Dunga. "But whether he will come back I don't know.
"I think you must address that question to him directly. He obviously has that responsibility on his shoulders, it depends more on him than on me, but I would like him to come back."
Upon announcing his players for the tournament, Dunga revealed he would not pick the Milan star until he recaptured the type of form which once made him the best player in the world.
In March, the 29-year-old was ridiculed for a poor performance as Brazil drew 1-1 with Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier and he has made just one appearance in the yellow shirt since.

Big star

Despite the absence of one of football's biggest stars, the national team have been in impressive form in South Africa, netting 11 goals en route to Sunday's final against USA.
Despite the form, which includes a 4-0 drubbing of World Cup holders Italy, Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has suggested the South Americans are not equipped to win a sixth Cup next year.
But Dunga, who captained his country to their 1994 triumph, disagrees and highlights their attacking ability as a strong point.
"Anyone can have an opinion," said Dunga. "So let's just look at the number of goals we scored here.
"We had the best attack in the group stages and scored 10 goals and you can't argue against the numbers and the facts."


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Manchester City announce that Tevez will sign

Carlos Tevez is set to wear the blue of Manchester City after the club announced they have reached an agreement over a proposed move to the City of Manchester Stadium.

Tevez has agreed personal terms and is expected to pen a five-year deal at Eastlands. City have confirmed the deal has been ratified by the Premier League and the Football Association, and Tevez is expected to have a medical shortly before meeting up with his new team-mates on their pre-season tour to South Africa.

Manager Mark Hughes said "It is terrific news. Carlos is an international player of the highest class who possesses all the attributes that will help drive this club forward."

Tevez caught an overnight flight from South America on Monday to Manchester to put an end to a lengthy pursuit of a player who ended his association with Manchester United after finishing a two-year loan at Old Trafford amid much acrimony at the end of June.

City have previously been reluctant to express too much confidence about the chances of Tevez joining them, knowing the complexities of the deal could scupper it at any time. Tevez's "economic rights" are owned by third-party group MSI, fronted by businessman Kia Joorabchian.

Despite something of a rapport with fans at Old Trafford, and a United offer that met MSI's requirements in terms of wages and a fee for the player, Red Devils' boss Sir Alex Ferguson said on Monday that he felt the Argentine striker had decided to bail out long before the eventual decision was taken.

"I half expected Carlos Tevez would be going a long time back," said the United boss. "I think he maybe did a deal around January because I spoke to him and gave him an offer on the night we played Inter Milan (in March) and he never came back to me.

"I phoned him on holiday and he never got back to me and I texted him twice and he never got back to me then either, so obviously he had made his mind up a long time ago.

"He was a good player and did well for us. But he obviously assessed the situation and wanted to go somewhere else."

Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor has also emerged as the latest big name to catch City's eye while they also wait to see what the result of conversations between John Terry and Chelsea will be.

Blues chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak is willing to make Terry the highest-paid player in England in order to lure him north.

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Cristiano Ronaldo is simply the best

Cristiano Ronaldo has come a long way from that slightly gawky 18-year-old who performed almost as many dives as step-overs, and whose final product was somewhat lacking.

He has come a long way, too, from that hate figure for English football, vilified for his part in Wayne Rooney's sending-off during the 2006 World Cup.

Now, quite simply, Ronaldo is recognised as the best player in the world.
And now his career is set for another chapter.

The 24-year-old's world record £80million move to Real Madrid from Manchester United was rubber-stamped last night with the player having agreed a six-year contract with the Spanish giants.

The second 'galacticos' era under Florentino Perez kicked off earlier this month with the signing of Brazil playmaker Kaka, and now Real have sealed another massive coup.

So what will Madrid be getting for their money?

He has it all - proficient with either foot, tremendous speed, brilliant dribbling ability, a vicious shot, a free-kick style that he alone has mastered, a goal-poacher's nose, a powerful physique and strength in the air, which was highlighted by heading home the opening goal in last year's Champions League final.

He even manages that little bit of luck all great players seem to have - his penalty miss in the Moscow shoot-out against Chelsea will largely be forgotten as his team-mates got him out of trouble.

Does he have a weakness? Not even his temperament any more, as the occasional tantrums that sometimes surfaced in the past now appear under control.

Ronaldo, in fact, is as close as you can get to the complete footballer.

The story of his discovery by United is the stuff of legend now.

Sir Alex Ferguson had already been alerted to the 18-year-old's promise by his assistant Carlos Queiroz when United were invited to play Sporting Lisbon in a friendly to inaugurate their new stadium in August 2003.

Sporting won 3-0, and the United players were so impressed by the Portuguese teenager they implored Ferguson to sign him. Within a week, he had done so, for £12.24million - an astonishing sum for such a young player untested in the Premier League.

"In the dressing room after the match the lads were talking about him constantly," said Ferguson.
"On the plane back home from the game they urged me to sign him - that's how highly they rated him.

He was one of the most exciting young players I had ever seen."

Ferguson had to move quickly because by that time Queiroz was at Real Madrid and was trying to persuade his sporting director there, Jorge Valdano, to move for Ronaldo, but United swooped first.

Born on the island of Madeira, Ronaldo began his career with FC Andorinha, who turned down an offer of just £175 from Maritimo for an offer of two seasons' worth of kit and equipment from Nacional.

His move to Sporting was equally low key - as part-exchange instead of cash when a defender called Franco moved the other way.

Ronaldo did not settle in well on the mainland, though, and was expelled from his first school.
"When I arrived at Lisbon, the teacher was making fun of my Madeira accent. I didn't like it and I threw a chair at her," he confessed later.

Sporting agreed the precocious talent could concentrate on football and, on August 15, 2001, he was handed his senior debut as a 16-year-old.

Once at United, taking over the number seven shirt that had belonged to David Beckham was no small task, and initially there were some doubts about his tendency to over-elaborate, not to mention his propensity to dive.

Ferguson worked on both weaknesses, and soon they were ironed out - even if opposition fans still believe the way he sometimes collapses under a challenge is over-dramatic.

Any lingering doubts were dispelled by the 2004 FA Cup final, when he dazzled during United's 3-0 win over Millwall.

After the World Cup three years ago, there were serious doubts whether he would return to United or join Real Madrid, such was the public loathing following the England v Portugal match.

It was partly thanks to Rooney, who made it clear there were no hard feelings on his part, that Ronaldo was rehabilitated.

And, although the Portuguese forward came in for some grief from opposing fans, soon they realised that actually they were being given an opportunity to witness true footballing genius.

He scored 23 goals in 2006-07, and as importantly was credited with 20 'assists', and won both major Footballer of the Year prizes.

In the 2007-08 season, he almost doubled his goals tally - an astonishing achievement - although his assists' total was around a third of the previous figure, which was perhaps an indication he was being played in a more direct role by Ferguson.

Once again, he was the only real candidate for both domestic gongs.

After missing the start of the 2008-09 campaign through injury, he went on to bag another 26 goals in all competitions to help United retain their league title and reach the Champions League final for a second year in succession.

In December he picked up the Ballon d'Or and in January added the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year accolade to his personal haul - official recognition that he is the best footballer on the planet.

CRISTIANO RONALDO FACTFILE
1985: Born February 5 in Funchal on the Portuguese island of Madeira.

2002: Makes his debut for Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese Super Liga at the age of 17 after winning international caps for Portugal's youth sides.

2003: August 6 - Scores in pre-season friendly against Manchester United.

August 8 - Completes a £12.24million transfer to United, taking the number seven shirt following the sale of then England captain David Beckham to RealMadrid.

August 16 - Makes his debut as a second-half substitute in opening-day 4-0 win over Bolton at Old Trafford.

August 20 - Plays for Portugal's full national side in 1-0 win over Kazakhstan.

November 1 - Scores his first goal for United in the 3-0 victory over Portsmouth at Old Trafford.
2004: May 22 - Dazzles in United's 3-0 FA Cup final victory over Millwall.

June 24 - Scores in the shoot-out as Portugal knock England out of the European Championships 6-5 on penalties.

July 4 - Plays in Euro 2004 final, which Portugal lose 1-0 to Greece.

2005 October 19 - Arrested and questioned by police after an allegation of rape at a London hotel is made against him. Ronaldo asserts his innocence. No charges are brought.

November 18 - Agrees two-year extension to his United contract, keeping him at the club until 2010.

2006: July 1 Protests to referee Horacio Elizondo after United team-mate Wayne Rooney clashes with Ricardo Carvalho in the World Cup quarter-final between Portugal and England. Rooney is sent off and television pictures catch Ronaldo winking towards the bench. Scores the winning penalty in the shoot-out to knock out England.

July 8 - After losing the third-place play-off to Germany, Ronaldo reveals he wants to leave United. Admits he would like a move to Spain, having been linked with Real Madrid.

July 7 - United stress there is "no possibility" Ronaldo will be sold.

2007: February 6 - Named captain of the Portugal team for a friendly against Brazil a day after his 22nd birthday.

April 13 - Agrees new five-year deal with Red Devils.

April 22 - Voted both the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year - the first player to land the double award since Andy Gray in 1977.

May - Voted Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association as United win the Premier League title.

December 17 - Finishes third in FIFA World Player of the Year voting, behind winner Kaka and Lionel Messi.

2008: March 19 - Scores twice in a 2-0 win over Bolton - taking his tally for
2007-08 to 33 - to beat George Best's 40-year-old club record for goals scored by a winger in a single season.

April 27 - Voted PFA Player of the Year for the second year running.

May 5 - United claim Premier League title with win at Wigan.

May 14 - Real Madrid claim they have the funds to purchase Ronaldo.

May 21 - Heads United in front in Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow. The game goes to penalties and, despite Ronaldo missing his kick, United win the shoot-out. Ends the season with 42 goals.

May 22 - Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster says he believes Ronaldo will play for the Spanish club at some point in his career.

June 2 - Ronaldo is reported to have told Brazilian website Terra that he wants to join Madrid, if they can meet United's asking price.

June 6 - United report Madrid to FIFA over their pursuit of Ronaldo.

June 19 - Unable to prevent Portugal being dumped out of Euro 2008 as Luiz Felipe Scolari's team lose 3-2 to Germany in the quarter-finals.

July 7 - Ronaldo undergoes surgery on his injured ankle in Amsterdam.

August 8 - Tells Portuguese newspaper Publico he will remain with Manchester
United "for at least another year".

August 17 - Makes his return from injury as a 62nd-minute substitute in a home goalless draw with Villarreal in the Champions League.

November 15 - Scores 100th goal for Manchester United with the first of a brace against Stoke.
November 30 - Sent off for two yellow cards in the Manchester derby, the second caution coming after a bizarre handball incident.

December 2 - Wins the prestigious Ballon d'Or, convincingly seeing off competition from second-placed Messi and Liverpool's Fernando Torres, in third.

2009: January 8 - Escapes uninjured after writing off his Ferrari sports car by crashing into a roadside barrier under a tunnel near Manchester Airport on his way to training.

January 12 - Named FIFA World Player of the Year at gala ceremony in Zurich.

May 16 - Helps United win Premier League title with 0-0 draw against Arsenal.

May 27 - Unable to prevent United losing 2-0 to Barcelona in the Champions League final in Rome.
June 11 - United accept a world-record £80million bid from Real Madrid.

June 26 - United and Real confirm they have finalised an agreement for the transfer of Ronaldo. The player has agreed a six-year contract with Madrid.

FIVE MEGA DEALS

Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid from Manchester United was finalised tonight with the Portuguese officially joining the Spanish giants on July 1 for a world record transfer fee of £80million.
Here, we look at five other record-breaking deals.

1 Kaka, £56million from AC Milan to Real Madrid 2009
Just three days before Real revealed they had an agreement to sign Ronaldo, they made their first major purchase of the summer following Florentino Perez's return as president with the capture of brilliant Brazilian Kaka. The midfielder had rejected a move to Manchester City in January - for nearly double the fee - but the bumper pay day for cash-strapped Milan sealed the deal this time.

2 Zinedine Zidane, £46.7million, Juventus to Real Madrid 2001
Following the controversial arrival of Luis Figo in the Spanish capital a year before, Perez continued his now-infamous 'galacticos' project with the capture of the then FIFA World Player of the Year Zinedine Zidane from Italian giants Juventus for a world record fee.

3 Luis Figo, £37million, Barcelona to Real Madrid 2000
Perez was elected Real president in the summer of 2000 on the back of his promise to do the unthinkable and bring the star player from arch-rivals Barcelona to the Bernabeu. Upon appointment he was true to his word, breaking the world transfer record by signing Figo for £37million.

4 Hernan Crespo, £35.7million Parma to Lazio 2000
In the summer of 2000, Sven-Goran Eriksson's Lazio were Serie A champions and flush with cash following the sale of Christian Vieri to Inter Milan a year before for a then world-record fee. They spent £35.7million of their money on Parma's Hernan Crespo, who finished top scorer in the league in his first season in Rome but was unable to help the club defend their Scudetto and also left for Inter in 2002.

5 Robinho, £32.5million, Real Madrid to Manchester City 2008
Having been taken over by the super-rich Abu Dhabi United Group on the final day of the 2008 summer transfer window, the new owners of Manchester City made a signal of their intent by beating Chelsea to the signing of unsettled Brazilian star Robinho from Real Madrid in a Premier League record deal worth £32.5million.


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Wayne Rooney: I can be central to Manchester United

Wayne Rooney believes he can compensate for the summer exodus of attacking talent from Manchester United - after admitting he has not been given the chance to shine so far at Old Trafford.

Key men Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez have left the Barclays Premier League champions since the end of the season.

Already, it has been suggested that Rooney must step up and fulfil his potential this season if United are to maintain their lofty standards of recent campaigns.

And the England striker feels more than ready to meet that obligation.

"We've lost two key players and obviously I hope we can get a few players in," Rooney told The Times.

"Between them Cristiano and Carlos scored a lot of goals for us last season and the season before, but I would like to think I'm capable of filling that gap.

"I've said before that, if I can play in my right position, I'm capable of doing that."

Rooney has often been asked to operate out wide by manager Sir Alex Ferguson since joining from Everton.

The Liverpudlian is adamant that has prevented him from showing his best form on a consistent basis, and believes the time is right to make a permanent switch to the centre.

"I want to play in the position where I feel I'm best," he said.

"A lot of people think I'm best as a centre forward.

"To play in a Champions League final and to play week in, week out for Manchester United is a privilege and it's something I'm very lucky to be doing, but I don't think playing on the wing I can express myself as much as I like to."


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Kaka and the Backstreet Boys

MANCHESTER CITY’S Brazilian star striker Robinho has tried to embarrass his international teammate Kaka upon the former AC Milan attacker’s transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid by making public knowledge the €67.2 million (RM319.6m)-rated player’s love for popular 1990’s boyband, the Backstreet Boys.

When asked about the musical preferences of the 27-year-old Kaka, Robinho, himself a former player of Real, is reported to have said to the press, “Kaka? Music? He will only listen to the Backstreet Boys!”

The Backstreet Boys, a boy band, are best known for their smash-hits such as: Quit Playing Games With My Heart, As Long As You Love Me and Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely.

Kaka could car-pool’ with Manchester United’s £80 million (RM465.4m) star Cristiano Ronaldo, should they both live in the same vicinity of Real’s Santiago Bernabeu home, as the Portugal international is also partial to the odd cheesy single and is said to have Phil Collins in his CD-rack.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s attacking teammate of five years, Wayne Rooney, is said to be friends with rap mogul P Diddy (formerly known as Puff Daddy) after the England international, together with his wife, Colleen McLoughlin, won a weekend with the Come With Me star during a fund-raising bash hosted by David Beckham.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Stuart Taylor has become the third signing of the summer for City from from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.

Taylor who followed the same path of midfielder Gareth Barry, and also traded Villa Park for the City of Manchester Stadium, and manager Mark Hughes were delighted to have sealed the deal. The other player signed is Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn Rovers.

“We are delighted to be able to add a goalkeeper of Taylor’s undoubted calibre to the squad,” Hughes told the club’s website. “He is still a fairly young goalkeeper at 28 but he provides a wealth of experience and reliability.”

Taylor will provide cover and competition for firstchoice Shay Given, and will also pave the way for Joe Hart to leave the club on a loan deal in order to secure first-team football in the build-up to the World Cup in South Africa next year.

Hart is keen to play regular football so that he can play his way into contention for England boss Fabio Capello’s 2010 squad.


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Real Madrid Should Sign Great Players – Iker Casillas

Iker Casillas thinks that Real Madrid are right to have splashed out on Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo because they proved in the past that big-money signings can be a success.

Los Merengues' goalkeeper hopes that the expensive duo can mirror the effect that Zinedine Zidane had on the club when he arrived for a world record fee in 2001.

Although Madrid have raised eyebrows with their outlay of around €161 million for two players, Casillas is pleased that the club are rebuilding after a poor season.

"I think it's fantastic to sign great players because the best should play for Real Madrid," the club's official website quote him as having said.

"Such an amount of money was paid in the past for men like Zidane, who was an amazing player and a great person. The same goes for [David] Beckham. I don't know Kaka, but I'm told he is a great guy and that's important."

Casillas may have won everything possible with Real Madrid, but he is now intent on following up Spain's European Championship victory with Confederations Cup and World Cup winning medals.

"I will always have the chance to win something every year with Real Madrid, but a Euro only comes every four years. Winning in Vienna was a childhood dream come true," he added.

"I didn't want to retire without winning a title with the national team. Great players like [Andoni] Zubizarreta, [Emilio] Butragueno, [Diego] Camacho and [Josep] Guardiola played for Spain in the past, but they had only won a silver medal in the Euros and an Olympic gold medal.

"The problem is we now want more. We are playing to win the Confederations Cup and the World Cup is around the corner. We are hungry for titles."


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Ronaldinho Desperate For Recall To Brazilian National Team

AC Milan’s Ronaldinho was left out of Brazil’s Confederations Cup squad, which is currently taking place in South Africa.

His country have comfortably topped Group B, with a maximum nine points from three matches, and the former FIFA World Player of the Year is desperate to earn a recall to the team, in the lead up to next year’s World Cup.

“I certainly want to return to the national team, which for me is like a family,” Ronaldinho declared in an interview with TV Globo.

“Next year I want to be a part of the World Cup with Brazil. I am not angry for not being in South Africa with the national team at this moment, but I am very sad.

“I love the national team and what the fans do for you. I have been a member for a long time, and I was also the captain.

“I desperately want to return, and for this it is necessary that I have an excellent season with Milan. I have to give my all, and we need to be successful along the way.

“That will be the easiest way for me to regain my place in the national team.”

Brazil recently smashed three goals past a hapless Italian side, to book their spot in the final four of the Confederations Cup.


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Carlos Tevez decides to leave Man United

MANCHESTER, England — Carlos Tevez is considering joining Chelsea or Manchester City after rejecting a five-year deal with Manchester United.

The Argentina striker, who would have become one of United's top-earners, left the Premier League champions because he felt unwanted, but wants to continue playing in England.

Despite United's cross-town rival Manchester City not being able to offer Tevez European football next season, its wealthy Abu Dhabi ownership is targeting the world's best players to create a title-winning side.

"City and Chelsea probably would be the two clubs that are on the table," Tevez's adviser Kia Joorabchian said Saturday. "City have obviously been in contact with us. I've spoken to (City executive chairman) Garry (Cook) and to (manager) Mark (Hughes) on several occasions.
"We haven't talked to them about a contract, we haven't talked to Chelsea either about that because we've respected the fact that Carlos is a Manchester United player."

Liverpool was ruled out by Tevez because of the club's rivalry with United.

Tevez was brought to England in 2006 through a contentious loan move to West Ham by the investment company that will relinquish his rights when he seals a permanent deal.

The Red Devils said they had wanted to keep Tevez and were willing to pay 25.5 million pounds (C$47.9 million) to turn his two-year loan deal into a permanent contract.

"Disappointingly, however, his advisers informed the club that, despite the success he has enjoyed during one of the club's most successful periods, he does not wish to continue playing for Manchester United," the Old Trafford team said.

Tevez decided to leave Old Trafford, having previously said that United disrespected him by not explaining why he was dropped so often from the team.

He joined United before the 2007-08 season and quickly become a fan favourite. After the final home match of the season in May, more than a thousand supporters converged on the directors' exit and players' tunnel to chant at manager Sir Alex Ferguson: "Fergie, sign him up."

Joorabchian said the decision to reject United's offer was not down to money, but the club's long delay in making the offer.

"If it was, let's say, Wayne Rooney's contract finishing six months before, or Cristiano Ronaldo's contract finishing six months before, would they have offered a better deal to them at that time or would they have tried to secure their services a bit sooner?" Joorabchian asked. "He has that little bit of a feeling that maybe he wasn't the most wanted person at United."

Tevez's exit will leave Ferguson searching for another attacking player to complement Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov while also seeking a replacement for Ronaldo, who is set to complete a move to Real Madrid.

Teenagers Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck made impressive contributions last season, but lack the experience Man United requires as it seeks to rebound following its Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.


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Kaka ready to assume more responsibility

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AFP) — Superstar Kaka, buoyed by his recent high-profile move from AC Milan to Real Madrid, is ready to accept more responsibility as a senior player with Brazil.
The 27-year-old, who signed a six-year contract with the Spanish giants for a reported fee of 65 million euros earlier this month, recognises his growing stature as a senior player in Dunga's national team.
His willingness to step up was evident in Brazil's 4-3 victory over Egypt in the Confederations Cup here.
When the referee blew for a penalty in injury time with the scores tied 3-3, the Brazil No.10 showed no hesitation, immediately making his way to the spot before placing his strike past goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.
"Yes, I'm now a leader within the squad. Definitely not the only one, but one of several," he told Fifa.com.
"It is to be expected that more senior players such as myself, Gilberto Silva, Lucio or even Robinho should take on more responsibilities.
"It's a role that I take in my stride as it's a natural progression, it's not something that was forced upon me."
His decision to step forward for the penalty kick in a pressure situation was seen by many as a defining moment and one that he said he had learned to handle during his time at AC Milan.
"I think that my attitude is what people expect from me in the national team," said the midfielder, who will link up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real next season after the Portuguese forward's move from Manchester United.
"As for the crucial penalty against Egypt, for example, I'm used to those situations from my last few seasons at AC Milan, so it's only natural that I should perform a similar role for the national team."
Kaka was at AC Milan since arriving from Sao Paolo in 2003, scoring 70 goals in Serie A and 23 in the Champions League.
He won the 2007 Champions League with them, the 2004 league title, two European Super Cups and the world club championship in 2007.
His experience also stretches to World Cups.
He was part of the winning squad at Korea/Japan in 2002, though in a peripheral role, and was a starter at Germany 2006 in a team packed with household names like Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Cafu and Ronaldinho.
Despite his high-profile summer transfer the Brasilia-born attacking midfielder, crowned FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007, was not at his best last season, spending time on the sidelines with injuries.
But he is now fit and gnashing at the bit, keen to see Brazil win the Confederations Cup and do well at the World Cup in South Africa next year.
"Playing in the Confederations Cup is a great opportunity ahead of the 2010 World Cup, and as long as we remain strong in adversity like against Egypt, I think we'll be on the right track," he said.


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