Shevchenko retires!

Hangin up his boots!

Former Chelsea and AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko has retired from football to pursue a career in politics.

His club, Dynamo Kiev, released a statement in which the 35-year old Ukrainian striker revealed that he would be retiring from football.

In his statement he said that the news could shock everyone and he continued to say that he's future is no longer in football.

He won his 111th and final international cap for Ukraine during Euro 2012, which was co-hosted by Ukraine, where he came on as a substitute during his country's group stage loss to England.

Shevchenko started his career in 1994 at Dynamo Kiev and went on to become one of the most, if not the most lethal strikers in Europe after his move in 1999 to AC Milan. During his time in Italy with AC Milan he won the 2003 Champions League - scoring the winning spot kick in the penalty shoot out - as well as the Serie A title, Coppa Italia and UEFA Super Cup. He also won domestic silverware in England, with Chelsea winning the FA Cup and League Cup in 2007, and Ukraine.

In 2006 the then 29-year old striker signed for Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, for a huge fee of £30 million, and spent two largely unproductive seasons at Stamford Bridge before returning to the San Siro with AC Milan. Though, he was unable to reproduce the deadly form that made him one of the most lethal and feared strikers in Europe. In 2009 he returned to Ukraine with the club where it all started, signing a two year deal with Dynamo Kiev.

Shevchenko was Ukraine's talisman for over a decade and had a national goal scoring record, scoring 48 goals. In 2006 he captained Ukraine to the World Cup quarter finals, he also won the Ballon d'Or in 2004 as the European player of the year and captained Ukraine in Euro 2012.

In his statement he said he will be going into politics and he is expected to elaborate on his plans in the near future.

Shevchenko's honors:

• Ukrainian Premier League: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
• Ukrainian Cup: 1996, 1998, 1999
• Ukrainian Super Cup: 2011
• CIS Cup: 1996, 1997, 1998
• Serie A: 2003-04
• Coppa Italia: 2003
• Supercoppa Italiana: 2004
• Uefa Champions League: 2003
• Uefa Super Cup: 2003
• FA Cup: 2007
• League Cup: 2007

Hammers make record breaking bid for Carroll!

On his way out?

West Ham United have stepped up their interest in Liverpool striker Andy Carroll by making a record breaking 17 million pound bid for the striker.

The deal in place would see the Liverpooland England striker move to Upton Park on an initial loan deal with a commitment to buy the 23-year old striker after 12 months. However, Carroll doesn't view West Ham as a serious offer and has already spoken of his desire to stay at Liverpool and fight for a spot in Brendan Rodgers team but if he had to leave Anfield he would prefer a move back to the North East with Newcastle United.

The Tyneside club have retained a strong interest in their former striker and are currently monitoring Andy Carroll's current situation at Anfield.

Newcastle United have made an initial bid for the striker which was turned down as Liverpool said it was nowhere near their valuation of the striker and judging by that it seems Liverpool, who bought the striker in January 2011 for a massive fee of 35 million pounds, are not prepared to consider any offers below 20 million pounds. Though, the Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has said that Liverpool should be prepared to take a big loss on the player instead of keeping him on the bench at Anfield.

Though, it seems West ham United are serious contenders and extremely keen to land the former Newcastle United striker as they are looking to build their team around Carroll but his uncertainty over a move to Upton Park could damaged West Ham's chances of landing the striker despite his strong friendship with former Newcastle United team-mate Kevin Nolan, who made the switch to West Ham last year.

Jack Sullivan, who is the son of West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, added to the speculation surrounding a possible move for Andy Carroll by tweeting: "Dad is working on the biggest signing in the history of the club - twice as big as anything the club have done before!"

Kompany extends stay at Manchester City

Manchester City's captain Vincent Kompany has signed a new six year deal with the Premier League Champions. The influential 26 -year old Belgian defender signed for the Manchester club in August 2008 from Hamburg and last season captained the side and led them to a first league title since 1968.

Kompany told the club's website that, in his opinion, if your "good somewhere then there is no reason to look elsewhere".

He continued to say that the club is not only a project of the owners or the people who the club employ but also his project.

The defender started out in his homeland with Anderlecht before moving to Germany and then later signed by City during Mark Hughes spell in charge.

His arrival came shortly before the takeover of the club by Sheikh Mansour, which then kick started City's massive spending spree which transformed the club's fortunes.

And since the take over by the super wealthy Arab Sheikh, City have already added silverware to their throphy room by winning the FA Cup in 2011 as well as the Premier League title last season.

And considering the fact that City have found success in the past few seasons, its no wonder Vincent Kompany wants to stay at the club and with the wealth of talent and with the backing of Sheikh Mansour City look to be on the up and look like they will continue to challenge for top honours on home soil and in Europe.

And the Oscar goes to Chelsea!



Off to London



Chelsea have secured a deal for the highly rated Brazilian midfielder Oscar, from Internacional.

The attacking midfielder signed a five year deal at Stamford Bridge for a fee in the region of £25 million.

The midfielder who is currently in the Brazilian Olympic squad joins Chelsea from Internacional after previously playing for Sao Paulo and in Brazil has been liked to his fellow countryman Kaka.

The player first said that he would make up his mind about his future after the Olympic Games in London before undergoing a medical and completing his move to the Bridge.

Oscar also said that all Brazilian players have a dream to play in Europe and the Premier League.

Chelsea, who won the Champions League last season, are on a mission to rebuild the club and have shown their intention to fight for the Premier League as well as the Champions League by completing deals for some of the hottest young talents in world football.

The likes of Werder Bremen midfielder Marko Marin, Eden Hazard who was undoubtedly one of the most sought after players in Europe as well as his brother Thorgan who is probably the more talented from the two and now the Brazilian and former Internacional midfileder Oscar, have all joined the club.

Chelsea will be looking to overthrow the dominant Manchester clubs next season and are looking a whole lot stronger after completing deals for some of Europe's and South America's best young talents during this summer.

Mix that in with players such as Lucas Piazon, who has massive potential, and the experience of others such as John Terry and Frank Lampard and you have a team that can challenge on all fronts, domestically and in Europe.

I'd go as far as saying that, even as a Manchester United fan, this Chelsea team has the quality and ability to win the Premier League next season and continue to win silverware for years to come!

Cahill off to the Big Apple

Off to the Big Apple!

Everton have agreed a terms for the transfer of Tim Cahill to Major League Soccer side the New York Red Bulls.

The fee agreed for the 32-year old Australian midfielder is believed to be around £1 million and Cahill has already agreed outline personal terms with the New York based side.


The 32-year old Australian signed for Everton from Millwall in 2004 for a fee of £1.5 million after he impressed in Millwall's run to the FA Cup final in that year.

Cahill made the move to England in August 1997 and joined Millwall from his hometown club, Sydney United on a free transfer.

In Millwall's run to the Fa Cup final the Australian scored three goals which included the winner against Sunderland in the semi-final, though the London club lost 3-0 to Manchester United in the final at the Millennium Stadium.



Cahill with NY Red Bulls team Thierry Henry



He made his international debut in 2004 and has featured for Australia in the past two World Cups in Germany and South Africa.

Cahill, who recently signed a new contract at Goodison Park in May 2010, is a fan favorite at Everton but only had a disappointing three goals last season after not finding the back of the net the whole of 2011.

Fergie wants Moura!!

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that Manchester United are still interested in Lucas Moura, the Brazil and Sao Paulo midfielder. Fergie is keen to land the midfielder but denied any deal had taken place.

He told the club's official website that the stories are incorrect and that no agreement has been reached for the talented Brazilian.

He continued to say that United do have an interest in the player.

Lucas Moura is currently with the Brazilian Olympic squad and has attracted a whole lot of interest from clubs within the Premier League, namely Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as La Liga champions Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

Ferguson has already acted quickly in the close season by sealing deals for the highly rated Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa from Borrussia Dortmund and Nick Powell from Crewe, in an attempt to regain the Premier League title which Ferguson says is the main goal for next season.

He also said that the club are looking at other options in terms of bringing players in to the club.

Fergie has also revealed that he could be missing Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans for their opening fixture of the new season against Everton.

Will Moura be the next to join United

Vidic has just returned to full training after a knee ligament injury that kept him out for most of last season, though, Ferguson has urged caution and doesn't want to risk losing players early in the campaign.

Spurs fine Modric due to absence



Modric fined by Spurs



Spurs playmaker, Luka Modric, has been fined for refusing to train as well as his absence from the club's preseason tour of the US.

The Croatian who wants to join La Liga champions Real Madrid, did not report for training last week and was not on the plane that left for the US on Saturday.

He did, however, train at Tottenham's Essex base on Monday and is expected to report daily for training there.

He was fined two weeks wages which is around £80, 000. Modric, who has four years left on his current contract, openly stated his desire to move to Chelsea last season but Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy refused to let one of the club's star players to leave.

Now it looks more likely that Levy will let Modric leave but only for the right price.

Spurs are looking at a figure closer to £40 million for the Croatian midfielder but the best offer Real Madrid have come up with at this stage is £27 million plus a couple players that the Spanish champions are looking to get rid of.

The big spending Paris Saint-Germain have been monitoring the situation and can definitely match Tottenham's asking price for the player. The club will play games against New York Red Bulls, Liverpool and LA Galaxy while Luka Modric reports to the clubs training ground.

New Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas expressed his anger at Modric on Sunday saying that he is wrong and only worsening his situation.

Though Villas-Boas did acknowledge the fact that Modric will be a major loss to the club.

Modric's representatives held talks with Real Madrid today to discuss the deal, though Modric may hand in another formal transfer request if the situation is not resolved quickly.

Brazil's Oscar has medical at Chelsea

Brazilian midfielder Oscar has said he has undergone a medical at Stamford Bridge but will only resolve his future after the Olympic Games.

The 20 year old Internacional player has been constantly linked to a move to Chelsea during the transfer window. Though, he has maintained that he has not agreed any move to Stamford Bridge.

"I only had a meeting with the doctor, nothing else. I haven't signed any contract yet," he said when asked about Chelsea's interest.

"I will wait until the end of the Olympic Games to decide my future.

"All Brazilian players have this dream. I have, like everybody, the dream to play in Europe and the Premier League."

Chelsea have already acquired the services of Lille midfielder Eden Hazard and Werder Bremen's German winger Marko Marin.

Brazil outclass Team GB

Tottenham midfielder, Sandro, puts Brazil ahead

Brazil outclassed Team Great Britain, in what was Team GB's first and only serious outing before they start their Olympic campaign.

This game was an indication to Stuart Pearce and Team GB of just how difficult it will be for them to win the gold in the Olympics, as one of the tournaments favourites, Brazil, cruised to victory over Team GB at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium.

Although, this was just a friendly it was always going to be tough for Team GB as they faced a hugely talented Brazil squad, which boasts the likes of Neymar and Hulk, who are intent on winning their first ever gold medal and also at the same time are preparing for the 2014 World Cup which they will be hosting.

Neymar doubles Brazil's advantage

Brazil were already 2 up before the half time break after Tottenham midfielder, Sandro headed Brazil ahead after 12 minutes and Neymar doubled their advantage from the penalty area just before the half time break. Mario Menezes's side controlled the game though there were encouraging signs for Team GB as they gradually grew into the game.

Brazil maintained the cutting edge though and begin their Olympic campaign against Egypt in Cardiff.

By the end of the game there had been 12 subs used and the tempo had dropped considerably, but Team GB will need to step it up their game quickly if they want to qualify from a group that includes Uruguay and United Arab Emirates as well as Senegal.

Paris Saint-Germain spending money wisely...as long as its not mine!

Milan duo head to Paris!

Paris Saint-Germain have gone big this summer and have made some major signings. The QSI group who own PSG are intent on bringing instant success to the club and are seemingly willing to do just about anything to ensure success not only in Ligue 1 but also in European competition.

The club closed a deal for Napoli's Argentine forward Ezequiel Lavezzi and for AC Milan's Brazilian centre back and in my opinion the best centre back in the world, Thiago Silva. And the club have also recently announced the acquisition of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is arguably one of the best strikers in the game.

It seems that Paris Saint-Germain are determined to become champions of France after being pipped to the title last season by Montpellier.

They are on a quest to attain success in Europe, and few would doubt them after their recent signings. In Thiago Silva they have arguably one of the best if not thee best centre back in the world, he's comfortable on the ball and can get forward but also defends brilliantly and is a rock at the back.

Lavezzi: Another of PSG's big money signings!

Ezequiel Lavezzi brings pace to the PSG forward line and is a tireless worker with loads of goals in him, though he doesn't only score goals he creates them too. And last but not least Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he just brings a completely different class to the club that they haven't had before, he's great in the air, brilliant with his back to goal and scores some stunning goals.

Put them together with players like Javier Pastore and Jeremy Menez and PSG look like title contenders not only in Ligue 1 but also in European competition.

With mega rich owners and a wealth of talent at the club, PSG definitely look like a team that can compete for top honours for seasons to come...guess everybody's got to watch out cause there's a new kid on the block!