Cristiano Ronaldo Uncertain About Manchester United Future Again

CR7 has once again left his Old Trafford future hanging in the air following his side’s Champions League final setback.

Cristiano Ronaldo cut a forlorn figure in Rome on Wednesday night after his Manchester United outfit failed in their bid to become the first team to win back-to-back Champions League titles following a 2-0 loss to Barcelona.

Speaking to the Associated Press after the game, Ronaldo was quizzed about his future and when asked whether or not he will remain a Red Devil next term, he replied, “I don’t know.”

Real Madrid have long been in pursuit of the Portuguese, but presidential hopeful Florentino Perez had recently affirmed that the club will stop the chase for the 24-year-old winger.

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Over the past few weeks, the player himself even declared that he has no intentions of leaving Old Trafford for the Santiago Bernabeu, but his latest remark is certain to send the rumor mill into overdrive again.

Meanwhile, elaborating on the defeat to Barca, a frustrated Ronaldo, who had bemoaned his team’s poor choice of tactics, said, “Everything went wrong. We didn’t control the game and we lost. I think Barcelona played better than us and they deserved to win.

“Everyone expects United to do something in the game and it didn’t happen. But I’m sure I am going to play in more finals,” he concluded optimistically.

( KS Leong / Goal )

OFFICIAL: Diego Signs For Juventus

The Bianconeri have confirmed that they have signed the Werder Bremen ace, and the Brazilian has described the move as a "dream"


Juventus have finally captured Diego and, after months of battling for his signature, the Brazilian star has signed for the club officially.

A statement on the club's official website reads:

"Now it's official: Diego Ribas da Cunha is a Juventus player. The Brazilian talent has signed a five year contract which will tie him to the club until June 30, 2014."

Diego is delighted with the move and, before heading back to Germany for the German Cup Final on Saturday between Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen, he stated,

"I am enthusiastic about Juventus and I am proud to be a part of this prestigious club which I have dreamed about since I was a child.

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"After my experiences in the Bundesliga and in Portugal, I can test myself in Italy with football of the highest level.

"It's a difficult and competitive league. I think it's the right moment in my career to make this important step and I am convinced I can reach important objectives with Juventus."

The details of the deal are as follows. Juventus will pay Werder Bremen a total of €24.5million. The payments will be broken down into three instalments.

The Italians will make their first payment of €14m on July 1 2009, another €5.5m a year later, and a final €5m on July 1, 2011.

However, Juventus could end up paying Werder an extra €2.5m depending on Diego's achievements with the club over the next five years.

( Carlo Garganese and Salvatore Landolina / Goal )

Torres Signs Improved Liverpool Contract

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres signed an improved contract with the Premier League club on Thursday.

Torres, 25, was handed the wage increase as a reward for his superb displays this season, which helped Rafa Benitez's side finish second in the Premier League behind champions Manchester United.

The new deal, believed to be worth around 90,000 pounds a week, also includes the option of a further year's extension to Torres's current contract, which is due to expire in June 2013.

Spain international Torres scored his 50th goal for Liverpool in the victory over Tottenham on the final day of the Premier League season and is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world.

"Fernando Torres has agreed a new, improved contract with Liverpool, reflecting his standing as one of the world's top strikers," the club's website confirmed.

If Torres had been able to avoid injuries that sidelined him at several key stages of the season, Liverpool would have been in a strong position to end their 19-year wait to win the English title.

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And Benitez believes the best is yet to come from Torres because he remains hungry to learn more about his position.

"Fernando is one of the best strikers in the game today and, at his age, can only get better," Benitez said.

"Every major side would want him in their team, but he has shown how much he wants to achieve success at Liverpool by committing his future to the club. He's a special talent, but still has the hunger to improve his game."

Torres joins Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger in agreeing new deals at Anfield over the past two months.

Benitez added: "We've made huge progress this season and now we need to take the next step. We are building something special here and securing such important players on long-term deals means we can move forward with confidence.

"This sends out a very positive message to everyone connected with the club."

( AFP )

Man United Star Cristiano Ronaldo Blames Tactics For CL Defeat

Cristiano Ronaldo did not hide his frustration at losing the Champions League final and revealed that Manchester United only played well in the opening few minutes.


The Red Devils failed to retain their Champions League crown following a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Barcelona at the Stadio Olimpico.

A 10th minute goal from Samuel Eto'o cooled Manchester United's early dominance, and a 70th minute header from Lionel Messi assured Barca of the Champions League trophy - their second in the space of three years.

After the game, Ronaldo lamented that his side rarely posed a threat to their Spanish counterparts.

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"Barcelona played better and it is always complicated to lose a final," he told RTP.

"We only had 10 minutes and then we never found ourselves again. We were not well, the tactics were not good and everything went wrong."

The Portuguese wizard insisted he was not affected by the media-fuelled duel with Messi.

"That did not disturb me. I am a player used to those kind of situations," Ronaldo concluded.

( Luis Mira / Goal )

Milan CEO Adriano Galliani & Kaka Rubbish Real Madrid Rumors

Galliani and the Brazilian have moved to quash fresh speculation linking the player with the Spaniards, and the official also insisted Ancelotti’s future will be revealed on Monday.

Spanish newspaper AS today claims that Real Madrid could announce the arrival of Brazilian superstar Kaka from Milan as early as next week, as the Rossoneri agreed to release the 27-year-old after making sure that French starlet Yoann Gourcuff will return to Lombardy from his loan spell at Bordeaux.

But Milan Vice President Adriano Galliani has quickly stepped in to stop the rumour mill grinding out further misiinformation, and insisted that the former Sao Paulo youngster remains committed to the Diavoli.

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“Kaka will stay at Milan,” he said in a brief interview with Sky Italia.

And Kaka was on the same wavelength, adding: “I’ve always said that I love it in Milan.”

But Galliani would not be drawn on the future of boss Carlo Ancelotti, who is expected to leave the club for Chelsea after Sunday’s final game of the Serie A season against Fiorentina.

“We’ll talk about it on Monday,” said Galliani, reiterating that no decision has been made yet.

( Vince Masiello / Goal )

Ferdinand: Two Soft Goals Cost Manchester United

The United defence had a night to forget, according to Ferdinand.


Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admitted his side’s defending had been to blame after they slumped to defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League final.

Goals by Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi saw the Spanish side claim the trophy for a third time and Ferdinand was quick to congratulate Pep Guardiola’s team.

“You have to give credit to Barcelona, they played well,” he told ITV Sport after the game.

“We are very disappointed to lose the game but when they play like this you need to be able to play your best football and today we didn’t produce it.

“I don’t think one of us out there could really say we played well either as individuals or collectively.”

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United started the game brightly but went behind to Eto’o’s opener before Messi sealed the win in the second-half.

Ferdinand insisted his side ought to have done better with the goals and also rued the chances United did create.

"Two soft goals really, shame we didn’t play well but we still created five or six great opportunities,” he explained.

“But today wasn’t to be for us and congratulations to Barcelona.”

The England international also admitted that the Catalans had deserved to win the game and insisted his side could have no excuses for their defeat.

“No excuses, I think on today’s performance they were the better team,” he concluded.

“They got two goals at crucial times and are deserved winners today.”

( Gill Clark / Goal )

Guardiola Dedicates CL Victory To Milan Captain Maldini

Pep is certainly pleased to have won Europe's top club prize and has made an unexpected dedication to Calcio.


Barcelona defeated Manchester United 2-0 in the Champions League final in Rome on Wednesday. After the match, Blaugrana boss Pep Guardiola spoke about his delight at winning the trophy.

One of the first things he mentioned was the host city and a specific issue affecting Italian football at the moment; the retirement of defender Paolo Maldini.

"I dedicate this to Italian football and Paolo Maldini, who need not worry because he has the admiration of all of Europe," the victorious boss told RAI Sport.

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The Milan captain was insulted by some Rossoneri fans during his final match at San Siro this past weekend, something that reportedly angered the former Italian international, who is on the verge of ending his 24 year career.

Guardiola knows Maldini from his playing days in Italy, where he had stints with both Brescia and Roma in the early part of the decade.

"I'm experiencing a great joy, it's been a pleasure to win it in Roma, a hug to all Italians," he said in conclusion.

( Adam Scime / Goal )

Giggs Determined to Bounce Back

Ryan Giggs said "big teams have disappointments but they bounce back" after FC Barcelona outplayed Manchester United FC to usurp the Red Devils as champions of Europe.

Bright start
United started strongly at the Stadio Olimpico and Cristiano Ronaldo had three attempts on goal before Samuel Eto'o broke the deadlock against the run of play in the tenth minute. "Barcelona scored out of nothing and we didn't really recover after that," said Giggs. "Once they go 1-0 ahead they are the best in the business at keeping the ball and they can make teams look ordinary. We had chances in the second half, and if one of those would have gone in it's a different game."

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'Fantastic season'
Instead the second goal went to Lionel Messi, the impish Argentinian finding space behind the United defence to loop a head over Edwin van der Sar with 20 minutes to play. Sir Alex Ferguson said Barça were deserved winners and his captain agreed, adding: "All credit to Barcelona, they deserved it tonight. It's been a fantastic season with what we've achieved this year. We won three leagues on the trot but have just failed at the final hurdle here."

'Bounce back'
United travelled to Rome full of confidence, with the Premier League, League Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in the trophy cabinet, yet fell short in their attempt to become the first team since AC Milan 19 years ago to claim successive European crowns. "It's a very difficult trophy to win," said Giggs. "Big teams have disappointments but they bounce back. That is what we will be doing."

'High expecations'
Fellow midfielder Michael Carrick lamented the fact the English champions lost their 25-match unbeaten run in the competition at the most inopportune moment. "We came here with high expectations but it hasn't worked out for us," he said. "We've gone unbeaten in this competition for two years and sadly it has come to an end on the wrong night, but I think we can be proud of what we achieved the last couple of years. We will go again in this competition, that's what we're here for."

( Kevin Ashby / UEFA )

Guardiola Salutes His Treble Winners

Josep Guardiola could barely contain his delight as he was applauded both in and out of the news conference that followed FC Barcelona's 2-0 defeat of Manchester United FC in the UEFA Champions League final. "We're not the best team in Barça history but we've had the best season," he said of his treble winners. Although Sir Alex Ferguson "expected better" from the holders, he paid tribute to the victors' stylish football and admitted "the better team won".

Josep Guardiola, Barcelona coach
I'm leaving [the job] straight away tomorrow – I can't do anything to top this ... We're very happy, delirious. We're aware that we've done something magnificent. I'd like to congratulate the whole club and the fans. We're not the best team in Barça history but we've had the best season. We've won three trophies but it's also about how we've won them. As a player it was great to win this trophy for the first time. Now we have three which isn't as many as other clubs but we're getting closer to a select group of mythical teams. I've said many times that we're fortunate to have the legacy of Johan Cruyff and Charlie Rexach. They were the fathers and we've followed them.

At the beginning of the game we didn't expect Manchester United to press so high. They caused us problems and we have to admit they had a great chance to score from Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick [in the second minute]. We scored with our first chance and then tried to move the ball inside. In the semi-final last year we noticed Messi had problems with Evra so we decided to move Leo from out wide to have one more player in midfield. He's the best right now and has written his name on the Ballon d'Or. Messi has a real talent and will never hide – when the going gets tough he really gets going.

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I have to process my emotions now as we've done something wonderful. We're not a tall side and have defended without a few regular players but we attacked and defended well against the best team in the world. Give me a few days to rest and then I'll tell you how I'm going to tackle next year. I just want to play well and be back here again. You can play badly and still win, but if you are daring and attack you have a better chance of winning – there's nothing more dangerous than not taking a risk. You can enjoy a victory but with time you enjoy it even more. Tomorrow we will celebrate with Catalonia.

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United manager
There's disappointment at the performance, and some individuals will feel that themselves. Our best performances this season have been when we've defended very well and tonight it was shoddy – the first goal in particular which gave them a great boost. We didn't plan to concede a goal as early as that. You have to give credit to a very good Barcelona team – the better team won. When they get in front of you they keep the ball, and after the opening goal all the midfielders closed in and kept possession, making it very difficult to get it back.

We've done well to get to a final but had to win it to change the pattern of teams defending the trophy. It was a big opportunity for us and with our players I expected better, but we couldn't recover from losing the first goal. We knew before the game what a good footballing team they are. Last year we had no difficulty defending against them, tonight we did after the first goal as Messi dropped into midfield and made it difficult for us. They have to be one of the best teams we've played, at what they do. They have fantastic possession of the ball and credit to them as they pursue their philosophy and don't change.

I've been quite pleased with the maturity of the team. Tonight the disappointment was the use of the ball when we had possession. We had to wait minutes to get it back and when we did we weren't good enough. It could be an off night, or could be that we found the mountain too big to climb after being a goal down. It's a great achievement in [Guardiola's] first year as coach so well done ... fantastic. All his players want to play, keep the ball, and enjoy their football, so all credit to him.

( Kevin Ashby / UEFA )

Is This Just The Start for Barça?

Sir Alex Ferguson may have spoken of needing victory in Rome to "join the pantheon of great teams" but it was FC Barcelona who did just that by defeating the holders to join an élite group of six clubs to have won the European Champion Clubs' Cup three times or more.

Chasing shadows
United took to the Stadio Olimpico turf with high hopes of becoming the first side in the UEFA Champions League era to successfully defend the title, but were left chasing shadows after Samuel Eto'o broke the deadlock on ten minutes. Only the Liverpool FC team that lifted the European Cup at the Stadio Olimpico in 1984 played more games in a season than United's 66 this term, and the holders looked heavy-legged as Barcelona's 'tiki-taka' passing enabled them to establish dominance.

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Dynasty
Once Lionel Messi had doubled the advantage in the 70th minute – the perfect moment to score his first goal against English opposition at the eleventh attempt – the result was beyond doubt. The triumph made Barcelona the first Spanish club to land the treble of Liga, Copa del Rey and European Cup, fuelling the belief that coach Josep Guardiola can create a dynasty at Camp Nou. With Messi (21), Gerard Piqué (22), Sergio Busquets (20) and Bojan Krkić (18) at the vanguard of an exciting crop of talent emerging from their La Masia academy, the future is bright for the Blaugrana.

Madrid final
With United failing to match the feats of AC Milan who collected back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990, Barcelona will now be determined to scale what is becoming an almost insurmountable peak – particularly with the 2010 final to be played at the Santiago Bernabéu home of great rivals Real Madrid CF. Will they do it?

( UEFA )