Paraguay international Roque Santa Cruz has resigned himself to leaving Manchester City in January.
The 29-year-old former Bayern Munich and Blackburn Rovers striker has made only one appearance this season – in the Carling Cup defeat at West Brom.
Santa Cruz retired from international football after the World Cup finals in South Africa and was expected to leave Eastlands before the summer transfer window closed.
City manager Roberto Mancini admitted last month that the forward was unlikely to enjoy much first-team football this term, and Roque Santa Cruz has now admitted:"I can't see myself playing in the team and that's frustrating.
"When the boss does not believe in you then you can't push him to do so.
"It's frustrating for me because I'm healthy and I'll keep working hard on my fitness.
"But once the time comes, I'll have to look at my options of playing somewhere else. There is no alternative."
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The forward has been linked with a reunion with Mark Hughes at Fulham after scoring only four times in 23 appearances for City.
He previously found the net 29 times in 70 matches for Blackburn before joining City in the summer of 2009 for £17.5million.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has stated that he was happy with his team’s performance on Monday night, as his men drew 0-0 with Tottenham.
The Anfield crowd saw a positive display from The Reds and Luis Suarez return from the bench, but no goals against the north London side.
The Scottish coach applauded how the Merseysiders went about their business, despite not recording a victory.
“I think the most important thing for us was we’re really pleased with the way the team played,” he told Sky Sports after the stalemate.
“We put them under an awful lot of pressure. We kept our own shape, purpose and determination.
“Like any other game you just need the bounce of the ball to go your way. If we’d got one to go our way we possibly would have won it.
“We’ve played all the top sides here, Tottenham are a top side, and we’ve done very well against them.
“So whether we think it’s just or unjust is irrelevant at the moment. The most important thing for us is we’re really pleased with the way everyone performed.
“Everybody deserved credit. Pepe didn’t have much to do. Everyone made a contribution.
“It would have been disappointing had we not got anything from the game. I don’t think the harshest of the critics would have said we deserved nothing.
“Andy Carroll was very, very good tonight. We’re delighted with him.
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“We’re in a better position than we were in last year. We’ve got a cup final to look forward to.
“Like everyone else we’d like to convert more chances. There’s not another team that has constructed as many chances as we have, I don’t think. And there’s not as many teams that has lost of few goals as we have. So we’re three quarters of the way there,” he concluded.
Fulham host Arsenal on the final day of the Premier League season, with European qualification an issue for both clubs.Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa last week, coupled with Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Stoke on Tuesday, means Arsene Wenger’s team are down to fourth.
If Arsenal finish fourth, they will miss out on an automatic Champions League qualification berth and be forced to take their chances in the qualifying rounds.
While Arsenal’s task is obvious – win and hope City drop points at Bolton – Fulham have a more unusual scenario to confront.
They are the highest-ranked team on the Premier League fair-play table not to have already secured European qualification.
Barring a high count of red or yellow cards in Sunday’s match, they could find themselves in the Europa League next season.
Rather than a welcome bonus, taking part in the competition may prove to be a distraction Mark Hughes’ squad could do without.
Fulham reached the inaugural final of the rebadged Europa League in 2010, but the campaign took its toll on the team’s Premier League form – they finished 12th, down five places from the previous season.
Hughes has guided the team to eighth in his first season in charge, overcoming serious injuries to key players along the way.
Rather than risk stalling their progress by taking on the demand of additional midweek matches and European travel, a flurry of bookings or perhaps even a red card at Craven Cottage might be a convenient solution to Fulham’s unwanted dilemma.
Relegation-threatened Blackpool, who may be in the Championship next season, are next in line to inherit the Europa League fair-play berth.
Fulham have no new injury worries to contend with, only winger Damian Duff (Achilles) is unavailable.
Arsenal are without goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and midfielder Abou Diaby, while Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri and captain Cesc Fabregas are in doubt.
Tottenham Hotspur star Rafael van der Vaart has suggested he could have stayed at Real Madrid before departing for first-team football in London.
When Dutch compatriots Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder left for Bayern Munich and Internazionale respectively, Los Merengues offered him the option to stay, but he turned them down.
The 27-year-old also suggested he turned down Spurs a year ago so that wife Sylvie could continue her chemotherapy in Spain after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
"I would have moved to Bayern Munich, but they weren't interested," he told the News of the World.
"Arsenal? Yes of course, that would have been fantastic.
"When Madrid sold Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder they asked me whether I would like to stay – I would even get my No. 23 shirt back.
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"What I went through is part of football – but it wasn't nice. Football is best when you're ten years old."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Liverpool attacker Dirk Kuyt has spoken of the impact of Craig Bellamy, and feels his team-mate has improved since his first spell with the Merseyside club.
The Wales international has scored nine goals since moving to Anfield from Manchester City in the summer, and Kuyt is full of admiration for Bellamy’s ability.
“Craig has been unbelievable. He looks even better now than he did the first time he was here – it’s not very often you can say that about someone who spends two spells at a club,” the Netherlands international told Mirror Football.
“Usually, the first time is better, but this time, with Craig in better shape, he knows exactly what he can do and he’s really professional in training every day, not just helping himself, but the whole of the squad.”
Bellamy was awarded the club’s Player of the Month award for January, for the second time in a row, but has stated that success for the team is more important.
“I’ve always had the view that a goal is a bonus for me. They don’t alter how I go about my game,” Bellamy said.
“The aim for me is to try and win and to try and play as big a part as I can in the game. And if I’m able to score or create one, it’s a bonus.
“If goals come, great, but winning games is more important for me.
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“To win the player award two months on the run means something to me. Do I think I’ll get a third? No, so I’m going to milk it this month!” he admitted.
Playing for Manchester United is one of the pinnacles any footballer can hope to achieve, up there with representing your country, winning the Champion’s League and dating Charlotte Mears. Usually those fortunate enough to call Old Trafford their home are the players constantly being lauded by fans and the media as one of the world’s top players. Since time began, United have had a plethora of stars in all positions who’ve generally been accepted as some of the best in the game. Yet for every Eric Cantona, there’s a Denis Irwin, quietly going about their job often being unsung by many outside the Old Trafford faithful.
So who have been the truly underrated players for United over the past years? Which men have not received the accolades they deserved despite doing a superb job? There can’t be that many I hear you cry, after all nearly anyone that dons the Red of United is usually drooled over by all and sundry. Well not quite, there’s a small select band of players, who’s name may not have been the first to be mentioned by the Chelsea fans in Fleet Street but who without a doubt have been some of the finest at their craft.
Here’s a top ten list of United players who were never given the credit they deserve- at least outside of Old Trafford- and may still be considered rubbish by those who never actually watched them regularly.
10. Diego Forlan. One of the most frustrating things about watching the World Cup, other than the rubbish football, constant droning of vuvuzelas and p*ss poor commentary, was hearing the term ‘Premier league flop’ being prefixed to Forlan’s name at every given moment. While Forlan’s time at Old Trafford was hardly a stunning success, he still managed to win over the hearts of the Stretford Enders thanks to a series of important goals. Winners against the likes of Chelsea and Southampton, helped make him respected, but a brace at Anfield made him adored. His subsequent Golden Boots and Balls only highlighted what a great player those at Old Trafford already knew he was.
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9. Paul Parker. This may get a few laughs from those who weren’t watching United regularly in the early days of the Premier League, but Parker was actually a superb right back who was equally adept at getting forward as he was at stopping left wingers. Injury and the emergence of every Liverpool fans least favourite player, saw Parker’s United career cut fairly short. However if you want to know just how good Parker was for his brief but successful United career, the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson dropped captain Steve Bruce, for the home game against Barcelona in 1994, so Parker could move to centre back to man mark Romario, should give you some sort of idea. Parker may not be the first name on everyone’s lips when they mention the great pantheon of United defenders, but there was a time when he was the man you’d call upon to take care of arguably the world’s best player.
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8. Michael Carrick. Right now is probably not a good time to be defending Carrick or arguing his worth among a list of United heroes. Last season and the beginning of this one have hardly been the former Spurs’ man’s best and its not a bad bet that he may well be on his way in the January transfer window. The reason Carrick makes the list is simple, in his first three seasons he was an integral part of a side that won, three titles, a Champion’s League and made another Champion’s League final. Throw in a couple of League Cups and it’s not a bad return for an £18 million investment. Carrick may be fast becoming persona non grata with most Reds, but he’s actually been an unsung hero for large parts of the past four years. Put simply you don’t win all those trophies and make so many appearances in a United midfield if you haven’t got something. Carrick on his day is one of the finest passers of the ball anywhere in Europe. Although, he’s one of the few players on here a few United fans may not be too fond of, even the most critical will have to admit, he has played his part in the recent -until last season of course- success.
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7. Ronny Johnsen. When people talk about the famous treble side of 1999, the usual list of names rolls of the tongue. Dwight Yorke, Andy, or should that be Andrew Cole, David Beckham, Roy Keane, Jaap Stam, I could go on. One name that’s not likely to be the top of anyone’s list is that of Johnsen’s. During the 1998/99 season though, Johnsen was a major part of United’s success, forming an effective defensive partnership with Stam, while it was the ‘Big Dutchman’ that got the accolades there was no denying Johnsen was rock solid. His time at Old Trafford was mired by injury and he never quite achieved the status afforded the likes of Pallister, Stam and Ferdinand but the man who helped United to three titles in as many years as well as their greatest ever triumph, will always be remembered as a world-class defender by those who saw him.
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6. Arthur Albiston. Arthur who? Some of those not familiar with United’s team of the 70’s and 80’s may be saying and quite justifiably as the Scottish full back was not known for hogging the limelight. However, Albiston was one of the most consistent United performers of all time, racking up an impressive 485 appearances for the club. Albiston was similar to Patrice Evra or Denis Irwin in that he always gave a seven out of ten performance, literally every game. The reliable defender came through the United youth ranks and oversaw a relegation, promotion and three FA cup wins in his ten year stint with the club. Ron Atkinson used to love playing six a sides when he was United manager and used to pick the five best players from the previous United fixture to be on his team. Apparently Albiston was the first name he picked every week, bar none.
The type of player you never realise just how good he is until he’s gone.
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5. Johnny Giles. Giles may have made his name as a hero at United’s hated rivals Leeds, before mopping up Eamon Dunphy’s dribble on Irish TV as a pundit- he actually started his career at Old Trafford. The signs were already there, that the midfielder was going to be one of the brightest stars in the game and he was part of the team Busby used in the aftermath of Munich. Despite being a regular over the next few years and only being a youngster- he was 18 at the time of Munich- Giles was eventually sold to Leeds, just after he’d helped United win the FA cup. In Nobby Stiles’s book ‘After the Ball’, Stiles claims Giles was one of the best players at the club, who for some reason fell foul of Busby and couldn’t seem to win him over. United’s loss was Leeds gain as Giles helped the Yorkshire club become one of the dominant forces of the 60’s and 70’s. His time at United may have been shorter than it possibly should have but he was certainly more than worthy of it.
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4. Andy Cole. Again a few eyebrows may be raised at the inclusion of one of the most famous strikers in Premier League history. However allow me to elucidate, Cole has never quite seemed to gain the respect his record and ability merited, outside Old Trafford. Only thirteen England caps for a player of such unquestionable goal scoring ability is quite frankly shocking and he’s always had the Glenn Hoddle “he takes seven chances to score one goal” nonsense to contend with . Cole’s United career took a while to get going and despite several highs, such as five goals in a game against Ipswich and winning the double in his second season, he looked as though he may be forced to leave. 1997/8 was his most prolific season to date but unfortunately United finished the season empty handed and many thought the subsequent arrival of Dwight Yorke would spell the end for Cole, especially with Solskjaer and Sheringham still in the squad. However Yorke and Cole’s partnership is the stuff of legend, as the two tore Europe’s finest defences to shreds with gleeful abandon.
Cole is admired by all United fans and respected by most of the media as a true legend. However there’s always the sneaky feeling that he never quite gets the reverence he truly deserves for such a wonderful record. 121 goals in 275 appearances and winning every trophy imaginable means he will always be a United hero, but others seem to rank him slightly below the Premiership’s best strikers, rather unfairly.
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3. Ji Sung Park. Like Carrick, Park’s not exactly had the best start to the season, in fact you could argue he’s been quite shocking, so why exactly does he make this list I hear you ask. Well Park’s been one of the few players United have had in the squad over the past few years, who’ll come in, no matter what the occasion and how big it is, do a job and then quietly warm the bench again for the next few weeks. 2008 was a prime example of just how important Park was. He came into the United side for the Champion’s League semi final clashes against Barcelona, only to find himself not even in the squad for the final- a decision Fergie cites as one of the most difficult he’s ever had to make. Park has always been a reliable player whenever he’s been called upon, even scoring some important goals along the way. Park may captain his country but he’s not been rated as highly as he should have been from many outside the media. He may be on his way out of United, if some reports are to be believed, but the man who gave birth to one of the best chants at Old Trafford will always be well thought of at United.
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2. Remi Moses. Ron Atkinson became the first United manager to sign and play a black player in the form of Remi Moses. It’s not Moses’ ethnicity that gets him on this list though, it’s the fact that he was a tough tackling tenacious sort that would make even Roy Keane think twice about going in for a fifty-fifty. Moses arrived as part of the deal that also brought Bryan Robson to Old Trafford, but if anyone thought the 20 year old Mancunian was just there to make up the numbers they were gravely mistaken. Moses was a holding midfielder who complimented Robson beautifully allowing him to get forward without having to worry about defensive cover. It was a shame injury blighted Moses’ United career causing him to miss out on two FA cup finals and retire at the age of only 28. Moses’ greatest game came against Juventus in the 1984 Cup winners cup semi final first leg at Old Trafford. With Robson out injured it was left to Moses to command the midfield and he did so magnificently. There wasn’t one Juventus player who didn’t feel the wrath of a crunching Moses tackle. European footballer of the year Michel Platini was so put out by Moses’ attention that he had one his worst games ever for the club, as his passing game deserted him, no doubt panicked by the sight of Moses. A player who the term ‘unsung hero’ could have been made for.
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1. Paddy Crerand. Crerand is a legend inside Old Trafford of that there can be no doubt, but when people in the media talk about the great United side of the mid to late 60’s it’s Best, Law and Charlton who get all the plaudits. However, there’s an argument put forward by many older United fans, that Crerand was actually the man that made Sir Matt Busby’s team tick. A tough tackling midfielder who could also pick out a killer pass, Crerand was bought from Celtic five years after the Munich disaster. The Scot immediately helped repay his transfer fee, by helping United lift the FA Cup as they finally rose from the ashes of the tragedy that had decimated almost the entire team. United would also go on to win two titles and the European Cup during Crerand’s time there and there’s no doubt that had he not been in the team, the club would have struggled to win anything. Now making his name as the most biased pundit in the history of commentary on MUTV, everyone associated with United knows Crerand’s a legend. There used to be a saying at Old Trafford “If Paddy plays well, United play well.”
Law, Best and Charlton may have the statue, but if there was any real justice, Crerand would probably be on the end of it.
Let’s be honest; if we didn’t know already, Tottenham have got away with blatant robbery in signing Rafael Van der Vaart for £8m. The Dutchman was excellent at Ajax and Hamburg, and restricted at Real Madrid. When he did play for Los Blancos he rarely let the side down, but was up against some of the stiffest competition when attempting to seal a place in the first team: anyone competing with Ronaldo, Kaka and Ozil was always going to have expect some time on the bench.
Simply because Real Madrid have quality players overflowing from their regal ranks, Van der Vaart’s price crashed, and at the bong of the transfer window gong, Daniel Levy was made aware of his new price. Levy subsequently asked Harry Redknapp’s opinion, and there was little hesitation in the response – ‘let’s have him’.
For the money that Spurs paid Real, they could have bought a homeless Portugese player no one had heard of, as well as a pretty plush house for him to live in, nearly all of Kenwyne Jones (perhaps minus the dreadlocks), or a third of James Milner (I know City’s prices are inflated, but let’s roll with it).
Instead of those options, Spurs have got their hands on a playmaker cut from the silkiest cloth. Still only 27, Van der Vaart boasts 85 caps to his name, and consistently chips in with a fair share of goals regardless of where he is played. He has operated on the left wing – although Spurs are pretty much sorted in that department – but is far more effective when given license to wander, playing just off a striker. That said, against FC Twente on Wednesday, Spurs had both Crouch and Pavlyuchenko on the pitch, as well as Modric, and Van der Vaart was still a bundle of activity. Redknapp should be credited for being brave and aggressive in his choice of formation and personnel, as it reaped the rewards, even with ten men.
In the same game, Van der Vaart’s sending off was slightly naïve. It was more born out of adrenalin, and an eagerness to prove his commitment to the cause. Whereas some playmakers can be somewhat lightweight, dare I say even lazy, often slouching around when not in possession and only coming alive when they are the focus of attention. Van der Vaart is not one of those players; hungry and industrious, there is grit to go with the guile.
In such a bloated transfer market, bargains are genuinely rare things. If they do come, they are usually from the lower leagues and take time to grow into their new status. Javier Hernandez looks like he has the potential to be a bargain at Old Trafford, City paid relatively little for Adam Johnson, and there others that can always be noted. But in Van der Vaart, Spurs have a readymade superstar. His nationality means that his English will be naturally perfect, he has big club experience, has international tournaments under his belt, seems devoid of any ego, and has plenty of years to give to Tottenham.
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£8m is very little when you think of the figures that are shelled out on players today. Chelsea parted with £17m for Ramires, United spent £10m on Chris Smalling, and Nicola Zigic cost Birmingham just over £6m. For my money, (well, Spurs’ money) it looks like the best bit of business this summer, and probably for a while before that.
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Roberto Mancini has reportedly asked the Manchester City hierarchy for additional funds to strengthen his squad’s defensive options, as Vincent Kompany is set to learn his fate on Tuesday.
The Etihad Stadium skipper was dismissed for a challenge on Nani in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, which Mancini’s men have appealed against.
Kompany will find out whether the appeal has been successful or not on Tuesday, and if the red card is upheld will face four matches on the sidelines, as it is his second dismissal of the season.
The Telegraph indicate that Mancini has approached the club’s owners for additional transfer funds to buy a new defensive player in January.
As Kolo Toure is also unavailable through international commitments at the African Cup of Nations, Joleon Lescott and Stefan Savic are the club’s only recognised centre backs available for selection currently.
Meanwhile, City are being linked with a move for Real Madrid centre half Raul Albiol in an attempt to bolster their backline, according to Spanish newspaper AS.
The Spain international as been frozen out at the Santiago Bernabeu, and risks missing out on Euro 2012 if he does not play more first-team football in the second half of the 2011/12 campaign.
Big-spending Malaga and Serie A giants Juventus have also been speculated with a bid for the 26-year-old.
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Brazil’s Campeonato Paulista has reached the quarter-final stage, with Palmeiras on course to repeat their title win of 2008.Second-placed Palmeiras will host Mirassol, who ended the season seventh on the table, in a one-legged, sudden-death clash.
The Greens have suffered only two defeats and have conceded just eight goals heading into their clash with Mirassol, and Palmeiras have talented individuals spread across the pitch.
Deola, an injury replacement for goalkeeper Marcos, has played a key role in his side’s 12 clean sheets in the group stage.
Centre-back Thiago Heleno is on a high having scored three goals this season, while Chile international midfielder Jorge Valdivia, who has been frustrated by injury, could prove an invaluable asset for Palmeiras in their title assault.
Former Brazil and Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, who initially endured a slow start with the club last year, has managed to build a competitive side capable of expanding its trophy cabinet with a 23rd Paulista title.
Palmeiras’ opponents, Mirassol, who they defeated in the group stages, are in their fourth straight season in the first division of the Sao Paulo competition’s top flight.
Midfielder Xuxa, who has put away eight goals in addition to some great assists, has been a standout performer for Mirassol, while Fernando Leal has played a pivotal role in front of goal this campaign so far.
Brazil striker Luis Fabiano has put an end to speculation about his future by signing a new two-year contract extension with Sevilla.
The 29-year-old, who had been of interest to both Tottenham Hotspur and Marseille, is now tied to the Rojiblancos until the summer of 2013, with his previous deal having been set to run out at the end of the season.
The South American told his club's official website:"Much has been spoken about my future and in the end I am content to renew with Sevilla.
"This club is my home, already I have been here six years and I will try to continue scoring goals, to continue making history for Sevilla. It is a very special day for me.
"My first option was to renew with Sevilla. I rejected many offers and many interested clubs.
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"My will was always to stay put and the certain thing is that Sevilla and I delivered a great plan for renewal. For that reason now the speculation stops."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email