Ahead of TheGame: Ronaldo: I am going nowhere
The news in 60 seconds
RONALDO: I AM GOING NOWHERE
The Manchester United forward has denied reports claiming he wants to move to Real Madrid this summer. He said: "I'm at the right club, playing with the right players and I learn things all the time. That's what is great about being at United. I improve all the time and I want to improve every season. I think I'm a better player now than five years ago." Sighs of relief all round then. Note, he only thinks he's a better player. Five years ago, Ronaldo scored four goals, this season he scored ten times as many.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article3923803.ece
FERGUSON NAMED MANAGER OF THE YEAR
The Scot has been honoured by the League Managers Association for leading Manchester United to a tenth Premier League title and next week's Champions League final. "It is a tremendous honour that my fellow managers and LMA members should deem me worthy of this award," he said. Obviously Roy Hodgson's late push wasn't enough to wrestle the title away from Fergie.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article3923724.ece
DROGBA ON COURSE FOR MOSCOW
The Chelsea forward is sure that he and John Terry will be fit for next week's Champions League final - but refused to confirm he will be at the club next season. On Terry, Drogba said: "I have spoken to him - he will play in Moscow. No one wants to miss this gigantic match, the match of our careers. That's the case for me anyway. What will happen in June or July? I still don't know anything." http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article3923666.ece
RIVERSIDE EXIT FOR ROCHEMBACK
Middlesbrough say the midfielder will not be offered a new contract. The Brazilian will follow Gaizka Mendieta and Dong Gook Lee out of the club on June 30. "We both feel that the time is right for Fabio to have a fresh challenge," Gareth Southgate said. In other words, get your coat son.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/middlesbrough/article3924124.ece
QUEUDRUE ACCEPTS SULLIVAN APOLOGY
The Birmingham City defender says David Sullivan has said sorry for his attack on the club's players. The co-owner singled out the Frenchman for criticism and claimed the club "bought a pile of rubbish" at the start of the season. "I spoke to him this morning," Queudrue said. "He apologised to me and it's OK. He was sincere. It shouldn't have become public. He regrets it now."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/birmingham/article3923812.ece
LEHMANN COULD QUIT FOOTBALL
Arsenal's out-of-contract goalkeeper says he may accept a move to Stuttgart but he has not ruled out hanging up his boots for good. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article3923460.ece
CERNY AGREES QPR MOVE
The Tottenham goalkeeper has agreed a two-year contract with Queens Park Rangers. Rangers have also completed the signing of Peter Ramage from Newcastle. AOTG hopes Cerny didn't agree the move on hearing Zinedine Zidane was in line for the job because Iain Dowie is now looking odds-on to be dishing out the punishment next season.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article3923588.ece
MOYES OFFERS RANGERS HELPING HAND
The Glasgow-born former Celtic player has offered help Walter Smith prepare for the Uefa Cup final against Zenit St Petersburg tomorrow night. Moyes said: "I spoke to him and I left him a message as well, and my congratulations go to Rangers for being able to get to the Uefa Cup final. We beat Zenit and if he wants any information then I can give it him."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article3924003.ece
LIVE MATCHTRACKER: BRISTOL CITY V CRYSTAL PALACE
Will Neil Warnock be getting his deck chair out in revenge, after he deemed Gary Johnson's men to be arrogant following their first leg victory? The Eagles visit Ashton Gate in the second leg of the Championship play-off semi-finals desperate to overturn a one-goal deficit. Follow the action from 7.45pm.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/live_match_tracker/
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85
Premier League points collected by Chelsea - a record for a team finishing second. Arsenal, with 83 points, also set a new best for third.
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If you've got another couple of minutes
SHOULD SIR ALEX GAMBLE ON FAB?
With Manchester United stepping up their interest in Seville's Luis Fabiano, we thought it was time to see just what Sir Alex Ferguson might be getting for his money. The Brazil striker has come a long way since his days with Sao Paulo here he repeatedly showcased his 'angry streak'. But is he the man to strengthen Fergie's attacking options? Join the debate.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2008/05/luis-fabiano-is.html
One more thing...Fabiano is still prone to the occasional lapse, here's his contribution to the top ten "Handbags at five paces" list.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLQubgk9EkY
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>>>>> THE TABLOID TALE <<<<<
'Cheer up lads! Anyone would think you'd lost' - The Sun
1) Manchester United stars toasted their Premier League title triumph by splashing £100,000 in a casino. 2) The glum-looking team couldn't even raise a smile, however, onlookers claiming the likes of Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Cristiano Ronaldo looked grumpy. 3) "They were probably drained, I would hate to see their faces if they lost," a fellow gambler said. 4) They might be millionaires, but money is still money.
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A quickie before you go, sir?
ANYTHING BUT THE FACE
Spare a thought for Rowen Fernandez, the Arminia Bielefeld goalkeeper. His team were seven minutes away from a victory that would have all but secured their Bundesliga status when the footballing Gods turned on him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=312kwWZSysg&eurl
IN LINEKER'S FOOTSTEPS
No, the pint-sized Newcastle striker hasn't signed up to be the face of Wotsits, but he could well be on his way to the J-League. Despite apparent interest from Manchester United, JEF United Chiba fancy their chances of persuading the former European Footballer of the Year to swap Newcastle Brown for saki, oh yeah...
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In TheGame
Gabriele Marcotti describes his interview with Lauren in the latest Game Podcast as one of the best of the season. Mind you it features military coups, desperate boat trips, polygamy, 22 brothers and sisters and a fair amount of juvenile delinquency. Matt Hughes drops by to share his views on a dramatic final day and Steve Bennett gets little love from Guillem Balague and Bill Edgar. Join the debate below.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2008/05/laurens-journey.html
As Rangers gear up for the Uefa Cup final at Eastlands, Graham Spiers looks at where Walter Smith ranks among the great Scottish managers. Does he deserve to rub shoulders with Shankly, Stein and Busby? Tell us what you think.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2008/05/where-does-walt.html
In Fanzine Fanzone, our Portsmouth expert says despite his team's woeful form in the run-up to the FA Cup Final, the game will be one for neutrals and die-hards to enjoy. "I know it might not be the two most fashionable teams in the world, but I would implore those doubters to remember the FA Cup Final of last year, one that I had to beg to be allowed to watch (it was my anniversary) and then was thoroughly upset/bored to tears by." Fair point.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/fanzine_fanzone/2008/05/fa-cup-final-pa.html
Our football smug shots show no sign of abating. Don't miss David Nelson getting his hands on 'Golden Balls' himself and Patrick Hughes's encounter with the Pakistan national team in Katmandu.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2008/05/football-smug-1.html
Bill Edgar has posted his daily trivia question: In 1953 which two clubs became the first to have faced each other one hundred times in the league?
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2008/05/bill-edgars-t-2.html
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>>>>> THE RIVALS <<<<<
Ferguson told he has United job for life - The Daily Telegraph
United warn ticketless fans to stay away - The Guardian
Cech out - The Sun
Moscow or die - Daily Express
Owen alert - Daily Mail
You can Av it - Daily Mirror
Ferguson rewarded with cash to strengthen United squad - The Independent
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Joe Bloggs' Soapbox
"Is Mourinho more special than Avram Grant who, in his first season, has achieved what Mourinho failed to do in three seasons?!"
Excellent point, Simon Matibula. Although the two Premier League titles Mourinho won in his first two seasons do appear to leave a gaping hole in your argument.
Birmingham City are leading the way in our poll to find out which club is best equipped to win promotion back to the Premier League, but Tractoroo is looking beyond Reading, Brum and Derby.
"My money is on Ipswich Town. With £12 million to spend in the summer, Magilton's army will be hard to stop."
Maybe ... but he has got to spend it first.
Who is your tip for promotion next season? Tell us what you think.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2008/05/which-club-is-b.html
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Tomorrow's news today
- Evra stalls over new contract at Old Trafford
- Drogba and Shevchenko heading to the San Siro
And expect...
Neil Warnock to show good grace, win or lose. Maybe.
by Ben Smith
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