Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
The Ligue 1 giants could make a move for the Belgium international this summer as they aim to add some fresh blood to their squad
Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has hinted he could make a move for Chelsea winger Eden Hazard.
The Parc des Princes side were hit with a fine of €60million earlier this month after breaching Uefa's Financial Fair Play rules and PSG have agreed to significantly limit their spending for the next two campaigns.
However, Blanc is still confident the capital club will be able to improve their squad and has praised the individual qualities of Hazard as he draws up a list of summer targets.
"Hazard is the kind of player who can be decisive," Blanc told Le Parisien.
"You can talk about all kinds of things; tactics, strength of the team, individual class, but a player who is capable of beating three or four players is something else. You never know what to expect from him.
"Unfortunately for us, next year we'll be watched by Uefa. We will not be able to do what we want, but I think we will be able to improve the team anyway. We'll be working within UEFA's new constraints and want between two and four recruits.
"We already have a very good team in my opinion, so it does not take a lot of players. I think we'll get to do what we want to improve the team."
Blanc also confirmed that winger Jeremy Menez will leave the club and also hinted that defender Alex - whose contract expires at the end of next month - may depart as well.
"Menez will leave," Blanc added.
"With Alex the matter is more complex, but we think he may leave. Perhaps there will be movement with players under contract. We will try to anticipate their intentions."
Promoted Leicester sign former England defender Upson
LONDON Fri May 23, 2014 10:28am BST
Tyrone Barnett (L) of Crawley Town and Matthew Upson of Stoke City fight for the ball during their FA Cup soccer match at Broadfield Stadium in Crawley, southern England, February 19, 2012. REUTERS/Andrew Winning
(Reuters) - Promoted Leicester City have moved to strengthen their squad for life in the Premier League next season by snapping up former England central defender Matthew Upson on a free.
Leicester said on Friday the 35-year-old former Arsenal, West Ham United and Birmingham City player had agreed a one-year deal.
Upson, who was capped 22 times for England, was out of contract with Championship (second division) side Brighton and Hove Albion where he had just been voted Player of the Season.
Leicester have also signed goalkeeper Ben Hamer from Championship side Charlton Athletic.
The Midlands club returned to the top flight following a 10-year absence after winning the Championship title last month.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman. Editing by Patrick Johnston)
Newcastle defender receives death threats over Luis Suarez injury
Uruguayan striker still hopeful of making World Cup after keyhole surgery
PUBLISHED : Friday, 23 May, 2014, 10:03am
UPDATED : Friday, 23 May, 2014, 10:03am
Reuters
Luis Suarez leaves the clinic in a wheelchair after surgery. Photo: AP
Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett has received death threats from angry Uruguay fans who blame him for the injury that has put striker Luis Suarez’s World Cup campaign in doubt.
Liverpool striker Suarez had keyhole surgery on his left knee on Thursday and faces a race to be fit for the World Cup in Brazil, with Uruguay playing Costa Rica in their opening Group D game on June 14 and England in their second match on June 19.
Suarez complained about the problem during his first day of training with the Uruguay squad.
Luis Suarez is mobbed by Uruguayan media as he tries to leave a clinic after surgery. Photo: AFP
The country’s FA (AUF) said he first suffered the injury in the final Premier League game of the season at home to Newcastle as Liverpool chased the title.
Dummett was sent off for fouling Suarez late in the match.
Dummett, whose red card in the 82nd minute of Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat was later rescinded on appeal, on Thursday was the victim of death threats on social media from local fans as the AUF seemed to blame Newcastle for Suarez’s operation.
The 22-year-old Newcastle defender, who was called up by Wales on Thursday for a friendly against the Netherlands on June 4, has referred the threats to soccer authorities.
Suarez will need up to 20 days to recover but Uruguay team doctors have not ruled him out of the June 12 to July 13 finals.
“The challenge was inadvertent. I hit him and the ball with my left foot and he went down under the challenge,” Dummett told the Daily Mirror on Thursday.
Paul Dummett and Luis Suarez clash in the Premier League game on May 11. Photo: Reuters
“I hope he makes the World Cup because he is one of the best players in the world so he should be there.
“Having said that, I injured my meniscus three years ago and I was out for three months, so it will depend on the injury and exactly where it is on the knee.”
Suarez is remaining upbeat after the AUF said that his participation “is not ruled out”.
In an email sent to Uruguayan journalist Federico Buysan which the latter posted on Twitter, Suarez wrote: “I’m doing great and am ready to run. Thanks to everyone and stay calm, I’ll make it”.
Wearing jeans and a sports jacket, Suarez appeared in good humour as he left hospital on Thursday afternoon in a wheelchair.
The player raised his hand to acknowledge the dozens of well-wishers who shouted encouragement as he was driven away in an ambulance.
He now faces a race against time to be ready for Uruguay’s World Cup campaign, which begins in a little over three weeks against Costa Rica in the northern Brazilian city of Fortaleza.
Petr Cech to remain Chelsea's first-choice keeper next season, but Thibaut Courtois set to be the No 1 from 2015
By Alex Miller Published: 16:58 EST, 24 May 2014 | Updated: 19:18 EST, 24 May 2014
Petr Cech is expected to remain Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper next season, with Thibaut Courtois due to be installed as his successor from next summer.
According to club insiders, Cech will be given the nod for one more year but 22-year-old Courtois, who has developed into one of the world’s best keepers while on loan at Atletico Madrid, will be offered a lucrative long-term contract over the summer — and the promise of the No 1 shirt from 2015-16.
Staying: Petr Cech has been assured that he will still be Chelsea's number one next season
In line: But Thibaut Courtois will take the number one job from the following campaign
It had been suggested Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho would install the Belgian immediately but some sources insist the move may be delayed for a year even though Cech requires shoulder surgery that may force him to miss the start of the season.
It is possible Courtois will remain with Atletico for another year.
The future of back-up keeper Mark Schwarzer, 41, is also unclear. His one-year deal at Chelsea has ended and an extension has yet to be agreed.
Uncertain: Mark Schwarzer's future at the club remains unclear.
David Luiz thanks Chelsea players, staff and fans ahead of £50million switch to PSG
Chelsea confirm David Luiz has passed a medical and agreed terms with PSG ahead of £50m switch
Brazil international will become the world's most expensive defender
PSG medical staff flew to Brazil for medical after Chelsea gave green light
PSG beat Barcelona and Bayern Munich for Brazil star
Chelsea's decision to sell comes after John Terry agreed a new deal
Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa is top of Jose Mourinho's wishlist
By Neil Ashton Published: 04:14 EST, 24 May 2014 | Updated: 05:45 EST, 24 May 2014 David Luiz says he is leaving Chelsea with 'great sadness' after passing his medical and agreeing terms with Paris Saint-Germain ahead of his £50million transfer.
The 27-year-old is set to become the world's most expensive defender, with the move beating the two previous highest fees - both paid by PSG, for Marquinhos and Thiago Silva.
PSG representatives flew out to Brazil to complete the medical at the World Cup hosts' training base on Friday.
Farewell: David Luiz has passed a medical and agreed terms ahead of his £50m switch to PSG
Pointing to the sky: Chelsea star Luiz has played his last game for the club and will cost PSG close to £50m
Thanks: Luiz posted this message on Facebook after Chelsea announced his move to France
Tongue out: Luiz celebrates with the Europa League trophy after Chelsea beat Benfica in the 2013 final
Chelsea confirmed the deal on the club’s website on Friday night before Luiz issued a statement expressing his sadness at leaving the Stamford Bridge outfit after almost four years.
‘Thanks Chelsea for the three and half years of great partnership,’ Luiz said. ‘I've made good friends, won many titles and those memories will last with me for ever.
‘I'd like to thank my team mates, all staff and all supporters (my geezers).
‘I'm leaving with great sadness but at the same time excited for the new challenge that lies ahead in this great club in a city that have always enchanted me.
‘It's a new stage, new challenge and together we will go even further. Allez Paris!’
PSG believe they are capturing one of the most stylish defensive players in the world and they are flexing their financial muscle again in what will be the first major transfer of a busy World Cup summer.
The previous best deal received by an English club for a defender was when Rio Ferdinand left Leeds for Manchester United for £30m 12 years ago. This deal will dwarf that British record transfer.
Sources in Paris have confirmed PSG had to move quickly to beat Barcelona and Bayern Munich which may explain the size of the fee they were prepared to pay.
Chelsea will use the money to rebuild their squad next season, with Diego Costa top of their wishlist.
Their decision to sell comes quickly after John Terry agreed a new contract. Terry will play alongside Gary Cahill next season.
Luiz will play at centre half for Brazil in the World Cup but he can also play as a holding midfielder.
Close shave: Luiz shaves his beard next to Brazil team-mate Paulinho during the Gillette event on Tuesday
TOP 10: Most expensive defenders(£)
1. Thiago Silva (AC Milan to PSG) - 35.3m 2. Marquinhos (Roma to PSG) - 30.1m 3. Rio Ferdinand (Leeds to Man United) - 30m 4. Alessandro Nesta (Lazio to AC Milan) 26.1m 5. Pepe (Porto to Real Madrid) - 25.2m 6. Fabio Coentrao (Benfica to Real) - 25.2m 7. Dani Alves (Sevilla to Barcelona) - 23.5m 8. Lillian Thuram (Parma to Juventus) - 22m 9. David Luiz (Benfica to Chelsea) - 21.3m 10. Ricardo Carvalho (Porto to Chelsea) - 20m
TOP 10: Premier League exports(£)
1. Gareth Bale (Spurs to Real Madrid) 86m 2. Cristiano Ronaldo (United to Real) - 80m 3. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal to Barca) - 35m 4. Luka Modric (Spurs to Real Madrid) - 30m 5. Xabi Alonso (Liverpool to Real Madrid) - 30m 6. David Beckham (Man United to Real) - 25m 7. Marc Overmars (Arsenal to Barcelona) 25m 8. Arjen Robben (Chelsea to Real Madrid) 25m 9. Nicolas Anelka (Arsenal to Real) - 22.3m 10. Mario Balotelli (Man City to AC Milan) - 19m
Euro glory: Luiz holds the Champions League trophy during a victory parade through London in May 2012
Flying the flag: Luiz climbed onto the crossbar in Munich after Chelsea won the 2012 Champions League
Head to head: Luiz and Edinson Cavani come together during the Champions League quarter-final between PSG and Chelsea in April - and the two could be team-mates next season
Hug: Luiz consoles PSG's Lucas Moura (right) after Chelsea won the Champions League quarter-final
QPR celebrate play-off promotion to the Premier League in Wembley dressing room
QPR clinched promotion to the Premier League with 1-0 win over Derby in play-off final
Bobby Zamora struck in the final minute of normal time to clinch victory
Harry Redknapp's side return to the top-flight at the first time of asking
By Elliott Bretland
Published: 13:11 EST, 24 May 2014 | Updated: 18:10 EST, 24 May 2014
QPR celebrated promotion to the Premier League in style following the club's 1-0 victory over Derby County in Saturday's Wembley play-off final.
Striker Bobby Zamora capitalised on a defensive error from Rams defender Richard Keogh in the final minute of normal time to give the Hoops a dramtic late win.
Harry Redknapp's side, who secured their return to the top-flight at the first time of asking, celebrated in the Wembley dressing room and posed for photos with the play-off final trophy.
Return: QPR trio Armand Traore, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Matt Phillips pose with the play-off final trophy
Special day: Young QPR striker Tom Hitchcock drinks from the trophy after the victory against Derby
Team effort: Joey Barton puts his arm around Wright-Phillips (left) while Aaron Hughes and Kevin Doyle pose with the trophy
All smiles: Striker Charlie Austin poses with the play-off final trophy after helping the Hoops secure promotion
Striker Charlie Austin, who joined the Hoops from fellow promotion winners Burnley at the start of the season, posted a photo of himself with the trophy to social networking site Twitter as the celebrations really began to get going.
Kevin Doyle, who stripped down to just his briefs, posed with Aaron Hughes and the pair celebrated with the trophy while Joey Barton was snapped with his arm around Shaun Wright-Phillips.
QPR clinched promotion to the promised land of the Premier League despite midfielder Gary O'Neil being sent off for hauling down Derby striker Johnny Russell with 30 minutes of the game to go.
However, QPR's ten men kept the game goalless right up until the last minute when Zamora popped up to send the Hoops fans into raptures.
Promotion party: Joey Barton and Clint Hill (both centre) hold aloft the trophy at Wembley
All smiles: Bobby Zamora scored the late winning goal for QPR as they sealed Premier League promotion
The Southampton boss is expected to sign a €3.6 million-per-year contract to take over at White Hart Lane
Tottenham are expected to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager this week, Goal can reveal.
The Southampton boss has been the favourite for the job since Tim Sherwood was sacked earlier in May and several talks have taken place with intermediaries. A broad agreement over a salary package worth €3.6 million per year is believed to have been reached a week ago.
As of Sunday night, no official approach is understood to have been made to Southampton but the south-coast club are resigned to losing the 42-year-old and braced for Spurs to finally make an official move.
The north Londoners have sounded out other options, including Ajax coach Frank de Boer and Rafael Benitez of Napoli, but club chairman Daniel Levy has been most impressed by Pochettino's philosophy.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was never considered a realistic candidate and the Spanish giants' Champions League triumph on Saturday night confirmed that the Italian will stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Louis van Gaal was initially Tottenham's top target but attention quickly turned to Pochettino once it became clear that the Dutchman was in line to take over at Manchester United.
Spurs' priority has been to find a coach who can get the most out of the existing squad with only a few summer changes after they spent €130 million on new signings last year.
Pochettino's attacking style of football fits in with Levy's ideals while at Southampton he has also shown his ability to introduce and improve academy products.
The Saints finished eighth in the Premier League this season and Pochettino delayed talks over a new contract - his existing deal has one year to run - in anticipation of an approach from White Hart Lane.
Tottenham are aware of the risks associated with a coach who has only taken charge of two mid-ranking clubs in Espanyol and Southampton but the Londoners feel that the Argentine can handle the extra expectation.
Levy is also conscious that, in recent years, he has missed the opportunity to appoint Brendan Rodgers and Roberto Martinez, who have both been highly praised this season following impressive campaigns on Merseyside.
Spurs sacked Andre Villas-Boas in December and then Sherwood at the end of a disappointing season in which they finished sixth and missed out on their target of a top-four finish.
Tottenham are understood to be satisfied with Pochettino's level of English - he has spoken the language to his Southampton players since his first day - but will ask him to stop communicating via an interpreter in press conferences.
Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers waves following their final soccer match of the Premier League season against Newcastle United which they won 2-1, at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England May 11, 2014. REUTERS/Phil Noble
(Reuters) - Brendan Rodgers has been rewarded for leading Liverpool to the brink of their first English league title for 24 years with a new long-term contract, the club said on Monday.
Liverpool ended two points behind champions Manchester City after faltering near the end of the season, but are looking forward to a return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2009-10 season.
In a joint statement, owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner said Rodgers was the right manager to bring silverware back to Anfield.
"We are very fortunate to have a hugely talented individual leading our football performance and in whom we place our trust to deliver the vision we share for Liverpool Football Club.
"Brendan is at the heart of what we, as an ownership group, are trying to achieve on the pitch.
"This season has reaffirmed everyone's belief that we can bring football success to Liverpool and we are all committed to working together to achieve that."
Rodgers's second season in charge at Anfield saw a dramatic improvement on his first when they finished seventh.
"I am both humbled and privileged to be offered the chance to extend my stay at this great club," he said.
"I am very happy to build on the foundations we have built over the last two years and now we move on to the next phase which I believe will be as exciting, challenging and rewarding."
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Robert Woodward)
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino reacts during their English Premier League soccer match against Everton at St Mary's stadium in Southampton, southern England April 26, 2014. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
(Reuters) - Argentine Mauricio Pochettino became Tottenham Hotspur's 10th manager in the last 13 years when he was appointed on a five-year contract on Tuesday after leaving Premier League rivals Southampton.
The 42-year-old former international defender takes over from Tim Sherwood who was sacked by Spurs at the end of last season five months after replacing Andre Villas-Boas.
Pochettino, who had managed Southampton since January last year, is the second Argentine to hold the job at Spurs after World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles who was in charge 20 years ago.
His task is to bring back the domestic and European honours Tottenham won when Ardiles and his equally revered Argentine compatriot Ricky Villa played for the north London club in the 1980s, and to secure Champions League football.
"In Mauricio I believe we have a head coach who, with his high energy, attacking football, will embrace the style of play we associate with our club," Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said on the club's official website (www.tottenhamhotspur.com).
"He has a proven ability to develop each player as an individual, whilst building great team spirit and a winning mentality. We have a talented squad that Mauricio is excited to be coaching next season."
Pochettino added: "This is a club with tremendous history and prestige and I am honoured to have been given this opportunity to be its head coach.
"There is an abundance of top-class talent at the club and I am looking forward to starting work with the squad.
WORLD CUP
Pochettino first came to the attention of England fans during the World Cup in 2002.
Then, sporting shoulder-length hair and wearing a headband, he tripped striker Michael Owen to concede a penalty in their group stage match with England in Saitama which David Beckham converted to secure a 1-0 win.
He featured 20 times for Argentina, scoring twice, after starting out with Newell's Old Boys in his homeland, making his debut aged just 16, and winning the Primera Division title in 1991 before moving to Espanyol in Spain in 1994.
He also played in France with Paris St Germain and Girondins Bordeaux before returning to Espanyol for a second spell, winning a second King's Cup with the club, and then retiring as a player in 2006 to begin his coaching career.
After more than 300 appearances for Espanyol he cut his managerial teeth at the Barcelona-based club but, after two decent seasons, lost his job in November 2012 with his team bottom of La Liga.
He quickly resurfaced at Southampton in January 2013 with the club 15th in the standings, finally ending the season in 14th spot.
Pochettino began to make his mark during his first and what has proved to be his only full season with the Saints, playing some bright inventive attacking football built on a nucleus of English players.
GOOD WINS
Southampton achieved some good wins last season but lost home and away against Spurs, losing 3-2 in Sherwood's first match in charge at St Mary's in December and by the same scoreline at White Hart Lane in March after leading 2-0.
He guided Saints to eight place, which is their highest Premier League finish, and oversaw the development of players like England left back Luke Shaw and playmaker Adam Lallana.
Spurs, who have flattered to deceive for years in their quest for silverware and regular Champions League football, were reportedly also interested in Ajax Amsterdam coach Frank de Boer but Pochettino's attacking style should find an appreciative audience at White Hart Lane.
Even before Ardiles and Villa enjoyed success there in the early 1980s, Spurs had a rich tradition of attacking football and Pochettino's high pressing attacking style, usually based on a 4-2-3-1 formation should win over any fans who may be somewhat sceptical of his appointment after so many false dawns.
One thing that would impress them initially is if he speaks English rather than using an interpreter as he has been doing since he arrived in England nearly 18 months ago.
He has occasionally spoken to the media in English but has said that until he can express himself fully he will continue to speak in Spanish.
Ultimately Spurs fans won't mind what language he uses as long as he brings them the tangible success which has eluded them for so long.
They finished last season in sixth place and have qualified for the Europa League but while those achievements are credible, what chairman Levy and the supporters want is a trophy, a top-four finish and a place among the European elite.
Pochettino might never be regarded with the same reverence as Ardiles and Villa but if he achieves those objectives sooner rather than later, it will be a step in the right direction.
"Tottenham Hotspur has a huge following across the world and I have great admiration for the passion the fans show for this team," said Pochettino, who has brought assistant head coach Jesus Perez and first-team coach Miguel D'Agostino with him.
"We are determined to give the supporters the kind of attacking football and success that we are all looking to achieve," he added.
(Reporting by Mike Collett; Editing by Ken Ferris)
Inter Milan president Erick Thohir remains keen on Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, but fears he may be out of his price range.
Tuesday 27th May 2014
Inter have been heavily linked with Dzeko for some time, with the Bosnia international not always guaranteed a starting berth at City.
He was, however, a key figure for the Premier League side as they swept to title glory with a late surge in 2013/14.
Were City to consider a sale, they would need to see a sizeable bid put on the table.
Thohir admits Inter do not have the funds required to push through deals for 'top players' and that they must look to follow the lead of those clubs who have built steadily through prudent transfer dealings.
He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I like players like (Sergio) Busquets, Luiz Gustavo and Dzeko, but today we cannot afford top players. I hope we can tomorrow.
"The first reinforcement we need is a strong defensive midfielder, someone like (Edgar) Davids or (Gennaro) Gattuso.
"Financial Fair Play? Personally, I prefer the American model with the salary cap and luxury tax.
"I understand City's and PSG's projects, but I prefer the model of Roma, Liverpool and Arsenal."
The 27-year-old Argentine becomes Sam Allardyce's first signing of the close-season, with the striker set to bolster the Hammers' frontline in the 2014/15 season
West Ham have completed the signing of Argentine striker Mauro Zarate from Velez Sarsfield on an initial three-year deal.
Zarate is manager Sam Allardyce's first signing of the close-season and will move to Upton Park next month, with the club also agreeing a further one-year option for the 27-year-old.
Having begun his career with Velez, Zarate has also enjoyed permanent stays at Al-Sadd and Lazio, as well as loan spells at Birmingham City and Inter.
Zarate scored 20 goals in 35 games for Velez last season and will hope that form can help his second spell in the Premier League become a more fruitful one than his last.
He scored just four times in 14 appearances for Birmingham but Zarate is sure that he can bolster West Ham's forward options.
"This is a new chance for me and I want to play," he told the club's official website.
"I think I played well for Velez this season and that was important for me. I had some good team-mates and they helped to make it a fantastic season for me.
"If you ask me what I can bring to the squad then I say I hope I will bring goals. I will also bring dribbling skills and other attacking qualities.
"West Ham is a very important club and we know all about them and the Premier League in Argentina. This club is a beautiful club. I know English football from my time at Birmingham and I hope I will play well and reach the highest possible level.
"My aim is come here and do my best in order to help the club to climb as high as possible in the table and to reach European competition again."
The Belgian defender, who joined the Premier League champions in 2006, has penned a new contract at the Etihad Stadium, despite making just six appearances in 2013/14
Dedryck Boyata has agreed a new two-year deal with Premier League champions Manchester City.
The 23-year-old defender, who qualifies as a home-grown player having joined the club's youth set-up in 2006 at the age of 16, made his City debut in 2010 and featured in six games in all competitions this season.
Boyata, whose deal will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2016, has had loan spells with Bolton Wanderers and FC Twente, while he picked up a League Cup winners' medal with City this season after featuring in four matches in the competition.
City are thought to have kept the Belgian on in order to boost the number of home-grown players in their squad - as Financial Fair Play sanctions handed down by Uefa limit their spending capabilities in the upcoming transfer window.
Premier League clubs must include eight home-grown players in their squad of 25 for the season.
A player qualifies if he has been with the club for a period of three entire seasons, or 36 months, prior to his 21st birthday or by the end of the campaign in which he turns 21.
The 85-year-old, who also owned the American football franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers passed away on Wednesday morning, the NFL team have confirmed
Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer has died at the age of 85.
The American businessman, who also owns American football franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers, passed away on Wednesday.
A statement on the Buccaneers' website confirmed: "The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are saddened to announce the passing of Owner/President Malcolm Glazer earlier this morning at the age of 85."
Glazer purchased United in 2005, with the club going on to win five Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup under his stewardship.
Perez: Sir Alex Ferguson wanted Ancelotti to replace him at Manchester United
By Harry Sherlock
May 27, 2014 9:12:00 PM
It was believed that the legendary manager handpicked David Moyes to succeed him but it has now been claimed that the Red Devils approached the Italian coach first
Manchester United wanted Carlo Ancelotti to replace former boss Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm in the summer, according to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
Ferguson retired at the end of last season, having guided the Red Devils to Premier League glory, and was replaced by David Moyes, who was subsequently sacked after failing to deliver European football to Old Trafford, with Louis van Gaal recently named as his successor.
Perez has now claimed Moyes was not the senior Scot's first choice, insisting Ferguson asked Ancelotti to take the job when he was still at PSG, even though the Italian had already agreed a deal with the Spanish side.
“Ferguson called him [Ancelotti] to be his successor but he told him he had already promised to come here with us,” the Madrid supremo stated.
Ancelotti, who won the Premier League and the FA Cup with Chelsea, has previously denied that he was approached by United.
However, he has revealed that he would be open to managing Italy in the future, though he intends to continue with the Champions League winners for now.
"Coaching the your country's national side is always a goal," the 54-year-old told reporters.
"But I still want to be on the [training] field every day; I very much enjoy the daily relationship with the team.
"When I am no longer having fun ... I'll call the Italian Football Federation [FIGC]. When [Cesare] Prandelli's contract expires [in 2016]," he jokingly added.
