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De Gea: United can beat City to title
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea believes his side can still catch leaders Manchester City and win the Barclays Premier League title.
Grosskreutz courts Arsenal interest
Arsenal are reportedly interested in Borussia Dortmund winger Kevin Grosskreutz, according to the player's agent.
Coquelin eyes Arsenal departure Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin has admitted he is considering leaving the Emirates for first-team football.
Chamberlain: More to come from me
Arsenal young gun Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has called himself a "work in progress", and promises there is plenty of improvement left in him.
Newcastle change stadium name
Newcastle have announced St James' Park is to be renamed the Sports Direct Arena as part of a plan to sell the naming rights to their famous stadium.
Carlo Ancelotti eyes BPL return
Carlo Ancelotti admits he is still hoping to land another job in England, but insists he will not be shutting any doors.
Tevez called Mancini before AWOL
Carlos Tevez made several unsuccessful attempts to contact Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini about flying to Argentina.
Davies understands contract delays
Bolton captain Kevin Davies accepts talks over a new contract may have to wait until the club have strengthened their position in the Barclays Premier League.
Elstone: Everton not overpriced
Everton chairman Robert Elstone insists finding the right buyer for the club is paramount but stressed it will not fail to be sold because it is too expensive.
Chadli rues failed Fulham move
FC Twente winger Nacer Chadli claims a knee injury prevented him from joining Fulham in the summer but the Belgian is still keen on a move to England.
Tevez AWOL from City training
Carlos Tevez failed to report for training with Manchester City on Wednesday morning, the club have confirmed.
Jones: England can surprise at Euros
Phil Jones insists England can make a big impact at Euro 2012.
Ream: Arsenal are tracking me
New York Red Bulls defender Tim Ream has admitted that Arsenal are tracking him.
Bramble denies sexual assault charges
Sunderland's Titus Bramble has denied sexually assaulting one woman in a nightclub and another in a taxi on his way home on the same night.
Carragher hoping to face Chelsea
Liverpool vice-captain Jamie Carragher expects to return to full training next week and hopes to be fit to face Chelsea when the Premier League resumes.
Dos Santos: I will leave Tottenham
Tottenham's Giovani Dos Santos has underlined his intention to quit the club in January.
Dalglish: Fixture list is a "disgrace"
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has launched a blistering attack on the "disgraceful" fixture scheduling which will see his side play two matches in 48 hours.
Gill: Fergie successor must share vision
Manchester United chief executive David Gill has underlined the requirement for Sir Alex Ferguson's replacement to be completely in tune with their values.
Suarez wants to extend Liverpool stay
Luis Suarez wants to stay at Liverpool beyond his current five-year contract.
Newcastle facing mass fan mutiny
Changing the name of Newcastle's St James' Park ground is an "insult", according to famous fan Steve Harmison.
"Newcastle naming rights worth £10m"
Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias has revealed the decision to sell the naming rights to St James' Park could generate up to £10 million a year.
Fulham lose Grygera for six months
Fulham defender Zdenek Grygera was ruled out for approximately six months due to a knee injury sustained against Tottenham on Sunday.
Fergie considers Vidic sale to Real
Sir Alex Ferguson is mulling over whether to sell club captain Nemanja Vidic to Real Madrid.
Arshavin: Wenger's iron-grip is stifling
Andrey Arshavin has slammed Arsene Wenger for refusing to take any advice from anyone about how to improve Arsenal's fortunes.
Torres: It's been difficult at Chelsea
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has admitted he has struggled to adapt to life at Stamford Bridge.
Kean lands new Blackburn deal
Blackburn boss Steve Kean has signed a new contract at Ewood Park, according to sources in the UK.
Newcastle have announced St James' Park is to be renamed the Sports Direct Arena as part of a plan to sell the naming rights to their famous stadium.
The Magpies hope to follow fellow Barclays Premier League clubs Arsenal and Manchester City by licensing the naming rights to the ground which has been their home since 1886. St James' Park, which has a capacity of over 52,000, could join the Emirates Stadium and the Etihad Stadium in adopting the name of an external backer if the plans announced come to fruition.
Until the club can find a sponsor to buy the naming rights the ground will be named after owner Mike Ashley's sports retail company. Newcastle originally planned to allow sponsors to link their brand to St James' Park but that idea, put forward in 2009, is now replaced by the offer to purchase full naming rights.
Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias said: ''Our aim for Newcastle United is to continue to deliver success for the fans and everyone associated with the club. We must make this club financially self-sufficient in order to deliver that success.
"To grow sustainably and allow us to invest in our future, we will need to rely increasingly heavily on commercial income. "These are very difficult economic times and the board have a responsibility to maximise all revenue streams for the benefit of the club.
"Stadium rebranding offers a lucrative way for clubs to secure significant additional income. "When we initially launched our plans at the end of 2009, we invited sponsors to attach their brand to that of St James' Park.
"However, it has become clear that in order to make the proposition as commercially attractive as possible, a potential sponsor must be given the opportunity to fully rebrand the stadium.'' Llambias added that a shirt sponsorship deal might also be available to any company interested in taking on the naming rights of the stadium.
"Naming the stadium the Sports Direct Arena helps up to showcase the opportunity to interested parties,'' he said. "We are now actively seeking a long-term sponsor wishing to acquire full naming rights for the stadium.
"Our shirt sponsorship deal with Northern Rock will also expire at the end of this season, which presents would-be sponsors with the opportunity to acquire both the naming rights and shirt sponsorship deals.''
Grosskreutz courts Arsenal interest Arsenal are reportedly interested in Borussia Dortmund winger Kevin Grosskreutz, according to the player's agent.
Grosskreutz has been an integral member of the Dortmund squad since joining the club in 2009, and scored nine goals in 43 appearances in last season's Bundesliga-winning campaign.
He has continued his fine form so far this term, already netting three goals in 13 appearances, and his performances have reportedly caught the eye of a number of English sides, including Arsenal who allegedly sent head scout Steve Rowley to watch Grosskreutz in Dortmund's 1-0 win over Olympiacos.
However, the player's agent Konstantin Liolios insists no offer has been made, although he confirms the Gunners are interested in his client. "We are aware of the English interest in Kevin," Liolios told Bild. "However, there hasn't been any personal contact with Arsenal so far."
Grosskreutz recently admitted to Bild that he would only consider leaving Dortmund for the Barclays Premier League, although he identified Arsenal as one club he would be willing to leave Signal Iduna Park for. "If I would ever leave Dortmund, it would be for an English team.
"And a club like Arsenal are an interesting option for any player." Grosskreutz is one of just many Dortmund players who are generating interest across Europe following last season's success, with Mario Gotze, Shinji Kagawa and Mats Hummels regarded as top transfer targets for the continent's elite sides.
Carlo Ancelotti eyes BPL return Carlo Ancelotti admits he is still hoping to land another job in England, but insists he will not be shutting any doors.
The Italian has been out of work since leaving Chelsea at the end of last season.
He spent two years at Stamford Bridge, claiming a Premier League and FA Cup double during his first season with the Blues.
Chelsea ended his second campaign empty-handed, though, and owner Roman Abramovich is not a man to accept failure.
Ancelotti was, rather unfortunately, shown the door and has found himself on the sidelines for the start of the 2011/12 campaign.
He is, however, available and waiting for the right offer to come along, with the knowledge he has picked up during spells at Juventus, AC Milan and Chelsea ready to be put to good use.
Ancelotti admits he would prefer to remain in England, but concedes that he is open to offers from abroad should no Premier League position materialise.
"I would like to," he told Sky Sports News HD when asked if he is still hoping to secure another post in England.
"We will have to wait and see. I am using this time to improve my knowledge. I will wait.
"I would like to stay here, but if it is not possible I will find another solution outside of this country."
Arshavin: Wenger's iron-grip is stifling Andrey Arshavin has slammed Arsene Wenger for refusing to take any advice from anyone about how to improve Arsenal's fortunes.
According to reports in the Sun, the Gunners' record £15million buy is frustrated at how obstinate the Arsenal manager is, sighing: "When you have a mundane, domestic problem, he's always very supportive". "But when it comes to Arsenal, no one would dare approach him with questions about football or suggestions to change something round. "Everyone knows what the answer would be."
He added: "We've never had the 'big talk', although I have voiced my opinion a couple of times. "He smiled in an understanding way but he has his own ideas." The Russian captain has clearly lost favor at the Emirates, having started a mere two of their 19 fixtures so far this season, and has been used as an impact substitute instead, being either replaced on put on in 13 games.
The 30-year-old admitted his frustrated at being left out in the cold, comparing his time at Arsenal against his career at Zenit St Petersburg, where Arshavin was a star of the team instead. He said: "It is better to play all the time like I did at Zenit rather than sit on the bench. "I still want to play. If you are a footballer you want to be on the pitch - whether you are 18 or 35.
"Sometimes I go out on the field and know, however well I've played, I will be replaced after 70 minutes. "And sometimes you sit on the bench in full confidence you will be brought on in the 65th minute." He believes that Wenger has a bias towards new signing Gervinho and England star Theo Walcott, groaning: "At the moment, Wenger has more faith in Walcott and Gervinho.
"Before this season, I wasn't used as a reserve." His current deal with Arsenal runs out in June 2013, and the Russia captain has been linked to a move back to either Zenit or Anzhi Makhachkala, and the midfielder admitted money would influence his decision, should the right offer come in, saying: "If my situation does not change, I may look at it - but not right now. But it is clear the salary is important."
He also compared life in Russia against his lifestyle in England, revealing: "After three years, meeting with different people I came to the conclusion that it all depends on what you have here and what you have there. "I met a man in Miami who said there is no difference where you live - it is important how much money is on your credit card.
"I think this is correct - if you have enough money, you can provide for your family anywhere in the world", Arshavin concluded. He is not the only unhappy Arsenal player to reveal plans to leave the Emirates, with Francis Coquelin also unimpressed with the club over an "annoying" lack of playing time.
The France Under-21 international has started just two Premier League games this season - their 8-2 defeat to Manchester United in August and a 2-1 loss to Tottenham in October.With just five appearances in total this season, Coquelin said: "I thought I had a shot to play so I decided to stay at Arsenal.
"I played a lot at first, even big games, but when players came back from injury I just disappeared. "It is often said that when you are young you have time but I played a whole season at Lorient and now I'm virtually not playing at all. It's annoying. "Given my playing time here, the idea of a departure this winter is in my head for sure", the 20-year-old huffed.
However, ex-Arsenal club captain Thierry Henry has stepped forward to defend Wenger, saying: "It hasn't been easy for Arsene. I hope with all my heart that we'll win a trophy. "The two Manchester clubs will make it difficult but, once again, let's not forget what Arsene has done for Arsenal.
"It's always easy to judge on the spur of the moment in football, that's the way it is. "The day he stops, quite a lot of people will realise what he's done for the club. "It's always easy to criticise but can you find better than Wenger?" The 34-year-old added: "Arsenal play good football and I've become a Gunners supporter for life. "Something happened between me and the fans that I'll never forget", he concluded.
Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak denies saying he has become a 'slave' of the Premier League club.The out-of-favour Polish international was quoted making the claim against the Old Trafford outfit after a loan move to Leeds United was blocked by the club.
However, according to Kuszczak, his interview with Polish magazine SuperExpress was mistranslated. He told United's official website: "In response to recent press reports in the English media, I would like to set the record straight by clarifying that I did not use the word 'slave' in a recent interview I gave to the Polish newspaper SuperExpress, about my current position at Manchester United Football Club."
"At no point during the interview did I use the word 'slave', or imply that the club was treating me like a 'slave'. Indeed what I did say has either been misinterpreted or mis-reported.""It is important to clear this misinformation up because I have the utmost respect for the club and have not described my relationship with the club in this way because it is simply not the case."
Jones vows to keep bold approach
Phil Jones does not regret being part of the gung-ho Manchester United attempt to rescue last month's derby.
Fergie continues to keep faith in youth
Sir Alex Ferguson is certain he is doing the right thing by introducing another batch of talented youngsters to his Manchester United first-team squad.
Wenger: US and Asia will be the future
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that more footballing talent will hail from USA and Asia in the future.
Arteta: Few better than Van Persie
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta admits skipper Robin van Persie is one of the best players he has ever played with.
"Reina the best goalkeeper in BPL"
Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg believes Pepe Reina is the best shot-stopper in the Barclays Premier League.
Park: Arsenal move helped Korea form
Korea Republic striker Park Chu-young believes joining Barclays Premier League giants Arsenal has helped his international form.
Gill: Fergie successor must share vision
Manchester United chief executive David Gill has underlined the requirement for Sir Alex Ferguson's replacement to be completely in tune with their values.
Brek Shea training with Arsenal
USA international Brek Shea has linked up with Arsenal for a training stint that will allow him to gain experience and possibly play with the reserves.
Riise: Bale best left-sided player
Norway full-back John Arne Riise says Wales winger Gareth Bale is currently without equal in the world game.
Spurs vs Everton set for 11 January
Tottenham's postponed Premier League game at home to Everton has been rescheduled for January 11.
Harmison leads toon disapproval Changing the name of Newcastle's St James' Park ground is an "insult" and akin to changing the club's colours to red and white, according to famous fan Steve Harmison.
Dalglish angry over cup fixture chaos 11 November 2011
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is furious at having to play a Carling Cup quarter-final at Chelsea 48 hours after a home league game with Manchester City.
A rally by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has led police to advise that the cup game not be played on Wednesday, November 30, so the fixture has been moved forward a day."It is disgraceful in this day and age that players are being asked to play a key Premier League game and then a League Cup quarter-final in London just 48 hours later,"
Dalglish told the Liverpool website.“It's understandable with the Spurs v PAOK Salonika match and the TUC rally that the Met Police have said that our game cannot be played on the Wednesday.""But it's surely the duty of the football authorities to think of other solutions which consider the welfare of the players and this clearly hasn't happened."
"Manchester City are in a similar position to us with their game at Arsenal and it's for them to argue their case, but it is my job to stand up for the interests of Liverpool Football Club.""Here you have two clubs who have treated this competition with the utmost respect over the years and they are being treated like this."
"I'd be interested to know what the sponsors think of the situation and what it does for the reputation of the competition.""It seems totally irresponsible as well that the quarter-finals are scheduled in the same week as Europa League games."
"If Stoke had beaten us in the last round and were through to face Chelsea then the tie gets rescheduled for another date - it's as simple as that. But when we ask the Football League to move our game to a later date, we're told it's impossible. Where's the logic in that?"
"What would have happened if all four of the English clubs playing in the Europa League had got through to the quarter-finals?""If the Football League want to devalue their own competition, that's up to them, but they shouldn't then be upset if people use these games to help in the development of young players."
"We've also got the situation that both ourselves and Manchester City were happy for the league game to be moved back to the Saturday so we both had proper time to prepare, but again we are told by the Premier League that this is not possible either for TV reasons and just to get on with it."
Del Bosque hails English influence
Vicente Del Bosque believes the exposure of Spanish players to the Barclays Premier League has helped the national team become the dominant force in world football.
Alcaraz apologizes over Stearman spit
Wigan captain Antolin Alcaraz has issued an apology on the club's website for the spitting incident that has landed him a three-match ban.
Man City waiting to hear from Tevez
Manchester City confirmed on Friday night they are still waiting for Carlos Tevez to make contact with them following his apparently unsanctioned return to Argentina.
Hernandez considered quitting football
Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has revealed he almost quit football before joining the Barclays Premier League club.
Blackburn deny new Kean deal
Blackburn have denied reports that manager Steve Kean has signed a new and improved contract with the Premier League strugglers.
Sunderland: Wickham not seriously injured
Sunderland striker Connor Wickham suffered no serious damage when he injured his knee at Manchester United, the club has confirmed.
Berbatov reveals admiration for Fergie
Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has spoken of his admiration for manager Sir Alex Ferguson despite being on the fringes of selection.
Cahill pleased with international break
Bolton defender Gary Cahill admits international football has provided a welcome break from domestic strife and transfer talk.
Ward commits to Wolves till 2015
Stephen Ward has committed his future to Wolves until the summer of 2015.
AVB hit by English FA charge
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has been charged with improper conduct following comments about referee Chris Foy.
Stoke chairman defends Pulis remarks
Stoke chairman Peter Coates has backed the comments of Tony Pulis which have landed the Potters manager in trouble with the Football Association.
Bellamy plays down crisis talk
Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy insists that all is calm in the Liverpool dressing room despite two stalemates with promoted clubs.
"Mancini, pick or sack Tevez"
Ex-Manchester City star Dietmar Hamann believes that manager Roberto Mancini must make a snap decision about the future of Carlos Tevez.
Walcott: Cesc is fab for Barca
Arsenal winger Theo Walcott admitted that despite his pain at losing ex-club captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona, the Catalan is perfect for them.
Suarez eyes Carroll understanding
Liverpool star Luis Suarez remains confident he can strike up a lethal partnership with Andy Carroll this season.
Keita flattered by Liverpool link
Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita admits he is flattered by reported interest from Liverpool in him.
Arsenal calm over RVP contract talks
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood insists the club are not worried by the fact captain Robin van Persie is in no rush to discuss a new contract.
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association.
The charges relate to comments made about referee Chris Foy, who sent both Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa off in the first half of Chelsea's 1-0 Premier League defeat at QPR in October.
Both challenges were viewed to be straight red cards by the referee, leading to Villas-Boas claiming the official was not in control of the game and that he was not up to the standard of a London derby.
Villas-Boas said after the game: "The ref was poor, very very poor. And it reflected in the result.""I spoke to him at the end and I was very aggressive to him. I don't care if he's okay or not.
Everyone can have a bad day, but this was not a bad day for us. It was a good day for us and a bad day for the referee."Villas-Boas has been given until November 15 to respond to the charges.
Arsenal's Mikel Arteta thinks Spain have the best midfield in the history of football, but has not given up hope of playing for his country.
The former Everton star feels the 2010 World Cup winners have six of the top 20 players in the world fighting it out for three midfield positions.
"I just watch them play and say 'wow'. I think it’s the best midfield the world has ever seen," Arteta told the Arsenal website.
"You cannot find a selection of players to match (Xabi) Alonso, (Andres) Iniesta, (Cesc) Fabregas, (David) Silva, (Sergio) Busquets and Xavi - six of the top 20 players in the world going for three positions. So what can you do?"
The 29-year-old has represented Spain at under-21 level, but has yet to break into the senior side.
However, he has not given up hope of making it just yet."I was very close a few times to having the chance to go, but for one reason or another it didn’t happen," he said.
"I’m going to keep fighting though, that’s for sure – it’s one of my targets and I won’t stop going for it because I really want to represent my country."
"The level of the team is incredible though, so I know how hard it will be. The exposure of being at Arsenal will help, so now it’s up to me – if I do really well here, then perhaps I have a chance."
Sebastian Coe believes England's failure to land the 2018 World Cup was down to having too few "people of influence at the highest level of the game internationally".
Lord Coe helped London clinch the 2012 Olympics six years ago and was part of the bid team that won the rights to stage the 2017 World Athletics Championships.
Britain will also be hosting various other international sporting events in the coming years, but England's bid to stage the football World Cup ended in humiliating defeat last December when they were eliminated in the first round after the vote by FIFA's 22-man executive committee.
When asked why that bid failed where others from Britain have succeeded, IAAF vice-president and London 2012 chairman Coe told BBC Radio 4: "Because I don't think that English football has enough people of influence at the highest level of the game internationally, I've always sensed that.
"I think in track and field we clearly now do. I think in the Olympic world we clearly now do. But I think football doesn't really punch its weight in those corridors.
"I think we sometimes confuse the power and the global reach of the Premier League with influence in the corridors of power in the administration of the game, and I think that gap has got to close and I think between now and the next chance that we have to host the World Cup the FA's just got to figure out how to get people from the English game into more senior levels of influence in the world game."
Coe believes other sports have shown they are heading in the right direction in this aspect. Asked what the World Championships success will do for Britain's voice abroad in international sport, Coe said: "I think that voice is coming stronger all the time.
"I sensed 30 years ago when I first got involved in sports administration that we had drifted well off the pace. "We weren't really attracting big events and when we were bidding for them we were rarely succeeding.
I think it's shown the world that when we actually do this well and if we bring the right people together and make the right case, that we do get across the line and sometimes against city and countries that bring greater levels of budget and funding to these campaigns."
Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has revealed he almost quit football before joining the Barclays Premier League club.
The Mexico international last month signed a new five-year contract at Old Trafford after making a huge impression in his first season at the club. Hernandez scored 20 goals in all competitions last term after joining United from Chivas of Guadalajara in the summer of 2010.
Yet the 23-year-old has not always enjoyed his football and told Inside United: "It was about three years ago and I had a lot of questions about whether or not this was the path God wanted me to follow.
"I wasn't playing much football, I was being kept in the reserves. I was disappointed younger players were coming through and getting ahead of me, and it really got me down, even away from football.
"I talked a lot with my parents, my grandparents, my sister and my girlfriend about my situation, and they helped me realise that this is what I was meant to do. "I know now that I'm a very lucky guy and I'm glad I made the decision to keep playing. That experience taught me a lot."
Hernandez missed the start of the current campaign after suffering a concussion during a pre-season training session in the United States. The player spent time in hospital after the incident but was never concerned the condition was serious. Hernandez said: "I just headed the ball on the wrong part of my head.
"It was a very strong cross, the ball moved in the air, and it hit me on the back of my head. "I think all injuries - in football or in life - are scary and it's never nice to have bad headaches or be throwing up.
"But I knew I would be okay. This had happened twice before in Mexico, when I'd clashed heads with another player. "So I knew what was happening to me, I knew the symptoms and knew I'd feel okay again."
Sir Alex Ferguson is certain he is doing the right thing by introducing another batch of talented youngsters to his Manchester United first-team squad.
In Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley, Ferguson has integrated a quartet of English players into his Old Trafford plans that could provide a platform for United over the next decade.
It maintains a philosophy Matt Busby introduced with his famous Babes back in the 1950s and which Ferguson quickly recognised needed to be revived after he succeeded Ron Atkinson in 1986.
"I believe in young people," Ferguson told Sirius XM. "You need a foundation at a football club and that is vital. You can build a first team, but you really do need the back-up and the foundation to make it a football club."
By making such bold changes this season, which have come at a cost to Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand in particular, Ferguson has strengthened the ties which have bound him to United for the past 25 years.
The Scot has repeatedly stated he has no plans to stand down just yet, even though he will celebrate his 70th birthday on New Year's Eve. However, in a tribute to Ferguson shown on MUTV, chief executive David Gill has confirmed the person who eventually replaces the former Aberdeen boss must share the same vision.
"It will be difficult to replace him - it's naive to say anything other than that," said Gill. "But we are a great club whose values go back in history to our heritage to the 50s and 60s and the last 25 years with Alex.
"To continue with that, the new manager needs to understand those values and the vision for the club and must buy into that." Ferguson will forever be remembered for bringing through the famed 'Class of 92'.
However, he takes just as much pride in the elevation of Cristiano Ronaldo to world player of the year given he was just a raw teenager when he first arrived from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.
"With all the young players that come to us in their formative years, you have got a job to make them good footballers but also to show them how to grow up the right way," he said.
"Cristiano came to us at 18, just a young lad from Portugal who didn't know the country.
"But he learned the language, adapted very well and he has turned out fantastically as a human being, just as was the case with the Nevilles, Scholes, Beckhams, Giggs and all those lads."
Wigan captain Antolin Alcaraz has issued an apology on the club's website for the spitting incident that has landed him a three-match ban.
The Paraguay international was caught by television cameras spitting at Wolves defender Richard Stearman towards the end of the Latics' 3-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at Molineux on Sunday and this week accepted a misconduct charge from the Football Association, resulting in the suspension.
A statement from Alcaraz on www.wiganlatics.co.uk read: "I would like to apologise for my actions following the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Sunday.
"I apologise to anyone connected to our football club for the offence and upset that my actions have caused. I reacted wrongly after being provoked but I never meant to spit on an opposing player.
"I was having a confrontation with Christophe Berra and in wanting to show my frustration, my intention was to spit on the ground beside him, which was my way of answering the verbal abuse that I was receiving.
"Unfortunately, as you can see in the video evidence, my spit, instead of finding the ground, regrettably struck Richard Steadman in the chest, and I apologise to him for this. "I apologise to my fellow players, staff, supporters and everyone associated with Wigan Athletic for the problems this has caused.
"I am hurting now because I know I cannot help my team mates in the next three games, and for that I am very sorry. "I will keep working hard to stay fit and be ready to help the team again as soon as the ban is over."
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez also released a statement on the site, confirming Alcaraz had said sorry to him personally for the episode and that an apology had already been made to Wolves.
"The player has apologised to me and has accepted that he did wrong," Martinez said. "The incident does not reflect the normal character of someone who takes his responsibilities very seriously. "Antolin is a special character and a big asset for our squad and you would never normally see him associated with that sort of behaviour.
"Unfortunately, he lost control of his actions due to the importance of the game and the frustrating nature of our performance on the day, and even though they were mitigating factors, spitting is not an action that should be associated with any ambassador of Wigan Athletic.
"He clearly cares with his life for every Wigan Athletic result. He's a true professional and in this incident has reacted wrongly due to a combination of anger, frustration and cultural differences. "I know he never meant to spit on an opposing player but he will learn from his actions.
"We have already apologised to Wolves and we are ready to draw a line under it. "All of our foreign players need to understand the culture of the country they are playing in, and the seriousness of what certain actions mean in England, whatever the provocation."
Manchester City coach Patrick Vieira has urged the club to model themselves on Barcelona but has said the fans must be patient as they aim to join Europe’s elite.
City have enjoyed a sharp upturn since the arrival of Sheikh Mansour as owner of the club, and Vieira says if they want to be successful there is no better team to copy than Barcelona.
The Premier League leaders are currently involved in their first Champions League campaign but have so far endured mixed fortunes in the competition.
However, Vieira has called for patience."You have to remember that City is a new club among the elite. In fact, this is the first time we've played in the Champions League," Vieira told Barca TV.
"If we take the example of Barca, this team got where it is after many years among the elite and a youth policy means several years of patience.""You can't invent a football philosophy in one or even five years, it takes time."
"But there can always be surprises in the Champions League, and it could be City this year. We have a quality team and a wonderful spirit.""It is no secret that Barca is an example of a successful youth system."
"When you see a team win the Champions League with six or seven of its youth players in the side, you know they're doing the right job. It is an example Manchester City should follow."
Bilyaletdinov issues quit threat
Everton's Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has said he wants to quit the club in January if he does not start seeing more first-team action.
Del Piero keen on Premier League
Alessandro Del Piero has revealed he dreams of playing in the Premier League before the end of his illustrious career.
Lampard sets sights on 100 club
Frank Lampard has set his sights on winning 100 England caps after scoring the winner against World Cup holders Spain at Wembley.
England release Jagielka to Everton
Phil Jagielka has been released from England duty and returned to Everton.
Butcher inducted into Hall of Fame
Former England captain Terry Butcher has been inducted into the Scottish Football Museum's Hall of Fame at a dinner in Glasgow.
Hernandez: United life is amazing
Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez confessed that he is still awestruck when he sees his name on the teamsheet.
Warnock gives up Beckham chase
QPR manager Neil Warnock has already started turning his attention elsewhere after now giving up hope of signing David Beckham.
Marwijk: Wenger wanted van Persie out
Holland manager Bert van Marwijk revealed that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wanted striker Robin van Persie to sit out both international friendlies this week.
Man City admit Reus interest
Marco Reus' fine performances for Borussia Monchengladbach this season have reportedly caught the eye of Barclays Premier League giants Manchester City.
Fortune impressed by United youngsters Former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune was dazzled by the skills on display at the Soccer Skills Finals organised by the club.
Oxlade-Chamberlain gets Walcott backing
Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has backed youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to take the step up to the England senior squad for Euro 2012.
Henderson confident of Reds impact
Jordan Henderson is confident he will soon achieve the kind of consistency that is required to flourish at a club like Liverpool.
Wenger preparing for Arsenal clearout
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is prepared to let Sebastien Squillaci and Marouane Chamakh leave the club in in the next transfer window.
Hodgson set for Baggies talks West Brom are set to hold contract talks with head coach Roy Hodgson in the new year.
Redknapp, Mandaric to face trial
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp and Milan Madaric will face trial for tax evasion for their actions in Portsmouth.
Vieira: City should follow Barca model
Manchester City's sporting executive Patrick Vieira hailed that Barcelona's model and style of play and urged the club to emulate the Spanish giants.
England vs Ireland a real possibility
England are being lined up for a friendly match with Republic of Ireland next June, according to press reports.
Tevez expected back at City on Monday
Manchester City are expecting Carlos Tevez to report back to the club on Monday.
Henry won't turn his back on football
New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry admits he would like to stay in football after he calls time on his illustrious playing career.
"Liverpool will not sell Anfield name"
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has reassured fans the club will not follow in the footsteps of the likes of Newcastle by selling the naming rights of Anfield.
City to launch mega bid for Silva
Manchester City are set to lock horns with Barcelona in a battle for AC Milan defender Thiago Silva.
Report: Scholes set for Reserve duty
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes is set to take charge of the club's Reserve team, according to reports.
United chasing Ajax star Eriksen
Manchester United are on the heels of highly-rated Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen, according to reports from the UK.
Evra-Suarez row lost in translation
There has been a latest twist in the racial saga that blew up between Manchester United's Patrice Evra and Liverpool's Luis Suarez.
Suarez embarrassed by Messi links
Liverpool and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez says he has been embarrassed by the recent comparisons of him with Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.
Fabregas: Arsenal must keep RVP
Cesc Fabregas admitted that it would be tough for Arsenal to hold on to Robin Van Persie, given his recent goalscoring exploits.
Johnson hoping for end of injury jinx
Glen Johnson hopes several months of injury frustration are finally behind him after earning an England recall for the shock win over Spain at Wembley.
Sunderland's Mignolet unable to train
Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has been forced to take a complete break from football while he recovers from a fractured nose and eye socket.
Sturridge defends Chelsea veterans
Daniel Sturridge has backed Chelsea's experienced campaigners to lead the club through any tough times on the field.
Johnson considers Fulham future
Andrew Johnson has admitted he has some thinking to do after being offered a new contract by Fulham.
Redknapp eyes swift Spurs return
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is keen to return to the dugout for their next Premier League clash at home to Aston Villa.
Wenger preparing for Arsenal clearout Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is prepared to let Sebastien Squillaci and Marouane Chamakh leave the club in in the next transfer window.
According to reports in the Sun, the summer arrival of Per Mertesacker has seen the Frenchman drop to Arsenal's fifth choice centre half, and Wenger will let the 31-year-old leave either on a loan deal, or for £2million.
In addition, Marouane Chamakh has also been deemed surplus to requirements after failing to sparkle since his move from Bordeaux in 2010.
The duo are not the only two players expected to be on their way out from the Emirates, with Manuel Almunia, who was on a loan spell with West Ham, available for a paltry £300,000, for whichever club is willing fork out the sum for the error-prone 34-year-old.
There are also further reports that after his outburst at Wenger, Andrey Arshavin could also be on Wenger's sales list, with Schalke keen on the 30-year-old winger.
