Why sports stars go broke

by Sunday Oliseh

Sixty-five per cent of sportsmen go broke (bankrupt) after they quit the limelight.

In England wages of footballers average £30 000 a week (more than many households earn annually) but seven out of every ten ex-footballers are said to be 'broke' and having serious difficulties making ends meet.

Legendary sportspeople like Mike Tyson(earnings: $350 million, )Evander Holyfield ($250 million), Allen Iverson ($154 million), Arantxa Sanchez Vicario and Steffi Graf all declared themselves broke after their illustrious careers.

In Africa the figures are worse but the fact that most ex-African stars are smart and stay away from the public eye when it happens has helped mask the magnitude.

One is forced to ask how on earth this is possible, judging by the enormous sums earned during their active days?

LACK OF FINANCIAL EDUCATION

Contrary to what most people think, sportsmen are not complete illiterates or un-educated. They are educated in the art of sports and not finance. To get to the top of the world, you have to focus all your time to your sport and school education suffers. Hence, in most cases, top athletes are not educated in financial matters. This is no excuse but they hardly devote time to learn how to manage money.

Most superstars originate from acutely poor backgrounds and, in most cases, are raised by financially poor but not necessarily morally poor parents. They generally have a good heart but when the riches come to these sportsmen, they are found wanting in the know-how to handle this sudden wealth.

Case Study: Mike Tyson, ex world heavyweight boxing champion

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Especially among Coloured stars and Africans, a man's wealth is shared among his family and we do have huge families.

Once these sports stars hit the big time, these family members and friends have to be catered for: school fees, feeding allowances, house rents, burials and house purchases etc all are billed to the sports star who erroneously thinks it is his duty to pay this. They become the sole bread winners for family and friends.

The financial burden that these stars inherit from their family and extended families is so huge that it practically drains them dry.

How much to share with family, friends and their savings account is a dilemma for African stars. The African culture is a communal kind of life and a lovely one at that, where it is deemed normal to share your earnings among family, unlike the western style where your family is just you, your wife and children.

Case Study: Aranxta Sanchez Vicario of Spain, a top ex tennis star

EARNING TOO FAST

A "normal" millionaire builds his millions gradually but athletes make the majority of their income in a short period of time, at a very early age. The entrepreneur can save over that lengthy period and learn to manage wealth at his own pace, unlike young professional athletes.

This wealth breeds stubbornness and advice from well meaning people is often ignored. Youth is synonymous with errors, due to inexperience, and it is difficult to tell a rich, young sports star that his ideas are wrong. He will simply ask you, “If you know it better, why aren't you the rich one instead of me?”

Case Study: Mike Tyson, ex world heavyweight boxing champion (world champion at age 17)

LACK OF POST-CAREER PLANS

Very few athletes plan for their post-career life during their active days. The preparation of body and mind for the next stage in their lives is not there. Some even erroneously think they will continue in the sports system for long periods after retirement, as coaches, managers, journalists or analysts. However, there is limited space to accommodate all and these functions need some form of education and study, which most athletes lack.

SPENDING A LOT AND SAVING A LITTLE

Everyone earns money (if you work) but not everyone saves in the same degree as they earn. Some sports stars mostly think that these huge earnings are not temporary but will last a lifetime. A successful career lasts at the most 10 to 12 years but the athletes sometimes forget that if you retire at the age of 35 and God let's you live till 70, you still have another 35 years to live. Boy those years run slowly when the wealth is not there.

"I spent over a million dollars on jewellery"- Andre Rison, former NFL star

EXPENSIVE DIVORCES

Most sports stars meet their other halves when they are active and are at their best. Retirement means a change to their lifestyle and social standing and also to that of their spouses. This and the more frequent presence at home stifles and pressurises marriages. The end result is divorce and they usually are expensive. The effects are devastating and the inability to cope causes bankruptcy for many.

Case Study: Kenny Anderson (Ex basketball star) lost $60 million to ex-wives

BAD BUSINESS INVESTMENT

Naturally, with so much money earned, many athletes try to invest and follow bad advice from managers and so-called friends. In most cases they invest in ventures that they have no expertise in and often these deals go bad.

The success most athletes have as sportsmen seems to blind them from the fact that they might not be successful as businessmen, even in sports business.

Case Study: Evander Holyfield, ex world heavyweight boxing champion

"THE LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL SYNDROME"

At retirement, several sportsmen continue spending and living like they used to when they were active or at their prime. Hundreds of thousands are still spent on jewellery, mistresses and holiday homes in areas they hardly visit. These are quiet drains on their fortune and by the time they realise it, it is too late.

Most athletes have a problem transforming from active to passive sportsmen.

Case Study: Allen Iverson kept spending $360 000 every month after retirement

This piece is written with the aim of sharing with aspiring sportsmen the errors they should avoid and with parents so they know how to mould or guide their children.

In conclusion, to err is human but with success comes envy and jealousy and even criminality from dubious minds. One has to be careful and not err in a big way. The harder you try to earn honest money through sport success, the more there are people working even harder to separate you from that wealth.

As a sportsman people will love you but you have to love yourself most by being cautious and prayerful. od help us all!

Arsenal pays a price for sound finances

Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger 

When Arsenal hired manager Herbert Chapman in 1925, the job ad told big spenders not to apply. Angry fans who have seen the London soccer team overtaken by lavishly funded rivals are now screaming for the club's US owner to bury that tradition.

The club's billionaire majority shareholder Stan Kroenke is one of a new generation of foreign owners who have bought into the game in Britain, but while some of them have spent with abandon to get results on the field, Kroenke expects the club to stay true to sound financial principles.

The order to control the purse strings didn't stop Chapman entering club folklore, leading Arsenal to the first of 13 league titles, making it the most successful team in England after Manchester United and Liverpool, but the trophy cupboard has been bare for several years.

Arsenal, nicknamed "The Gunners" after the munitions factory workers that founded the club in 1886, last won the English Premier League in 2004 and lifted the FA Cup in 2005. They have won nothing since, and supporters who pack the plush Emirates stadium, the club's home since 2006, want a better return on some of the highest ticket prices in English soccer.

Even the annual consolation of a place in the European Champions League, worth around 30 million pounds ($45 million), could slip from its grasp. The top four from the Premier League qualify for the competition, and Arsenal is currently fifth behind local rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Frustrated fans say the club is the victim of a lack of drive and investment by Kroenke, who took control two years ago in a deal valuing the club at 731 million pounds.

Those who work for the 65-year-old Kroenke, who owns sports teams on both sides of the Atlantic, dismiss claims he is out of touch with English soccer and its passionate fans.

"He understands sports. He understands Arsenal," club Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis said in an interview.

"The guy I know is phenomenally ambitious for this football club and has given it support at every possible level," he added, saying Kroenke comes to London every month.

FANS BLAME BOARD

While the Americans who control Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have tried to run the clubs along business lines, clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City have muscled into the Premier League elite over the past decade thanks to hugely wealthy owners from Russia and Abu Dhabi who have been prepared to underwrite their financial losses.

(For graphic on financials of Arsenal, United, City and Chelsea, click on http://link.reuters.com/hyn86t )

Arsenal fans who have seen their club overtaken by these newly rich teams believe "Silent Stan" should do more.

"There is not enough energy or ambition to push the club hard to go forward," said Tim Payton of the Arsenal Supporters Trust (AST), a lobby group of fans who own shares in the club.

"Kroenke owns the club, but he's out of the country, and most of the rest of the board are over 70. It does feel that coming fourth is the height of ambition rather than the minimum requirement," he added.

PERFECT MATCH

Gazidis, 48, believes Arsenal will soon benefit from the completion of a financial transformation that began with the move to the 60 000-seater Emirates stadium from their former home at nearby Highbury in north London.

"We will have a football club that will certainly be one of the leading clubs in financial power in Europe," he said in his wood-panelled office in "Highbury House", a building with views on the old and new stadiums.

Gazidis points to a new 150 million pound sponsorship deal with airline Emirates signed last year, while a new kit supply deal is also being negotiated.

"We have a vision of a football club which stands on its own two feet, which relies on its own resources," Gazidis said.

"We think that football is about more than simply who is prepared to lose the most money."

That matches the way Kroenke run his other teams.

Named after two famous baseball players from the 1940s St. Louis Cardinals, Enos Stanley Kroenke has maintained a low profile that belies his significance in global sports.

Besides Arsenal, his Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE) group owns the St Louis Rams NFL team, basketball's Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Rapids soccer team.

"He's very, very passionate about what happens on the pitch or on the field, extremely so," said KSE CEO Jim Martin.

"But he also believes that these sports teams need to be run in a sustainable manner," added Martin.

BID RUMOURS

In European soccer, ambition is often measured by how much a club splurges on players, and Arsenal has made more from player sales than it has spent on buying them in recent seasons.

That pattern continued last summer when the club sold Dutch striker Robin van Persie to Manchester United for a reported 22 million pounds. United now seems certain to win the Premier League title, helped by 19 goals from Van Persie.

That sale drew criticism from Uzbek-born billionaire Alisher Usmanov, whose "Red and White Securities" owns almost 30 percent of Arsenal but who does not have a seat on the board.

Kroenke makes a virtue of never having sold any of his sports teams, and aides say he will not walk away from Arsenal despite the barbs from fans and rival shareholder Usmanov.

He was unmoved by reports this month of a crowd-pleasing 1.5 billion pound bid from Middle East investors that would have allowed him to double his money. Married to the daughter of a founder of Wal-Mart supermarkets, he doesn't need the cash.

"I think he's totally committed to it. To my knowledge, he has no interest whatsoever in divesting his interest in Arsenal," said KSE's Martin in a telephone interview.

FAIR PLAY, PLEASE

The club takes heart from new "Financial Fair Play" rules being introduced by Uefa, European soccer's governing body, which fits well with its self-sustaining ethos.

Designed to make the spendthrift sport more stable, the rules mean clubs must move towards breakeven or risk exclusion from European club competition. Arsenal believes that will force wealthy rivals to rein in their spending.

The club's latest accounts show cash reserves of 123 million pounds, fuelling fans' anger that more has not been invested in the squad and prompting some to draw up wishlists of players they want veteran French manager Arsene Wenger to recruit.

Wenger, 63, has been at Arsenal since 1996, an unusually long tenure in a revolving-doors profession. He led the club to three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with a swagger and style that gave him a status to rival the revered Chapman.

But some fans say he has become too careful with the cash.

"There is no doubt that Arsene Wenger is cautious in the transfer market and prefers to be a 'developmental' rather than a 'spending' manager," said Payton of the AST fans' group.

"This is why the AST believes the boardroom needs strengthening with people who would challenge and support him to be more decisive in the transfer market."

Onazi admits to pressure at Lazio

Ogenyi Onazi

Nigeria midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi has expressed happiness at his steady progress at Serie A club, SS Lazio.

The 20-year-old, usually on the sidelines at the Rome club, has suddenly become a first-team mainstay in Vladimir Petkovic’s side, and has identified his good form with the national team as one of the reasons he has performed so well at his club in recent weeks.

“Everyone knows that things suddenly got better for me at my club after the Nations Cup. The competition changed my life in all ramifications,” Onazi said.

The 20-year-old then went on to discuss the difficulties he faced before breaking into the Lazio first-team.

“The Italian league is very difficult to play in. It is even more difficult for young players to cope but things have been going well for me.

“I have a few friends with a lot of experience at the club. They speak to me and advise me on the areas where I make mistakes.

“Also training alongside important players like Hernanes, Mauro Zarate, Cristian Brocchi and Miroslav Klose is something that should be experienced rather than explained.

“I have grown a lot as a man and as a footballer and I intend to continue in this path,” he added.

On the Super Eagles’ recent 1-1 draw against Kenya in a 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier in Calabar, the former El Kanemi Warriors star insisted the African champions will get back on track with a win against the Harambee Stars in June.

“I think even the Kenyans surprised themselves with how well they played against us. They also know things will be different when we meet again.

“We know what is at stake here and I am sure we will win in Kenya if we play as well as we can,” he said.

Onazi, a former under-17 and under-20 star made his senior debut in 2012 and has scored once for the Super Eagles.

Spain back on track as big guns shine

Spain

Spain

Europe's top teams took important steps towards next year's World Cup finals in Brazil with qualifying victories on Tuesday, notably world champions Spain who scored a hugely significant 1-0 win over France in Paris.
Netherlands, Germany and Italy also picked up three points but England, fourth in the world rankings, were held 1-1 in Montenegro after a bright start in which they scored first.

After a weekend of speculation about Spain losing their way on the road to Rio after a 1-1 home draw with Finland on Friday, their victory at the Stade de France steadied the nerves and put them back on top with 11 points, one more than France.

Pedro scored the only goal in the 58th minute after a scramble in front of goal and a desperate atetempt to keep the ball out by home keeper Hugo Lloris while France finished with 10 men after Paul Pogba was sent off 12 minutes from time.

Spain are now unbeaten in their last 50 World Cup qualifiers since March 1993 and coach Vicente Del Bosque was a happy man.

"This is a very important three points. It helps support the conviction we have in our ideas," he told Spanish TV. "Everyone has doubts at times.

"When they went down to ten men in theory it should have been easier for us, but this is when we perhaps had the most problems. The team played like men today."

Netherlands steamed to a sixth straight qualifying win in this campaign - and a 14th overall - when they thumped Romania 4-0 in Amsterdam with Robin van Persie scoring twice.

The Dutch moved on to 18 points, seven clear at the top of Group D, after second-placed Hungary drew 1-1 with Turkey.

BEST MATCH

"This was the best match under my management so far," Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal told reporters.

"We executed our game plan much better than we did on Friday (in a 3-0 win over Estonia). We only played sloppily in the final quarter of the first half and that resulted in their sole chance of the match."

Germany also moved a step closer to the finals when they followed up Friday's 3-0 win in Kazakhstan with a 4-1 victory over the same opposition in Nuremburg to climb to 16 points and open up an eight-point gap at the top of Group C.

Sweden, who did not play, Austria and Ireland are all on eight points after the latter drew 2-2 with the Austrians in Dublin after the visitors salvaged a point with an equaliser from David Alaba in the 92nd minute.

Germany, again without a recognised striker, hit three goals in eight minutes through Borussia Dortmund trio Marco Reus, Mario Goetze and Ilkay Guendogan in the first half.

Reus added a fourth in stoppage time to give Germany their fifth win in six qualifiers as they also hit the woodwork six times in a one-sided game that at times looked like a friendly.

"Obviously, in the second half our concentration and our presence was not as strong but we still could have scored two or three more goals. But the game was decided by then," Germany coach Joachim Loew said.

"Kazakhstan had 10 men around the box and waited for us but did little else. They did not want to play football."

BALOTELLI AGAIN

Italy also consolidated top spot in their section when they won 2-0 in Malta with a double from in-form Mario Balotelli to move three points clear of second-placed Bulgaria who drew 1-1 in Denmark in their Group B game. Italy now have 13 points.

Balotelli, buoyed by his outstanding goal in a 2-2 friendly draw with Brazil on Thursday, again delivered for Italy who survived two first-half scares before applying the killer blow with a second goal in the dying minutes of the opening half.

"We have to treasure the fact that when we come up against a well-organised team we have to be quicker with our play," Italy coach Cesare Prandelli told Rai television.

"But the great performance against Brazil and the three points tonight are paramount."

Balotelli opened the scoring with a sixth-minute penalty after Malta defender Luke Dimech floored Stephan El Shaarawy in the penalty area but Malta refused to lie down.

Their bold reaction unsettled Prandelli's men whose struggles were laid bare when, after 16 minutes, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon brought down Malta midfielder Andre Schembri in the box after an intelligent pass from Roderick Briffa.

Michael Mifsud marched towards the spot but his low effort was stopped by Buffon.

England briefly looked like replacing Montenegro at the top of Group H as they took the lead in Podgorica with a Wayne Rooney header after six minutes.

Although England started brightly and dominated the first half, the home side battled back and deservedly equalised through Dejan Damjanovic in the second half to move on to 14 points, two points clear of England.

Belgium and Croatia, who started the day joint-top of Group A with 13 points, stayed neck-and-neck after Belgium beat visitors Macedonia 1-0 with a goal from Eden Hazard and Croatia won 2-1 in Wales with late goals from Dejan Lovren and Eduardo.

The pair are nine points clear of third-placed Serbia, who won 2-0 against Scotland 2-0 who became the first team in the European qualifiers to be mathematically eliminated as they cannot catch either of the joint leaders Belgium or Croatia.

Portugal rekindled their chances by winning 2-0 in Azerbaijan after stumbling to a 3-3 draw against Israel on Friday to move within a point of Group F leaders Russia, who did not play.

The Israelis also maintained their hopes of a first World Cup finals appearance since 1970 with a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in Belfast to stay level with Portugal on 11 points.

Real Madrid to face PSG in Sweden friendly

Real Madrid

Real Madrid

Real Madrid will face Paris Saint Germain in a July 27 friendly in Gothenburg, match organisers announced on Wednesday.

"It's a dream come true to welcome Real Madrid to Sweden - no one knows when they will be back again," Affe Akbari, managing director of organisers Sport & Evenemang said.

Last August Gothenburg played host to a friendly between Real's Spanish rivals, Barcelona, and English Premier League champions Manchester United - the fixture ending in a goalless draw

Allardyce close to new Hammers deal

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce on Wednesday claimed he is close to signing a new contract with the Premier League club.

Allardyce's current deal with the Hammers expires at the end of the season and his team's poor form in recent weeks has seen QPR boss Harry Redknapp and former West Ham striker Paolo Di Canio linked with the job.

But former Newcastle and Bolton boss Allardyce insists he has been talking about a new contract with West Ham's joint owners David Sullivan and David Gold.

"We both want to do it, it's just a question of sorting out the dotting of the i's and crossing of the t's," Allardyce told Sky Sports News.

"As always, that is not as easy a situation as you would like.

"You always have to do some negotiations when you are moving into the next contract, just as there were plenty of negotiations over the first contract.

"So we will hopefully come to a conclusion very shortly."

A new deal would raise the possibility of Allardyce overseeing the transfer from Upton Park to the Olympic Stadium, set to occur at the start of the 2016/17 season.

The move has been the subject of resistance from various parties, including some West Ham supporters, but Allardyce believes it is necessary if the club is to progress.

"We need to move to this new stadium to compete with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham in this world," he said.

France didn't deserve to lose, claims Benzema

The Bleus star was disappointed with hi

s side's 1-0 World Cup qualifying loss against Spain at the Stade de France

France striker Karim Benzema has claimed his side did not deserve to lose in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier with Spain.

La Roja triumphed 1-0 in a tight affair at the Stade de France thanks to a strike from Barcelona star Pedro just before the hour mark. Paul Pogba was then sent off for a second yellow card in the 78th minute.

"We are all very disappointed," Benzema told TF1. "If you look at the whole game, we did not deserve to lose. We made a mistake and we paid [for it]."

The 25-year-old also spoke about the French fans' adverse reaction to his performance.

"The whistles? That's not that bad. It happens. I was fine. I'll score again. The most important thing is the team. I'm confident," he added.

National coach Didier Deschamps also gave his take on Les Bleus' result.

"There were situations that were unfavorable," said the 44-year-old. "But we had opportunities, even 10. We do not blush. It could have happened differently.

"We did see beautiful things. Spain is still Spain. We battled and they were not alone, even when we were [down to] 10."

The 26-year-old centre-back has targeted a return to full fitness in time for the Manchester derby against Sir Alex Ferguson's side, after all but relinquishing their league crown

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has vowed that the club will learn from their mistakes this season now that they look certain to lose out on the league title to rivals Manchester United.
In stark contrast to the closely-run title race that was sealed by Sergio Aguero on the last day of last season, Sir Alex Ferguson's side hold a commanding 15-point lead over City with just eight games of the campaign left to play.

With Kompany reduced to just 20 league appearances after time spent sidelined through injury, he has admitted that the team simply haven't been good enough this season under manager Roberto Mancini's guidance.

"You always want to go for the titles and you always want to go for the top," Kompany told Sky Sports.

"I've experienced it in the same way as every other player. I've wanted our team to do well.

"We still have a good run in the FA Cup, but ultimately in football you have to have a winner and a loser, so I think we will learn from what happened there and we'll grow stronger again."

The Manchester derby takes place at Old Trafford shortly after the end of the international break and Kompany has targeted a return to first-team action with his club, providing he comes through Belgium's fixture list unscathed.


He added: "I feel great, I feel really good. I've put in some hard work over the eight last weeks and I'm just very happy to be back with the team.

"Yes it's frustrating but it's something you have to deal with as a professional football player.

"I've been through a lot worse than this, so for me it was just a case of working really hard and making sure that I was able to be there for the team again.

"My only ambition was to make myself available again for the manager of the national team, for the manager of Manchester City, and I've worked really hard."

Brazil will need to play 'almost a perfect game' to beat Russia, admits David Luiz

The Chelsea defender has noted that Fabio Capello's team will be well rested after their World Cup 2014 qualifier against Northern Ireland was postponed twice over the weekend

By Liam Twomey at Stamford Bridge
Brazil defender David Luiz believes his country will need to play an "almost perfect" game to beat Russia in their international friendly at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Fabio Capello's team will face the World Cup 2014 hosts following the double postponement of their qualification match against Northern Ireland over the weekend.

And Luiz has admitted that Russia will benefit from the extra rest they have enjoyed after Brazil drew 2-2 with Italy on Thursday.

"I expect it will be a very difficult game, because they are a strong team and they are rested," Luiz told reporters. "They have great players, and I believe Brazil has to play almost a perfect game to win.

"It's always special to play for the national team and wear the shirt, and tomorrow will be another special day - to play for my national team in my home stadium.

"But I don't want to take my focus off the game tomorrow, so that's what I'm thinking about.

"Without having to qualify for the World Cup, we can't get any [Fifa] ranking points. But it's not really important for us.

"Everyone likes to talk about Brazil, because we've always been giving people great results and winning tournaments, so it's natural.

"But Brazil is Brazil, so you can't really say anything about rankings. Who cares? We just care about winning matches and winning titles."

Luiz, along with his Chelsea team-mates Oscar and Ramires, will play on familiar turf in west London, and the defender insists it remains a privilege to play for the Blues despite a difficult season.

"I'm always very happy because I'm doing what I love," he added. "It's a privilege for me to play for Chelsea, and I'm very happy here.

"This season we are not playing at the level people expect of us, but we are still competing for three titles – we can win the Europa League, the FA Cup and we are fighting for a better position in the table. So we can still fight and still make it a good season."

There will be added incentive for Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, as well, according to the centre-back, after the 64-year-old's largely unhappy spell as Chelsea manager.

"Mr Scolari is an excellent professional, and he has been a coach at many clubs and national teams," Luiz said.

"I'm sure he's happy to come back to Chelsea because, regardless of what happened here, he has good memories, he was happy in his time here.

"I think what he wants now is to put a cherry on the cake by winning tomorrow at the stadium of his old club."

Hazard: Courtois kept Belgium in FYROM clash

By Livio Caferoglu
Eden Hazard has thanked Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for helping his side record a 2-0 victory over the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on Friday.

The Chelsea star admits that Marc Wilmots' side encountered problems early on in Skopje, but was delighted with their show of resolve as they ran out winners.

"It was just like the game against Serbia. We had trouble in the first half but in the second it went a lot better for us," he told reporters.

"The match was not easy. Courtois kept us in contention with a few good saves using his leg. I didn't think I played too badly, but I can always do better."

Meanwhile, defender Vincent Kompany feels everyone put in a fine performance, and was happy that his team gave the fans what they deserved for making such a long trip.

"A great result, the men played perfectly. I am pleased that we can give so much to our country," he wrote on Twitter.

"Our fans have made a long trip to Skopje and they have been rewarded. Massive thanks for the support."

Manchester United midfielder Anderson pushing for summer exit

The Brazilian is concerned about his lack of first-team opportunities and believes a move away from Old Trafford will enhance his chances of featuring in the 2014 World Cup.

EXCLUSIVE
By Paul Clennam

Manchester United midfielder Anderson wants to leave the club at the end of the season due to fears that a lack of first-team football will put paid to his chances of playing for Brazil at the 2014 World Cup, Goal.com understands.

A number of South American clubs are interested in signing the 24-year-old, while Porto are also hoping to bring him back to the Estadio do Dragao on a loan deal.

United could even use Anderson as a makeweight in any potential move for Porto's highly-rated Colombian attacker James Rodriguez.

"Anderson is desperate to play for Brazil in 2014 and knows he needs some regular match time," a source close to the club told Goal.com.

"Sir Alex can't offer him the first-team football that he wants."

The Red Devils value the midfielder at between €18 million and €24m and would welcome a permanent sale, but do not envisage any of the interested parties being able to come up with the full amount.

A number of Brazilian clubs have used third-party sponsors to fund the signings of big-name players in recent years, most notably when Flamengo captured Ronaldinho from AC Milan in 2011.

But if that scenario does not materialise, United see a loan move back to Porto as the ideal situation for both club and player.

Mourinho hints at possible Chelsea return

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has hinted he could return to Chelsea this summer.

The 50-year-old, who guided Chelsea to two Premier League titles before leaving the club in September 2007, has been linked with a move back to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season to succeed Rafael Benitez.

Speculation has grown over Mourinho's future in Spain after reports suggested that several senior figures in Real Madrid's squad were unhappy with their manager, while the Portuguese has also endured a mixed relationship with the club's fans this term.

Mourinho, who has also enjoyed successful spells at Porto and Inter, admits his future is uncertain but has not ruled out returning to one of his former clubs.

“I have an adventurous spirit and do not know what will happen next season,” Mourinho said at the opening of an exhibition in Setubal.

“It’s not easy to choose a new destination after working in England, Portugal, Italy and Spain. Maybe I could return to somewhere I’ve already been. Watch out for surprises.”

Portugal cannot afford to slip up, says Ronaldo

The winger will be suspended for their latest qualifier on Tuesday night and has admitted nothing less than three points will suffice
Cristiano Ronaldo has stressed that Portugal cannot afford to slip up again in the remainder of the 2014 World Cup qualification campaign if they are to make it to Brazil next year.

The Seleccao were held to a 3-3 draw by Israel last Friday and currently sit third in Group F with eight points from five games, trailing leaders Russia by four points.

"We have zero room for error from here on," the Real Madrid star was quoted as saying on the official website of the Portuguese Football Association.

Ronaldo will miss Tuesday's qualifier against Azerbaijan due to suspension, but he is keen to stay with the team as he feels his presence benefits the Seleccao.

"The easiest thing for me would have been to return to my club, but I said that I wanted to stay. I feel that my presence with the team is important," he explained.

"I can still contribute something to the team even when I'm not playing. I'm a bit sad that I can't help the guys out there on the pitch, but I will encourage the team to give their all and get a good result."

Portugal head into Tuesday’s match without a win since September 2012.

Pique: I would sign Pepe from Madrid

By Stefan Coerts
The Spain international has mentioned the Portugal centre-back as one of three players he would bring to the Camp Nou side
Gerard Pique says he would sign either Pepe, Sergio Ramos or Raphael Varane if he could bring one Real Madrid player to Barcelona as he believes the Blaugrana need strengthening in defence.

Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets revealed recently that Ramos would be a good fit for the Camp Nou side, and Pique agrees with his team-mate, while also controversially mentioning Pepe as a welcome addition.

"Which Madrid player I would sign for Barcelona? One of Pepe, Ramos and Varane," Pique was quoted as saying by Marca.

"With all the injuries we have in defence, that's the area where we could do with reinforcement the most. And Iker [Casillas] of course."

The Spain international then went on to stress there is no longer any problem between Barca and Madrid players in the national side.

"We all defend the honour of our own teams, but we are united with the national team," he added.

"There was a time where the relationship between Barcelona and Madrid players was not ideal, but that's a long time ago now. We all have the same objective."

Rooney showed a 'moment of weakness' last time, says Montenegro defender Dzudovic

The Manchester United striker was famously red carded in Podgorica during England's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign for kicking out at the Spartak Nalchik defender

Miodrag Dzudovic claims Wayne Rooney showed a "moment of weakness" in being sent off when England last played Montenegro.

The Manchester United striker was famously red carded for kicking out at Dzudovic in Podgorica during the Euro 2012 qualifiers but the defender, who is likely to start in place of the suspended Savo Pavicevic, says he has no malice towards Rooney ahead of the game on Tuesday.

FRIDAY'S TOP FIVE GOALS
21/1	England are 21/1 with BetVictor to draw 2-2 with Montenegro on Friday night

"I did nothing to provoke him," Dzudovic told reporters. "We didn't say a single word to each other during the match.

"This was his moment of weakness. He is human, it can happen to anyone."

The 33-year-old defender admitted he wrote a letter to Uefa in a bid to reduce Rooney's three-game ban, and says he did not do it for the publicity.

"It was an initiative by the editor of the Russian sports newspaper Sovetsky Sport, who is a big fan of Manchester United and Rooney," he explained.

"I told Uefa it wasn't an intentional foul, that he didn't want to injure me, that I wasn't hurt and I wasn't suffering any consequences.

"I really meant it and I am glad I helped him. He didn't call me but I am not disappointed. I didn't do it for the publicity."

Podolski brushes off Juventus rumours

The Germany international says he is enjoying life at Arsenal following his summer move from Koln and has no plans to seek another change of clubs in the coming transfer window

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has insisted that he is happy to stay at the Emirates Stadium despite recent speculation linking him with a move to Juventus.

The Germany international arrived at the north London club from Koln last summer and has scored eight league goals this season but has recently struggled with an ankle injury.

Podolski says he takes any interest from other clubs as a compliment but insists that he is enjoying life in London and has no plans to make another move in the near future.

"I want to say two things," he told Bild. "Firstly, I cannot help it that clubs are interested in me. And there are always people behind the scenes who want to float something in this business.

"Secondly, any interest makes me proud because it is a recognition of my performance in London. It is unlikely [that I will leave] because, at the club and in the town, I feel really comfortable.

"As a player you have peace and quiet. I appreciate that very much. Therefore, I can honestly say: I am not preparing for any change."

Valencia tops Manchester United exit list ahead of €60m summer fire sale

The winger is joined by the likes of Nani, Anderson and Chicharito on the list of players who Sir Alex Ferguson will listen to offers for this summer
SPECIAL REPORT
By David Lynch

It is hard to believe that Manchester United need ever face the negative consequences of their decisions. The club possess a transfer policy which appears largely flawless, a manager whose position will rightly never come under threat and a 15-point lead at the top of the Premier League which is testament to their excellence on and off the pitch.

However, when the summer transfer window arrives, the reality of the Red Devils’ position will be evident. Tough decisions must be made as a direct result of the work done in the 12 months preceding that point - and the risk of making the wrong ones is unavoidable. 

Antonio Valencia, Nani, Anderson, Chicharito and Anders Lindegaard will all find their place in the squad under threat, with a rare overhaul at Old Trafford set to click into gear. Sir Alex Ferguson’s desire to land Robin van Persie “at all costs” ahead of Manchester City is set to come home to roost; the unsustainable nature of that layout for a club laden with an incredible level of debt will be underlined.

The Dutchman’s €292,000-per-week wages and the €20 million acquisition of Wilfried Zaha - a move brought forward to January as a result of interest from other clubs - have effectively wiped out the summer budget. Therefore, United are hoping to generate €82m in incoming transfer fees, with Sir Alex keen to bring in more consistent, cost-effective solutions to his impending squad clearout. 

	UP FOR SALE Man Utd's summer assets
	AndersonGames: 21, Goals: 2
	ChicharitoGames: 28, Goals: 16
	Anders LindegaardGames: 11, Clean sheets: 3
	NaniGames: 17, Goals: 4
	Antonio ValenciaGames: 29, Goals: 0

And there will be no shortage of suitors, despite the bit-part nature of the roles recently played by those on offer.

As exclusively revealed by Goal.com on Saturday, Anderson is actively seeking a move away having failed to establish himself at Old Trafford, and a host of South American clubs are poised to battle for his signature. Lindegaard, meanwhile, is also likely to smooth the path towards his exit, having recently voiced concern over falling behind David de Gea in the pecking order.

Chicharito is believed to be Atletico Madrid’s number one target following the expected departure of Falcao and, whilst Valencia may prove more difficult to budge, the Ecuadorian is likely to be forced toward the exit door having failed to find his best form following a lengthy injury lay-off.

As a well-placed source explained to Goal.com, these departures were effectively decided by the all-or-nothing pursuit of Van Persie prior to this season: “Sir Alex and the club made it abundantly clear they would go that extra yard for Robin. United knew the numbers involved but saw it as a real signal of intent going forward.

“A couple of other targets had to slide as a result, certainly Lucas Moura, when Paris Saint-Germain made their interest known in the boy.

"Those figures were just crazy. Wilfried Zaha is a sound investment due to the relatively low money involved. Sir Alex knows he will have to be even cuter this summer as a result of Robin now being on our wage bill."

The decision to forgo the signing of another big-name for big money betrays Sir Alex's preference for maintaining the unrivalled squad size which has helped United cruise to the title this term. This, of course, means that, unfortunately for Mario Gotze, his recent come-get-me plea to United and Real Madrid will fall on deaf ears, in England at least.

Regardless, though the summer arrivals at Old Trafford may not be as exciting in individual terms, the pursuit of increased consistency across the squad should similarly alert United’s rivals. This is a club who possess a raft of marquee players already, and their supporting cast may just be about to get a little more effective.

Nigeria, Kenya vie for World Cup points

Nigeria and Kenya will go head-to-head in a 2014 Fifa World Cup game in Calabar this Saturday.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are favourites ahead of this clash as they have the bragging rights as African champions and are ranked 33 places above the Harambee Stars and have never lost at home to the East Africans.

But Nigeria manager, Stephen Keshi has refused to accept the toga of favourites.

"It's good past results favour us but we are not dwelling on that. If past results really count then we wouldn't even be playing Kenya. Remember they have a new coach and every coach comes with a different approach, mentality, team ethics and style of play. So we have respect for them and we will play this game with our best players," Keshi told supersport.com.

The last clash between both teams was a friendly game in Abuja in March 2011 and the Super Eagles triumphed 3-0.

The last competitive game between the two sides ended 3-2 in Nigeria's favour in a World Cup qualifying game in Nairobi in 2009.

Only four Super Eagles' players from that team of 2009 are in line for selection in this weekend's clash. They are John Obi Mikel, Vincent Enyeama, Elderson Echiejile and Obafemi Martins, who scored twice in that game.

One of Kenya's goalscorers in that World Cup qualifying in Nairobi in 2009, Dennis Oliech, will captain Adel Amrouche's men. Others in that team available are Arnold Origi, Peter Opiyo, George Owino, Mulinge Ndeto and Victor Wanyama.

The African champions are without Celtic defender, Efe Ambrose, who is suspended but Keshi could select Sunshine Stars' Solomon Kwambe to fill in at the right-back.

Amrouche will also look in the direction of David Gateri, Brian Mandela and Jamal Mohammed to add quality in the Kenyan side.

"This presents us with a big opportunity to play the African champions. We came here to play football," said Amrouche, who looks forward to the clash.

A win for Nigeria will keep them top of Group F in the World Cup qualification and leave the Kenyans rooted to bottom spot behind Namibia and Malawi.

In spite of this permutation, Keshi is not expecting the Kenyans to roll up in Calabar.

"Easy game? No there are no easy games especially when you're champions of the continent," said the Nigeria head coach.

The game between Nigeria and Kenya is live on SuperSport 3 Nigeria from 4pm local time (5pm CAT) on Saturday.

The pressure is on us - Keshi

Stephen Keshi

Stephen Keshi

by Sammy Wejinya

Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi, has opened up that there is always pressure of being African champions ahead of this weekend's match against Kenya.

He also admitted in a cryptic comment that he is under pressure.

“(The) pressure (as African champions) is always there. We just have to handle the pressure. The only person who does not experience pressure is a dead person,” Keshi told supersport.com.

The African champions were involved in a closed-door training session on Friday as they intensified preparations for Saturday’s 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Kenya.

The session, which lasted two hours, kicked off at 7:30 am local time.

Tactics and strategic preparations were finalised during the exercise.

The session at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar is the last for the Eagles until they face the Harambee Stars on Saturday.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have not played a competitive game since winning the 2013 Afcon title in February but head coach, Stephen Keshi is certain his charges can comfortably handle the toga of African champions.

Saturday’s game at the UJ Esuene Stadium kicks off at 4pm.

Scorpions looking to find their sting

Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast

Less than two months after their painful elimination from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in the quarterfinals at the hands of Nigeria, Ivory Coast are competing again in the third round of 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

On this occasion, the Elephants host Gambia on Saturday at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, kick-off at 7pm.

Following their home win against Tanzania and their draw in Morocco, Sabri Lamouchi’s men find themselves in the lead in Group C and should manage a win at the Félicia against the minnows of the pool, although they still remain wary.

“We must win all our matches. And even if Gambia are supposed to be weaker, this remains a difficult game to negotiate. We will have to remain concentrated and respect our opponent,” warned Ivoirian striker Salomon Kalou.

With just one point on the scoreboard after two rounds (a draw against Morocco and a defeat in Tanzania), Italian coach Luciano Mancini’s Scorpions have just suffered a double defeat in a friendly against the modest Mauritania.

And the road ahead seems long for the Gambians, before they can aspire to the first finals of an international tournament of their history.

In view of this tricky clash, Mancini has decided to do without his captain Mustapha Jarju, as per his counterpart Sabri Lamouchi who has made the trip to Abidjan without the charismatic leader of the Elephants, Didier Drogba.

Also missing in the Ivoirian camp are Emmanuel Eboué, Siaka Tiéné, Igor Lolo and Romaric Ndri, who were not retained, as well as the injured Seydou Doumbia.

The two nations have met once before in 1984 for the 1986 World Cup qualifiers; both won their home games, with the Elephants dominating convincingly in Abidjan 4-0 and a closer call for the Scorpions in Bakau, 3-2.

San Marino game is no-win - Gerrard

England captain Steven Gerrard admits that his side will be "on a hiding to nothing" when they tackle Group H whipping boys San Marino in their latest World Cup qualifier on Friday.

With the hosts ranked joint-last in the Fifa ranking, the game is likely to resemble an attack v defence training excercise, and British bookmakers believe England are odds-on to score at least four goals.

England initially laboured to break San Marino down when the teams last met in October, before eventually winning 5-0, and Gerrard knows Roy Hodgson's men will face a similarly thankless task in Serravalle.

"The pressure's all on us," he said. "It's all about trying to get that breakthrough as early as we can.

"The difficulty with this game is they're out to stop us and keep the score down. They're going to try and slow the game down, they're going to do stupid fouls, they're going to try and get the referee to do anything to stop us from scoring and winning the game comfortably.

"With all due respect, we're on a bit of a hiding to nothing, because if we don't win the game by more than three or four goals, we're not going to get any credit anyway.

"So it is unique and it comes with slightly different pressures, but we've got the quality in the squad to win this game comfortably and that's what we should do."

Despite the vast gulf in quality between the sides, England manager Hodgson says it would be foolish to believe the quickest route to victory lies in sending his team out in the most attack-minded configuration possible.

"Formations are always to some extent over-exaggerated," he said.

"You know, how wide are the wide players? How far up the field are the front players? How much do the front players retreat? How far do the wingers drop back? How often do the full-backs get forward?

"We've got all of those and you (the media) understand it every bit as well as Steven and I do. I'm always a bit loath to make it that simplistic - you know, if you play 4-4-2 then you'll have more chances of scoring a goal than if you don't."

In the build-up to the game, the English media have focused on Rio Ferdinand's controversial withdrawal from the squad on fitness grounds.

The Manchester United centre-back's decision has been portrayed as a slight to Hodgson, who had called him up for the first time, but the England manager insists he has no regrets.

"When I chose that squad of players, I gave a lot of thought to what the squad should be, who deserved to be in the squad, who could help us win the two games (including Tuesday's game in Montenegro), and Rio's name was added to that," he said.

"I also said that when he told me he wasn't able to come and accept the invitation, I was disappointed about it and it was a pity that it couldn't come about this time, but we'll move on and we'll work with other players.

"I don't have any regrets at all."

Hodgson said the commitment of the current squad was "impossible to fault in any way whatsoever", and Gerrard confirmed that, for his part, the desire to reach the 2014 World Cup in Brazil still burns strong.

"I don't know whether Rio has turned his back on it. I don't really know all the details from Rio's side," said the Liverpool midfielder, when asked about Ferdinand's decision.

"For me, that's what I want to achieve: help take this team to a World Cup in Brazil. Especially at my age, there's no better stage to play at as an international footballer, to go to Brazil and represent your country.

"Especially after beating Brazil (2-1 in February), I think it shows that, with a full-strength squad, we're capable of beating the best."

Ogude was in the Nigeria squad that dazzled Africa at the AFCON in South Africa last month. Ahead of the game against Kenya, the former Warri Wolves midfielder speaks to Goal.com.

EXCLUSIVE

How prepared are the Eagles for the task ahead on Saturday against Kenya's Harambee Stars?

We are preparing very hard and working with all we have got during the training sessions and we are assured of a big win on Saturday by the grace of God. We are doing our best because we know the game is very important for us and our countrymen. We are looking forward for the best as we strive to win against Kenya. We know it won't be easy but with God on our side, we are sure to excel.

Nigeria won the AFCON just a month ago. How has that added to your profile in your club and in your other endeavours?

We were worthy African champions. It was not an easy task at all in South Africa. Nobody believed in us that we could do it because of the way we started the competition. We got on better as the game came and we won in the final. It was an amazing feeling back home in my family and also in my club, Valerenga of Norway. I was carried shoulder high and I was on everybody's lips discussing the feat we achieved in South Africa. I thank God for that wonderful experience.

How much threat do you think the Kenyans can pose to the joy of the AFCON success in the game against them this Saturday?

To be frank with you, the victory in South Africa has increased our stake and it has become higher now. All the countries that see us as sleeping giants have come to realise that Nigeria has woken up. To answer your question, the Kenyans will not come to Nigeria for us to trample on them. They will come with the intention to shock us and put a stop to our AFCON celebration. But the Eagles know what is at stake as professionals and we know what to do during match time on Saturday. We know they come with all they have to play against us but we shall play with everything in our armoury too to ensure a win.

The media have speculated your intention to quit the Norwegian league for more recognised leagues in Europe. Is that true?

To be sincere with you, I have not granted any interview about my next move to any journalist. I am not bothered by what they write. What I will do is to concentrate on my game. By the way, I'm not expected to remain in Norway forever but for now I don't know anything about my future move. I am still a Valerenga player and that is what I still remain for the time being.

What is your word of advice to fans and supporters that will grace the World Cup encounter on Saturday?
I will enjoin them to give us their massive support and be patient with us too if the goals refuse to come on time. We as professionals will do our best to win but our fans should seek to support us throughout the course of the game.

 Mario Balotelli

By Miles Chambers

The Brazil forward expressed his admiration for the AC Milan star after coming up against him on Thursday Neymar has revealed that he is a "big fan" of striker Mario Balotelli, after Brazil's 2-2 friendly draw with Italy.

Fred opened the scoring in Thursday's encounter, before Oscar doubled the lead with half-time looming, but second-half strikes from Daniele De Rossi and Mario Balotelli levelled the clash.

The AC Milan star's goal, a 25-yard strike which went in off the underside of the bar - was particularly impressive, and the Santos attacker expressed his admiration for the Serie A forward.

He told reporters after the match: "He's a player that I'm a big fan of. A great player and great person.

"I think the Selecao were good. We are getting better with each passing day and you can see our team improving. It's a great team, with players of real quality."

Selecao goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who got a hand to Balotelli's goalbound effort but was unable to keep it out, was disappointed with mistakes made by his team-mates which led to the Azzurri'scomeback.

"The game was in our hands, but we stalled," the QPR star said. "They scored two goals from our errors more than by their merit. Of course they had merit, but they scored from things we got wrong."

Brazil were ranked at a lowly 18th in the Fifa world rankings heading into the clash and have been criticised for putting in poor performances of late, but South American starlet Fernando believes the team put in an excellent display.

"It would have been better if we had left with a win," the 21-year-old Gremio midfielder said. "But the whole team put in a good performance, despite faltering in the second period.

"Lack of fitness is normal, and our legs tired a bit. [The draw] also serves to help us learn and appreciate use of possession, and [we will try] to see more of the ball next time."

Ramos set to become youngest European player to win 100 caps

The Real Madrid defender will reach three figures for Spain this evening in La Roja's World Cup qualifier against Finland, beating Lukas Podolski's previous mark by 21 days

ANALYSIS
By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Writer

Sergio Ramos will become the youngest European player to reach 100 caps in international football when he steps out for Spain on Friday in their World Cup 2014 qualifier against Finland in Gijon.

Ramos, who will be 27 next week, will be the first European to reach three figures at the age of 26, beating Germany striker Lukas Podolski, who reached the milestone at Euro 2012, by 21 days.

The Seville-born star made his Spain debut in 2005 and has been a fixture in Spain's defence since the international retirement of former Real Madrid right-back Michel Salgado in the lead-up to the 2006 World Cup.

SPAIN'S CURRENT CENTURIONS
Player	Age	Caps
Iker Casillas	31	140
Xavi	33	119
Xabi Alonso	31	106
Fernando Torres	29	101
Carles Puyol	34	100

Ramos replaced Salgado for club and country and after appearing in Germany 2006, went on to star in the side which claimed the Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup crowns.

He has since moved across to a central defensive role for Real Madrid and also switched to the middle for Spain last summer as Carles Puyol missed Euro 2012 through injury. And in the absence of the Catalan centre-back, Ramos went on to form a successful partnership with Barcelona's Gerard Pique.

Spain were successful again in Poland and Ukraine, winning an unprecedented third successive major title to be hailed as perhaps the greatest side ever in the international game. And Ramos was one of a select bunch of players to have featured in all three title-winning teams, along with Iker Casillas, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Xavi.

The 26-year-old has eight goals in his 99 appearances for Spain so far, but perhaps the most memorable moment was his 'Panenka' penalty against Portugal in last summer's semi-final shootout, which saw him emulate Italy's Andrea Pirlo with a carbon copy of the Juventus midfielder's chipped spot kick versus England earlier in the competition.

Ramos is the latest member of this record-breaking Spain side to reach three figures, following Casillas (140 caps), Xavi (119), Xabi Alonso (106), Torres (101) and Puyol (100).

"It fills me with pride to form part of footballing history," Ramos said earlier this week. "I would say it's a dream come true, ever since my debut against China in Salamanca. But then staying in the team is the hardest thing. I will always remember the three titles, because it's that level of success that gives you that extra little pleasure.

"Two European Championships and a World Cup at my age is a feat that I think will be hard to beat. I only hope this team can continue winning things."

Former Saudi Arabia striker Sami Al-Jaber is the youngest player in world football to have earned 100 caps, reaching the milestone against Norway in May 1998, at the age of 25 years, four months and 16 days.