Donovan announces retirement
Los Angeles Galaxy star forward Landon Donovan announced on Thursday that he will retire from professional football at the end of the Major League Soccer season.
The 32-year-old, who enjoyed two loan spells at Everton, made the announcement less than 24-hours after being named the most valuable player of his 14th MLS All-Star game on Wednesday night in Portland.
Donovan, the top goal-scorer in Major League Soccer history, is also the all-time leading scorer for the US national team with 57 goals in 156 career appearances, including five goals scored over 12 World Cup games.
Donovan, the top goal-scorer in Major League Soccer history, is also the all-time leading scorer for the US national team with 57 goals in 156 career appearances, including five goals scored over 12 World Cup games.
Legia Warsaw investigated by Uefa for fielding ‘ineligible’ player against Celtic
Celtic could be given a Champions League reprieve after Uefa launched an investigation into the eligibility of one of Legia Warsaw’s players during their 6-1 aggregate win.
The Polish side have confirmed that they had been asked for information from the European game’s governing body. A statement on their website read: “The club announces that in connection with the Celtic-Legia Warsaw match, Uefa opened an investigation into the participation of Bartosz Bereszynski.
“The club is preparing the relevant information and explanations, which will be sent to Uefa. The result of the investigation will be announced immediately after its completion.”
The 22-year-old full-back was sent off for violent conduct against Apollon in the final match of Legia’s Europa League campaign last season.
Bereszynski missed both of Legia’s matches against St Patrick’s in the second qualifying round and sat out the 4-1 first-leg victory over Celtic. The investigation apparently centres on whether the player was registered in Legia’s squad against the Irish side in order to allow a three-match suspension to take effect.
The full-back only came on in the 86th minute of Legia’s 2-0 win at Murrayfield, when the game was well and truly over. However, the context and impact of his appearance might not have any influence on the outcome of the investigation if rules were breached.
The regulations for the Champions League state that players must be registered with Uefa within requested deadlines and that “only eligible players can serve pending suspensions”.
Uefa’s disciplinary regulations decree that a match may be declared a forfeit if an ineligible player participates, “as long as the opposing team files a protest”. The team forfeiting the match is deemed to have lost 3-0, which would put Celtic through on the away goals rule.
The Uefa administration decides on eligibility questions while any appeals are dealt with by Uefa’s control and disciplinary body.
Celtic benefited from an ineligibility ruling in 2011-12 when they were reinstated into the Europa League group stages, despite a qualifying defeat by Sion. The Swiss side were ruled to have fielded five ineligible players after breaching a Fifa transfer ban and failed to reverse the decision during a lengthy legal battle.
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| Legia Warsaw's 6-1 aggregate victory over Celtic is under investigation after the Polish club allegedly fielded an ineligible player.gible |
The Polish side have confirmed that they had been asked for information from the European game’s governing body. A statement on their website read: “The club announces that in connection with the Celtic-Legia Warsaw match, Uefa opened an investigation into the participation of Bartosz Bereszynski.
“The club is preparing the relevant information and explanations, which will be sent to Uefa. The result of the investigation will be announced immediately after its completion.”
The 22-year-old full-back was sent off for violent conduct against Apollon in the final match of Legia’s Europa League campaign last season.
Bereszynski missed both of Legia’s matches against St Patrick’s in the second qualifying round and sat out the 4-1 first-leg victory over Celtic. The investigation apparently centres on whether the player was registered in Legia’s squad against the Irish side in order to allow a three-match suspension to take effect.
The full-back only came on in the 86th minute of Legia’s 2-0 win at Murrayfield, when the game was well and truly over. However, the context and impact of his appearance might not have any influence on the outcome of the investigation if rules were breached.
The regulations for the Champions League state that players must be registered with Uefa within requested deadlines and that “only eligible players can serve pending suspensions”.
Uefa’s disciplinary regulations decree that a match may be declared a forfeit if an ineligible player participates, “as long as the opposing team files a protest”. The team forfeiting the match is deemed to have lost 3-0, which would put Celtic through on the away goals rule.
The Uefa administration decides on eligibility questions while any appeals are dealt with by Uefa’s control and disciplinary body.
Celtic benefited from an ineligibility ruling in 2011-12 when they were reinstated into the Europa League group stages, despite a qualifying defeat by Sion. The Swiss side were ruled to have fielded five ineligible players after breaching a Fifa transfer ban and failed to reverse the decision during a lengthy legal battle.
Pep Guardiola refuses handshake with MLS All-Stars boss after Bayern Munich's fiery friendly defeat.
Pep Guardiola refuses handshake with MLS All-Stars boss after Bayern Munich's fiery friendly defeat.
For a man as sharply dressed and well spoken as Pepe Guardiola, the Bayern Munich coach is surprisingly good at courting controversy.
From his long-running touchline spats with Jose Mourinho during their fiery Classico encounters at Barcelona and Real Madrid, to his very public falling out with his successor at the Catalan club - the late Tito Vilanova - Pep doesn't appear to hold his own conduct to quite the same exacting standards as that of his players on the pitch.
The season hasn't even started yet and Guardiola is already making headlines once again, this time for failing to shake the hand of opposite number Caleb Porter during a supposed friendly game between his Bundesliga-winning side and an MLS All-Stars 2014 XI.
The Spanish manager appeared incensed over a poorly-timed challenge by Osvaldo Alonso, but being on the losing end of a 2-1 scoreline can't have helped his mood.
Pep made it clear to his opposite number precisely what he thought of the incident at the end of the game with a "one-fingered wave off", according to the MLS commentators.
He then appeared to do his best to ignore Porter when the MLS manager approached him on the pitch.
After the game, a less-than-contrite Guardiola simply said: "I didn't see him," and was quick to question the physicality of the All-Stars in what was supposed to be a friendly encounter.
"We tried to respect the rules of the game. I appreciate the effort of my players."
For a man as sharply dressed and well spoken as Pepe Guardiola, the Bayern Munich coach is surprisingly good at courting controversy.
From his long-running touchline spats with Jose Mourinho during their fiery Classico encounters at Barcelona and Real Madrid, to his very public falling out with his successor at the Catalan club - the late Tito Vilanova - Pep doesn't appear to hold his own conduct to quite the same exacting standards as that of his players on the pitch.
The season hasn't even started yet and Guardiola is already making headlines once again, this time for failing to shake the hand of opposite number Caleb Porter during a supposed friendly game between his Bundesliga-winning side and an MLS All-Stars 2014 XI.
The Spanish manager appeared incensed over a poorly-timed challenge by Osvaldo Alonso, but being on the losing end of a 2-1 scoreline can't have helped his mood.
Pep made it clear to his opposite number precisely what he thought of the incident at the end of the game with a "one-fingered wave off", according to the MLS commentators.
After the game, a less-than-contrite Guardiola simply said: "I didn't see him," and was quick to question the physicality of the All-Stars in what was supposed to be a friendly encounter.
"We tried to respect the rules of the game. I appreciate the effort of my players."
Ex-Barça:The ‘Kaiser of Michoacán’ Rafa Márquez signs for Hellas Verona.
Ex-Barcelona centre-back Rafa Marquez has returned to Europe. While the veteran defender had returned to his homeland of Mexico for Club León, he has opted to return to European football in order to sign with Hellas Verona of the Italian Serie A.
The ‘Kaiser of Michoacán’ will sign a three-year contract with the team that finished eleventh in the Italian top flight last year. The 35-year-old’s transfer means that he will miss the chance to return to the Camp Nou as an opponent, given that Club León will be Barça’s opponent in this year’s edition of the Joan Gamper trophy. Read more…
Rafa Márquez may be 35, but there will always be a place in European football for players of proven quality. The man who formed a crucial part of the squad that won the sextuple in 2009, chose to leave Club León after skippering the club to both the Apertura and the Clausura league titles and sign for Italian outfit Hellas Verona.
Márquez’s move to back to Europe means that the Mexican will not get the chance to face Barça at the Camp Nou with his now former club in the Joan Gamper trophy. Perhaps it is better that things have come out this way, as a potential duel between the Mexican and new Barça signing Jéremy Mathieu has been avoided. Márquez did not hesitate to advocate passionately against the signing of the Frenchman, saying that “he’s not worth 20 million” and that “he does not suit the Barça profile.” Given Mathieu’s outspoken nature, it is not hard to imagine what could have happened between them.
Rafa Márquez may be 35, but there will always be a place in European football for players of proven quality. The man who formed a crucial part of the squad that won the sextuple in 2009, chose to leave Club León after skippering the club to both the Apertura and the Clausura league titles and sign for Italian outfit Hellas Verona.
Márquez’s move to back to Europe means that the Mexican will not get the chance to face Barça at the Camp Nou with his now former club in the Joan Gamper trophy. Perhaps it is better that things have come out this way, as a potential duel between the Mexican and new Barça signing Jéremy Mathieu has been avoided. Márquez did not hesitate to advocate passionately against the signing of the Frenchman, saying that “he’s not worth 20 million” and that “he does not suit the Barça profile.” Given Mathieu’s outspoken nature, it is not hard to imagine what could have happened between them.
Transfer news:Rafa Marquez signs with Serie A side Verona
Rafa Marquez is set to complete a sensational return to Europe, with a statement from Club Leon confirming the 35-year-old will be playing for Hellas Verona in Serie A next season.
“It is the player’s decision to look for new challenges,” read the statement, posted by club president Jesus Martinez on his Twitter account. “We wish him the very best of success in his new club Hellas Verona in the Italian league.”
The statement added that Marquez will always be welcome to return to Leon in the future.
Marquez left Barcelona following World Cup 2010 and endured a difficult spell at New York Red Bulls, before signing for Leon ahead of the Clausura 2013.
He lifted back-to-back Liga MX titles as captain of La Fiera, at a time when many thought his career was coming to an end.
Marquez’s return to form opened the door to a return to the national team when El Tri was struggling in qualifying for Brazil 2014 and he was impressive captaining the side for a fourth consecutive World Cup.
Marquez joined Monaco in Ligue 1 from first Club Atlas in 1999, before signing for Barcelona in 2003 and going on to become one of the most successful exports in the history of Mexican soccer.
Verona finished 11th in Serie A last season, just three points behind Milan and six behind Inter.
Veteran Marquez’s transfer comes as Mexico’s younger international players like Raul Jimenez, Alan Pulido and Marco Fabian are having difficulties forcing moves to Europe, despite all three saying it is their wish.
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The statement added that Marquez will always be welcome to return to Leon in the future.
Marquez left Barcelona following World Cup 2010 and endured a difficult spell at New York Red Bulls, before signing for Leon ahead of the Clausura 2013.
He lifted back-to-back Liga MX titles as captain of La Fiera, at a time when many thought his career was coming to an end.
Marquez’s return to form opened the door to a return to the national team when El Tri was struggling in qualifying for Brazil 2014 and he was impressive captaining the side for a fourth consecutive World Cup.
Marquez joined Monaco in Ligue 1 from first Club Atlas in 1999, before signing for Barcelona in 2003 and going on to become one of the most successful exports in the history of Mexican soccer.
Verona finished 11th in Serie A last season, just three points behind Milan and six behind Inter.
Veteran Marquez’s transfer comes as Mexico’s younger international players like Raul Jimenez, Alan Pulido and Marco Fabian are having difficulties forcing moves to Europe, despite all three saying it is their wish.
MLS All-Star Game: Landon Donovan shines brightest among stars
Landon Donovan took the field at Providence Park to a round of boos on Wednesday night and left the field to a chorus of cheers just 21 minutes later, having earned the respect of those in attendance by reminding them just how special he can still be.
Playing in his 14th straight MLS All-Star Game, Donovan scored the winning goal by finishing off a Diego Valeri pass and beating German World Cup hero Manuel Neuer in the 71st minute. A minute later he walked off to a well-earned ovation, commanding the respect of the Timbers fans more accustomed to booing the LA Galaxy midfielder's every move.
It's been a tough few months for Donovan. But after a summer that saw him watch a World Cup from afar for the first time in 16 years, a World Cup where his U.S. teammates lost to Germany, Donovan scored on Neuer to help the MLS All-Stars beat the club team that cast him aside. It had to feel extremely gratifying, even if it was only just a glorified friendly.
This All-Star Week has felt like a very different one for Donovan, who has perennially been one of the most high-profile players at the event. That wasn’t the case this week, with Thierry Henry and the members of the U.S. World Cup team being showcased and Donovan playing a secondary role in the build-up.
Even Donovan’s entrance was far different than what we had grown accustomed to for the three-time World Cup star. Henry was in the spotlight, leaving the field in what could very well have been his final MLS All-Star Game appearance. The crowd cheered the French legend on as he left, but quickly changed their tune when Donovan came on.
Donovan entered the match unceremoniously, drawing jeers from the Timbers fans in attendance. He showed his touch and quickness and the good form he has been carrying over for the surging Galaxy. Donovan looked every bit like a player who could have helped the U.S. national team at this summer’s World Cup, and when he finished his chance past Neuer, it was only natural for some U.S. fans to wonder if he might have been able to do that against Neuer in Brazil.
We will never know what might have happened, but what we were reminded of on Wednesday night is that the 32-year-old Donovan is still a special talent capable of standing out, even on a field of stars.
Donovan wasn’t expected to even play much of a role on Wednesday night, not with the Galaxy playing a game on Friday night. That tight schedule led to Robbie Keane and Omar Gonzalez pulling out of the match. Donovan came to Portland anyway, and MLS All-Star coach Caleb Porter found a way to give him a role and Donovan made the most of that cameo.
“He deserves to be in the All-Star Game. he’s another player that’s done a lot for the sport in this country, and this league and with the national team,” Porter said of Donovan. “We knew he couldn’t play a lot of minutes, but we knew he could play 20 minutes or 25, so we planned all along to bring him in for Henry and swap him out for Dwyer, so it was nice for him to get a goal.”
The night ended with Donovan lifting a Man of the Match award for his efforts, and while the honor and victory against Bayern Munich isn’t likely to erase the pain of missing out on the 2014 World Cup, it did remind MLS and U.S. national team fans the player Donovan can still be.
It's been a tough few months for Donovan. But after a summer that saw him watch a World Cup from afar for the first time in 16 years, a World Cup where his U.S. teammates lost to Germany, Donovan scored on Neuer to help the MLS All-Stars beat the club team that cast him aside. It had to feel extremely gratifying, even if it was only just a glorified friendly.
This All-Star Week has felt like a very different one for Donovan, who has perennially been one of the most high-profile players at the event. That wasn’t the case this week, with Thierry Henry and the members of the U.S. World Cup team being showcased and Donovan playing a secondary role in the build-up.
Even Donovan’s entrance was far different than what we had grown accustomed to for the three-time World Cup star. Henry was in the spotlight, leaving the field in what could very well have been his final MLS All-Star Game appearance. The crowd cheered the French legend on as he left, but quickly changed their tune when Donovan came on.
Donovan entered the match unceremoniously, drawing jeers from the Timbers fans in attendance. He showed his touch and quickness and the good form he has been carrying over for the surging Galaxy. Donovan looked every bit like a player who could have helped the U.S. national team at this summer’s World Cup, and when he finished his chance past Neuer, it was only natural for some U.S. fans to wonder if he might have been able to do that against Neuer in Brazil.
We will never know what might have happened, but what we were reminded of on Wednesday night is that the 32-year-old Donovan is still a special talent capable of standing out, even on a field of stars.
Donovan wasn’t expected to even play much of a role on Wednesday night, not with the Galaxy playing a game on Friday night. That tight schedule led to Robbie Keane and Omar Gonzalez pulling out of the match. Donovan came to Portland anyway, and MLS All-Star coach Caleb Porter found a way to give him a role and Donovan made the most of that cameo.
“He deserves to be in the All-Star Game. he’s another player that’s done a lot for the sport in this country, and this league and with the national team,” Porter said of Donovan. “We knew he couldn’t play a lot of minutes, but we knew he could play 20 minutes or 25, so we planned all along to bring him in for Henry and swap him out for Dwyer, so it was nice for him to get a goal.”
The night ended with Donovan lifting a Man of the Match award for his efforts, and while the honor and victory against Bayern Munich isn’t likely to erase the pain of missing out on the 2014 World Cup, it did remind MLS and U.S. national team fans the player Donovan can still be.
Benzema signs new Real Madrid deal
The Frenchman has put pen to paper on a new contract with the Spanish giant which expires in 2019, after spending the last five years with the club.
Real Madrid has announced that Karim Benzema has signed a new contract that will keep him with the club through 2019.
The Frenchman has been at the Liga outfit since 2009, when he moved to the Santiago Bernabeu from Olympique Lyonnais for a fee of around 35 million euro.
His current agreement with the European champion was due to expire next summer, leading to speculation about his future, but Madrid has confirmed he has put pen to paper on a new deal.
"Real Madrid announce the extension of the contract between the player Karim Benzema and the club until June 30, 2019, the next five seasons," he club statement read.
Benzema has won La Liga once, the Copa del Rey twice and the Champions League on one occasion.
During its European Cup winning campaign last term, the 26-year-old scored five goals in 11 appearances, in addition to 17 in La Liga.
Real Madrid has announced that Karim Benzema has signed a new contract that will keep him with the club through 2019.
The Frenchman has been at the Liga outfit since 2009, when he moved to the Santiago Bernabeu from Olympique Lyonnais for a fee of around 35 million euro.
His current agreement with the European champion was due to expire next summer, leading to speculation about his future, but Madrid has confirmed he has put pen to paper on a new deal.
"Real Madrid announce the extension of the contract between the player Karim Benzema and the club until June 30, 2019, the next five seasons," he club statement read.
Benzema has won La Liga once, the Copa del Rey twice and the Champions League on one occasion.
During its European Cup winning campaign last term, the 26-year-old scored five goals in 11 appearances, in addition to 17 in La Liga.
