MySoccerPlace.net's Blog – August 2009 Archive (10)

Platini calls for extra ref to tackle divers

UEFA president Michel Platini on Thursday called for an extra referee to ward off the problem of diving in the wake of the controversy caused by Arsenal striker Eduardo winning a dubious penalty against Celtic on the way to Wednesday's qualifying round victory.

Eduardo tumbled to the turf as Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc came out to make a save and television replays suggested there was no contact between the pair.

But the… Continue

Added by MySoccerPlace.net on August 27, 2009 at 8:32pm — 3 Comments

Robben agrees Bayern move

Spanish giants Real Madrid's winger Arjen Robben has confirmed that he has accepted an offer to join Bavarian giants Bayern Munich.

The Dutchman's future had been the subject of intense speculation all summer following the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka.

A return to England had been mooted for Robben with Tottenham credited with an interest in the former Chelsea star, and in recent days Manchester United have… Continue

Added by MySoccerPlace.net on August 27, 2009 at 8:00pm — No Comments

West Ham's Davenport stabbed

West Ham defender Calum Davenport and his mother have been stabbed in an attack at their home, with the player suffering "serious" injuries, police and the club said Saturday.

The 26-year-old required surgery on both legs after the incident at his family home in Bedford, southern England, late Friday.

The English Premier League club released a statement which read: "West Ham United can confirm that Calum Davenport was being treated in… Continue

Added by MySoccerPlace.net on August 23, 2009 at 12:00am — No Comments

No title excuses, Torres

Fernando Torres has told his Liverpool team-mates they have a golden opportunity to end the club's 19-year wait to win the English title this season.

Rafa Benitez's runners-up finished just four points behind Manchester United in the Premier League last season and beat the champions twice.

The Reds are expected to make a strong challenge again this season and Spain striker Torres insists there are no excuses for not winning the… Continue

Added by MySoccerPlace.net on August 14, 2009 at 4:51pm — No Comments

Fabregas not for sale, Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger insists Cesc Fabregas is not for sale at any price after Barcelona were once again linked with a bid for the Spain midfielder.

Fabregas left Barcelona as a teenager to join Arsenal but he has repeatedly been a target for the Catalan club over the last three years.

The close-season departures of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to Manchester City and Wenger's struggle to find top-class replacements has left many… Continue

Added by MySoccerPlace.net on August 14, 2009 at 4:41pm — 1 Comment

Espanyol's Dani Jarque dies of heart attack

The skipper of Spanish top flight side Espanyol, Dani Jarque, has died from a heart attack while on a pre-season training camp in Italy.

The 26-year-old Jarque died at the hotel where the team were staying in the town of Coviciana. He was found after teammates realised he had not shown for a meal.

The club said that team doctors as well as Italian paramedics tried to revive Jarque but without success.

Jarque's death comes two years after… Continue

Added by MySoccerPlace.net on August 9, 2009 at 4:00am — No Comments

Rosicky injured again

Arsenal's injury-plagued midfielder Tomas Rosicky has reportedly suffered a new setback and will miss the first six weeks of the new season.

According to The Sun, the 28-year-old Czech Republic international strained a hamstring in training on Wednesday and has been told he will be out of action until mid September.

With Samir Nasri out with a broken leg and Abou Diaby missing from last week's Emirates Cup, the familiar setback… Continue

Added by MySoccerPlace.net on August 6, 2009 at 5:59pm — No Comments

Drogba signs new Chelsea deal

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba signed a new three-year contract with the Premier League club on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old is now tied to Chelsea until 2012 after extending his current deal, which had a year to run, by a further two years.

The Ivory Coast international looked on his way out of Stamford Bridge last season after being dropped by Luiz Felipe Scolari, but he played his way back into form under Guus Hiddink and scored in… Continue

Added by MySoccerPlace.net on August 6, 2009 at 12:50am — No Comments

Liverpool to sign Aquilani

Liverpool are set to sign Italy midfielder Alberto Aquilani from AS Roma after agreeing a transfer fee with the Serie A club.

Anfield boss Rafa Benitez moved quickly to land Aquilani, who will travel to Merseyside later this week for a medical, after reluctantly selling Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid for 30 million pounds.

It is believed Liverpool have agreed to pay around 20 million pounds (50.8 million… Continue

Added by MySoccerPlace.net on August 6, 2009 at 12:43am — No Comments

Xabi Alonso in Real Madrid....

Liverpool agreed Tuesday to sell Xabi Alonso to big-spending Real Madrid, subject to the Spanish international midfielder passing a medical.

Liverpool, which finished second in the Premier League last season, said the terms of the deal will remain confidential. Real confirmed the agreement on its website, without giving details, and said Alonso would be in Madrid on Wednesday to undergo the medical.