Official: Arsenal sign Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona

The former Udinese playmaker will join up with his new team-mates in late July following a post-World Cup holiday, with his debut set for the Emirates Trophy in early August

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona in what Goal understands is a €40 million [£32m] deal.

The Chile international forward, who underwent a medical on Thursday afternoon, becomes the second-most expensive purchase in the Gunners' history.

After scoring two goals at the World Cup in Brazil and impressing in his three seasons at Camp Nou, where he scored 39 times in 88 appearances, the Gunners have beaten off competition from Liverpool and Juventus to land the forward.

The former Udinese star will join up with his new team-mates at the end of July after spending time on holiday following the World Cup and is expected to make his first appearance for the North London club during the Emirates Cup in early August.

"I'm so happy to be joining Arsenal, a club which has a great manager, a fantastic squad of players, huge support around the world and a great stadium in London," Alexis told the club's official website.

"I'm looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to be playing for Arsenal in the Premier League and Champions League. I will give my best to Arsenal and want to make all the supporters happy."

Manager Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, is hopeful that his new signing can replicate his fine performances for his national team in Brazil when he begins his Premier League career.

"As many people have seen during the World Cup this summer, Alexis is a fantastic footballer and we are delighted that he is joining us at Arsenal," the veteran boss enthused.

"Alexis will add power, creativity and much quality to our squad and we are all looking forward to him joining up with us in a few weeks. He has consistently produced top-quality performances at the highest level for a number of seasons now and we are all excited to see him integrate into the Arsenal squad."

Suarez signing another blow to Barcelona's self-styled 'Mes que un Club' mantra

FC Barcelona

COMMENT: A club that still have the threat of a transfer ban hanging over them are shamelessly poised to acquire a player currently suspended until the end of October

By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Writer

More than a club? For years, Barcelona prided themselves on being different to the rest: their playing philosophy changed the course of modern football and wowed the world; their values were admired far and wide.

The last year, however, has taken much of the shine off the Catalan club's squeaky-clean image. After two separate transfer-related scandals, their halo had been slipping anyway; with the club now having confirmed a deal to sign the suspended Luis Suarez, it has fallen to the floor and smashed into pieces.

Barca's style of play is still lauded, but Tiki-Taka is no longer the force it once was in European football and the Blaugrana have been in gradual decline on the pitch since the final year of Pep Guardiola's tenure, in 2011-12.

Off it, Guardiola was replaced by assistant and friend Tito Vilanova, whose battle against cancer captured the hearts of many football fans across the world. The Barca boss, along with defender Eric Abidal, represented a symbol of hope as he returned from illness to resume work for the Catalans before eventually stepping down due to a relapse last summer.

Abidal also returned after a liver transplant and was publically promised a new contract when he played again. That deal never materialised, however, and the France defender departed under a cloud, leaving many to question Barca's much-mentioned values.

Messi: I'd give up all my records to win the World Cup

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From Messi's Maracana magic to nullifying Netherlands - Argentina's route to the World Cup final

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By Andrew Wychrij

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Jul 12, 2014 12:53:00

Ahead of Sunday's final with Germany, the Argentina star insists lifting the trophy would be a greater achievement than any individual prize he has won over the years

Lionel Messi has declared he would gladly hand back all his personal records if it meant Argentina could defeat Germany in the World Cup final.
The Albiceleste forward has scored four times on the path to Sunday's showpiece in the Maracana, which his side reached courtesy of a 4-2 win on penalties against the Netherlands on Wednesday.
Messi has won a glittering array of awards throughout his career, including four Ballons d'Or, but claims that he would exchange all those accolades for a taste of World Cup glory.
"I would give all my personal records to be world champion," the 27-year-old was quoted by Bild.
"I'd prefer to win the World Cup than the Ballon d'Or," he added in an interview with sponsors Adidas.

"As a player, winning the World Cup is the biggest thing there is. It's something you dream of as a youngster and that dream never fades away. "I've asked my team-mates at Barcelona, Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta and [Gerard] Pique, what it's like to lift the trophy and they said it's hard to explain. We'll be doing everything we can to turn this dream into a reality [for Argentina]."
The forward was echoed in his desperation to clinch a third World Cup for Argentina by Javier Mascherano, who promised his side would give everything for victory.
"We're there and we'll try it with the soul, heart and head," the 30-year-old said.
"Now we are on the last step and will try to live up to the circumstances, and then get to the destination.
"I wish I could enjoy it and can play with joy and excitement it deserves. This is what you aim for in life and what you imagined was far off, almost impossible. The dream is a great one.
"Right now all this is crossing my mind. I am a person who is easily excited and this is all in part for our squad, but also for those who struggle at our side - family and friends who have endured through thick and thin."

Eagles ready for Iran, says Yobo

Eagles ready for Iran, says Yobo

June 11, 2014

 



Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo has expressed the team’s readiness to trample upon Iran in its opening 2014 World Cup Group F opening match on June 16.

Eagles hopes to begin its World Cup campaign on a winning note when the team faces Iran at the Arena da Baixaba in Curtiba.

The 33-year old defender said that despite not winning any of its pre-World Cup friendlies, all is now set for the Eagles to have a brilliant outing in Brazil starting with the game against Iran before facing Bosnia and Argentina.

“We believe in ourselves. We have played some friendly games. Not the results we expected but we have learnt a lot from them,” Yobo said.

“(The games were) a little bit experimental as well, but now we’ re ready to go so come the first game against Iran, we’ll make sure we do very well and get the three points.

“We are also disappointed that we didn’t win because we want to win and get the confidence.

“But the game is over now. You take the positives from it and look forward to the bigger targets. We want Nigerians to still believe in this team, we need their support because without their support we can’t go anywhere,” he concluded.

Nigeria did not win any of its three pre-World Cup friendlies forcing Scotland and Greece to a draw and losing 2-1 to the United States of America.

Yobo has however denied appearance fee row with the Nigeria Football Federation, maintaining that he and his colleagues were not playing for the Super Eagles because of money.

Even at that, he said the players would press for their entitlements while representing the country.

Yobo with, Mikel Obi, met with the NFF leadership over an appearance fee for the players.

Yobo confirmed the meeting over the team’s demand for an appearance fee and further revealed the meeting would continue.

“We don’t play for Nigeria because of money. But when you work somewhere, you are entitled to certain things. You can’t deprive players from asking for their rights, this is normal. We are not demanding for anything that we are not used to,” Yobo said.

“It was a very good meeting, a quiet meeting, but I’m highly disappointed that it came out in the media.

“Yes, there was a meeting. That’s very true and the meeting is going to continue.

“I have to make sure my players are happy as I’m captain of the national team and if the players are not happy, there is no way I can be happy.

He further assured: “There is no problem. We are ready to play for Nigeria. And we won’t let this to affect us.”

Officials disclosed that for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the players were paid 25% of what the NFF received from FIFA for the country’s participation in the tournament.

The players got an initial payment of $500,000 with the balance payment thereafter.

- Daily Independent.

Ilorin General Hospital to commence neurosurgery soon–Commissioner

 

The Kwara Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Issa Kayode, said on Tuesday that the newly inaugurated Ilorin General Hospital would commence neurosurgery before the end of the year.

Kayode told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin that the hospital would also establish a dialysis unit for patients with kidney diseases.

“A Neuro-Surgical and Spinal Unit will be established in conjunction with a team of neurosurgeons who are world acclaimed, ” he said.

He also said the hospital would ensure synergy with Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre established by the state government in Ilorin.

The commissioner said the policy thrust of the administration was hinged on provision of quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services to the citizenry within 500 metres radius.

Kayode said the hospital was a 500-bed facility designed to offer quality primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare service to Nigerians.

“The hospital has in it a well equipped Accident and Emergency Unit alongside an Emergency Paediatrics Unit and a maternity with a dedicated theatre and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit among others,’’ he said.

My Dear Wife, The Fifa World Cup is close by. Let me give you a few rules that will preserve your beauty.
1. The remote control belongs to me for the
whole month.
2. Tell all your friends not to give birth, wed or die during the World Cup coz we won't go.
3. You shall support the teams that I support.
4. No talking during the game, wait for half- time or end of the game.
5. Repeats & highlights are as good as the main match, so am gonna watch them too!
6. We can watch Daily tv soaps provided actors and actresses are wearing football shirts and they are in Brazil.
7. You don't just pass in front of the TV if i'm watching football, you better crawl on the floor.
8. Make sure you don't ask silly questions such as; is this everton vs England?
9. No funny faces to my friends when they
come for football.
10. Smile everytime EXCEPT when my team is losing.
11.There shall be no comments about Cristiano, sterling, or pirlo's looks. Professionalismshall remain an absolute part of the World
Cup.
12.If you miss the line up please ask, 'who is
that guy?'
13. Ronaldo the Brazilian and Ronaldo the Portuguese are not related, South Africa and Zimbabwe did not qualify.
Thank u in advance honey, i love you

The Brazil-born striker was encouraged by his 74 minutes for la Roja at the weekend and has hailed the "special" welcome he has received from his new international team-mates

Spain striker Diego Costa says he is confident he has left his injury woes behind as la Roja prepare to defend their World Cup title.

The Atletico Madrid star, who looks to be heading to the Premier League to join Chelsea following this month’s World Cup, suffered a hamstring injury that saw him limp out of both a final-day Liga decider against Barcelona and the Champions League final.

But the 25-year-old is insists he doesn’t foresee any further physical concerns after completing 74 minutes for La Roja against El Salvador on Saturday.

"I needed the game the other day to get over the feeling that my injury would come back,” he told Marca.

"I felt good in those two games [for Atletico Madrid], but I played and it came back… I feel much better – also in terms of my mood and enthusiasm, but the main thing is the injury.

"I'm fully fit and there won't be any problems."

The Brazil-born striker’s controversial decision to snub the nation of his birth in order represent Spain at World Cup 2014 has made him the villain of the tournament for local supporters, but Costa has been humbled by the support he has received from his new team-mates.

“I have the support of lots of people who understand what happened," he said.

“My team-mates treat me in a very special way. I feel very comfortable. It has been amazing. I'm really experiencing a beautiful moment. I have to be grateful for that."

Spain open their World Cup campaign against Netherlands in Salvador on Friday.

 Neymar too small to make impact

The 22-year-old was the star of the Confederations Cup last summer but the Argentina icon believes he will struggle to make the same impact on a stage so big

Diego Maradona says Brazil star Neymar is "too young" to dominate a World Cup on his own, but has applauded his boundless potential.

The 22-year-old won the Golden Ball award for best player at the 2013 Confederations Cup after inspiring the Selecao to a 3-0 victory over Spain in the final.

Twelve months on and Neymar will again be expected to shoulder Brazil's attacking burden and lead them to a sixth World Cup success.

But, with just one season under his belt in Europe following his move to Barcelona last summer, Maradona believes the tournament has come too soon for the former Santos starlet to make such a big impact.

"Neymar is an exciting youngster with exceptional talent," the Argentina great told the Times of India.

"What he did for Brazil in the Confederations Cup was extraordinary. But he is too young to light up a World Cup on his own.

Brazil will definitely root for him, though, especially after he has shown what he is capable of."

Maradona took charge of Argentina at the 2006 World Cup and, after assessing the quality of the current Albiceleste squad, thinks his country are well set to challenge in Brazil.

"Alejandro Sabella has been in charge of Argentina for almost three years and has developed a core group where [Lionel] Messi is the indisputable leader," he continued.

"Mascherano has no problems in supporting him since they play for the same club. And I was happy to see Angel Di Maria supporting [Lionel] Messi when Barcelona fans found fault with their prized possession.

"It reflects a healthy relationship between them, although they are fierce rivals in club football. And I won't be surprised if Sergio Aguero gets going.

Thursday June 12

22:00CET in Sao Paulo: Brazil vs Croatia (Group A)

Friday June 13

18:00CET in Natal: Mexico vs Cameroon (Group A)21:00CET in Salvador: Spain vs Netherlands (Group B)00:00CET in Cuiaba: Chile vs Australia (Group B)

Saturday June 14

18:00CET in Belo Horizonte: Colombia vs Greece (Group C)21:00CET in Forteleza: Uruguay vs Costa Rica (Group D)00:00CET in Manaus: England vs Italy (Group D)03:00CET in Recife: Cote d'Ivoire vs Japan (Group C)

Sunday June 15

18:00CET in Brasilia: Switzerland vs Ecuador (Group E)21:00CET in Porto Alegre: France vs Honduras (Group E)00:00CET in Rio: Argentina vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (Group F)

Monday June 16

18:00CET in Salvador: Germany vs Portugal (Group G)21:00CET in Cruitiba: Iran vs Nigeria (Group F)00:00CET in Natal: Ghana vs USA (Group G)

Tuesday June 17

18:00CET in Belo Horizonte: Belgium vs Algeria (Group H)21:00CET in Fortaleza: Brazil vs Mexico (Group A)00:00CET in Cuiaba: Russia vs South Korea (Group H)

Wednesday June 18

18:00CET in Manaus: Australia vs Netherlands (Group B)21:00CET in Rio: Spain vs Chile (Group B)00:00CET in Porto Alegre: Cameroon vs Croatia (Group A)

Thursday June 19

18:00CET in Brasilia: Colombia vs Cote d'Ivoire (Group C)21:00CET in Sao Paulo: Uruguay vs England (Group D)00:00CET in Natal: Japan vs Greece (Group C)

Friday June 20

18:00CET in Recife: Italy vs Costa Rica (Group D)21:00CET in Salvador: Switzerland vs France (Group E)00:00CET in Curitiba: Honduras vs Ecuador (Group E)

Saturday June 21

18:00CET in Belo Horizonte: Argentina vs Iran (Group F)21:00CET in Fortaleza: Germany vs Ghana (Group G)00:00CET in Cuiaba: Nigeria vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (Group F)

Sunday June 22

18:00CET in Rio: Belgium vs Russia (Group H)21:00CET in Porto Alegre: South Korea vs Algeria (Group H)00:00CET in Manaus: USA vs Portugal (Group G)

Monday June 23

18:00CET in Curitiba: Australia vs Spain (Group B)18:00CET in Sao Paulo: Netherlands vs Chile (Group B)22:00CET in Recife: Cameroon vs Brazil (Group A)22:00CET in Brasilia: Croatia vs Mexico (Group A)

Tuesday June 24

18:00CET in Belo Horizonte: Costa Rica vs England (Group D)18:00CET in Natal: Italy vs Uruguay (Group D)22:00CET in Fortaleza: Greece vs Cote d'Ivoire (Group C)22:00CET in Cuiaba: Japan vs Colombia (Group C)

Wednesday June 25

18:00CET in Salvador: Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Iran (Group F)18:00CET in Porto Alegre: Nigeria vs Argentina (Group F)22:00CET in Rio: Ecuador vs France (Group E)22:00CET in Manaus: Honduras vs Switzerland (Group E)

Thursday June 26

18:00CET in Brasilia: Portugal vs Ghana (Group G)18:00CET in Recife: USA vs Germany (Group G)22:00CET in Curitiba: Algeria vs Russia (Group H)22:00CET in Sao Paulo: South Korea vs Belgium (Group H)

Friday June 27

Saturday June 28

18:00CET in Belo Horizonte: A winner vs B runner-up (Match 49)22:00CET in Rio: C winner vs D runner-up (Match 50)

Sunday June 29

18:00CET in Fortaleza: B winner vs A runner-up (Match 51)22:00CET in Recife: D winner vs C runner-up (Match 52)

Monday June 30

18:00CET in Brasilia: E winner vs F runner-up (Match 53)22:00CET in Porto Alegre: G winner vs H runner-up (Match 54)

Tuesday July 1

18:00CET in Sao Paulo: F winner vs E runner-up (Match 55)22:00CET in Salvador: H winner vs G runner-up (Match 56)

Wednesday July 2

Thursday July 3

Friday July 4

18:00CET in Rio: Match 53 winner vs Match 54 winner (QF1)22:00CET in Fortaleza: Match 49 winner vs Match 50 winner (QF2)

Saturday July 5

18:00CET in Brasilia: Match 55 winner vs Match 56 winner (QF3)22:00CET in Salvador: Match 51 winner vs Match 52 winner (QF4)

Sunday July 6

Monday July 7

Tuesday July 8

22:00CET in Belo Horizonte: QF1 winner vs QF2 winner (SF1)

Wednesday July 9

22:00CET in Sao Paulo: QF3 winner vs QF4 winner (SF2)

Thursday July 10

Friday July 11

Saturday July 12 (Third-place play-off)

22:00CET in Brasilia: SF1 runner-up vs SF2 runner-up

Sunday July 13 (World Cup final)

21:00CET in Rio de Janeiro: SF1 winner v SF2 winner

The Eagles have landed. Photos of Super Eagles stars in Brazil

The Eagles have landed. Photos of Super Eagles stars in Brazil

Our boys have landed in Brazil ahead of the 2014 World Cup starting this Friday June 13th. The footballers traveled over 15 hours. 1 and a half hours to Miami, 9 hours to Sao Paolo and a two-hour bus ride to their hotel. Go Super Eagles. Make us proud!! See more photos after the cut...


On their way to Brazil