General Football News Thread

[Los Blancos]

OFFICIAL: Manchester United Sign Antonio Valencia From Wigan Athletic

Manchester United have today made their first major capture of this summer's transfer window, signing Ecuador international Antonio Valencia from Wigan Athletic.

The 23-year-old has signed a four-year contract at Old Trafford for an undisclosed fee, though the Latics have confirmed that it is a club record.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to have secured the player's signature, telling the club's official website, "Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan.

"I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team."

The player himself echoed that delight, claiming that the prospect of plying his trade in front of United's massive crowds was a decisive factor in persuading him to move from the DW Stadium - as was the opportunity to play alongside some of the biggest names in world football.

"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me. I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here," he said.

"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can’t wait to get started."

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He's a fast player and has good technical abilities, but no where near Ronaldo.

Manchester United need to make at least two more signings (One of those a superstar) to fill the gap left by Ronaldo's exit to Real Madrid.

[Los Blancos]

BREAKING NEWS: Lyon Confirm Real Madrid Deal For Karim Benzema


Just hours after denying that a deal had been agreed with Real Madrid for Karim Benzema, Olympique Lyon have confirmed that a deal has in fact been done.

A statement on the offiical Lyon website announces that the striker will cost Madrid €35 million initially and that with performance related bonuses the deal could rise to €41 million.

The message also explains the situation with Benzema and that he asked the president if he could move to Madrid sooner than expected.

"Some days ago, Karim Benzema informed president Jean Michel Aulas of his wish to join Real Madrid, always his preferred club after OL, sooner than he expected," read the statement.

"The player wished to seize the chance that Real Madrid offered to be one of the major elements in a team that has world-wide players.

"Olympique Lyon accepted the decision of Karim Benzema and negotiated the conditions for a transfer that satisfied both parties.

"The club wishes Karim every success with Real Madrid, which, in pursuit of its ambitious plans on the pitch, benefits from advantages in legislation (e.g. sponsoring and online betting with Bwin), taxation (more favourable tax status for players abroad) and property ownership (a privately-owned, value-generating stadium) that are incomparable with the situation currently prevailing in French professional sports."

Benzema will be the fourth signing of the summer for Madrid, behind Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul Albiol.

[TAREK®]

WTF I thought he was going to Manchester

[Los Blancos]

Originally Posted by The Legend Killer

WTF I thought he was going to Manchester

He said it on more than one occasion, he always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid.

[Los Blancos]

Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery: I Want Real Madrid Move


Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery has upped the stakes in the transfer speculation surrounding him by openly admitting he wants to move to Real Madrid.
According to a report in L’Equipe, the Frenchman has said that he only wants to join los Blancos.

With compatriot Karim Benzema about to become the next big signing of Florentino Perez’s new Galactico era, Ribery has spoken of his desire to move to the Bernabeu.

“I have made up my mind, I want to leave,” Ribery told Thursday's issue of L'Equipe. “It will be Real Madrid or nothing”.

Bayern officials have repeatedly stressed that the 26-year-old, who joined them in 2007 from Olympique de Marseille, is not for sale.

However, former trainer Ottmar Hitzfeld explained yesterday that Bayern had to be realistic and would not be able to resist should a monster offer come in from the Spanish giants.

Ribery has also reportedly turned down an offer of an improved contract at the Bavarian club, with his eyes firmly set on a move to join Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the Spanish capital.

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And you will come to Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich can't keep you there against your will.

[Confucius]

lol excuse my bad language but WTF ?!

[Los Blancos]

Originally Posted by Confucius

lol excuse my bad language but WTF ?!

Well all you need to know is that Real Madrid will be the best again .

[-t-o-n-y-]

Originally Posted by Los Blancos

Well all you need to know is that Real Madrid will be the best again .

best?!.....explain more....

[Abruzzy]

Originally Posted by Los Blancos

Well all you need to know is that Real Madrid will be the best again .

Dude r u kidding me ?!
Le aymatan keno the best ?!
ken ma3kon like dozens of superb players (Baddak same ?) w Champions League ma 2derto akhadto !!
eno ma3le

[Confucius]

naaaah Real have always been like this, all the team's formed up with SuperStars bas they never won anything (i.e. Champions League)
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3a ketret el tebbakhin ntaz3et el tabkha