Drogba retires from international football

Cote d'Ivoire icon Didier Drogba has
announced his retirement from
international football at the age of 36.

The Chelsea striker represented the
Elephants at this summer's World Cup in Brazil but has now decided to focus on his club career after scoring 65 times in 104 appearances for his country.

"It is with much sadness that I have
decided to retire from international
football," Drogba wrote in a statement released on Friday.

"These past 12 years in the national team have been full of emotions. From my first call-up to my last match, I have always tried to give my best for my country.

"I am very proud to have been captain of this team for eight years and to have contributed to placing my country on the world stage of football, taking part in three World Cups and two African Cup of Nations finals.

"I cannot convey enough thanks to the fans for all the love and support during these years. All my goals, all my caps, all our victories are for you - I love you."

Drogba made his Cote d'Ivoire debut in September 2002, against South Africa, and broke his international duck the following
February, in a 3-0 win over Cameroon.

The attacker captained his country in their first ever appearance at the World Cup, in 2006, netting in the Elephants' opening game, a 2-1 loss to Argentina.

Drogba struck again at South Africa 2010, against Brazil, but he failed to find the net in his three appearances at this summer's
tournament as Cote d'Ivoire failed to make it out of the group stage for the third time in a row.

Having since completed a free transfer to Chelsea following the expiration of his contract with Galatasaray, Drogba has now called time on his long and illustrious international career.

Howard Webb retires after 25 blissful years

Howard Webb has retired from professional refereeing to become the new technical director of Professional Game Match Officials
Limited.

The 43-year-old, widely regarded as one of the best referees ever produced in England and highly respected in the world game,
brings to an end a 25-year career to be responsible for overseeing the on-field performances of PGMOL match officials.

Webb said: “I am very excited to start this new chapter in my career after a wonderfully rewarding 25 years on the pitch.

“I have spent over a decade with the best seat in the house for Barclays Premier League matches, been lucky enough to be involved in nine major international
tournaments, and taken charge of the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup finals.“Refereeing has given me so much and I think it’s important that match officials who have had the rewards remain in the game to pass on their knowledge.

“I also have much more to learn about the business of refereeing and I believe the best place for me to do that is with PGMOL. We all have a common goal of improving
refereeing.”

According to a statement issued by PGMOL on Wednesday, Webb “will work extensively on the successful development programme” which currently provides a pathway for level three referees to join the company’s ‘Select Group’.

Former Premier League referee Mike Riley, PGMOL’s general manager, said: “Howard has been the foremost referee of his
generation and an inspiration for match officials in this country and around the world.“His role will strengthen refereeing in this country. Last season we trebled the
funding for referee coaching and training and we will continue to invest in match officials from the Premier League down to the contributory leagues.”

Webb began refereeing in 1989 and progressed through the Northern Counties and Football League to become a Select Group official in 2003.

He has refereed over 500 Barclays Premier League and Football League matches and officiated in every major domestic final, as well as in nine international tournaments including the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.

In 2010 Howard became the first referee to take charge of the UEFA Champions League final and the FIFA World Cup final in the same year.In 2011 he was appointed a
Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to football.

Rodwell leaves City for Sunderland

Jack Rodwell has completed his transfer from Manchester City to Sunderland.

The England midfielder has signed a five- year contract and joins for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £10million.

The deal ends Rodwell's two injury-affected years at City, where he started just seven Premier League games after joining from Everton in a £12m move.

His prospects of first-team football at the Etihad were further hit when City signed midfielder Fernando from Porto earlier this summer.

Rodwell, who has three England caps, is Sunderland's fifth close-season signing and follows Jordi Gomez, Billy Jones, Patrick van
Aanholt and former City team-mate Costel Pantilimon to Wearside.

Sammy Ameobi wants to commit to Nigeria

Newcastle United striker Sammy Ameobi has said he will like
to commit his international career to Nigeria.

Sammy who is the younger brother
of Super Eagles’ Shola Ameobi was part of the Flying Eagles team in their build up to the 2011 African Youth Championship but did not make John Obuh’s final squad.

Having watched his elder sibling feature for Nigeria at the Brazil 2014 Fifa World Cup, he has insisted he will like to wear Nigeria’s green and white colours at senior level.

"It will be a great honour to play for Nigeria.

I would love it. I have seen how it has been with my brother and the World Cup was a great experience, which I would love to experience and help make sure Nigeria
participates in again,” Ameobi told
supersport.com.

"He (Shola) has always been there for me.Whenever I needed advice, he would volunteer it; and also when I tried to make moves that might have derailed my career,
he was quick to pull me back on track.

It is great to have a proper professional as an older brother.”
The forward was loaned out to
Middleborough in 2013 but he is hopeful of a great season ahead.

"I am no longer a kid, I am in the last year of my contract with Newcastle and I have to start it with a bang.

"I have had a lot of injuries which I am hoping I have gotten over now, so I need to play very well to either get a new contract with Newcastle or be able to make a good move elsewhere,” he concluded.

Xavi quits Spain

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has announced his retirement from international football.

The 34-year-old, who was capped 133 times during a 14-year international career, was part of Spain's golden generation that saw
the nation collect three major trophies.

Xavi played a significant role as Spain won back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, while adding the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

At the Euro finals of 2008 he was named the player of the tournament.

His final campaign for the national team ended in disappointment with Spain failing to progress beyond the group stage in Brazil
last month as they suffered defeats by the Netherlands and Chile.

He made his international debut in 2000, the same year he helped Spain win an Olympic silver medal in Australia.

Xavi, who has confirmed he will see out the final two years of his Barcelona contract, said: "I’m grateful for all those years and it
has been a fantastic time.

"I'm grateful to everybody at the Federation, it's been a marvellous time for me to be there for so many years and have so much
success.

“I'm leaving very proud and I wish them all the best. From now on I'm another fan of the Spain team."

As for quitting Spain at this particular time, following a dismal World Cup finals in South America, he added: "I was disappointed on
two levels at the end of last season as I did not feel useful to Barca or to the national team.

"Brazil was disappointing for everyone collectively and for me also individually and the fact that I did not take part in the decisive game against Chile was a personal
disappointment."

Xavi quits the international scene as his country's second most-capped player behind Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who
has represented Spain 156 times.

Iheanocho helps Man. City crush AC Milan

Manchester City cruised to victory over a dismal Milan in Pittsburgh as they won out 5-1 winners in
their International Champions Cup opener.

Manuel Pellegrini's men stormed into an early 2-0 lead thanks to strikes from Stefan Jovetic and Scott Sinclair, the pair capitalising on a sloppy Milan defence which
struggled with City's pace down the right flank.

City continued to dominate and added a third as Jesus Navas sent a deflected acrobatic effort beyond Michael Agazzi in the Milan goal, before Nigerian youngster Kelechi Iheanacho grabbed his second goal
in as many games with a toe poke from the edge of the area.

Sulley Muntari got on the end of Alex's knock-back to pull one back for the Serie A side before the game was almost abandoned at the break following severe weather conditions, including a tornado
warning.

The sides did emerge for the second half following a lengthy delay and City picked up where they had left off by adding a fifth as
Jovetic grabbed his second of the evening, to put the gloss on a formidable City display.

Lewandowski helps Bayern brush off Wolfsburg

New boys Robert Lewandowski and
Sebastian Rode helped Bayern Munich see off Wolfsburg and retain the Telekom Cup with a 3-0 win on Sunday.

Lewandowski, who has made an impressive start since arriving from Borussia Dortmund earlier this month, scored twice, while Rode opened his account in a comfortable victory at Hamburg's Imtech Arena.

Bayern shot out of the blocks and were ahead four minutes in when Lewandowski scored his third goal in as many games for the German champions.

Rode duly got in on the act and scored his first goal since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt, while Lewandowski added a second before the break to effectively
secure the pre-season trophy for Pep Guardiola's men.

Lewandowski 's first goal, in a game played over 60 minutes rather than the usual 90, came courtesy of a header from Franck
Ribery's fine cross.

And the defending champions doubled their advantage when Rode produced an expertly curled finish past Max Grun in the
Wolfsburg goal - Claudio Pizarro having intricately backheeled the ball into his path.

Guardiola saw his side continue to
dominate as they moved 3-0 ahead within 20 minutes - Lewandowski again on target.

Afforded far too much time, the Poland forward curled home a strike from outside the area to all but wrap up the win.

Wolfsburg rallied late in the half and enjoyed their strongest spell of possession, but struggled to get in behind the Bayern defence with any regularity.

Despite failing to reel Bayern in during the second half, Wolfsburg were at least able to prevent their opponents from pulling further clear.

Guardiola will no doubt take heart from seeing Ribery manage 54 minutes on his second game back from injury, while Lewandowski's scoring streak provides a further boost with the German Super Cup
against Dortmund approaching on August 13.

Costa scores on his Chelsea debut

Diego Costa scored his. first goal for Chelsea as the Blues defeated Slovenian side NK Olimpija 2-1 in a pre-season friendly on Sunday. The striker, signed from Atletico Madrid for £35m earlier this summer, raced onto a Cesc Fabregas pass before finishing well, while Kurt Zouma also netted as Jose Mourinho's men came from a goal down to record a hard-fought victory.

UK deputy prime minister wants Russia 2018 stripped off Russia

Russia should have their right to host the 2018 World Cup withdrawn, the deputy prime minister Nick Clegg has demanded
in the wake of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 being shot down over eastern Ukraine.

Clegg said it was "unthinkable" at present that the tournament could go ahead in the country blamed by the West for supplying arms to the separatist rebels accused of
causing the deaths of all 298 on board.

Football's world governing body FIFA recently ruled out calls from some German politicians for Russia to be boycotted, insisting the tournament could be "a force
for good".

But Clegg told The Sunday Times that allowing it to go ahead without a change of course by Russian president Vladimir Putin
would make the world look "weak" and "insincere" in its condemnation of Moscow's annexation of Crimea and support for the rebels.

With the EU extending the list of
individuals and entities subjected to asset freezes and limiting state-owned banks' access to capital markets and to the arms and energy sectors, Clegg believes sporting events should also be part of the package of measures - including the cancellation of
Russia's first Formula One Grand Prix, which is due to take place in Sochi in October.

Clegg said: "Vladimir Putin himself has to understand that he can't have his cake and eat it.

"He can't constantly, you know, push the patience of the international community beyond breaking point, destabilise a
neighbouring country, protect these armed separatists in the east of Ukraine and still have the privilege and honour of receiving
all the accolades in 2018 for being the host nation of the World Cup.

"That's why I've come to the view that if he doesn't change course it's just not on, the idea that Russia will host the World Cup in 2018. You can't have this - the beautiful game marred by the ugly
aggression of Russia on the Russian
Ukrainian border.

"Not only would Vladimir Putin exploit it, I think it would make the rest of the world look so weak and so insincere about our protestations about Vladimir Putin's
behaviour if we're not prepared to pull the plug."

He said that despite F1 boss Bernie
Ecclestone's insistence there was no case for abandoning the Grand Prix, "the question marks I'm raising will only increase over the next coming weeks and months, over the summer and up to the
Grand Prix, about Russia's entitlement to host these major events.

"Vladimir Putin is a past master at
attending these sporting events and, sort of, pretending almost as if everything's utterly normal and nothing untoward is happening around him.

"And if anyone needed any reminding of how dangerous this conflict is in the heart of Europe, just ask any of the family and
relatives of those loved ones they lost in that plane incident last week."

Clegg said the threat of withdrawing the World Cup would be "a very potent political and symbolic sanction".

"If there's one thing that Vladimir Putin cares about, as far as I can see, it's his sense of status. Maybe reminding him that you can't retain the same status in the world if you ignore the rest of the world,
maybe that will have some effect on his thinking."

He did not rule out the United Kingdom as an alternative host given its recent history of putting on successful global sporting
events.

"We've got the stadiums, we've got the infrastructure, and we've got the public backing and enthusiasm to host it," he added. "That's a decision for other people.

But I'm not saying this just as a, sort of, British land grab to snatch the World Cup from under Vladimir Putin's nose."

Drogba walks back to the "Bridge"

Didier Drogba has re-joined Chelsea on a one-year contract.

Drogba left Chelsea on a dramatic high in 2012, scoring the winning penalty in the shoot-out which clinched the Champions League title against Bayern Munich, the
crowning moment of an eight-year stay with the Blues.

The 36-year-old joined Shanghai, and then Galatasaray but once his contract with the Turkish side ended and he became a free
agent he was linked with a return to Stamford Bridge, and Italian champions Juventus.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insists
nostalgia had nothing to do with his
decision to bring the Ivory Coast striker back to West London.

Mourinho told the club’s website: “He’s coming because he’s one of the best strikers in Europe. I know his personality very well and I know if he comes back he’s not protected by history or what he’s done for this club previously. He is coming with the mentality to make more history.”

Drogba said: ‘It was an easy decision - I couldn't turn down the opportunity to work with Jose again.  Everyone knows the special relationship I have with this club and it has always felt like home to
me.

“My desire to win is still the same and I look forward to the opportunity to help this team. I am excited for this next chapter of my career.”

Drogba was named Chelsea's greatest ever player in a poll of fans in 2012.

He scored 157 goals in 341 games in his first spell, winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups as well as the Champions League triumph.

He was named Chelsea's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year and has won the Premier League Golden Boot twice.

Drogba scored nine goals in nine cup finals for the Blues and his 34 goals in European competitions is a Chelsea record.

He played against Chelsea for Galatasaray in the Champions League last season, and was given a rousing reception by Blues
supporters.

FIFA sticks with Russia 2018

FIFA has rejected calls to move the 2018 World Cup from Russia, saying the tournament "can achieve
positive change."

Russia's alleged involvement in shooting down a Malaysia Airlines plane over Ukraine last week prompted calls from some lawmakers in Germany to review
the country's hosting rights.

On Friday, political pressure on Russia increased when the European Union moved to freeze assets and restrict travel for more individuals and businesses.

FIFA issued a statement saying it
"deplores any form of violence" and
would support only peaceful, democratic debate about the World Cup.

"History has shown so far that boycotting sport events or a policy of isolation or confrontation are not the most effective ways to solve problems," FIFA said, adding that global attention on the World
Cup "can be a powerful catalyst for
constructive dialogue between people and governments."

The conflict between Ukraine and pro- Russia separatist rebels escalated days after the World Cup ended in Brazil.

On July 13 in Rio de Janeiro, Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a World Cup hosting handover ceremony with Brazilian counterpart Dilma Rousseff. Both then sat next to FIFA President Sepp Blatter to watch the final
at the Maracana Stadium, won by
Germany.

FIFA, which has Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko on its executive committee, said a World Cup in the country "can be a force for good."

"FIFA believes this will be the case for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia," the governing body said.

Blatter already rejected calls to strip Russia of the tournament after it annexed the Crimea this year.

"The World Cup has been given and
voted to Russia and we are going forward with our work," Blatter said in March.

In a separate statement Friday, Mutko said a United States-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics had been a mistake.

"So there's no sense in reacting to
politicians trying to make names for
themselves," Mutko was quoted saying by Russian news agency R-Sport. "We're preparing in a calm way, building facilities, getting ready for the World Cup."

Russia has announced a $20 billion
budget for building and renovating 12 stadiums, and other construction projects, for the first World Cup to be held in eastern Europe.

Restricting Russian financial institutions' access to European capital markets was suggested to a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels on Friday. The 28-nation bloc is scheduled to further discuss the subject on Tuesday.

"FIFA has stated many times that sport should be outside politics," Mutko said.

"Hosting an event like this, we're doing it for athletes from all over the world, for footballers, for the fans."

Greece appoints Ranieri

Greece have appointed former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri as their new manager.

The Italian has signed a two-year deal with the Greek national team with the aim of making sure the team qualifies for Euro 2016.

The 62-year-old takes over from Fernando Santos whose contract expired following the World Cup where he guided Greece to
the last 16.

Ranieri’s most recent job was with Monaco, where he spent two years.
He led the team to promotion from the second tier of French football in 2013, winning the second division for the first time in Monaco’s history in his first season.

He then secured a second-placed finish in Ligue 1 in 2014, finishing the season with 80 points before being sacked.

Greece are in Euro 2016 qualifying Group F and will face Hungary, Romania, Finland, Northern Ireland and the Faroe Islands.

A statement from the Greek Football Federation read: "The Italian coach, with service at many major European clubs, is expected to lead our group to new successes with Euro 2016 on the horizon."

Mourinho : I am done with summer shopping

Jose Mourinho insists Chelsea have
completed their transfer business for the summer.

The Blues have moved quickly in the transfer market this summer, with Cesc Fabregas' arrival ahead of the World Cup followed by the signings of Diego Costa and Filipe Luis from Atletico Madrid.

Promising midfielder Mario Pasalic has also joined from Hajduk Split.
"I have to say my club did a fantastic job, and not just because of what we bought, but because we did it in almost record time. The transfer market closes 31 August
and we close our market on July 19. We finished the market today," said Mourinho.

"The club did fantastic, we knew the targets, we knew the players and the club attacked them and their clubs at a very early stage.

"We got exactly what we need and what we want. The squad is one which I like very much and I look forward to starting the season."

Mourinho believes he has a squad capable of winning the Premier League next season, but accepts that any of the title hopefuls could also easily end up fifth, with
Manchester United expected to challenge again under Louis van Gaal.

"Last year, if you had asked me in July, I would never have said Man United would be outside the top four. This season I will tell you one (to miss out) and I have a big
percentage of making a mistake," said Mourinho.

"There were good teams last season and there will be better teams this season because everyone is investing.
"A few years ago, you make a team to be champions and most probably you are champions. Now if you make a team to be champions, you try to finish in the top four."

"Why I like the Premier League so much is that at this moment, nobody knows who is going to win the title.

"I know that we want to and I know that we can, but it is the kind of competition where I can't say.

"At this moment, I think between us, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man United, Man City - who is going to be first, who is going to play in the Europa League, I don't know."

Mourinho said it only took him 20 minutes to convince Fabregas to join from Barcelona and insists the midfielder never wanted to return to Arsenal.

"I spoke with him 20 minutes. I think he really wanted to come to us," he added.
"As you know, Arsenal had an option where they could interfere, but I think he was not open to that, I think he was very, very much in our direction, so it was an easy job for me."

West Brom breaks bank for Ideye

West Brom have signed Nigeria
international striker Brown Ideye for a club-record fee from Dynamo Kiev.

The 25-year-old has signed a three-year contract, with an option for a further 12 months, after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Ideye has been handed the No.9 shirt and moves to The Hawthorns for an undisclosed fee, widely reported to be £9m.

“Done deal, officially a West Bromwich Albion player, thank you god,” Ideye tweeted. “Dream come true ... EPL. Would like to thank my family and my agents."

The former Sochaux and Neuchatel Xamax forward has netted 33 goals in 74 matches for Dyanmo Kiev and scored five times in 23 appearances for his country, but was overlooked for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

“Brown is a quality striker and I’m looking forward to working with him,” manager Alan Irvine told Albion’s website.

“He’s a strong, quick, powerful player who likes to get in behind defences and has plenty of Champions League and international experience."

Technical director Terry Burton added: “It is a fantastic signing because of the quality and the potential of the player.

“I can see that he really wants to be here and that he really wants to be playing in the Premier League.
“He’s a dynamic player who likes to get in behind defenders and he has the pace to do so.

“He gets himself into good scoring
positions in the box and if there are
opportunities the he will get on the end of them.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him play for the club and scoring goals.” The player’s representatives, Hootan Ahmadi and Ali Barat, confirmed the player
rejected several other offers to make the move to West Brom.

They said: "A number of clubs expressed an interest in Ideye, but West Brom worked hard to get him. It is a club record deal and it shows how highly West Brom value him.

"Ideye has always wanted to play in the Premier League and he is really looking forward to the start of the season.  He has scored goals where ever he has been I'm sure he will do the same and show his
quality at West Brom.”

Albion previously broke their transfer fee record when they splashed out £6m on Stephane Sessegnon last September.

Germany dismantles Argentina to clinch world cup

Mario Gotze's 113th-minute volley
fired Germany to World Cup glory with a 1-0 win over Argentina at the
Maracana.

The tournament's outstanding team
failed to repeat the fluency and
brilliance of their 7-1 semi-final romp against Brazil but Joachim Low's team found one more sumptuous moment during the second half of extra time.

Bayern Munich playmaker Gotze, on as an 88th-minute replacement for World Cup record goalscorer Miroslav Klose, chested down Andre Schurrle's floated left-wing cross at the near post to superbly steer home from six yards.

It was the first time Argentina had
found themselves behind in the
competition and it came as a bitter pill to swallow after Alejandro Sabella's men had created the better chances in normal time.

Gonzalo Higuain passed up a glorious opportunity midway though the first half and the Argentina striker also had a first-half effort correctly ruled out for offside.

Germany defender Benedikt Howedes then headed against the post on the stroke of the interval, and after the break passions threatened to boil over in what was an understandably feisty
encounter.

Lionel Messi fired agonisingly wide
shortly after the restart, while
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer
was lucky not to be punished for
clattering a knee into Higuain's face as the striker ran through on goal.

Neuer's opposite number, Sergio
Romero, denied Schurrle inside the
first minute of extra time, while fellow substitute Rodrigo Palacio fluffed his lines at the other end before Gotze sealed Germany's fourth World Cup triumph.

The newly crowned champions were forced into an 11th-hour change after influential midfielder Sami Khedira suffered the heartbreak of sustaining a calf strain during the warm-up.

Borussia Monchengladbach's Christoph Kramer came in for the Real Madrid man, despite having only played 12 minutes during the tournament and being absent from Low's provisional 30-man squad before replacing Andre Hahn.

Toni Kroos drilled an early free-kick
into the defensive wall, prompting an Argentina break on which Ezequiel Lavezzi shot across the face of goal.

Veteran Germany striker Klose was
then muscled away from Philipp
Lahm's inviting 13th-minute cross by Martin Demichelis as Low's men
settled into an ominous rhythm,
although Ezequiel Garay's shuddering shoulder charge into Kramer's face that ultimately cut short the 23-year- old's fairytale appearance showed Argentina were not ready to be dictated to.

The South Americans should have
taken the lead in the 21st minute,
Higuain pulling his shot wastefully
wide after Kroos' ill-judged header
back sold Germany's defence horribly short.

Nine minutes later, the Napoli man
thought he had atoned, sweeping
home Lavezzi's low cross, only to see his wild and lengthy celebrations denied by an offside flag. Schurrle, on for the stricken Kramer, drew a sharp save from Romero, while Messi forced Jerome Boateng to hack his cross-shot out of the goalmouth after racing down the right.

Howedes - somewhat fortunate to
have only been booked for a reckless lunge on Pablo Zabaleta earlier in the half - then thudded Kroos' stoppage- time corner against the post to conclude an eventful opening period.

Messi's big moment looked to have
arrived two minutes into the second half but the Barcelona superstar shot past the far post on the end of Lucas Biglia's measured throughball, with Neuer beaten.

An Argentina attack bolstered by
Sergio Aguero's half-time introduction for Lavezzi continued to give Germany's high defensive line some nervy moments, and Neuer - in full-on 'sweeper keeper' mode - was on the wrong side of robust in clattering through Higuain in the 57th minute as
he sought to get on the end of
Zabaleta's raking ball.

Referee Nicola Rizzoli awarded a
German free-kick amid Argentine
bemusement.
Bookings in quick succession for Javier Mascherano and Aguero hinted at bubbling frustration as the game entered its final quarter and Germany ended the 90 minutes back on the front foot, as Kroos drilled the ball past the post from 18 yards.

Schurrle almost provided an explosive start to extra time as Romero stood firm and the Argentina counter-attack was looking increasingly potent when
Aguero dragged a shot off target.

In the 97th-minute, Palacio evaded
the attentions of Germany's defence but his touch over Neuer was far too heavy.

And it was an error that Argentina
would deeply regret, as Gotze found a brilliant finish with seven minutes left that was a fitting way to win the showpiece as a European nation secured a first World Cup win on South American soil.

"G" is the 7th letter of alphabet,
and Germany
starts with "G"
-The name Germany contains 7
letters
-Germany was in Group "G" or
Group "7"
-Germany ended group stage with
7pts
-Germany scored 7 goals in group
stages-4 vs
Portugal, 2 vs Ghana and 1 vs
U.S.A
-Germany scored 7 goals vs Brazil
-And obviously, we are in 7th
month of year
-Gotze scores only goal in the final with 7 minutes to play.

Photos: champions league final

The coverted trophy and capacity filled stadium before the match

Costa limps off

Bale miss fires and Godin scores

Photos : Real madrid finally nail Athletico madrid to land la-decima

Diego Simeone stormed the pitch
after Atletico Madrid collapsed in
farcical scenes as city rivals Real
Madrid won the UEFA Champions
League.

Simeone – who last Saturday led
Atletico to their first La Liga title since 1996 – was sent off in the dying stages of extra time after running onto the field to confront Real Madrid players shortly after Cristiano Ronaldo completed the scoring in his side's 4-1 victory in the all-Spanish final.

The fiery Argentinian appeared to
exchange angry words with Real
defender Raphael Varane after
watching his side capitulate late on in Lisbon.

Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Ronaldo all scored in the last 10 minutes as Real producing a stirring comeback to win the competition for a record 10th time.

Extra time looked unlikely after Diego Godin nodded Atletico in front towards the end of the first half, giving them a lead they held until the 93rd minute.

Carlo Ancelotti's men dug deep,
though, and finally saw a significant
spell of sustained pressure rewarded when Sergio Ramos headed in a corner to force an additional 30 minutes.

After the first period of extra time
ended goalless and Simeone
confronted referee Bjorn Kuipers,
Atletico, visibly struggling, folded, as Bale – scorer of Real's extra-time
winner in last month's Copa del Rey
final – popped up at the far post to
nod his side in front in the 110th
minute.

Marcelo then rifled in a third with two minutes to play before Ronaldo's penalty sparked shameful scenes from Simeone.

Victory means Ancelotti has now won the trophy as coach on three
occasions, making him the most
successful manager in the
competition's history, while Atletico
were left to rue another late goal in
European football's showpiece. The
club's only other final appearance, in 1974, saw Bayern Munich force a
replay – which they won 4-0 - with a
120th-minute goal.

Much of the pre-match talk
surrounded the fitness of stars
Ronaldo and Diego Costa, but both
started, although Arda Turan was not so lucky and missed out with a knee problem.

Simeone's experiment to start Costa – who travelled to Serbia for specialist treatment on a niggling hamstring injury in the build-up – quickly backfired, though, as the striker limped off in the ninth minute and was replaced by Adrian Lopez.

Chances were few and far between in a cagey first 30 minutes before a
sloppy Tiago error saw the contest
come to life, with the midfielder
conceding possession in his own half, only for Bale, after a menacing run, to shoot wide.

And Bale's missed chance proved
costly in the 36th minute as Godin
gave Atletico the lead against the run of play.

Real failed to clear a corner and
Juanfran's header back into the box
caught them napping, meaning
goalkeeper Iker Casillas had to come storming off his line.

He was too late to win the ball,
though, and agonisingly saw Godin
beat Sami Khedira and put a looping header over him and, eventually, over the line, despite his best efforts.

Thibaut Courtois had to be alert to tip over a deflected Ronaldo free-kick in the 54th minute and the Real talisman spurned two more opportunities in the next 60 seconds, firing a snapshot wide before producing a wayward
header.

Ancelotti's men kept pressing as Isco missed the target with a long-range effort and although Atletico were still a threat on the counter-attack, they were forced back as Real ramped up the pressure in the last 20 minutes.

First, Bale lashed wide before Ronaldo fired over with a scissor-kick and the chances kept coming as another storming run from the former ended with an errant shot.

Desperate blocks were the order of
the day as far as Atletico were
concerned, but Real's perseverance
eventually paid off as Ramos superbly planted a header in the bottom-left corner from Luka Modric's corner to force extra time.

And the added half-hour proved
crucial as Real took the lead with 10
minutes remaining through Bale, who raced to the far post after Angel di Maria's shot was partially saved to head in.

Marcelo then made his mark before
Ronaldo, who had already claimed the record for the most strikes in a
Champions League season, sealed
victory with his 17th goal of his
European campaign.

Hala Madrid

QPR back in EPL after an epic play off final and one shot on target

Queens Park Rangers clinched promotion to the Premier League in the most dramatic style as Bobby Zamora scored in the 90th minute of their Championship
play-off final to seal a 1-0 victory over Derby County.

On a tense afternoon at Wembley, QPR had to withstand a Derby onslaught in the second half after Gary O'Neil's straight red card had left them with just ten men for
the final half hour.

But Zamora pounced in the final minute to dash Derby's dreams and secure a return to the top flight just a year after being
relegated.

What a come back, park the bus then break loose with a single shot on target that counts. Mourinho was right I guess.

Glad to have Barton back, anticipating for his spats and drama.

Congrats QPR, Redknapp

Ashley Cole set to leave Chelsea for greener pasture

Ashley Cole is set to leave Chelsea this summer after revealing that staying at Stamford Bridge is not an option for him.

The 33-year-old's contract at Stamford Bridge is set to expire at the end of June, while he retired from international duty after being left out of England's World Cup
squad.

Jose Mourinho has preferred the right- footed Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back this season, but the 51-year-old was upbeat over Cole's future at the club and hinted a
new deal could be reached.

However, late on Monday evening, Cole conceded an extension is unlikely and will now assess offers elsewhere ahead of the new season.

"I am weighing up my options for playing next season with my agent and sadly it does not look like Chelsea will be one of them," the left-back posted on Twitter.

Cole joined Chelsea from Arsenal in 2006 and went on to win the Premier League tile in 2010, the Champions League in 2012 and the FA Cup four times.

Barça names Enrique new coach

Barcelona have named former player Luis Enrique as their new manager on a two- year contract.

Gerardo Martino was sacked at the end of a season that saw Barca miss out to Atletico Madrid for the La Liga title after they drew with them on the final day of the season.

Enrique led Celta Vigo to a ninth-place finish in the Spanish league this season but has now been given the opportunity to impress on a bigger stage.

"The FC Barcelona board of directors have confirmed Luis Enrique Martineza as the new first-team coach, following a proposal
from sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta," the club said in a statement on their official website.

"Luis Enrique, 44, will sign a two-year deal."

Enrique played for Barcelona from
1996-2004, moving to the Nou Camp following a five-year spell at rivals Real Madrid.

Giggs writes an emotional farewell letter to Man Utd fans

Ryan Giggs has confirmed his retirement from the playing ranks on the day he was named as new Manchester United manager
Louis van Gaal's assistant.

Giggs penned an open letter to United fans explaining his pride at being able to extend his relationship with the club in the
coaching ranks after a glittering playing career.

The Wales winger retires after 963
appearances for the club, and more than 1,000 overall when you include his 64 international caps, and he celebrated winning 34 trophies in a golden age at Old
Trafford.

The letter on the club's official website read: "Today is a fantastic day for Manchester United. Louis van Gaal is a great appointment and let me begin by telling you how delighted I am to be working with someone of his calibre.

"His credentials are second to none and I'm positive the club will thrive under his leadership over the coming years.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from professional football and embark upon a new and exciting chapter in my life, as
assistant manager of Manchester United.

"I am immensely proud, honoured and fortunate to have represented the biggest club in the world 963 times and Wales 64 times.

"My dream was always to play for
Manchester United, and although it
saddens me to know I won't be pulling on a United jersey again as a player, I have been lucky enough to have fulfilled that dream playing with some of the best
players in the world, working under an incredible manager in Sir Alex Ferguson, and most of all, playing for the greatest fans in world football. I have always felt
and appreciated your support.

"I want to also give a huge thanks to the backroom staff and support teams we have and have had at Manchester United over the years.

"I would not have achieved the success I have without your continuing dedication and commitment to creating the best
environment to enable the players to thrive. I would not have won 34 trophies in my career without you. I would also like to say a special thanks to my friends and family for all your love and support.

"For me, today is a new chapter filled with many emotions - immense pride, sadness, but most of all, excitement towards the
future.

"United fans I hope will share and echo my belief that the club, the management and owners, are doing everything they can to
return this great club to where it belongs, and I hope to be there every step of the way.

"To the greatest fans in world football, thank you, I have loved every minute of playing for you and representing the biggest and best club in the world."

United name Van Gaal as new manager

Louis van Gaal has been confirmed as the new manager of Manchester United , with Ryan Giggs named his assistant.

The Dutchman will begin a three-year contract at Old Trafford after the conclusion of his work in charge of Netherlands at the World Cup.

Frans Hoek and Marcel Bout, countrymen of Van Gaal, also arrive at Old Trafford as coaches, with the former specialising in
goalkeeping and the latter in scouting the opposition.

As reported by Goal , Van Gaal told friends that he was "very keen" on taking over at United following the sacking of David Moyes in April.

The Dutchman agreed a deal in principle with the club on April 26 but an official announcement was delayed to work around his commitments with the Dutch national team .

"To work as a manager for Manchester United, the biggest club in the world, makes me very proud," Van Gaal said.

"This club has big ambitions; I too have big ambitions. Together I'm sure we will make history."

"In Louis van Gaal, we have secured the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today," United's chief executive, Ed Woodward, said in a statement.

"He has achieved many things in his career to date and Old Trafford provides him with a fitting stage on which to write new chapters in the Manchester United story.

"Everyone is very excited about this new phase in the club's history. His track record of success in winning leagues and cups
across Europe throughout his career makes him the perfect choice for us."

The appointment of Giggs as Van Gaal's No.2 fits the incoming manager's desire for an ally on the coaching staff who knows the club well , as explained by Goal earlier
in May.

Patrick Kliuvert had been expected to follow Van Gaal to England, but it was decided earlier in May that the former Barcelona striker would not make the move to Old Trafford.

"I am thrilled to have the chance to serve as assistant manager," the Welshman enthused. "Louis van Gaal is a world-class coach and I know I will learn a lot about
coaching from being able to observe and contribute at such close quarters.

"Manchester United has been a huge part of my life and I'm delighted to be able to continue that relationship in such a key
role."

Drogba to leave Galatasary

With Galatasaray 's season now over, Didier Drogba has
announced his intention to leave the Turkish club when his contract expires this summer.

The 36-year-old moved from Shanghai Shenhua in January 2013 and helped the side to the Super Lig title the Turkish Super Cup the same year.

Speaking to the club's official TV channel, the former Chelsea icon issued a heartfelt goodbye.

"Galatasaray will always be in my heart, I'm very proud to have represented this team.

"I didn't come here for money. If I wanted money I would have stayed in China. I came to Turkey to play football, to feel the passion again. Scoring against Fenerbahce
and Besiktas, I think I gave some happiness to our fans."

Drogba also went on to thank a certain former manager for recommending that he move to the Turkish heavyweights.

"Jose Mourinho and Wesley Sneijder had a big impact on my decision to sign. Jose said to me 'if Wesley is going then you should
go to', so I came.

"It was great to have a chance to play alongside him [Sneijder]."

Drogba did not give any indication as to where his future lies but his foremost concern will be Cote d'Ivoire's World Cup campaign.

Martins scores wonder goal

The Seattle Sounders bounced back
thanks to Obafemi Martins' wonder
strike, as the goals flowed in the MLS on Saturday.

On a day where an average of over
three goals were scored per game,
Seattle's 1-0 win over the San Jose
Earthquakes arguably included the pick of the strikes, with Martins lobbing visiting goalkeeper Jon Busch early in the first half at CenturyLink Field.

In the eighth minute, the Sounders
attacked down the left and Gonzalo
Pineda chipped the ball into the box for Martins to run on to.

The Nigerian striker let the ball
bounce once before hooking it over
his shoulder with his left boot and
Busch watched open-mouthed as
Martins' lob looped over his head and inside the far post.

Due to an otherwise strong
performance by Busch, Seattle had to settle for a one-goal win but coach Sigi Schmid would have been thrilled to return to the winners' list, after watching his team succumb to a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of New England
Revolution last week.

The victory kept the Sounders top of the Western Conference with 25
points, two ahead of Real Salt Lake,
who defeated Colorado Rapids 2-1.
In the Eastern Conference, New
England moved into pole position with their second straight five-goal
performance, prevailing 5-3 away to the Philadelphia Union.

The Revolution led 2-0 and 5-1 but
had to weather a late flurry from
Philadelphia, who scored twice in the final 15 minutes.

A header from A.J. Soares and Diego Fagundez's smooth finish gave the visitors the early advantage before Vincent Nogueira dragged Union back into the contest in the 36th minute with a pile-driver from the edge of the
area.

Lee Nguyen restored New England's
two-goal margin just after half-time
before Chris Tierney curled his free- kick past Philadelphia goalkeeper Zac MacMath to make it 4-1 in the 57th minute.

Patrick Mullins scored the Revolution's fifth 10 minutes later before Sheanon Williams' 76th-minute strike and Sebastien Le Toux's stoppage-time penalty ensured a nervous finish for New England.

The victory took the Revolution to 20 points, three ahead of the East's
previous leaders Sporting Kansas City and third-placed Houston Dynamo, who defeated Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0.

In all 25 goals were scored on
Saturday with Portland Timbers versus Columbus Crew finishing 3-3.

After Max Urruti put the Timbers in
front in the fifth minute, Columbus
striker Federico Higuain produced
another contender for goal of the day, chipping Portland goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts from 25 yards.

Just after the half-hour mark the
Timbers had Alvas Powell sent off,
before Higuain converted a penalty for the visitors in first-half stoppage time.

The second half burst into life in the final 10 minutes with Portland captain Will Johnson equalising for the hosts, immediately followed by Ethan Finlay's goal for Columbus, before Gaston Fernandez made it 3-3 in the 85th minute, as the Timbers claimed their seventh draw from 10 games this season.

In other results, FC Dallas were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Chivas USA, Jermain Defoe got on the scoresheet in Toronto FC's 2-0 defeat of New York Red Bulls and DC United versus Montreal Impact ended 1-1.

Drogba donates €1m to mining blast victims in Turkey

Galatasaray attacker Didier Drogba has donated €1 million to the families of the victims of the mining
disaster in Soma, Turkey.

The Istanbul giants' players wore helmets ahead of their league game against Kayseri Erciyesspor at the weekend to show their
support and the Cote d'Ivoire international has gone one step further in his role as U.N. ambassador.

"I am a U.N. ambassador of goodwill and I will do all that I can to help the people in Soma," Drogba told reporters.

"But I don’t want anyone to use my name.
I’m not someone who will promote himself in such issues. I don’t need this sort of a self-promotion."

On May 13 an explosion at a coal mine in Soma, Turkey, caused an underground mine fire, which burned until 15 May.

In total, 301 people were killed in what was the worst mine disaster in Turkey's history.

Di Natale ends blistering career with hat-trick

Hmmm, after a successful career the prolific forward Di Natalie has decided to call it quit at a ripe age.

Antonio Di Natale scored a hat trick to help Udinese draw 3-3 against Sampdoria in its last Serie A match on Saturday, then announced he was going back on his decision to retire this year.

The 36-year-old said a few months ago he would hang up his boots at the end of the season, but has since changed his mind.

"It's a pity the season is ending now, as I am in good physical shape and enjoying myself," Di Natale said. "Let's hope I continue like this.

"At the start of the season, the whole team struggled to do what we'd been able to in three years together. But you weigh things up at the end, and I still got 17 goals in the league."

Stefano Okaka headed Sampdoria into an early lead, but Di Natale leveled with a magnificent free kick into the top near corner, and the former Italy striker side- footed in Roberto Pereyra's cross in the 33rd after good work by his teammate.

The match changed in two second-half minutes. First Eder beat the offside trap to roll Okaka's through ball past Udinese goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic, before Roberto
Soriano gave Samp the lead from a tight angle.

Di Natale completed his hat trick in
bizarre fashion two minutes from time after Sampdoria substitute Pawel Wszolek sent a backpass from the halfway line straight to the Udinese forward for his 193rd Serie A goal.

Robben inspires Bayern to Pokal triumph

Bayern Munich sealed a second successive domestic double with
a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal final after extra-time.

Netherlands winger Robben popped up in the 107th minute at the Olympiastadion in Berlin to set the Bavarians on the way to a
fourth trophy in their first season under thestewardship of former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.

Dortmund pressed in vain for an equaliser, but the match was settled in injury timey when Muller broke clear to grab a second
for Bayern.

Their success was not without fortune, as Dortmund were denied a goal midway through the second half of normal time when a header from Mats Hummels appeared to cross the line.

Victory for Bayern was also somewhat marred by an injury to Germany captain Philipp Lahm, who limped off during the first half to place his participation in next
month's World Cup into doubt.

Guardiola has faced criticism since his side's Champions League semi-final exit to Real Madrid last month, but can now point to the retention of each of Germany's
premier domestic prizes.

There was almost a goal inside three minutes as Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller inadvertently kept out Muller's near-post drive.

Weidenfeller also produced a comfortable save from a tame Robben effort as Bayern dictated play for large spells early on.

However, Bayern suffered a blow when Lahm was withdrawn through injury in front of watching national coach Joachim Low and
replaced by Franck Ribery.

Moments of quality were rare in a cagey opening period, although 18-year-old midfielder Pierre Hojbjerg did go close to opening the scoring for Bayern two minutes before the interval as he powered a shot wide from Ribery's pull back.

Dortmund responded almost immediately by carving out their best opportunity of the.first half, but Robert Lewandowski - playing
against the team he will join for next season - fired high and wide after cutting inside Hojbjerg.

Bayern continued to carry the greater threat and Weidenfeller made a fine reaction stop to deny Muller from close range 10 minutes after the break, following
good work down the left from Ribery.

However, Dortmund were left aggrieved in the 64th minute as a far-post header from Hummels looked to cross the line before
being cleared by Dante. As Dortmund's players launched animated appeals, the referee refused to award the goal.

Jurgen Klopp's side duly grew in stature and their opponents were grateful to Manuel Neuer when the goalkeeper pulled off his first meaningful save, parrying Oliver Kirch's long-range drive.

Yet Bayern remained a dangerous attacking threat and Weidenfeller was soon called into action again, denying Robben with an improvised save with his chest.

Neither team was able to find a
breakthrough in normal time, although Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang almost found the opener at the start of the first
additional period, curling into the side- netting from just inside the 18-yard box.

It was to be Robben who claimed the.decisive goal, slotting home at the back post from Jerome Boateng's cross to finally break the deadlock.

Marco Reus saw a late effort deflected over the crossbar by Boateng, but there was to be no way back for Dortmund, who
conceded a second in injury time when Muller broke free on the counterattack before rounding Weidenfeller and tucking into an empty net.