that's what I'm sayin.. he might as well stay at Barca. He needs to go somewhere there's a spot for him in the starting 11
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that's what I'm sayin.. he might as well stay at Barca. He needs to go somewhere there's a spot for him in the starting 11
He'll get to start because of nepotism(in footballing terms), and Bayern won the Bundesliga by 25 points over Borussia Dortmund. I'm sure he'll have plenty of playing time.
Can anyone take a guess as to who this is?
I feel the same way too. It was like that when everyone like Hleb etc wanted to go to Barca and they just rot on the bench I don't get it. He may as well stay if in Barca for that better weather and mas bonita chicas.
Either way I still holding out a sliver of hope.
Thiago Alcantara to Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich have completed an agreement with Barcelona to sign Thiago Alcantara, as confirmed by the club on its Twitter account.
AS is reporting that the deal is for €25 million and includes a clause that the two clubs will take place in a friendly.
Thiago had spent his entire senior career with Barcelona. He appeared in just over 100 matches for the club since his debut in 2008. His quest for more consistent first-team football led him to test the transfer waters and a deal with Bayern.
The 22-year-old Spanish international is coming off of a strong display of form in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship. He helped lead the football powerhouse to its fourth title in the event, notably scoring a hat trick in the final triumph over Italy.
Although it served as a breakout tournament for Thiago, his immense upside was known well before he led Spain to another trophy. He's long been viewed as a midfielder with the potential to become one of the best in the world.
He combines terrific vision with improved playmaking skills and good pace to create an ideal central midfielder. A player doesn't start his career with Barcelona and follow it with a move to Bayern Munich unless his skill set is through the roof.
Thiago certainly fits the bill.
The move to Allianz Arena comes as Thiago sets his sights on playing for Spain in next year's World Cup. He needs consistent playing time in order to impress national team coach Vicente del Bosque, which may not come easier in the cluttered midfield at Bayern.
Of course, Barcelona is also stacked with talent in the midfield. Veterans Andres Iniesta and Xavi lead the charge, and while Thiago would have eventually replaced one of those stars at Camp Nou, the timetable remained unclear and he decided to seek a move.
The rising star marks another major signing by new Bayern manager Pep Guardiola. The former Barcelona boss knows what Alcantara is capable of doing in the midfield. The young talent has the benefit of knowing Guardiola's style of play already, which will serve him well as the rest of the squad tries to learn the intricacies of the system.
However, he'll have a tough time finding him somewhere to play, as the team already has Mario Goetze, Thomas Muller, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos, Javi Martinez and Luiz Gustavo already in the fold.
Hopefully, the 22-year-old will get the consistent playing time he needs to blossom into an elite player and put him in contention to join Spain in Brazil next year.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...ich-reds-reportedly-sign-barcelona-midfielder
However, he'll have a tough time finding him somewhere to play, as the team already has Mario Goetze, Thomas Muller, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos, Javi Martinez and Luiz Gustavo already in the fold.
He'll have to work to get in there...favoritism can only go so far. None of those guys are slouches.
I wonder if Ibra is leaving now?
Cavani completes move to PSG
Napoli striker Edinson Cavani has signed for Paris Saint-Germain in a deal believed to be worth around €64 million.
Edinson Cavani is presented to the media by PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi
Cavani, 26, joins the club in a Ligue 1 record deal, just over a week after PSG had said they were confident the switch would soon be completed.
Monaco paid a reported €60 million to sign Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid earlier this summer, having earlier established a new top-flight record fee by paying €45 million for James Rodriguez.
PSG, however, trumped their rivals with the signing of Cavani, who was presented to the media at a press conference on Tuesday.
Cavani said PSG's potential to win the Champions League helped convince him to move to the French capital where he hopes to form "a great attacking duo" with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"It's a rich, motivating, ambitious project here and I think like that too. Sincerely, I'm a player who is a competitor, I always want to win. Many players would like to play here, they're among the best teams in the world, part of that group of clubs that can fight for the Champions League. That's an objective for me too, a very strong ambition, that's why I came here," Cavani explained.
Though Cavani revealed he had been given no guarantees when signing other than of the club's lofty ambitions, he said he was looking forward to the prospect of playing with Ibrahimovic, 31, despite persistent speculation linking the Swedish international with a move away from the club.
"Ibra is a world champion, and for another striker it's a pleasure to play with him. He's used to winning titles, he's a winner, that's very positive for the team. I come into this big club hoping to form a great attacking duo with him," Cavani said, before adding that it would not stop him battling with his team-mate and Monaco's Radamel Falcao to finish the season as Ligue 1's top scorer.
"It's going to be tough, because we're goalscorers, and always try to bring to the team our goals. It's our mission and ambition to score. It's going to be a very tight competition, and hope that we can give the French league a lot of goals."
Cavani's number nine shirt, previously worn by Guillaume Hoarau, was on sale before the prolific striker had even been seen by the press with his official presentation - originally scheduled for 16:00CET - postponed two hours due to a delay in Napoli giving their final assent to the deal.
When he finally emerged alongside his new acquisition, PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi could barely conceal his delight at having beaten a number of suitors, including Chelsea, to the signature of one of Europe's most potent goalscorers.
"Everyone knows Cavani, everyone wanted him, but today he's signed for us, he's a PSG player and I'm very happy about that. He was the top scorer in Serie A, I hope he'll do better with us this season. I hope too that we'll continue our project to win Ligue 1, and do our maximum in the Champions League. It's not easy, but we'll do our best. The arrival of Cavani is the proof of the continuity of our project, to realise our objectives to make PSG the best team in Europe."
Khelaifi also announced sporting director Leonardo would leave the club with immediate effect, rather than on September 2 as had been originally announced. Cavani stated the Brazilian's departure had not made him waver in his determination to move to France. "I never hesitated. This project is rich, dense in motivation, full of elements that give you confidence and make you want to come here: the team, the players, and the club, which hopes to win important titles."
"Today was his last day," Al Khelaifi told the media sitting alongside Cavani at the Parc des Princes. "I would like to thank him for the work he's done in his last two years. We have a very good relationship. He's the sporting director, and a friend. I wish him the best for the future."
With the deal for Cavani completed, the 1994 World Cup winner, who was recently banned from carrying out official matchday duties until next June after barging into a Ligue 1 referee in May, has brought forward his departure.
"The punishment was too hard for him," Al Khelaifi stated, before confirming the club were still working on new arrivals to reinforce Laurent Blanc's squad in the hope of improving on last season's Ligue 1 title win and Champions League quarter-final appearance, and insisted the joint-departures of Leonardo and last season's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, had done nothing to alter the club's ambitions.
"I've heard people talk about the credibility of the club. We're not changing our objective, which is to win the Champions League in the next four years and why not next year? We'll do our best. We have to win the league next season. Everyone knows the club's ambitions, they don't change. All the players, all the people who are here and leave, the project does not change."
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1500093/cavani-completes-move-psg?cc=5901
Cavani completes move to PSG
Napoli striker Edinson Cavani has signed for Paris Saint-Germain in a deal believed to be worth around €64 million.
Edinson Cavani is presented to the media by PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi
Cavani, 26, joins the club in a Ligue 1 record deal, just over a week after PSG had said they were confident the switch would soon be completed.
Monaco paid a reported €60 million to sign Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid earlier this summer, having earlier established a new top-flight record fee by paying €45 million for James Rodriguez.
PSG, however, trumped their rivals with the signing of Cavani, who was presented to the media at a press conference on Tuesday.
Cavani said PSG's potential to win the Champions League helped convince him to move to the French capital where he hopes to form "a great attacking duo" with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"It's a rich, motivating, ambitious project here and I think like that too. Sincerely, I'm a player who is a competitor, I always want to win. Many players would like to play here, they're among the best teams in the world, part of that group of clubs that can fight for the Champions League. That's an objective for me too, a very strong ambition, that's why I came here," Cavani explained.
Though Cavani revealed he had been given no guarantees when signing other than of the club's lofty ambitions, he said he was looking forward to the prospect of playing with Ibrahimovic, 31, despite persistent speculation linking the Swedish international with a move away from the club.
"Ibra is a world champion, and for another striker it's a pleasure to play with him. He's used to winning titles, he's a winner, that's very positive for the team. I come into this big club hoping to form a great attacking duo with him," Cavani said, before adding that it would not stop him battling with his team-mate and Monaco's Radamel Falcao to finish the season as Ligue 1's top scorer.
"It's going to be tough, because we're goalscorers, and always try to bring to the team our goals. It's our mission and ambition to score. It's going to be a very tight competition, and hope that we can give the French league a lot of goals."
Cavani's number nine shirt, previously worn by Guillaume Hoarau, was on sale before the prolific striker had even been seen by the press with his official presentation - originally scheduled for 16:00CET - postponed two hours due to a delay in Napoli giving their final assent to the deal.
When he finally emerged alongside his new acquisition, PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi could barely conceal his delight at having beaten a number of suitors, including Chelsea, to the signature of one of Europe's most potent goalscorers.
"Everyone knows Cavani, everyone wanted him, but today he's signed for us, he's a PSG player and I'm very happy about that. He was the top scorer in Serie A, I hope he'll do better with us this season. I hope too that we'll continue our project to win Ligue 1, and do our maximum in the Champions League. It's not easy, but we'll do our best. The arrival of Cavani is the proof of the continuity of our project, to realise our objectives to make PSG the best team in Europe."
Khelaifi also announced sporting director Leonardo would leave the club with immediate effect, rather than on September 2 as had been originally announced. Cavani stated the Brazilian's departure had not made him waver in his determination to move to France. "I never hesitated. This project is rich, dense in motivation, full of elements that give you confidence and make you want to come here: the team, the players, and the club, which hopes to win important titles."
"Today was his last day," Al Khelaifi told the media sitting alongside Cavani at the Parc des Princes. "I would like to thank him for the work he's done in his last two years. We have a very good relationship. He's the sporting director, and a friend. I wish him the best for the future."
With the deal for Cavani completed, the 1994 World Cup winner, who was recently banned from carrying out official matchday duties until next June after barging into a Ligue 1 referee in May, has brought forward his departure.
"The punishment was too hard for him," Al Khelaifi stated, before confirming the club were still working on new arrivals to reinforce Laurent Blanc's squad in the hope of improving on last season's Ligue 1 title win and Champions League quarter-final appearance, and insisted the joint-departures of Leonardo and last season's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, had done nothing to alter the club's ambitions.
"I've heard people talk about the credibility of the club. We're not changing our objective, which is to win the Champions League in the next four years and why not next year? We'll do our best. We have to win the league next season. Everyone knows the club's ambitions, they don't change. All the players, all the people who are here and leave, the project does not change."
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1500093/cavani-completes-move-psg?cc=5901
First leg of the Copa Libertadores final today. It's Atlético Mineiro(Brazil) against Olimpia(Paraguay).
I hope Dinho lights it up.
I hope Dinho lights it up.
Dinho was giving his manager the evil eye when he got taken off.
South American football>>>
Why is City signing so many strikers?
Negredo, and now Jovetic. They're both 6'1" coincidentally, guess they want relatively tall strikers to head in all those Navas crosses.
Negredo, and now Jovetic. They're both 6'1" coincidentally, guess they want relatively tall strikers to head in all those Navas crosses.
Vilanova set to step down
Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova is to resign his position amid reports he has suffered a cancer relapse.
Barcelona have confirmed via a statement on their official website that a press conference is to be held on Friday evening.
The statement read: “This Friday at 20:30, there will be a press conference featuring president Sandro Rosell and director of football Andoni Zubizarreta in the press room at the Ciudad Deportiva.”
ESPN FC columnist Graham Hunter told Sky Sports News: “Off the record, the directors are briefing that Tito Vilanova has come to them following the regular check-ups that you would expect for somebody who has had such intense radiotherapy and chemotherapy to fight off a cancerous tumour in his saliva gland.
“It’s been affecting him now for 18 months, maybe a little bit more, and the check-ups have shown that there is a renewed problem.”
Vilanova, 44, took charge of Barca following Pep Guardiola’s resignation at the end of the 2011-12 season, and led the club to the league title.
However, his debut campaign was overshadowed by the news in December that he had suffered a relapse of the parotid gland cancer that had been diagnosed the previous year. He returned to Spain in March, having undergone treatment in New York.
It is thought that Vilanova’s assistant, Rubi, is the most likely candidate to take the reins. Rubi was in charge of Girona in the Segunda Division last season, leading the team to the play-off final.
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1502697/tito-vilanova-set-step-barcelona-coach?cc=5901
Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova is to resign his position amid reports he has suffered a cancer relapse.
Barcelona have confirmed via a statement on their official website that a press conference is to be held on Friday evening.
The statement read: “This Friday at 20:30, there will be a press conference featuring president Sandro Rosell and director of football Andoni Zubizarreta in the press room at the Ciudad Deportiva.”
ESPN FC columnist Graham Hunter told Sky Sports News: “Off the record, the directors are briefing that Tito Vilanova has come to them following the regular check-ups that you would expect for somebody who has had such intense radiotherapy and chemotherapy to fight off a cancerous tumour in his saliva gland.
“It’s been affecting him now for 18 months, maybe a little bit more, and the check-ups have shown that there is a renewed problem.”
Vilanova, 44, took charge of Barca following Pep Guardiola’s resignation at the end of the 2011-12 season, and led the club to the league title.
However, his debut campaign was overshadowed by the news in December that he had suffered a relapse of the parotid gland cancer that had been diagnosed the previous year. He returned to Spain in March, having undergone treatment in New York.
It is thought that Vilanova’s assistant, Rubi, is the most likely candidate to take the reins. Rubi was in charge of Girona in the Segunda Division last season, leading the team to the play-off final.
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1502697/tito-vilanova-set-step-barcelona-coach?cc=5901
The possible replacements according to El Mundo Deportivo:
Laudrup, Koeman, Valverde, Luis Enrique, Bielsa and Heynckes.
Laudrup, Koeman, Valverde, Luis Enrique, Bielsa and Heynckes.
According to TV3 it will be Luis Enrique.
Now it looks like it will be Tata Martino.
Reports: Gerardo Martino to Barcelona
Barcelona are set to appoint Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino on a three-year contract, according to various reports in the Spanish media.
Martino will replace Tito Vilanova who stepped down on Friday as he continues to receive treatment for throat cancer.
Former Newell’s Old Boys coach Martino, 50, quickly emerged as a leading candidate for the post, alongside ex-Barcelona B manager Luis Enrique, who recently took up a position at Celta Vigo.
Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta was believed to have travelled to Buenos Aires in order to hold talks with Martino, and now multiple outlets claim a deal has been agreed with AS reporting a three-year contract will be signed imminently.
The sports daily also claims that Tata Martino will bring over his assistant from his spell at Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge Pautasso, as well as fitness coach Jorge Paulo Rosso, and Adrián Coria a coach who trained Leo Messi when he was at Newell’s as a youngster.
El Mundo Deportivo reports that an agreement was reached this morning, with a number of telephone calls and video-conferences taking place between Rosario and Barcelona. According to the paper, the Argentine is waiting for definitive confirmation from the club before he boards a plane to the Catalan capital, but ‘El Tata’ is expected in Barcelona on Wednesday.
However Barca’s new manager will not arrive in time to make his debut in the dugout against the Catalans’ former coach Pep Guardiola and his Bayern Munich side in Wednesday night’s friendly.
Martino, like Leo Messi, is from Rosario, and was voted Newell’s all-time best player in a fans’ poll. The 50-year-old, who also spent time at Tenerife during his playing career, has coached a number of club sides and the Paraguay national team, but currently finds himself without a job. He was voted South American coach of the year in 2007.
Marca suggests that Martino’s appointment would be popular with both his compatriot Leo Messi, who began his youth career at Newell’s before heading to Barcelona aged 13, and Messi’s Father Jorge who counts ‘El Tata’ as one of his football idols.
After Newell’s Old Boys won the Clausura title under Martino last season, Messi said of his countryman: "I like Tata Martino. He is a great coach, as he showed in the Clausura with what he did for the team, the way it ended and how they won it. He gets his teams playing well and all the players respect him."
And it would seem that the Argentine coach would fit in well at the Camp Nou, with Sport calling him a ‘Bielsista’. Former Athletic Bilbao manager Marcelo Bielsa had huge influence on Pep Guardiola, and Bielsa's footballing philosophy of possession and pressing are the cornerstones of ‘the Barca way’.
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1504565/barcelona-set-appoint-gerardo-martino-reports-say?cc=5901
Reports: Gerardo Martino to Barcelona
Barcelona are set to appoint Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino on a three-year contract, according to various reports in the Spanish media.
Martino will replace Tito Vilanova who stepped down on Friday as he continues to receive treatment for throat cancer.
Former Newell’s Old Boys coach Martino, 50, quickly emerged as a leading candidate for the post, alongside ex-Barcelona B manager Luis Enrique, who recently took up a position at Celta Vigo.
Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta was believed to have travelled to Buenos Aires in order to hold talks with Martino, and now multiple outlets claim a deal has been agreed with AS reporting a three-year contract will be signed imminently.
The sports daily also claims that Tata Martino will bring over his assistant from his spell at Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge Pautasso, as well as fitness coach Jorge Paulo Rosso, and Adrián Coria a coach who trained Leo Messi when he was at Newell’s as a youngster.
El Mundo Deportivo reports that an agreement was reached this morning, with a number of telephone calls and video-conferences taking place between Rosario and Barcelona. According to the paper, the Argentine is waiting for definitive confirmation from the club before he boards a plane to the Catalan capital, but ‘El Tata’ is expected in Barcelona on Wednesday.
However Barca’s new manager will not arrive in time to make his debut in the dugout against the Catalans’ former coach Pep Guardiola and his Bayern Munich side in Wednesday night’s friendly.
Martino, like Leo Messi, is from Rosario, and was voted Newell’s all-time best player in a fans’ poll. The 50-year-old, who also spent time at Tenerife during his playing career, has coached a number of club sides and the Paraguay national team, but currently finds himself without a job. He was voted South American coach of the year in 2007.
Marca suggests that Martino’s appointment would be popular with both his compatriot Leo Messi, who began his youth career at Newell’s before heading to Barcelona aged 13, and Messi’s Father Jorge who counts ‘El Tata’ as one of his football idols.
After Newell’s Old Boys won the Clausura title under Martino last season, Messi said of his countryman: "I like Tata Martino. He is a great coach, as he showed in the Clausura with what he did for the team, the way it ended and how they won it. He gets his teams playing well and all the players respect him."
And it would seem that the Argentine coach would fit in well at the Camp Nou, with Sport calling him a ‘Bielsista’. Former Athletic Bilbao manager Marcelo Bielsa had huge influence on Pep Guardiola, and Bielsa's footballing philosophy of possession and pressing are the cornerstones of ‘the Barca way’.
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1504565/barcelona-set-appoint-gerardo-martino-reports-say?cc=5901
This was after fans from El Salvador starting throwing shit at Donovan, lol.
This was after fans from El Salvador starting throwing shit at Donovan, lol.
He's impressed so far. I like how he's earning his way back into the first team. Hope he keeps it up.
at Mexico losing to Panama twice.
Steve Nash to try out for Inter Milan
Steve Nash is going to try to become a soccer player again -- if only momentarily.
The Los Angeles Lakers guard and two-time NBA MVP will have a tryout of sorts Tuesday with Inter Milan, just before the team opens play in the Guinness International Champions Cup tournament that's coming to the U.S. starting next week. The tournament pits eight club teams from around the world, with a winner to be crowned in Miami on Aug. 7.
"It's a dream come true to get a chance to try out, not just to try out but to take the field with Inter Milan, one of the great, storied franchises in professional sports," Nash told The Associated Press. "I feel like a little kid."
Tournament officials said the tryout will take place in New Jersey, two days before Inter Milan opens the tournament in Indianapolis against Chelsea. Nash expects to be feeling a fairly ramped-up level of nervousness when he laces up his cleats for that training session.
"It's going to be a lot higher than it is playing basketball, for sure," he said. "I still get nervous for basketball games from time to time. When I get out on the court, I don't get nervous, but before. To go out there with guys that I look up to and watch play, it's definitely going to raise the nerves."
Nash played soccer and hockey as a child before starting his basketball career as an eighth-grader. He remains an avid soccer fan and is part of the ownership group for the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer.
Nash said he is working his way back to being 100 percent physically. His first season with the Lakers was injury-filled, as he was limited to 50 games because of a broken left leg and a strained right hamstring.
http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9512671/steve-nash-los-angeles-lakers-try-inter-milan
Steve Nash is going to try to become a soccer player again -- if only momentarily.
The Los Angeles Lakers guard and two-time NBA MVP will have a tryout of sorts Tuesday with Inter Milan, just before the team opens play in the Guinness International Champions Cup tournament that's coming to the U.S. starting next week. The tournament pits eight club teams from around the world, with a winner to be crowned in Miami on Aug. 7.
"It's a dream come true to get a chance to try out, not just to try out but to take the field with Inter Milan, one of the great, storied franchises in professional sports," Nash told The Associated Press. "I feel like a little kid."
Tournament officials said the tryout will take place in New Jersey, two days before Inter Milan opens the tournament in Indianapolis against Chelsea. Nash expects to be feeling a fairly ramped-up level of nervousness when he laces up his cleats for that training session.
"It's going to be a lot higher than it is playing basketball, for sure," he said. "I still get nervous for basketball games from time to time. When I get out on the court, I don't get nervous, but before. To go out there with guys that I look up to and watch play, it's definitely going to raise the nerves."
Nash played soccer and hockey as a child before starting his basketball career as an eighth-grader. He remains an avid soccer fan and is part of the ownership group for the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer.
Nash said he is working his way back to being 100 percent physically. His first season with the Lakers was injury-filled, as he was limited to 50 games because of a broken left leg and a strained right hamstring.
http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9512671/steve-nash-los-angeles-lakers-try-inter-milan
No sextuplet for Bayern.
edit:
It also looks like Sergi Roberto will be a great replacement for Thiago.
And 2 goals in 12 minutes for Dongou.
edit:
It also looks like Sergi Roberto will be a great replacement for Thiago.
And 2 goals in 12 minutes for Dongou.
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Roberto Soldado: Tottenham agree £26m deal for Valencia striker
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a club record £26m deal to sign Valencia striker Roberto Soldado.
He will sign a four-year contract to become Spurs' third summer signing once a medical is completed on Friday.
Soldado, 28, who has 11 caps for Spain, scored 30 goals in 46 appearances for the La Liga club last season.
A Spurs statement said: "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Valencia for the transfer of Roberto Soldado."
The club's previous transfer record was the signing of midfielder Paulinho from Corinthians for nearly £17m earlier this summer. Spurs have also added winger Nacer Chadli from FC Twente for a fee thought to be around £7m.
Soldado was born in Valencia but began his career at Real Madrid, scoring 63 goals in 120 league appearances for their B side, Real Madrid Castilla.
He joined his hometown club three years ago after a spell at Getafe and has scored 80 goals in 146 appearances for Valencia.
Soldado has also become an established member of the Spanish national squad and helped his country to the runners-up spot at this summer's Confederations Cup.
His arrival will boost a forward line that has only Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor as recognised first-team centre-forwards.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says his club are in talks to sign Tottenham forward Gareth Bale, with reports suggesting they are prepared to pay an £80m world record fee.
However, Soldado hopes to play alongside Bale and form a partnership with the Wales international.
Soldado told AS: "Bale is a great footballer and you can see the effort Tottenham are making to prevent him from leaving. Of course I want him to stay."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23531981
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a club record £26m deal to sign Valencia striker Roberto Soldado.
He will sign a four-year contract to become Spurs' third summer signing once a medical is completed on Friday.
Soldado, 28, who has 11 caps for Spain, scored 30 goals in 46 appearances for the La Liga club last season.
A Spurs statement said: "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Valencia for the transfer of Roberto Soldado."
The club's previous transfer record was the signing of midfielder Paulinho from Corinthians for nearly £17m earlier this summer. Spurs have also added winger Nacer Chadli from FC Twente for a fee thought to be around £7m.
Soldado was born in Valencia but began his career at Real Madrid, scoring 63 goals in 120 league appearances for their B side, Real Madrid Castilla.
He joined his hometown club three years ago after a spell at Getafe and has scored 80 goals in 146 appearances for Valencia.
Soldado has also become an established member of the Spanish national squad and helped his country to the runners-up spot at this summer's Confederations Cup.
His arrival will boost a forward line that has only Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor as recognised first-team centre-forwards.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says his club are in talks to sign Tottenham forward Gareth Bale, with reports suggesting they are prepared to pay an £80m world record fee.
However, Soldado hopes to play alongside Bale and form a partnership with the Wales international.
Soldado told AS: "Bale is a great footballer and you can see the effort Tottenham are making to prevent him from leaving. Of course I want him to stay."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23531981
Still has his technique down pat...
Still has his technique down pat...
His second goal tho'
As an Arsenal fan, this so called Emirates cup serves as an eye opener and things to come in the season.
Oh, what a[joy] it is to be a Gooner :-(
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