THE BEST SOCCER PLAYERS

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres fears a lengthy spell in the Premier League could result in chronic long-term injuries. Torres is currently ruled out for the season with a reoccurring knee problem that has also limited him to just 22 appearances this season, although he has still scored 18 goals. The Spanish international, who expects to be fit in time for the World Cup, is concerned at the physical toll of the English top-flight and is amazed that players like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have performed at such a high level for so long. "The Premier League is such a tough competition and I have always admired this championship and the players who are here," Torres told the News of the World. "This is my third season and I'm still amazed to see Gerrard, Rooney and Lampard, players who have been here a long time, still playing at such a high level and with such impressive rhythm because the English league really wears down a player. "I just can

Portugal winger Nani has signed a new four-year contract with Manchester United, the England giant club. His impressive form this season has made MU a deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2014. Nani had been the subject of plenty of criticism after failing to live up to his £17 million price tag since moving to United in 2007, but he has proved his worth over the past few months - producing a number of scintillating displays, including a man of the match performance in the 3-1 over Arsenal. Nani had been the person of plenty of criticism after deteriorating to live up to his £17 million rate since moving to MU in 2007, but he has proved his value over the past few months - producing a sort of brilliant displays, including a man of the match action in the 3-1 triumph over Arsenal. "Nani is an emerging talent in this team and has developed greatly since joining the club," United coach Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's official website. "We ar

Long considered to be the ‘next Zidane’ by fans in France, Algerian playmaker Mourad Meghni appears to finally coping with this weighty expectation and is currently pushing hard for a place in Algeria’s squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Barring another injury like the ones that have blighted his career so far – his delicate frame has done him no favours in that regard – it is more than likely that Meghni will be showing off his skills in South Africa this June. Nearly ten years ago it was in French colours that the promising attacking midfielder played first impressed on the world stage, helping the country of his birth to secure the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Trinidad and Tobago in 2001. The Caribbean adventure was one of many successes achieved by this golden generation of French footballers, who had already reached the final of the UEFA European U-17 Championship the year before, and were destined to go on to win the prestigious Toulon U-21 international tourn

Park Ji-sung headed Manchester United back to the Premier League as the champion from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 on Sunday. Park’s 60th-minute goal restored United’s two-point lead over Arsenal. Park Ji-Sung is a South Korean professional footballer who moved to MU at 2005 from PSV Eindhoven (Netherland). Now he is the captain of the South Korean national team. Park Ji-sung is one of stars of the South Korean team that finished fourth at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. After the World Cup, Park joined the coach Guus Hiddink go to PSV Eindhoven. As a member of the South Korean national team, Park has won 84 caps and scored 11 goals. Adapting to the English Premiership is Park's biggest test, but he has impressed everybody at the club so far. His pedigree on the European stage, however, is already proven. Park Ji-Sung profile: • Born: 25 February 1981, Seoul, South Korea • Signed: 8 July 2005, from PSV Eindhoven • Other Previous Clubs: Kyoto Purple Sanga • Debut: 9 Augu

Liverpool’s striker Fernando Torres has admitted he will think about his future at Liverpool if the club do not buy the players needed to turn them into Premier League contenders. Liverpool are currently sixth place in table having played more games than all of their main rivals for the fourth Champions League berth. The Reds forward has been part of a side that has had a disappointing campaign so far – Monday’s defeat at Wigan dented their chances of a top-four Premier League finish and a 1-0 reverse to Lille in the Europa League on Thursday leaves them with a tough task of progressing into the next round. Many have speculated that Liverpool’s key players could leave Anfield if they do not qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League, but Torres has played down such reports. However, the 25-year-old, who has scored 13 league goals in 18 appearances so far this term, says that Rafa Benitez needs to bring in more quality players to bolster the squad. When asked by Spanish n

Wayne Rooney returned to inspire Manchester United victory. Two goal through header in the second half drowned Italian giants AC Milan in their own cage, Giuseppe Meazza Stadion, San Siro Milan, on Tuesday (Feb. 16). The England superstar was originally seemed frustrated throughout the first half, especially on two colleagues, Nani and Darren Fletcher, who failed to give him good passes. But after Antonio Valencia replaced Nani in the second half, things changed 180 degrees. Valencia able to indulge Rooney with well passes, where Rooney scored a goal with one of them. “I was very frustrated in the first half,” Rooney said. “Some people were not doing their jobs right and I let my feelings be known. We learned from that and won the game, which I am pleased about.” Rooney lead the comeback of his team with two great headers that Ferguson compared him to Lionel Messi, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo as the world's elite footballers. “Wayne Rooney, in the­second half, continued his recent f

Lionel Andrés Messi has been named the FIFA World Player of the Year. The Argentina and Barcelona striker won the award for the first time for helping his Spain club win an record six trophies, including the Champions League and the La Liga title. The 22-year-old beat last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazil midfielder Kaka, and his two club mates Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez. He was presented with the trophy at an awards ceremony in Zurich. Messi said, “I'm really happy. We've just ended a historic year, a perfect year in which we've won every competition we've played in. We just needed to take this last step and everything has worked out how we wanted. It's amazing.” Lionel Messi was born 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, to parents Jorge Messi. His paternal family originates from the Italian city of Ancona where his ancestor, Angelo Messi, emigrated to Argentina in 1883. At the age of 8, Messi played to Newell's Old Boys who were based in Rosar

LIONEL MESSI reckons that Manchester United will risk humiliation if they opt to go toe to toe with Barcelona in the Champions League final. The Barca superstar admits he is after revenge for last year's semi-final defeat by the eventual champions. Back then, the Catalan giants had almost 70 per cent possession over the two legs. But they could not break down United's defensive wall and Paul Scholes' screamer put Alex Ferguson's men through. Messi told SunSport: "I don't think Manchester will play like that again. They have players to play football and will be a bit more open. "We're the best team in Europe in an open game and this will give us the advantage. If they come out to play it will be a beautiful game - and I hope it will benefit us. "I remember last year's semi-final. They were two evenly-matched games, very tight. The tie was decided by the great goal they scored." Back on May 2, Barcelona thumped Real Madrid 6-2 at the Bernab

Cristiano Ronaldo has provided Manchester United with a late injury scare ahead of the UEFA Champions League final after requiring treatment in training. The Portuguese winger needed strapping on his ankle during Tuesday evening's training session at the Stadio Olimpico. Ronaldo, who missed the start of the season after undergoing ankle surgery, is expected to be fit for Wednesday's showpiece in Rome. The 24-year-old is likely to start up front against Barcelona, with Wayne Rooney and Park Ji-sung tipped to provide support from wide. Nemanja Vidic was also photographed during the session holding his hamstring, but United have confirmed the Serbian is fit. Vidic's central defensive partner Rio Ferdinand has also declared himself fit to start the final after a recent absence due to a calf injury. Source: SkySports.com

ZURICH (AFP) – Manchester United and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo was on Monday named FIFA World Footballer of the Year for 2008. Ronaldo, who is also holder of the prestigious Ballon d'Or for the European Footballer of the Year, beat off competition from 2007 winner Kaka (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Fernando Torres (Spain) and Xavi (Spain). "It's an overwhelming moment in my career and I'd like to dedicate this award to my family, friends and colleagues," he said. "Winning the Champions League for me was the most memorable moment of 2008," added Ronaldo, who scored in the final but missed a penalty in the penalty shootout against Chelsea. Ronaldo went out of his way to heap praise on United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, with whom relations became strained during last summer over whether he was going to leave the club for Real Madrid. "It's also true that the manager always has an important role to play," said Ronaldo. "It was