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Messi: It Was A Wonderful Surprise

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Sporting a disbelieving look but smiling all the same, Lionel Messi joked at how heavy the newly presented FIFA Ballon d’Or felt. After his Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola offered to take it home for him, the Argentinian magician stepped down from the stage and spoke about his triumph to FIFA.com. FIFA.com: Lionel, how are you feeling?   Lionel Messi: I’m happy, but I didn’t expect it because everyone had been talking so much about Xavi and Andres [Iniesta]. They also deserved it for the wonderful year they had. They won the World Cup, which usually goes a long way to deciding who wins this award, and they both had big parts to play in that. That’s why I thought one of them would be going up to collect the trophy. It was a wonderful surprise. How do you think they are feeling?   I don’t think they’re sad about it. It was a great thing for the three of us and the club to have got this far. I think we all enjoyed the gala. You obviously feel they deserved to win it, but what d

LIONEL MESSI Crowned As The Best Of 2010

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Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has won the inaugural Fifa Ballon d'Or award at a ceremony in Zurich. Messi, 23, won the prize - a merger of the Fifa Player of the Year prize and Ballon d'Or - ahead of his Barca team-mates Andres Iniesta and Xavi. "I'm surprised to win but pleased to be here with my friends," said Messi, who won the two separate awards last year. Jose Mourinho, who won an unprecedented Treble with Inter Milan in 2010, was named the Coach of the Year. Messi added: "To win it makes it even more special. I want to share it with all of my friends, my family, all the Barcelonistas and the Argentinians." Hamit Altintop won the Puskas Award for Goal of the Year for his wonder volley when Turkey played Kazakhstan, Brazilian striker Marta won the Women's Player of the Year for a fifth consecutive time and Germany's Silvia Neid won the Women's Coach of the Year. The last player to win the Ballon d'Or award

CESC FABREGAS Confident Recovered for World Cup

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Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas is "100 per cent" confident he will be fit to play for Spain at the World Cup. Fabregas has been out of action since suffering a cracked bone in his fibula during the 2-2 draw with Barcelona on 31st March. The classy midfielder has been ruled out for the rest of the season, but Fabregas is confident of recovering in time to make Spain's squad. Fabregas is set to visit a specialist in London next week, with the player expecting to then step up his rehabilitation work ahead of Spain's opening match in South Africa, against Switzerland at Durban on 16th June. Writing his captain's notes in the Arsenal match programme for the Premier League game against Manchester City, Fabregas said: "I am back in Spain at the moment, but will return to London for a specialist appointment and routine scan in the next few days. "I will be at the last [Arsenal] game of the season, of course, because all the players will go on a

Messi gets Rooney's vote

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Wayne Rooney, who is expected to be crowned the PFA player-of-the-year on Sunday evening, has hailed Lionel Messi as the best player in the world. The Manchester United star, who will miss the remainder of the Premier League campaign with a groin injury, has scored 34 goals this season and elevated himself amongst the world's best players. However, having watched Barcelona star Messi at close quarters, Rooney himself feels Messi is the outstanding star of this generation. "It's nice that people put me up there but I think Lionel Messi is the best in the world," he told United Review. "The things he can do with the ball are unbelievable and he is scoring a lot of goals as well. "He has been fantastic again this year. He is the best player in the world." Rooney is the clear favourite to win the PFA player-of-the-year and he is also nominated for a third triumph in the young player category as well. The 24-year-old could become only the third pla

Torres fears for long-term health in England

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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

NANI Sign New Deal with United

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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

Meghni: The Algerian Maestro

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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 heads Man United to 2-1 win over Liverpool

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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

FERNANDO TORRES THINKING FUTURE

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’s Goals Inspire United's Victory Againts Milan

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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 Messi named Fifa's World Player of the Year

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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

Messi: We will destroy Man Utd

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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

Ronaldo worry for Utd

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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

Cristiano Ronaldo wins FIFA World Footballer of the Year

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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

FABREGAS not undergo surgery

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Francesc Fàbregas Soler has decided not to require surgery on his injured knee. Sky Sports Arsenal captain has visited a specialist in Barcelona to determine the full extent of the setback he suffered against Liverpool . reported, the According to Arsenal official website, Cesc Fabregas will be out for "three to four months" after suffering a serious knee injury against Liverpool on Sunday. The Spanish midfielder suffered a partial rupture of his medial knee ligaments just before half-time in Sunday’s Premier League game with Liverpool . The 21-year-old will not require surgery but the injury is likely to keep him out for around four months." After consulting with the best doctor possible, we've decided not to operate," Fabregas was quoted as saying in Marca. He said, the doctor didn't recommended him to do it because he is still young and the meniscus is not damaged. The Arsenal captain was hurt in a challenge with his Spanish t

John Terry can be legend like Zola

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By: IAN McGARRY / The Sun CHELSEA have a lot to thank Gianfranco Zola for — and the emergence of John Terry is one of them. And when the new West Ham boss is applauded on his return to Stamford Bridge tomorrow, Terry is one who will join in. The Blues skipper spent hours doing extra training with Zola when he was a young defender and is grateful to the Italian for setting a sparkling example as a pro. But now Terry is writing his own chapter in Chelsea’s book of legends and coach Ray Wilkins has tipped him to eclipse Zola. Wilkins said, “If I was to pick one of the current players who might surpass Franco in the future I’d say John Terry. “John just epitomises what we’re about. He’s professional, he’s a one-club player and I’d imagine in 10 years’ time when they have their next poll of greatest ever players, John would be the one who sits at the top.” Wilkins, a Chelsea legend himself, reckons that the current skipper would not be the player he is without Zola’s influence. He said, “Wh

Huntelaar So Happy at Joining Real Madrid

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Klaas Jan Huntelaar cannot wait to link up with his new Real Madrid team-mates as he prepares to put the finishing touches on his big-money move from Ajax. Madrid had been chasing Huntelaar for the last two years but finally got their man when they agreed a deal with Ajax for the 25-year-old that could rise to 27million euros. Huntelaar, who will be available for Madrid in January providing he successfully overcomes his ankle injury and passes a medical, is set to become the eighth Dutchman to make the move to the Bernabeu, of which five will be his team-mates later this season. One of those, Wesley Sneijder, was quick to congratulate his former Ajax team-mate on the move, with Huntelaar revealing: "Sneijder was the first and then the others called me. It`s a dream come true and they`ve already told me to play at Madrid is the best for a footballer. "I'm very happy right now, I suppose I will be even happier when I arrive at Madrid and can be with my new team-mates. "

Ronaldo may be miss champions game

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Manchester United star, Cristiano Ronaldo, may be miss Champions League game versus Spanish club Real Villarreal at Tuesday (Nov. 25). The Portugal's player had a leg injuury when United draw 0-0 with Aston Villa, Saturday night. "His leg is in a mess. He is doubtful for Tuesday," said Alex Ferguson, United's manager. Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born at 5 February 1985 in Funchal, Madeira (Portugal), to Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro and José Dinis Aveiro. He plays primarily as a right winger. But he has also been used both in a central attacking role and as a second striker. Ronaldo has undergo ankle surgery at the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam on 7 July. He returned play for United on 17 September in Champions League with Villarreal as a substitute. He scored his 100th and 101st goals in all competitions for Manchester United in a 5–0 win over Stoke City on 15 November 2008, both from free kicks. Read Cristiano Ronaldo profile at: http://en.wikip

Gonzalo Higuain out of BATE Borisov match

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Real Madrid's striker Gonzalo Higuain will miss Champions League match against Belarussian, BATE Borisov at Tuesday, after suffering a sprained ankle. Higuain sprained his left ankle in Satuday's match against Recreativo Huelva, the club said in a statement Sunday. The Argentine forward will undergo physiotherapy aimed at achieving a rapid recovery. Higuain is top scorer in the Primera Liga this season with nine goals. Real is already miss several key players for the match, notably Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is out until the end of the season following a kneee operation. Real Madrid is second in its Champions League group H, four points behind Italian club Juventus, which has already qualified for the quarter-finals. Gonzalo Gerardo Higuaín was born at December 10, 1987 in Brest, Finistère, France. His father, professional Argentine footballer Jorge "El Pipa" Higuaín, was playing for Brest, at that time in the French Ligue 1. Higuain having left France at

GALLAS, say sorry or lose £10m

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WILLIAM GALLAS has 10 million reasons to say sorry to his Arsenal team-mates. The French ace is on a megabucks deal which will see him earn £10m between now and 2011. But that could go up in smoke unless he apologises for publicly criticising his Emirates team-mates. If he does, the door is open for the 31-year-old defender to make a sensational return in tomorrow’s Champions League clash against Ukraine side Dynamo Kiev. If he does not, he will probably have to ship out. Gallas was monstered by boss Arsene Wenger AND stripped of the captaincy for betraying dressing-room secrets, as SunSport reported on Friday. He was also left back home in London as Arsenal crashed 3-0 at Manchester City on Saturday. Wenger insists Gallas must grovel in the dressing room before he plays for the Gunners again. But that is not out of the question. Gallas knows his career in the Premier League will be over if he refuses to back down. He is earning £80,000 a week on a contract that runs until 2011. That