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Lionel Messi Awards and honors

Messi awards

Awards and honors

CLUB
 
Barcelona
  • La Liga: 4
2005, 2006, 2009, 2010
  • Copa del Rey: 1
2009
  • Supercopa de España: 4
2005, 2006, 2009, 2010
  • UEFA Champions League: 2
2006, 2009
  • UEFA Super Cup: 1
2009
  • FIFA Club World Cup: 1
2009

Argentina

  • FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1
2005
2008

Individual

  • Ballon d'Or: 2
2009, 2010
  • FIFA World Player of the Year: 2
2009, 2010
  • FIFA Team of the Year: 3
2008, 2009, 2010
  • U-21 European Footballer of the Year: 1
2007
  • Onze d'Or: 1
2009
  • La Liga Player of the Year: 1
2009
  • La Liga Forward of the Year: 1
2009
  • La Liga Foreign Player of the Year: 3
2007, 2009, 2010
  • La Liga Ibero-American Player of the Year: 3
2007, 2009, 2010
  • Marca La Liga Player of the Year: 2
2009, 2010
  • La Liga top goalscorer: 1
2010
  • FC Barcelona top goalscorer: 2
2009, 2010
  • European Golden Shoe: 1
2010
  • UEFA Champions League Player of the Year: 1
2009
  • UEFA Champions League Forward of the Year: 1
2009
  • UEFA Champions League top goalscorer: 2
2009, 2010
  • UEFA Champions League Final Fan's Man of the Match: 1
2009
  • UEFA Team of the Year: 3
2008, 2009, 2010
  • Footballer of the Year of Argentina: 5
2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
  • FIFPro World Player of the Year: 2
2009, 2010
  • FIFPro World XI: 4
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
  • FIFPro World Young Player of the Year: 3
2006, 2007, 2008
  • FIFPro Special Young Player of the Year: 2
2007, 2008
  • FIFA U-20 World Cup Player of the Tournament: 1
2005
  • FIFA U-20 World Cup top goalscorer: 1
2005
  • Copa América Young Player of the Tournament: 1
2007
  • World Soccer Player of the Year: 1
2009
  • World Soccer Young Player of the Year: 3
2006, 2007, 2008
  • FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 1
2009
  • ESM Team of the Year: 4
2005-06, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10

Lionel Messi Early life and childhood wallpapers

Messi childhood

Lionel Messi Childhood

Messi youngest footballer
Lionel Messi argentina
Messi was born on 24 June 1987 at the Hospital Italiano Garibaldi in Rosario, Santa Fe, to parents Jorge Horacio Messi (born 1958), a factory worker, and Celia María Cuccittini, a part-time cleaner His paternal family originates from the Italian city of Ancona, from which his ancestor, Angelo Messi, emigrated to Argentina in 1883. He has two older brothers named Rodrigo and Matías as well as a sister named María Sol. At the age of five, Messi started playing football for Grandoli, a local club coached by his father Jorge. In 1995, Messi switched to Newell's Old Boys who were based in his home city Rosario. At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. Primera División club River Plate showed interest in Messi's progress, but did not have enough money to pay for treatment for his condition as it cost $900 a month. Carles Rexach, the sporting director of FC Barcelona, had been made aware of his talent as Messi had relatives in Lleida, Catalonia, and Messi and his father were able to arrange a trial. Barcelona signed him after watching him play, offering to pay for the medical bills if he was willing to move to Spain. His family moved to Europe and he started in the club's youth teams. He has two cousins also involved in football; Maxi and Emanuel Biancucchi.

Messi Personal information

Messi 2011

Lionel Messi
Messi Barcelona - Valladolid (cropped).jpg
Personal information
Full name Lionel Andrés Messi
Date of birth 24 June 1987 (1987-06-24) (age 23)
Place of birth Rosario, Argentina
Height 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in)
Playing position Forward
Club information
Current club Barcelona
Number 10
Youth career
1995–2000 Newell's Old Boys
2000–2004 Barcelona
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2005 Barcelona B 22 (6)
2004– Barcelona 162 (109)
National team
2005 Argentina U20 7 (6)
2008 Argentina U23 5 (2)
2005– Argentina 53 (15)

Lionel Messi . The alive legend of football.May you long live

Messi Footballer 2011.we love messi
Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi (Spanish pronunciation: [ljoˈnel anˈdɾes ˈmesi]; born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine footballer who currently plays for FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team as a forward or winger. He also holds Spanish citizenship, which makes him eligible as a EU player. Considered one of the best football players of his generation and frequently cited as the world's best contemporary player, Messi received several Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21 and won both by the age of 22. He also won the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or at the age of 23. His playing style and ability have drawn comparisons to Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi his "successor". 
Messi began playing football at a young age and his potential was quickly identified by Barcelona. He left Rosario-based Newell's Old Boys's youth team in 2000 and moved with his family to Europe, as Barcelona offered treatment for his growth hormone deficiency. Making his debut in the 2004–05 season, he broke his team record for the youngest footballer to score a league goal. Major honours soon followed as Barcelona won La Liga in Messi's debut season, and won a double of the league and Champions League in 2006. His breakthrough season was in the 2006–07 season; he became a first team regular, scoring a hat-trick in El Clásico and finishing with 14 goals in 26 league games. Perhaps his most successful season was the 2008–09 season, in which Messi scored 38 goals to play an integral part in a treble-winning campaign. In the following 2009–10 campaign, Messi scored 47 goals in all competitions, equalling Ronaldo's record total for Barcelona.
Messi was the top scorer of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship with six goals, including two in the final game. Shortly thereafter, he became an established member of Argentina's senior international team. In 2006, he became the youngest Argentine to play in the FIFA World Cup and he won a runners-up medal at the Copa América tournament the following year. In 2008, in Beijing, he won his first international honour, an Olympic gold medal, with the Argentina Olympic football team.

Deadline Day Tittle-Tattle: Aguero bid rejected, £50m Torres deal, Dalglish wants Carroll, Henderson linked, Adam future update & Chamberlain still in demand

torres 2011 transfer
Tottenham Hotspur have had a bid of £38.5 million rejected for Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero. The Argentine has been perpetually linked with a move to the Premier League in the last 18-months, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United all admirers of the diminutive La Liga star. (Sky Sports)
Premier League champions Chelsea must match Fernando Torres’ £50 million buy-out clause in order for Liverpool to consider selling their star asset. (Sky Sports)
Kenny Dalglish has reportedly earmarked Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll as the man to replace Fernando Torres should the Spaniard engineer his exit. Carroll has been with moves to Tottenham, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal, but thus far the Magpies have resisted any bids for the Gateshead born England international. (The Sun)
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish also has his eye on Aston Villa’s Ashley Young, Blackpool FC’s Charlie Adam, Wigan Athletic’s Charles N’Zogbia and Bolton Wanderers’ Gary Cahill. Young has been coveted by Manchester United, while N’Zogbia has been linked with a late move to Sunderland. Arsenal and Chelsea have both coveted Cahill, who has been valued at £20 million. (The Guardian)
Manchester United have allegedly won the race for Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson, with the recently capped England international set to snub interest from Manchester City and Chelsea by signing for the Red Devils in the summer for £20 million. (Daily Express)
Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Everton and Liverpool all still harbour ambitions to sign Southampton sensation Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, although Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have shown the greatest intent to sign the prodigiously gifted 17-year-old. (Daily Mail)

Tottenham Hotspur are lining up yet another overture for West Ham United midfielder Scott Parker, after the Hammers successfully completed the loan signing of Robbie Keane. Harry Redknapp is believed to have had at least two bids rejected for the former Chelsea and Charlton star in the past, but is eager to bolster his squad ahead of the Champions League next stage. (Daily Mail)
Blackpool FC are lining up Sunderland midfielder Andy Reid as a potential replacement for Charlie Adam, who could yet join either Liverpool or Aston Villa. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United have joined Liverpool, Birmingham City and Aston Villa in the race for Blackpool FC talisman Charlie Adam. Sir Alex Ferguson was hugely impressed with the 25-year-old during their recent encounter at Bloomfield Road, and has earmarked the Scottish international as a potential successor to Paul Scholes. (Mail on Sunday)

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly bid £26 million for Athletic Bilbao forward Fernando Llorente who has also been linked with Manchester City and Chelsea as well as Real Madrid. (Mail on Sunday)

Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland will complete his loan switch to Newcastle United before the end of the transfer window. (Sky Sports)

Tottenham Hotspur will launch a late bid for Everton captain Phil Neville in the hope they can finally land the Toffees star. David Moyes has rejected at least two offers for the former Manchester United fullback. (Daily Mail)
Spurs have also made a £4 million bid for Manchester City’s Shay Given, who recently conceded he may have to drop down to the Championship in order to play first team football. Given has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs throughout a frustrating campaign for the Republic of Ireland international, with Aston Villa, Fulham, and Newcastle United all mentioned as likely suitors. (News of the World)

Barcelona will follow Inter Milan’s lead in the summer by offering £40 million for Tottenham star Gareth Bale. Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid are also keen on the prodigiously gifted former Southampton starlet. (Sunday Mirror)
 
The current Premier League leaders have also assured Atletico Madrid that they will bid for David De Gea in June should they make him available for transfer. (The People)

jenny Jones wins slopestyle silver at Winter X Games

Jenny Jones 2010
British snowboarder Jenny Jones clinched silver in the slopestyle event at the Winter X Games in Colorado.
The 30-year-old from Bristol has won gold at the prestigious extreme sports event for the last two years.
Slopestyle is where riders head down a course which is mixed with rails, bumps and jumps and are judged on the difficulty and execution of the tricks.
The discipline is widely expected to be named as a new Olympic sport for the Winter Games in Sochi in 2014.
Jones, who also won the slopestyle at the European X Games in 2010, led throughout after a score of 89.33 points from the first of her three runs but was pipped by 20-year-old Finnish boarder Enni Rukajarvi, who earned 92.66 from her final descent.
American Jamie Anderson was third with 86 points from her first run.
The X Games are held annually and are an invitation-only event for the world's top winter sport athletes and are as highly regarded as the Winter Olympics.

Saturday Supershow preview - Miz & Punk vs. Cena & Orton, U.S. Title match, list of Raw & Smackown wrestlers, Report Wanted

CENA AND ORTON
WWE's Raw and Smackdown brands will be in Springfield, Mass. on Saturday night prior to the Royal Rumble PPV on Sunday in Boston.

The pre-PPV Supershow is headlined by WWE champion The Miz & C.M. Punk vs. John Cena & Randy Orton in a Raw tag match.

The top match advertised from the Smackdown brand is Big Show vs. Corre "leader" Wade Barrett.

Also advertised from the Raw brand is U.S. champion Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase in a re-match from their recent series of matches. Additional wrestlers advertised include:

-- Raw brand: WWE tag champions Santino & Kozlov, R-Truth, and Maryse.

-- Smackdown brand: The Corre members, #1 contender Dolph Ziggler, IC champion Kofi Kingston, Cody Rhodes, Lay-Cool, and Kelly Kelly.

Ronaldo vs Cristiano Ronaldo . Who is the REAL Legend of fottball ?

Ronaldo vs c.ronaldo

Some people like cristiano ronaldo and some like Ronaldo of brazil.Ok now we will discuss performance of both players and then WE will discuss whose performance is best and who is real legend. 

Comments are welcome if you like my article.

Ronaldo Vs Cristiano Ronaldo

There has been alot of talk about Cristiano being one of the greatest player of all time if Cristiano wins the Euros 2008 winners medal. Ok, now I agree that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world right now (though not the best) but we should not all get carried away that quickly and forget legendary names who have performed on the biggest of stages and done everything there is to be done. Names like Ronaldinho, Zidane, Figo and especially RONALDO  who are all of the same generation of players as Cristiano Ronaldo or one generation before.

One thing that people forget is that Cristiano Ronaldo’s best performances have come against minor teams in the epl and Champions League. Of the 42 goals( which is a fantastic goal tally no matter if you scored it in a local town club never mind the Epl and Champions League) 7 were off penalties, 4 or 5 were off headers and numerous open goals which just needed a touch from anyone and more often then not that anyone was Cristiano Ronaldo.
He may win the Fifa Player Of the Year award because of numerous reasons but we should not forget that awards are not won for scoring goals, they are won for leading the team in pressure situations and performing, making a difference when it matters most.

If the awards had been won for scoring goals then Theirry Henry and Ruud Van Nistelrooy would have been in front of the long queue of players who have won the Fifa Player of the year award. The most important thing that Cristiano has done this season is to win Champions League medal which has further increased his chances of winning these awards this time, also injury to top players like Lionel Messi, Ricardo Kaka and Sameul Eto have helped too.
Cristiano Ronaldo worst performances of the season came in two of the biggest matches there are in a football professional’s career. The Champions League Final and The Champions League Semi-Final , both in which Cristiano Ronaldo missed penalties.


Thats a another thing that Barcelona was not able to capitalize on Cristiano’s mistake and neither did John Terry when he missed the all important penalty against Manchester United in the Final of Champions League. Just a bit of luck on either of the two occasions in favor of the other team and today nobody would have been talking about Cristiano being in the list of one of the greatest players of all time.
The one player who has been overshadowed by his own doings in Ronaldo, the real Ronaldo, The phenomenon, The Master, The Goal Machine and the Brazillian Brilliant Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima. I am going to compare the two (Ronaldo and Cristiano Ronaldo) on the same level as in when Ronaldo was of the same age as Cristiano Ronaldo so that it would be clear to many fans that Cristiano Ronaldo has virtually done very little to be included in the distinguished list of all time great players.


Lets Compare the Awards both these two players won when both were age 23.

Ronaldo

(Individual Awards until age 23) 
  • FIFA World Player of the Year: 1996 (youngest winner), 1997,
  • World Soccer Player of the Year: 1996 (youngest winner), 1997,
  • European Footballer of the Year (Ballon d’Or): 1997 (youngest winner),
  • Onze d’Or: 1997,
  • IFFHS World’s Top Goal Scorer of the Year:[clarify] 1997
  • UEFA Most Valuable Player – 1998
  • UEFA Club Football Awards: Best Forward – 1998
  • FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1998,
  • European Golden Boot: 1997
  • Bravo Award: 1997, 1998
  • Copa América 1999: Top Scorer
  • Spanish League Top Scorer: 1996-1997,
  • Flag of the Netherlands Dutch League Top Scorer: 1994-1995

Cristiano Ronaldo

(Individual awards considering that he wins the Fifa Player of the Year award, European Player of the Year award, Champions League PLayer of the Year Award). 
  • Professional Footballers’ Association
    • PFA Players’ Player of the Year: 2007, 2008
    • PFA Young Player of the Year: 2007
    • PFA Fans’ Player of the Year: 2007, 2008
    • PFA Premier League Team of the Year: 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2007-2008
    • PFA Fans’ Player of the Month: October 2006, February 2007, November 2007, January 2008
  • Barclays Premier League
    • Barclays Player of the Season: 2006-2007, 2007-2008
    • Barclays Player of the Month: November 2006, December 2006, January 2008, March 2008
    • Barclays Golden Boot: 2007–08
    • Barclays Merit Award: 2008
    • Football Writers’ Association Award: 2007, 2008
  • Manchester United F.C.
    • Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year: 2003-2004, 2006-2007, 2007-2008
    • Manchester United Players’ Player of the Year: 2006-2007, 2007-2008
    • Manchester United Goal of the Season: 2007-2008
  • Portugal
    • Portuguese Sports Personality: 2006
    • Portuguese Footballer of the Year: 2007
  • Europe
    • UEFA Team of the Year: 2004, 2007
    • UEFA Champions League Top Scorer: 2007-08
    • UEFA European Championship 2004: Team of the Tournament
    • European Golden ShoeSoulier d’Or: 2007-08
  • World
    • FIFPro Special Young Player of the Year: 2005, 2006
    • FIFPro World XI: 2006-2007

Also add another 3 FIFA player of the year 2008European Player of the year 2008UEFA Champions League player of the year 2008(there three are yet to be announced by it is probably going to be him)
Now I know that C.Ronaldo has the longer list of the two but wait a second and count the number of international recognitions C.Ronaldo has, that add up to at most 9 and Ronaldo had a solid 13.
I do not think that FIFA Young Player of the Year and FIFA special young player of the year award was present when Ronaldo was 22 but still if you look at the list, most of the awards won by C.Ronaldo are local awards that are awarded within England only.
Still I do not intend to prove that C.Ronaldo is not a good player, I just intend to prove that he is not the best player( by talent and performance, he  maybe by showboating and goal statistics) in the world, he is one of the best in the world right now and to point out that C.Ronaldo has done nothing to be in the list or to be even considered in the list of all time greats.
To further support what I think about Ronaldo vs C.Ronaldo and who was the better player I have two videos which I want you people to see that when Ronaldo dribbled he went past players after players and when C.Ronaldo dribbles he just goes past one player at max or just drifts wider and wider, does not have the composure neither the finesse to do tricks in the middle of the park like Ronaldo, Zidane and co.
The second video somewhat also gives another perspective to who is the best player in the world( the quality of the video is not great so if you want to watch it with better quality then visit youtube.com and put in the search cristiano ronaldo vs messi 2008, the video with time 10 minutes is the one ), C.Ronaldo’s only edge is his mind blowing free kick bombs which he mostly gets in with a ratio of 1 converted of 13.
Now I think after watching these two videos it is clearly understandable that Messi is the world’s best player right now and Ronaldo is one of the greatest of all time, who stands alongside names such as Pele, Maradonna and Zidane. Not to mention Cruyff and Best. Cristiano Ronaldo has a lot more to prove to get his worth alongside Ronaldo.
Now some may also argue that in the video above of Ronaldo, he is on most occasions  playing at this peak and C.Ronaldo has not reached his peak. If you really want to see what Ronaldo was capable of when he was at C.Ronaldo’s age or even younger search Ronaldo goals barcelona on youtube and watch the first two results. He has scored some amazing goals which at least I have not seen any other player score.
Well I hope Cristiano has not, because as proud as he is of himself, I do not think he is ever going to reach that level. Plus the biggest obstacle that Cristiano has in his way to glory is , that he plays for fame, which at some point in the near future he will achieve if he has not achieved it already.
After that, his motivation will diminish, all great players played for the love of the game and owed loyalty to someone whether that be the fans, the club, the country. Cristiano looks different from all these. Pele played for love of game, loyalty to the club (played his whole career at Santos) and pride of country. Maradonna although played for fame but he also had loyalty to his country and Napoli.
I hope he changes  as what I have read from his recent interviews he does not seem to owe loyalty to anyone
He said “ I don’t promise nothing. I don’t promise nothing to my mum, I don’t promise nothing to supporters.”
With that said, there is no doubt that he is currently the most entertaining player in the world. I would pay just to watch him train , never mind playing a match but I think he should not betray the trust Alex Ferguson had put in him when the whole of England wanted him out and nobody wanted to buy him. I still remember Manchester United putting C.Ronaldo up for sale for 15 million pounds after the World Cup and nobody bought him.
I wish somebody had, as Real Madrid are now desperate to break bank for him. I am a Real Madrid fan but I do not want to see C.Ronaldo on Real Madrid squad from a sporting point of view, from marketing point of view , I would buy him, he is priceless.

Liverpool reject Chelsea offer for Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres request for a transfer

Liverpool rejected Chelsea’s latest 35-million-pound offer for Fernando Torres. Chelsea have recently been showing their interest to acquire the Spanish International Torres, but Liverpool is still standing in their way.
It is rumoured that Torres has decided to leave Liverpool by the end of this Barclays Premier League 2010 season. On Friday, it was Torres who submitted a written transfer request to Liverpool, but the club has refused to accept the request. The player’s agent has also intimated Liverpool to consider the offers coming from the defending champions of the English Premier League.
The recent statement coming from Liverpool states that, "The player is not for sale.” This is a difficult situation Liverpool as they are the ones who ultimately have to decide Torres fate.
The 26-year-old striker is in the main headlines recently and is rumoured that Fernando Torres may join Chelsea in the near future. Now, it has been confirmed by the Liverpool club sources that the 35-million-pound offer put up by the Blues has been rejected. It looks as if Liverpool is in no hurry to sell its talented striker and may be waiting for an improved offer from the Blues.
Chelsea will not stop in their efforts and continue to show their interest for the striker in the future. It is more than likely that Chelsea will come up with an improved offer in the next 24-hours that will reach to a massive amount of 40 million pounds.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, a huge admirer of Torres, would love to include him in the team before the transfer window closes on Monday. Chelsea still have time left for an improved offer for Torres, as the transfer window will close on 31 Monday, 2011 at 11 pm. If acquired, Torres will add a tremendous amount of talent to the team and Chelsea’s boss Carlo Ancelotti will utilise him for the team’s future plans.
Ancelotti is desperate to hire the services of Torres, as statistics prove that he can score goals at will and his scoring average is far better than the current Chelsea strikers Drogba and Anelka. Torres scores a goal after every 120th minute, while Drogba’s average time of goal scoring is 151 minutes and Anelka every 215-minutes. Torres is a big match player for Liverpool, scoring 10 goals in 15 appearances against teams like Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Liverpool is struggling this season and is unwilling to lose a player of his calibre at this time.  Currently, the Reds are sitting on the 7th spot and are keen to improve their position in the league table.  Without Torres it will be a difficult task to achieve.
Liverpool is looking to make their attacking line more powerful as they try to acquire Ajax’s Luis Suarez. His inclusion will help Torres better co-ordinate in the forward lines.
Torres' performance has taken a boost, scoring three times, after their old boss Roy Hodgson was replaced with Kenny Dalgish.

Fernando Torres request for a transfer

Fernando Torres

Liverpool striker, Fernando Torres, has submitted a transfer request to his club after the Reds rejected a bid from Chelsea. Chelsea had offered 35-million-pounds to acquire the striker from Liverpool which turned down the offer. Torres’ request to be transferred will create a significant mess for the team. Liverpool did not consider Torres’ transfer request and reiterated that they have no intentions to allow him to leave.
The request was tabled by Torres just a few hours after the Uruguay International, Luis Suarez, landed at Anfield from Ajax. In an official statement from the clubs website, it says, “Torres gave a written request to let him go and that has been rejected by the FC Liverpool. He is with the club in a long-term deal and Liverpool expects him to respect the commitment he made with the Liverpool fans when he joined in.”
The 26-years-old Spaniard is looking for an exit from Liverpool after their terrible run at Anfield. He asked the fans for their support to help him in getting Liverpool into the top of the Premier League points table by uniting the team and scoring points through goals. It seems that the recent transfer request by Torres will create problems with the fans, possibly ruining his image.  Many fans feel that Torres is disloyal by abandoning them at a crucial stage in the teams’ development, only focusing on the financial gains that will be achieved.
He asserted that Liverpool needed to win matches to improve their standings which seemed to be a challenge after Rafael Benitez’s transfer. Rafael Benitez had a successful spell with the Reds which is difficult to imitate. He stated that Liverpool is in his head and he need to make sure that the team saves the current 2010-11 season.  It will be difficult for Torres to play with any type of competitive spirit for Liverpool, after his intentions to leave the team are now out in the public.
Stamford Bridge might want to increase the price they have offered for Torres, who is bound until his contract expires in 2013. But according to some, Chelsea might also renew the offer to 40-million pounds during the summer transfer window, as it tries to lure Torres from Liverpool. The current transfer window is set to close on Monday and Liverpool will have to be confident over the potential or imminent exit of the striker. Reportedly, Liverpool is looking for a substantial increase in the offer for the Spaniard, whom they bought for just 20-million-pounds from Atletico Madrid in 2007.
Fernando Torres has not ruled out his exit from Anfield this summer but a sensational or controversial transfer might be carried out. The summer transfer is more than likely because, Fernando Torres has a 50-million-pounds exit clause in his contract. Liverpool is unlikely to qualify for the Champions League next season as they are currently standing at the seventh spot on the premier league chart.
The Spaniard is having some serious concerns over the ambitions of the current owners of the team. Although he is not happy with the slow activity in the current transfer market, the team is not performing and seems far away from being competitive. The former Scottish footballer Kenny Dalglish is temporarily in-charge of Liverpool has managed to win two games consecutively but the Reds are having a very disappointing season so far.
The fact that Chelsea offered 160,000 pounds a week to the Spaniard, might have triggered him to leave the club, making 50,000 more than what he is currently getting.

Liverpool reject Fernando Torres’ transfer request

torres transfer 2011
English Premier League club Liverpool have rejected the transfer request handed in by their ace marksman Fernando Torres.
“Fernando Torres on Friday submitted a written transfer request, which has been rejected by Liverpool.
"Fernando is under long-term contract and the Club expect him to honour the commitment he made to Liverpool FC and its supporters when he signed the agreement," read the official statement from Liverpool.
There had been plenty of speculation in recent days about the departure of the 26-year-old from Anfield. Premier League Champions Chelsea had made a bid worth 35 million pounds for the Spaniard which was rejected by Liverpool.
There was a sense of jubilation at Anfield when they secured the services of Uruguay front-man Luis Suarez from Ajax. However, the news was put on the backburner after Torres dropped the bomb of handing in the transfer request.
Liverpool were hoping that the news of Suarez’s buy would convince Torres that the club is ambitious, and it would force him to stay at the club.
However, it seems as though Torres had already made the decision, and was being lured in by the big money offer made by Chelsea. Fernando has a contract running at Liverpool that runs till the end of 2013 season.
This is not the first time Chelsea have tried to buy Fernando Torres. The London club had earlier made an effort to bring the Spaniard to Stamford Bridge last summer and also made a bid in May.
Back in August, Fernando Torres ended all speculation about his future at Liverpool (or lack thereof). The front-man made a statement saying: "My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed.
"I am looking forward to the challenge ahead."
Liverpool have reminded Fernando of these comments and said that they have no intention of letting him go.
The timing of Torres’ request is also not ideal as there are just couple of days left before the transfer window closes. Fernando has been their leading scorer in the last 3 seasons, and it is imperative for the Reds to keep hold of him. Liverpool have made it clear that even if Chelsea come back with an improved bid, they would not entertain them.
Fernando Torres has been plagued with various injuries this season, and in 26 appearances has only managed to knock in 9 goals. If Liverpool fails to make it to the Champions League, it would make the chances of Torres leaving even stronger.
Now it is to be seen that how long are Liverpool able to keep hold of their player. Reportedly, there is a clause in Fernando Torres’s contract that at the end of the current season if Liverpool do not manage to get into the Champions League, and a club makes a bid worth 50 million pounds, Liverpool would have no option but to sell him.
Chelsea would be mindful of that fact and may wait for the summers if they are not successful in getting their man in the winter transfer window.

Cristiano Ronaldo says he is not jealous of Lionel Messi

messi vs ronaldo

The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona is at its peak right now. As the Catalans are increasing their dominance in domestic and European competitions, Madrid is bent upon saving its reputation as the best club in Spain.
In the past two years, Real Madrid, under Florentino Perez, adopted a policy of countering the Barcelona squad. Therefore, with Pep Guardiola in charge of affairs in Catalonia, the ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho was hired by Madrid. Also, in order to counter the presence of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo was signed on. Ronaldo was the winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award (2008) in the year before Messi won his first award.
Ever since Ronaldo joined Madrid, the rivalry between Messi and him has also flourished and is being closely watched. Ronaldo has a passion for becoming the best player of this age as he has often pointed this out in his statements. Even after Messi won the award in the year following Ronaldo’s achievement, the Portuguese forward regarded himself as the best in the world. However, the Argentinean maestro won the award last year as well despite the fact that he was the least probable person in the final shortlist. Also, for the first time in the last four years, Ronaldo failed to make it in the final three, but he retained his position in the World XI.
In the past two years, Ronaldo and Messi are constantly improving their game. Both players have a better fitness level as they remain available for most of the action. This is a clear sign that the presence of a worthy opponent keeps both the players occupied and pushes them to work harder. Even in the El Clasico played last November, the rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi overshadowed the rivalry between the two clubs.
This season, Ronaldo and Messi are topping the scoring charts once again and the competition is going to heat up in the next part of the season. Ronaldo has a small lead over the Argentinean in the league but Messi leads the charts in Copa del Rey and Champions League. Messi claims the overall advantage on the basis of an incredible 14 assists in the league. Therefore, at this moment Ronaldo is lagging behind in this rivalry but there is still some way to go.
At one point, it seemed as if Ronaldo was obsessed with Lionel Messi and was jealous of the success he has been getting. However, the Madrid forward said that he was not envious of Lionel Messi; he only wants to be the best player in football. "I do not have an obsession or a direct rivalry with him, it is the same that I feel about other players. One thing is certain, however, I want to be the best of all. I feel no envy at all towards Messi. My priority is to win the Spanish title and the Champions League with Real Madrid, and not Ballons d'Or,” he said to reporters.
One thing is certain: Ronaldo wants to be the best and all his life he has worked hard in order to achieve that goal. However, the hard working Portuguese forward has to face a real challenge in the shape of Lionel Messi, who is certainly more gifted as a footballer. Being a South American has also played in Messi’s favour because it gives him some extra talents like dribbling and creative skills, which is not very common in European players. Therefore, if Ronaldo is obsessed with being the best in the world, he is indirectly obsessed with Messi, but it is not a direct rivalry as pointed out by Ronaldo.
One thing is for sure that both players are unique in their own way. However, Messi does get some help from the quality present around him in Barcelona’s squad, which is better than the support given to Ronaldo in Madrid. Messi is a little ahead of his rival but Ronaldo is doing the right thing to keep his focus on the real aim of winning trophies.

Messi and Ronaldo's thoughtful debate on who is better

messi vs ronaldo competition
With el Clasico less than a week away and both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in superhuman form at the moment, it's high time the never-ending debate over who is better finally gets settled. The following is a transcript of how we imagine the verbal smackdown between the two footballers themselves would go. 
Ronaldo: I'll start -- I'm better. Leo has a cheap haircut. I win.
Messi: But I won the Ballon d'Or.
Ronaldo: I won it before you so that makes me better. Also, I've been with a bucket load of famous hotties and I'm pretty sure you're a virgin.
Messi: Haha what's that? Like olive oil?
Pele: Heeeeeey what's going on in here, guys?
Ronaldo: This doesn't concern you, old man!
Pele: OK!
[Pele gives thumbs up, holds a football to his head]
Messi: I scored three goals against Almeria over the weekend!
Ronaldo: Almeria stink. I scored three goals against Athletic Bilbao. And I scored a goal at the World Cup.
Messi: Yeah, with your back. You looked like a seal hahaha.
Ronaldo: Don't laugh at me! You will marvel at my abs!
Messi: Can't, sorry. Too busy playing with my millions of Legos that you don't have.
Ronaldo: Why would I want Legos? I have a baby. And his name is also Cristiano. Because that is the best name. Just ask science. 
Messi: Maradona says that science is a lie like Italian taxes and talking monkeys.
Ronaldo: I just talked to Maradona the other day and he said I'm better than you. He also said that you smell like goat cheese.
Messi: I petted a goat once!
Ronaldo: I petted Paris Hilton once. 
Messi: This is stupid. We can both be the best, Cristiano. I really don't think it's possible to say one of us is better than the other. We're both really good and we should just appreciate that.
Ronaldo: No.
Messi: Oh. Then lets ask Mr. Pele. Mr. Pele, who is the best, me or Cristiano?
Pele: Heeeeeeey! Gareth Bale.
Gareth Bale: Yes! Wales!

Novak Djokovic Interview - 30.01.11- Australian open 2011 tannis tournment

Novak Djokovic

Q. Do you think you could play any better than this? Is it a perfect match that you expected, that you dream of, or not? NOVAK DJOKOVIC: This was a great match. From the start to the last point, I did what I intended of doing tactically, what I talked with my coach, what I prepared for. Physically I was very fit. I had two days between the semifinals and finals match, which was important at this stage of the tournament.
Because I was aware of the fact that I am going to yeah, bring it to me. (Laughter.) That will have long rallies and I will have a player who doesn't miss a lot, a very talented player who is one of the best returners in the game.
And, yeah, you know, I had to step in. That was the key. When I had the chance to step in and try to move him around the court, that's what I did. Probably the turning point was the last game of the first set where we had some incredible exchange from the baseline, long rallies, and some passing shots that turned the match around.
You know, when you have a set advantage, it's much different, you know, instead of getting into the match.
Q. Is there a sense sometimes when you do feel a bit indestructible? Whatever he can do, you have an answer for it?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don't think of myself in that way. I just try in those moments to maintain the good feeling on the court and feeling comfortable. Yes, in some ways I felt today that I could get any ball and I could make a fast transition from being defensive to being offensive.
I used the serve in crucial moments quite good. I was opening the court, serving wide, so I can have the other part of the court open for a winner. I was patient when I needed to be. You know, I was changing a lot of rhythm, changing pace, because I know that he likes more pace. He likes to be the one who is going to control the match. I didn't want to allow that.
Yeah, to be able to win in straight sets against a player like Andy Murray in the finals of Grand Slam, it makes my success even bigger.
Q. When you got the match point, your celebration, you didn't do a lot. Was that sort of out of respect for the friendship you've got with him?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, in a way, as well. You know, it wasn't easy, of course. I understand how he feels. It's his third final and he didn't get the title. It's a tough one.
But as I said on the court I'll repeat it again I really have big respect for him and his game, because I think he has everything what it takes to become a Grand Slam champion. You know, I'm sure that very soon he will be.
Q. You said he's the best returner.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: One of the best, yeah.
Q. In the first two sets he made only six points on your serve. How do you explain? You were serving very well or he wasn't returning that well?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don't think I was extremely well serving. I was just trying to place my serves well. And the first shot after the serve in the rally was important. It was important for me to start off the point and having the aggressive role in that points. That's what I did.
As I said, you know, that was kind of a tactic, you know, to try to open up the court more, spread him out, and then get to the net.
Q. It's been three years between getting one of those. Do you feel like now that you're older and more experienced, it won't be as long the next time?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes, I feel like more experienced player. I feel a better player now than I was three years ago, because I think that physically I'm stronger, I'm faster, mentally I'm more motivated on the court. I know how to react in certain moments, and I know how to play on a big stage.
It's the best way that I could ask for to start a season.
Q. Especially beating Roger and Andy, two good players?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: As I said, both of those guys play their best tennis on the hard courts, as well as I do. But to be able to win against those players in straight sets is incredible.
Q. How did you fix your serve?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, hitting thousands and thousands of balls on the practice. It's all about hard work and patience, I guess, dedication to the hard work which in the end pays off. That's the situation. There is no secrets.
Of course, I was aware of what I do wrong. But once it gets into your head, it's really hard to get it out of your habit. Everybody was, you know, criticizing me, Why did I change my serve? I didn't change it intentionally. It just came like that.
I worked hard the last 10 months, and now it's back.
Q. You took a tough loss here last year, Roland Garros obviously, and then even Wimbledon. Did something happen in between Wimbledon and the hard courts where you regained confidence?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Something switched in my head, because I am very emotional on and off the court. I show my emotions. This is the way I am. Everybody's different.
The things off court were not working for me, you know. It reflected on my game, on my professional tennis career. But then, you know, I settled some things in my head. It was all on me. You know, I had to try to find the best possible solution and try to get back on the right track. That's what I did.
Q. Can you talk about some of those secrets that you discovered about yourself that helped you get back on track?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: As I said, you know, something switched in my head. It's been a big mental struggle, because I was trying to separate my, of course, professional life from my more private life.
But, you know, if somebody's emotional we're all humans. It's not possible. If something isn't working off court, then it's going to reflect on the court. I managed to solve that problems.
This is all part of life. Of course, everybody's facing difficult situations in their lives. To overcome the crisis and to stand up and try to still dedicate yourself to the sport was a big success for me as a person.
Q. But professionally for a time you were using two separate coaches.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah.
Q. From outsiders looking in, you seemed to be confused. You were getting two different messages.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, it's not working, you know. I've tried. But with all due respect to Todd Martin, which I think he was a great player, he's a great coach, but it just didn't work. You know, it's really hard to compensate and have two coaches traveling with you. I tried.
Of course, I tried a lot of things. And if you don't try, you don't know. Now I know that it's not working.
Of course, Marian Vajda will always be a part of my team. He's just more than a coach. My physio, Miljan Amanovic, my fitness coach, all of these guys, put incredible effort into my development, into my improvement on the court, off the court. I owe them a lot definitely. It's them who deserve a lot of credit, as well.
Q. You said you were sure Andy would win one one day. What makes you sure?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I just said. He's, first of all, a very talented player and he's a hard worker. He's been in finals three times, and he just needs to make that final step.
Of course, it's not easy. You could see his struggle and frustrations tonight, because he felt his chances to win a first Grand Slam trophy tonight.
But, you know, it's a learning process, I guess. It wasn't easy for me, as well. I know how he feels. I'm sure that he knows how he feels the best. He's still young. I'm sure he's gonna have more chances to win it, so...
Q. Three sets to Federer and three sets to Murray. How different were you feeling against Federer and Murray? When you were more worried?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: You're always worried, the semifinals and finals of Grand Slam. You have your own worries and little pressure and expectations and things that you feel during the match.
But, you know, you work hard to be mentally prepared for these moments and physically fit to overcome the long five setters. You know, both of those matches were different, because I played against two different types of players.
You know, I take always one match at a time. I try not to look who I'm going to play, you know, in the later stages of the tournament, even though maybe as a top player I'm expected to.
But, you know, it's always been like that. I always try to take one match at a time.
Q. You know him very well obviously. You talked about the way he plays the game. When playing against him, what's your number one imperative to impose your style of play onto his?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, first of all, we haven't played for a long time because we were 3 and 4 in the world. Most of the times we were in different parts of the draws. It's strange that we haven't played for a long time, because we were making it to the later stages of all the tournaments, most of the times.
But, you know, of course, we had Roger and Rafa who were very dominant in men's tennis. You know, last two, three times he won on the hard courts. But since then we both improved a lot. Of course, I was analyzing his game, trying to implement some things what I intended to with my coach tactically, and I did it really well.
I get into the match aware of the fact that he is going to give me a lot of balls back in the court and we going to have a lot of long rallies, so I need to be patient in some ways. Yet again, if I get a short ball, I need to attack. That's more or less it.
Q. You have so much in common. What's the difference between having two Grand Slams and not having one? What's the difference between you, do you feel?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it's hard to say. What do you mean?
Q. Do you feel for him it's a mental issue in the big matches? You looked very confident and strong out there tonight.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it is in some ways a mental issue when you are facing a situation, playing the finals of a Grand Slam, being so close to winning a title. Every time you get it there, you know, you want to win it badly, but some things go wrong. You're thinking too much. You're worrying too much in your head. It's a mental battle, definitely. Bottom line is that this is a very mental sport in the end. Everybody is very fit.
I think tennis has improved so much in the last couple of years. It's incredible. To compare the tennis from 2007, '8, to the tennis of 2010, '11, I have the feeling the ball is traveling much faster, they're big hitters, big servers.
So in order to keep up, you have to be always dedicated professional and consistent with your success.
Q. You got your game to this level against the best players. Do you have the sense you need to make the most of it and win the big tournaments now?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: It's the best possible start of the season, very short off season, but I was building up my confidence, and taking the Davis Cup title, taking that confidence into the preparation for Australian Open.
And, of course, during this tournament I was feeling great on the court. The Davis Cup win may have a big role in my great performance here in this tournament. After we won Davis Cup title I was feeling great on the court, just eager to compete.
Q. There are a few people saying now that because Rafa and Roger went out before the final, the tide is turning, a changing of the guards, so to speak. Do you feel that's the case?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Still Rafa and Roger are the two best players in the world. No question about that. You can't compare my success and Murray's success to their success. They're the two most dominant players in the game for a while. All the credit to them.
It's nice to see that there are some new players in the later stages of Grand Slams fighting for a title. That's all I can say.
Q. Some of your footwork was outstanding. At the end when you took your shoes off to throw them into the crowd, you took out the insoles. Do you have to have special insoles?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes. That's the secret to my footwork. You got me there (smiling).
Q. The Davis Cup win and now this, the last two months, has this been the best period in your life so far?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: On the tennis court, yes. Yeah, Davis Cup title and another Grand Slam title. I'm living the dream of a tennis player, definitely.
Q. Are you more focused than ever on your game?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I'm very focused. Yes, I have been more focused and dedicated to the sport than I have ever been before.
Q. How will you celebrate tonight? Is it going to be a big night, do you think?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I mean, after winning a Grand Slam title, what do you think? Of course celebrations are part of the success.
Q. There are only two players but Nadal and Federer that have won two slams, you and Hewitt. Hewitt when he did it, he stopped. What do you expect from yourself, to win many?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I don't want to stop here. Definitely I want to keep my body healthy, fit, and ready for some more challenges to come. I feel that I have a good game for all the surfaces. I have proven that in the past.
Q. Which ones?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Hard court. Hard court is my favorite surface. Two finals in US Open and two finals here. It's obvious; results are showing everything.
But, still, I feel I can do well at French Open and Wimbledon.
Q. You've driven yourself to the point of exhaustion, overplaying, in previous seasons. How do you avoid doing that again this year?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I think you're getting wiser by the time of being a part of this sport. You are more aware of the things that you should do and not do. I was spending too much energy on the things I shouldn't spend on.
I mean, it's school, a learning process. That's why I have a big team around me of people who are organizing my time and making me feel a bit released and making me perform the best that I can on the court.
Q. Are you going to play doubles with Andy on the court?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: We talked about it, yeah. I don't want to ask him anything now, obviously. But when the time passes, I will ask him. So we will see.

Beaten Murray simply second best

Murray Australian open 2011

And so the wait goes on. No, not Britain's 75-years-and-counting wait for a male Grand Slam champion, but Andy Murray's wait for a major championship trophy. For the third time, Scotland's finest finished second in a Grand Slam final and for the third time he failed to win a set.
This time it was Novak Djokovic who shattered his dreams, comprehensively outplaying Murray over the course of two hours and 39 minutes to win 6-4, 6-2, 6-3. So thorough was the beating and so far was Murray from threatening his old mate from the junior days that the Scot seemed resigned to his defeat. Last year he had been emotional, choking back the tears on court and then spending four months in the doldrums as he tried to recover from his disappointment. This time he was just beaten.
"I was in a much worse state last year than I was this year," Murray said, suddenly sounding terribly tired. "I don't know why. It's better than it was last year. It was obviously tough, disappointing. I thought Novak played unbelievably well. And, yeah, it's tough, but I've got to deal with it."
He sounded flat and downbeat - as any defeated finalist would - but his tone matched his play: he was always second best and there was very little he could do about it. For most of the first set, he played cat and mouse but then suddenly Djokovic pounced. Once that first set had gone, Murray cut a dejected figure on the court and for all that the crowd tried to rouse him, he could not hurt his Serbian rival.
"You always have to try and find a way to get back in," Murray said. "You always have to try and believe. He defended unbelievably well tonight. So when I got ahead in some games and even just in points, he was sticking up lobs that were landing on the baseline, passing shots that were very close to the lines. So it was quite difficult to find parts of the court where I was getting free points from.
"I think I broke his serve maybe twice in the third set and still lost it 6‑3. I was trying to find a way; I just wasn't able to put enough good points together."
"I would have liked to have played better but I think he would have beaten every other player on the tour if he played like that tonight. He served well. He didn't make many mistakes from the back of the court. He moved really, really well. He hit the ball very clean. That was it." Andy Murray
There were times when Murray looked ready to make a comeback but for every good point he played, he would then play a reckless shot, a frustrated shot, and he was back to square one. And at the other end of the court, the world No.3 and the Davis Cup champion, looked better and better. Djokovic was overwhelming Murray in every department and with every game that passed, he looked stronger and more confident.
"He played great," Murray said. "I would have liked to have played better but I think he would have beaten every other player on the tour if he played like that tonight. He served well. He didn't make many mistakes from the back of the court. He moved really, really well. He hit the ball very clean. That was it."
Last year, Murray believed that he could beat Roger Federer in the final and he played well in his attempt to do so (it was just that Federer was on fire). The disappointment, then, was unbearable and it was not until Wimbledon that he began to play at anything like his true level. This year, he has no idea how the loss will affect him but he is prepared for anything.
"Right now I feel better than I did last year," he explained," I'll see what I do from here. I don't know, I might not play for a few months; I might feel like playing in a week's time. It depends. See how I feel.
"I want to keep working hard, try and improve. But I said before the final, it's not something that I lose sleep over at night. It's going to be tough for sure for a few days. I want to try and win one, of course. But if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen.
"I'm just working as hard as I can. I train very hard. You know, I take tennis very seriously. But I love my life away from tennis, as well. That's why maybe this year, compared with last, I'm very, very happy off the court. I'm enjoying myself. There's other things to look forward to, too."
So Britain's wait goes on but, more tellingly, Murray's frustrating wait continues. Three finals, nine sets and counting - it is going to be a long wait until Roland Garros starts and Murray gets the chance to challenge for another title that matters.

Eagles WR Jackson replaced by Austin in Pro Bowl


HONOLULU – Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson has withdrawn from the Pro Bowl because of injury and will be replaced by Miles Austin of the Dallas Cowboys.
The NFL confirmed the moves Friday night. Jackson practiced with the NFC squad earlier in the week but told the Philadelphia Inquirer he had tweaked an injury to his left knee. He said he hurt the knee in the Eagles' playoff loss to Green Bay.
Austin, who caught 69 passes for 1,041 yards this season, becomes the sixth Dallas player on the NFC roster, equaling the number of victories for the Cowboys in 2010.
Austin is the second alternate wide receiver to make the NFC squad. Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald replaced Green Bay's Greg Jennings after the Packers advanced to the Super Bowl.

 
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