Friday, 31 May 2013

Neymar's first day at Barcelona revealed

Barcelona have confirmed their plans for Neymar's unveiling on Monday

31-May-2013 10:02:00 PM

The Brazilian superstar is set to be unveiled at Camp Nou on Monday, with around 50,000 supporters and assembled media expected to turn out for the event

Barcelona have announced details of how Neymar is to spend his first day with the club.

The Brazilian is set to join in a €28 million deal from Santos and will be unveiled to both the media and supporters at Camp Nou on Monday, June 3.

Following a photo session at midday at the Catalan club, Neymar will undergo medical tests at a nearby hospital before finally putting pen-to-paper on his five-year contract shortly before 17:00CET.

The 21-year-old will then take part in a second photo shoot in front of the club crest along with president Sandro Rosell, vice-president Josep M. Bartomeu and director of sport Andoni Zubizarreta.

Finally, doors will open to a presentation ceremony at Camp Nou for both fans and the media, prior to the player's first press conference as a Blaugrana player at 19:00CET. Around 50,000 supporters are expected to arrive for the event.
Neymar's transfer to Barcelona was agreed last week after the player opted against a move to Real Madrid or staying a further year in his homeland. He is currently in his native Brazil preparing for Sunday's friendly match against England at the Maracana.

I will retire at 40, says Puyol

Carles Puyol has no plans to retire just yet

31-May-2013 10:22:00 PM

The Barcelona veteran claims he will hang up his boots when his current contract at Camp Nou expires despite ongoing problems following knee surgery

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has revealed he plans to retire from football at the age of 40, when his current contract at Camp Nou expires.

The 35-year-old, who has played in the Barcelona first-team since making his debut in 1999, says he has no plans to call it a day in the near future despite struggling with problems following knee surgery.

"I have 4 years to run on my contract and my plan is to complete them and retire when I am 40," Puyol told reporters on Friday.

"My idea is to continue working on my fitness. The important thing is to be ready for when the league starts again.

"The players who are in form are the ones who have to play and I have been having ongoing problems with my knee.

"My knee operation, which lasted two and a half hours, revealed more problems than we expected.

"My knee was full of liquid and blood, and after four weeks I still couldn't even walk properly."

The Spaniard also gave his thoughts on rumours linking him with a move to AC Milan at the end of the season, insisting there is no truth whatsoever in the speculation.

"The idea of joining AC Milan has never entered my mind. When my playing days are over, I'll study other options," he continued.

Finally, the Blaugrana captain spoke about team-mate Eric Abidal, whose illness-hit career at Barcelona will draw to a close against Malaga on Saturday.

"He was an example to all of us, a good friend and I thank him for everything he showed us," Puyol added.

'Mourinho will be a disaster at Chelsea' - Barcelona vice-president slams Real Madrid boss

Barcelona vice-president expects Jose Mourinho to cause trouble back at Chelsea

31-May-2013 6:20:00 PM

Carles Vilarrubi anticipates trouble at Stamford Bridge should the Portuguese be installed as the Blues' new manager after a tumultuous three years at the Santiago Bernabeu

Barcelona vice-president Carles Vilarrubi has warned Chelsea that bringing Jose Mourinho back to the club could end in disaster.

Goal understands the former Real Madrid boss is on the verge of returning to Stamford Bridge for a second spell in charge and will have his appointment confirmed in a matter of days.

But Vilarrubi believes his second stint with the club will only spell trouble for the Europa League winners.

"It's not good for English football; there is nothing positive in what he leaves in Spain," he told The Telegraph.

"Chelsea can think they had a good time with him, but now is when they will see the real Mourinho. If he acts the same way he has done in Spain, the relationship between them will be just unhappy.

"Mourinho will be a disaster at Chelsea; he is not going to change at his age. I don't talk this way only because he was a rival, but also because how he acted and what he did. His three years in Spain only left us arguments and disagreements."

The Barcelona official dislikes Mourinho's mentality against his opponents, saying the Portuguese is too often out on a personal mission for vengeance.

"He has always been like this," he continued. "What kind of coach wins the Champions League twice and does not fly home on the same aeroplane as his players?"

"A coach you would think he wants to celebrate with his players, enjoy the moment. Not him. He is thinking of himself. I don’t know what is wrong with him. In his mind there is something wrong."

Win Red Heart Utd tickets

It's the family day out at Old Trafford not to be missed this Sunday when the Red Heart United event takes place at the Theatre of Dreams.

After a concert headlined by JLS, Manchester United's Legends will tackle their Real Madrid counterparts with a number of stars on show featuring several members of the Reds' Treble-winning squad - including recently-retired Paul Scholes.

ManUtd.com have another exclusive competition ahead of the big day with a family package in the Salford Suite for two adults and two children up for grabs. The prize includes a meal, half-time refreshments, a cash bar, programme and visits from a legend and magician.

The competition closes at midnight BST on Thursday 30 May.

Click here to enter the competition. You will first be asked to log in, or sign-up to ManUtd.com if you have not already done so, and then answer a simple question.

Terms and conditions apply.

More: Buy tickets for United vs Real Madrid legends match

DAUDA NDANI YA MANCHESTER UNITED. ANGALIA MWENYEWE MAKOMBE HAO

Sir Alex's parade speech

Just 24 hours after delivering an emotional farewell speech at Old Trafford, retiring Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson took to the microphone again to address fans during Monday’s Barclays Premier League trophy parade.

You can hear what the iconic manager said in our exclusive video compiled by MUTV.

For more videos, visit our Champions 2013 and Thank you, Sir Alex sections.

UJENZI WA GHOROFA. MKARANDASI YUPO KWA BEI NAFUU

wabunifu kama hawa wa gorofa la udongo, wangesaidiwa huenda wangekuja kuwa watu wa kutegemewa baadae! chek hapo wamemimina zege ala udongo! nilivyoona mara ya kwanza nilicheka sana...

Edwin salutes De Gea

Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar has praised David De Gea’s performances throughout the 2012/13 campaign, citing his Spanish successor as an integral player at Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper enjoyed a remarkable second season in England, winning his first Barclays Premier League title and earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year. He also finished third – behind Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick – in the fan-voted Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award.

And van der Sar, whose own retirement from football preceded De Gea’s arrival in 2011, is delighted to have seen his replacement improve and flourish so much in M16. The Dutchman, who will return to Old Trafford this Sunday 2 June to play in the Red Heart United charity match against Real Madrid, believes De Gea's first-team recall in December was a turning point in his career.

“I think that is the way everybody has seen it,” Edwin exclusively told ManUtd.com. “The first half of the season and the year before, there were some mixed feelings and the gaffer changed it up a little bit to play Anders Lindegaard for three or four games.

“But then David came back in and we stuck with him. From that point, his performances grew and he became more important to the team all of the time. It has been a good turn around for him in terms of his performances and his own self-confidence in being the Manchester United goalkeeper.

“Of course, the PFA recognition was great but the main thing you want is to win the Premier League. Personal accolades are nice but the main thing is winning something with the team. That was