Del Bosque: Good Madrid fans must love Casillas

The Blancos captain continues to be kept out of Jose Mourinho's side due to Diego Lopez's performances but the Spain coach has come to his defense

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque says that all "good" Real Madrid fans love the benched club captain Iker Casillas.

An injury to the Spain skipper in January forced the signing of Diego Lopez as cover but, with the 31-year-old having recovered, the former Villarreal man's form has confined Casillas to the bench.

However, Del Bosque, who spent 14 years as a player at the Santiago Bernabeu as a player and enjoyed three spells there as a coach, says everyone associated with the club should be grateful to the goalkeeper.

"A good Madrid fan must love Casillas a great deal," he told Colombian radio station W Radioon Tuesday.  "Like Casillas, we are sons of Real Madrid, the club that made us."

Mourinho is said to have a bad relationship with several of his players and Del Bosque feels it is natural that Casillas would prefer working with other bosses.

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and Iker is within his rights to say he prefers Del Bosque or [former Madrid boss Manuel] Pellegrini as coaches," Del Bosque explained. 

Mourinho said earlier in May that he wishes he had signed Lopez sooner than the most recent transfer window, hinting that he will continue to choose him ahead of Casillas but the former Inter boss is set to return to Chelsea.

Lippi: Fergie modeled United on my Juventus team

Following confirmation on Wednesday that the Manchester United manager was to step down, the former Bianconeri boss reveals the great rapport they share

Marcello Lippi has claimed that Sir Alex Ferguson once revealed he modeled his Manchester United squads on his Juventus team, following confirmation of the Scot's imminent retirement on Wednesday.

The current Guangzhou Evergrande boss had a great rivalry with the coach, especially during his first stint in charge of the Bianconeri between 1995 and 1999.

His second stint (2001-2004) was less successful on the European front - his only success outside of Italy with the Turin club came in 1996 - but the World Cup-winning coach revealed that he and the Old Trafford boss enjoyed a great professional relationship off the pitch.

"Many times he told me that he took the example of Juventus to build his great Manchester United [sides]," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I don't speak English and his variety is very unique and we always required an interpreter. Then we discovered that we both spoke French and communicated that way. We had a great rapport.

"We exchanged bottles. He gave me whisky and I gave him wine that he appreciated a lot. We discussed everything. I didn't expect it. A person with his culture and intelligence can do any work that he desires."

Falcao: Give Ferguson a round of applause

The Atletico Madrid star praised the Scot for his "amazing career" after he announced he would leave his position as Manchester United coach this summer

Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao has lavished Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson with praise following the club's revelation on Wednesday that he is retiring at the end of the season.

The Scot is set to stand down after 26 years in charge at Old Trafford, having forged an unparalleled legacy which includes 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns among the 38 trophies he has helped his side win.

Falcao, who remains linked with a move away from the Vicente Calderon this summer, congratulated the managerial stalwart on his success over the years.

The Colombian forward wrote on Twitter: "Stand up, put your hands together and give him a big round of applause! Sir Alex Ferguson is retiring. Congrats for an amazing career!"

David Moyes is set to leave Everton at the end of the 2012-13 campaign and step into his compatriot's shoes at United, several media outlets are reporting following the official confirmation of Ferguson's retirement.

Falcao, on the other hand, is believed to be heading in the same direction as Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho - from La Liga to Chelsea.

Benitez: It will be sad to leave Chelsea

The Blues interim manager says his time at Stamford Bridge has been a 'positive experience' and aims to bow out on a high by delivering the Europa League and a top-four finish.

Rafa Benitez admits he will be sad to leave Chelsea at the end of the season but aims to go out in a blaze of glory.

Benitez will exit Stamford Bridge in the summer when his short-term deal expires after being selected by Russian owner Roman Abramovic to take over following the dismissal of Roberto Di Matteo in November.

Despite his appointment triggering a fierce backlash from sections of the Blues support, the 53-year-old Spaniard revealed he is crestfallen that his positive spell with the Blues is coming to an end.

"It's always a little bit sad when you have to go, but it's part of our job now," Benitez toldFIFA.com. "I can see the experience at Chelsea as a positive experience. They are a top side and a very good group of players. It's been a great experience."

Benitez sternly rejected the notion that his imminent departure would impact Chelsea's end-of-season objectives, instead reaffirming his desire to secure Champions League football, via a top-four finish, and Europa League success in next week's final against Benfica.

"My job is to do what I have to do this year," he added. "My target is to finish in the top four, top three. Now we're in the [Europa League] final and trying to win the final. That's it.

"That is the situation and we have to deal with that. We will try to keep doing a professional job with integrity until the end."

Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute to Sir Alex

The Real Madrid star has joined the legions declaring their gratitude for the Manchester United manager's support, thanking the 71-year-old for his help.

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson following the 71-year-old's decision to retire as Manchester United manager at the end of the season.

The Portuguese star, who worked with Sir Alex at United for six years, has joined the likes ofPaul Ince and David Beckham in thanking the 71-year-old for his mentoring during the important stages of his career. 

Ronaldo posted on Twitter: "Thanks for everything, Boss."

The 28-year-old won three Premier League titles with the Red Devils, as well as lifting one Champions League trophy and one FA Cup.

Ronaldo left Old Trafford to join Real Madrid in 2009 but has always held the Manchester club - and Ferguson in particular - in high regard.

Everton manager David Moyes has emerged as the clear frontrunner to take over at United.

Platini: Ferguson a true visionary

The former France international has nothing but respect for the legendary manager and has hailed his contribution to the game in general

UEFA president Michel Platini has taken the time to praise Alex Ferguson in the wake of theManchester United manager's decision to retire at the end of the 2012-13 campaign.

The 71-year-old revealed earlier on Wednesday that he will leave his post after 26 years and Platini believes the Scot is a true visionary of the game.

"Sir Alex has made a massive contribution to football, not only in Scotland and in England, but across Europe and beyond," Platini was quoted as saying on the official UEFA website.

"He is a true visionary and I hope that, having helped us in the past through various coaching initiatives, he will continue to collaborate with UEFA to share his fantastic knowledge with the next generation of up-and-coming European coaches who all wish to emulate his achievements in the sport.

"His dedication, his attention to detail and his unique eye for talent, as both the manager of Manchester United and Aberdeen, has brought rich rewards over a 30-year period. His CV is almost unique in a results-based profession that normally focuses on short-term solutions rather than long-term vision."

Puyol dismisses AC Milan links

The defender has denied reports that he is set to leave Barcelona for the Serie A powerhouse in the summer transfer window

Carles Puyol has dismissed claims that he could leave Barcelona for AC Milan at the end of the 2012-13 campaign.

A report from Spain on Tuesday suggested that the experienced defender has held talks with the San Siro side over a summer move, but Puyol has stressed there is no truth in suggestions that he could be on his way out of Camp Nou.

"All the information that has come out is false," Puyol stated via his official Twitter account. "I am solely focused on recovering from my injury and to be in top form at the start of next season."

Puyol has not featured for Barcelona since its 4-0 Champions League win over Milan on March 12 due to a knee injury.

The 35-year-old, who has made over 500 official appearances for Barcelona, has a contract with the Catalans until June 2016.