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.

Paul Ince and Beckham hail Sir Alex Ferguson – 'He treated me like a son

The former Red Devils stars praised the veteran manager after he announced his impending retirement, with the Blackpool boss certain that "he got the best out of me as a player".

Former Manchester United favorites Paul Ince and David Beckham have lauded outgoing manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who announced his imminent retirement on Wednesday.

The 71-year-old confirmed his decision on Wednesday morning, bringing to an end 26 years of astonishing success at Old Trafford.

"I remember the first day that I went to Manchester United," Ince recalled to Sky Sports after the announcement. "I failed my medical and I thought my move was going to collapse. The way he treated me was like a son and I'll never forget that moment.

"To play under such a man, he was so demanding. His standards were so high. Yeah, we had our ups and downs – he had a lot of ups and downs with most of the players in that 1992-93 season – but as far as just total respect, the man was immense. He got the best out of me as a player, that's for sure.

"When I was at Blackburn [as a manager] and things weren't going well, we played Manchester United at Old Trafford and I spent 15 or 20 minutes in his office. He said to me: 'The only advice I can give you is don't let players take the mickey out of you. Don't give them anything because, if you give them an inch, they'll take a mile. The higher you go, you've got to be really stern in that message'."

Speaking before the revelation of Ferguson's retirement, former charge Beckham hailed the Scot as perhaps having made a greater difference to his side than any other coach.

The Paris Saint-Germain star opined: "The impact that he has with the team, the players and the fans ... I don't think there's anyone around in football that has had that impact, ever."

Sir Alex Ferguson to retire as Manchester United manager

The Premier League champion has confirmed the most successful manager in the history of British football is to stand down at the end of current season.

Manchester United has confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson will step down as the club’s manager at the end of the season after 26 years in charge at Old Trafford.

The 71-year-old is the most successful manager in the history of English football, having won 38 trophies - including 13 Premier League titles - since taking over from Ron Atkinson in November 1986.

Ferguson will say his goodbyes to the Old Trafford crowd after Sunday’s home clash against Swansea before taking on a role as an ambassador on the United board of directors.

In a statement on United’s official website, Ferguson said: “The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time.

“It was important to me to leave an organization in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so. The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth setup will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one.

“Our training facilities are amongst the finest in global sport and our home Old Trafford is rightfully regarded as one of the leading venues in the world.

“Going forward, I am delighted to take on the roles of both Director and Ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future.

“I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential. My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.

“As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich.

“In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.

“Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy Chief Executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.

“To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling. It has been an honor and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United.”

Ferguson scheduled a meeting to break the news to staff at the club’s Carrington training ground and will then hold an interview with United’s in-house television station, MUTV.

Everton manager David Moyes has been installed as the bookmakers’ favorite to succeed the Scot while Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is also among the favorites to take over at Old Trafford.

The announcement of Ferguson’s decision to retire came after intense speculation following a golf match between United players and coaches at Dunham Massey on Tuesday.

Ferguson has long been planning for his succession and has consistently cited his health as the decisive factor in the timing of his retirement. He had a pacemaker fitted in 2004 and United confirmed last week that he would undergo hip surgery in August.

David Gill’s decision to stand down as chief executive this summer saw Ferguson lose a close ally within the club and there had been suggestions that he came close to quitting at the end of last season after losing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City.

Ferguson previously expressed his regret over announcing his retirement before the end of the 2001-02, which he felt led to poor on-pitch performances and resulted in him coming back after he had a change of heart.

Balotelli faces fine for celebration

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has confirmed the club will punish the Italian for removing his shirt after scoring the winning goal against Torino on Sunday

Mario Balotelli will be fined for his celebration after scoring the winner in this weekend's 1-0 win over Torino, AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has confirmed.

The Rossoneri appeared to be on the verge of dropping two vital points in the Champions League race until Balotelli's late winner, before the striker celebrated the invaluable goal by removing his shirt. 

Galliani expressed his delight at the 22-year-old's run of nine goals in 10 Serie A matches, but indicated he will be fined a nondisclosed amount for his antics.

"As long as he scores more goals than the shirts he takes off then that is OK... But taking your shirt off is not acceptable and he will notice that it isn't acceptable on his handsome payslip at the end of the month," Galliani told reporters.

"We are very happy with Mario, though. He is a Milan supporter and that helps, it gives him something extra. He told me that in 1999 he was going around Brescia with a Milan flag in celebration of [Alberto] Zaccheroni's Scudetto."

Balotelli's solitary strike on Sunday moved Milan four points clear of Fiorentina with just three games to go in the battle for third place.

Mourinho: Pepe has a problem

The under-fire coach has hit back at the Portugal international following the latter's recent comments and has explained his decision to field Diego Lopez ahead of Iker Casillas.

Jose Mourinho has taken a swipe at Pepe in the wake of the defender's comments on theReal Madrid coach's treatment of Iker Casillas.

The center back claimed his coach should show Casillas more respect after los Blancos hard-fought 4-3 win over Valladolid at the weekend, but Mourinho has issued a riposte by suggesting that Pepe is simply trying to distract attention from is own struggle to secure first-team football.

"Pepe's comments? It is very easy to analyze what he says. Pepe has a problem and his name is Raphael Varane," the Madrid coach stated at a press conference.

"A 31-year-old has lost his place to a 19-year-old. It’s the law of life. But who had the courage to field Varane? I did."

Mourinho then went on to explain his decision to drop Casillas in favor of Diego Lopez, stressing that it has nothing to do with any personal animosity between the pair.

"I like Diego Lopez more than Iker Casillas as a goalkeeper. This is not a personal decision, there is nothing bad between Iker and me," he continued.

"I like shot-stoppers who play well with their feet and who come off their line to collect crosses. Iker makes great saves between the posts, but I prefer a different type of goalkeeper."

Madrid is currently preparing for Wednesday's Liga match at home against Malaga.

Liverpool captain Gerrard to undergo shoulder surgery

The 32-year-old is set to go under the knife to cure an ongoing medical issue and will miss the last two games of the season as well as England's end-of-term matches.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will undergo surgery on a lingering shoulder injury and miss the club's final two games of the season, the Premier League team has confirmed.

The England midfielder's problems have deepened over the last couple of weeks, with surgical intervention now required to ensure that he is ready for 2013-14.

Manager Brendan Rodgers had denied in late April that any such plans were in place, despite first-team coach Mike Marsh voicing his opinion that it would be necessary.

Gerrard will play no part in the club's last two matches of the campaign, and will miss England's summer friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil, but the club expects to have him fit for the beginning of preseason.

The Reds skipper has made 44 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 10 goals and notching 11 assists

Benitez defends David Luiz laugh after Rafael red card

The Brazilian had been criticized after seemingly exaggerating the impact of the challenge from his countryman, but the Chelsea boss feels that the real issues are being ignored.

Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez has defended David Luiz following his controversial involvement in Sunday's clash with Manchester United.

Red Devils fullback Rafael was sent off for a kick on his fellow Brazilian and the Blues man was caught on camera seemingly laughing while on the floor, apparently in pain from the challenge.

Benitez insists that his player's smiles were due to abuse from fans rather than any nefarious intent, insisting that more important issues were being overlooked to discuss his facial expressions and praising the defender.

"I'm aware that David Luiz is one of the best players in the Premier League, by miles," he told reporters. "Miles away of a lot of players, so he is one of the best, without doubt. I think that, talking about [Rafael's sending off], we are not talking about Chelsea beating United, doing much better than United in three games.

"David Luiz was laughing because the fans were abusing him and after was the red card, so it was very clear, the timing, but we continue talking about this instead of trying to eradicate the bad tackles that you can see every week. I think we are giving importance to something that is not as important as the other things."

Mourinho tells Iniesta: No Messi, no glory

The Blancos coach has hit back at the Spaniard's comments about Iker Casillas by suggesting the Catalan club is vulnerable without the Argentina international.

Jose Mourinho believes Barcelona's humbling Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich is evidence of the club being a diminished force without Lionel Messi.

The Real Madrid coach hit back at comments made by Andres Iniesta, in which the Spain international said he was surprised by Mourinho's treatment of Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

"[Iniesta] can think what he likes, but I would say to him that without Messi his team is so different and that is why they did what they did in the semifinals of the Champions League," the 50-year-old told reporters.

The former Chelsea and Inter boss then took responsibility for his team's failure to meet its objectives this term.

"We want to finish the league in second place - but second place is not enough," said the two-time Champions League-winning coach. "I haven’t been strong enough or persuasive enough as a coach to reach our objectives."

Mourinho was keen to add that his career at Madrid may not definitely be over, however, despite strong speculation linking him with a summer exit.

"If I think, and the boys think, that I can go on giving something more, I will continue [at the club]," he added.

Hitzfeld tips Bayern to win Champions League final

The former coach of both clubs believes the Bavarians are favorites to beat rival Borussia Dortmund on May 25 at Wembley, but he warns that BVB has nothing to lose.

Former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has tipped Bayern to add the Champions League trophy to its Bundesliga title when the two German sides will meet at Wembley on May 25. 

The Bavarians are set to experience their third final in four years having finished as runners up in the 2009-2010 and 2011-2012 campaigns, and Hitzfeld, who has coached both teams prior to his current post as Switzerland boss, believes Jupp Heynckes' men have the upper hand, with such an emphatic league triumph in the bag and a DFB Pokal final to look forward to. Hitzfeld did warn that BVB could easily scupper any treble hopes.

"This is a dream for German football that there is this final. And then, for me, also with Dortmund and Bayern being my former clubs," Hitzfeld told Bild. "I believe that Bavaria are the slight favorites, but both meet at eye level. Dortmund have won some games against Bayern in the last three years. Form on the day will decide.

"Dortmund have nothing to lose. They have achieved more than they could have imagined this season. And people were expecting them to go out after 90 minutes against Malaga [in the quarterfinals] and they virtually pulled off a miracle.

"Dortmund reaching the final is sensational [but at Bayern] the situation is different. One team craves the Champions League and after losing two finals, one team just wants to go win the match.

"It is about time that the [Bastian] Schweinsteiger and [Philipp] Lahm generation will be rewarded with a European title. Only with an international or continental title can one write great history.

"Bayern have had an outstanding season and have broken all the records. This is unique and this success will remain. But if you do not win the Champions League, there is a disappointment. There is a sense of entitlement in Munich."

Despite Heynckes’ success this season, the current Roten boss is still set to step aside for Pep Guardiola in the summer and Hitzfeld has tipped the Spaniard to take the Bavarians on to even greater things in coming campaigns.

"He can look forward to taking over an intact, world-class team that he can continue to develop and can bring many titles," Hitzfeld added. "One must not look back, but forward. Bayern can outdo Barcelona in the next few years. They have the potential to dominate the European club football in the coming years."

Redknapp says Julio Cesar won't return to QPR

The Rs boss expects his Brazilian goalkeeper to leave this summer, with Arsenal, AC Milan and Roma all reported to be in the mix for his signature.

QPR manager Harry Redknapp expects that goalkeeper Julio Cesar will lead the exodus out of Loftus Road this summer, with Serie A or La Liga a likely destination.

The Rs boss has confirmed that the Brazil international will be on his way out as the relegated side looks to shed some of its colossal wage bill before attempting to climb out of the League Championship next season.

"I don't see Julio being here next year — he's not a player for the Championship. He's a player for a top Italian or Spanish or Premier League team," Redknapp told the London Evening Standard. "Julio's got the World Cup coming up and he's the top Brazilian keeper. Rob [Green's] come in and done great for me. He's the one we're looking to play next season."

Arsenal, AC Milan and Roma are among the clubs to have been linked with relieving QPR of Cesar's 90,000 pound-per-week wages.

Galliani: AC Milan goalkeeper Abbiati's contract will be renewed

Speculation has been rife that the goalkeeper could exit San Siro in the summer, but it now appears he will extend his 15-year stay at the club.

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has guaranteed that first-choice goalkeeper Christian Abbiatiwill have his contract renewed before it expires in June.

The Italian shot-stopper has been a San Siro player since 1998 but has spent stints on loan with the likes of Juventus and Atletico Madrid, and Galliani has insisted that a new contract with the Rossoneri is just around the corner for Massimiliano Allegri's No. 1.

"There is no doubt that the contract will be renewed for Abbiati," Galliani told reporters on Tuesday. "He is one of the most important elements of our team that we never questioned not renewing, it only lacks the signatures.

"Against Torino he gave yet another signal of his value to us; we do not want to deprive ourselves of what he brings to the team."

Milan is currently four points clear of Fiorentina in third place with three games to go and could secure a Champions League berth if it beats Pescara on Wednesday and the Viola lose at Siena.

Eriksen not good enough for Dortmund, says Vergoossen

The coach says the Denmark international is not at the same level as BVB stars Mario Gotze or Marco Reus.

Former PSV Eindhoven boss Sef Vergoossen does not believe Christian Eriksen is ready for a move to a major European club amid speculation linking him with a move to Borussia Dortmund.

The Ajax starlet has emerged as one of the continent's leading young players in recent years and is reportedly being lined up by Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp to replace Bayern Munich-bound Mario Gotze this summer.

On Monday, the youngster revealed his interest in the prospect of joining the German giants, but Vergoossen has warned the 21-year-old of the pitfalls which may follow if he opts for a move away from the Netherlands too early and noted the plight of Ibrahim Affelay as a cautionary tale.

"I'm worried how he will respond to such a big move. I do not think he is ready to match the physical demands of a club like Dortmund yet. With all due respect to him, players like Reus and Gotze are at a higher level to Eriksen," Vergoosen told NUsport. "When I was coach of PSV in 2008, Ibrahim Affelay was in a similiar situation as Eriksen is now. 

"I advised Ibrahim to stay with us until he was fully developed, but he ended up signing for Barcelona in 2010."

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is also believed to be a fond admirer of Eriksen - whose current deal expires in 2014 - but last month Ajax denied reports that a deal had been struck to bring Eriksen to Anfield.

Albiol: We are Copa del Rey favorites

The defender says his Real Madrid needs to prove why it has been tipped for cup success at the expense of its fierce city rival.

Real Madrid center back Raul Albiol has urged his teammates to show why they are Copa del Rey favorites when they face Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on May 17.

Los Blancos booked their place in the final with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou and the defender insists the club is focused on lifting the trophy following the disappointment of its Champions League semifinal exit at the hands of Borussia Dortmund.

"We are all united," Albiol told Marca. "There is not long to go before the end of the season, so [we need] to focus all our strength to win at Atletico Madrid.

"It will be difficult, but we [will] have many chances to win. We are Real Madrid and we have to prove why we are favorites.

"We started with the goal of winning all the trophies, now we have [the chance to win] one and you have to earn it. 

"We're at home, it's a final and we want the title for Madrid, for Real Madrid, and for ourselves. It was hard to reach the final."

Albiol also spoke about Atletico's failure to beat Real in the past 14 years, a streak that continued with their most recent league meeting.

"I do not like statistics because there always comes the day when they are broken. Hopefully [this one] lasts, and does not end in the cup final," Albiol said.