ARSENAL CEO, IVAN GAZIDIS REFLECTS ON LAST SEASON, WENGER'S FUTURE, CONTRACTS AND LOTS MORE.

Here is the transcript in full.


IG: The FA Cup is the iconic trophy for people  of my generation. But I’m sorry old friend, this is not really the trophy that we want above all others.

It’s difficult to process a season like that, because we won a trophy but feel disappointed.


Last season we finished second and spent about £110m on transfers. The objective of that spending was to push on and challenge for the title.

At the beginning of the season, we started well, lots of people felt we had the most complete squad that we’d had in a long time.

We went on a long unbeaten run, though we weren’t playing the most fluent football, but we were finding ways to win games.


We were in contention, I think a lot of the fanbase and we were feeling that there were possibilities in the season.

We hit a patch which we’re still analysing, where things were really, really bad.

It was a bit disappointing, we were in the mid-70s for points and our ambition is to win the Premier League and to do that you have to be at least mid-80s, probably upper 80s. So there is a gap. We have to close that gap and that’s not just about spending, although that’s obviously a big part of it.


So we’ve already signed one of the players of the season from the Bundesliga team of the season last year, we’re very actively in discussions on a variety of different players at the moment.

On the squad side, we’re not looking to add more squad depth now, we’re looking at players who can come in and compete for a starting position.


We want to raise the quality of the starting XI with top quality players, we feel we have good squad depth.

There have been other appointments behind the scenes and there will be more as the summer plays out, which you’ll see if you pay very close attention.


Some of it is personnel- we’ve added a new contract negotiator, we’ve added a top class performance coach to go with that.

These are some of the changes we’ve seen already, you’ll see some others in the weeks ahead. It’s not all personnel, some of it is just the way we do things, can we do things better?


Q: What about Arsene Wenger's new two-year contract ?

IG: The first thing to say is that it wasn’t a sentimental decision, the decision was mutual.

The decision was made against the ambition to win the Premier League.

When we think about who might do that, we also consider who embodies the values of the club.

Somebody who has a successful track record over a period of time. This job is a massive responsibility and we need someone who can carry the weight of that and has the experience to carry the weight of that.

We wanted somebody that plays attractive, exciting football that people want to watch. Giving young players a chance is another one of the values of the club.

Sometimes that costs us in points, but the emotional investment we all feel in watching a player’s journey with the club is an important part of what we want to have at Arsenal.

So those are the qualities you look for in a manager and you look around the world and there are some fantastic coaches and maybe some of those would be interested in coming to this fantastic football club.

One day a new coach will come here and take advantage of those opportunities.

But when the board is looking for those qualities, we are looking at the man across the table.

We understand there is disagreement in that amongst the fanbase, but the board has to make decisions focused on what it the right decision and not what’s the popular decision.

We will all be judged on what the club is able to deliver and we are very conscious of that.

Q: Why was there such a lack of effort in so many games, particularly away from home?

IG: I’ve been in professional football now for over 20 years. I think what I have learned is that what goes into a performance can sometimes be a little deceptive in how it appears.

I’m always cautious about making judgements about desire and passion.

Sometimes it is down to confidence, sometimes nerves and wanting to win too much, sometimes it’s just tactical.

Sometimes it can be lack of desire. It’s a very delicate combination of all of those things. When confidence starts suffering, it is very difficult to recapture.

When we were at a low point, Arsene took a risk in going to the new system. I can’t honestly tell you the system solved all of our issues, but it gave the players something new to concentrate on.

Q: In over 50 years I don’t remember such a period of stagnation and the matchday experience is probably the worst I have ever known it.

IG: I don’t think you’re alone in that feeling and it doesn’t make me proud or happy to acknowledge that, but I have to. We have a lack of unity and some dissatisfaction.

We have done a lot of things over the last 4 or 5 years to push the club forward. Club run on values we’re proud of, etc, etc, etc.

I want to deliver trophies to you and also a sense of pride in what this club does and how it does it.

There is an enormous amount about this club to be very proud of. I don’t think there are many Arsenal fans attracted to a vision where we have to be thankful to somebody who is pushing money into the club.

Most Arsenal fans are proud of the way that we run this club but have fear about whether we can be successful.
But I am optimistic.

I think this challenge of standing on our own two feet in the world of football gives us strength and not weakness.

The reason I am optimistic is that we’re not dependent on any one person for our success. I want the atmosphere in this stadium to be united, to be together and I want for us to get behind the team.

That we haven’t had that togetherness is a real regret for me. Part of that is to do with modern football generally, part of that is to do with a new media environment we’re in which pushes dissatisfaction, there would’ve been many years where we would have sat here with three FA Cups in four years and felt pretty good about life, but we are not right now.

But part of it is failure on our part and we have to be honest about that and we have to work out what those failures are, so we can re-engage with our fans and make them feel pride in this football club again.

Q: Why haven’t we heard about Kroenke’s ambition to win the league for the last seven years? All he has done is take money out of the club. His only aim is to make money.

And now we reward Mr. Wenger’s failure with a two-year deal.

IG: I have to say, I don’t really understand the argument that Stan Kroenke is only in it for money. This is going to be more productive if you listen to what I have to say!

All Mr Kroenke has done is support us to make us the best football club we can be. If he was only here to make money, he doesn’t take a revenue stream out of the club, the best way to raise the value of the club is success and trophies.

He hasn’t put any debt on the football club, he wanted us to go out and spend the money we generated from new commercial deals on the squad, which we did.

We finished second in the league and we spent £110m.
Someone asked about the fee he took from the club, let’s examine that.

KSE is one of the most high profile, respected sports companies in the world. The expertise varies greatly from ticketing to digital media, to sports marketing and sponsorships.

We have been using the services of that company and why wouldn’t we? Stan Kroenke never asked for payment for that, why would he? He owns 100% of KSE and two-thirds of Arsenal. £2 of every £3 is going from one pocket to the other, so it’s immaterial to him.

So what happened was that our chairman saw that we were using these services year after year and said it would be good governance to pay for these services that this football club receives.

Our chairman is a stickler for good governance and he insisted we do that.
A couple of years went by, people were upset about it and Stan, who always comes to the annual general meetings, saw that and said, “Look, I don’t want to get involved in that. I’ll just waive that fee and my company will pay those services for free.”

The idea that he would invest millions of pounds a year to make £1m a year is preposterous. The reason Stan gets criticised is, in my view, a bit like kicking the dog, is because results on the field are not what we want.
Some people want an oligarch owner that puts money into the club and I understand that, because that’s the environment we are competing in, that’s an attractive solution. But nobody has ever been held back by Stan Kroenke, he has been nothing but supportive in terms of reinvesting all the money the club generates back into the football side.
If you think it’s all about money and, by the way, he hasn’t sold his shares, so that doesn’t seem to make sense. If it’s all about money, there are far easier, more secure investments than a football club.
Q: Why was Wenger only given a two-year deal, rather than three?
IG: We did have some amazing moments this season and we finished on a high with a trophy that, for me, is very important and it’s very important to the history of this football club. I will say it’s a disappointing season, but I do take pride in it as well.
Graham has expressed that very eloquently and the reaction to that is probably a little bit what’s going on in the fanbase. Which is a mix of opinions. We all want the same thing, we may have differences about the decisions we take, but we all want the same thing and we’ll be stronger together than we will shouting at each other and being in conflict going into a new season where we could have hope and unity.
But going into the new season, I beg you, please, get behind this team and this manager and give them the support they need.
Q: If you take one thing away from tonight Ivan, think seriously about the divide in the fanbase. We need someone on the board like David Dein, who has a connection between the club and the fans. Someone who bleeds Arsenal.
IG: It’s very unusual for a new owner to come into a new football club and keep hold of a board who he has had no prior association with. Chips Keswick has been an Arsenal fan his whole life, Lord Harris his whole life, Ken Friar his whole life too.
I think what we haven’t done well is to communicate the love that those people, and by the way, me, have for Arsenal. We need to do a better job of that. But yes, I think our board does need to be refreshed, we do need a better connection with the fans. I don’t take your comments lightly, I do listen and I do take them seriously.
Q: Can you say, hand on heart, that the board were unanimous in the decision to award Arsene Wenger a new contract, before and after the decision was made?
IG: Uh, we, urmmmm…. The way that the contract decision was made, was the chairman made a statement during the season that a mutual decision would be made at the end of the season. Both on Arsene’s side and the board’s side, we both had to feel that this was the right decision.
That required a lot of thought and some quite detailed conversation, both through the board and Arsene. I have never spoken about board discussions and I don’t intend to do that now. What I will say is that the board acted with unity and the board is 100% doing everything it can to make sure that this decision will be successful.
We don’t have different agendas, our agenda is ‘what is good for this football club?’. We have to make decisions for the football club to be as successful as it can be.
Q: Should the decision have been made sooner?
IG: The board and Arsene really wanted to take some time to think about whether it was the right decision. The decision could have been made sooner, but I’m not sure it would’ve been appreciated by the way. We wanted to do it maturely with the right amount of reflection. Was it the exact right time? I don’t know how to answer that.
Q: I wanted to ask about the deal with Boreham Wood for the reserves and why we have to pay when the reserves play at the Emirates, when we don’t have to at Boreham Wood?
IG: We thought about a variety of different things we could do to have the best possible facilities for our youth, reserves and our women’s team. The pitch is being relaid with a Desso surface, which is the same specification as here at the Emirates.
There is other work going on within the stadium too, a new stand, new floodlights. It is going to be a top class facility. With respect to the reserve games we have at the stadium, it is not a revenue generator.
When we open this stadium, we have a certain number that we have to give to the staff and the authorities, so if you charge nothing, lots of fans say they will come, but that don’t. So we charge a nominal fee, which is like a deposit so we have people who are committed in some way.

Q: Appraise your hopes for the season ahead.

IG: There is an awful lot going on, we’re only four weeks from the end of last season.

You’ll see the product of some of that work soon, some on the player front, some will be behind the scenes.

All of that work is geared towards getting from 75 points to 85 and more, to win the Premier League.

We want to generate some of the pride that I am ashamed to say many of you are not feeling.

The goal is to win things and add to the history of this football club.

The people that work here care about this football club, we do and we want it to be successful.

CRISTIANO RONALDO HAS BECOME A FATHER TO TWINS.

Ronaldo, 32, had become a father for a second time with a surrogate mother, reports The Mirror Sport.

It was believed the two children were born in the United States and had been visited by Ronaldo's mother.

Portugal lost the semi-final on penalties to Chile but are due to play in the third-place playoff against either Germany or Mexico.

The news had not been confirmed officially, but last night Ronaldo posted a statement on Facebook saying he was leaving the Confederations Cup in Russia early "to finally be with my children for the first time."

He added: "I was in the service of the national team, as always, body and soul, even though my two sons were born."

"Unfortunately, we have not been able to achieve the main sporting objective that we wanted, but I am sure we will continue to give joy to the Portuguese.

"The President of the Portuguese Football Federation and the national selector have today had an attitude that has touched me and I will not forget."

Ronaldo already has a seven-year-old son called Cristiano Ronaldo Jnr.

And his family could be set to get even bigger with rumours his girlfriend Georgina Rodríguez is also five months pregnant.

The Real Madrid superstar posted a photo which showed him holding Georgina's stomach which appears to be showing signs of a bump.

The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo had been given permission to leave the Confederations Cup early "so that he can finally get to know his children."

In a statement, the national team said: "The President of the FPF and the National Team were informed before the Confederations Cup by the National Team captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, that he had been a father.

"The athlete, despite the birth of his children, made a point of being in the service of the National Team, in a gesture that we must underline and praise.

"The President of the FPF and the National Selector understand that if it is impossible to reach the goal of winning the Confederations Cup, they must release the athlete so that he can finally get to know his children."

The Real Madrid superstar's sister Katia Aveiro recently appeared to confirm the news on TV.

During the show, Katia was asked a series of personal questions alongside her partner and son Dinis - holding a board with yes, maybe and no on them.

One of those questions was based on Ronaldo being the father to twins, to which she replied 'maybe'.

She continued, insisting it was not her place to say but her son cheekily responded with a 'yes'.

While the hosts started laughing, Katia was quick to insist Dinis was too young to know the truth.

FULL TIME.. PORTUGAL v CHILE

PORTUGAL 0 CHILE 3.

Chile progresses on penalties after a goaless one hundred and twenty minutes.

UNITED'S BOUND MORATA CUTS SHORT HIS HONEYMOON AS TRANSFER LOOMS LARGE.

Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has returned from honeymoon as he moves a step closer to securing a big money move to Manchester United, according to reports in Spain.

Morata has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford and the chance to link up with Jose Mourinho once again.

Despite failing to cement a regular first-team place, the talented forward still managed to score 20 goals including getting on the scoresheet in the Champions League final win over Juventus.

Spanish newspaper AS is now claiming that the 24-year-old has flown back from his honeymoon in Ibiza as he looks to speed up his move to the Europa League winners.

Reports have suggested that Morata has already held several conversations with Mourinho and would love the chance to re-unite with his former manager.

Real Madrid are reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of £80m and United who will be without Swedish hitman, Zlatan next season, will likely do all in their powers to sign the 24-year old.

Reports in Spain suggest that the Madrid forward would love the deal to go through before Manchester United report back for pre-season training on July 8.

The fact Morata has now cut-short his honeymoon suggests a deal could be close to being completed and Mourinho will be hoping the two clubs can strike a deal and he can complete his second big signing of the summer.

JOSE MOURINHO IS IN PORTUGAL AHEAD OF HIS FATHER'S FUNERAL.

Jose Manuel Mourinho Felix passed away at the age of 79 on Sunday after a battle with illness, according to The Mirror Sport.

The former goalkeeper and coach will be buried on Tuesday.

Manchester United boss Mourinho flew out to Portugal and was pictured attending a service in Setubal with friends and family.

He was seen being consoled outside of the church, alongside his wife and daughter Matilde.

Mourinho paid an emotional tribute to his father on Instagram on Monday.

He shared a touching black-and-white image of himself as a young boy with his father.

Manchester United and the Portuguese football federation also paid their respects.

Mourinho's father made over 270 appearances during his playing career with Vitoria Setubal and Belenenses.
He also won one international cap for Portugal.

VIDAL LABELS RONALDO ''A SMART A**" AHEAD OF CONFEDERATIONS CUP SHOWDOWN.

Arturo Vidal has ramped up tensions ahead of Chile’s Confederations Cup semi-final clash with Portugal, by blasting Seleccao skipper Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal claimed seven points in the group stage to secured a final four berth, with Ronaldo, somewhat bizarrely, named man of the match on each occasion.

Back-to-back Copa America champions Chile await in Kazan, with Germany facing Mexico in the other semi-final on Thursday.

Vidal, has hit out at Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo, calling him a “smart ass”, and believes La Roja will meet Jogi Low’s men in the final on Sunday.

Vidal isn't a fan of the Portuguese superstar
"Cristiano is a smart ass!’” Vidal told reporters in Russia.

 "For me he does not exist.

"I have already told my Bayern Munich team-mate [and Germany international] Joshua Kimmich that we will meet again in the final!”

Portugal midfielder Pizzi believes Chile are favourites for the clash in the Kazan Arena.

Pizzi said;  "Chile are favorites.

They've players of great quality playing in big clubs worldwide, but our goal is to play the final."

STURRIDGE PARTIES WITH THE KARDASHIANS.

Daniel Sturridge very much kept up with the Kardashians on Sunday night as the Liverpool star attended Khloe's 33rd birthday party, reports The Mirror Sport.

The Reds striker took to Instagram to wish the TV celebrity a happy birthday as she celebrated with the NBA star and boyfriend Tristan Thompson.

Sturridge uploaded footage from the The Blind Dragon Club showing Khloe standing next to the Cleveland Cavaliers centre forward with an over-sized birthday cake.

Sister Kourney, Kris Jenner and Kendall Jenner also all attended the luxury bash.

The Liverpool striker appeared to accompany the event with music producer MacGyver Rogues.

Sturridge is currently in Los Angeles enjoying a summer break. Before attending the party, the England international put in a session at the gym to keep up his pre-season preparations.

"No lazy Sundays," said Sturridge as he took to a treadmill.

The 27-year-old's Reds future still very much remains in doubt, especially with new signing Mohamed Salah entering the fold.

However, Sturridge is showing no signs of discontent as he parties with Nollywood's finest.

ZIDANE SET TO LEAVE REAL MADRID.

Enzo Zidane, the 22-year-old son of Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is close to joining La Liga side Alaves on loan, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

Real sent Marcos Llorente there last season and are said to be happy with the way it worked.

And it’s led them to believe a similar move would be good for Zidane next season. It’s claimed Alaves expect to finalise the deal this week.

Alaves are keen to strengthen after losing Llorente this summer, along with Real Madrid-bound left-back Theo Hernandez.

Dad Zinedine included son Enzo in the Real Madrid squad that flew into Cardiff for the Champions League final with Juventus earlier this month, though he was not included in the 18-man squad for the match.

He has spent years in Madrid’s Castilla side - the second team at Real - with just one first-team appearance to his name, in the Copa del Rey against Cultural Leonesa in November.

Enzo is named after Uruguayan football legend Enzo Francescoli.

ARTURO VIDAL URGES BAYERN TO SIGN ALEXIS SANCHEZ.

Arturo Vidal has once again urged Alexis Sanchez to leave Arsenal and join him at
Bayern Munich.

Sanchez have just have 12 months remaining on his contract and Arsenal have offered the 28-year old who bagged 30 goals last season a new deal and insisted they have no intention of letting him leave this summer.

Bayern bosses are keen on adding Sanchez to their ranks, as they eye additional support for
Robert Lewandowski and further goal power as they seek to challenge Europe's best teams in the Champions League.

Manchester City and Chelsea are also keen, although Arsene Wenger has insisted he won't let Sanchez leave for a fellow Premier League side.

Sanchez's compatriot Vidal - currently teaming up with the Gunners man in Russia at the Confederations Cup have spoken highly of Sanchez.

And now he has once more insisted it's his wish to have his compatriot join him at club level too.

"We’ll see if Alexis is coming, I do not know yet," Vidal told Bild. "I know him very well. He is a spectacular player. And with him, we would surely improve.”

“We already have a lot of top-level players. We are the best club in the world."

Last month Vidal had detailed to Spanish newspaper Sport that the club's hierarchy had asked him about Sanchez - and he had given them a glowing reference.

"When they asked me about Sanchez, I said that they had to sign him," Vidal said. "He's an incredible player, but he needs to take the final step."

MESSI SAYS HE COULD MOVE TO CHINA.

Lionel Messi has admitted that he may be willing to move to China in the future.

The Barcelona star is currently in contract talks with the Catalan club as he enters the final year of his existing deal.

While an extension is likely to be reached for the five-time Balon d'Or winner, Messi who turned 30 on Saturday, has refused to rule out a move to the Far East in the future.

“[Staying at Barca] is what I’ve always wanted, what I always dreamt of and what I always said I’d do," he told Tencent, ESPN's partner in China.

“But I wouldn’t say [moving to China] is impossible, no? “No one can say that anything is impossible in football.

“Anything can happen [in football] but today I’ll tell you — no, it hasn’t crossed my mind.”

Messi netted 54 goals in 52 games last season, as he proved that he is still at the top of his game.

FULL TIME AT ST. PETERSBURG. NEW ZEALAND v PORTUGAL.

NEW ZEALAND 0 PORTUGAL 4.


C. Ronaldo 33'(pen), Bernardo Silva 37', Andre Silva 80', Nani 90'.

ARSENAL CAN NOT AFFORD TO LOOSE ''WORLD CLASS'' SANCHEZ, SAYS TEAMMATE.

Shkodran Mustafi has hailed world class talent Sanchez in a glowing tribute to his
Arsenal team-mate.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are among the clubs battling it out to try to prise Sanchez away from the Gunners.

At the same time, the North Londoners are trying to persuade him that his future lies at the Emirates and to sign the new deal on the table, which is reportedly worth more than £275,000-a-week .

Defender Mustafi said: “Of course I hope he stays. It would be a pity to lose him.

“Alexis is an exceptional player — for me one of the best in world football. I have experienced few players who are as hungry as him.

He is nimble, agile, but despite his size very sturdy, and can dribble past players. Alexis is a complete player.

“As soon as he is on the ball, everyone knows: something can happen. Once he has made his way to the front of the goal, you will not be able to take the ball.

“He can slow down at full speed and hit a hooked shot - you never know what to plan next minute.

"It is definitely advisable not to allow a one-on-one situation, but to play against him with cover.”

Mustafi added: “He (Sanchez) can play in any team, clearly.”

And Mustafi, reflecting on his debut season at Arsenal told German paper Bild : “It was a roller-coaster ride, it went up and down.

I missed the first three games and preparation, and could not participate.

“Then we had a good run for a long time. In January, February we then slightly dipped and lost too many points.

We won the FA Cup in my first year — that’s nice, but I would have liked to be part of the Champions League [next season].

“The Premier League is definitely the toughest league. I have now played in a few countries.

There are always surprises here [in England], which is not the case, for example, in Spain.

“Here, you never know who is suddenly at the top — Chelsea was in the middle, now they are champions.

Leicester won the league last year.
"You never know what’s going on. That makes the league so difficult.”

LIVERPOOL'S FIRMINO WEDS IN A CATHOLIC CHURCH IN BRAZIL.

Liverpool star Roberto Firmino tied the knot with long-term girlfriend Larissa Pereira on Tuesday in Maceio reports The Mirror Sport.

The couple, who have been together since 2013, married at a lavish ceremony in Maceió, the hometown of the Reds striker.

Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho was Firmino's best man with teammates Alberto Moreno, Allan Souza and Lucas Leiva among the guests.

The civil ceremony was held at sunset at the Café de La Music overlooking a lagoon in Alagoas, north east Brazil with guests staying in hotels and resorts near the venue.

Other famous players including Barcelona striker and Brazilian national squad team mate, Neymar with his actress girlfriend Bruna Marquezine and Real Madrid manager were said to have attended the wedding.

Firmino was accompanied to the altar by his mother, Mariana Cícera.

Days before the event Larissa posted a touching message to her future husband in which she wrote: "I chose you and would choose you a thousand times over.”

The couple who have two daughters, Valentina and Bella, held an intimate religious ceremony last weekend, as is custom in Brazil, with a few relatives and friends guests in a Catholic church located in Pinheiro a neighbourhood in Maceio.

The pair, who recorded their big day on social network, declined wedding gifts, saying they have more than enough.

On a site specially designed to buy presents for the bride and groom, they asked their guests to contribute financially to a medical appeal for Miguel Enrique, a two-year-old child from Santa Catarina who is suffering from Spinal muscular atrophy, a degenerative disease.

After the ceremony the newlyweds held an all-night party with entertainment from some of the biggest names in Brazil’s music industry including Wesley Safadão and Thiaguinho.

''I HAD LITTLE TIME FOR FOOTBALL''... Mkhitaryan.

When he was growing up, the talented midfielder  reveals how his studies would always take priority over playing football.

Mkhitaryan, speaking on Manchester United's official website, said: "At school I was focused all the time. I was focused on studying and had no time to think about football!

"Of course, after school I was supposed to go to training, but honestly I was thinking about school because it was good for me and my knowledge.

"I enjoyed all of the subjects and loved all of the teachers. I had a good relationship with all of them, and I tried to be present at every class.

"I loved every teacher and didn’t have a problem with anyone. I was just focused on studying."

Mkhitaryan will now be fully focused on making sure Manchester United maintain their winning feeling and have a good run in both the Premier League and the Champions League next season.

Mkhitaryan 28, scored 11 goals in 41 appearances last season.

CHRIS SMALLING MARRIES HIS LONG-TERM PARTNER IN ITALY.

Manchester United's defender, Chris Smalling married his partner Kaya on Wednesday, according to The Mirror Sport.

Captain, Wayne Rooney was joined by wife Coleen as their loved-up squad welcomed another married couple to their ranks, the third in a week as they make the most of a short off-season.

Guests shared a drink at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a five-star Art Nouveau palace, before being transported to the wedding venue.

Rooney was suited and booted with sunglasses on a warm summer's day, leading the United contingent that included Luke Shaw and Phil Jones.

Former Red Devils player Danny Welbeck, now with Arsenal, also attended.

A series of flash boats took guests to the Villa Balbianello, a private villa that still includes parts of a 13th Century Franciscan monestry, for the ceremony.

Rooney wore his second sharp blue suit of the weekend, clearly a colour of choice after wearing the same colour for Phil Jones' wedding on Friday.
The defender took Kaya Hall to the altar at a local church in Nether Alderley, Cheshire.

Instead of boats, wedding guests were moved in the United team bus, with Shaw, now West Brom star Johnny Evans and Sam Johnstone joining Rooney.

Mateo Darmian was also married last week in the local church in Rescaldina near Milan, where Morgan Schneiderlin, who spent 18 months at Old Trafford before moving to Everton, was among 120 guests.

The wedding reflects the travel-loving couple, who often share their journeys with fans on Instagram.

Smalling, 27, proposed to Cooke, 30, last summer in Bali during a holiday in which he suffered a nasty head injury and food poisining.

"Last night in the most perfect setting Chris asked me to be his wife. Ridiculously happy," Cooke said on social media.

Their nuptials follow Smalling's stag party in Las Vegas, while Cooke took her girlfriends too Barbados.
The honeymoon is said to be planned for the Seychelles.

KYLIAN MBAPPE COULD JOIN ARSENAL THIS SUMMER.

A close relative of Kylian Mbappe has admitted the Monaco starlet could join Arsenal this summer.

Arsene Wenger was close to signing Mbappe last summer but the forward decided to stay an extra year in Monaco.

He went on to score 26 goals in all competitions as his Club Monaco won the French Ligue I title and reached  semifinals in the Champions League.

PSG, Barcelona  and Real Madrid are keen on the 18-year-old while Arsenal have made him their No.1 target this summer.

It was feared their failure to qualify for the Champions League would scupper any chance the Londoners had of signing him — but that is not the case.

Speaking to French publication Le Parisien , the relative said: "Wenger is a great man. If Kylian signs for Arsenal tomorrow, it will be for him.

"He knows how to shape young players and especially the former strikers of the French team, Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka.
"The Europa League is not an obstacle in itself."

ANGEL DI MARIA, SENTENCED TO ONE YEAR IN PRISON.

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger, Angel Di Maria has been sentenced for one year after admitting to tax fraud.

El Confidencial reports Di Maria has been accused of two offences from his time with
Real Madrid.

He is said to have defrauded the Spanish government out of £1.14million during his four-year spell at the Bernabeu.

Di Maria left Real in 2010 to join Manchester United for a then Premier League record fee.

He has reportedly admitted to both counts of fraud and will pay a fine of £1.76million - avoiding a trial at the Spanish Supreme Court.

Despite being handed the prison sentence, Di Maria is highly unlikely to spend any time behind bars.

Sentences of under two years are suspended in Spain providing the convicted has no criminal record.

RUSSIA v PORTUGAL... FULL TIME AT OTKRYTIYE ARENA.

RUSSIA 0 PORTUGAL 1.


Ronaldo 8'

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI TO CHELSEA?

Chelsea have made an audacious move for Bayern Munich's striker, Robert Lewandowski, as they prepare for life without Atletico Madrid bound Diego Costa.

The Poland striker netted 43 times for the German champions last season, with 30 of those goals helping them clinch their fifth consecutive Bundesliga title.

But the 28-year-old is unsettled and criticised his team-mates earlier this month, accusing them of not doing enough to make him Germany’s top scorer as he was pipped for the price by Borussia Dortmund's Pierre Aubameyang.

Lewandowski’s agent, Maik Barthel, has followed up and said: “Robert told me that he got no support and that the coach (Carlo Ancelotti) gave no call to help him in the last game to win the top-scorer title.

“He was disappointed as I have ever seen him before.”
Chelsea are now trying to capitalise and have now made a serious enquiry.

Signing 28-year old Lewandowski who has scored 430 career goals would be a masterstroke by the Premier League Champions as they bid to retain their title.

REAL MADRID HAVE NOT CONTACTED UNITED FOR DAVID DE GEA.

Florentino Perez says Real Madrid have not made contact with Manchester United over
David de Gea.

Los Blancos have been long-time admirers of the Spain No.1 and are understood to be keen on taking him to the Santiago Bernabeu, but Perez refutes such rumours.

According to Perez, a move for De Gea isn't on the Spanish club's agenda.

"We haven't spoken to De Gea," said Perez, speaking to Onda Cero. "Two years ago we had an issue and then the appropriate circumstances didn't arise.

"The players are very fond of Keylor and also the coach. I like Keylor Navas."

Perez spoke highly of Italian phenomenon
Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose contract with AC Milan has only one year to run.

Madrid and a number of Europe's elite have been put on red alert after Milan confirmed he would not be signing a new deal with the Italian giants.

"Everyone says he's a great player, he's going to be the substitute for Buffon," Perez said.
"And he seems to have very good manners.

Surely we are watching him. But we will not talk about what we are doing."

MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE NOT MADE A BID FOR MORATA.

Los Blancos president Florentino Perez played down speculation over a move as he spoke after his re-election.

Reports in Spain suggested the Red Devils had agreed a £65million move to Old Trafford but Perez insists they are mere rumours.

And the Bernabeu chief also confirmed no approach has been made for James Rodriguez.

“We haven’t received offers for anyone this summer," he told radio station Onda Cer.

"No one has offered us anything - not for Cristiano, not Morata - not James.

"We have a great team and, when the time comes, we will improve it."

And on David De Gea, Perez said;

"We haven't spoken to De Gea. Two years ago we had an issue and then the appropriate circumstances didn't arise.

"The players are very fond of Keylor and also the coach. I love Keylor Navas."

JACK WILSHERE ''TIE THE KNOTS''

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere on Saturday weded his girlfriend, Andriani Michael , where Danny Welbeck was among the guests.

Injury-prone Wilshere,  is now back at Arsenal after his loan spell at Bournemouth ended with the recently concluded Premier League season.

PHIL JONES GETS MARRIED AS CRAIG DAVID DAZZLE GUESTS.

Manchester United's Jones got married to childhood sweetheart Kaya Hall just a short distance from his home in the Cheshire village of Nether Alderley on Friday, with United teammates Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw among the Star-studded guests as they enjoyed a Rendezvous with their teammate.

Pop Star, Craig David rolled back the years, to dazzle guests with some of his hit songs in a very glamorous event.

CHEICK TIOTE LAID TO REST.

Ivory Coast international, Cheick Tiote was laid to rest on Sunday.

The former Newcastle midfielder died at the age of 30 this month when he collapsed during a training session with Chinese side Beijing Enterprise.

His body was returned to the Ivory Coast last week and his funeral took place in the presence of friends, family and the military.

The country's prime minister, sports minister and the football federation president were also in attendance.

A memorial service was held in the Chinese capital last Tuesday which was also attended by family members, friends and former teammates.

Kolo Toure, and Wilfred Bonny were among the stars in attendance.

CONFEDERATION CUP.. CAMEROUN v CHILE... FULL TIME RESULT.

CAMEROUN 0 CHILE 2.

RONALDO'S RETURN TO MANCHESTER UNITED IS A POSSIBILITY; SAYS FORMER REAL MADRID PRESIDENT.

 Ronaldo's relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson could help bring the Portuguese back to Manchester United; according to Calderon.

Ronaldo reportedly wants to quit the Bernabeu and leave Spain after he was accused of tax fraud.
That has led to intense speculation as to where he could go next, with a return to Manchester United mooted while Paris Saint-Germain and the Chinese Super League have also been mentioned.

Calderon was in charge at the Bernabeu when Real broke the world record to sign Ronaldo for £80million in 2009 and has been discussing the possibility of an Old Trafford return - and why Ronaldo's relationship with his former manager could be key.

"He delayed his move to Madrid for a year because Ferguson was like a father to him," Calderon told BBC Radio 5 Live. "He loved the club, the fans, the city and I don't rule out a move back.

"Very few clubs can meet his expectations. Not because they can't pay the money but because they need to offer him the possibility of winning titles and personal awards," he added.

"The relationship (with Mourinho) in Madrid wasn't the best but that doesn't mean he doesn't want to go back to Manchester where he is very grateful of what happened," the 66-year-old added.

"I am sure he will stay in Europe. I don't see him playing in China or the Middle East. He is not that type of player.

He has three or four more years to be a top, top player and he would like to keep winning titles, anywhere he goes."

Calderon also insisted that Ronaldo's future will not have an effect on Alvaro Morata's future, with the Italian striker being strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford.

"Alvaro Morata is not happy at Real Madrid," he told the Sun.

"He hasn’t played and it’s the kind of deal and agreement which is great for all sides. The player, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

“All parties will be very happy with the deal.”

MORATA KEEPS TRANSFER SPECULATION ASIDE TO MARRY HIS GIRLFRIEND.

Morata, 24, and his bride were married at the Basilica del Redentore before taking a boat along the city's famous canals.

The Spain international was reportedly rumored to have agreed to join Manchester United after becoming frustrated at the lack of action in Madrid.

But Chelsea could hijack the move with a £70million move of their own.

The Blues want the Real Madrid striker to replace Diego Costa who is edging closer to a return to Atletico Madrid.

Morata is understood to have agreed terms with United on a move to Old Trafford, but Blues owner Roman Abramovich has sanctioned a bid and hopes to tempt the player to Stamford bridge.

Morata is a huge fan of Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, and looks likely to work with the Italian in Chelsea Newt season.

Morata said;
“I feel indebted to him because he’s the coach that most trusted in me, most wanted me, who made me feel I could perform at the highest level.
And yet I’ve never had the fortune to actually work with him. I’m sure sooner or later I will.''

CONFEDERATION CUP... PORTUGAL v MEXICO... FULL TIME.

Portugal 2 Mexico 2.

MANCHESTER UNITED ARE IN TROUBLE, DECLARES MOURINHO.

The Manchester United manager has been very critical of his players' performance since he took the reigns at the Theatre of Dreams.

He's also hit out at match officials. He has had a couple of punishments for his not so unusual rants, and even told BT Sports back in March: "We have lots of enemies.''

However, considering the way the season ended for the Red devils, Mourinho, according to his comments in Portuguese newspaper Expresso seems frustrated with himself for making difficult choices.

While other managers seemingly take the 'easy route' in his eyes, Mourinho opts for a challenge by picking teams in need of much help.

"I'm terrible at picking teams," claimed Mourinho.
"I always choose teams, as they say in England, in big trouble.

"Inter was in big trouble, Real Madrid was in big trouble, Manchester United in big trouble, that is, always in big trouble."

Mourinho's Manchester United side lifted the community shield, the EFL Cup and Europa League trophies in his debut season at the club.

BELLERIN 'CONFUSED' OVER HIS FUTURE, SAYS SUAREZ.

Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez reveals Hector Bellerin is torn over a move to the Spanish giants and cannot make a decision on whether he wants to leave Arsenal.

Barcelona have been looking to bring in a new right back after failing to find a suitable replacement for Dani Alves who left the club to join Juventus last summer.

The 22-year-old only signed a new six-year deal with the Gunners back in November, but his future remains unclear as Barcelona continue to be linked with a move to sign him.

Bellerin is currently preparing for the European Under-21 Championships and his Spanish team-mate Suarez says the 22-year old has not yet made a decision on where he will be playing next season.

Suarez, speaking on Catalunya Radio, said: "I have spoken with him, and on the one hand he's keen to come and on the other he feels tied to Arsenal - I hope he can come."

AN ENGLISH SIDE HAVE MADE 'A GOOD OFFER' FOR JOHN TERRY.

John Terry will become a free agent on July 1 when he ends a memorable 22-year association with the Premier League champions.

The former England skipper who have been linked with a host of Premier League clubs have also attracted interests from Clubs in the United States and China.

But former QPR Boss, Redknapp is hopeful that he can persuade the 36-year-old to join him at the Midlands club next season.

Redknapp, speaking on talkSPORT, said: "I'd love to have him at the football club. He's a fantastic captain and great leader.

"We've made him a good offer and we have done the best we can. It's up to John now, but we would love him at Birmingham.

"He played for me the other week in Michael Carrick's testimonial. I had John at the back with Jamie Carragher and I would have them two together all day long. They were fantastic.

"I had a chat with him and said to him come in - he's doing his coaching badges - have a year or two and who knows what he wants to do in the future?"

RONALDO RESPONDS TO TAX FRAUD ACCUSATIONS.

The Real Madrid superstar stands accused of owing as much as £13million, with Spanish prosecutors basing the case on four accounts of alleged fraud between 2011 and 2014.

But Ronaldo, 32, appeared fully focused while training with Portugal today and later took to Instagram to post a picture with his finger to his lips.

Speaking yesterday at a ceremony for the national team, held in honour of coach Fernando Santos, Ronaldo ceased the opportunity to say his mind on the issue.

When asked by a reporter about the lawsuits, Ronaldo said: "I have a clear conscience."

Real Madrid also offered their full support to the Portuguese superstar, who is already a  Legend at the Club.

A club statement said: "Real Madrid have full confidence in Cristiano Ronaldo, who we understand has acted in accordance with legality regarding the fulfilment of his fiscal obligations.

"Since his arrival in July 2009, he has always shown a clear will to fulfil all his tax obligations.

"Real Madrid are absolutely convinced that our player will prove his total innocence in this process.

"We hope that justice is done as quickly as possible so that his innocence can be proven as soon as possible."

HAZARD DROPS A HUGE HINT OVER HIS FUTURE AS MADRID KEEP KNOCKING.

Eden Hazard has dropped a major hint over his future amid reports Real Madrid are keen to make him the latest Galatico.

The winger whose 16 goals helped Chelsea last season as the London side were crowned Champions of England has captured the eye of Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane.

However despite a broken ankle that forced the Belgisn to go under the knife last month, Real Madrid have not entirely cooled their interest in the playmaker, who could still make the move to La Liga ahead of next season.

Hazard who is billed to resume training by September, recently spoke out about the Blues' achievements last season, where he suggested he would be staying in south west London.

"Hopefully next year it is the same, we win the league and then I win Player of the Year," Hazard told Chelsea's official website.

"Obviously winning the league is what we want most, and this award is just a bonus.

"We started this season well and we won the league but next year we have to work as hard as we have this season.

"We have to be ready every year at the same level to stay at the top.

"I know if I score I can help the team win games and in the new system I've been closer to Diego, and closer to the goal.

"So it's been easier to penetrate, make assists and score goals."

MAN. UTD. STAR WEDS HIS CHILDHOOD SWEETHEART.

Manchester United star Matteo Darmian has married fiancee Francesca Cormanni in a grand ceremony in Italy.

Darmian has enjoyed a memorable few weeks after helping his side win the Europa League and was part of the Italy team that beat Uruguay in a friendly and then recorded an emphatic 5-0 victory over Liechtenstein in a World Cup qualifier.

The 27-year has now topped off his summer by tying the knot with his long-term partner who have been together since they were teenagers.

The Italy international got married at a church very close to his home town of Legnano, near to Milan, and had a number of family and friends at the ceremony including ex-United team-mate and friend, Morgan Schneiderlin.

Alessio Cerci, who played alongside Darmian at Torino, was also in attendance as Darmian enjoyed a memorable day.

Darmian refused to get drawn over his long-term future at Old Trafford when he was questioned by reporters following Italy's win last weekend and is now hoping to enjoy his honeymoon before making a decision on his long-term future.

Darmian said: "Surely this is not the moment to talk about the transfer market. I wouldn't know what to answer.

"I have a contract with Manchester United, so let's see what happens."

VICTOR LINDELOF OPENS UP ON WHY HE JOINED MAN. UTD.

Victor Lindelof completed his £30m switch from Benfica to United on Wednesday night - as he signed a four-year contract.

Lindelof said: "I am thrilled to be joining Manchester United.
"I have enjoyed my time at Benfica enormously and I have learned a lot there.

But I’m looking forward to playing in the Premier League at Old Trafford and for Jose Mourinho.

"I’m keen to get started and make my contribution to the team’s efforts to win more trophies."

United boss, Jose Mourinho said: "Victor is a very talented young player, who has a great future ahead of him at United.

Our season last year showed us that we need options and quality to add depth to the squad and Victor is the first to join us this summer.

"I know that our fantastic group of players will welcome him as one of us."

SOUTHAMPTON SACK COACH CLAUDE PUEL.

Claude Puel was last night sacked by
Southampton . The Frenchman was axed after just one season in charge at St Mary’s.
Southampton chiefs sacked Puel after agreeing to pay him off since he had two years left on the deal he signed last summer.

Puel led Southampton to the EFL Cup final and an eighth-placed finish.

A Southampton statement said: “Southampton Football Club can today confirm that it has terminated the contract of Claude Puel with immediate effect.

“Everyone at Southampton would like to express our thanks to Claude for his hard work and commitment this year. The highlight of the season was a memorable day at Wembley in the EFL Cup Final, a day our fans will always treasure.

“We wish Claude well for the future. The search for a new management team is underway. We are confident that we will find the right fit in line with the long term vision of the club.”

COSTA HAS LOTS OF OFFERS, SAYS STRIKER'S BROTHER.

Diego Costa has "lots of offers" to leave Chelsea this summer, according to the striker's brother.

Blues boss Antonio Conte told the 28-year-old he's not in his plans for next the coming season, via text.

Costa would love to return to Atletico Madrid, though La Liga club's transfer ban remains a stumbling block.

AC Milan has been identified as another possible destination while a host of Chinese Super League clubs remain keen.

And Costa's brother Jair has revealed there are a number of bids on the table for the striker, who would rather remain in Europe.

"Thankfully Diego has lots of offers. I can't say how many but they exist," he told Yahoo Brazil.

"He has great affection for Atletico but right now, there is nothing [concrete]. We have to wait and see what happens."

Asked about a possible move to China, he added: "That is very difficult because next year is the World Cup and Diego wants to be there."

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku and Real Madrid's star Alvaro Morata have been identified as possible replacements.

MOURINHO REVEALS THE TACTICS THAT WON UNITED THE EUROPA LEAGUE TITLE.

The Portuguese is still revelling in his Europa League win against Ajax in Stockholm. And he's been revealing all about the tactical plan he used to beat the Dutch side.

Revealing his thoughts to MA students studying football coaching, Mourinho revealed just how much work went into the final.

"I watched eight Ajax matches," he said, according to Portuguese paper Tribuna Expresso.

"In England, I tend to watch two to three matches because I already know the opponent, but not in Europe.

To me, analysing the opponent is key because the way I practice and play is influenced by it.

"We wanted to create instability. We would let them play out from the back while blocking (Matthijs) De Ligt, their right centre-back, making them play through Davinson Sanchez who had more trouble."

But while he was happy for Ajax to give the ball to De Ligt, he was less happy for his own team to give it to Smalling.

"We prepare a game better when we're aware of our own weaknesses," he continued. "Everyone said Ajax played beautiful football and that the beauty of the game matters and blah, blah, blah. I told my players that, for me, beautiful is not giving our opponents what they want.

"I even joked with Smalling - "With your feet, we're for sure not playing out from the back!"

"That's where we won the game. During the initial stage of the build-up we never played from our centre-backs to our midfielders, because they are great at recovering possession pressing high.

In our midfield they didn't recover the ball once.
"If the ball isn't there, what are they going to press?"

Genius!
Isn't he?

FORMER MANCHESTER UNITED'S COACH PREFER MORATA TO LUKAKU.

Sir Alex Ferguson's former right hand man Rene Meulensteen who coached talents like Paul Pogba, Lingard and Marcus Rashford while he was at United spoke exclusively to 888sport.com.

The Dutch coach who couldn't hide his admiration for French sensation and Monaco forward, Kylian Mbappe said;

“I like many of the players United have been linked to. But I really like Mbappe.

 That would be brilliant though I don’t know how genuine the interest is," he said.

United have been linked to a host of big-name strikers but Meulensteen believes Mourinho should stay away from Everton star and Chelsea target Romelu Lukaku – and go all guns blazing for Real Madrid striker, Alvaro Morata if Mbappe is a no-go.

Meulensteen said:“Obviously Lukaku knows the Premier League and has played in the Premier League for many years.

“He has plenty of power but I’m not too sure he has the kind of DNA that we’d like to see at Manchester United.

“Morata is a good striker - he is mobile, agile, and creates chances. The same can be said of Andrea Belotti at Torino but both would be coming from abroad and would have to adapt to the Premier League which we all know is difficult.

“If Belotti comes in it’s important that he scored early and get the monkey off his back. Then he could be a good fit.

“For me though it would be Morata. We haven’t seen enough of him lately but then again it is extremely hard to get into that Real Madrid team.”

However, the Dutchman wouldn't want any acquisition by Mourinho to impact negatively on  England star Rashford.

“I like Marcus and I’ve worked with him when he was a little kid coming in to the Cliff at seven years of age. He came in with a smile and left with a smile.

“He couldn’t wait to start training and training was always short for him. There was only one level of energy that he would bring.

“I bumped into him recently at Michael Carrick’s testimonial and we had a chat.
"He’s still got those things and that’s important because as a professional you get exposed to a lot and you need stability in your life.

“I’m so happy that he has already got so many games at United and he’s only going to get better the more that he plays and the more things that he gets exposed to.

“But a lot depends on what type of striker Mourinho brings in. If they spend a great deal of money on someone there might be a chance that Marcus is again shifted out to the left or right.

“He can play there for sure but his best position is up front. I really hope that any new signings don’t sideline Marcus completely because that would be a real shame.”

 Meulensteen emphasised that United should be competing for the League title, even though Mourinho's style isn't aligned with Ferguson's swashbuckling DNA.

“United must be competing for the Premier League and be competing again for the Champions League. It is very important that they have a good start next season to make sure they’re going to be there or thereabouts in the title fight.

“The style of football next season depends on what kind of players he brings in to bolster the squad.

Mourinho knew the squad wasn’t the finished article so he went about things the right way to ensure they made it to the Europa League final and to win that trophy.

“Now he will be looking to bolster the squad and he will know that United fans expect not only to compete to win games but also to play an expansive brand of football.

“I don’t think he will ever be as expansive as Sir Alex Ferguson was because that’s not in his DNA.

He is more calculating and weighs things up to win and if that means a brand of unexciting football he would still happily pick up the points.

“He is not after the plaudits for having fantastic style. Fans will be happy if they’re winning and challenging for the title.

“But they will always want more and again it depends who comes in because if they sign attack-minded players by definition that will result in a more expansive style.”

VICTOR LINDELOF ARRIVES MANCHESTER UNITED FOR MEDICALS.

Manchester United have confirmed a deal has been struck to sign Lindelof, who will become boss Jose Mourinho's first signing of the summer.

The Sweden defender has arrived at United's AON Training Complex to undergo a medical and finalise his move from Benfica.

Lindelof is understood to have agreed a four-year deal with United, with the option for a further year.

Alvaro Morata's move to Old Trafford could also happen very soon, with a deal reportedly close.

Morata's agent has confirmed an offer has been made for the Real Madrid striker.

VICTOR LINDELOF TO MANCHESTER UNITED CONFIRMED!

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Benfica defender Victor Lindelof after agreeing a £30.7million deal for the Sweden international.

The Red Devils look poised to make the centre-half their first capture of the summer, with Lindelof due to undergo a medical next week,
reports the Daily Record.

United, who confirmed the deal on Saturday night, will pay £30.7m up front, but that price could rise with significant performance-related bonuses built into the deal for the 23-year-old.

The Red Devils said in a statement: "Manchester United is pleased to announce that it has reached agreement with Benfica for the transfer of Victor Lindelof, subject to a medical examination, international clearance and personal terms."

Like Bailly – who was acquired for an initial £30.7m – Lindelof's ascent has been rapid.

Scouted as a Sweden under-17 international, he joined Benfica from Vasteras in 2011.

Four years later, he converted the decisive penalty in a European Under-21 Championship Final victory over Portugal, being named in UEFA's team of the tournament.

The following season he was promoted to Sweden's full national side, establishing himself as an an ever-present in their Euro 2016 line-ups.

The bulk of Lindelof's first three seasons in Portuguese football were spent operating as a right back, holding midfielder and centre back for Benfica's B team.

In January 2016, Benfica coach Rui Vitoria brought the Swede into his starting line-up, where he helped the Lisbon club come from behind to win the Portuguese title.

They retained that title this season, adding a Taca de Portugal. In all, Benfica have lost just four domestic league and cup matches when Lindelof has started for them.

ALEXIS SANCHEZ REVEALS WHY ALEX IWOBI IS THE STAR FOR THE FUTURE.

Alexis Sanchez has played alongside some of the biggest names in football.

But despite the endless stream of proposed wonderkids emerging from all over the world, Sanchez believes Arsenal have their own superstar in their midst.

The Chilean, named Alex Iwobi as the young Arsenal player who has caught his eye this season.

He also praised the 21-year-old's "winning mentality", as well as his ability to play in a number of positions.

Speaking on the Gunners' official website, Sanchez revealed;
"I really like Alex [Iwobi]".

"He's a player that can play up front, in the centre, he's good at one on ones.

"If he has a winning mentality and keeps pushing forward I think he can do very well. I really like him."

In the just concluded season, Iwobi made 38 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, scoring four times.

FULL TIME IN UYO... NIGERIA v SOUTH AFRICA.

NIGERIA 0 SOUTH AFRICA 2.

Rante 54', Percy Tai 80'.

DIEGO COSTA CONFIRMS HE WILL BE LEAVING CHELSEA THIS SUMMER.

Diego Costa is in talks over a £40m move to AC Milan.

Costa’s agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly met AC Milan directors Marco Fassone and Massimiliano Mirabelli and another meeting is scheduled to try and thrash out a deal.

It comes after Costa effectively shut the door on his Chelsea career by revealing that Antonio Conte had texted him to tell him he was no longer part of his plans.

The text read: "Hi Diego, I hope you are well. Thanks for the seasono [sic] we spent together. Good luck for the next year but you are not in my plan”.

Chelsea are now resigned and determined to sell Costa as quickly as possible but will be determined to get the market value despite him effectively making it impossible for him to return to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were offered £76m by Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian who were also willing to pay him £25m a year but Costa is reluctant to leave.

Costa said: "Conte has sent a message saying that he does not want me.

"If they don't want me there, I'll have to search for a team."
"To go to Atleti would be nice but I have to think about it," he said.

"This is a World Cup year and I cannot be not playing for three or four months.
"I thought I had a good season but it seems that we didn't win after all."

BARCA REPORTEDLY AGREES TO SIGN ARSENAL'S HECTOR BELLERIN.

Barcelona have reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin ahead of the Spaniard's potential summer return to the Nou Camp.

Bellerin continues to be linked with a switch to his boyhood Club, with the Gunners' failure to qualify for next season's Champions League heightening the speculation.

According to Spanish outlet RAC1, conditions between Bellerin and Barca have been decided on.

Arsenal are reluctant to let him go but are more likely to sell to a European club rather than a direct rival in the Premier League.

The Gunners may listen to the Catalans if they will be willing to make offers in the region of £35million.

Bellerin was a youth product at Barcelona before moving to Arsenal in 2011.

With the imminent arrival of Sead Kolasinac from Schalke 04, the Gunners might have already commenced defence restructuring.

MANCHESTER UNITED ARE THE MOST VALUABLE FOOTBALL CLUB, ACCORDING TO FORBES.

Manchester United have returned to the top of Forbes' Most Valuable Soccer Teams List for the first time in five years, with the club now worth £2.86bn.

Despite the club's failure to finish in the top four, United have still been ranked above Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.

United generated revenues of £593million during the 2015/16 campaign which was £60m more than both Spanish clubs.

According to the US business magazine, Barcelona have a current value of £2.82bn, while the big surprise is Real Madrid dropping down from first to third, despite winning La Liga and Champions League and are worth £2.77bn.

Madrid have led the way for the last four years but they are now looking up the table as United surge ahead of them according to the latest findings.

The Red Devils generate an operating income of £223m which is by far the most profitable football club in the world and £83m more than Real Madrid.

"Manchester United's return to the top spot is a testament to their powerful brand and marketing acumen," said Mike Ozanian, assistant managing editor at Forbes Media.

Bayern Munich came in fourth at £2.10bn while Manchester City, who moved above Arsenal are valued at £1.61bn.

FORBES' TOP 10 WORLD'S MOST VALUABLE FOOTBALL TEAMS:
1) Manchester United - US$3.69bn (£2.86bn)
2) Barcelona - $3.64bn (£2.82bn)
3) Real Madrid - $3.58bn (£2.77bn)
4) Bayern Munich - $2.71bn (£2.10bn)
5) Manchester City - $2.08bn (£1.61bn)
6) Arsenal - $1.93bn (£1.50bn)
7) Chelsea - $1.85bn (£1.43bn)
8) Liverpool - $1.49bn (£1.15bn)
9) Juventus - $1.26bn (£980m)
10) Tottenham - $1.06bn (£820m)