RONALDO FINALLY SPEAKS ON TAX EVASION CHARGES.

Cristiano Ronaldo maintains he has never evaded tax after appearing in court in Madrid.

The Real Madrid superstar is accused of evading £13.1m (€14.7m) in tax since 2010.

Spanish prosecutors allege Ronaldo hid income from his image rights from tax authorities.

He spoke in court in the Madrid suburb of Pozuelo de Alcaron for around 90 minutes but refused to speak to the waiting media outside.

A statement was issued on his behalf, with Ronaldo insisting: "I've never hidden my tax declarations and never had any intentions to evade paying."

"The Spanish Treasury knows my entire income. Those who know me know I ask my advisors to keep everything up to date."

Ronaldo went on to confirm he has kept the same structure for his image rights at Real Madrid from his time at Manchester United.

"It is time to let the justice system work. I hope there is a fair decision.

In order to avoid unnecessary pressures, I have decided that I will not comment on the matter further until a decision is reached."

PHIL JONES, BANNED AND FINED FOR BRIDGING DOPING REGULATIONS.

Phil Jones has been banned by UEFA... for telling them in no uncertain terms he wanted to celebrate Manchester United’s Europa League win, reports the Mirror sport.

The Old Trafford star has been found guilty of breaching the governing body’s doping regulations after the European final in Stockholm last May.

It is understood Jones wanted to celebrate with his team-mates and used some ‘industrial language’ to make his case to an anti-doping official, who wanted him to take a post-match test.

The defender was found guilty of being “verbally abusive” towards the doping control officer, and has been banned for two matches, which means he will now miss the UEFA Super Cup match against Real Madrid next week and United’s first Champions League group stage match in September.

He has also been fined 5,000 euros.
United defender Daley Blind has also been fined 5000 Euros because he was reluctant to take the test as requested, with officials explaining he too wanted to celebrate with his team-mates, whose 2-0 victory over Ajax ensured their qualification for this season’s Champions League.

There is no suggestion that either player was guilty of doping, or has been sanctioned for a doping infraction.

United have been fined 10,000 euros over the rule breaches.

The club are understood to be aware of UEFA’s decision, and have three days to appeal against them.

However, it is understood they will not challenge the ban.

Jones was said to have forcefully suggested he ‘wanted to be with his team-mates’ and was disappointed to have been forced to miss the team photo with the trophy as the team paid tribute to the victims of the Manchester attack a week earlier... and may have used Anglo Saxon language to make his case, which provoked the charge against him.

In a statement, Uefa said: “The club (United) has been charged for infringements of the UEFA anti-doping regulations (ADR) concerning the doping control procedure.

“The player Philip Jones has been charged for insulting and directing abusive language towards the doping control officer (Article 15 (1) of the UEFA disciplinary regulations), as well as for lack of co-operation and respect towards the doping control procedure (Article 6.05 ADR).”

MATIC HAVE EXPLAINED EXACTLY HOW HE WILL HELP UNITED.

Nemanja Matic believes he can bring "balance" to Manchester after sealing his £40m move from Chelsea.

The Serb links up once again with manager Jose Mourinho, signing a three-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

"Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world. It was also my ambition to train with Jose," Matic explained.

"I will for sure give my best and show that I deserve to be at this club. I have enough time before the season to prepare myself.

"That position gives balance to the team and allows you to control the game.

Playing in the centre of the pitch you have to know all the time where the ball is. But I always give my best, even more in fact."

Matic follows the footsteps of compatriot and former United great Nemanja Vidic and hopes to emulate his success and earn the honour of sharing the famous song from the fans.

"Vidic was a great player. He had a great career. When I came to the international team he was the captain," Matic points out.

"I will try my best to repeat what he did, I know it will be very hard, but I will try. Hopefully they can sing the same one.

"I have enjoyed my time at Chelsea and would like to thank the club and the fans for their support.

I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates and to start training with them.

"This is a very exciting time for the club and I am looking forward to playing my part in creating more history for this great club."

MATIC DELIGHTED TO HAVE REUNITED WITH MOURINHO.

Nemanja Matic is "delighted" to have completed his £40m move from Chelsea to Manchester United , linking up with Jose Mourinho for a third spell.

Discarded by Antonio Conte after claiming the Premier League title for the second time with the Blues, Matic has penned a three year deal with the option of an additional 12 months.

The Serb has joined the Red Devils for an undisclosed fee, penning a three-year deal at Old Trafford.

"I am delighted to have joined Manchester United. To work with Jose Mourinho once again was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down," Matic explained.

"I have enjoyed my time at Chelsea and would like to thank the club and the fans for their support.

I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates and to start training with them.

"This is a very exciting time for the club and I am looking forward to playing my part in creating more history for this great club."

Jose Mourinho was thrilled to bring the big Serb on board and claimed he has everything he could want in a player.

"Nemanja is a Manchester United player and a Jose Mourinho player. He represents everything we want in a footballer; loyalty, consistency, ambition, team player," Mourinho claimed.

"I would like to thank him for his desire to join us because without that, it would be impossible to have him here.

I am sure our players and supporters will love him. A big welcome to our new number 31."

The Serb has won two Premier League titles with the Blues since he re-signed for them in 2014.

Chelsea signed Tiemoue Bakayoko earlier this summer, which paved the way for Matic to leave the club, with Antonio Conte omitting him from the club's pre-season tour.

Matic's arrival follows the signings of Victor Lindelof and Romelu Lukaku this summer.

DANI ALVES OVERTAKES ZLATAN AS HE WINS HIS 34TH MAJOR CLUB TROPHY.

Dani Alves just won the 34th major club honour of his stellar career.

The Brazilian who won the League and Cup double with Juventus in Italy last season, knocked back Manchester City and his old pal Pep Guardiola to join PSG - and has already won his first bit of silverware with the French giants.

The right back helped his new side to a 2-1 win in the French Super Cup against the reigning French Champions - Monaco.

When you consider only trophies won with club sides (i.e. not individual awards or international honours), this latest triumph moves Alves ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the third most decorated footballer in the world.

With Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, Milan, PSG and Manchester United, Zlatan has won 33 trophies - now one fewer than Alves has won in his time with Bahia, Sevilla, Barcelona, Juve and now PSG.

Interestingly, there are still two men ahead of them on the list of 'Footballers With The Biggest Personal Trophy Cabinets'.

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is currently second, with 35 major honours - which is not terribly surprising.

Guess who is on top of the list.
It's not Lionel Messi (currently on 29), Andres Iniesta (30) or any of the other names you're currently thinking about.

It is Brazilian left-back Maxwell.

Surprise?

In a career with Cruzeiro, Ajax, Inter, Barcelona and PSG, Maxwell - who only won 10 caps for Brazil - has lifted an astonishing 36 major trophies.

Here's the full breakdown of exactly what football's top trophy-lifters have won:

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 33 trophies;
2 x Eredivisie: 2001-02, 2003-04
1 x Dutch Cup: 2001-02
1 x Dutch Super Cup: 2002
6 x Serie A: 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11
3 x Supercoppa Italiana: 2006, 2008, 2011
1 x Spanish Super Cup: 2009
1 x European Super Cup: 2009
1 x Club World Cup: 2009
1 x La Liga: 2009-10
1 x Spanish Super Cup: 2010
4 x Ligue 1: 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16
3 x Trophee des Champions: 2013, 2014, 2015
3 x Coupe de la Ligue: 2014, 2015, 2016
2 x Coupe de France: 2015, 2016
1 x Community Shield: 2016
1 x League Cup: 2017
1 x Europa League: 2017.

Dani Alves: 34 trophies;
Campeonato Baiano: 2001.
Campeonato do Nordeste: 2001, 2002.
Copa del Rey: 2006–07, 2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16.
Spanish Super Cup: 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013.
UEFA Cup: 2005–06, 2006–07.
UEFA Super Cup: 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015.
La Liga: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015-16.
Champions League: 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15.
Club World Cup: 2009, 2011, 2015.
Italian Cup: 2017
Serie A: 2016-17
French Super Cup: 2017-18.

Ryan Giggs: 35 trophies;
13 x Premier League: 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000,2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13
4 x FA Cup: 1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04
3 x League Cup: 1991–92, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009-10
9 x Community Shield: 1993, 1994, 1996,1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2013
2 x Champions League: 1998–99, 2007–08
1 x UEFA Super Cup: 1991
1 x Intercontinental Cup: 1999
1 x FIFA Club World Cup: 2008.

Maxwell: 36 trophies
1 x Copa do Brasil: 2000
2 x Eredivisie: 2001-02, 2003-04
2 x Dutch Cup: 2001-02, 2005-06
2 x Dutch Super Cup: 2002, 2005
3 x Serie A: 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09
2 x Italian Super Cup: 2006, 2008
2 x La Liga: 2009-10, 2010-11
3 x Spanish Super Cup: 2009, 2010, 2011
1 x Champions League: 2010-11
2 x UEFA Super Cup: 2009, 2011
2 x Club World Cup: 2009, 2011
4 x Ligue 1: 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16
2 x French Cup: 2014-15, 2015-16
3 x French League Cup: 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16
4 x French Super Cup: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016.

RONALDO'S HEAD OF COMMUNICATION SPEAKS AFTER CR7 EXITS COURT.

Cristiano Ronaldo refused to speak to the media after appearing in court on four charges of tax evasion.

The Real Madrid superstar is accused of evading £13.1m (€14.7m) in tax since 2010.

He arrived at a court in the Madrid suburb of Pozuelo de Alcaron around 11am on Monday morning amid a huge media presence.

According to the Mirror, Ronaldo was expected to address the press after giving a statement but made a swift exit, with around 200 media and fans booing outside court.

However, head of communication for the Portuguese's agency, Gestifute, Inaki Toreres, insisted "everything is correct" as they left court.

Spanish prosecutors allege Ronaldo hid income from his image rights from tax authorities.

Ronaldo and his management have both denied the allegations, with the 32-year-old maintaining his "conscience is clear".

If the case is sent to trial, Ronaldo has been warned he could face a hefty fine and a prison sentence of three-and-a-half years by experts.

Reports emerged that Ronaldo would look to quit the club this summer following the accusations.

However, he is now expected to extend his stay at the Bernabeu when the court case comes to an end.

The Portuguese is yet to return to pre-season training following the Confederations Cup this summer.

He is the latest footballer to be involved in a tax scandal with Lionel Messi handed a 21-month prison sentence for the same charge.

The Barcelona superstar was told he could pay €252,000 in place of jail time - although his alleged evasion was considerably less than Ronaldo's.

RONALDO HAS ARRIVED AT MADRID COURT AS HE FACES TAX EVASION CHARGES

Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived at a Madrid court as he faces four charges of tax evasion.

The Real Madrid superstar is accused of evading £13.1m (€14.7m) in tax since 2010.

Spanish prosecutors allege Ronaldo hid income from his image rights from tax authorities.

Ronaldo and his management have both denied the allegations, with the 32-year-old maintaining his "conscience is clear".

If the case is sent to trial, Ronaldo has been warned he could face a hefty fine and a prison sentence of three-and-a-half years by experts.

He arrived at a court in the suburb of Pozuelo de Alcaron around 11am.

The Portuguese is yet to return to pre-season training with teammates who are presently in the United States, following the Confederations Cup with Portugal this summer.

PSG PRESIDENT ''VERY CONFIDENT'' OF SINGING NEYMAR.

Paris Saint-Germain are "very confident" of signing Barcelona star Neymar , according to the club's president.

The Mirror reports that the Ligue 1 giants are hoping to compete a world record £197m move for Brazilian attacker Neymar.

PSG are hoping to quickly crack the former Santos man's release clause before agreeing personal terms - with Barca admitting they are powerless to stop him from leaving.

And the French side's chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi has revealed ongoing talks are progressing well with the move seemingly on the horizon.

Al-Khelaifi told other bosses at the club according to Yahoo Sport France: "Negotiations for Neymar are going well. I'm very confident."

Reports in Qatar suggest Neymar will undergo his medical in the country's capital of Doha.

CONTE AIMS A JIBE AT MOURINHO.

Manchester United boss Mourinho has not seen eye-to-eye with Conte since the Italian was appointed at Chelsea last summer.

The pair clashed on the touchline during United's trips to Stamford Bridge in both the league and the cup last season, report the Manchester Evening News.

Ahead of the start of the season, Conte reopened those wounds by publicly warning his side to 'avoid a Mourinho season' after winning the title.

Mourinho was sacked just seven months after winning his third title with Chelsea in his second spell at the club.

At the time, Chelsea were languishing in 16th place in the league - just one point above the relegation zone.

And Conte could not resist referencing those final months of Mourinho's reign as he plotted Chelsea's title defence.

"It’s a very important period for us because we are working very hard," he said earlier this week.

"We are very tired because we played three games with the same players.

"We know it will be difficult next season. We want to try to avoid a Mourinho season.

Two years ago the team ended the league in 10th place and we want to try to avoid this."

And, following United's 3-0 win over Valerenga, Mourinho hit back with an unsubtle dig.

"I don't know, I could answer in many different ways," he mused in his post-match press conference.

"I'm not going to lose my hair to speak about Antonio Conte."

FULL TIME IN OSLO... VALERENGA v MANCHESTER UNITED.

VALERENGA 0 MANCHESTER UNITED 3.

Fellaini 44',Lukaku 47',McTominay 70'.

Manchester United continued their impressive pre-season as they recorded a comfortable victory in their friendly as they saw off Valerenga 3-0 in Oslo.

After toiling for much of the first-half, the visitors took lead when Marouane Fellaini headed in the opener in the 44th minute. 

New signing Romelu Lukaku was introduced as a half-time substitute and wasted no time in getting in on the action, forcing home a powerful header just two minutes after the interval.

A third was added with 20 minutes remaining when Scott McTominay scored his first senior goal for the club.

MATIC WANTS TO MOVE TO UNITED; ADMITS MOURINHO.

Jose Mourinho has refused to rule out a move for Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic - and hinted the 'photoshopped' picture of the star was real reports the Mirror sport.

Manchester United are confident of closing in on the Serbian international and are expected to complete a switch this week.

The Red Devils are hoping to sign the two-time Premier League winner for £50m - with the Blues reluctantly selling to former boss Mourinho.

Matic was pictured in a United training top on social media - with fans unsure if the image was real or a doctored image.

And Mourinho was unable to confirm the picture's authenticity as he didn't know if Matic had visited the training ground this weekend, but revealed the ace was keen on the move.

Mourinho said: "I'm waiting for news. I know that he wants the move very, very much.

"I think we have a chance but in football until things are official you never know.

"No.31 is a free jersey, I don't know if he was there as I haven't been there today."
Mourinho also dismissed rumours linking

Marouane Fellaini with a move away from Old Trafford this summer.

The Belgian midfielder was strongly linked with a move to Galatasaray, with the Turkish side's sporting director Cenk Ergun claiming he was in negotiations over a move.

But Fellaini was named in the starting line-up for United's friendly against Valerenga on Saturday evening and would score the opening goal in their 3-0 win.

Following the game Mourinho admitted that the 29-year-old is too important to him to let go.

"It's easier for Galatasaray to get me than Marouane," Mourinho said following the game in Oslo.

"He is too important to me. No chance."
Fellaini has been at Old Trafford since 2013, when David Moyes signed him from Everton for £27.5million.

He played 47 times under Mourinho last year as the Red Devils lifted the EFL Cup and Europa League.

New signing Romelu Lukaku also netted in the win in Oslo, as did academy product Scott McTominay.



The Red Devils face Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup on August 8 before kicking off their Premier League campaign at home to West Ham on August 13.

FULL SCRIPT OF WENGER'S THOUGHTS ON ARSENAL'S PREPARATIONS AND LOT MORE.

Arsenal's pre-season concludes this weekend with the Emirates Cup, which sees them face Benfica and Sevilla.

Arsene Wenger's side will then turn their attention to the Community Shield date with Premier League champions Chelsea.

Here, Wenger has his say on the squad's sharpness, who caught his eye on tour, the return of Alexis Sanchez and much more.


Wenger on the fitness in the squad…
Overall I think we had a long tour, a difficult tour but a very interesting one as well.

Everybody worked very hard in very different conditions.

I was very happy with the attitude, the focus and the quality of our games, and the intensity of our training as well.

Overall until now it has gone very well.
on a step up in pre-season opposition…
I believe it’s important [to play big teams].

Rather than winning 10-0, and at the end of the game you don’t know much more about where you need to improve, it’s interesting for us this time to get good opposition.

It makes it easier for us to understand where we want to improve.

We played difficult games, sometimes with tired legs, and that is interesting.


ON AUSTRIA TRAINING CAMPS SEEMING LIKE A LONG TIME AGO…
It is a long time ago [since we went to Austria for training camps]. I must say I loved that, but times have changed and our sponsors and fans want us to travel all over the world. It is even easier now to organise difficult games away from home than at home, because no one is in Europe anymore [in the summer]. They are in the States and in Asia.


ON THE PLAYERS COMING BACK...
I would say that Gabriel is still a few weeks away because he has an inflammation of his bone.

Jack Wilshere is close to coming back to training. Santi Cazorla, it is difficult to set a definite date but he is getting better every day.

Overall those are the main injuries we have.

Everyone else is back to fitness.
on Sanchez and Mustafi’s returns…
Alexis and Mustafi, their first training session will be on Sunday, the day we play against Sevilla.

They are practising on the day, yes. First of all you make a really good check up of where they are, how much they have worked during their break.

After, once you know where you stand, they need an adjusted programme and to see how quickly you can fit them in again.

Of course it depends as well on what is the need in the squad, what is their quality.

All of these things together make your decision.

Do you put them on the bench when they are not ready [to start]? It is easier to put a striker on the bench than a defender, sometimes.

Because in a short period they can make an impact. We’ll see.


ON WHO WE MAY SEE PLAYING IN THE EMIRATES CUP …
You’ll see everybody because I will play two teams. One of the most interesting parts of the Emirates Cup for me is that I can give 90 minutes to most of the players in the squad. I will try to do that.

ON WHICH YOUNG PLAYER MAY COME THROUGH THIS TIME…
This time, I believe that you will see Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock. Maybe Cohen Bramall as well.

We also had Eddie Nketiah, who is doing very well, Donyell Malen, who is doing very well, on tour but there is not necessarily room for them to play.

They have all shown interesting qualities on the tour.


ON HOW MUCH THAT TOUR EXPERIENCE WILL HELP THEM…
It helps them. It’s a unique moment where you can play players against big teams without big pressure.

They learn a lot from that, from the players who have all done it before, the advice they get, to play against them every day in training sessions and to live with them together as well.

On the bonding side, they lose their complexes so when they have to play, and have the chance to play, they are ready to play.


ON WHAT CAUGHT HIS EYE ON TOUR…
Overall, I played players like Elneny in a back three and he has coped very well.

Maitland-Niles sometimes played at centre back as well, even in the big games against Chelsea.

You see their strengths and their weaknesses, and you learn a lot about your players and your combinations too.

The advantage we have is that we have a good stability in our squad, so I already know who I can combine with who, more or less.


ON WHETHER ELNENY FITS THE BILL AS A BALL-PLAYING CENTRE BACK…
Yes he does. Elneny is a player who has a fantastic mentality and attitude, and his main target is to help the team.

When he plays there, of course he does extremely well.


ON WHETHER HE NEEDS TO LEARN THE ROLE…
Of course. I always felt that a good central midfielder can be a good centre back.

With the fact of course that when you’re playing in the back four you have to be decisive in the challenges, you have a bit more flexibility in the middle of a back three. He can do that.

IT IS NEYMAR THAT DECIDES IF HE WANTS TO LEAVE; ADMITS BARCA PRESIDENT.

Neymar to PSG has been one of the most talked about sagas of this transfer window.

The dethroned French champions are reportedly willing to trigger the Brazilian's release clause of about £197m this summer. And the Catalans may be forced to do business as the club president - Bartomeu admits that everything lies with the player.

Marca reports that the president of Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu has suggested that it is the players that decide as and when they move on.

Speaking to the New York Times, Bartomeu said: "Neymar is one of our best players and we do not want to lose him.

"We want him to continue with us, he still has four years left, but the players decide if they want to go so there's nothing more to say.

"We need him because, if we want to win [trophies], we need to have the best players."

Meanwhile, Neymar's team-mate Ivan Rakitic has urged him to snub a move to the French Capital.

Speaking in Miami, the 29-year-old midfielder warned the Brazilian would not be revered in France the way he is in Spain.

He said: "We want to do important things this season and he is a key piece.

"Footballers like Ney are not everywhere, not just as a player, but as a person. He knows he's very important for us.

"We already know what we think. The team is like a family and we all want him to stay.

Whatever he decides, you have to respect it 100 per cent.

"But as a companion and great friend, I tell him to stay with us.

The affection he has here, he will not find anywhere.
"I hope he stays with us."

POGBA IS AT THE SAME LEVEL WITH MESSI AND RONALDO; INSISTS MOURINHO.

Jose Mourinho has claimed Paul Pogba is the only Manchester United player at the level of Barcelona and Real Madrid's stars.

United were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Barcelona in Washington in their final tour game of their pre-season trip to the USA with Brazilian star Neymar grabbing the only goal of a tight contest at FedExField.

Before jetting back to Manchester Mourinho said: “I think in this moment the best players are in these two clubs Barcelona and Madrid and you have to accept that as a reality.

“Look at Messi and Neymar. There is only one Messi and one Neymar. And one Suarez, Iniesta, Pique, Ronaldo, Bale, Modric, Toni Kroos. There is only one each of those players.

“So they can only be playing for a club not two clubs. We can't have them, they belong to their clubs.

“But you can be working very hard tactically to improve your players.

Sometimes, though, there are players that are special players and there is just nothing you can do.

“When the matches are real matches, you try to compensate the difference in quality with a certain tactical organisation and with that you can win in football, it's possible.

“A team is in a certain day better than the sum of the parts - that's possible in football.

But the parts are amazing and their relation with the ball is amazing at Barcelona and Real Madrid.

“You can argue about occupation of spaces and speak about all of that, but the relation with the ball is still the most important thing.

“And as an opponent on the bench, like I am, it is beautiful to see their relation with the ball but one of my players today, Paul Pogba - showed the level and he belongs to that level.”

Mourinho feels comparison's between his team and the La Liga forces he's faced on tour Stateside doesn't make so much sense.

“If you want to compare my team with Real Madrid or Barcelona it's easy to compare the level of the players.

“It's easy - but we don't play in the same competition as them unless we meet them in the European competitions, so we prefer not to compare us with them.

“We prefer to compare ourselves with the teams we play week in week out in the Premier League and we are much more adapted to that very hard competition.

“But it's a competition with a different style and player.

But for us to play against both Madrid and Barcelona in pre-season without any kind of pressure or being worried about a result and to play the best you can was very good for us on this tour.

“They both played with their best teams. I think only Gerard Pique was on the bench for Barcelona and Real Madrid were without Ronaldo and Ramos who didn't play, but everybody else did.”

FULL TIME IN LOS ANGELES... MAN CITY v REAL MADRID.

MANCHESTER UNITED 4 REAL MADRID 1.

Kevin De Bruyne was magnificent as
Manchester City recorded an emphatic win over his old rivals Real Madrid.

The Belgian set up City's first three goals and hit the woodwork with a free-kick as Guardiola's men demolished the reigning Champions League holders in the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Nicolas Otamendi, Raheem Sterling and John Stones put City 3 goals up, before teenage sub Brahim Diaz scored a stunning fourth.

Oscar Rodriguez's 30-yard stunner at the dead, was only a consolation for Mad

FULL TIME IN WASHINGTON... BARCELONA v MANCHESTER UNITED

BARCELONA 1 MANCHESTER UNITED 0.
Neymar 31'.

Manchester United’s pre-season tour of the United States ended with defeat, as Barcelona won 1-0 at FedEx Field.
Brazilian superstar Neymar scored the only goal of the game, finishing from close range after a stumble from Antonio Valencia had presented him with the opportunity.

TEAM NEWS:
Barcelona starting XI: Cillessen; Semedo, Mascherano, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Alena; Messi, Suarez, Neymar.

Manchester United starting XI: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Lindelof, Blind; Carrick, Pogba; Mkhitaryan, Rashford, Lingard; Lukaku.

FULL TIME IN SINGAPORE... CHELSEA v BAYERN MUNICH.

CHELSEA 2 BAYERN MUNICH 3.


TEAM NEWS:
Chelsea starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Cahill; Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso; Willian, Boga; Batshuayi.

Bayern starting XI: Starke; Rafinha, Martinez, Hummels, Friedl; Sanchez, Tolisso; James, Muller, Ribery; Lewandowski.

Bayern Munich humbled  Chelsea in the first-half of the pre-season friendly in Singapore with quick fire strikes.

Rafinha fired the German side into the lead after just six minutes with a stunning strike.
And Thomas Muller added a second six minutes later - and a third before the half-hour mark.

Marcos Alonso pulled a goal back in first-half injury time to give some hope to the hapless Blues.

There was a fight back in the second half as Batshuayi pulled back consolation goal for the Blues.
But Bayern’s magnificent first half gave them a victory that they thoroughly deserved.

PEOPLE THINK THAT THE TRANSFER WINDOW IS MORE INTERESTING THAN THE LEAGUE... KLOPP.

As football's arms-race continues this summer Jurgen Klopp is refusing to panic, writes Darren Lewis in Singapore for The Mirror Sport.

The Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Arsenal have splashed out shattered transfer records on the likes of Alvaro Morata, Alexandre Lacazette, Romelu Lukaku, Victor Lindelof, Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy. 

And across Stanley Park, Klopp's neighbours Everton have flexed their new-found financial muscles to spend smartly.

Liverpool have pushed the boat out too, of course, with a club-record £37million spent on Roma winger Mohamed Salah.

But while their rivals at the top end of the Premier League close in on and in several cases land more of their targets, the Reds are being frustrated in pursuit of both Naby Keita and Virgil van Dijk.

Germany's RB Leipzig, backed by billionaire Austrian Dietrich Mateschitz, are refusing to sell star midfielder Keita, while Liverpool have had their fingers burnt over their pursuit of Van Dijk, Southampton’s prize asset.

It has led to claims the Anfield giants are lagging behind in the race to stockpile the required weaponry for the coming season.

Boss Klopp is confident, however, that the club’s fans will feel pride in his determination to stay focused on quality over quantity.

“I hope they do,” he said. “I hope they do, because there are a lot of reasons for it.

“After a season there is a summer break and everybody starts feeling that the transfer window is more interesting than the league. 

People [look at the players their club have bought and] think, ‘Oh, we are winning already!’

“Unfortunately after the transfer window you have to carry on playing. 

That’s what I am most interested in.

“It doesn’t mean we don’t want to bring players in. 

We’ve always brought players in. Wonderful players like Wijnaldum, Ragnar Klavan, Joel Matip. Sadio [Mane, Liverpool's record buy until the Salah deal].

“A lot of good players already. But, it was not like - I don’t know - Ibrahimovic, Lukaku and others. 

Does that mean we can’t do it? I have no idea. We will see.

“We want to do the right thing and not calm the people down with a big signing and everyone will think, 'Now you have to [win the league]', then it’s, ‘Oh, obviously you can’t’.

“So that’s why I’m completely fine. We want to do a lot, but not a lot in numbers, only a lot of work to improve this squad with training and different players.”

Everton’s impressive transfer business has led to suggestions they could even finish above their Merseyside rivals.

Ronald Koeman has splashed out over £100m, including £30m on keeper Jordan Pickford, £25m on Ajax attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen, £30m on England defender Michael Keane and the free transfer of Wayne Rooney.

Klopp remains respectful, but unfazed: “First of all, I’m not interested in what other clubs are doing until we play them. 

So they can make the best business or the worst business, I’m not in it. I’m completely fine.

“Yes, I heard, of course a few things that they have done. Strikers, good. Wayne Rooney, you don’t have to talk about. 

The centre-half came. Good. So a lot of really good business. 

Klaassen, good. It's all good.

“But, at the end of the day, just like us, they can only line up eleven players. 

Then we have to see what will happen. But all the teams have tried to get stronger.

“With Everton, usually derbies are really close games.

“Don’t think we have gone into any of the last few derbies thinking, ‘It's only Everton.’ No. 

There is a lot of respect and if they’ve done good business, well done. But when we face them we still want to win.”

''CHELSEA WILL BE VERY COMPETITIVE IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE''... SAYS ANCELOTTI.

Just weeks ago, Carlo Ancelotti was warning Antonio Conte that he could struggle next season, based on the strength of his Chelsea squad, writes Darren Lewis in Singapore for The Mirror Sport.

Bayern Munich head coach Ancelotti was well placed to do so, having delivered the Double for Roman Abramovich in 2010, only to be sacked just a year later... for finishing second!

His win percentage had been the third-highest in Premier League history, behind only Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ancelotti is a man well versed in the pressures of living up to expectations at Stamford Bridge.

He now believes Conte is in a far better position to do so, following the summer signings of defender Antonio Rudiger , Tiemoue Bakayoko in midfield and club-record buy Alvaro Morata up front.

With more likely to come — Chelsea are chasing another three signings before the August 31 deadline — confidence is rising at Stamford Bridge, with some justification.

So much so that Ancelotti smiled ruefully when asked whether his fellow Italian could follow the title with the Blues' second European Cup next season.

“I hope he doesn’t win the Champions League!” he joked.

“I cannot wish him that! But Chelsea will be very competitive in the Champions League. The team is better.

“Last year was a fantastic year for Chelsea and Antonio. He was able to change the mentality of the team and the style of play.

Everything was OK. For this reason they will be competitive in the Champions League. To win it? I don’t know. I hope not.”

Conte’s response to being asked how to prevent an Ancelotti-style second-season dip at Chelsea was a predictable one.

“I think the only way that I know is to work,” he said. “Work really hard with my players to prepare the right way for next season.

“To play in the Champions League next season is great for us and right for the club.

“The players are enthusiastic to play that competition.

We have one competition more, but we are working very well to prepare the team in the right way, to find our feet as well as possible.

“We will put ourselves fully into these four competitions next season.”

Chelsea and Bayern play each other here on Tuesday in the globe-trotting International Champions Cup pre-season tournament.

The friendly will see Ancelotti's Bundesliga champs trying to stop £58million Chelsea signing Morata, who he managed at Real Madrid.

His endorsement of the 24-year-old was emphatic.

“A fantastic young striker,” he said. “Chelsea have a really good signing. A player who can help.

“He has the ability to be better. He’s a complete striker, he can play in different positions.

He’s played central striker, sometimes on the side, in all positions with fitness.

A really good striker. He works well for the team also.”

Bayern new boy James Rodriguez, one of the men with whom Morata shared the bench at the Bernabeu, agrees.

“He’s an amazing player with an amazing shot,” said the Colombian.

“He will do very well. In his time at Real Madrid he did amazing things and I wish him very well this season.”

''IT'S ALL ABOUT WINNING''...LUKAKU DECLARES!

Romelu Lukaku has revealed Jose Mourinho has a Masterplan for Manchester United – and his stars are ready to follow it to the letter to win trophies, writes Steve Bates for The Mirror.

The £75million striker has been bowled over by the winning mentality in United's dressing room after Mourinho won three cups last season to add to an already rich history of silverware.

And Lukaku reckons he couldn't be in a better place to land to glory he craves with Mourinho obsessed with winning.

After arriving in Washington where United face their final US tour game against Barcelona on Wednesday Lukaku said: “The manager has a masterplan and we are following his plan.

“For me it’s all about winning. I want to win. Now I’m at a club where winning is the most important thing. It’s something inside of me.

I want to help my team-mates deliver wins game in game out.

“That’s what I came here for [trophies]. Manchester United, for me, equals trophies. The biggest club in the world equals trophies.

“Growing up, I’ve seen United win the league every year, almost! You want to be a part of that history.

“It’s drilled into your head when you do training sessions with the players, you don’t want to be on the losing side.

"That is something that I wanted to feel. I wanted to feel that pressure, I wanted to feel that hunger – to be here now.

“I’m grateful to be part of the biggest club in the world, but there is a lot of work to be done, and I know that I need to work much harder than I have until now.

"I want to do it because, at the end of the day, I want the club to reach bigger heights, I want the players to win a lot of trophies and I want to create history with the club.”

Lukaku, who scored 25 Premier League goals for Everton last season and has already scored twice in America for United, reckons he's still only half the player he wants to be.

And he's claimed he's nowhere near the level of goalscoring greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski.

“I’m far from that level. But it’s the level I want to aim for.

I’m 24, I can’t say I’m the complete package. I can’t say I’m in my prime.

“There is a lot of work to be done and I’m delighted that there is still work to be done.

That means I can become even better than I am.

“That’s the state of mind I have - I always want to be better.

There is always room to improve. I just want to become the best player I can be.

“ I’ll never say it’s good enough. It’s a pressure I put on myself. When you play for United you have to perform every week.”

Asked whether he's modelled his game on Mourinho's first Chelsea striker Didier Drogba Lukaku said: “Not really. I’m different.

“Drogba is more of a hold-up player, a target man. I prefer to have ball to feet and run in behind. We’re totally different.

“We might have physical similarities but we’re totally different players.

I’m Romelu Lukaku, I want to create my own history. I’m at United, he was at Chelsea.”

LUKAKU HAVE REVEALED WHO ACTUALLY CONVINCED HIM TO JOIN UNITED.

Romelu Lukaku says that Jose Mourinho's plans to "rebuild" Manchester United convinced him to move this summer.


United forked out an initial £75million for the Belgium international, whose mind was made up by his manager's plans rather than the persuasive powers of close friend Paul Pogba.

"We were just on holiday together," Lukaku said of Pogba, whom he was away with in Los Angeles as the move was completed.

"At the end of the day I had to make my own choices.

"It was the conversation I had with the manager that really convinced me the most, the plans and how he wanted to rebuild the club and he wanted me to be part of it.
"I am grateful for the chance."

"It feels great (to be a United player)," Lukaku said in Washington. "It is something I always wanted.

"I always wanted to play for a club of this stature. Now I am here I want to take my chance and try to deliver as much as I could for the club.

"I don't want to talk about personal ambitions. I just want to work hard on a daily basis and win as many games as I can."

"It has gone well for the team," Lukaku said of the build-up to the 2017-18 season.

''Everybody is well prepared.
"We are working really hard and delighted to be here and we need to keep going."

WEST HAM HAVE CONFIRMED THE SIGNING OF CHICHARITO

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen for £16million.

The former Manchester United striker has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the London Stadium.

It marks the Hammers' fourth summer arrival, following on from the transfers of Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta and Marko Arnautovic.

Hernandez, 29, who became Mexico's all-time top goalscorer earlier this year, flew to London on Monday in order to thrash out contract details.

“I am very happy to join West Ham United,” he said. “For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club.

“It was not a difficult decision. West Ham is an historic club, and very ambitious – this summer you can see with the players signed that they are looking to have a very good season.

“I’ve had three fantastic years playing in Spain and Germany, but England was really the first big chapter in my career and I am so happy to be back.

“I am desperate for the season to start and to help the team achieve all their objectives.”

Hernandez represented United between 2010 and 2015, scoring 59 times in his 157 appearances.

Former boss Louis van Gaal authorised the sale of Hernandez to Leverkusen, where he notched a further 39 in 76 in all competitions.

EDEN HAZARD RETURNS TO TRAINING.

Chelsea have received an injury boost as Eden Hazard has returned to light training ahead of the new Premier League season reports The Mirror Sport.

The Belgian posted a clip on his Instagram going through his paces at Cobham as he steps up his recovery before the Blues bid to defend their title.

Hazard has had to undergo treatment on his ankle but his return to the training pitch will boost hopes he is approaching full fitness.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a big-money switch to Real Madrid but is committed to the Stamford Bridge outfit and determined to win more silverware.

While he faces missing the start of the season, he will likely be fit to play by the end of August, and he is determined to help Chelsea retain their title.

He said: “Hopefully, next year it is the same — we win the league and then I win Player of the Year.

"Obviously winning the league is what we want most and the 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’ve been here for five years now and I’m so happy.

“After five years, I know everything about the club. Even if I’m still only 26, I have a lot of experience now.

“I started playing at 16 in France, so I’ve been professional for 10 years. In terms of games and experience, I’m one of the oldest ones.

"I like this club because it’s like a family. I have a lot of friends and we all talk to each other.”

RONALDO HAS NAMED HIS FOUR RIVALS FOR THE BALLON D'OR.

Cristiano Ronaldo believes the fight for the 2017 Ballon d'Or is between him and four other players.

In 2016, Ronaldo pipped Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann to both the Ballon d'Or and the inaugural Best FIFA Men's Player award after winning both the Champions League and the European Championships.

In 2016/17 season, Ronaldo helped Los Blancos to yet another European crown while Zinedine Zidane's side also claimed their first domestic league title since Jose Mourinho's departure.

Ronaldo is the favourite for the 2017 personal awards, but he knows it's not going to be a one way traffic.

"Of course it is always going to be a fight between us," he told ESPN in China.

"I'm there along with [Lionel] Messi, Neymar, [Robert] Lewandowski and [Gonzalo] Higuain.

"That kind of fighting and competition is healthy and that is what motivates me, being better than them year after year.

"The best always try to compete with the best, it keeps you sharp. You know you can never lose focus because others will overtake you."

FULL TIME AT SANTA CLARA.. MANCHESTER UNITED v REAL MADRID.

MANCHESTER 1 REAL MADRID 1.

Manchester United and Real Madrid played out a 1-1 draw in their pre-season friendly.

After being the brighter of the two sides in the opening half, United took a lead into the break after Anthony Martial's individual moment of brilliance allowed Jesse Lingard to tap home from close range.

However, Los Blancos were the more aggressive side in the second period and deservedly levelled through Casemiro's penalty, after Victor Lindelof had fouled Theo Hernandez.

It was 1-1 at full time, but United went ahead to win 2-1 during penalty shootout as seven players failed to find the net.

LINDELOF REVEALES HOW IT FEELS TO WORK WITH MOURINHO.

Manchester United new boy Victor Lindelof believes Jose Mourinho can take his game to a new level.

Lindelof, 23, joined United from Benfica in a £30.75million deal during the summer.

The defender has slotted in seamlessly since pre-season got under way and believes he will flourish under Mourinho.

"There was a lot of talk and in the end I am here - and I am very happy to be here," he told
Press Association Sport in his first interview with the English media.

"It has been good. All the lads in the team are helping a lot, so I am settling in quite good.

"It's just been a week since we started training and played some games. It has been alright - I'm getting into it better and better every day. (Mourinho) is a very good manager. I like him a lot.

"He helped the players a lot when you speak to them, so I think I am going to develop a lot under him."

"I know it is going to be a tough season but we want to play as good as possible and win as many games as we can," added Lindelof, who will take on Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup on Sunday.

"That's the main goal but it is early in the season. We're preparing ourselves but our main goal is to win as many games as possible."

LUKAKU IS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD, INSISTS DE BRUYNE.

Kevin De Bruyne is backing compatriot Romelu Lukaku to be a hit at Manchester United ,
writes David McDonnell in Houston for The Mirror.

Lukaku hit a stunning goal in United’s 2-0 derby win over local rivals City here on Thursday night in the first Manchester derby to be staged outside the UK.

The Red Devils' £75million striker beat debuting £35m keeper Ederson to the ball, then scored with a first-time finish from a tight angle.

And City midfielder De Bruyne, who knows Lukaku well from playing together for Belgium's national team, is convinced the former Everton forward will prove his worth at Old Trafford.

“I think he’ll do very well,” said De Bruyne afterwards. “Everyone knows what his qualities are and he will do what he has to do.

“There’s a lot said about these big transfers, people mock him and other players on social media.

You know it’s there, but you just can’t care about that. You just have to do your job and I think he’ll score 20 to 25 goals for United a season and that will speak for itself.

“If you see his ratio of goals, it’s incredible. He’s one of the best in the world and what is he, 24? You can say that about him at that age.

“Obviously he has his way of playing ‚ don’t compare him to a Lionel Messi. He’s a big, physical guy and can be awesome.”

City, playing the first fixture of a three-game US tour, were second-best at NRG Stadium in front of a crowd of 67,401 and Marcus Rashford made it 2-0 shortly after Lukaku’s opener.

United had already played two matches in the States against MLS sides and were sharper than Pep Guardiola’s men, but De Bruyne is unconcerned.

“It was only the first game,” he said. “We tried to play a good game, but in the end maybe United were a little bit sharper than us.

The way we played was great, but it was the first game.

“We need to go into these games fully, because we need to prepare for the new season.

This year we want to win trophies. That’s what we need to do as a club like City, but we’re not the only ones with that aspiration. There are six or seven others as well.

“It should be better than last season — but also don’t forget there’s a lot of change again this summer with a lot of players coming in or going out.

We don’t know yet how many will arrive, but it’s been a busy transfer period as everybody knows. So we have hopes for the new season.”

City have already signed Ederson from Benfica and Monaco midfielder Bernardo Silva, with several more signings set to arrive before the window closes on August 31.

The Blues are close to completing a £26.5m move for Real Madrid right-back Danilo and are also set to sign Monaco left-back Bernard Mendy for £50m.

De Bruyne acknowledged the change in personnel this summer and conceded it could mean that City take time to adapt as a team.

“In the beginning, it’s always difficult,” he said. “The new players have to adapt to the way we play and they’re used to different systems.

You need more than a week of preparation to get used to it and get going.

“We know, especially defensively, we’ve lost a lot of players, so probably a lot of people will come in too.

I don’t know who we’re going to get, but hopefully there will be a few more yet.”

MANCHESTER CITY HAVE AGREED A DEAL FOR MENDY.

Manchester City have agreed a £52m deal for Monaco left-back Benjamin Mendy.

Mendy’s arrival follows the £54million signing of right-back Kyle Walker, who became the most expensive defender in history.

The 23-year old  becomes City's third signing this summer, having already  signed Mendy’s former Monaco team-mate Bernardo Silva and goalkeeper Ederson from Benfica.

FULL TIME IN HONG KONG... LIVERPOOL v LEICESTER CITY.

Liverpool and Leicester will have their eye on silverware this afternoon.
They both won their opening games of the tournament against Crystal Palace and West Brom respectively.

TEAM NEWS:
Liverpool XI: Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Lovren, Milner; Wijnaldum, Lallana, Coutinho; Salah, Firmino, Origi.

Leicester XI : Schmeichel, Morgan, Drinkwater, Vardy, Albrighton, Maguire, Amartey, Slimani, James, Mahrez, Fuchs.

LIVERPOOL 2 LEICESTER CITY 1.

Salah 20', Coutinho 44'

Slimani 11'.

FULL TIME IN BEIJING... ARSENAL v CHELSEA.

ARSENAL 0 CHELSEA 3.
Willian 40', Bastshuayi 42', 50'

TEAM NEWS :
Arsenal XI: Ospina, Maitland-Niles, Mertesacker, Monreal, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Xhaka, Bramall, Ozil, Iwobi, Lacazette.

Chelsea XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill; Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso; Willian, Batshuayi, Pedro

CHELSEA HAVE COMPLETED THE SINGING OF ALVARO MORATA.

Chelsea have completed the signing of Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid.

The Spanish striker has agreed a five-year deal, arriving for a fee in the region of £67million, and he will now join up with the squad on its pre-season tour of Asia.

Upon completing his transfer, Morata said: "I am so happy to be here. It's an incredible emotion to be part of this big club.

I am looking to work hard, score as many goals as I can and to win as many trophies as possible."

Morata scored 20 goals for Real last season after rejoining the club from Juventus.

FULL TIME IN HOUSTON... MAN UTD. v MAN CITY.

MANCHESTER UNITED 2 MANCHESTER CITY 0.

Lukaku 37', Rashford 39'.

IT IS EITHER THE TITLE OR NOTHING, SAYS CARRICK.

Michael Carrick admits it is the Premier League title or nothing for Manchester United next season, writes David McDonnell in Houston for The Mirror Sport.

Newly-appointed skipper Carrick says winning the title is the only thing that will satisfy Jose ­Mourinho and his players.

And he says he cannot understand the mentality of clubs who view a top-four finish like winning a trophy.

“I can’t get my head round that, to say the top-four is acceptable,” said midfielder Carrick .

“I know we’ve had changes and adjusted as players have come in and out, and you can’t expect to win the league every year, but you’ve got to set out to do that.

“It’s all about winning things.
"In some ways, it’s winning the league or nothing.

It’s another one gone by if you haven’t won it. That’s the way I see it.

“We can’t be sat here saying, ‘Finishing in the top four is a step up from last season’.

That’s not what we’re about here. We need to be aiming for the top.
"It’s a big club, this — a beast of a football club.

I think it has [consumed certain players] over the years. We can all see that.

There is a certain level of expectation, standards and ­scrutiny, that you probably don’t get elsewhere.”

Carrick, a serial trophy winner since he joined from Tottenham for £18million in 2006, has had to endure an unfamiliar barren spell at Old Trafford in recent years.

United have not challenged for the title since Sir Alex Ferguson retired on the back of their 20th championship win in 2013.

“There’s been a lot of change at the club,” said Carrick. “When that happens, sometimes it takes a lot of time for people to find their feet.

“There have been times in the league when standards have dropped, there’s no hiding from that.

“But that doesn’t mean you can’t get back there again, if you keep doing the right things. I know we haven’t done great in the league, but we’ve still managed to win things.

“After the FA Cup win, for this new squad, to get that winning feeling is important.

“You can’t underestimate how important that can be. We managed to build on that last season.

We won the Europa League, the EFL Cup and now we’re back in the Champions League.”

Carrick is convinced United have, in Mourinho, the natural successor to Ferguson, an habitual winner driven by the pursuit of trophies.

“They’re quite different personalities, but of course they’ve both got that drive and desire to win, which is all that matters,” added the 35-year-old.

“Everywhere Jose’s been, he’s won. He’s a winner. He’s done it in different ways, his sides have played different styles, but he’s always found a way to win.

“Even last year, we weren’t at our best for parts of the season, but found a way to win trophies.

“That’s the biggest thing I can say about him – he’s a winner and his desire and drive to win rubs off on everyone.”

ROMELU LUKAKU SEES HIMSELF AS THE WORLD'S BEST, RECKONS KOMPANY.

Manchester United new boy Romelu Lukaku reckons he's the "best player in the world", according to the striker's Belgium team-mate Vincent Kompany.

Lukaku arrived at Old Trafford from Everton earlier this summer for £75m.

And Manchester City skipper Kompany has revealed the 24-year-old believes he's the best.

He told ESPN : “I want him to do well - except for in a few games this season!

As long as we're ahead of them, I'm happy for him to do really well.

“The one thing you get when you have Romelu is an incredible drive to improve and to score goals.

"It's something really unique that I've been able to observe over the years because he's been a player from Anderlecht, which is the same youth system where I come from and I've really followed his progress.

“The key thing with him is he believes he's the best player in the world.

"It doesn't matter whether he is or he isn't, that's the way he approaches every single training session, that's the way he approaches every game.

“If you think you are the best you can never really be satisfied with yourself and therefore you always keep working harder and harder and that's what he does.

It's a special player to have but there will be a lot of competition this season.”

MORATA REVEALES THE CHELSEA PLAYER WHO CONVINCED HIM TO JOIN THE BLUES.

Alvaro Morata has revealed Cesar Azpilicueta convinced him to join Chelsea as the Real Madrid striker closes in on a £67m move.

The 24-year-old landed at Heathrow airport ahead of his medical with the Blues and explained Cesar Azpilicueta helped convince him to swap Madrid for London.

"It's the best club," Morata told Sky Sports News when asked why he chose Chelsea.

"He [Conte] is one of the best coaches of the world and I'm so happy to work with Antonio.

"I don't know [how close I came to joining Manchester United], the most important thing is I'm here and to play for Chelsea and I'm here to take the medical and I think everything is OK.

"It's one of the best leagues of the world and I'm so happy to be here.

"I speak with Azpilicueta and he told me everything is OK."

ZLATAN AND ROONEY HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPLACED AT UNITED, SAYS RASHFORD.

Marcus Rashford insists he and Romelu Lukaku can fill the void left by the departures of Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, reports The Mirror Sport.

Ibrahimovic was released by Manchester United after suffering a cruciate ligament injury that has ruled him out until December, while Rooney has rejoined boyhood club Everton after 13 years at Old Trafford.

And Rashford, who scored twice in United's 5-2 win over LA Galaxy in the opening game of their US tour, is convinced he and new £75million signing Lukaku can form a strike partnership to ease the loss of two such experienced forwards.

"It's obviously going to be different [without Rooney and Ibrahimovic] but there was a time when they weren't the people they were," said Rashford.

"We have to change and develop to become what they were.
"Wayne just let me get on with it.

If something was going a bit out of line he definitely would have stepped in knowing him as a person.

"I don't think he needed to. He was always there to give me advice if I needed some.

Losing that type of character is difficult but it's football, we have to move on."

Rashford scored 11 goals in 53 appearances last season, including a three-month drought midway through the campaign, as he was forced to play second fiddle to Ibrahimovic.

But the 19-year-old said his difficult first full season at United, where not everything had gone his way, was a valuable experience for him in terms of his development.

"It was a different experience," said Rashford.

"I experienced something I hadn't experienced the year before, but it puts you in good stead for the future.

"It impacts on you quite a lot, how you recover from that. That's what I was looking at.

"It's not the be-all and end-all if I'm not scoring goals.

This season I'll put more pressure on myself to score more and take on more responsibility.

"I think last season the stats are what brought things down.

They're the things you want to try to bring up.

"But they're not the things I was concentrating solely on last season.

Season by season I have different aims and responsibilities to the team.

"This year, hopefully I'll take more responsibility on. That's the aim.

"Maturity is a massive part of how you develop on the pitch.

I think that's been one of the main things for me, I've obviously matured.

It does change your game on the pitch and that's the biggest thing.

"You don't change anything in particular, you just mature naturally.

"There's always pressure playing at United.

I don't think it changes. You put it on yourself more. Year on year, that will only increase.

"The responsibility that I put on myself is the thing that's changed. Fans always expect the best from me, so the pressure doesn't change."

Rashford will be hoping to play some part in United's third pre-season game against Manchester City on Thursday.

''N'GOLO KANTE DECLARES! ''WE WILL WIN WHAT WE CAN WIN.''

Midfielder, N’Golo Kante knows that Chelsea players must do all it takes not to fall below last season's title winning standards.

The Footballer of the Year said: “After every game you have to do better in the next game and the season is the same.

After last season we have to start in the same way and try to do better.

“We know at a club like Chelsea a good season means to win titles.

So we will try to win some. We will win what we can win.”

Chelsea got off to an unhappy start to the league last season, but turned it around to win the title, although Arsenal upset the Blues in the FA Cup final. And Kante admits ­Chelsea they will have something to prove against Arsenal who they play in Beijing on Saturday and again in the Community Shield at Wembley in the annual curtain-raiser.

Kante said: “Arsenal played well in the FA Cup final, better than us and they deserved the victory.

"This will be just a friendly game. It is important for our preparation. But the season will really start in the Community Shield.”

After missing out on last season's Champions League having finished 10th in the previous season, the Blues will compete with Europe's elites this season and the French Midfielder knows that Chelsea must be up to the task.

“It will be the first time to play in the Champions League; Kante added.

"Chelsea was the last English club to win it and a club like Chelsea needs to be in the Champions League.

We have to think about doing very well in it.”

''TOMORROW I WILL BE AT CHELSEA''... MORATA DECLARES!

Alvaro Morata has broken his silence after Chelsea confirmed they had agreed terms with the Real Madrid forward.

After agreeing terms with the Stamford Bridge club, Morata revealed he has no regrets from his time at the Bernabeu, adding that he can't wait to join Chelsea.

"I am very happy, God willing, tomorrow I will be at Chelsea, a club that has always wanted me," Morata told Marca.

"I'm not disappointed about anything, I've won four titles here [with Real Madrid], but now I only think of putting on the Chelsea shirt.

"I want to grow up, if I didn't I wouldn't have left. I'd like to thank Zidane and wish him luck for the upcoming season.

"Thanks to all the Madridistas who supported me. I will always wish Madrid the best. The last time I wore this shirt was in Cibeles."

CHELSEA HAVE AGREED A DEAL WITH MADRID TO SIGN MORATA.

Chelsea have confirmed they have agreed a deal with Real Madrid for striker Alvaro Morata.

The Blues have been on the lookout for a new striker with Diego Costa set to leave the club this summer.

Romelu Lukaku was heavily linked before joining Manchester United but a deal for Morata is now close.

The fee is believed to be in the region of £67million, with Chelsea now having to agree personal terms with the player.

Morata will become Chelsea's fourth signing of the summer. The Blues have since signed Rudiger, Caballero and Bakayoko.

Morata's arrival will likely pave the way for Diego Costa to leave the club this summer.
The Spaniard has been told he has no future at Stamford Bridge with a return to Atletico Madrid on the cards.

SZCZESNY SAYS EMOTIONAL GOODBYE TO ARSENAL.

Juventus’ new signing has said an emotional farewell to Arsenal fans.
Writing on Instagram, he said:

“I remember being a young boy in Poland, watching David Seaman, Thierry Henry, Dennis Berkamp and others play for Arsenal.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get a chance to play for the club I supported as a little kid.

“When I was approached by Arsenal in 2005 my world changed forever.

I began my journey as a 16 year old boy at the Arsenal’s academy, trying to one day become a first team player, going out for evening runs in East Barnet with Jack Wilshere. Little did we know then, that couple years later we’d beat Barcelona in the Champions League and wear the no.1 and no.10 shirts.

“It has been over 11 years since I became an Arsenal player and I never thought the day I leave this club would come.

Everything that I am and everything that I have, I owe to Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Liam Brady, David Court, Bob Arber, Steve Bould, Neil Banfield, Mike Salmon, Tony Roberts, Gerry Peyton, Pat Rice and many others. Words can’t describe my gratitude to these people and love for this club.

“Today I move on, ready for the new challenge in my life, taking with me only the good memories and bag of expierience.

I leave hopeful that those days of Berkamp,Henry, Seaman and others are soon to return to Emirates Stadium and Arsenal get back to winning the Premier League.

“I may not be an Arsenal player no more but I will carry the Arsenal name with me wherever I go and I will do so with great pride. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner!”

JUVENTUS HAVE COMPLETED THE SIGNING OF GOALKEEPER WOJCIECH SZCZESNY FROM ARSENAL.

Szczesny, 27, who spent the last two seasons on loan with Roma has now agreed to compete with the veteran Gianluigi Buffon for the gloves at the Allianz Stadium.

The fee is reportedly 11.3 million euros (£10million) for a player who made almost 200 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal.

After committing to the Old Lady until 2021, the Pole told juventus.com: "I'm really happy to be here.

I've already spoken to Buffon, a legend in our game, and I can learn a lot from him.

"I'm not feeling any pressure, I'm here to represent the club at the highest level. When you come to Juve, it's because you've been chosen. I had no hesitation.

"In football there's always room for improvement.

I'm proud of the work I've done thus far and I'm ready for this new challenge - Juventus is the best choice for the next stage of my career.

"Do I have any weaknesses? No, I'm a Juventus player now!"