Mutu: Fiorentina For Life

Adrian Mutu has rubbished rumours of a possible move to Roma, and says that he wants to end his career with Fiorentina.



The Romanian is currently in the middle of contract negotiations with the Viola, and the Italian press have been constantly reporting over the past few weeks that these talks were not going well, and that a possible transfer to Roma was on the cards.

However, Mutu has seemingly ended all this speculation once and for all by declaring that he wants to stay at Fiorentina for life.

“We are currently negotiating my contract and I heard some very interesting things in today’s [contract] meeting. I think in the next few days we can put pen to paper,” explained Mutu.

“I have the opportunity to end my career at Fiorentina and that is what I want to do. It’s not just about money, but other conditions too

“I have not spoken to Roma at all. I don’t know if my agent did. In any case, it is not the first time a club has inquired after me, so I am used to it and it didn’t affect me.

“The contract proposal [with Fiorentina] is the same as it ever was, we are just waiting for the President. I have no reason to want a change of scenery. In today’s meeting we decided that I’ll sign if that’s what the President wants.”

The 29-year-old Mutu joined the Viola from Juventus in 2006, and has been arguably the club’s key player in both of his two seasons at the club.

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Legend Maldini Explains Retirement Decision

Footballing legend Paolo Maldini has explained his reasons for continuing his career at Milan for another year, while he has hailed new signing Ronaldinho as “one of the greatest players ever”.



Maldini was due to retire from football at the end of last season following a glittering career spanning almost a quarter-of-a-century.

However, some brilliant form from the defender saw him have a change of heart, and he ended up signing a one year extension until 2009.

“What makes me want to continue is my great love for this sport and what I have always felt for football in all these years,” Maldini told Milan Channel at the press conference presentation ahead of the new season.

“I continue for another season because I still have strong motivations, of course in agreement with everyone, the club, the coach, and with my team mates who have asked me more than once to continue last season.

“I decided to do the most natural thing, to continue and add another year to still feel these feelings because I have the conviction I can still do well, to be important for this group.”

Maldini also commented on the signing of Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho, who last night completed his long-awaited move from Barcelona.

“Concerning Ronaldinho, I know him as an opponent. I think he's one of the greatest players ever,” said the 40-year-old.

“Here he will also find the right environment to return at high levels. Milan have great feeling with champions, many times we have bought them when they were already great, and many times we have created champions.”

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Aimar To Toon In 48 Hours

Newcastle United are set to beat Benfica to the signature of Real Zaragoza star, Pablo Aimar...



Reports in Spain suggest the Argentine international is close to completing a move to St James Park as he is eager to try his hand in the Premier League.

A talented playmaker, Aimar will be leaving Zaragoza after their shock relegation to the Segunda Division, and Portuguese side Benfica were thought to be the frontrunners for his signature, with Everton also reported to be monitoring the situation.

The Magpies, who have been promising players to excite the fans next season, look to be ever-closer to providing yet another, with Aimar's compatriot Jonas Gutierrez already snapped up from Real Mallorca.

A fee of £7 million is thought to have been agreed and the player's representatives now in Newcastle to finalise a deal within 48 hours.

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Video:Germany beat Spain in Euro 2008

The under 19 version.Defending Champs Spain started their title defence with a loss to arch rivals Germany.Richard Sukuta-Pasu and Omer Toprak scored in each half for the Germans, while Jordi Alba pulled one back midway through the second half for Spain.

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Video: Three Lion (cubs) lose to Czech Repubic

The Under 19 Euro's are on and England goalie David Button didn't exactly cover himself with glory after a blunder from him gifted the Czech forward Tomas Necid with a goal.He added insult to injury by scoring the second goal of the game as well a little later on.Take a look

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Chase Michael makes a radical move

Chase Michael Hilgenbrinck McDonald is an American soccer defender who plays for the New England Revolution of MLS.Hilgenbrinck signed with Huachipato of Chile's top division, but was loaned out to lower division club Deportes Naval. He eventually moved on to second-division club Ñublense and helped them to achieve promotion to Chile's top flight.The youtube video is of an interview with him before he went to Chile I guess.Why this sudden interest in Chase Michael Hilgenbrinck ? He's leaving it all behind and joining the priesthood - more luck to him.God knows we need more priests who can play football [ er soccer]

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Official: Ronaldinho To Milan

Milan have confirmed the signing of Barcelona superstar Ronaldinho, with the transfer fee expected to be 25 million euros, of which 21 will be paid up front.



Reads a statement released by Milan: "AC Milan and FC Barcelona have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ronaldinho.

"Tomorrow, the player will be in Milan for the medical, and to sign the contract which will tie him to Milan until June 30th 2011."

This announcement brings to an end months of speculation over the Brazilian's future.

He had been on the outer at Barcelona pretty much since El Clasico in December, with his private life, his fitness and his bulging waistline making more headlines than his performances on the pitch.

Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard, always one to back him given what they had achieved together, had to drop him due to his dropping fitness levels, and once Pep Guardiola was announced as the new coach in early May, a summer exit for the two time World Player of the Year was only a matter of time.

Chelsea and Milan were the early frontrunners, with the player himself expressing a desire to team up with Luiz Felipe Scolari once again last month. However, Big Phil was not too keen, and Manchester City subsequently came into the fray.

But with Chelsea out, there was only going to be one winner, and that had been clear for two weeks now. City had a superior financial offer for Barca, but as with many things these days, the player's will had the final say and a deal was struck with Milan after intense negotiations between Adriano Galliani, Joan Laporta and Roberto de Assis.

During his five years in Spain, Ronaldinho won two La Liga titles (2004-05, 2005-06), one Champions League (2005-06), the World player of the Year award twice (2004, 2005), and the Ballon d'Or (2005).

He leaves on a low, but when the dust settles, he will go down as one of the best to ever play for Barcelona - as much for what he won as for the way he heralded a new era for the club following the collapse of Real Madrid's 'Galactico' policy.

Some of his best displays also came on the biggest of stages - a sensational left footed strike against Milan in the Champions League in 2004, two more against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge that almost saw Barcelona through single handedly later that season, and then that sublime assist for Ludovic Giuly at San Siro a year later - which guaranteed Barcelona's progress to the final.

However, perhaps the crowning moment was his stunning showing at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2005, when he got a standing ovation from the Real Madrid fans after two goals and a mesmerising display of football in a 3-0 win.

The challenge for Milan now will be to get the player back to peak fitness, before we even speak of form. He still has the magic in his feet as we saw from his two goals on his return to football a couple of weeks ago, but whether he can roll back the years and offer the Rossoneri the kind of service he did to Barcelona, remains to be seen. His ability against rigid Italian defenses will also be tested to the limit.

It will also be very interesting to see how he fits into the team, and whether Ronaldinho, Kaka, Alexandre Pato, Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf (who has openly opposed this move) can play together.

Barcelona, in the meantime, are expected to announce the signing of Aliaksandr Hleb, with Arsenal seemingly having given the nod following the signing of Samir Nasri from Marseille.

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