₦airaland Forum

Alonso 'hands in transfer request'
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has handed in an official transfer request, according to reports.
The Spain international has been publicly courted by Real Madrid all summer and is keen to seal a move back to Spain.
Reports on Wednesday suggested Alonso had been given 48 hours to make a decision on his future.
And the Liverpool Echo claims the 27-year-old has now informed Liverpool in writing of his desire to leave Anfield as he looks to bring to an end one of the summer's longest-running transfer sagas.
Real are expected to have to pay upwards of £30m to secure his services, with Reds boss Rafa Benitez unwilling to let the Spain international leave on the cheap.
The Madrid club have already indicated how important Alonso is to their plans for next season, with president Florentino Perez saying on Wednesday that it was "fundamental" they sign him.
Real have already spent big money this summer, bringing in the likes of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul Albiol, Karim Benzema and most recently Alonso's former Liverpool team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa.
https://d.yimg.com/i//ng/sp/eurosport/20090730/25/715054c5a164ff4e02581b5a5d3c29a7.jpg
http://eurosport.yahoo.com/30072009/58/barclays-premier-league-alonso-hands-transfer-request.html

Newcastle United Accept Wolfsburg Bid For Obafemi Martins - Report
Newcastle United have tonight accepted a bid from German side Wolfsburg for striker Obafemi Martins. Sky Sports News reports that the fee agreed between the clubs is €10.5 million.
Die Wolfe manager Armin Veh had recently voiced his admiration for the Nigerian striker, with the German boss admitting that 'Oba' was on his list of possible targets.
"We have two tall strikers in Edin Dzeko and Grafite and they both play pretty much centrally," he told the Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung.
"Therefore, we are looking for a player who can combine with them both, [someone] who can come in from out wide."
Martins himself has claimed that he feels the Bundesliga will soon become the best football league in the world. However, it may be difficult for the striker to find first team starts if Wolfsburg's star double-act remain with the club.
If Martins arrives at the Volkswagen-Arena then he could well serve as third choice behind last season's hit duo of Edin Dzeko and Grafite.
But with both players, Dzeko in particular, being linked with a host of clubs this summer, there are some rumblings within Germany that Martins could in fact serve as one's replacement.
AC Milan have already failed in their attempt to land Dzeko but this news may see them spurred on to make a new attempt, while Premier League clubs such as Arsenal will also look on with interest.
https://i.media.goal.com/g/37895_news.jpg
http://goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/07/29/1411238/newcastle-united-accept-wolfsburg-bid-for-obafemi-martins

OFFICIAL: Elano Leaves Manchester City For Galatasaray
Elano has quit Manchester City to join Galatasary, the Turkish club has confirmed.
Italian rivals AC Milan and Inter were believed to be interested in the player, but Sky Sports News is reporting the Brazilian international to have made the move for a fee believed to be close to €9.5 million (£8m).
The news has been confirmed by Galatasaray's official website, which pictures the creative middle-man on its front page.
"Brazilian national football team player Elano Blumer (27) has signed a four-year contract with Galatasaray after playing at Manchester City for two years," a brief statement read on the club site.
The Citizens have started to reduce their squad size, and Elano becomes the fourth player to leave after a slew of purchases this summer.
Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and now Kolo Toure have all arrived at Eastlands.
Ched Evans has been sold to Championship outfit Sheffield United, while Valeri Bojinov and Felipe Caicedo have made loan switches to Parma and Sporting CP respectively.
https://i.media.goal.com/g/47262_news.jpg
http://goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/07/30/1411925/official-elano-leaves-manchester-city-for-galatasaray

Talented player but failed to deliver consistently. I am surprised he snubbed Inter.

Celtic are in trouble after losing at home to Dinamo Moscow.
UEFA cup champions, Shakhtar Donetsk, should thank Fernadinho for saving them from a tight spot by scoring the late goal that earned them a 2-2 draw. They have cup tied Barcelona target, Chygrynskiy and that should end Braca's interest in the player.
Anderlecht seem almost through to the play offs with their 5-0 win.
Olympiacos are also looking almost certain with a 2-0 away win. Panathinaikos arent looking so good.

Semi finals on friday
Juventus v Real Madrid
Aston Villa v Porto

Wednesday July 29, 2009

Aston Villa 3 - 1  Atlante
(Albrighton 38', Carew 48', Young 62') (Davies og 20')

Beşiktaş 0 - 0 Porto

MrCrackles:
DK and his gremlins will be out in full force!

Beating Milan this pre season no be anything. Abi no be everybody don dey beat them?

Does anyone have an estimate of how much Arsenal would lose if they miss out on the CL and play in the europa league?
cos if they can make up the margin by selling players, then the move might be the best from the financial side.

tkb417:
cartcart wants to score by force in his own net. na wa

The header had power and placement - it would have been the goal of the tournament.

Nice game. New boy valencia has looked solid though a bit bland.
Fabio is showing good potential, though Boca have overloaded his side and Park is not offering much help.
Boca are obviously in better physical condition

olabukola:
TBK Any online broadcast.

try http://atdhe.net/

no need to shout. August don reach.
By August 26, first wind go don blow, and we go see fowl yansh  

see dem: Arsenal FC of Ijebuland  

proudly9ja:
We shouldn't even be discussing ManCity! As long as Hughes is manager, they will not get into the top four and as for the 2009/10 season, they would have lost a lot of matches before deciding to sack Hughes aqnd by then, the damage would have been done. But in terms of comparisons (for all the overnight City fans out there), I admit they have a deeper and stronger squad than we do. Also to their advantage is the money factor. If any player gets injured or doesn't live up, they jus sell him or bench him and buy another one come January. Unlike us, Arsene  will rather go to the youth team to look for a player or sell someone to bring another in.

Hughes wont win the EPL but will get that CL spot or who is stopping him? Arsenal? Hilarious!!!

debosky:
Injury has already reared it's head Brash - Kompany is out for a long stretch with a toe injury, Santa Cruz is recovering from injury (another perpetual injury candidate) amongst others.

Kompany is out but they still have toure, getting lescott, Onuoha, Dunne and Richards.
Santa cruz is injured but they still have Adebbayor, Tevez, Robinho, and Bellamy
Summary, they have adequate depth on their bench to cope with such injuries.

Arsenal on the other hand lack the depth or quality to deal with recent departures, forget about injuries. Nasri has opened his account for the season, and we will soon see the usual crocks of RVP, Eduardo, Rosicky et al  on the doctors table

Alvaro Arbeloa Passes Medical With Real Madrid
According to a statement released by Real Madrid on their official website, Alvaro Arbeloa "is in perfect condition" and successfully passed the medical underwent this morning at the Sanitas La Moraleja hospital.
Arbeloa is now heading to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he will pen a five-year contract with the Spanish giants.
The 26-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Deportivo la Coruna in 2007, made a total of 99 appearances for the Reds, netting two goals.
Arbeloa had just one more year to run on his contract at Anfield, and he will cost Real Madrid a figure in the region of €4 million.
https://i.media.goal.com/g/52732_news.jpg
http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/222/transfer-zone/2009/07/29/1410592/alvaro-arbeloa-passes-medical-with-real-madrid

Only Xabi remains

Alvaro Arbeloa Passes Medical With Real Madrid
According to a statement released by Real Madrid on their official website, Alvaro Arbeloa "is in perfect condition" and successfully passed the medical underwent this morning at the Sanitas La Moraleja hospital.
Arbeloa is now heading to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he will pen a five-year contract with the Spanish giants.
The 26-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Deportivo la Coruna in 2007, made a total of 99 appearances for the Reds, netting two goals.
Arbeloa had just one more year to run on his contract at Anfield, and he will cost Real Madrid a figure in the region of €4 million.
https://i.media.goal.com/g/52732_news.jpg
http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/222/transfer-zone/2009/07/29/1410592/alvaro-arbeloa-passes-medical-with-real-madrid

Only Xabi remains

Barcelona’s Aliaksandr Hleb Close To Stuttgart Loan
Aliaksandr Hleb had been included in the Samuel Eto'o-Zlatan Ibrahimovic swap deal between Barcelona and Inter Milan, but he has turned down the opportunity to represent the Italian champions, according to the latest reports.
It is understood that he prefers to team up with Stuttgart, where he spent five years from 2000-2005 before signing for Arsenal.
According to Sport, Barcelona have agreed to loan Hleb out to Stuttgart, with the Belarus international expected to undergo a medical this afternoon.
Meanwhile, it is reported that Barcelona will pay Inter an additional €4.5 million for Ibrahimovic as Hleb is no longer included in the deal.
https://i.media.goal.com/g/35729_news.jpg
http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/222/transfer-zone/2009/07/29/1410694/barcelonas-aliaksandr-hleb-close-to-stuttgart-loan-report

The failings of a wannabe. Seems Morrati is going to bleed them dry

and still they say Man City wont qualify for the CL. August don reach, we willl soon see

Sunday July 26, 2009
Sevilla 0 – 0  Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma

Real Madrid 1 – 1 Al-Ittihad
(Raúl 55' ) (Aboucherouane 63')


Monday July 27, 2009
Málaga 1 – 3 Atlante
(José Luque 24') (Pereyra 16', Márquez 66', Bermúdez 72')

Lyon 0 – 2 Porto
() (Hulk 8', 76')


Tuesday July 28, 2009

Juventus 3-0 Seongnam
(Iaquinta 40’, Diego 53’, Legrottaglie 70’) ()

Real Madrid 4 - 2 Liga de Quito
(Ronaldo 48’ pen., Granero 52’, Metzelder 71’, Negredo 93’) (Vera 67’, 86’)

Official: Benfica Sign Barcelona Striker Keirrison On Loan
The Portuguese club have secured the services of the Brazilian striker on a season-long deal.
Keirrison had been tipped to leave Barcelona on loan as the Catalan club were interested in having the player gain football experience elsewhere before giving him a chance at the Camp Nou.
Benfica have now issued a statement to the Portuguese stock market in which they confirm a compromise has been reached with Barcelona to sign the 20-year-old on a season-long deal, with the option for another year.
According to news daily A BOLA, Keirrison is already flying to Lisbon and could be presented before the end of the day.
The former Palmeiras man is Benfica's third striking reinforcement this summer, following the arrivals of Javier Saviola and Weldon.
https://i.media.goal.com/g/52445_news.jpg
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1956/europe/2009/07/28/1409117/official-benfica-sign-barcelona-striker-keirrison-on-loan

That article is BS. It didnt compare Ibra to Eto'o, which was the relevant comparism but rather compared Ibra to selected players in selected areas.
- The fact that eto'o scored and Barca put two past the full ManU defence in one game, while Ibra and Inter couldnt score against their depleted versions over two legs shows the difference in attacking power of the players and the clubs.
- He talks about eto'o's bust up with pepe in January but forgot that Pep had tried to sell samuel the prior summer and the relationship had been poor from the word go. Pep fired the first Salvo, not eto'o
Yet he forgot to mention Ibra issues like his allegedly hurting Ajax team mate VDV intentionally, his  '70M euros Madrid bid' publicity stunt, his forceful extrication from juventus, and his high wage demands at inter.
- He never rebutted that Ibra has never performed on the big stage annd only tried to excuse it by making comaprisms to other players.

Barca got rimmed, and it is as simple as that.

khanye:
wetin the fool dey do for our stadium

so una don become cheap thugs?
Verbal taunting is allowed, but physically assaulting the guy is simply thuggery.

Real Madrid Fan Assaulted At Ibrahimovic's Presentation
http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/138/spain/2009/07/28/1409046/real-madrid-fan-assaulted-at-ibrahimovics-presentation
Whats with the hooligan behavior?
We no dey for England nah

Thats for the highest of the 3 relegated teams. Often the guy at the bottom is decided very early in the season and usually stops fighting the coming relegation. The highest of the relegated teams puts in his best for the better part of the season and is often not decided until the last matchday and thus it is a better measure of the quality of teams that get relegated.

For La Liga in the past 5 seasons
2008/09: 42pts
2007/08: 42pts
2006/07: 39pts
2005/06: 39pts
2004/05: 37pts

In the same time span, the highest number of points for a relegated team in the EPL was 38pts.

Add the fact that EPL champions often have 90+pts while La Liga winners are usually in the 80s and one can see that the margin between top and bottom is much less in La Liga when comapred to EPL and thus the league is more competitive.

La Liga is more competitive than both EPL and Serie A. The margin between the top teams and the bottoms teams are much less.

looking at the point spread
EPL:
Winner 90pts
4th 72pts
Relegation 34pts

La Liga
Winner 87 pts
4th 67pts
Relegation 42pts

Serie A
Winner 84 pts
4th 68pts
Relegation 33pts

La Liga is the only one where you get relegated with 40+pts

Under UEFA regulation only seating capacity counts. No standing is allowed for European games.
The seating capacity of AA is 66K.
Wembley has 90K seating capacity
Nou camp has 99.8k seating capacity (1.5x AA)
AA is small when compared to all the other 80K+ stadiums and one of those would be the best.

Compare to wembley
Stats and Facts

General facts
The stadium has a circumference of 1 km
There are 107 steps in the trophy presentation route – the old stadium had 39 steps
The new Wembley encloses 4,000,000 m3 inside its walls and under its roof. This is the equivalent of 25,000 double-decker buses or 7 billion pints of milk
The deepest of the piles that form the foundations, at 35 metres, is as deep as the Twin Towers were tall
The new pitch is four metres lower than the previous pitch
Each of the two giant screens in new stadium is the size of 600 domestic television sets
The total length of the escalators is the same as a 400 metre running track

The seats
The stadium has 90,000 seats with NO obstructed views
The rows of seating, if placed end to end, would stretch 54 kilometers
There is more leg room in every seat in Wembley Stadium than there was in the Royal Box of the old stadium
The seats are spread over three tiers: lower 34,303, middle 16,532 and upper 39,165

The arch
The arch is 133 metres above the level of the external concourse
With a span of 315 metres, the arch is the longest single span roof structure in the world
With a diameter of 7.4 metres the arch is wide enough for a Channel Tunnel train to run through
A representative from every county in England was involved in the construction of the arch
To read more about the Arch Fascinating facts click here.

The roof
The stadium roof rises to 52 metres above the pitch. This compares to the 35 metres tall Twin Towers of the old stadium
The roof is over 11 acres, of which four of the acres are retractable

Facilities
The soft drink dispensers can pour 30,000 cups in a little over 10 minutes
Approximately 40,000 pints of beer can be served during half time in a football/rugby league match

Transport
Almost 40,000 people come through Wembley Park station on an event day
100 trains an hour will go through the three Wembley stations servicing the Stadium

How many…?
90,000 seats
310 wheelchair spaces
400 press seats

34 bars
8 restaurants
98 kitchens
688 food and drink service points
10,500 seated covers on an event day

2,618 toilets
47 retail units (programmes, merchandise, betting)
164 turnstiles
26 lifts
30 escalators

1 Camp Nou 98,772
2 Wembley Stadium 90,000
3 Olimpiysky 83,450
4 Croke Park 82,300
5 Signal Iduna Park 81,264
6 Estadio Santiago Bernabéu 80,354
7 Stadio Giuseppe Meazza 80,074
8 Stade de France 80,000
9 Luzhniki Stadium 78,360
10 Hrazdan Stadium 78,000
11 Old Trafford 76,212
12 Atatürk Olympic Stadium 75,486
13 Millennium Stadium 74,500
14 Olympiastadion 74,228
15 Stadio Olimpico 72,700
16 Athens Olympic Stadium 71,030
17 Munich Olympiastadion 69,250
18 Stadium Puskás Ferenc 68,976
19 Murrayfield Stadium 67,800

Examples of criteria: architecture, capacity, incline/steepness, acoustics, proximity of stands to playing field, line of sight, transportation, atmosphere, safety, amenities, popularity, etc

I didnt say Nou camp was the best but only that 66k is too small, when there are almost 20 stadiums with larger capacities.
You have said nothing about the pitch, covered seating etc.
Until there is an agreed criteria, you cannot just conclude on looks alone and capacity has to be one of the criteria used.

and your point being?
You are yet to answer the questions of which criteria you are using outside of aesthetics?
Abi why didnt you call the thread 'the finest stadium'?

With the sale of Toure and Adebayor to City, are Arsenal giving up on the UCL spot?