Mourinho hails super United - but can't help a cheeky swipe at Rooney

Jose Mourinho expects to be facing the world’s top team when Inter Milan tackle Manchester United in the Champions League but he could not resist a typical swipe about Wayne Rooney’s availability.

‘I wanted United because I want to face the best,’ he added.

‘They are European champions and will probably become world champions.

'They have the Ballon d’Or winner in Cristiano Ronaldo, many other great players and a great coach in Sir Alex.

'All this will motivate us.’

Mourinho then took a dig at UEFA for ignoring Rooney’s stamp on Aalborg’s Kasper Risgard in United’s final group game, a decision which cleared the striker to meet Inter in the last 16 in February.

The former Chelsea boss, recalling Michael Essien’s ban for a bad tackle on Liverpool’s Dietmar Hamann in 2005, said: ‘If they are the rules, they must be respected.

'But something extraordinary happened to me when I was at Chelsea.

'The rules were changed exclusively for us. We played in the group phase in the same group as Liverpool.

‘This could not happen now and Essien was disqualified for three matches through trial by TV.

'The same thing didn’t happen with Rooney last week.

'So he will be available against us.’

United, who are in Sunday's Club World Cup Final in Japan, are away to Inter first and Ferguson said: ‘It will be interesting to come up against Jose again.

‘He’s a character with a good personality and I’ve always got on well with him.

'He knocked us out of the competition when he was at Porto, so I hope we have the luck they had in that tie this time round.’

Source: dailymail.co.uk

Sol hate taunts thug 'is a cop'

ONE of the thugs being hunted over obscene chants at soccer star Sol Campbell is thought to be a COP.

Earlier this week police issued pictures of 16 Tottenham fans who allegedly subjected Campbell to a tirade of abuse.

They have already arrested two of the mob — and are set to question a further seven suspects.

The group are accused of shouting racist and homophobic abuse at the former Tottenham defender when their team played Portsmouth in September.

Yesterday Essex Police admitted they were liaising with their counterparts in Hampshire over claims that one of their officers was in the group.

The PC, who is in his early 20s, only recently joined the force after completing his basic training.

Cops began probing the sick songs targeted at former England centre-back Campbell, 34, who became a hate figure to Spurs fans after he left White Hart Lane to join North London rivals Arsenal in 2001.

Last night a former friend of the �cop� in the mob said: �The last time we spoke he was training to be a police officer and planned to join Essex Police.

�I knew he was a Tottenham supporter and I knew he was a bit of a lout so for him to be involved in this, it does not surprise me.�

A 28-year-old from Ringwood, Hants, and a 36-year-old from Wokingham, Berks, arrested in connection with the inquiry were yesterday released on bail until January 21.

Police are still looking to identify the remaining suspects.

A spokesman said: �Officers have received a steady stream of information and names.�

Source: www.thesun.co.uk

Man-Ho Has New Lady-Ho

Portsmouth striker Jermaine Defoe, already voted Man Whore of the Year by Kickette after his dalliances with everyone from Danielle Lloyd to David Beckham’s sister Joanne, has a freshly minted new WAG…and this one sounds like a keeper.

Chantelle Houghton (the orange tinted young lady pictured above) is, of course, a model and perhaps most notable for winning UK Celebrity Big Brother 2006 over the likes of Dennis Rodman, Traci Bingham, and a person named Maggot. Though only 25 years old, she is already once divorced (she met her husband on Celebrity Big Brother…no, it wasn’t Rodman). She got her start in modelling after her mother took some topless pictures of her at a local park.

Let me repeat that: she got her start in modelling after her mother took some topless pictures of her at a local park. And from a start as classy as that, there really is only one logical career choice: Paris Hilton look-alike. That’s right, Ms. Houghton worked for an agency that hired her out as a Paris Hilton look-alike — a resemblance that later earned her the nickname of “Parish Travelodge.”

Yes, friends, this truly is a match made in heaven…or maybe some kind of STD filled hot tub.

Source: www.dirtytackle.net

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich buys 100 acres of land on the moon

Some strange science news for you now. You know how you can “buy” stars, even though such purchases aren’t recognized by any legitimate scientific organization? Well, Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abromovich—he’s a tremendously wealthy Russian, for those of who don’t know who he is—just did one better.

He bought [Spanish] his girlfriend 100 acres of land on the moon.

Yes, the Russian billionaire “bought” the land, which is located between 20-24°S latitude and 30-34°W longitude up there, in order to make it up to his soon-to-be wife, Daria Zhukova. Apparently their crazy wedding had o be toned done because of the credit crisis, which has affected Abramovich’s fortune.

The land, in case you’re looking to symbolically buy some moon property, was purchased from The Lunar Embassy.

Source: www.crunchgear.com

Marlon King bailed after arrest for alleged attack on girl in London club

Hull striker Marlon King was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly punching a girl in a London nightclub at the weekend after she turned down his advances.

The 28-year-old married player was also questioned on suspicion of indecently assaulting the 20-year-old who was rushed to hospital with a suspected broken nose and a cut lip after the alleged attack.

Witnesses said married father of two King, who earns £25,000 a week, had danced near the girl and then grabbed her bottom, then turned on her when she asked him to leave her alone.

Police were called, but King had already gone. He was arrested after attending a police station by appointment on Wednesday morning.

It is understood that he refused to comment and was released on police bail.

CCTV footage has been seized from the Soho Revue Bar in London's West End where King, on loan from Wigan, was celebrating after scoring a late penalty to secure Hull's 2-1 win over Middlesbrough.

A source said: 'He was repeatedly pestering the girl and grabbing her bottom. She kept asking him to leave her alone and at one point he just turned and punched her.

'It was not a slap and it looked like she had a broken nose. There was blood dripping on her clothes and handbag.

'Some of his friends were trying to make out that it was all perfectly justified because she was pestering him but it seemed very much like it was the other way round.'

King was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm and indecent assault.

A police spokesman said: 'We are investigating an allegation of assault on a 20-year-old female in the early hours of Sunday morning.

'A 28-year-old man has been arrested today in connection with the incident. He has been bailed to return on a date in February.'

A spokesman for Hull City refused to comment.

Only last month, King was fined two weeks' wages after a 3am fight in a Scarborough casino with fellow Hull striker Dean Windass. The pair had to be pulled apart by stunned colleagues.

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

Tottenham star bundled out of drunken Christmas party: Picture exclusive

Everyone’s allowed to let their hair down at Christmas time and enjoy the festivities with a few glasses of eggnog, but it looks like Tottenham’s players took things a step too far last night.

Pictured above is midfielder Giovani Dos Santos looking extremely worse for wear at the club’s Xmas bash.

Dos Santos, who had clearly been enjoying himself alongside team-mates at London’s upmarket Taman Gang Club, and was snapped leaving the premises in the arms of a security guard.

Jonathon Woodgate, Darren Bent, Gareth Bale, Kevin Prince-Boateng and Alan Hutton all looked on as the young Mexican fell to the floor, threw up and was then bundled into a cab.

Which, we think you'll agree, is the most impressive performance anyone has witnessed from Dos Santos so far this season.

For more festive football madness, check out our Top 10 worst football club Christmas parties

Source: www.mirror.co.uk

City striker Vassell robbed of designer watch and jewellery in Christmas party mugging

Police were today investigating the mugging of Manchester City striker Darius Vassell as he stepped out of a taxi.

Vassell was robbed of his designer watch and jewellery on his return home from the club's Christmas party.

The 28-year-old was not injured during the incident, but was threatened by the two offenders.

It is understood the attackers had not specifically targeted the former England international, but struck while the player reportedly disputed his taxi fare.

The raid took place at the junction of Palatine Road and Barlow Moor Road in Didsbury at about 5.30am on Sunday.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: 'Police were called following reports of the robbery. On arrival they found a 28-year-old man whose watch and jewellery had been stolen.

'He had not been injured during the incident but the offenders had threatened him.

'Inquiries are ongoing.'

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

Revealed: The real reason Robinho took the bus

The Premier League’s most expensive player isn’t averse to taking a helicopter to training, so we were all surprised in his decision to take a bus to a Manchester shopping centre a few weeks ago. Team mate Jo, however, has revealed that the use of public transport wasn’t an act of eco consciousness or humility, but because the Brazilian is terrified of driving on the correct side of the road:

“I’ll tell you why Robinho got the bus. It’s because he hasn’t learned how to drive on the left-hand side of the road yet. He only knows how to drive on the right.”

We’re not too sure about this excuse. Has he not learned how to hail a taxi or employ a driver on the left hand side of the road either?

Source: www.thespoiler.co.uk

Golden Ronaldo sets his sights on more Old Trafford silverware

Cristiano Ronaldo says he now feels "at home" at Manchester United and wants to stay at Old Trafford. Only four months after his "dream" move to Real Madrid fell over, the winger's itchy feet appear to have been soothed and all it took was being handed the Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball).

Ronaldo, who was in Paris yesterday with his long-suffering manager Sir Alex Ferguson to receive the European player of the year trophy, said he was now content. "I've been playing for Manchester for five years, I feel at home," he said. "There have been prizes won by this club both collectively and individually. I'm happy at Manchester and want to stay."

Ronaldo joined United in 2003 and scored 42 goals last season to help them win Premier and Champions League titles. However, the 23-year-old said he wanted more. "I am an ambitious person. I don't want it to stop here. I think we have to keep trying to win trophies... I am on the right track. I am the Golden Ball winner today, which motivates me even more."

Ronaldo, who beat Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Liverpool's Fernando Torres to the prize, said he needed to maintain his high standards. "It's always special to reach this level, the important thing is to stay there. The idea is to keep progressing." He also praised his team-mates. "Without my team I couldn't have won it [the trophy] and I have to thank them also."

Ferguson was effusive about Ronaldo, saying he could match France's Michel Platini in lifting the prestigious trophy several times. "I think that when a player gets to 26 that's when they begin to mature so these next three or four years for Cristiano will prove my point. He'll win more and I hope he'll win them at Manchester United."

Ferguson, meanwhile, has called for the return of the Scotland versus England international. The teams last contested the traditional annual fixture in 1989, although they have met at Euro 96 and in Euro 2000 qualification matches since. Gordon Smith, the Scottish Football Association chief executive, is to hold further talks with his English counterparts early next year about the idea. "I'm sure it would bring the best out of the players . . . It couldn't be looked upon as a 'friendly'," Ferguson said.

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Nics in the pink as Bendtner and Anelka turn Battle of the Bridge into Battle of the Barbie boots

The battle at The Bridge on Sunday afternoon is set to turn into the battle of Barbie Boots as Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner and Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka square off in their new bright pink boots.

Gunners striker Bendtner paraded his posh pink apparel and celebrated with the winning goal against Ukrainian side Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday as Arsene Wenger's men booked their place in the Champions League knockout stages.

But now the the dashing Dane will clash - in more ways than one - when he faces Anelka, as Premier League leaders Chelsea face fifth-placed Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's swanky striker reckons fushia is too bright for coloured boots, since he favours a rose-coloured pair.

The natty Nics are signed to rival boot manufacturers, who hope that the soccer studs will persuade Christmas shoppers to put their best foot forward.

Bendtner's bubble-gum coloured boots are are made by Nike and called Mercurial Vapor Rosas.

Prior to Bendtner sporting them, Bayern Munich and France playmaker Franck Ribéry 'starred' in a promotional video, fittingly backed by music from the Pink Panther.

Anelka, currently top scorer in the Premier League, is also in the Pink thanks to Puma, who provided him with a new pair of baby pink boots and have produced a spoof promotional video, showing the striker being held hostage by a rather glamorous French kidnapper warning Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe that his top scorer will not be released for action unless he is permitted to wear the new pink boots.

Bendtner reckons he looks pretty in pink. He told The Sun: 'I love my pink boots. I’ve wanted to play in that colour ever since I was young.

'I’ve never seen anyone else playing in pink boots before. I think it’s an outstanding colour and looks amazing.

'But I don’t think anyone at Arsenal is going to be able to compete with me on that front. I have reached the top of the outstanding boots.

'The only way they can beat me now is to play in diamond-encrusted boots. And I don’t think that’s going to happen for a few years.'

But fancy Frenchman Anelka is hot on his heels. He he wore his fashionable footwear against Bordeaux in Chelsea's Champions League clash on Wednesday.

With an advertising budget of $1.7 billion-per-year, Nike spend around $476 million of that paying sports' stars to advertise and wear their gear.

With Adidas creating their range of F50 football boots in various colours, Nike have tried to take the genre one step further, but the move may not be popular.

Some clubs around Europe are insisting that all their players below first team level return to wearing only the traditional black boots and are asking their stars to do the same.

Pinky is not always perky, it seems.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

CaRoobean dream home

WAYNE ROONEY is having a Ł5million holiday home built overlooking a paradise beach.

The England and Man United star decided on the Caribbean mansion after recommendations from two �locals�, team-mate RIO FERDINAND and TV pundit GARY LINEKER.

Wayne and wife Coleen chose their property — on an exclusive estate in Barbados — from architect’s drawings.

It has six bedrooms, a cinema, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a gym designed by Wayne.

The villa overlooks a golf course and celebrities’ hideaway Mullin’s Beach on the west of the island.

Wayne, 23, and Coleen, 22, are installing a Ł35,000 security system before moving in on the 750-acre Royal Westmoreland Estate.

Celeb neighbours include Chelsea international ASHLEY COLE and his wife, X Factor judge CHERYL, ANT and DEC and boxer JOE CALZAGHE.

Wayne should feel at home — the estate was created by Yorkshire businessman Bill Rooney.

Source: The Sun

Bolton Wanderers Giving Away Free Beer

Bolton are trying to draw people back to the Reebok Stadium and get a little more atmosphere at home games. And we all know the not so secret formula: alcohol + fans = singing. So what better way than free beer?

Before Saturday’s game against Blackburn, supporters will be able to go to a Bolton organized FanZone for cheap pre-match food and drinks, and the club have promised a free beer for the first 1,000 people to get there.


And it’s not just that you need to be intoxicated to enjoy watching Bolton play this season (though it probably helps). This is part of a bigger scheme to give Bolton fans more of what they want.

Clearly they want free beer (who doesn’t?) but the club has also made the very very smart move of slashing ticket prices behind the goals to just £15. For a Premier League game. That’s pretty good value.

The bad news? You’ll need to arrive early to get your hands on the free drinks, because I heard Frankie Hejduk just declared himself a Bolton fan.

source: www.theoffside.com