Andres Iniesta says he wants to finish his career at Barcelona
Andres Iniesta says Pep Guardiola cannot persuade him to quit Barcelona, but insists his future is out of his hands.
Former Italy and Juventus star Paolo Rossi has described Francesco Totti as the strongest player in Serie A for the last 20 years.
The veteran Roma forward, who turns 40 on Tuesday, has re-established himself as a key part of Luciano Spalletti’s plans at the Stadio Olimpico, making four appearances so far in what is due to be his 25th and final season as a player.
Totti is second only to Italy great Silvio Piola in Serie A’s all-time goalscoring charts, and has made the most appearances in the division of any current player – sitting behind only Javier Zanetti and Paolo Maldini in the all-time standings.
Though Totti has won the league title just once during his long career, Rossi – a European champion with Juve and a World Cup-winner with Italy – feels nobody can match his exploits since his debut in 1992.
When asked for his view on Totti, Rossi told Corriere della Sera: “Totti has been the strongest in Italy for the last 20 years.”
Indeed, Rossi believes Totti has helped to bring the best out of Edin Dzeko this season, with the former Manchester City striker silencing some of his critics thanks to four goals in five league games.
“Until a month ago, Dzeko was seen as a donkey, and now he’s looked at as a champion. I don’t think he’s either – but he’s a top striker,” said Rossi.
Source: soccerway.com
Arsene Wenger declined to comment on allegations that Jose Mourinho wanted to “break his face” – insisting he wishes to be “constructive” rather than “destructive”.
Mark Hughes has rubbished reports of disharmony at Premier League strugglers Stoke City.
There have been suggestions Hughes and his staff were unimpressed with Wilfried Bony’s attitude following his August loan move from Manchester City, while big-money January recruit Giannelli Imbula is also reportedly considered aloof by other members of the team.
Arsene Wenger believes the demanding nature of society means it is unlikely another manager will emulate his achievement of managing the same club for 20 years.
Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas insists he never wanted to leave the club despite speculation over his future.
The Spaniard has been at the centre of transfer talk, having played just 32 minutes in the Premier League under Antonio Conte this season.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hinted he would hand Loris Karius a start ahead of Simon Mignolet against Hull City.
Karius, bought from Mainz in the off-season, was seemingly set to be first choice until a broken hand saw him sidelined.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman insists he still has no plans for striker Oumar Niasse in his first team.
Niasse, a £13.5million signing in February, had been told he was surplus to requirements at Goodison Park, but ended up staying at the Premier League club.
James Rodriguez accused the officials of being too lenient towards Villarreal as they held Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Danny Rose has signed a new contract that will keep him at Tottenham until 2021, the Premier League club have confirmed.