Showing posts with label Sportainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sportainment. Show all posts

Thursday, 10 October 2013

Victor Moses shows off his cute son as he is unveiled as the newest Glo ambassador (photos)



22 year old Nigerian International and Liverpool Football Club player, Victor Moses, is not just one of the youngest dads alive, he is also a great dad.
He recently shared a photo of his one year old son, Brentley and excitedly announced that the little prince has made 2013 an Amazing year for him! See photo of Brentley below:
Meanwhile, Victor, has been appointed as the newest brand ambassador for telecommunications company, GLO. Moses is full of appreciation to Globacom for considering him worthy of being the company’s ambassador, and he promises to make Globacom a bigger brand and “score more goals for the company”.



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Wednesday, 2 October 2013

Arsenal 2 Napoli 0: Mesut Ozil masterclass ruins Rafa's return as Wenger's wonders roll on



He met the ball, on the volley, with the side of his left foot. The merest touch, from just inside the area, but it fairly flew into the net. That is what you pay the money for, the shot seemed to say as it whistled past Pepe Reina; and inside the Emirates Stadium, every supporter would have been in agreement.

They had been waiting for a night like this from Mesut Ozil. Yes, he’d had his moments, and had never disappointed, but this had so far been the season of Aaron Ramsey, and Olivier Giroud.

Ozil had been the catalyst for so much that was good about Arsenal without yet having one game in which he was, well, the difference.

Too hot to handle: Mesut Ozil (centre) celebrates the opening goal with his Arsenal team-mates
Too hot to handle: Mesut Ozil (centre) celebrates the opening goal with his Arsenal team-mates

Match facts

ARSENAL (4-3-2-1): Szczesny 6; Sagna 7, Mertesacker 7, Koscielny 7, Gibbs 7; Flamini 8, Arteta 7, Ramsey 7 (Monreal 88); Ozil 9, Rosicky 6 (Wilshere 63, 6); Giroud 7.
Subs not used: Fabianski, Vermaelen, Bendtner, Jenkinson, Gnabry
Manager: Arsene Wenger: 7
Goals: Ozil 8, Giroud 15
NAPOLI (4-2-3-1): Reina 5; Mesto 5, Albiol 6 (Fernandez 83), Britos 6, Zuniga 5; Behrami 5, Inler 6; Callejon 5 (Zapata 77), Hamsik 6, Insigne 5; Pandev 5 (Mertens 61, 5)
Subs: Cabral, Dzemaili, Fernandez, Armero, Cannavaro.
Manager: Rafa Benitez: 5
Man of the match: Ozil
Ref: Milorad Mazic (SRB) - 7
Attendance: 59,536
*Player ratings by SAMI MOKBEL at the Emirates
And then, against Napoli, it arrived. Ozil scored the first — and his first for his new club — then Ozil made the second, Ozil was quite simply a class apart. Napoli did not know what to do with him, and by the time they had worked something out, Arsenal were 2-0 up.
It really doesn’t matter the circumstances, whether Ozil was a hasty solution to another emerging crisis or an established, long-term objective of Arsene Wenger’s, kept shrewdly hidden all summer. Plan A, B or even C, what matters is that Ozil is here now, and the effect he has had on Arsenal’s confidence and stature this season is stunning.
They are playing with the ambition and finesse of old now, the best of Arsenal, not the pale imitation of previous seasons. Wenger took his first training session 17 years ago to the day, and when he did so, must have aimed to one day play football that looked like this. And he has done, on occasions, but not very much recently. Until Ozil arrived, and turned Arsenal’s story around.
As he turned this match, as he had it won inside 15 minutes. Arsenal had a two-goal cushion before Napoli settled and although the Italians enjoyed more possession in the second half, there was only going to be one winner.
It is hard to imagine what Rafael Benitez uses for target practice in Naples, but the evidence here suggested a gasometer. It is hard to recall an elite team that shot so wide so often. It was not so much that Wojciech Szczesny did not have a save to make, more that he would not have been forced into action had he been defending a goal three times the size. Ozil, by contrast, was the model of clinical efficiency. A match-winner of German precision.
It was a very sweet move that opened the scoring after eight minutes. Bacary Sagna played a ball down the line which Giroud held up well, feeding Ramsey, who sped with purpose along the right flank. He cut the ball back and there was Ozil. It was a tough finish but he made it look like child’s play. The next foray into the penalty area close to ended the contest. 
What a finish: Ozil latched on to Aaron Ramsey's cross to side-foot the ball past Pepe Reina
What a finish: Ozil latched on to Aaron Ramsey's cross to side-foot the ball past Pepe Reina

 
 


Back of the net: The German playmaker's cool finish flies past the helpless former Liverpool goalkeeper
Back of the net: The German playmaker's cool finish flies past the helpless former Liverpool goalkeeper
Breakthrough: This graphic shows the move that gave Arsenal the lead, with Ozil (11) providing the finish
Breakthrough: This graphic shows the move that gave Arsenal the lead, with Ozil (11) providing the finish

Thumbs up from Murray

Wimbledon champion Andy Murray was in the stands at the Emirates on Tuesday night and was impressed by what he saw. He said on Twitter after the match:
'Was at Arsenal vs Napoli, top performance from Arsenal... Flamini has been a great signing, love his work.'
This time it was Ozil’s invention that did the damage, neat skill at close quarters and a pass clipped back to Giroud, who finished from close range. With Borussia Dortmund beating Marseille, Arsenal have already established a three-point lead after two matches in Group F. So much for the draw that produced winces when it was made in Monaco.
Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, Olympique Marseille. Most thought Arsenal had the worst of it that day, yet while Chelsea have already suffered defeat and both Manchester clubs will, for different reasons, approach Wednesday night’s fixtures with no little trepidation, Arsenal sail on. The next two matches are against Borussia Dortmund, Champions League finalists in May, but three points from one of those encounters should see Arsenal with one foot in the last 16.
Tap-in: Oliver Giroud (centre) converts Ozil's cross at the near post to score the second easily past Reina
Tap-in: Oliver Giroud (centre) converts Ozil's cross at the near post to score the second easily past Reina

Flying start: The French striker celebrates his sixth goal of a successful season so far
Flying start: The French striker celebrates his sixth goal of a successful season so far

Carry on like this and the trip to Italy in December may be negated. Napoli’s home, the Stadio San Paolo, can be a hostile place, but not to a team who have already qualified and Arsenal are well on their way. Italy itself should hold no fear after this, either. Benitez’s team may have topped the Serie A table on occasions this season, but the Italian league is not the force of old and this was a reminder of the time not so long ago when a Tottenham Hotspur team who finished fifth in the Premier League put away the eventual champions of Italy, AC Milan.
Arsenal are the Premier League’s form team right now, but the same could be said of Napoli in Italy and they had them on the end of a jab all evening. Napoli’s black away kit had a camouflage pattern and it worked perfectly because for the first 20 minutes they couldn’t be seen anywhere.
After that, even when they gained possession, it was to little effect. Arsenal were comfortable and simply too strong, their slick short passing backed up by a fierce competitiveness, particularly in midfield where the return of Mathieu Flamini has proved something of a masterstroke.
Flamini was a far greater loss than Arsene Wenger ever imagined, but at least the Arsenal manager, having made the mistake of letting him go, was not too big to bring him back. On nights like this, one is left wondering how much easier his life would have been had he kept Flamini as the uncomplicated ball-winner at the heart of his midfield. Even when he slipped, catastrophically, he recovered, chased down and won the ball back from the Napoli player advancing on goal. His part in Arsenal’s transformation has been every bit as great in its own way as that of Ozil or even Ramsey.
As for Napoli, the best that can be said of their target practice is that no-one was hurt. Lorenzo Insigne, Miguel Britos, Jose Callejon, Gokhan Inler, Callejon and Insigne again, all had efforts that proved more of a challenge to air traffic control than they did to Szczesny.
All the time in the world: Ozil takes a touch during a stellar performance for his new club in Europe
All the time in the world: Ozil takes a touch during a stellar performance for his new club in Europe

Pleasant viewing: Arsene Wenger watches his team cruise to victory from the sidelines
Pleasant viewing: Arsene Wenger watches his team cruise to victory from the sidelines

I know you: Wenger and Rafa Benitez shake hands before kick-off, but the match turned sour for Napoli's boss
Arsenal were not exactly demanding of Reina, but they had the best chance of the night, defender Laurent Koscielny forcing a save after being set up by Mikel Arteta. It was in midfield, though, certainly in the first half, where Napoli looked stretched to the limit.
Clearly it was a blow to them to be without the injured Gonzalo Higuain, but even so, Arsenal’s domination was a surprise. They had 69 per cent of possession in the opening 45 minutes — a Barcelona-like figure. And not, for once, Barcelona Lite.

Pulling the strings: Aaron Ramsey was again influential for Arsenal in midfield
Pulling the strings: Aaron Ramsey was again influential for Arsenal in midfield
Reduced role: Jack Wilshere (centre) was dropped to the bench but was brought on in the second half
Reduced role: Jack Wilshere (centre) was dropped to the bench but was brought on in the second half

Passion: Napoli supporters stoked up a heated atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium
Passion: Napoli supporters stoked up a heated atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium
These boots are made for scoring: And Ozil's boots certainly walked all over Napoli at the Emirates
These boots are made for scoring: And Ozil's boots certainly walked all over Napoli at the Emirates

Catch me if you can: Ozil (second right) waltzes through the Napoli midfield
Catch me if you can: Ozil (second right) waltzes through the Napoli midfield

Saturday, 28 September 2013

OMG!!! Cristiano Ronaldo shows off his jewel encrusted watch... worth £100,000



Image is everything for football's 'King of Bling' Cristiano Ronaldo who has been spotted about town flashing a jewel encrusted timepiece that would likely put a dent into even in his substantial wallet.

The watch is a Jacob and Company limited edition H24 with a total diamond weight of 15.25 cts and an retail price of nearly £100,000.

However, despite being able to afford the ostentatious accessory following the renewal of his Real Madrid contract earning him around £288,000 per week, the world's most image conscious player is unlikely to have paid the full price - since he is the new face of the luxury watchmakers.

The Portuguese was seen leaving a Madrid restaurant wearing a watch that costs more than most cars before stepping into his Lamborghini Aventador - a car worth more than most houses.
Cristiano Ronaldo

If you've got it... Cristiano Ronaldo rocks up in his Lamborghini Aventador wearing a jewel encrusted watch

Christiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo
King of bling:The Portuguese superstar flashes his diamond encrusted watch

'I’ve been a customer and fan of the brand for a long time so it is a natural fit. I always used Jacob watches, even before I knew Jacob,” said Ronaldo, referring to Jacob Arabo, the founder of the company.
The Portuguese recently starred in a high-profile advertising campaign to complete the relaunch of the company.
Ronaldo who has also fronted campaigns for Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans, Nike and Pepe Jeans said he was comfortable in front of the camera - to the surprise of absolutely no one.
Ronaldo
Strike a pose: Ronaldo fronts the new advertising campaign for Jacob & Co. watches

ronaldo
ronaldo1.JPG


“I always try to do my best on-set, as I do on-field,” said Ronaldo during the photo shoot in Madrid.
'I try to accomplish the briefing I’m told [about the campaign] and I’m quite used now to being in front of the camera.'
The 28-year-old has also been recently seen sweating in a tuxedo on the red carpet for Jacob & Co.'s gala event in Monte Carlo.
Star supporter: The brand's founder seemed pleased to have the high-profile support of Ronaldo
So hot: Ronaldo looks a little overheated as he parades the red carpet with the brand's founder in Monte Carlo
 

Friday, 27 September 2013

Mourinho Blocked My Progress, Says Villas-Boas



image
Extra spice was added to Tottenham’s clash with Chelsea on Saturday after Andre Villas-Boas said he went into management when his coaching ambitions were thwarted by Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.
The two Portuguese managers will be in opposing dugouts for the first time when their teams meet in the Premier League, four years after Villas-Boas quit Mourinho’s backroom staff at Inter to take a job back home with Academica.
The pair had been close, Villas-Boas working under Mourinho at Porto and Chelsea before the spell together in Serie A signalled the end of their working relationship.
The Tottenham manager had been an opposition scout for Mourinho but wanted a more hands-on coaching role, only to be rebuffed.
“My relationship with him professionally and personally was excellent, as you can imagine, because we worked so many years together,” he told reporters at Tottenham’s training facilities in Enfield on Thursday.
“Our break-up point was because I was full of ambition to give him something extra and I wanted further involvement to the job that I was doing at the time which was scouting and match preparation.
“I felt that I could give him much more so my initial idea was to keep working with him but he did not feel the need for someone near to him or in another position as an assistant and because of that we both decided it was time.”
Villas-Boas denied there was any on-going feud between the coaches who
have strikingly similar career paths with varying degrees of success. They are on speaking terms, but are no longer close friends.
“We talked at the Premier League managers meeting when we were there
in August, but since then no,” Villas-Boas added.
The Tottenham boss may feel he has a point to prove at White Hart Lane against the team who sacked him after only eight months in the job.

Tuesday, 24 September 2013

Arsenal Announce £242.8m Turnover



arsenal-test-2 (AFP) – Arsenal on Monday reported a rise in turnover to £242.8 million ($389 million, 288 million euros) as the Gunners claimed their improved finances was a significant factor in the club record signing of Mesut Ozil.
Despite reduced profits due to a drop in income from player sales and an increase in players’ wages, Arsenal saw overall turnover rise in the year ending May 31 2013 from £235.3 million the previous year.
Commercial and retail revenue rose 20 percent to £62 million, boosted by the new sponsorship deal with Emirates airline, and Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said the club’s strong financial position meant they are now able to compete for the likes of Germany playmaker Ozil, who cost £42.5 million to lure from Real Madrid.
“The signing of Ozil for a club record fee is a significant step for us,” Gazidis said in the annual accounts.
“This signing was a direct result of all the hard work we have put in over recent years to build the commercial capability of the club to deliver the consistent revenues and financial strength required to compete for the world’s best players.
“That said, we will continue to stand by our principles in terms of nurturing young talent. That has been very evident with our extensions to the contracts of key young players over the last year and the emergence of teenagers Serge Gnabry and Gedion Zelalem into the first team squad.
“This is a key component of what we stand for at Arsenal Football Club and that will continue to be the case.”
Arsenal’s profits before tax dropped to £6.7 million from £36.6 million the previous year due to salary increases and less income from player sales, with Ozil’s transfer fee not included in the latest accounts.
Wages were up to £155 million from £143 million as Arsenal maintained pace with the highest payers in the Premier League.
Arsenal still have the highest cash reserves of any club in the Premier League, totalling £119.7 million, with a further £35 million held back as debt service reserves.

Friday, 20 September 2013

Ronaldinho undergoes £36,000 operation to fix his teeth [ PHOTOS]

Ronaldinho undergoes £36,000 operation to fix his teeth

Brazilian star, Ronaldinho coughed out £36,000 to get his teeth sorted at an orthodontic clinic in Brazil recently – farewell to the goofy grin.

The 33-year-old, who currently plies his Samba skills for Atletico Mineiro, can be seen in the video below having his trademark teeth fixed after going under the knife.

MORE PICS ON THE FLIP


Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Racism Allegation: Keshi Responds To FIFA Query


keshi

 Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi, in collaboration with his employers the Nigeria Football Federation, has responded to the query the world football governing body, FIFA issued him. The query is over his alleged racist remark targeted at Malawi technical adviser Tom Sainfiet.
The Nigeria coach was given a September 16 deadline to respond to the query.
The General Secretary of the NFF Musa Amadu who spoke with The Punch on Tuesday confirmed that the response to FIFA’s Zurich headquarters was dispatched on Monday deadline.
He said, “Yes, we met the deadline. The response was sent by email and fax. And today (Tuesday) we are sending the hard copy by courier service.”
Amadu said he was positive that FIFA would understand the background under which the statement was made.
“We’ve explained the circumstances under which the statement was made; it was under normal pre-match antics we see of different coaches.
“Of course we all know that Keshi is somebody who has cross-cultural background and incidentally played his professional football career in Belgium where Saintfiet comes from. He was never involved in any racist row all through his career as a player. His intentions were pure and not the way it appears; they were merely based on football relations.”
The Malawi federation reported to FIFA what it called ‘racist’ remarks by Keshi aimed at the Belgian.
“We feel the racist remarks by Mr Keshi are not acceptable,” FAM’s general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said after their federation sent official complaint to Zurich.
“We thought it was a personal attack on our coach and we had to defend him regardless of skin. We felt we should help our coach and at the same time put a stop to the racist remarks from Mr Keshi. We have sent evidence of what Keshi said and we hope FIFA will come up with some measures to control Mr Keshi.”
In the phone interview aired on UK-based African television show, Keshi was quoted to have said, “I think the coach of Malawi is crazy. If he wants to talk to FIFA, he should go back to Belgium. He is not an African person, he is a white dude, he should go back to Belgium.”
It is not yet clear what type of sanction may be handed Keshi if found culpable. Active players are usually suspended from a number of matches and fined as well while teams are made to play their games in empty stadiums if their fans are guilty of racist acts. In recent times acts of racism have been rampart in the Italian league while the separate cases involving Luis Suarez and former England captain John Terry made the headlines in English football.
FIFA and other regional football governing bodies have stepped hard against racism in response.

Tuesday, 17 September 2013

(18+)Exposed Online: Samuel Eto’s Wife Exposes Her B**Bs At The Beach[Photos]


Famous African soccer star Samuel Eto, who is currently signed to Chelsea is married to Ivorian beauty Georgette.

 The CIV born wife of star footballer, Samuel Eto’o was photographed recently sunbathing in France unclad. Georgette has three kids for Eto’o and lives in France with the kids.



Friday, 13 September 2013

Arsenal legend, Robert Pires, storms Lagos for Airtel Under-17 African Championship



Robert-Pires
Arsenal legend and former France international, Robert Emmanuel Pires, will lead a team of Arsenal technical and business staff to the African Championship of the Airtel Rising Stars which kicks off on Monday, September 16, in Lagos.
The World Cup winner with France is expected to jet into the country on Saturday, September 21 to participate in the activities marking the finals of the championship.
Mr. Pires’ visit comes under the partnership between Arsenal Football Club of England and the Airtel Africa Group.
The Legend was a key member of “The Invincibles”; the all-conquering Arsenal team that went 49 games without a loss in the 2003/2004. Legendary Nigerian international, Kanu Nwankwo was also a member of “The Invincibles.”
He had an illustrious Arsenal career and was voted the 6th greatest player in the history of Arsenal FC during which he won three FA cups and two Premier League titles. He also won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000 with the French national team with which he was capped 79 times.
While in the country, the ex-Arsenal mid-fielder is expected to enliven the atmosphere at the finals of the Airtel Under-17 Championship and stand as an inspiration to the youngsters vying for laurels in the final games.
He is also billed to visit Oremeji Primary School 2, one of Airtel’s adopted schools in Lagos as part of its CSR initiative, Adopt-A-School programme which primarily aims to provide access to quality foundational education in remote locations of the country where standard educational facilities and quality faculties are not easily available.
The coming competition which is the season 2 of the ARS African Championship initiative involving over 18,000 boys and girls representing 16 African countries including hosts Nigeria. It will run for a period of seven days beginning with an opening ceremony onMonday, September 16 at the Ikeja Township Stadium, Agege, Lagos.
Each participating country’s team emerged after a rigorous championship that took them through the regions to national contests coordinated by seasoned soccer coaches and the football federation of the various countries.
Airtel Rising Stars Africa Football Championship is Africa’s biggest Under-17 grassroots tournament and the only one with strong consideration for gender equality with the inclusion of the Female Category.
The eventual winners in both the male and female categories will receive the grand prize of USD 10,000 each.

Dressing Like C-Ronaldo Will cost you awful more, As Bale's outfit worth £902 While Ronaldo's oufit worths £12,192 on their First Meeting

How to get the Galactico look... but dressing like Ronaldo will cost you an awful lot more


Real Madrid's two biggest stars came face-to-face on Wednesday and it wasn't just their football talent which was being compared.
The car park became a designers' paradise, with Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and more shown off by the pair as they strolled in for training.
Gareth Bale may have won the price-tag battle, coming in at £86million compared with Cristiano Ronaldo's £80m, but he's still left in the shade by the Portuguese ace when it comes to fashion.


The money men: Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo wearing all sorts of designer clothes
The money men: Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo wearing all sorts of designer clothes
Frightening double act: Bale and Ronaldo met for the first time at Real training on Wednesday
Frightening double act: Bale and Ronaldo met for the first time at Real training on Wednesday
Team-mates reunited: Gareth Bale with Luka Modric at Real Madrid training on Thursday
Team-mates reunited: Gareth Bale with Luka Modric at Real Madrid training on Thursday

Man in charge: Bale speaking to his new Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti
Man in charge: Bale speaking to his new Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti
Deadly duo: Bale doing some stretching in front of Ronaldo
Deadly duo: Bale doing some stretching in front of Ronaldo

Current king: Ronaldo was also on the training ground in Madrid
Current king: Ronaldo was also on the training ground in Madrid



Two left feet? Bale's Dolce & Gabbana jeans prove his legs aren't priceless, but they're getting close
Two left feet? Bale's Dolce & Gabbana jeans prove his legs aren't priceless, but they're getting close

Get the Bale look

1.  Dolce & Gabbana T-shirt - £122
Bale has gone for the T-shirt look compared to Ronaldo's more formal attire, but possibly only those two could afford the whopping price-tag of Dolce & Gabbana.
2.  Louis Vuitton washbag - £420
Every professional footballer worth his weight has to have a luxury washbag in one arm as they walk into the training ground. They just look wrong without it. Conditioner, hair gel and aftershave are a must.
3.  Dolce & Gabbana jeans - £355
The battle between the star pair continues below the belt with Bale choosing a grey shade to match his hoodie. He does beat Ronaldo on price, that is if spending more is the object.
4.  Carrier bag (5p in Wales)
From October 2011, all plastic bags in Wales carry a 5p charge to try and reduce amount used. It seems to have worked, as Bale has taken his all the way from the UK to Madrid.
5.  Hoodie brand - unknown
On this front Bale has gone for the slightly maverick look. Having come from Cardiff, he will take time to adapt to the heat of Spain where jumpers aren't necessary.
Total = £902
Upper hand: Gareth Bale's £420 Louis Vuitton washbag blows Ronaldo's £265 Gucci out of the water
Upper hand: Gareth Bale's £420 Louis Vuitton washbag blows Ronaldo's £265 Gucci out of the water
Timeless: Ronaldo has the advantage of modelling for Jacob and Co
Timeless: Ronaldo has the advantage of modelling for Jacob and Co

Get the Ronaldo look

1.  Chrome Heart Sunglasses - £552
Ronaldo is rarely seen without sunglasses when off the field and sometimes looks like he could happily play with them on, too. Theses aren't your bog-standard Specsavers pair, however. He could have bought 552 Chelseas back in 1982 with this money.
2.  Gucci washbag - £265
When it comes to his toiletries, Ronaldo has gone for the cheap-skate look. Only £265. That's barely a bottle of shower gel compared to Bale's £420.

3.  Dolce & Gabbana belt - £450
He may shirk the high prices when it comes to washbags, but not on belts. Ronaldo proudly shows off his £450 Dolce and Gabbana whereas Bale can just stand and admire.
4.  Jacob and Co watch - £10,600
Ronaldo models for Jacob and Co, proudly showing off his orange watch-face on their website. He's not known for ever being late, although that may have more to do with his Ferrari collection.
5.  DSquared jeans - £325
Again coming in at slightly less than Bale, Ronaldo was wearing the traditional blue coloured jeans, tatty by design, but smart enough to be taken seriously. Expect Bale to ditch the grey within the coming weeks.
6.  Shirt brand - unknown
Rolling up the sleeves in a casual way (yet they are perfectly symmetrical), Ronaldo appears laid back and stylish at the same time. The 'modern man' look.
Total = £12,192  (£1,592 without the watch)
Shade: £552 is a lot to pay to keep the sun out of your eyes, but Chrome Heart Sunglasses make it worth it
Shade: £552 is a lot to pay to keep the sun out of your eyes, but Chrome Heart Sunglasses make it worth it
Different white shirt: Bale warming up with a plaster on his knee
Different white shirt: Bale warming up with a plaster on his knee

Post-Mourinho Portuguese contingent: Ronaldo with team-mate Pepe
Post-Mourinho Portuguese contingent: Ronaldo with team-mate Pepe


New surroundings: Bale was out in Madrid on the first evening after training
New surroundings: Bale was out in Madrid on the first evening after training


All work no play: Bale leaving his hotel in Madrid for training on Thursday, still holding his washbag
Clean living: Bale leaving his hotel in Madrid for training on Thursday, still holding his washbag




Mesut Ozil: I am a Gunner as He Reveals He cant wait to get started for the EPL


Arsenal's new record signing Mesut Ozil is relishing the challenge of playing in the 'physical' Barclays Premier League and has no worries about coping with the demands of 'a man's sport'.
The 24-year-old Germany midfielder was speaking after training with his new team-mates for the first time this morning, following his £42.5million switch from Real Madrid.
'I look forward to playing in this league - I watched so many Premier League games,' Ozil said. 'Of course, its very physical, it's a man's sport, and I want to prove myself in England. I also played in Bundesliga and Spain and proved myself.'

New home: Mesut Ozil trained for the first time with Arsenal since signing from Real Madrid
New home: Mesut Ozil trained for the first time with Arsenal since signing from Real Madrid

Welcome to England: Arsenal's Per Mertesacker, left, trains with fellow German international Mesut Ozil
Welcome to England: Arsenal's Per Mertesacker (left) trains with fellow Germany star Mesut Ozil

Ozil also spoke about why he was not disappointed to have left Madrid, how manager Arsene Wenger's trust in him was key to the switch and how he feels the Premier League is 'the strongest league in the world'.
'The most important thing was what the manager thinks about me and what his plan for me is. I decided to come to Arsenal because I have the trust and familiar environment here,' he said,
'I would have come here without a fee. The most important is that the manager trusts me, that's the crucial point. I've talked about this in the past, I didn't get the respect and trust - it was a bit difficult.
'When I spoke to Arsene Wenger on the phone I felt the respect. I need the respect. I don't want to talk about Real Madrid, that topic is over. I will have many years here.
'I'm not disappointed - I'm at Arsenal, one of the biggest clubs in the world.
'I had a very good time in Madrid - I had friends there and good moments. You could see from their reaction they didn't understand the move. But you have to look ahead. I'm in the strongest league in the world and I have to continue developing.
They didn't have to say a lot about the club. I know how successful they have been, players like (Thierry) Henry, (Cesc) Fabrgeas. Many young players came here and got to become one of the best players in the world.'
No looking back: Ozil appears relaxed as he trains for the first time with Arsenal
No looking back: Ozil appears relaxed as he trains for the first time with Arsenal
Happy face: Mesut Ozil
Stretching out: Mesut Ozil
Record signing: Ozil joined Arsenal from Real Madrid for £42million
The midfielder said he was delighted to have signed for the Gunners and feels the side can challenge for Premier League title.
'It feels great to be an Arsenal player, I feel very good,' he said.
'The city is very nice and you can see how familiar this club is. When I arrived everything was great, the boss is great and everyone is very cordial. He will improve me and I'm very happy to be part of this team.
'I couldn't really think a lot about Arsenal because I had to focus on Germany but I asked Per (Mertesacker) and Pod (Lukas Poldolski) about it. I was curious and I look forward to it.
'The young players develop well here and this one of the reasons I came here. I'm really happy to be here under such a great manager.
'We want to play offensive football and to keep clean sheets. We can't promise to win trophies but I will promise to give all to win trophies
'Of course, we can challenge for Premier League title. I know the team and what talent we have here. Everyone wants to be successful, this one of the biggest clubs ins the world. It will be difficult because it's one of the strongest leagues in the world.'
Chat before the hard work begins: Ozil, left, and Mertesacker prepare themselves for Arsenal training Chat before the hard work begins: Ozil (left) and Mertesacker prepare themselves for Arsenal training
On the ball: Ozil
Well drilled: Ozil is put through his paces at Arsenal training