The Dynamo Kyiv vs Manchester City UEFA Europa League fixture will offer the public a special duel as Edin Dzeko is set to meet his childhood idol, Shevchenko.
When Edin Dzeko will look back at his career in the English Premier League, he wouldn't want to feel disappointed.
We don’t always have strong views as kids. And if sometimes, they are, they can change through the seasons depending on circumstances. That’s exactly the case for Edin Dzeko who had 2004 Ballon d’Or winner Andriy Shevchenko as his childhood idol.
Dzeko is one of the few lucky Bosnians to have made it this far in world football; perhaps, the Manchester City striker would thank Shevchenko for inspiring him on his road to the top. But now that Edin Dzeko has fulfilled his dream of playing in the English Premier League – which is regarded by many as the best league in the world, he has no intention of emulating the Ukrainian.
Why? Because Shevchenko went to England as a capable hero for Chelsea supporters, but left the country with a miserable image – the image of a flop. As a Blue, Shevchenko never managed to convert his £30M price tag into prowess on the pitch for whatever reasons.
In two seasons and 75 appearances, the Ukrainian striker scored only 21 goals. His nonchalant body language eventually annoyed Chelsea who finally got rid of him. In short, the man that ruled in the Serie A between 1999 and 2006 wasn’t the one that the English Premier League came to know.
This is the sort of career that Edin Dzeko doesn’t want. The ex-Wolfsburg player landed at Manchester City for £27M and he is resolute to let his transfer remain in history books as a successful one. Dzeko explained things to The Telegraph concerning as the Sky Blues prepare to affront Shevchenko’s Dynamo Kyiv in the UEFA Europa League, saying:
“He [Andriy Shevchenko] was my idol. I met him a few years ago when Wolfsburg played in Milan... and we exchanged shirts.
“He was a fantastic player, but he had some tough times in England. But, that’s football. England is very different from other leagues and I will have to get used to it.”
Integration is not an issue for Edin Dzeko; remarkably, he speaks good English and he happens to be at the City of Manchester Stadium because of a dream that has come true – not by force like it seems to be the case for some players (youngsters, especially) who moan about being homesick. So if the Bosnian remains yet to impose himself as “Manchester City’s redeemer”, is it just a matter of time? According to the optimistic Roberto Mancini, the answer is “yes”.
“Edin is one of the best strikers in Europe,” the Italian told The Telegraph.
“But it is not easy to start with a new team in a new league in January but I’m happy that he will be one of the best strikers in England.”
Tonight, Manchester City will resume their hunt for the UEFA Europa League title. Their last result was a 3-0 victory at home to Greek side Aris, and they’ll be hoping to keep the momentum alive against Dynamo Kyiv now.
But the Ukrainians possess the Andriy Shevchenko factor, which could play the trick against Edin Dzeko’s Manchester City. But that’s not the only thing that worries Roberto Mancini who saw AS Roma freeze away to Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League earlier on Tuesday. “It will be difficult and the pitch isn’t good enough. It’s so hard because it’s cold,” the Man City manager concluded.
Oldham still hope for Micah Richards deal
Micah Richards’ revival in fortunes for Manchester City is bad news for Oldham.
Richards joined City from Oldham as a 14-year-old, with a clause in his contract that meant Latics would receive 20 per cent of any deal done if the Blues sold him on.
Latics chairman Simon Corney has revealed City made them an offer several years ago to buy out the clause, but no deal was done.
At one stage it looked as if the £10m rated England defender would be heading for the Eastlands exit with Villa, Liverpool and Arsenal all known admirers.
And that would have netted cash-strapped Latics a £2m windfall.
But, after rediscovering the form which saw him called into the England squad, Richards has now cemented himself as one of the first names on Mancini's team-sheet.
However, Oldham are still hoping to cash in.
Latics – who are suffering cash problems following the collapse of their proposed move to Failsworth - would be willing to consider another offer if one was forthcoming from the Blues and are seeking talks with City.
“We had discussions with City a few years ago years ago and it just wasn't enough,” Corney said. “But I don't think they will sell him, as they don't need the money. We could end up in a situation in three or four years time where he buys himself out of his contract.
“If the money was right, I would definitely be in favour of doing a deal.”
Levante to flip Man City flop Caicedo
Manchester City will take a £4.4million hit on forgotten striker Felipe Caicedo by selling him to Spanish side Levante in the summer for just £850,000.
But they could miss out on a windfall as the La Liga outfit plan to then stick him up for sale for £4m as soon as they land him.
Levante can snap up the 22-year-old Ecudaorian for the reduced fee as part of the loan deal they agreed with City last summer.
Since then, Caicedo has taken the Spanish league by storm - hitting a club record 11 goals in 19 games and capturing the eye of Atletico Madrid in the process.
Levante are now hoping to sell him to their more illustrious rivals and pocket a tidy profit.
Caicedo is the only player signed by ex-City boss Sven Goran Eriksson who is still on the club's books.
The Swede splashed out £35m in one season on the likes of Elano, Roland Bianchi, Geovanni and Caicedo.
All the others have been sold off while Caicedo has been sent out on loan to Sporting Lisbon and Malaga in the past.
MCF.NET THREAD: viewtopic.php?f=119&t=37637
Reading captain Mills in race against time to face former side Manchester City
Reading captain Matt Mills faces missing Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final at old club Manchester City with a groin injury.
The defender, 24, who scored the winner in Reading's fifth-round win at Everton, limped off during Tuesday's 3-1 victory at Ipswich.
Manchester United fan's 'offensive' sticker censored
A Manchester United fan has had her bumper sticker censored after a complaint was made to police that it was "offensive".
Sarah Webb-Lee, 39, from Stockport, had a car sticker which read: "On the first day God created United then completely [expletive] up and created City."
When officers told her to take it down she refused, but later agreed to have a letter removed.
Police said the swear word used breached public order legislation.
A neighbourhood team officer was sent round to Mrs Webb-Lee's home in Cale Green, Stockport, after a local councillor passed on to police a complaint they had received from a resident.
She was informed that the language used on the sticker was offensive under the terms of Section 5 of the Public Order Act.
"I couldn't believe it when they told me," she said.
She added: "I see sexist stickers and slogans which offend me and which are much worse than swearing but no way would I phone the police."
Told she would face a fine if she refused to take it down, Mrs Webb-Lee reluctantly agreed to rub out a vowel in the swear word.
"It's my car and I'll decorate it how I like," she said. "It's free speech and I should be allowed to say what I want."
Her husband Graham, 40, a Manchester City fan, said his wife put the sticker on her Vauxhall Corsa "for a laugh" three years ago. "It's just a bit of banter between fans," he said. "I'm a City fan and you hear much worse at the match."
Greater Manchester Police said the couple were asked to either remove the sticker or some of the letters contained within the offensive word, which they did willingly.
Insp Stephen Gilbertson said: "We received a complaint about the language contained in a car sticker that, by law, is offensive.
"All we did is make the relevant people aware and asked them to either remove the sticker or some letters within the swear word, which they willingly did.
"It is important to stress this had nothing whatsoever to do with any football team and was solely in relation to an offensive word."
MCF.NET THREAD: viewtopic.php?f=119&t=37635
The Next Ronaldinho
Manchester City are monitoring Shakhtar Donetsk star Douglas Costa, who in the past has been strongly linked with a move to their bitter Premier League rivals Manchester United. The 20-year-old Brazilian, once dubbed the ‘next Ronaldinho’, has caught the eye in this season’s Champions League but City could face competition from Inter Milan and Juventus. (TalkShyte)
World beater: Mario Balotelli can be up there with Messi, says Wesley Sneijder
World Cup star Wesley Sneijder insists “crazy” Mario Balotelli will soon rival Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best players in the world.
Sneijder played alongside the Manchester City striker at Inter Milan last year and believes he has the talent to become a global superstar.
But the Dutchman, who was named one of the best players at last year’s World Cup in South Africa, has warned his former team-mate he will have to curb his wild side if he ever wants to be considered one of football’s greats.
“He has a personality,” said Sneijder. “Sometimes as a player he is amazing because he can do crazy things on the pitch.
“But outside of the pitch he can do crazy things, stupid things sometimes.
“He knows this because I talked many times with him last year.
“He is still young and sometimes he loses control.”
Balotelli, who hopes to be involved for City in tonight’s Europa League last-16 first-leg clash with Dynamo Kiev, has divided opinion since his £24m move to Eastlands last summer.
His 10 goals in only 17 appearances for the Blues back up Sneijder’s belief that he is among the deadliest finishers in Europe.
But tantrums with boss Roberto Mancini, and bust-ups with team-mates have marred his first season in the Premier League.
His time at Inter also courted controversy, with former coach Jose Mourinho publicly criticising a player considered by many in his homeland to be the most naturally talented Italian of all time.
Sneijder has watched from a distance – but remains convinced that the 20-year-old, who went to Italy to watch Inter’s Serie A match with Genoa on Sunday, is a class act.
“He’s like he was here before,” said Sneijder.
“He’s a player with a lot of qualities.
“He can be one of the best strikers in the world if he continues like this.
“If he starts thinking in the right way he can be one of the biggest strikers in the world.
“He’s still young, he needs some time, but he is doing very well.”
And Sneijder revealed Balotelli reminds him of a another Inter Milan hero.
“I think you can compare him a little bit with Zlatan Ibrahimovic,” said the World Cup finalist and Champions League winner.
“They have the same qualities and he even shoots in the same way.
“But he is 20 years old. He is still young and talented – but not at his top level yet.”
Sneijder, along with City, will be appearing at the Dublin Super Cup, a new annual pre-season tournament that will be hosted at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on July 30 and 31.
WAG OF THE DAY
OTHER BOLLOX
Atletico Madrid will offer want-away strikers Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan to Tottenham for a combined price of £40m this summer. Metro
Manchester United and Barcelona are locked in a battle to sign Besiktas' 16-year-old midfielder Muhammed Demirci, who is regarded as one of the best young talents in Europe. talkSPORT
Full-back Gael Clichy has hinted he could leave Arsenal this summer as talks on extending his current contract have ground to a halt. Metro
Arsenal and Chelsea target Philippe Mexes has still not ruled out a summer move to the Premier League. The French defender's contract with Italian side Roma expires in June. talkSPORT
Newcastle have joined Arsenal in tracking Saint-Ettiene midfielder Blaise Matuidi, who is expected to leave the French club this summer. insidefutbol.com
Meanwhile, Magpies boss Alan Pardew is keen to make midfielder Stephen Ireland's loan move from Aston Villa permanent at St James' Park. Daily Mirror
Newcastle are also weighing up a move for Espanyol striker Jose Maria Callejon. Daily Mail
Chief executive Steve Walton insists Sunderland are under no financial pressure to sell star players such as striker Asamoah Gyan and midfielder Jordan Henderson, who has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea. Metro
Stoke are set to make a £4m summer swoop for out-of-favour Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock. Daily Mirror
Real Madrid are ready to cut their losses on Kaka this summer - and Chelsea and AC Milan are currently leading the chase to sign him. The midfielder has struggled for form and fitness since moving to Spain from Milan for £56m in 2009. talkSPORT
West Brom boss Roy Hodgson is set to battle it out with Everton for Leicester's Andy King this summer - providing the Baggies stay in the top flight. the Sun
Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen - a target for Liverpool - says Barcelona are the only club who could tempt him away from Ajax. Daily Mail
Inter Milan are considering a summer-move for Tottenham's Croatian midfielder Luka Modric. talkSPORT
Promotion-chasing League One side Huddersfield are eyeing a loan move for Bolton winger Danny Ward. Daily Mirror
Ipswich are monitoring Coventry striker Marlon King's contract situation after talks over a new deal stalled. King, 30, is in demand as a free agent in the summer having scored seven goals this season. Daily Mail
Manchester United winger Nani faces up to a month on the sidelines as the gash suffered to his knee during the 3-0 loss at Liverpool is worse than first thought. Daily Mirror
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly broken the media silence he has kept since he was charged by the Football Association for criticising referee Martin Atkinson. Cbsport.org, a regional sports website, quoted Ferguson as saying Arsenal were leaders United's main threat in the Premier League title race, while the Scot added he had "no excuses" for their "poor performance" in their 3-1 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday. The website comments, however, were later removed. Daily Telegraph
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has been given a vote of confidence by chairman Dave Whelan, despite the club slumping to the bottom of the Premier League. Daily Star
Liverpool fear captain Steven Gerrard will require surgery on a troublesome groin injury and could miss much of the season run-in. The midfielder has been left out of the squad that travelled to Portugal to face Braga in the Europa League on Thursday . Full story: Daily Mirror
Former Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli has tipped Carlo Ancelotti to lead the club to the Champions League final this season. "They have got a great side with great players, experienced players. They are very hungry to win the Champions League because they have been so close for so many years. They deserve to get at least to the final and I'm sure they will," said Vialli. talkSPORT
A number of Barcelona players have criticised the way Arsenal played in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 second leg at the Nou Camp, which the Spanish champions won 3-1 to beat the Gunners 4-3 on aggregate. Xavi says he was surprised Arsenal did not play with "more joy, more attacking flair" while fellow midfielder Sergio Busquets criticised Wenger's side for a "lack of ambition".Daily Mirror
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas will miss Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final clash with Manchester United because of a hamstring injury suffered during the 3-1 Champions League last-16 second leg loss at Barcelona. the Sun
Manchester United could be boosted by the return of winger Antonio Valencia to their match-day squad for Saturday's FA Cup tie with Arsenal at Old Trafford. Daily Mail
England boss Fabio Capello is being courted by Juventus, who want the Italian to return to his homeland to become their technical director after the 2012 European Championships. Capello won three Italian league titles as a player with Juve and was their manager between 2004 and 2006. the Sun
England defender Rio Ferdinand hailed Massimo Busacca as the world's best referee on his Twitter account - before the Italian showed Arsenal's Robin van Persie a second yellow card for kicking the ball away in their defeat at Barcelona. Ferdinand later stood by his initial assessment of Busacca, tweeting: "... still the best referee for me, 1 decision doesn't change that." Daily Mail
A top sports scientist believes football stars such as Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney are geniuses who naturally excel at maths and science and develop an intuitive understanding of geometry which allows them to perfect the beautiful game.Daily Mirror
