Robbie Fowler has change of heart

Robbie Fowler announced that he is still available for India's Premier League Soccer (PLS), a day after having said otherwise.

Robbie Fowler announced that he is still available for India's Premier League Soccer (PLS), a day after having said otherwise.

The Liverpool legend confirmed that the PLS is still on his agenda in spite of the tournament being deferred indefinitely until a few issues surrounding the stadia and registration are taken care of.

"Breaking news.. India not cancelled, just postponed, still on the cards.. We'll see," he wrote on Twitter.

This was after he made headlines after announcing his unavailability for the PLS through his social media page on Wednesday which increased the confusion for the organisers.

"Ah well.. India looks like it's cancelled, boots are clean and looking for a new place to play. #professionalnotamateur," he had tweeted earlier.

Fowler was sold to the Kolkata franchisee, namely the Camellia group, for $530,000, from a base price of $450,000, in the auctions held in the capital city of West Bengal in the last week of January.

Bhaswar Goswami, director of Celebrity Management Group - who have conceptualised the event - stated that all the ICON players are very much committed to the project.

"I got in touch with his agent ... although he expressed his disappointment over the delay, he assured that the player (Fowler) is still associated with the meet," Goswami was quoted as saying.

@Soccerway

Alejandro Dominguez Vs Ind. Rivadavia (River Plate 3-0 Rivadavia)

Originally posted by Roberto Rivelino - Bianconer8.blogspot.com + Vídeo Compilation

After a tough week, because Chori picked a fight with Cavenaghi during the practice, Alejandro Dominguez presented another show at River Plate's service, this time against Independiente Rivadavia.
Alejandro is a number 10 full of class. We can define him with his bravery, intensity, intelligence, a player with class, mastery and quality.
Full of pace, he made a good connection with Fernando Cavenaghi. "Chori" was close to score after a good free kick, well saved by Independiente's keeper, that sent the ball into a corner. On the segment, Alejandro combined with Cavenaghi, crossing the ball to the area, and after a header, Cavenaghi himself sent the ball to the net. So the book was open.
He was replaced at the 81st minute, but before he made more mess on the opponents defense. Well positioned, on the left wing, alone, he picked the ball at midfield and ran until the net, where he only had to send the ball, with his left foot, to it's back, ending a great performance to Unai Emery's (Valencia's coach, the team that has his rights), and Sabella's (Argentina's NT coach), attention.

Alex Ferguson wish he had signed Joe Hart

Fergie: I wish I had a Hart

ALEX FERGUSON says turning down the opportunity to sign Joe Hart for £100,000 was one of his biggest mistakes.

The Manchester City goalkeeper — who has starred in their title challenge this season — was signed as a teenager from Shrewsbury Town for £600,000 in 2006.

And Manchester United boss Ferguson admits he could have got him even cheaper before then.

He said: "I could have bought Joe Hart for £100,000 so we all make mistakes.

"If you look at the England goalkeeper situation for the last 20 years, I would think he's easily the best."

Ferguson has also admitted he could move upstairs at Old Trafford when he eventually retires as manager.

But the wily Scot, 70, was keen to stress it was not in his thinking currently.

He said: "I think you always want to go out on a winning note.

"Hopefully we can do that. I don't know how long I can last now but if my health stays up I don't think another two or three years would harm me any.

"I would definitely finish — but I would remain active. I think there would be a role at United after I finish."

@The Sun

Arsenal problem in San Siro - "It's good to talk."

"It's good to talk."

Gunners lacked organisers at the San Siro, says Stewart

No velocity: Arteta (right) lacks energy, says Stewart

Stewart Robson told Sky Sports News HD that Arsenal's players must show greater leadership qualities.

"You don't have to be a shouter or a screamer to inspire people, but you need that communication to make sure you're all organised."
Stewart Robson

Arsene Wenger's men were beaten 4-0 at AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League tie on Wednesday night, while they are also facing a fight to preserve their top-four status in the Premier League.

Reflecting on the heavy defeat in Italy, ex-Gunners midfielder Robson said: "It was as poor as Arsenal have played for quite some time.

"They have a lot of very good individuals, but when goals were going in I don't think they played as a team.

"They certainly didn't defend as a team and there was no communication. You don't have to be a shouter or a screamer to inspire people, but you need that communication to make sure you're all organised.

"Arsenal weren't organised on the field and you couldn't see where the leaders were."

Athleticism

Robson - who played for the Londoners between 1981-86 - believes Arsenal were too ponderous in possession at the San Siro and says they need to be more energetic in the middle of the park.

"They lacked athleticism and when they did have the ball they didn't pass with enough tempo," said Robson. "They didn't play with urgency and they weren't determined in the tackle.

"As good a footballers as (Aaron) Ramsey and (Mikel) Arteta are, they haven't got the athleticism to go after the ball and close down quickly."

However, Robson says the Gunners will snare a spot in the top four this term if Gervinho - who has just returned from African Cup of Nations duty with the Ivory Coast - and fellow winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain support the in-form Robin van Persie.

"On their day they can take teams apart; they took Blackburn apart a couple of weeks ago," Robson said of Arsenal, who face Sunderland in the fifth round of the FA Cup this weekend.

"When Gervinho comes (into the side) Van Persie will come short and they will get runners beyond, including (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain.

"Those three players can cause teams problems if they play well and that's why I still think they will come fourth in the table."

Click here to read Jeff Stelling's view on Arsenal @SKY Sports.

Bayern Munchen signs Xherdan Shaqiri for 2012/2013

• Originally posted by Roberto Rivelino - Bianconer8.blogspot.com

Following Bayern München's official site, Xherdan Shaqiri was bought, this time following local media, for an amount between 12 and 14 millions.
Jupp Heynckes, Bavaria's team coach, confirms that ""Xherdan will reinforce our team in the coming seasons thanks to his intelligence and game. We've been observing his performances for quite some time and I'm convinced that he can become an important player for Bayern." The Swiss talented winger will start to show his great quality's on the next season until 2016, durability of the contract signed.
Xherdan Shaqiri is one of the emergent talents in Europe, playing for Basel, and has been getting hype for his Champions League performances against the likes of Manchester United or Benfica, and it's obviously a good option on a long-term perspective. Shaqiri is 20 years old and is ready to seduce Bundesliga with his skillful left foot.

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