Friday, 4 July 2014

Ronaldinho: I was 48 hours from Man United move

Ronaldinho: I was 48 hours from Man United move

Ronaldinho: I was 48 hours from Man United move

Posted: 03 Jul 2014 09:20 AM PDT

Both Barcelona and United were hot on the heels of the PSG star more than a decade ago, having seen him knock England out of the 2002 World Cup. But it was the Catalan giants who snatched the player from under United's noses. Reports at the time suggested Ronaldinho moved to Spain because their offer of £21 million was deemed superior to the cash-plus-player offer put forward by United. However, in an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, the Selecao star claims negotiations between himself and the Red Devils were close to a conclusion, and it was only when it became clear his close friend Sandro Rosell was in line to become Barcelona president that the Brazilian had a late change of heart. Speaking in the July 2014 issue of FFT, Ronaldinho says: "It almost happened with United. It was a matter of 48 hours, but Sandro Rosell had told me way before I got the offer: 'If I become Barça president, will you come?' I said yes. "It was only a matter of details with United when Rosell called to say he was going to win the elections there. And I had promised to him that I'd play for Barça. It was a quick negotiation. I told the English I had chosen Barca." Rosell did not win the 2003 elections, but was named vice-president after supporting the successful candidacy of Joan Laporta. This proved enough to persuade Ronaldinho to choose the Camp Nou club over a transfer to Old Trafford. It was a move that completely transformed the fortunes of a Barcelona side that went from not winning a trophy in four years to winning six titles in the space of three seasons, and Ronaldinho is happy he made the right decision. "It was the right choice. Brazilians have always loved Barça. We have a history there. Off the pitch it is like nowhere else in Europe, so we are always happy playing there." Read the full One-on-One interview with Ronaldinho in the July 2014 issue of FourFourTwo, which celebrates our 20th birthday. The magazine is guest-edited by Brazilian legend Ronaldo, features interviews with Roberto Carlos, Tostao and Zico and looks back at how football has changed during the two decades of FFT's existence. Available now in print and in a specially-designed-for-iPad version.

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Ferdinand: Pogba will be worlds best midfielder

Posted: 03 Jul 2014 08:17 AM PDT

Pogbahas caught the eye with some outstanding displays as Didier Deschamps' side have moved into the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. France were not talked up as potential challengers to be crowned world champions for a second time, but haveemerged as serious contenders as they prepare to lock horns with Germany in the last eighton Friday. Pogba's influence has not been lost on Ferdinand, who has not been surprised by the impact the Juventus man has made on the world stage after seeing him at close quarters during his time at Manchester United before the 21-year-old opted to join the Serie A champions. The former England defender said in his column on the BBC Sport website: "Young France midfielder Paul Pogba has been one of the stars of this World Cup but I am not surprised by his impressive form in Brazil. "Pogba did not play much during his time as a team-mate of mine at Old Trafford, but the things he did in training meant every member of Manchester United's first-team squad was in no doubt how good he was, and how good he could be. "It was a big disappointment when he left to join Juventus in 2012, and it was definitely a mistake by United to let him go. "I think he left because he felt disrespected that he did not play in a particular game when a few players were played out of position in midfield. "Paul told me before he left that he wanted to be "the best player in the world". I don't know whether that will happen, but he will definitely turn out to be the best midfielder in the world. "As well as his undoubted ability, his strength is definitely his self-belief, not just by statements like that but by how he backs them up. "He made the big bold move to leave United, the best club in the world in my eyes, at only 19 because he wanted opportunities. He backed himself to do it, which is a big thing to do for a kid of his age, and he has not looked back since."

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QPR close to Ferdinand deal, says Redknapp

Posted: 03 Jul 2014 08:01 AM PDT

Ferdinand, 35, is a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Manchester United and has been heavily linked with a switchto Loftus Road. Reports had suggested that a potential QPR move for the centre-back was in jeopardy due to the former England international's wage demands. However, Redknapp has dismissed those rumours, stating that a deal for Ferdinand - who is currently working as a television pundit at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil - is close to being completed. "Rio has agreed to join us and we're hopeful of getting that one over the line when he gets back from the World Cup," Redknapp told The Daily Telegraph. "I can't foresee any problems with it and we'd be delighted if we can get it done soon. "He's been a player at the top of the list since he left Manchester United and he would give the whole place a lift with his quality and experience." Redknapp is keen to pair Ferdinand with Caulker, who he worked with during his time at Tottenham, at the heart of the QPR defence. ButQPR's hopes of signing the Cardiff City man could be scuppered by apparent interest from Liverpool, Everton and Southampton. "We've agreed a fee with Cardiff and it's now up to Steven to decide his next move," Redknapp added. "I know him well from Spurs and he's always been a tremendous prospect. Hopefully that's another one we can get done."

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Diouf out to prove his worth in England

Posted: 03 Jul 2014 07:18 AM PDT

The Senegalforward failed to start a top-flight game in three yearsatManchester United, but did appear in the Premier League regularly during aloan spell to Blackburn Rovers, where he scored three times in 27 leaguematches. A move toHannover followedand Diouf rediscovered his scoring touch in Germany, netting 35 goals in 71appearances in all competitions. Stoke secured his signature last month on a four-year dealand Hughes feels the striker will be desperate to make his mark this time around. "I think Mame will feel he has something to prove," he told the club's official website. "He has obviously had experience of the Premier League having had a spell at Manchester United that was probably frustrating for him because he didn'tget as much game time as he would have liked. "He went on loan to Blackburn and although he got more games he was playing in a position that wasn't his main position. "But he's gone to Germany, had the desire to make an impact over there and has done really well. His goalscoring record in a very strong league as we know is comparable to anyone in the Bundesliga. "We're really pleased to have been able to bring him back to the Premier League and we all feel that as a consequence of his earlier experience in the Premier League, he'll be coming back here with a point to prove and to show the progression he's made in his career already."

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