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The change in the mentality of footballers has been nothing short of dramatic. Whilst it used to be about passion for the game, nowadays football seems to be all about fancy cars, big houses, designer clothes etc. So where did football change? Only 10 years ago people played football because they loved it! Whereas now it seems to be about the wages. Some footballer’s get paid over £100,000 a week, 5 x as much as the ANNUAL minimum wage. Personally I think this is a disgrace and cannot be justified. The only realistic way of managing this is by introducing a wage cap, something I just don’t see happening in the near future.

When talking about modern day football, there are plenty of players that live in a world of fame and fortune, take Cristiano Ronaldo for e.g, a fantastic talent, but in my opinion not passionate enough about the game. Yes the passions there, but he fails to show it as he is too busy getting caught up with his wages or his new sponsorship deal etc. This is an example of a typical modern day footballer.

Now let’s talk about passionate players, Bobby Charlton . This is a guy who was blessed with a natural talent for the game. He grew up in a football mad family and bled football. His passion for football was and is so great, that on any given day he would have happily played football for free!

Now this is the difference between modern and olden day football. I think some of the modern day footballers need to take a leaf out of Bobby Charlton’s book and start to re discover the passion they have for the game!

Ashley Young is a perfect example for high wages. In the last few days he has signed for Manchester United and is set to earn an astonishing £130,000 a week. Now £130,000 for a player of Young’s calibre is just ridiculous and only serves to perpetuate an already bad situation.. Just imagine what you could spend £130,000 on: a new car? A flash watch? Designer clothes? And that’s only a week’s wage!

Also, as football wages have increased, it has become harder for clubs and players to mutually agree on wages. This leads to a lot of players leaving clubs and going to richer clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea who can afford to pay the wages they want!

When Manchester City was bought by new owners, they spent over £100 million on players. As if things couldn’t get anymore bizarre, they let the players they signed pick their own wages as well as giving them a expensive watch worth thousands of pounds. Imagine that, being in control of your own wages and getting a free watch worth more than some people’s cars. This is a perfect example of how insane football has become due to the fact people are willing to put their hands in their pocket and spend huge amount of cash on transfer fees and wages!

The perturbing thing is that there seems to be no end in sight. Is there anything that can be done?

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Article courtesy of Daniel Angstmann from This is Futbol

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As with any local derby, whenever the two Manchester clubs met there was always that extra bit of tension in the air. Nowadays though, thanks to City’s new found riches, the game isn’t just about local pride. Honours are up for grabs.

The first match between United and the new look City caused a huge stir. Everybody in football was talking about it. For the first time ever, the blue half of Manchester arrived expectant. It was almost supposed to represent a little bit of revenge over Ferguson’s men for all the years they had to sit and watch United lift trophy after trophy.

In Ferguson’s mind, the noisy neighbours had to be silenced and a message needed to go out that there was still only one team in Manchester. It all made for a very entertaining match up and the seven-goal thriller did not disappoint.

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Fabrice Muamba has spoken out about his last moments before collapsing on the White Hart Lane pitch. The Bolton midfielder spoke of how he felt incredibly dizzy and started to see double before keeling over on the pitch. Muamba has now been fitted with what he describes as a ‘heart seatbelt’ that will keep his heart beating even if he has another lapse.

Elsewhere in the news Harry Redknapp remains confident of a top four finish; Mancini believes he doesn’t deserve the sack, while Sir Alex Ferguson has hit out at the Olympic selection process.

Headlines

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Harry Redknapp remains confident of a top four finish despite slumping to yet another defeat in the Premier League – Guardian

Sir Alex Ferguson has bemoaned the whole Olympic selection process and believes it could potentially leave United in ‘absolute chaos’ – Guardian

Roberto Mancini believes he has done too well to get sacked and is unconcerned over his future – Guardian

Tottenham are preparing a £10m bid for Hugo Lloris to replace Brad Friedel who turns 41 next month – Mirror

Theo Walcott has been ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury but should be fit for Euro 2012 – BBC

Adam Johnson suggested that if Manchester City fails to win the title it will be a huge blow for the football club – Sun

Fabrice Muamba has spoken of his last moments before he collapsed on the White Hart Lane pitch – Daily Mail

Wayne Rooney has stuck up for Ashley Young has says his teammate is no diver – Sun

Rafa van der Vaart have revealed that he is happy to remain at Tottenham, even if they fail to make the Champions League this season – Sun

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Kenny Dalglish has no regrets coming back into the Liverpool hot seat – Daily Mail

Arsenal are set to move for Fiorentina’s Adem Ljajic in the summer transfer window – Metro

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Lille striker Gervinho is set to announce this week which club he will join in the summer. The player has admitted a liking for the Premier League with Newcastle planning a bid of around £9.5m but there is also likely to be interest from Liverpool and Arsenal. There is also likely to be interest from Spain and Germany, so there is certainly no shortage of offers for talented Ivorian.

Gervinho’s actual name is Gervais Yao Kouassi who plays as striker for Lille in French Lique 1 – although the player can also play as a winger. Gervinho started his professional career in Belgium playing for Beveren – where he scored 14 league goals in around 2 seasons. In 2007, he moved to France and played for Le Mans and impressed despite the fact that he only scored 8 goals from 59 appearances.

In May, 2008 Gervinho was linked with a move away from Le Mans with other French teams interested but Arsenal were also linked. After hearing about the interest from Arsenal Gervinho suggested it would be a dream to play for the North London club. However, despite the continued interest from Arsenal his next move occurred in France from Le Mans to Lille for a fee of 8 million Euros.

Since moving to Lille Gervinho has really started to fulfil that potential with his goal-scoring; this season hitting 15 goals. The 24 year old striker has also made a number of appearances for his country, since making his debut in 2007. Since then he has made 19 appearances and scored 5 goals. Despite interest from a number of clubs reports in France suggest that Arsenal is the team he is most likely to join. It will certainly be interesting to see how he gets on in the Premier League if those reports proved to be correct. However, the African players that have come in to the English top flight have generally done well – so there is no reason to think Gervinho will be any different.

Check out this video on Gervinho:

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Both Manchester United and England fans’ hearts must have sunk when they heard the news that Owen Hargreaves’ long awaited return for Manchester United had only lasted five minutes. Thankfully for Owen Hargreaves, it was only a hamstring injury, that to be totally fair could have happened to anyone on the pitch. However, how long can Manchester United hold onto the hope that Hargreaves will be the same player that won both the Premier League and Champions League in his first season at Old Trafford. When Owen Hargreaves’ contract expires he will be 30. Is it time for Manchester United to move into the transfer market and look to replace the England international.

The worry for Manchester United fans must be the interview from Sir Alex Ferguson directly after the 2-1 win against Wolves. Ferguson spoke to Manchester radio station, Key 103 and gave his thoughts on why Hargreaves broke down only five minutes into his return.

‘It is possibly because of a lack of match fitness,’ Ferguson told Manchester radio station Key103. ‘Maybe a bit of anxiety at playing his first game had a bit to do with it too.’

This is the issue that Ferguson has to contend with. Does the manager have any faith in Hargreaves’ mental state. Before his return against Sunderland last season. Ferguson again stated that it was actually Hargreaves’ own mental state that was holding him back from returning. It is very difficult to damn a player who has worked so hard to get himself into a position where he was ready to play, but if his mental state isn’t right it seems unfair on the player to keep building him up only for his confidence to be knocked every time he breaks down. Owen Hargreaves is an exceptional player, but he is no use to Manchester United on the bench. Unfortunately it is time to look at replacing the midfielder.

In January Manchester United need to enter the transfer market in search of a world class defensive midfielder, who at the same time has the passing ability and work rate of Hargreaves. United’s top target should be Lassana Diarra of Real Mardid. With Jose Mourinho purchasing Sami Khedira it seems that Diarra is not needed at the Bernabeu. Diarra is only 23 and would retain his sell on value, a factor that should interest Ferguson. Diarra has also spoken of his frustration of being on the bench at the Bernabeu and has suggested he will be looking for first team football in January.

Manchester United need a player like Diarra. A strong robust midfielder, who has grown up since his days at Arsenal and Chelsea. Diarra would offer United a greater balance to the midfield. At the moment the problems are clear. Michael Carrick can’t tackle and Darren Fletcher’s distribution is poor at times. Added to this the fact that Paul Scholes can’t play every week, United have midfield issues. Diarra would without doubt give greater stability and freedom to Manchester United’s midfield.

Manchester United have waited too long for Owen Hargreaves to return – and to return the player he once was. The fear must be that Manchester United could wait even longer, to find out that Hargreaves will never be the player he once was. Have United waited long enough for the player to prove his fitness. The reality has to be they have, and they must look at replacing the midfielder. Without doubt, there is so much admiration and respect for Hargreaves in the way he has battled to get back to a position of recovery.

However, when the problem has moved from mental to physical, can Manchester United hold on to much hope of him returning and commanding a starting place in the team. I am not saying for one minute that Manchester United should hang Hargreaves out to dry – far from it. The facts are United need Hargreaves playing week in week out. If this is not possible, and the events of the last week suggest this, its time to look at replacing the midfielder.

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Click on image below to see a gallery of Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest lady

Kenny Dalglish has called upon Raheem Sterling to do his talking on the pitch, amid talk that the youngster is growing impatient at the lack of first team chances.

According to reports in the Daily Mail, Sterling has been frustrated at his failure to break into the first team picture and supposed ‘broken promises’ about his opportunities in and around the team.

Tottenham are reportedly monitoring the situation closely and have sent scouts to watch the 16-year-old in recent weeks, in case Sterling decides to call time on his short career at Liverpool.

Sterling is one of the brightest talents at the football club and there has been a clamour for him to get his chance; however Dalglish clearly doesn’t believe he is ready and has called upon the youngster to prove to himself on the pitch, rather than relying on what is said about him in the newspapers:

“You earn the right to a run out by what you do on the pitch, not by what is said in newspapers.”

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Tottenham Hotspur favourite and former Argentina international Osvaldo Ardiles has heralded Barcelona as the ‘future of the football’.Barca defeated Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, capturing their fourth European Cup in emphatic fashion.

It was their second Champions League triumph in three years under coach Pep Guardiola, whose reign has also yielded three consecutive Spanish league titles.

Speaking at Sunday’s London Legends’ Cup, a post-season tournament contested by retired players at Fulham’s Craven Cottage, 1978 World Cup winner Ardiles had no hesitation in declaring this Barca side one of the greatest.

“Barcelona are the team to beat, they are the best team in the world,” Ardiles said.

“I think they are probably one of the best in the history of football. I think they are an extraordinary team with a few wonderful players like Lionel Messi.”

“I think they are going to reign in football for a long, long time. They are all very young as well, it’s a real pleasure.”

“It’s the future of football, this is how football is going to be played in the future certainly.”

Fulham boss Mark Hughes has defended Danny Murphy, after the midfielder came under attack for comments criticising fellow Premier League teams for an over-physical approach.

Murphy named Stoke City, Wolves and Blackburn Rovers as sides he felt stepped over the mark and has since been attacked by the managers of each of those three clubs, as well as a number of other leading figures.

However, Hughes believes that Murphy was merely speaking his mind and making a pertinent point.

He commented:"You must recognise that Danny is at the coalface. In his view in certain games against certain opposition, opponents have over-stepped the mark.

"You have to accept that because even as a manager you don't know the intent of somebody.

"As a player I knew when someone was over-stepping the line or just making a fair and competitive tackle.

"There's a lot been said about Danny being disrespectful to the managers, but having had conversations with him he has huge respect for the managers of the teams he mentioned.

"Maybe the fact we had recent history against the teams he mentioned was fresh in his mind and he was giving examples.

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"We're disappointed by the reaction to it. You must respect he has an opinion. He was being honest.

"He's an honest guy and has forthright views. He's quite prepared to have his say. He's probably been surprised by the reaction."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Lets face it, as football fans, we all appreciate our stadiums. The history, heritage and tradition that surrounds them. The emotions we dispense inside. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a hulking figure that dominate the skylines or a slither of grass flanked by a few dilapidated stands. Every football stadium has a story. Each one is beautiful in it’s own right.

Unfortunately there are some poor structures affixed with names that really do make you giggle like like a young child stuck in a laughing fit after viewing their first episode of Mr Bean. You really have to wonder what goes through the heads of some football chairmen don’t you? Naming a football stadium after a chocolate bar is both ludicrous and hysterical all in the same measure.

But, football is big business these days and no matter how absurd it my be naming a ground after the countries leading manufacturer of crinkle cut crisps or a popular Hollywood actor can financially benefit a club in the long-term. The Premier League is no stranger to such occurrences with Arsenal, Bolton, Manchester City, Stoke and Wigan all showcasing the positives of a naming rights deal. Luckily for them though their footballing cathedrals have steered clear of any madcap monikers.

There are a ton of them out there around the globe but here is the Top TEN Weird & Wacky Stadium Names.

Click on the stadium below to get started

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New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union moved to first and second respectively in the MLS Eastern Conference with 1-0 wins on Saturday.The Red Bulls moved a point clear on top with a 1-0 win over the Kansas City Wizards, which came from a 21st-minute strike by English striker Luke Rodgers.

Philadelphia kept the pressure on with a 1-0 win at home against the San Jose Earthquakes, with French midfielder Sebastien Le Toux scoring the winner 14 minutes from time.

The Columbus Crew enjoyed a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps, a second-half brace from Venezuelan striker Emilio Renteria proving the difference between the two sides, and the Colorado Rapids were held to a 1-1 draw at home by the struggling Chicago Fire.

The Seattle Sounders cruised to a 3-0 win over Toronto with Brad Evans scoring a double to add to Alvaro Fernandez’s opener, and Chivas USA had goals from Nick LaBrocca, Marcos Mondaini and Alejandro Moreno to thank for their 3-0 win over New England Revolution.

The Portland Timbers enjoyed a 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake, with Kenny Cooper scoring the winner after 22 minutes.