Benfica complete signing of Joan Capdevila from Villarreal
The Spain defender has joined the Portuguese club on a two-year deal, ending his stint with the Yellow Submarine.
Benfica have announced the signing of Villarreal defender Joan Capdevila via a note on their official website.
The World Cup winner has signed a two-year deal with Jorge Jesus' men, with a €20 million release clause inserted into the contract.
Last Monday, it was revealed that Benfica had opened negotiations with the Primera Division side over Capdevila.
The Eagles have been in the market for a left-back since Fabio Coentrao joined Real Madrid earlier this month.
Capdevila has won 59 caps for Spain, scoring four goals since making his debut in 2002. He played every minute of his nation's triumphant World Cup campaign last year.
The full-back enjoyed spells with Atletico Madrid, Espanyol and Deportivo La Coruna before joining Villarreal in 2007.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Keepers stake claim
Competition for places will be a familiar theme at Old Trafford this season.
Few players are certain to start most games, and that includes new goalkeeper David de Gea.
The Spanish Under-21 stopper joined the Reds for the Seattle leg of the US tour, although he will only make his debut when United meet Chicago Fire on Saturday 23 July.
At CenturyLink Field on Wednesday evening, both Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos impressed; the Dane made two sharp saves in quick succession in the first period while Amos was called upon on three occasions after the break.
United may have splashed big money for de Gea this summer, but Sir Alex admits the door is still open for the club’s other goalkeepers to challenge the 20-year-old for the no.1 jersey.
“Obviously we’ve signed David de Gea and I’d imagine he’ll be the main choice,” the boss said at his post-match press conference. “But you have to say, the other two goalkeepers – Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos – have probably said to themselves that there’s an opportunity here with van der Sar retiring.
“So it’s an open door as far as I’m concerned. De Gea will play on Saturday in Chicago but they’ll all get their share of games [on tour]. Then the decision on whoever starts the season will depend on how de Gea settles.”
It’s not just between the posts where Sir Alex will have selection headaches. Out wide, the manager
Few players are certain to start most games, and that includes new goalkeeper David de Gea.
The Spanish Under-21 stopper joined the Reds for the Seattle leg of the US tour, although he will only make his debut when United meet Chicago Fire on Saturday 23 July.
At CenturyLink Field on Wednesday evening, both Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos impressed; the Dane made two sharp saves in quick succession in the first period while Amos was called upon on three occasions after the break.
United may have splashed big money for de Gea this summer, but Sir Alex admits the door is still open for the club’s other goalkeepers to challenge the 20-year-old for the no.1 jersey.
“Obviously we’ve signed David de Gea and I’d imagine he’ll be the main choice,” the boss said at his post-match press conference. “But you have to say, the other two goalkeepers – Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos – have probably said to themselves that there’s an opportunity here with van der Sar retiring.
“So it’s an open door as far as I’m concerned. De Gea will play on Saturday in Chicago but they’ll all get their share of games [on tour]. Then the decision on whoever starts the season will depend on how de Gea settles.”
It’s not just between the posts where Sir Alex will have selection headaches. Out wide, the manager
SKYSPORTS.COM APOLOGY TO JOHN TERRY
CHELSEA - AN APOLOGY
At skysports.com we have a reputation for the honesty and integrity of our reporting. Unfortunately we fell short of those standards with our coverage of John Terry's interview with Sky Sports News on July 19 during which the Chelsea captain was asked to comment on Luka Modric.
We would like to clarify that John Terry did not refer to Luka Modric as being disrespectful to Tottenham Hotspur during the interview. On realising our error we immediately removed the original article and published a corrected version.
We would like to apologise to John Terry and Chelsea for any inconvenience caused.
At skysports.com we have a reputation for the honesty and integrity of our reporting. Unfortunately we fell short of those standards with our coverage of John Terry's interview with Sky Sports News on July 19 during which the Chelsea captain was asked to comment on Luka Modric.
We would like to clarify that John Terry did not refer to Luka Modric as being disrespectful to Tottenham Hotspur during the interview. On realising our error we immediately removed the original article and published a corrected version.
We would like to apologise to John Terry and Chelsea for any inconvenience caused.
Rooney: Reds getting sharper
Wayne Rooney says United's goal blitz against the Seattle Sounders proves the players are beginning to hit their stride.
The England striker netted a second half hat-trick after coming off the bench at the break, while Michael Owen, Mame Biram Diouf, Ji-sung Park and Gabriel Obertan also got in on the scoring act as United ran out 7-0 winners at CenturyLink Field.
Rooney told MUTV the Reds' comprehensive win over the Sounders was the reward for a period of intensive pre-season training in Seattle.
"I think the result shows how hard we've worked this week and we've benefitted from it tonight," he said. "We looked sharp and scored some really good goals.
"It's a great result for us but the most important thing was the work-out."
Sir Alex talked after the game about the competition for places in the goalkeeping and midfield department, but there's likely to be a fair old battle going on up front as well.
"We know there's a lot of competition for places with the strikers this season," added Rooney. "And we've got Chicharito to come back in as well.
"We all need to make sure we keep working hard and fight for the one or two places available."
The England striker netted a second half hat-trick after coming off the bench at the break, while Michael Owen, Mame Biram Diouf, Ji-sung Park and Gabriel Obertan also got in on the scoring act as United ran out 7-0 winners at CenturyLink Field.
Rooney told MUTV the Reds' comprehensive win over the Sounders was the reward for a period of intensive pre-season training in Seattle.
"I think the result shows how hard we've worked this week and we've benefitted from it tonight," he said. "We looked sharp and scored some really good goals.
"It's a great result for us but the most important thing was the work-out."
Sir Alex talked after the game about the competition for places in the goalkeeping and midfield department, but there's likely to be a fair old battle going on up front as well.
"We know there's a lot of competition for places with the strikers this season," added Rooney. "And we've got Chicharito to come back in as well.
"We all need to make sure we keep working hard and fight for the one or two places available."
Former Real Madrid striker Ivan Zamorano: Alexis Sanchez will adapt to Pep Guardiola & Barcelona
The retired forward thinks that his compatriot will thrive at Barca under Guardiola, and also offers his opinion on Brazilian striker Neymar.
Ex-Real Madrid striker Ivan Zamorano believes that Alexis Sanchez will be a huge success at Barcelona.
The Chilean winger is believed to be inching ever nearer to completing a transfer to the Catalan club, and yesterday it was revealed that Sanchez' agent was in Barcelona to thrash out a deal for the player.
Zamorano has dispelled any notions that the 22-year-old might not be up to La Liga standard, telling Marca: ''Alexis [Sanchez] has an advantage. Already, he has experience. He has triumphed in the world's toughest league, which is Italian, definitely.
''Sanchez is a guy who knows how to listen and he will adapt to [Pep] Guardiola."
The Santiago Bernabeu legend, who also enjoyed spells with Sevilla and Inter, went on to discuss Brazilian sensation Neymar, and revealed he was highly impressed by the 19-year-old's capabilities.
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with a move for the emerging Santos star, and Zamorano added: "He [Neymar] has huge potential. He can be a decisive player.
"The only thing missing with Neymar is experience, but that will be earned over time.''
Ex-Real Madrid striker Ivan Zamorano believes that Alexis Sanchez will be a huge success at Barcelona.
The Chilean winger is believed to be inching ever nearer to completing a transfer to the Catalan club, and yesterday it was revealed that Sanchez' agent was in Barcelona to thrash out a deal for the player.
Zamorano has dispelled any notions that the 22-year-old might not be up to La Liga standard, telling Marca: ''Alexis [Sanchez] has an advantage. Already, he has experience. He has triumphed in the world's toughest league, which is Italian, definitely.
''Sanchez is a guy who knows how to listen and he will adapt to [Pep] Guardiola."
The Santiago Bernabeu legend, who also enjoyed spells with Sevilla and Inter, went on to discuss Brazilian sensation Neymar, and revealed he was highly impressed by the 19-year-old's capabilities.
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with a move for the emerging Santos star, and Zamorano added: "He [Neymar] has huge potential. He can be a decisive player.
"The only thing missing with Neymar is experience, but that will be earned over time.''
Chelsea striker Anelka dismisses Manchester United, Liverpool spending
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has dismissed the big spending of Manchester United and Liverpool.
Anelka echoed the sentiments of team-mate Frank Lampard, who claimed no matter how much their Barclays Premier League title rivals spend, Chelsea still believe they will be the team to beat.
"I don't think we need to strengthen the squad if we are going to win the Champions League," he said.
"We have a good squad already. We are strong everywhere and I do not detect any real weaknesses."
He added: "Our biggest challenge will be the same as it has always been - Manchester United. They won the title and have bought some good players so they will be our biggest challengers, but we will be ready for them I can assure you."
Anelka echoed the sentiments of team-mate Frank Lampard, who claimed no matter how much their Barclays Premier League title rivals spend, Chelsea still believe they will be the team to beat.
"I don't think we need to strengthen the squad if we are going to win the Champions League," he said.
"We have a good squad already. We are strong everywhere and I do not detect any real weaknesses."
He added: "Our biggest challenge will be the same as it has always been - Manchester United. They won the title and have bought some good players so they will be our biggest challengers, but we will be ready for them I can assure you."
Chelsea striker Anelka dismisses Manchester United, Liverpool spending
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has dismissed the big spending of Manchester United and Liverpool.
Anelka echoed the sentiments of team-mate Frank Lampard, who claimed no matter how much their Barclays Premier League title rivals spend, Chelsea still believe they will be the team to beat.
"I don't think we need to strengthen the squad if we are going to win the Champions League," he said.
"We have a good squad already. We are strong everywhere and I do not detect any real weaknesses."
He added: "Our biggest challenge will be the same as it has always been - Manchester United. They won the title and have bought some good players so they will be our biggest challengers, but we will be ready for them I can assure you."
Anelka echoed the sentiments of team-mate Frank Lampard, who claimed no matter how much their Barclays Premier League title rivals spend, Chelsea still believe they will be the team to beat.
"I don't think we need to strengthen the squad if we are going to win the Champions League," he said.
"We have a good squad already. We are strong everywhere and I do not detect any real weaknesses."
He added: "Our biggest challenge will be the same as it has always been - Manchester United. They won the title and have bought some good players so they will be our biggest challengers, but we will be ready for them I can assure you."
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