Luis Aragones said on Monday that he would not go back on his decision to retire as Spain coach after Euro 2008 despite having guided them to their first semi-final in 24 years.
The 69-year-old said he was touched by those supporters, who had brandished banners saying Aragones stay , during the quarter-final victory over Italy the Spanish ended an 88 year victory drought over the Italians in competitive matches with their 4-2 penalty shootout win, after the match ended 0-0.
I thank all of those people who have addressed words of encouragement or compliments, said Aragones.
But the Federation know already that this adventure is ending for me, whatever happens to Spain here.
I am not even asking myself whether the federation would propose something or …
Spain s Cesc Fabregas says that he has no intention of letting Sunday s Euro 2008 final against Germany slip through his hands.
The Arsenal midfielder, who set up Spain s last two goals in Thursday s 3-0 semi-final win over Russia, knows all too well what it s like to fall at the final hurdle having lost out to Barcelona with the Gunners in the 2006 Champions League final.
And after the Russian rout which set Spain up for a tilt at their first major honour in 44 years he insisted: Listen I know what it s like to lose a major final, I don t want to lose another one.
Coach Luis Aragones has preferred to start Xavi in midfield throughout this Euro with Fabregas coming on as a super sub late on in the game.
But here at the Ernst Happel stadium Fabregas …
Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi insisted his team are on the right track in their preparations for the new season, despite suffering a surprise 1-0 friendly defeat to Lens.
Saturday s friendly in France was a cagey affair, ultimately decided by a 91st-minute winner for the hosts when Lois Openda flicked on a corner at the near post, which looped into the far corner of the net.
Lens, who finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season, provided a stern test for their Serie A opponents, who fielded several of their new faces including Romelu Lukaku and Henrikh Mkhitaryan as second-half substitutes.
They were unable to make a difference though, with Lens goalkeeper Brice Samba recently signed from Premier League side Nottingham Forest making several important saves.
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Andrei Arshavin supports Zenit St Petersburg in their decision to reject the bid recently made by Spanish giants FC Barcelona.
Barcelona offered fifteen million Euros for the Russian midfielder, while Zenit demand at least ten million more.
I really understand Zenit s attitude. The proposed amount really is too low, Arshavin told Russian newspaper Sport Express.
I still have time. It s a little strange though. I played well at Euro 2008 and got noticed, but that also hurt me since my value went up.
Arshavin recently revealed that playing for Barcelona has been a life long dream.
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Eden Hazard is the Michael Jordan of football as Belgium boss Roberto Martinez tipped the Real Madrid star to win the Ballon d Or.
Hazard – regarded as one of the best players in the world – swapped Premier League outfit Chelsea for LaLiga powerhouse Madrid in a blockbuster transfer prior to the start of the season.
The Belgium international has showed flashes of his brilliance, earning praise for his performances prior to suffering a small ankle fracture.
Asked about Hazard, Martinez likened the Red Devils captain to Chicago Bulls great and NBA Hall of Famer Jordan.
I see Hazard winning the Ballon d Or, Martinez told Cadena Ser program El Larguero. He has the role of being a Ballon d Or winner.
What he has done is the level of the Ballon d …