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Kaká Not Leaving For Olympics - Milan

AC Milan reiterated their refusal to let Kaká take part in the Olympics with an official note on their website.With a note on their official website, AC Milan wanted to silence the rumours going around in Brazil concerning Kaká's possible participation to the Beijing Olympics with the Brazilian national team. "Following the news stories which appeared in Brazil today concerning Kaká's possible participation to the Beijing Olympics," it says on the note, "A.C. Milan reiterate the position already expressed earlier, not allowing the player to join the Brazilian Olympic team." Kaká's Milan team mate Pato probably will be a part of the Brazilian squad, and there were even rumors that Andrea Pirlo and Filippo Inzaghi would join the Italian squad in Beijing.
 

Henry: Messi The Best Footballer In The World

While on a promotional visit to Buenos Aires, French striker Thierry Henry revealed that he believes Lionel Messi is the best player in the world. Henry, who will turn 31 in August, praised his Barcelona team-mate, and insisted the Argentine "is the best footballer in the world".

Since arriving at the Catalan giants last season, Henry has had the opportunity to observe the Albicelestes star first hand, and he affirmed that he has been blown away by his exceptional skills.

"I have the possibility to watch Messi in training each morning, and because of what he demonstrates he is the best player in the world," he stated during a press conference.

"It is a pleasure to watch him, and because of the way he plays he is an undisputed leader of the Barcelona team."

The 1998 World Cup winner also praised Boca Juniors playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, a player who he regards as being "different" and that he likes very much because he "plays as if he were playing on the street".

Finally, Henry stated that he cannot understand how Argentina, the team he regards as being the best in the world, "hasn't won a title [the World Cup] in 22 years".

Inter Favourites Because Of Mourinho - Lippi

Italy coach Marcello Lippi thinks Inter are the favorites for the Scudetto because of Jose Mourinho's arrival. If Marcello Lippi's predictions would be correct, in around ten months we will be commenting on Inter's 4th consecutive Scudetto victory. According to the Italian national team coach the Nerazzurri are the favorites for the title ahead of the new season.

"I like Mourinho very much," he said, "for this reason I think Inter are the favorites to win the Scudetto. Mourinho is a tough guy, but when so many players speak positively about a coach, it means he has done well."

Looking back on Euro 2008, the World Cup winner gave his view on who was the best player of the tournament: "Spain midfielder Marcos Senna was the most important player for the team's victory."

Talking about the challenges ahead of the road towards the 2010 World Cup, Lippi said: "I will build a winning group which will not be much different to the one seen at the Euros. We need intelligent lads with unity and willingness to make sacrifices for one another: these were the qualities which allowed us to triumph at the World Cup."

 

Nasri Completes Arsenal Move

Olympique Marseille attacking-midfielder Samir Nasri has completed his move to the English Premier League, finally signing with Arsenal for a fee thought to be around €14 million. After a month of fine tuning the 21-year-old Nasri’s contract, finally the young Frenchman can complete his move to Arsenal from Olympique Marseille.

The switch had appeared inevitable since the beginning of June, when Nasri even suggested that his London transfer could be completed before the start of Euro2008.

Having barely been given an opportunity to shine in that competition as France struggled, the creative midfielder player then had a brief break before once again starting negotiations with Arsenal. Despite the lag, there was never any suggestion that the move would be cancelled.

New manager Arsčne Wenger was quick to outline Nasri’s strengths telling Arsenal’s official website that, “He is young, quick and technically an outstanding player.”

Nasri should fit into the Gunners’ system seamlessly as his passing and vision are superb while he is also a gifted dribbler.

“He has shown great potential with his performances for Marseille and the French national team over the past two seasons and he will add great quality to our squad,” Wenger eulogised.

The move seems a perfect match as Wenger has an outstanding track record of maximising technically gifted players’ talents. Doubtless Nasri recognised this when agreeing the move.

“I'm very happy to become an Arsenal player, it means such a lot to me,” the 12 times capped Frenchman told the Gunners’ website, “This is a very important step in my life as a football player because Arsenal is a massive club. I really hope everything will go well for me here. I will my best for Arsenal and its fans and I am honoured to be part of such a great football club.”

Nasri will join his new team-mates for their pre-season tour of Austria, which begins in ten days time.

No fee has been disclosed for the move but it is believed to be in the region of Ł11.5 million, or €14 million.