Eurosport Extract - Terry to face prosecution in race row

The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the prosecution of John Terry for a racially aggravated public order offence.

The charge relates to an incident in which the Chelsea and England captain was accused of making a racist remark to QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.
Terry strongly denies the allegation.
Alison Saunders, Chief Crown Prosecutor for London said: "I have today advised the Metropolitan Police Service that John Terry should be prosecuted for a racially aggravated public order offence following comments allegedly made during a Premier League football match between Queen’s Park Rangers and Chelsea on 23 October 2011.
"The decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and after careful consideration of all the evidence I am satisfied there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to prosecute this case.
"Mr Terry will appear before West London Magistrates’ Court on 1 February 2012.
"He is now summonsed with a criminal offence and has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice his trial."
The full CPS charge to Terry read: "On 23rd October at Loftus Road Stadium you used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress which was racially aggravated in accordance with section 28 or the Crime and Disorder Act 1998."
Manager Andre Villas-Boas said before the verdict was announced that Chelsea would stand by Terry.
"The only thing I know is that I will be fully supportive of John Terry, whatever the outcome," he said. "He has my full support, he has the club's full support.
"We know exactly his human values and personality. They are never in doubt."

http://au.eurosport.com/football/premier-league/2011-2012/cps-prosecute-terry_sto3074787/story.shtml

Chelsea vs Manchester City - Highlights

Chelsea 2:1 Manchester City

Reaction:

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas: "Our objective was to shorten our distance to the leaders and we did exactly that. We take no extra flavour for being the first team to beat Man City. But now the title race is very much alive. A lot of teams are still competing and I think the December fixtures could be decisive. I think our players did brilliantly tonight - they reacted to circumstances, they felt the game, and we were patient in our efforts to get the goal we deserved and the win we deserved."

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini: "The game changed with the sending off and in the first half. The referee was very sure in the second half when [Daniel Sturridge] shoots and Joleon Lescott is five metres away [for the penalty], but in the first half he was also three meters away when David Silva was brought down. I hope we can do another 14 games without losing."

Chelsea match-winner Frank Lampard: "Some of the football they [Man City] played showed we needed to win to stay in the title race. Ten points is a big gap and luckily we've closed that. I had a feeling in the second half that it was going to be our night. You've got to be big enough to stand up and take them [penalties] and I was very relieved when it hit the back of the net."





C-M footyroom.com by footyroom

Andre Villas-Boas "I Have No Problem Dropping Players." When Asked About Torres

New Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has made it clear in an interview about Fernando Torres, that he would not compromise the atmosphere of a team for one player, suggesting that he would drop Fernando Torres if he does not start scoring for Chelsea.

According to Goal.com Andre Villas-Boas is of the belief that Chelsea's number nine is full of talent, and is simply out of form. However, in the interest of the Chelsea squad, the former Porto manager will not let Torres' constant battle with his form slump affect on field results. With Didier Drogba ruled out for Chelsea's clash with Sunderland, one would think this is Torres' last chance in the starting XI to get it right, or fear having to prove himself off the bench.

When asked about the current form slump of Fernando Torres, Villas-Boas said "The talent is there and the question is regaining confidence.That comes from training and from time and finding the back of the net, so we have to persist. But it can't compromise the team. The moment it compromises the team it has to come to an end. We make choices regarding what we see. I have no problem dropping players."

Fernando Torres will most likely start against Sunderland this week. For Chelsea fans around the world, Torres has more than worn their patience, scoring just once in the league for the Blues, after his high profile transfer from Liverpool.

Hulk Will Not Be Sold, as an €80 Million Bid Gets Rejected by Porto

According to a Goal.com report FC Porto have rejected an €80 Million Bid for striker Hulk. The Brazilian powerhouse really proved himself on the world stage in both Portugal and in the Champions League. As is always the case with performers such as Hulk, the big clubs come calling and in this situation Chelsea and Manchester City look to be hot on his heels.

Hulk's agent Teodoro Fonseca told the Portugese newspaper (Record) "I would be lying if I said there hadn't been offers for the signing of Hulk. I believe the highest was for €80 million, but FC Porto didn't even want to negotiate."

According to ESPNStar, when asked about which club had made a bid for Hulk, Fonesca went on to say that "I cannot reveal that. But it is not hard to see because there are only three or four clubs who are able to present those kind of numbers for a player." With reference to the four clubs the report suggests that AC Milan were also in the market for Hulk.

With Villas-Boas leaving Porto to coach Chelsea, one could assume that Chelsea was most likely the club that bid for the star man. Nevertheless, there is no news or hints from the Chelsea camp with regards to a bid being tabled for Hulk. Any club that is more than desperate to secure the services of Hulk to the upcoming season, can guarantee a release of the player if they bid in excess of €100 million.
Whether Hulk is worth the €80 million let alone €100 million is questionable. However if he is able to produce the 36 goals and 21 assists for the club of his destination, he may just prove to pay for himself.

Andre Villas-Boas: Luka Modric's Price Tag Is "Incredible"; Blues Can Do the Job

Both Chelsea and Manchester United have been in the hunt for an attacking midfielder this transfer window. United fans would be no stranger to the Sneijder transfer saga. Chelsea - not to be outdone - have gone on the hunt for Luka Modric. Yet things do not seem to be moving along in this transfer, as Andre Villas-Boas seemed to suggest.

In a press conference after Chelsea's pre-season friendly against Portsmouth Villas-Boas was asked about the transfer situation with Modric. He responded "We respect whatever position Tottenham takes and the prices we are talking about is an incredible amount of money." During the conference he also went on to talk about the possibility of Yossi Benayoun slotting in as a Central Attacking midfielder. The comments came after Benayoun's performance against Wycombe, where he played a key role, he said "But here you saw we adapted Yossi [Benayoun]'s position in the middle and also against Wycombe he was marvellous in the position."

The comments fuel speculation that Chelsea will not spend big in the window, rather trying to improve on the signings made last season, most notably solving the Torres goal drought (perhaps with different link up plays). It is no secret that Chelsea want Modric, rewind two weeks back to when the £27 million bid made was shot down by Tottenham.

Although they were dominant in terms of possession in their pre-season friendly against Portsmouth, Chelsea actually failed to find the back of the net. Rather their solitary goal came from a Portsmouth own goal.

Against a quality side (no disrespect to Portsmouth) Chelsea will not be given such gifts. They have a lot of work to do before the commencement of the EPL. Perhaps setting their sights on somebody other than Modric would be the wise move in this situation.
Would you sign Modric?

Juventus, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea on the move as we head into the Transfer Window

As leagues around Europe come to a close, teams will be looking to add talent to their squads in the hope of collecting respective titles, already we have seen the likes of Juventus, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea getting in on the action. So lets take a look at who has made some early moves.

Juventus: With the Bianconeri falling short of Europe, some new blood in the squad would be more than welcome, and the Turin giants have already gotten to work! Andrea Pirlo signed on a free deal from Milan and will partner either Aquilani or Felipe Melo in the centre of the part. Juve have also gone about solving their defensive woes down the left flank signing Reto Ziegler from Sampdoria.

Real Madrid: There is no doubt that Madrid certainly took the title to Barcelona this year. Although they fell short the Galacticos can take heart in the fact that they are slowly bridging the gap - although not a small one. So far this transfer campaign Madrid have secured the services of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin and Bayern Munich midfielder Hamit Altintop. Madrid are also very close to completing the signing of Fabio Coentrao from Benfica. 


Bayern Munich: Perhaps the German side have so far recorded the biggest signing of this transfer window, securing Manuel Neuer on a five year contract from Schalke. the shotstopper is amongst the best in the world and would be a great addition to a side who have not found consistant form at the back. They have also been in the hunt for Sergio Aguero but will face stiff opposition from a number of the top clubs around Europe!

Chelsea: The Blues will surely be in the hunt for a new coach, sacking Carlo Ancelotti after failing to win any silverware in the 2010/2011 campagin. First man on the list is Guus Hiddink who has been spotted within the Chelsea area, possibly discussing terms with the Chelsea board. The English side have also been linked with the much anticipated move of Neymar to Europe as well as the signing of Javier Pastore - of which an offer has already been turned down - After spending an absolute fortune on Tores, Chelsea will look to minimise spending this summer.


Just a bit of news from the start of the Transfer Window, more to come on PTA shortly. Until then enjoy the International Fixtures!

No More Lustre: Has The UEFA Champions League Lost Its Glamour?

So as FC Barcelona managed to sweep their bitter rivals Real Madrid and Manchester United FC brush aside German hopefuls FC Schalke 04 in the 2010/11 edition of the UEFA Champions League, there’s one thing that creeps into mind when you look at the two finalists for the final at Wembely: Normalcy.

The Champions League is European football’s (nay, the world’s ) most elite and prestigious club footballing tournament, where the very best of European clubs get the chance to cut their metal and test their grit against other European footballing elite. It’s literally the stuff dreams are made of. Mouth-watering group stage encounters, nail-biting semi-finals and a melting pot of the world’s footballing elite players competing to lift the coveted trophy at the end of the tournament.


Quite romantic when you think about it. After all, imagine the prospect of a (say for example) Marseille taking on Juventus in the quarter-finals to see who will take on the winner of Chelsea FC and Valencia in the final. It could be about the “little clubs” fighting and battling against European royalty and brushing them aside to hold that illustrious trophy at season’s end.

But as recently history will tell you, it’s been far from that. The romance and the thrill of the ties in the Champions League is slowly and surely fading away. This season’s edition sees FC Barcelona take on Manchester United in what no doubt should be a very entertaining affair. But it’s become all too typical. For the past few seasons (since 2000) the Champions League trophy has only been placed in the trophy cabinets of four different footballing nations (England, Spain, Portugal and Italy), with Germany’s Bayern Munich making the final twice but losing to Inter and almost to Valencia on penalties(Valencia CF in 2000/01 and Inter Milan 2009/10).


So you can only imagine the lack of variety when it comes to the passing of the trophy. The only season when the trend was bucked was when a Jose Mourinho led Portuguese outfit FC Porto to a 3 – 0 victory over French side Monaco in 2003/04. But a tie like that hasn’t been had in a while because of the dominance in this point in history has been confined to the four footballing nations, but yet more specifically to FC Barcelona and Manchester United. Kudos to both teams making the final, an achievement for any fan of the sides to be proud of. It’s been labelled as the rematch of 08/09 final where FC Barcelona ran riot over Manchester United, beating them 2 – 0 in style.

It’s great prospect to watch. If you’re a Manchester United or FC Barcelona fan. But what about to the footballing neutral? Can it be that Europe’s prestigious club competition has become too top heavy? Or that the game of football has become the play thing of billionaires and global brands as opposed to actual teams? It would be stupid to say or even think that the game between two of Europe’s biggest teams would be anything short of entertaining. But it’s the same old thing again and again.


It’s a sad thing to say, but it seems there cannot be a variety in the Champions League anymore. Those with some of the deepest pockets in Europe can only be successful and simmer to the top of the European footballing stew.

How great would it have been to be a FC Schalke 04 or a Tottenham Hotspur fan during this season of the Champions League. Just a few mere wins away from reaching the grandest of all club footballing finals the world over. But yet look at their games in which they were knocked out. Tottenham lost a crushing 0 – 5 on aggregate (losing 4 – 0 in the opening leg) and FC Schalke, the team from Gelsenkirchen who carried the imaginations of many (including myself) were systematically thrown out of the Champions league by Manchester United 6 -1 on aggregate, despite the heroics of goalkeeper Manuel Neurer . The fairy tale run of the underdogs came to a screeching halt and those romantics who dream, dreamt for too long.


But this isn’t to take away from the skills and talents of Manchester United or FC Barcelona. They both have incredibly talent squads, brilliantly tactically minded coaches with both an arsenal of attacking weapons and an inventory of defense strategies to complement their playing styles. Both squads should be commended on their achievements because after all, you don’t become champions of your leagues by sheer luck and chance.

But on that night on the 28^th of May when both teams grace the grass of Wembley Stadium in London, one team will come out the victor. But who really loses here? Without pointing out the obvious (the team who loses), it’s the imagination of many a footballing fan who has grown tired of seeing the “topheavyness” of European football battle it out. Again.


Is there space for the imagination for the footballing romantic? Yes, but it can only exist in that form, in the imagination. Reality can deal a cruel blow for many a fan.

By Marcel Abboud

Video - Highlights from Chelsea vs West Ham

Fernand Torres has finally broken his goal drought scoring in Chelsea's 3-0 win against West Ham at a rain soaked Stamford Bridge. Torres' strike came in the 82nd minute.

Chelsea secure secnd place six points behind Manchester United who defeated Everton 1-0. Arsenal are yet to play and could close the gap to Chelsea once again.

Check out the highlights below

The Barclay Premier League Title Race is Blown Open: Chelsea FC 3 - 1 Birmingham City

Manchester United now have to sleep with one eye open, despite already having one hand on the EPL title.

Chelsea FC have now moved into second position on goal difference thanks to a 3 - 1 win over Birmingham. Florent Malouda got the scoring underway for the Blues in the third minute of play after firing home a Paulo Ferreira cross. Saloman Kalou added Chelsea's second midway in the second half before Malouda killed off any chance of a Birmingham revival with his second for the game and Chelsea's third.



Birmingham were given a consolation goal with David Luiz was judged to have foaled Matt Derbyshire in the box. Sebastien Larsson duly stepped up and slotted home the resulting penalty, ending the game 3 - 1 in favour of the home side.

Watch extended highlights of the game here:



By Marcel Abboud

Carlo Ancelotti......"I love this club"

After what has been a disasterous week for Chelsea, Carlo Ancelotti has remained adamant that his future will lie with Cheslea next season. Chelsea are almost certain to win no silverware this season after giving away a title lead, crashing out of all domestic cup competitions and ultimately reliquishing their semi final opportunity in the Champions League to Manchester United.

The Blues have also come to the realisation that the Fernando Torres transfer was probably unecessary or simply not thought out. There is no questioning that the Blues have the side to win every trophy they take part in, however it would seem that Ancelotti has lost the ability to handle the players at Chelsea, or at the very least develop formations which will be successful on the pitch.

Chelsea defeated West Brom 3-1 in the league this week, and although it was an inspired performance Torres failed to net yet again. The Spaniard being overshadowed by Chelsea hitman Didier Drogba who found the net but also played his part in ensuring the other two goals arrived.

So where to now for Chelsea? It would seem that the issue with Chelsea is not their attack or defence, but rather their midfield. Inspirational number 8 Frank Lampard may just be the problem. Because unlike Manchester United duo Fletcher and Carrick or Barcelona's Xavi, Lampard somewhat lacks the ability to hold up play in the midfield. Rather the Englishman likes to quickly move into attack and will likely take a shot a goal. The man has talent, however it is best served as an attacking midfielder in behind the strikers. Ancelotti can not expect Lampard to undertake such a role when there are other players on the market who can do a fine job at it

There have been rumours of a move for Claudio Marchisio, Eva Banega or Lass Diarra. All players capable of holding up play and allowing Chelsea to slowly build. Another advantage of signing such a player would be the ability for Lampard to slot in behind Torres and provide the missing link that is responsible for his poor form. Back at Liverpool Gerrard was the crucial link between the midfield and Torres, much the same Iniesta is in the Spanish national team. If Ancelotti can get this right he may just unleash the beast that is El Nino.

Until then Torres will continue to not produce goals and Chelsea will continue to fall just short.

Video - Highlights from Manchester United vs Chelsea

Chelsea have once again failed in their attempt to win the Champions League being knocked out 3-1 on aggregate by an impressive Manchester United. Chelsea went to Old Trafford down 1-0 and their hopes of qualifying looked very slim by the end of the first half, after a Hernandez goal. A lucklustre Torres was substituted at the end of the half for Didier Drogba. A Ramires sending off didn't do much help to the Chelsea cause as United continued to press. Against the run of play Drogba gave Chelsea fans a glimmer of hope, slotting home a nicely weighted through ball. But this joy was short lived as Ji-Sung Park put the Devils ahead just one minute later. United will face the winner of Inter and Schalke.

Check out the extended highlights below!

Video - Highlights from Chelsea vs Manchester United - Champions League

It was a game marred by controversy in the end, but it was United who ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a Wayne Rooney goal. Chelsea were the better side on the night but could simply not find the target with Torres, Drogba and Lampard spilling golden opportunities.

Late on Patrice Evra was thought to have brought down Ramires in the box, which surely would've lead to a converted penalty. Replays clearly showed obstruction by Evra but nevertheless the referee waved play on.

It was a game of "what could've been" for Chelsea, who now travel to Old Trafford to try and recover from a one goal defecit.

Check out the extended highlights below!

Memorable Games - Chelsea FC 2 - 1 Manchester United (EPL 07/08)

Michael Ballack's double helped blow the Premier League title race wide open as the former German captain led Chelsea FC to a 2 - 1 victory over a very stubborn Manchester United outfit.

A cross from Didier Drogba at the end of the first half saw the head of Ballack to give the Blues the lead, before United striker Wayne Rooney latched onto a mistake from Chelsea FC Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho to put the scores level in the second half.

As the game set to end in a draw, Wes Brown gave away a penalty for handling the ball in the box and Ballack obliged to step up and put the ball the opposite side of United keeper Edwin van der Sar.

Chelsea saw a late scare as the Red Devils launched a blistering attack in the dying moments, but a dramatic goal line clearance from (none other than) Andrei Shevchenko saw the scoreline remain at 2 - 1 in favour of the boys from the blue side of London.

                     

By Marcel Abboud

Video - Highlights from Blackpool vs Chelsea

Chelsea have cemented fourth spot in the EPL with a comprehensive win in their away match to Blackpool.

A John Terry header along with a double from Lampard helped guide the Blues to yet another win, which leaves them nine points behind Manchester United.

Blackpool edge closer to relegation and now sit just two points out of the bottom three.

When is enough, enough?

How many mistakes do you think you would be given in your job before you were shown the door? How many times could you say sorry before the word becomes meaningless and empty?

How many times can you bawl red faced and spitting in anger towards a referee before it goes too far? How many times can you get away with murder?

This week has been a shameful one for English football. Two incidents, with two Englishmen caught red handed will go by without reprimand as the reputation of the game suffers.

Manchester United’s assistant coach Mike Phelan’s assertion that it is unfair to question the referee’s decision to not award more than a free kick to Wigan for Wayne Rooney's elbow on James McCarthy, is an outrageous act of hypocrisy.

“We can’t dispute the referee’s decision” said Whelan as he somehow managed to keep a straight face after the game.

Luckily he has never spoken out, outraged by a perceived slight from a referee against his side. Ever.

“You expect officials to get that one right. It was not even close. Their job is to keep their composure and they failed to do that." Said Phelan after Man Utd lost to Chelsea last April.

So you can’t question the referee’s decision if the decision goes in your favour you mean, Mike?

His boss, Sir Alex Ferguson also defended Wayne Rooney’s clear elbow on Wigan’s James McCarthy, claiming the media wanted the striker “electrocuted" for his actions. An attempt to find a quote where he has turned a blind eye to his own team’s thuggery while lamenting the performance of a referee that awarded a decision against him would have taken too long, there was just too many to sift through.

Carlo Ancelotti was equally as indignant after revelations in the News of the World about Ashley Cole shooting a university student at the club’s training ground with an air rifle.

“He said sorry, said it was a mistake, an accident, we will take the proper action, but tomorrow he will play.” He also suggested he should be allowed off because he had admitted to making a mistake, and who else doesn’t make a mistake after all? We don’t know the ins and outs of the goings on at Cobham, so how can we judge?

Anyone willing to place a free bet on the outcome being a ticking off? Every action does not have an equal and opposite reaction, apparently.

When did football become so removed from the realities of the world? When did it become an inclusive bubble, separate from the rights and wrongs of the world?

Rooney and Cole have proved themselves to be devoid of common sense, morality and class before, and their action only serves to add to their quickly growing reputation for idiocy, and worse, sleaze. But why managers have become PR representatives, spinning a story to coerce others to see their point of view? Win hearts and minds, boys and you will win the war.

Ancelotti, Ferguson and Phelan are blinded by their own cause, and look foolish because of it.

Two of these are managers with excellent records in the game, both Champions League and Premier League winners. Supporters should expect and demand not to be treated like idiots by them.

You elbow someone in the head, you are punished. You shoot someone with an air-rifle, you are punished. Nothing a manager suggests afterwards will ever change that fact. It is only a major flaw in the laws of football that protects Rooney. In your next Sunday league fixture, smash someone in the temple and see if they will accept a free-kick as an appropriate punishment, and that no further action is necessary.

Or shoot someone in broad daylight during a training session and see how many people you are able to convince that it didn’t happen.

Free bets for anyone who is able to get away with it with just a clip round the ear like Rooney and Cole.

But hopefully these two will face a more severe punishment that a three match ban, or a slap on the wrists by a manager. Rooney in particular has completed a quite spectacular fall from grace since the World Cup, while the closest Cole will have been to grace would have been in a nightclub with a girl of the same name draped over him.

Supporters will judge and punish them accordingly, even if those in power have shown an inability to do so.

Make no mistake, football hasn’t been a game of the people for some time, the money men took care of that, but is it too much to expect a level of decency and honesty? The sheer level of unaccountability defies belief; It makes you wonder why you watch the game in the first place.

Fernando Torres - The "el nino" effect

Now not many of us football fans pay much attention to the business side of the sport. We on the other hand rather like it, and stumbled across something that we found rather interesting.

Although the transfer window is well closed and the shock trasfer of Fernando Torres to Chelsea has settled into our system, I thought I would take one more look at the 50mil Spaniards transfer and just how much this transfer could mean to Chelsea. Now Fernando maybe be looking a bit rusty on the pitch, and at times border lining desperate, but you get the feeling goals will come and he will once again be up there with Europes elite. However, despite his lack of form Torres is paying back the club that signed him in more ways than one. Torres is a foot-balling icon and a world wide image in the sport that streches far and wide. Simple internet findings reveal just how big an icon Torres is.

The most popular social networking site Facebook highlights perfectly how Chelsea can benefit commercially by acquiring Torres," said Oliver Ward, Senior Agent at ITM Sports Management.

With 966,680 fans, Torres is the most popular player in the English Premier League. More people like him than John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba combined, Torres has almost as many fans as either Arsenal and Chelsea Football Clubs.


"With 966,680 fans Torres is the Premier League's most popular player on Facebook"
Now as far as a clubs image goes, no club can be worse off aquiring the Premier Leagues most followed player. He is a sort after commodity, the player every marketing man wants to get his hands on. Torres with Chelsea in the Champioms league is much more appealing than Torres with Liverpool in the Europa league, sponsers know this and will be waiting in the wings for the Spaniard to strutt his stuff in Europes elite competition. A further indication of Fernandos insant success at Chelsea world wide was 24hours after transfer deadline day, when it was revealed that in 24hours Torres Chelsea shirts outsold Carroll Liverpool shirts Chelsea in a staggering 250/1 ratio.

The brand of Chelsea football club has already risen to extreme heights with there expansive spending on high profile players, but with Fernando Torres joining the ranks of the lofty Londeners there world-wide reputation becomes just that much more appealing.
Fernando is not only a top class player, he is a top class piece of business and 50mil is starting to look like a small price to pay considering the amount of potential this transfer has for both club and player. Chelsea officials and fans alike will only be so happy to see him plying his trade at Stamford Bridge.

By Ayden Rhodes

The curious case of Ricardo Quaresma

On the 13^th of July, 2 years ago, Ricardo Quaresma signed for Turkish side Besiktas for a fee of 7.3 million euros, ending a spell at Inter that could only be described as disastrous. With all due respect, Besiktas are not quite the club he can expect to challenge for major individual accolades at. They lie sixth in the Super Lig table and are challenging for the Europa League and the Turkish Cup, having one out of their last five matches. 

A far cry from his days at Porto where he set the Champions League alight with his craft with the ball and posed a constant threat to the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool. So how did it all go wrong for this prodigiously talented individual who, now entering his peak, never quite got the career that his potential deserved?

In 2004, Quaresma left Barcelona after sustaining a serious injury and falling out with Frank Rijkaard, ending up in his native Portugal offering his services to FC Porto. It was there that he came into his own, netting a debut goal and taking on a key role in an attacking Porto side, who were playing some of their best football with him in the thick of it. Every flick, feint and stepover was met with thunderous applause from the fans. The level at which he played would've put him in strong contention for the Ballon D'Or, if not for a phenomenal season from Ronaldinho and the fact that players in the Portuguese league were awarded fewer points as compared to players in “tougher” leagues such as the Premiership (Premier League as it was known then) and the Primera Liga.  With a string of impressive performances for Os Dragões, he inevitably caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Clubs that included a certain Inter Milan.

Jose Mourinho, identifying the winger as one of his three targets in the summer transfer window upon his arrival at Inter, enticed Quaresma by sending a series of encouraging text messages to him. Inter then launched a formal offer and soon enough, he arrived at Inter Milan, with 18.6 million euros and Pele going in the other direction. Sadly, it was all going down south for the then 24 year old from there on. In the initial stages of his time at Milan, he did well and put in convincing displays whenever he was given a chance to take the field.

However, as time passed, Jose Mourinho, for reasons unknown, left him warming the bench and deprived him of first-team opportunities. To quote: "He is a great talent, but the joy I have at seeing the way Ibra (Zlatan Ibrahimovic) works for and with the team I do not yet have with Quaresma. He will have to learn, otherwise he won’t play, and I am sure he'll change and become more tactically disciplined. He likes kicking the ball with the outside of his foot, but if you ask me about him in a few months' time, we'll be talking about a different Quaresma."

Unfortunately, this was never to be as Quaresma, after returning from a loan spell at Chelsea, was barely given a chance to play. Despite having more than proven himself whilst at Porto at the highest level, Mourinho somehow thought him to be ill-equipped when it came to handling the tactical rigidity of the Serie A. In all honesty, Quaresma never did underperform at Inter unlike most experts claim. He was never given a chance to perform at all. He was left to rot on the sidelines, lost his passion for football and eventually sought reprieve in the form of Besiktas. The reason why Mourinho signed him in the first place, much so less why he refused to consider him in his plans for Inter, is still largely unknown.

It is notable, however, that at Besiktas, he has seen a resurgence, returning to form and enjoying his football. Perhaps, then, a better team may just come knocking and finally provide him with the means to fulfil his potential and take the world by storm once more.

By Joshua Tong-Lok

Torres transfer saga end as El Nino returns home to face his former Club

Fernando Torres' much hyped to Chelsea has settled and now the Spanish striker will focus on this weekend's game against his former club Liverpool.

The new number 9 at Stamford Bridge will most likely make his debut after his 50 million dollar plus move to Chelsea in the winter transfer window. The former Anfield man has vowed not to celebrate if he happens to put his bad form behind him and score a goal on debut. Torres attributes this attitude to the Liverpool fans who haad treated him so well whilst he was at the club.

Liverpool have almost returned to top form, thanks to a splurge of cash on the transfer market. Suarez who made the move from Ajax was just one of the winter signings and he paid dividends scoring in his sides win during the week against Stoke.

Torres will have to compete with the likes of Drogba and Anelka for a starting position and will most likely start from the bench. But a desperate Chelsea may just start the new signing as they try to push back up the table and into contention for the League title.

Premier League January transfer window roundup

We take a look at the clubs looking to make a move for a player, and those looking to offload those not performing very well.

Arsenal: Arsene Wenger came out after his sides' 1-0 loss to Ipswich claiming that he was looking at offloading "flops" as he labelled them. Players that look to be leaving the Emirates include Arshavin, Almunia, Bendtner and Denilson. Arsenal were in the hunt for a centre back, Liverpool's Daniel Agger was apparantly in talks with the club regarding a loan deal.

Chelsea: Creativity has been lacking upfront of recent and Chelsea will be looking to add some spark in the midfield. A big name looks to be arriving at Stamford Bridge, Kaka may just be the player Chelsea need to contest the title. Interest in Bosingwa from Italy may just see Chelsea looking for a wingback also.

Liverpool: Kenny Dalglish came out this week saying that he content with the squad at hand. Nevertheless Liverpool have been linked with a number of strikers to help bring some goals to the club. Amauri and Suarez have been reported to be of interest to the Reds. Torres may also be on the move after a poor season this year. Fullbacks Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger have been attracting attention from Juventus and Arsenal.


Manchester United: Alexis Sanchez has long been tipped to join the Red Devils and this January the deal might be set in stone. Per Mertesacker has been linked with United as a busy schedule will see Ferdinand and Vidic needing rests. Wes Brown has attracted the interest of Tottenham and may just leave by the time the window closes.

Manchester City: Eastlands has already seen Edin Dzeko arrive this window however, City will look to unload from their surplus of strikers. The first to go look to be Adebayor and Santa Cruz who have not been getting as much playing time as a player of their calibre deserves.

Tottenham: After a stellar start to the season Gareth Bale has attracted the interest of the biggest clubs around Europe. However Tottenham will not let their wing man go. Tottenham have been in the hunt for David Beckham of late and a move to the club looks unlikely, but Beckham desperately wants to return to England, so stay tuned.


Aston Villa: Lyon have confirmed talks that midfielder Jean Makoun is in talks with Villa. They were also linked with an audacious loan move for Real Madrid's Karim Benzema but Jose Mourinho has looked to quell the talks. Blackpool's star performer Charlie Adams has also gained the interest of Villa scouts.

There looks to be much movement in the EPL this January and Play the Advantage will try and ensure that you hear about every move as it happens. If you are looking for news for smaller EPL clubs let us know and we will take a look deeper into the Transfer window.

News to come from Serie A and La Liga in the coming days.

Liverpool and Chelsea disappoint..........again!

Roy Hodgson's and Carlo Ancelotti's respective roles as coaches of Liverpool and Chelsea, will be under review this week as both coaches fail to perform in the league yet again this season. While Ancelotti may appear to be in a safer position than Roy, but with Chelsea's recent slide down the table anything could develop in the coming days.

Liverpool fans are calling for the axing of their manager, as upset fans rue yet another opportunity to move up the table. Liverpool have disappointed for a consecutive two seasons now, and pressure is mounting for the club to qualify for the Champions League as well as get a few big name signings in 2011.
Hodgson has pleaded with club officials for a hefty transfer budget, to allow him to bring the players he needs to Anfield. Whether he is still there to consolidate his words remains to be seen. Mounting speculation would suggest that another league loss will see a new coach step into the role of manager at the club.

Chelsea fans have been brought back to reality in the past two months as their team relinquished their first place at the head of the league, moving down to fifth and certainly losing contact with Manchester United for the remainder of the season, sitting 9 points behind the leaders - who still have a game in hand.

A mix of injuries as well as tough league ties have lead to the Blues' demise. Although an optimistic Ancelotti believes that his side will be back in the near future. Fans will have the piece of mind that their team still has the Champions League to look forward to, especially because Chelsea have drawn FC Copenhagen in the first round, they are respectively the least feared opponent in the Round of 16 draw.

The fate of both these coaches will be made apparant in the near future. Although one thing is for certain, both will need to improve to be true title contenders next season.