New King of Real Madrid "Special One"

Special One has been unveiled as the new manager of Real Madrid after signing a four-year deal at the club.

The 47-year-old replaced Chilean Manuel Pellegrini to become Real's 11th coach in the past seven years.

"I like to give myself a challenge and this is a big one," said Mourinho. "I have a lot of confidence in myself and my ability as a coach."

Sporting director Jorge Valdano said: "It's an honour to have one of the most prestigious coaches in the world."

Valdano added: "We are delighted to have him here with us. The best thing for our club right now is to have Mourinho with us."

Mourinho, once on the coaching staff at Barcelona, has moved to Spain after Real and his former club Inter Milan agreed a compensation package.

I am Jose Mourinho and I don't change - I arrive with all my qualities and my defects New real boss Jose Mourinho

The Portuguese boss won the Champions League in his final game at Inter after his side defeated Bayern Munich to complete a historic Treble, having already retained the Serie A title and defeated Roma to lift the Italian Cup.

But Mourinho explained that he felt the lure of coaching Real was too strong to resist.

"I don't know if I was born to coach Real Madrid but I was born to be a football coach," he added.

"I am Jose Mourinho and I don't change. I arrive with all my qualities and my defects.

"My attraction to Real Madrid is due to its history, its frustrations in recent years and its expectations to win.

"It's a unique club and I believe that not to coach Real leaves a void in a coach's career.

"Luckily, I've had a beautiful career and it makes me proud to have come here."

eal have not won a trophy in the two seasons since Florentino Perez returned as president - and new coach Mourinho stressed the importance of the attitude of his players in crafting a winning team.

"I am very enthusiastic and I want my players to think that way," said the Portuguese.

"The beauty is not so much to train or play at Real, but to win at Real Madrid.

"I have a lot of confidence in my players, I have the hope that my new players have confidence in me."

Mourinho's Portuguese compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo joined Real from Manchester United for £80m last summer.

And the new boss hinted that the 25-year-old will have to fit into his disciplined style of play if he is to flourish next season.

"I understand that Ronaldo is an important player for Real and for the world of football," said the new boss.

"But my players must understand that the most important thing is the club.

"Cristiano likes to win, so if he likes to win it is not difficult to persuade him the most important thing is not the coach or the players but the club.

"If we all work as a group we will get results."

Mourinho started his managerial career with Benfica in his native Portugal in 2000 and has since picked up major honours at Porto, Chelsea and Inter.

He won the Portuguese league twice with Porto, in addition to the Uefa Cup and Champions League.

The self-appointed Special One moved to Chelsea in 2004 and ended the club's 50-year wait for a top-flight title in his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea retained the title in the 2005/06 season and also won the Carling Cup twice and the FA Cup before Mourinho left in September 2007 after a widely reported series of disagreements with owner Roman Abramovich.

Mourinho took over at Inter in June 2008 but endured a difficult relationship with the Italian press.

The day after Inter won the Champions League at Madrid's Bernabeu stadium, Mourinho, who was contracted until 2012, conceded it had almost certainly been his last game in charge.

And following the news that Mourinho was moving to Spain, an Inter statement read: "President Massimo Moratti and FC Internazionale thank Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff for the work done during two successful seasons on the domestic and European fronts."

Pellegrini's free-scoring Real side finished runners-up in the Spanish League this season, netting 102 goals in 38 games, with 60 of those strikes coming at home.

But the 56-year-old Chilean was dismissed for failing to land any silverware, despite the Spanish giants having signed Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso for a combined fee in excess of £196m in the summer of 2009.

"The sacking of Pellegrini doesn't make me happy. I am never happy when a coach is sacked, but football is like that," said Mourinho.

"I am a coach that has a lot of self-esteem and confidence and I don't think about the possibility of being sacked.

"I think four years of contract is enough to win, to build a strong team for the present and the future."

Mourinho will reportedly have full control of transfer policy at Madrid, with Perez taking a backseat after two successive seasons without a trophy since the start of his second spell as president.

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard and Chelsea duo Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole have been linked with Real over the last few days.

Thank you so much !!!

Outgoing Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho has thanked the club for their support during his three year stint.

Mourinho will leave as one of the most successful managers in the club's history, having led the Nerazzurri to three Serie A titles as well as an unprecedented treble in his final season.

Despite the president and players' efforts to convince him into staying for another season - Mourinho's move to Real Madrid is now all but a formality.

In a farewell note published in La Gazzetta dello Sport, he wrote: "Before I sign the contract that will tie me to Real Madrid, I want to thank the Inter fans and all those who have offered me their support throughout this adventure, which culminated in the Champions League triumph."

"I'm not leaving anyone out, from the Inter fans to the club's employees and to president Massimo Moratti.

"I hug you all. You will always be in my heart."

The Portuguese is expected to be unveiled as Real's coach on Monday.

Ronaldo on Mourinho!!!

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted it had been a frustrating debut season in Spain and is dissatisfied in ending the season without any silverware.

Real Madrid lost to Barcelona in their quest for the La Liga title, were knocked out of the Champions League by French club Lyon and were humiliated by Segunda Division B club Alcorcon in the Copa del Rey.

According to Marca, the Portugal national team captain hopes that new Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho will be able to reverse the club's fortunes and help him win his first silverware at the Bernabeu.

"I hope to celebrate many victories next season. [Jose] Mourinho is a winner. This season I was frustrated and also very sad, but I predict that next season will be different," Ronaldo said.

The former World Player of the Year also commented on his national team's chances at the World Cup and is confident that Portugal can progress from the 'Group of Death', which includes the likes of Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea.

"We need to win the first game to do well in the competition. We all know that it will not be easy, but we have everything we need to progress.

"If we get out of our group, then 50% of our target will have been fulfilled," the former Manchester United player concluded.

Super Six!!

Croatia midfielder Luka Modric has signed a new six-year contract to keep him at Tottenham until 2016.

The 24-year-old, who joined Spurs from Dinamo Zagreb in summer 2008, had been linked with a big-money move to Manchester United after impressing for the north London club over the past two seasons.

But he committed his long-term future to Tottenham, insisting he had "no interest in going anywhere else".

He told www.tottenhamhotspur.com: "Tottenham Hotspur gave me my chance in the Premier League and I want to go on to achieve great success here with them.

"Yes, there have been enquiries from other big clubs, but I have no interest in going anywhere.

"Last season's top-four finish was an indication of where we are as a club and I feel I can continue to improve and go on to achieve everything I want to at Spurs."

Modric was a key player as Harry Redknapp's side finished fourth in the Barclays Premier League in 2009/10 to secure a place in the Champions League qualifying round.

He has featured 77 times for Spurs, scoring eight goals.

He is not going anywhere !!!

Accordung to Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck ,there is "no chance" Jose Mourinho will take Frank Lampard to Real Madrid.

Former Blues boss Mourinho is reportedly targeting 31-year-old Lampard as a potential signing when he takes over at the Bernabeu next week.

Star midfielder Lampard enjoyed a good relationship with the Portuguese boss during his time at Stamford Bridge, but Buck is adamant the England international is 'going nowhere'.

"Lampard is a great player," Buck told the Daily Star Sunday.

"But you can't possibly imagine Frank Lampard wearing anything other than the Chelsea shirt."

Hungary 0-3 Germany!!

Germany put in a convincing performance in their World Cup warm-up match against Hungary on Saturday night, winning 3-0 in Budapest.

Lukas Podolski put them ahead with a penalty in the fourth minute and only a string of saves from Gabor Kiraly prevented them from leading by a greater margin at the break.

Goals from Mario Gomez and Cacau in the second half gave the result a more realistic feel as a dominant Germany came away with a morale-boosting victory a week before they jet out to South Africa.

Podolski, who scored just twice for Cologne in the Bundesliga last season, showed how he transforms when he pulls on a Germany shirt as he tested Kiraly with a powerful drive in the third minute.

The Hungary goalkeeper was in for a busy night and he passed his first test by tipping the ball over, but he was let down by his team-mates from the resultant corner when Sandor Torghelle pulled down Per Mertesacker inside the penalty area.

Podolski stepped up to place his penalty into the top corner to give Joachim Low's side the lead.

A good combination between Mesut Ozil and Piotr Trochowski led to a shot from the former being saved by Kiraly, who denied the Werder Bremen winger again moments later.

Kiraly made further saves to deny Miroslav Klose and Ozil again as Hungary held on desperately until half-time.

Low made several changes to his side at the break and one of his substitutes Gomez scored with practically his first first touch of the match.

He was sent through by another substitute, Marko Marin, and managed to just poke the ball into the bottom corner as Kiraly raced from his line in the 69th minute.

Gomez was on target five times in a midweek 24-0 victory over a local amateur team in Germany's training camp in Sudtirol and showed he is desperate not to be one of the two names dropped by Low to form his final 23-man squad next Tuesday as he set up the third.

His pass sent Cacau through and the Stuttgart striker rounded Kiraly before placing the ball into the empty net to boost his chances of boarding the flight to South Africa.

And Low's task in trimming his squad will be made all the harder after Marcell Jansen, Marin, Trochowski and debutant Holger Badstuber all made good impressions.

We are playing last time !!!

Former England Captin John Terry insists that we have learnt from past mistakes and are ready to challenge for ultimate football glory "World Cup 2010 .

The Three Lions head to South Africa this summer looking to bring an end to 44 years of international heartache.

England did not win the World Cup since 1966 even not any other major trophy so now evrey body is ready to win it along with Fabio Copello .

Penalty heartache has hindered their cause in recent tournaments, with Portugal putting them to the sword at Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup.

Terry admits those setbacks were difficult to stomach, but is adamant the experiences have made the England squad stronger and all the more determined to achieve success.

"I've never been afraid to show my emotions on the pitch and I'm not ashamed to admit I was in tears after that game (against Portugal in 2006), along with quite a few other England players," Terry told The Sun.

"Even though we hadn't played particularly well, I felt we had a really good chance at 2006.

"We could sense the whole nation was behind us and when we went out like that I felt we'd let everyone down.

"People keep talking about England losing on penalties and all I can say is that most of the players in this squad have lived through those mistakes and learned from them.

"We know that whatever happens in South Africa, we can never feel any worse than we did in Germany.

"And now we have to use that experience to put things right."

Terry is also aware that this summer's showpiece is likely to be the last time a number of England's top stars are able to grace the world stage.

With that in mind, he believes the majority of the side will be desperate to bow out on a high.

Terry added: "For me, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Stevie Gerrard and David James, this could be our last chance to play at the World Cup.

"I am 29, so I'd like to think I've got another one in me. But I can't take that for granted.

"So I'll approach this World Cup like I do every match - I'll play like it's my last game.

"That way, if I should get an injury and never play again, I would be able to look everyone straight in the eye and know I'd given it my absolute everything. And no one could ever question that."

Real Madrid got their Man !!!

It has been confirmed that Jose Mourinho will be new Real Madrid Coach . Jose Mourinho will be unveild on Monday as their new manager after agreeing compensation with Inter Milan.

Club presidents Massimo Moratti and Florentino Perez met in Milan on Friday to thrash out a deal to allow Mourinho to quit the Champions League winners.

Mourinho, 47, will replace Manuel Pellegrini in the Madrid hotseat after the Chilean was sacked on Wednesday.

Spanish and Italian media reported Inter would receive about 8m euros (£6.7m) under the terms of his deal.

Inter had claimed they were due £13.5m in compensation for Mourinho, whose contract was due to run until 2012.

A Real Madrid statement said: "The agreement took place following a meeting between Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti and Real Madrid President Florentino Perez in Milan.

"The meeting was friendly and cordial, as befits the relationship between both clubs."

It added that Mourinho will be presented as Real's new coach in the press room of the Bernabeu Stadium on Monday afternoon.

Mourinho is expected to arrive at Real Madrid on Monday

Mourinho, who took over at the San Siro in 2008, became only the third man to win European club football's most prestigious competition with two different clubs when Inter beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in Saturday's Champions League final.

That success also assured the Nerazzuri's place in the history books as they became the first Italian team to win the Treble, having already retained the Serie A title and beaten Roma to lift the Italian Cup.

Former Chelsea boss Mourinho was contracted to Inter until 2012.

A club statement said: "President Massimo Moratti and FC Internazionale thank Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff for the work done during two successful seasons on the domestic and European fronts."

Pellegrini's free-scoring Real side finished runners-up in the Spanish League this season, netting 102 goals in 38 games, with 60 of those strikes coming at home.

But the 56-year-old Chilean was dismissed for failing to land any silverware, despite the Spanish giants having signed Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso for a combined fee in excess of £196m in the summer of 2009.

What Special One going to do with Both !!!

Upcoming Real Madrid new boss Jose Mourinho admits England midfielders duo ,Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are the type of players he will look to bring to the Bernabeu.

Gerrard - Mourinho already tried to sign him in his Chelsea days but failed that time and Lampard, who played under the Portuguese coach at Stamford Bridge, are two that Mourinho admires.

Mourinho told Spanish sports daily AS: "I like players in the final part of their careers.

"I love to have some players who are 33 or 34 years old...they are players that you buy and you won't recover this money, but if they give you good performances for two or three years you've got your money's worth.

"Both (Gerrard and Lampard) are great players who always give everything."

Gerrard and Lampard whenever play together for England they fail to perform at highest level and it proves time to time . let see how Special One manages them...its myth...

Another England international, Ashley Cole, has also been linked with a move to Real.

Tightening the financial Muscles of Big Guns !!!

Uefa president Michel Platini has now passed rules which would force clubs to operate within their means.

Clubs will only be able to spend what they themselves generate.

Big cash injections from wealthy benefactors like the owners of Chelsea and Manchester City would also be restricted under Uefa's Financial Fair Play plan.

The system is being phased in and bans would not be able to be imposed theoretically until the 2014-15 season at the earliest.

Clubs are required to restructure themselves over the next three seasons so they are financially solvent.

Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino said: "The main rule is the break-even requirement which will be phased in over the next three years.

"It is not as easy to swallow for everyone but everyone understands it is necessary. They are there not to punish clubs, they are there to help clubs. We don't want to kill anyone, this is why we have a phased-in approach."

But money invested in stadiums and youth development will not be included in the number-crunching.

The rules will also forbid clubs owing money to their rivals, players and staff or the tax authorities at the end of the season.

Portsmouth were a glaring example of a club which owed millions in unpaid transfer fees, image rights, tax and VAT.

Earlier this year, Infantino estimated 50% of clubs in Europe were making losses and 20% were in financial peril.

Big transfer fees can still be paid but clubs will need to generate sufficient funds through ticket sales, TV money and commercial revenue.

"If clubs want to spend €50, 60 or 70 million, why not, provided they have the money coming from their revenues, this will continue in the future. The problem is when you don't have the money," Infantino added.

The European Clubs' Association's president, former German international Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, welcomed the move, commenting: "The measures will shape the future of European football into a more responsible business and ultimately a more sustainable one."

Its All About Money :Tito Villanova

Assistant coach of Barcelona Tito Villanova said that it would be a waste of his time to talk about Jose Mourinho.

Tito Villanova claimed that Mourinho, who is set to become new Coach of Barcelona bitter rivals Real Madrid, has only been able to win trophies with huge budgets for him to work with.

He went on to add that Real Madrid's anti-Barcelona campaigns do nothing but motivate Pep Guardiola's men.

Speaking to Sport he said: "We cannot waste time with Mourinho, he is not the one who plays.

"Remember that he doesn't play nor has he ever played, football is about the players and coaches are only there to help.

"He's comfortable in confrontation and likes to immerse himself in it.

"He does great things because he's with big budget teams that spend a lot of money to sign players. Chelsea , Inter, [Real] Madrid.

"They [Madrid] believe their own lies. The truth is that they do a large part of our work in terms of motivation."

More closer ..now its almost done deal !!

Manuel Pellegrin has been sacked as Real Madrid coach , with the football giants set to turn to Inter Milan's Jose Mourinho as his successor at the hot seat of Bernabeu.

Mourinho is alreday tipped to be next Real Coach after winning the Champions League in Madrid with Inter on 22-May .

"I'm ready to admit to some mistakes but Mourinho's hiring is an opportunity that Madrid could not miss," said Real president Florentino Perez.

Inter are resigned to losing the 47-year-old former Chelsea boss to Madrid.

However, Inter president Massimo Moratti has suggested Mourinho's departure could be a protracted affair, with the Italian club demanding up to £13.5m in compensation given the Portuguese coach's contract at the San Siro runs until 2012.

something going wrong with Liverpool !!!

The Liverpool star man , Fernando Torres has refused to rule out a move away from Liverpool, at the moment he is fully focused on the World Cup in Saouth Africa .

who is in a race against time to be fit for Spain's opening World Cup match against Switzerland, is expected to be back in training with the national squad.

"The more important thing for me now is the World Cup. My future is the World Cup, we'll see later," Torres told Sky Sports News.

"My future now and hopefully the next two months is Spain and the World Cup, it's nothing later than that."

The Spaniard's agent has recently assured the Liverpool fans that their top scorer will be staying at the club.

However, Torres chose to remain coy over his agent's claims.

"I didn't read anything at all," the hitman said.

Both Torres and his club captain Steven Gerrard have been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield and rumours have it that Real Madrid coach-to-be Jose Mourinho is keen in prying the two Liverpool starlets away from Anfield.

Agent: Balotelli's future is unclear

Inter striker Mario Balotelli's agent has refused to commit his client's future to the club, saying everything depends on a meeting with the club's directors.

The club are coming off a historic treble season, but many players are being linked elsewhere, as coach Jose Mourinho looks set to sign a deal with Real Madrid.

Balotelli is unlikely to follow his coach to Spain, as the 19-year-old's troubles with Mourinho were well documented this season. The Ghanaian-born forward was left out of the team on occasion after disciplinary problems and clashes with 'The Special One', but still managed 14 goals for Inter over the course of the campaign.

His agent, Mino Raiola, has refused to pledge his client's future to the Nerazzurri, and did not rule out a move.

"For now we are happy with how the season ended and to be back in the first-team, but we must still speak with the club. We must see what the club's plans are", Raiola explained to Sky Sport 24.

"I don't know if the problems were only with Mourinho. We'll have to see," he continued.

"It's an open discourse. We haven't had any contact with the directors of Inter yet. In the end it is up to them and Mario."

England vs Italy? No problem!

Fabio Capello would stand proud for England even if his team face Italy in the World Cup final.

On the evidence of England's performance against Mexico, there are still a few teething problems for Capello to address before his dream scenario can come true.

However, should his adopted national team come face-to-face with the Azzurri at Soccer City on July 11, there is not a moment's hesitation about what Capello would want the outcome to be.

"I hope to play against Italy in the final or the semi-final but at that moment my shirt would be an England shirt," he said.

"I would not swap my position with (Italy boss) Marcello Lippi. I prefer to be England manager."

It might not have seemed that way during the first half of England's 3-1 win over Mexico.

The four Chelsea players who sat out the contest must have reflected what a good 45 minutes it had been to miss, given England's inability to stem the flow of speedy Mexicans flying through midfield and attacking an unprotected defence.

Capello rarely wastes an opportunity to emphasise how impressed he is with James Milner.

On this occasion, the Aston Villa man struggled. And Milner was not alone, given central midfield partner Michael Carrick failed to exert any kind of influence on proceedings.

It was not until Steven Gerrard was switched from his left-sided station at the break that some coherence was evident in England's play.

Better now than in three weeks though, according to Capello.

"I am not worried about that performance. It is important to make the mistakes now," he said.

"We have time to work on these mistakes and other things that we have to do to be better, to ensure we play like I know this team can play because we have really good players.

"We need to recover the spirit of what we did in qualification."

That run of nine wins from 10 games forms the basis of optimism England fans insisted would not exist in the wake of the awful failure to reach Euro 2008.

Capello is responsible for the change in attitude. Yet he must realise some of the back-up for what is regarded as his first-choice line-up is limited.

Gerrard's presence in central midfield merely showed how desperate England are for Gareth Barry to be fit and therefore avoid a return to that age-old question of whether the Liverpool skipper and Lampard can operate effectively in the same central midfield area.

"Gerrard can play in the centre and he can play on the left," reflected Capello.

"He is an excellent player and I am really happy with his performance.

"But we have other players who can play in the same position, so we will see."

Robert Green was also singled out for special praise following two excellent saves.

The West Ham goalkeeper has now started eight of England's last 10 matches and as the absent Ben Foster was involved in the other two, it does point to Green being handed the goalkeeping jersey for that crucial Group C opener against the United States in Rustenburg on June 12.

Ledley King might only start if Barry's ankle injury has ruled him out - either of the match or the tournament - as the Tottenham captain is being thought of as a midfield holding player now Owen Hargreaves has been ruled out and Paul Scholes rejected a request to come out of international retirement.

However, although there were shaky aspects to King's first England appearance for three years, Capello appeared to confirm the 29-year-old's presence in South Africa by ruling him out of Sunday's final friendly against Japan in Graz but pencilling him in for an outing against the local PSL team Platinum Stars in Rustenburg on either June 6 or 7.

"King is an important player and he is a good player," said Capello.

"I decided before the game King would play for the full 90 minutes against Mexico.

"Now he can train for the rest of the period we stay in Austria.

"We have another match on June 6 or 7 when we get to South Africa and he can play then."

Defender Fabio Aurelio to leave Liverpool next week !!

Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio is to leave the club next week after failing to agree a new contract.

The 30-year-old became the first Brazilian to sign for the Merseyside outfit when he joined in July 2006 on a free transfer from Valencia.

Aurelio made only 14 league appearances in the 2009/10 season

But his Anfield career was hampered by injuries and he has turned down the offer of a new pay-as-you-play deal.

"We had been trying to work something out but it was a pity that we couldn't," said manager Rafael Benitez.

"He has given us absolutely fantastic service. The one problem we had with Fabio was that he suffered too many injuries and it was such a pity because he has great quality."

Aurelio missed the start of 2009/10 season after sustaining a freak knee problem while playing football with his children and a thigh problem at the end of February prematurely ended his season.

He made a total of 23 appearances in 2009/10, including 14 in the Premier League and seven in Europe.

Benitez said Aurelio's injury problems put more pressure on 21-year-old left-back Emiliano Insua. The Argentine played 44 matches before he too succumbed to injury late in the season.

"With Fabio being out so much, it meant that we had to use Insua more than we would have liked and that was not easy for him," added Benitez.

"It has been a pleasure having him here and we really will miss him. You are talking about an amazing person who gave 100% all the time. We wish him all the best."

"Still there is no bid "

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood admits he is "very surprised" that the club have yet to receive an offer for Cesc Fabregas.

Spain international Fabregas is understood to have told the Gunners last week that he wants to rejoin former club Barcelona after spending seven years in London.

Barca have confirmed an interest in signing the 23-year-old, but have insisted they will be respectful towards Arsenal during any negotiations.

Hill-Wood says he is yet to hear from the La Liga champions and has reiterated his stance that he is not looking to encourage offers for the Gunners captain.

"We have heard nothing at all and I am not looking for a telephone call from them," Hill-Wood told the Daily Star.

"As far as I am concerned, he is our player. If they want to make a bid it is up to them."

Regarding the lack of approach, Hill-Wood added: "We are very surprised, but delighted."

Reports have claimed that Arsenal have placed an £80million price tag on Fabregas, who is currently recovering from a cracked fibula in time to be fit for Spain's World Cup campaign.

Lampard wants Cole on SA plane !!

Frank Lampard hopes Chelsea teammate Joe Cole will be in the final England squad after the group of 30 is culled to 23.

Cole was a fringe player in Chelsea double winning team this season, but did put in some eye-catching performances when he came on late in games.

Lampard feels the creative midfielder can be the key to unlocking opposition defences in the World Cup.

Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, he said: "I hope Joe will be in the squad because he is my mate and he is a great player."

"He is the sort of player who gives a team something different.

"Even though he has not played that many minutes this season, there is an argument to say that makes him fresh and more dangerous.

"Joe has that little bit of magic, that little turn of pace and ability to beat a man that make all the difference.

"Not many people can bring that to a team in top-class international football but he has it, so I hope he makes it because he deserves that."

Lampard feels Cole not having played a lot of games in the domestic campaign could actually be a big plus for the national team.

"Maybe that will give us a little edge, having Joe so fresh," he said.

"It can't harm any of the Chelsea players to be going to the World Cup full of so much confidence after winning the Double.

"Even Joe, who has been coming on for 20 minutes or half-an-hour in games, has been looking sharp."

Lamps also weighed in on Cole's Chelsea future. The latter is out of contract this summer and a new deal has not been sorted out yet.

"I don't know if he will stay at Chelsea, that is completely up to him, but Chelsea want him to stay," added Lampard.

"He has been a great player for us and we hope he will stay."

Messi is better than me !!!

Argentina coach Diego Maradona claimed Lionel Messi’s impact in 2010 World Cup finals will be greater than his in Mexico 1986.

Maradona was easily the most outstanding player in Mexico and has now instructed Messi to follow in his footsteps by leading Argentina to their victorious third World Cup next month.

Speaking to Sport he said: "Messi is better than me at World Cup '86. He's the best player in the world and better by far compared to others.

"In 86, in Mexico, I did it with the ball, I grew up and my team-mates followed. Now I have explained the same to Leo to do it in South Africa and he has understood."

He went on to admit that he wanted everything to go through Messi in the finals next month.

"It is fortunate that Leo was born in Argentina and I can train him. Whoever does not want to understand that, that it is their problem.

"Messi is well aware that colleagues expect him to be the icing on the cake.

"He has to be the leader with the ball. We need him to lead by example in the squad and on the pitch.

"He has to be the leader of the ball. When we play football and the ball does not pass through Messi, then ball goes through me but I cannot move so then we are going wrong."

Milito sorry for Cambiasso, Zanetti !!!

Inter Milan striker Diego Milito expressed his sympathy for Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti.

Both have been left out of Diego Maradona's World Cup squad in South Africa, despite having won the treble with Inter Milan this season.

Milito, who starred for the Nerazzurri in what turned out to be a watershed campaign, felt sorry for his club mates.

Speaking to Il Corriere dello Sport, he said: "As their team-mate and friend I am sorry they are not here."

"They are very important players, but we must respect the decisions of Diego Maradona."

Speaking about his own ambitions, the striker said: "Like the others selected I want to play in every match for the national team. Argentina is among the favourites for the World Cup,"

While Milito has to be diplomatic about the national coach in public, others have not been so kind to the former legend.

Almost all pundits fear Maradona will lead the sensationally talented team to disaster with his inconsistent and sometimes downright bizarre selection decisions and strategies.

Argentina 5-0 Canada

Argentina said goodbye to their home fans before their World Cup trip with a 5-0 win over Canada.

English-based duo Maxi Rodriguez and Carlos Tevez contributed goals for Argentina's win with a convincing performance despite their rivals' obvious weakness.

Liverpool midfielder Rodriguez gave the Albicelestes a two-goal lead before the 32nd minute. In the 16th he opened the scoring with a free-kick from the left side before Tevez assisted him to made it 2-0 from a counter-attack.

Eight minutes before half-time, Angel Di Maria widened the gap from outside the box with the left foot as his shot went in off the left post.

In the 62nd minute, after a defensive mistake by Andre Hainault, Gonzalo Higuain assisted Tevez to beat keeper Pat Onstad.

Sergio Aguero replaced Tevez in the 70th minute and the Atletico Madrid forward only needed a few seconds to evade Richard Hastings and make it 5-0.

Diego Maradona left the Estadio Monumental Antonio Liberti in happy mood: "The guys understood we have no friendlies but international matches. We made our fans happy.

"We wanted to prove the players can do this and more. The Argentinian fans can be calm because we have good players."

In the World Cup, Argentina were drawn in Group B alongside Nigeria, South Korea and Greece, while Canada are flying to Venezuela to play the Vinotinto in another friendly on Saturday.

Maradona happy with friendly outing

Argentina coach Diego Maradona was pleased with his wards' performance in the 5-0 thrashing of Canada.

Maradona put out an experimental line-up with some big names, including Lionel Messi, missing from the starting eleven.

Despite that the South Americans thrashed a weak Canadian team, with Maxi Rodriguez (2), Angel di Maria, Carlos Tevez and Kun Aguero all getting on the scoresheet.

Speaking to AS after the match, Maradona said: "I am encouraged that we made people happy. What I value most from the players is the desire they have to prove they can do this and much more."

"The Argentine people can be calm because we have good players that we can put on the team, when the time is right."

Argentina have an embarrasment of riches at their disposal for the World Cup and are hot favourites to reach the final stages of the competition.

"I want lots of goals from Ronaldo!"

Jose Mourinho is looking forward to working with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid and expects lots of goals from him.

"We are both Portuguese, he is the best player in the world and I am one of the best coaches in the world," The Special One told the Daily Mail.

'I want lots of goals from him next season.'

Mourinho's agent is on the verge of thrashing out the final details of a four year contract worth £36million with Real director Jorge Valdano.

On whether Ronaldo's lavish lifestyle will pose a problem for him, the flamboyant coach readily dismissed it and believes there is nothing wrong and that he deserves it.

"No-one can criticize him if, when he goes on his holidays, he is with Paris Hilton in LA or if he buys a new Ferrari because someone who trains and plays as he does is from another planet.

"He is an historic footballer," Mourinho concluded.

England's countdown to the World Cup in South Africa continued with victory against Mexico at Wembley.

Fabio Capello's reshaped side delivered a patchy - and at times unconvincing - performance as England finalise preparations for their opening World Cup encounter against the United States in Rustenburg on 12 June.

Ledley King marked his first England appearance for three years by heading them into an early lead and Peter Crouch kept up his outstanding international scoring record by scrambling home for his 21st goal in 38 appearances before the interval after Wayne Rooney saw his header turned on to the bar by Mexico keeper Oscar Perez.

Mexico took control in between those goals, with England keeper Robert Green enhancing his World Cup claims with a fine save from Carlos Vela, although he was powerless as Carlos Salcido struck the post from the edge of the area.

England's defence, disorganised and nervous, had led a charmed life and it was no surprise when Mexico pulled a goal back on the stroke of half time when Leighton Baines failed to complete a goal-line clearance and Guillermo Franco pounced.

Glen Johnson ended Mexico's bid to mount a revival when he produced a superb finish from 20 yards two minutes after the break, and that was effectively the end of England's anxious moments.

England now have one final friendly against Japan in Austria on Sunday before the squad is named and heads for South Africa, and Capello will still have questions to ponder before he puts his plans in place.

He will have been concerned by England's defensive vulnerability, but he was able to see injury-plagued Tottenham defender King complete 90 minutes and his worries will be placed in context by the knowledge he has Chelsea duo John Terry and Ashley Cole to recall.

Frank Lampard was also missed in central midfield, where the starting partnership of James Milner and the very disappointing Michael Carrick failed to fire.

Crouch bundled in England's second at Wembley

And, despite another goalscoring display from Crouch, it will be intriguing to see if Capello is tempted to use Rooney as a lone striker, supported by Steven Gerrard, against Japan. It is an option worth exploring.

Capello's side inevitably had an experimental appearance - and how it showed in a first period when England were inferior to Mexico and yet somehow established a lead by the interval.

They went ahead after 17 minutes when Mexico failed to deal with England's traditional strength from set pieces. Crouch rose to meet Steven Gerrard's corner and King was unmarked close in to glance a header past keeper Perez.

Rather than helping England settle to their task, the goal was simply the signal for Mexico to emphasise their superiority in possession and demonstrate a sharpness that exposed Capello's reshuffled rearguard.

Green did well to twice deny Arsenal forward Vela as he broke through the centre of England's defence, but he relied on the woodwork to come to his rescue on the half-hour when Salcido's shot hit the outside of the post with the keeper beaten.

England always had the edge in the aerial battles, however, and so it proved again as they doubled their lead after 35 minutes to produce a scoreline that was flattering in the extreme.

Johnson scored a fantastic third

Mexico keeper Perez did superbly to turn Rooney's header onto the bar when he met another Gerrard cross, but Crouch was able to use his height to bundle the rebound over the line.

The goal Mexico deserved for their enterprise came in first-half injury time - and was a perfect illustration of the defensive disorganisation that had plagued England in the first half.

King lost Rafael Marquez, and when Baines failed to clear convincingly on the line Franco scrambled the loose ball in to give Mexico some reward.

Capello made three changes for the start of the second half, with Jamie Carragher ending his England exile by replacing Rio Ferdinand, while Jermain Defoe and Joe Hart came on for Crouch and Green.

If Mexico's goal offered them hope of a recovery, it was quickly snuffed out in spectacular fashion as right-back Johnson showed his prowess as an attacking force after 47 minutes. He cut in from the right before curling a measured left-foot finish into the top corner.

Rooney had been having one of his quieter nights for England, but he almost added a fourth with eight minutes left. He lofted an effort towards goal with the Mexico keeper stranded out of position, but Francisco Javier Rodriguez was perfectly positioned on the line to clear the danger.

England suffered no further scares and took the applause from the Wembley crowd as they said farewell with a lap on honour in their last appearance on home turf before the big kick-off in South Africa .

"Pay Scholes to be at World Cup"

Rio Ferdinand believes that England would have stood a better chance at the World Cup if they had Paul Scholes within their ranks.

Scholes had retired from international football six years ago and despite the appeals from coach Fabio Capello and Ferdinand, he has remained steadfast in his decision.

Ferdinand went on to claim to the Sun that he would have paid his club-mate to be part of the team: "I'd would have paid him to come to South Africa.

"That's no detriment to any of the other players but I think Scholesy would have added to the squad we have.

"I spoke to him but he is a very black-and-white character. No frills, no messing about.

"He thought about it with his family and came to his decision.

"Scholesy isn't the type of person who, if we do really well at the tournament, would have it burning away at him. He will be comfortable with the decision he's made.

"It's not to be, he's not coming, so we move on."

Inter Milan set for Mascherano bid

Inter Milan are set to make a bid for Liverpool tough man Javier Mascherano, according to the Daily Mail.

The Argentine has been linked with an Anfield exit after sounding out his desire to join Barcelona and Chelsea are reportedly interested in snatching him away from the Liverpool together with his team mate Yossi Benayoun in a bid to retain their Premier League title next season.

Blues midfielders Deco and Juliano Belletti will be released from the club at the end of their contracts, with Deco set to return to his homeland Brazil.

Michael Ballack and Joe Cole could also leave Stamford Bridge on free transfers if they cannot agree to a new deal with the Premier League champions, which may explain Carlo Ancelotti's interest in bringing Mascherano to Chelsea.

Besides Chelsea, Italian giants Juventus have also been linked with the 25-year-old, who allegedly expressed his concerns over Liverpool's finances and manager Rafael Benitez.

Mascherano's Anfield futures looks bleak, with contract talks with the club bearing little fruits and are now on hold until after the World Cup.

Australia 2-1 New Zealand

Brett Holman struck with the last kick of the game to give Australia an undeserved victory against New Zealand in the World Cup friendly.

Holman has been criticised for his lack of goals in national team colours in the past, but did his chances of booking his place on the plane to South Africa no harm when he coolly converted after Carl Valeri's clever lob in the third minute of added time.

It was just the 26-year-old AZ Alkmaar forward's second goal in 30 international appearances and capped an otherwise forgettable display from the hosts - albeit in their first warm-up ahead of the finals.

New Zealand had gone ahead thanks to Chris Killen's close-range strike after 16 minutes and they should have also had a man advantage at the break after a horror challenge by Vince Grella on Leo Bertos was met with only a yellow card.

It took a debut goal from young midfielder Dario Vidosic to bring Australia level after 57 minutes before Holman clinched the win late on.

The Socceroos were also without six first-choice players with Mark Schwarzer (thumb), Harry Kewell (groin), Brett Emerton (hamstring), Josh Kennedy (back soreness) and rested defenders Luke Wilkshire and Scott Chipperfield on the sidelines.

Regardless New Zealand were by far the superior team in the first period with vice-captain Tim Brown shooting just wide in the 11th minute before they went ahead five minutes later.

A Simon Elliott free-kick was flicked on by Shane Smeltz for Killen who beat Mark Milligan to the ball at the far post and expertly placed his shot past debutant goalkeeper Adam Federici.

The goal rattled the home side as first Milligan was booked before Grella should have been sent off for a terrible two-footed lunge on Bertos.

Three minutes later the courageous Bertos was forced off due to a leg injury after being caught again - this time by Cahill, who became the third Socceroo to be booked.

In between those three bookings the Kiwis should have been two goals up after the impressive Killen struck a post with a fantastic volley on the turn with Federici beaten.

The Socceroos were booed off at the break and coach Pim Verbeek responded by making five changes, replacing Federici, Cahill, Grella, Mark Bresciano and Craig Moore.

Third-string goalkeeper Brad Jones took his place between the posts while Michael Beauchamp, Mile Jedinak, Holman and Valeri joined him.

That meant Jason Culina played a more attacking role in midfield and it was his positive forward run that, albeit with the aid of a lucky deflection, set up Vidosic who took his chance well with a low shot across Mark Paston.

Rory Fallon should have restored New Zealand's lead soon after when he headed straight at Jones after Tommy Smith's inviting cross.

In any case the All Whites looked to be headed for a confidence-building draw until Valeri's clever pass over the defence found Holman's run and the forward side-footed past the onrushing Paston.

Japan 0-2 South Korea

Park Ji-sung and Park Chu-young scored as South Korea beat fellow World Cup qualifiers Japan in a friendly international.

Both countries are facing difficult tasks in South Africa next month, having been placed in strong groups. Japan must play Cameroon, Denmark and Holland in Group E, while South Korea meet Argentina, Greece and Nigeria in Group B.

The Koreans can count on the undoubted quality of Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung and he opened the scoring in the sixth minute in Saitama, lashing the ball into the bottom left corner from the edge of the penalty area after a bustling run.

Monaco forward Park Chu-young came off the bench and won the penalty which he coolly fired into the bottom left corner for the clinching goal at the end of the second half.

Japan play England next, in Graz on Sunday, and on the same day South Korea take on Belarus in Kufstein.

"Both teams played well and played good football, and this game can bring us something positive ahead of the World Cup," said South Korea coach Huh Jung-moo.

"Our players played well without losing their cool despite playing before a full house and that got us the win."

Japan coach Takeshi Okada felt the game could have turned out differently if his side had managed to score before half-time.

"We wanted to finish the first half at 1-1 but it was hard to find a goal after giving up the first goal to our opponents," he said.

"We may have to change the way we start the game, starting the game rather defensively."

The 53-year-old added that he asked the president of the Japan Football Association, Motoaki Inukai, if he should remain as coach following a second successive defeat to the Koreans.

"As the president told me I should carry on, I guess I have no choice but do it," he revealed.

Mourinho to resign in 24 hours!!

Jose Mourinho is expected to officially inform Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti in the next 24 hours of his intention to join Real Madrid.

Mourinho is contracted to the Nerazzurri until June 2012 but can exercise a clause in his deal to depart this summer.

And his unease with the Italian game plus his desire to seek a new challenge after leading Inter to a domestic double as well as the Champions League title will spell the end of a hugely successful spell at the San Siro.

Mourinho's spokesman Eladio Parames confirmed to the Italian media: "Yes, they (Mourinho and Moratti) will meet in Milan.

"If not in the next few hours, then the next day."

Mourinho admitted after Saturday's defeat of Bayern Munich in the Champions League final in Madrid that he was keen to fill a post at the Bernabeu still occupied by Manuel Pellegrini.

Reports in Spain suggested Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes was in the Spanish capital thrashing out the finer details of a deal while, in Italy, an inquest has already started into the impending departure of arguably the best manager of his generation.

Milan's mayor, Letizia Moratti - the sister-in-law of Massimo Moratti - has laid the blame squarely at the door of the Italian media.

She said to Gazzetta dello Sport: "I would like to appeal to journalists, help us to convince Mourinho to stay, more so because this is your fault.

"He wants to leave because in the rest of Europe the press is less critical."

Massimo Moratti appears resigned to losing Mourinho although he has ruled out the possibility of replacing him with former Inter boss Roberto Mancini, now at Manchester City.

Mancini, who guided the club to three consecutive Scudetti before being dismissed in the summer of 2008 and replaced by Mourinho, led City to a fifth-place finish in the Barclays Premier League six months after taking over at Eastlands.

When asked about how he intended to fill the post should Mourinho depart, Moratti told Sky Sport Italia: "I thought about it this morning.

"He (Mancini) is the only one I didn't think of due to the fact that we have already had him and he is part of our history.

"No, I don't think that for him this is the path to follow.

"I believe he is happy in England, that he likes living in England and hence, to bring him back in this difficult situation would be offensive."

Moratti did express admiration for Mancini, however.

"They (Mourinho and Mancini) are very different from a character standpoint but they have something in common, courage," Moratti said.

"Both of them are courageous, because, I have to say, the great thing about Mancini, is that he was courageous and talented as a player and as a person.

"Mourinho has talent and courage as well as a professionalism that is born in his work ethic."

Mancini's former assistant at Inter and current Catania boss Sinisa Mihajlovic is among the leading candidates to take over.

Moratti said: "Mihajlovic certainly has character and is a fast learner.

"He is liked by the players. He is a friend of the players.

"We have a very good rapport with him but that doesn't mean that he could be the one chosen even though from a personal standpoint, it would be a choice I would like to make.

"Honestly, I have not decided yet."

Moratti says he will consider veteran coaches, and those cutting their teeth in the profession.

He added: "I am and will be more attracted towards an emerging coach but you have to find one that has new ideas.

"But perhaps a coach that knows through experience to maintain this group from a positive standpoint would be great."

The new man's first task will be to keep the current squad intact.

Saturday's hero Diego Milito - the Argentina international grabbed both goals to sink Bayern - has already been linked with a move to Madrid to link up again with Mourinho.

But Moratti insisted Milito would be staying in Milan.

"I only say one thing, there's a difference between Milito and our coach, Mourinho," Moratti said.

"Mourinho has a clause in his contract by which if the clause is exercised, he can leave.

"However, Milito doesn't and hence, the discussion is over."

Tevez wants to stake his claim

Carlos Tevez believes the friendly against Canada is his best opportunity to convince coach Diego Maradona he should start.

Argentina have a wealth of striking talent available and Tevez wants to impress in his team's final match before they kick off their World Cup campaign against Nigeria on June 12.

"I always try to be physically fit. That's the important thing. I'm trying to reach the peak of my form. Then, the coach makes the final decision and we have to respect him," the Manchester City forward said.

"There is a long time to go before the first World Cup match. In training, I believed I have proved I am ready to play. I'm motivated by wearing the national shirt."

In the Canada match, Tevez is reportedly expected to play in a three-man attack also featuring Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain, and he said: "If I play with another two forwards I'd be fine because I already did that many times."

Messi is expected to play despite an accidental clash of heads with team-mate Javier Mascherano in training on Friday.

Is Mourinho making a Real mistake?

Jose Mourinho and Inter Milan have answered all the questions on the pitch this season after their unprecedented treble for an Italian side, taking both the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia as well as the Champions League.

However, what happens off the pitch is now the big question looming over the head of the Special One and his men.

Mourinho infamously jumped ship from Porto to Chelsea in 2004 after winning the Champions League with the Portuguese club and didn't even celebrate the triumph with his team and fans in the Dragao.

Now, it seems that history is about to repeat itself with Real Madrid likely to be his next home despite the fact that no deal has been formally done at this moment.

On Saturday night, Mourinho slightly marred the occasion for Inter fans by not making any effort to disguise that he had probably been at the helm of the Nerazzurri for the last time.

This time, at least, it looks like he will actually return to Milan and take the plaudits of the Inter fans after bringing them their first European crown since 1965.

Even the Inter players of their back-to-back triumphs in the mid-1960s had been saying this week that the wait for their successors to arrive had been far too long for such a great club that is part of the fabric of Italian football history.

"I think everybody connected with Inter was wondering whether this day would ever come," mused Inter legend Sandro Mazzola, who played a huge part in Inter's defeats of Real Madrid and Benfica and is still a lucid commentator of all things to do with Italian football.

Now it has - and there are many people, myself included, who are still wondering why Mourinho would even contemplate leaving Inter.

Mourinho celebrates Inter's success on Saturday night.

Club president Massimo Moratti has gone on the record as saying that he will provide funds to reinforce the squad.

After all, Javier Zanetti has had a fantastic season but the 36-year-old Inter captain and icon has admitted that he is unlikely to be able to perform at this level for much longer and the bench also looks in need of some refurbishment.

Moratti is prepared to tear up Mourinho's old contract, for the second summer in succession, and again make him the best paid coach in the world as Luis Felipe Scolari is not expected to be around at the Uzbek club Bunyodkur for much longer.

By contrast, Mourinho, in his often oblique way, has talked of fresh challenges.
"When I win I don't stop and here [in Italy] I have won everything. I've won the Champions League with two clubs and I can do it with three," he reflected on Saturday night.

However, from my perspective, what might also be impressive is winning two consecutive Champions Leagues with the same club.

Nobody has done it since the European Cup morphed into the Champions League in the 1992-93 season.

The last time it was done under the old format was when local rivals Milan won in 1989 and 1990 - and attempting to usurp them must surely be some sort of motivating factor.

Just what a challenge this could be can be seen by looking at how Barcelona fell just short this season, going out to Inter in the semi-finals.

The Italian media have also never really warmed to Mourinho and apparently there are other things looming in the back of his mind which he has never been specific about but which clearly trouble him.

"There are many things [in Italy] that I haven't liked and for three to four months I've been thinking of going," he added.

However, I'm at a loss to see how much different it will be in Spain if he signs for Real, who apparently have put a three-year contract worth 10m euros a year, not including bonuses and benefits, on the table.

Mourinho also now has the respect of the Inter fans, if not their complete affection, and if I was in his shoes I would stay for at least another season.

Since there are pantomime qualities to Mourinho's supposed move from Inter to Real, the famous phrase from the English stage that has sprung to my mind is 'turn again Dick Whittington'.

On Saturday night, I actually watched the game not at the Santiago Bernabeu, as I did not have a ticket, but in a bar close to the centre of Madrid.

Several Inter fans were also there, not prepared to pay the asking price of the touts outside the Bernabeu of around four to five times the face value of a ticket, so I asked a few of them what they thought was going to happen to their club next season.

Filtering out some of the euphoria, and regardless of whether Mourinho is there or not, it seems inevitable that Inter will be the main contenders for the Italian league title again after winning it for the last five times, with Roma and Milan being mentioned as their obvious rivals.

However, it was also acknowledged that without Mourinho deciding the tactics and driving the team so effectively, it will be a struggle to defend their Champions League title.

Various scenarios can be explored about who may take over from Mourinho but don't be surprised to see the likes of Giovanni Trapattoni and Scolari among the names that crop up.

At least for England fans, Fabio Capello's name is not likely to be linked too closely with the club however England fare in South Africa as he both played for and coached local rivals AC Milan.

written by Phil Minshul of BBC .

Bayern autopsy: The Ribery factor

Opinions varied over how critical the absence of Franck Ribery was to their Champions League final defeat to Inter Milan.

Ribery, who it was announced on Sunday has signed a five-year contract extension with the German giants, has been a key player for Bayern over the last few seasons but he was unavailable for the match at the Bernabeu stadium due to suspension.

Without the France international, Bayern slumped to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Inter to end their hopes of claiming an historic treble having already won their domestic league and cup.

It is impossible to tell how things might have gone in the Spanish capital if the much-vaunted Ribery had been available, but for Bayern honorary president Franz Beckenbauer the Frenchman's absence was key.

"We would never have lost with Ribery," the Bayern club legend told Sat.1 television.

"We missed him on every corner and at the end of everything. It would have been a different game with him.

"Without him, nobody had any courage. You have got to play differently in a final and not have so much respect - you have got to create pressure.

"It was just too little to survive against Inter. They were deserved Champions League winners."

However, Bayern coach Louis van Gaal had a slightly different view on matters.

While he admitted they had missed the Frenchman's magic, he pointed his side have won without the winger plenty of times before.

"It is always rather simple to say after a defeat that Ribery was missing. We played against Lyon, against Juventus and half the season without him," said Van Gaal, whose side were beaten by goals in either half by impressive Inter striker Diego Milito.

"I think that is a lack of respect for my other players. (Hamit) Altintop did his job well.

"We could have won this game anyway. Milito made the difference. Of course Ribery is a creative player and we need a creative player to play our style, but we have been successful without him."

The absence of Ribery looked like being something Bayern would have to deal with on a permanent basis following this season as, for much of the last 12 months, the 27-year-old has been widely tipped to leave the Bavarian club.

The likes of European giants Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United were all linked with big-money moves for the flying Frenchman, whose contract was due to run out next year.

However, Ribery has put an end to speculation about his future by committing himself to Bayern, putting pen to paper on a new deal which ties him to the Bundesliga champions until June 30, 2015.

"I am very happy to have decided to stay with FC Bayern," said Ribery, who joined the club from Marseille in a 25million euro deal in 2007.

"My family and I are very happy to be staying in Munich. This club has become a big family for me."

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "We are very pleased that one of the best players in the world has agreed to a contract extension. This is also a sign of the great objectives of FC Bayern in the coming years."

With Ribery now on board long-term, and the likes of Arjen Robben, Ivica Olic, and Bastian Schweinsteiger in his ranks, Van Gaal can feel confident about continuing to produce the exciting football his team has shown this season.

Bayern may not have been able to break down Inter's water-tight defence last night but Van Gaal, who has led Bayern to the domestic double in his first season in the hotseat, defended his tactics and commitment to playing attacking football.

"Every team can choose to play the way they want. But my choice, and that of the Bayern Munich board, otherwise they wouldn't have given me the job, (is to attack)," said the Dutchman, who could have become only the third coach in history to win the European Cups with two different clubs having also lifted it with Ajax in 1995.

"That is why the atmosphere around Bayern Munich has changed in Germany this season, because we are playing attractive football, we are playing for the public. It means also that we are in very good shape, and today (against Inter) it was not to be.

"Although if (Thomas) Muller had scored at the start of the second half it could have been a different game. We need to score goals at the right time, and a little bit of luck also comes into that.

"These are the small thing which settle it. Nevertheless, it's been a great season.

"I think that my teams will always be remembered."

Bayern Munich given hero's welcome

Bayern Munich's players were given a hero's welcome when they returned to the Bavarian city to parade the two trophies they have won.

Although the Champions League title could not be added to the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal crowns, the atmosphere remained one of jubilation, particularly when Franck Ribery took to the microphone.

The Frenchman signed a new five-year contact with the club just prior to the Champions League final and he told the fans that he had done it just for them.

"I love all the Bayern Munich fans," he said, giving a speech entirely in German for the first time since he joined the club two years ago.

"I am staying here because of the feeling the fans give me when they call my name when I am on the field.

"I think we had a fantastic season. We lost yesterday, but who cares!

"I am staying five more years."

Coach Louis van Gaal also praised the fans for turning out in their numbers, despite the defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League final.

"This is incredible!" he said. "Our fans are the best in the world.

"There are so many fans here after losing a cup final, and they aren't disappointed. They are mentally stronger than I am."

Van Gaal believes Bayern can go one better next year.

"We have another chance next season," he said. "In fact, we don't only have a chance - with fans like these and with these players, we could even do it."

Mourinho gunning for European 'Grand Slam'

Jose Mourinho has his sights firmly set on winning the "Grand Slam" of Spanish, Italian and English leagues.

Although there is nothing yet confirmed, with Mourinho still officially the coach of Inter Milan and Manuel Pellegrini remaining in the hotseat at Madrid, it now seems only a matter of time before the Portuguese is unveiled by the Spanish giants.

Madrid have long been linked with Mourinho and, having ended this season empty-handed after investing around 250million euros in the team last summer, they will be desperate for an improved showing next term.

Enter the `Special One`.

Mourinho has enjoyed tremendous success at Porto, Chelsea and most recently Inter, who while Madrid were going trophyless this season, he led to an unprecedented treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League titles.

The 47-year-old admitted after Saturday`s Champions League final win over Bayern Munich at Madrid`s Bernabeu stadium that he was likely to leave the Nerazzurri, and now he seems certain to switch his attention to fulfilling his goal of conquering the Spanish league as well as Italy and England.

Speaking in an interview in today`s edition of Spanish daily Marca which was billed as Mourinho`s first as the new coach of Real Madrid, the Portuguese said: "No player or coach has won the three important leagues and I want to be the first to do it.

"Ancelotti, Capello, Van Nistelrooy, Beckham and others have won two, but not three. I would like to be the first to win the Grand Slam of the Spanish, Italian and English leagues."

Mourinho is also confident he can help Madrid fulfil their own burning ambition, which is to win a record 10th European Cup.

Madrid had placed great stock in going all the way in this season`s Champions League and winning the trophy on home soil, but for the sixth campaign running they were knocked out at the last 16 stage.

When asked if he felt he was able to make Madrid champions of Europe, Mourinho, who on Saturday became only the third coach to conquer Europe with two different clubs, said: "Yes, of course.

"At Chelsea I felt I was capable of winning the European Cup. I won a couple of leagues and several cups, but not the European Cup. At Inter I felt capable of winning the Scudetto and cups and we also won the Champions League. You can never say what you are going to do."

Mourinho preferred not to talk about what he felt was missing from the Madrid`s squad or prospective signings, saying only when asked about reported summer targets Daniele De Rossi (Roma) and Maicon (Inter): "I like all the good players, but now is not the moment to bring up the business of future signings."

However, Mourinho did comment on two of Madrid`s big summer signings from last year, Kaka and Karim Benzema.

Brazil star Kaka, 28, was brought in from AC Milan for a fee of £56million while 22-year-old Frenchman Benzema cost around £30million when he moved from Lyon, however neither player set the world alight in their first campaign in La Liga.

Mourinho is confident both will come good, though.

"They are two top players," he said.

"But to analyse this situation properly you need to be inside and I`m not. It`s difficult to analyse from outside, I`ve not seen enough games of Real Madrid to make an opinion.

"In the case of these two players, I don`t think one not-so-great season is a drama. It`s not an impossible situation to change. I don`t think for them it will be a problem returning to the top."

Regarding the plans of Florentino Perez, who returned to the Madrid presidency last summer promising a "spectacular project" to get the Spanish giants back to the top of the tree in Spain and Europe, Mourinho seems impressed.

However, he pointed out that it is the coach and the players who are the only ones who can win silverware.

"It`s an ambitious project. As president he has put in place the necessary means in the sporting structure; he has a fantastic training ground, has invested money to build a team and has given confidence to the professionals until the end.

"(But) the president isn`t the one who wins, he isn`t the one who plays, nor who decides what happens on the bench.

"From there the responsibility is with the professionals: the coach, the technical staff, and the players.

"Nowadays the coach doesn`t arrive at nine and leave at 11. I think that the coach is a very important person in the whole structure as he must lead all the other departments that surround the first team.

"I arrived at Appiano Gentile (Inter`s training ground) at 0730 and I left at 1700 or later. Some days I`ve even slept there when we`ve had little time to analyse our opponents in preparation for a game."

Mourinho & Real: A scary alliance

The partnership that will scare Europe moved a step closer after Jose Mourinho said he was likely to leave Inter Milan.

Madrid have long been linked with a move for Mourinho but that speculation has peaked over the last few months with the Spanish giants struggling to justify the huge on-field investment they made last summer.

Under returning president Florentino Perez, Madrid spent around £217million (250million euros) on new players but they ended up trophyless for the second successive campaign after being pipped to the Primera Division title by Barcelona and suffering disappointing early exits from the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini, the man tasked last summer with taking Madrid back to the top of the tree both in Spain and in Europe, is still officially in the Bernabeu hotseat, but his time in charge may now just be days away from ending.

The favourite to replace the Chilean has always been the hugely-successful Mourinho, and although there is nothing confirmed, the Portuguese's comments following the Champions League win over Bayern Munich suggests that a move to Madrid is now a probability rather than a possibility.

"The Champions League I won at Porto (2004) was my last game there and this time it will almost certainly be my last game for Inter," Mourinho said after becoming only the third coach in history to win the European Cup with two different clubs.

"I want another challenge in my career," he told Italian television station RAI.

"I want to become the only coach to win the Champions League with three different clubs.

"It's not definite that I'll go but I want new risks, new experiences, and now is the moment to decide."

Mourinho, who suggested he will be meeting with Perez after the weekend, did not go as far as to say he would definitely be in charge of Madrid next season, though.

"I don't know the (Madrid) project yet, so I have to hear the project, but at the moment I am not the coach of Real Madrid; I am the coach of Inter and a very proud coach of Inter," he said.

"Inter remains an option and I have a fantastic family here, but Real is the best option I have.

"The percentage of me leaving is higher than that of staying."

Should Mourinho decide to move to Madrid then it could spell bad news for the rest of Europe.

Madrid have won a record nine European Cups down the years but they have barely made a ripple in the competition in recent times, being knocked out at the last-16 stage in each of the last six years.

This year's elimination at the hands of Lyon was particularly painful as, aside from their huge outlay last summer, this season's final was held at their Bernabeu stadium.

Madrid have also surrendered domestic superiority to arch rivals Barcelona, who followed up an unprecedented six-trophy haul in 2009 with another Primera Division title this season.

In the last seven years, Madrid have won just two major trophies and in that time have had 10 different coaches.

However, that could all change if Mourinho takes over.

Virtually everything the outspoken 47-year-old has touched as a coach has turned to gold - or rather silver - winning trophies with Porto, Chelsea and now Inter, who this season he helped become the first Italian team ever to win the treble.

It therefore stands to reason if Mourinho does decide to switch to Madrid then silverware will follow, especially with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo at his disposal and a president who has shown time and again he is willing to splash the cash in the pursuit of success.

Speaking about Madrid following the Champions League final, Mourinho, perhaps tellingly, said: "It is an enormous club, a club that wants the same as me; I want to win, I want to feel important, I want to keep winning."

"This could be my last World Cup"

Steven Gerrard insists England's players must approach this World Cup as if it were their last.

It was former chief executive Adam Crozier who labelled the current crop of Three Lions the 'Golden Generation'.

However, a bit like the Portugal side led by Luis Figo who were given the same tag, it has largely proved to be an empty boast.

As he is due to celebrate his 30th birthday at the end of the month, Gerrard is realistic enough to accept there may not be another chance for him to shine at football's top table.

With Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard having already passed that milestone - and John Terry and Ashley Cole not far behind - Gerrard feels the added knowledge of time ticking away could benefit England in South Africa this summer.

"The feeling this is our last World Cup has got to be the attitude going into it," said Gerrard.

"It could be my last chance to win a World Cup, or even shine at one, so you want to give it everything you've got."

Gerrard takes the view that while 2006 was undoubtedly a let-down, both in terms of performances and the overall outcome, it was a useful learning curve.

The bulk of that squad remains, meaning it should be easier to avoid falling into a similar trap of over-confidence.

"We have underachieved in the past," he said.

"Everyone around the world knows England have the tools in their armoury to do well. The challenge is to prove it.

"It is easy to say we are one of the favourites. The difficult thing is getting out of the group, then the last 16 and the last eight. There is a mental situation with this team in the last couple of tournaments where we have failed to get past the last eight.

"If we get past the last eight then the show is going to start."

There is a sense of deja-vu about Gerrard's words, which have been repeated so many times by so many different England representatives down the years.

Yet he suggests they are now delivered with more authority because additional experience has made for a more rounded assessment of England's position.

"Our players are more mature now," he said.

"We are at that age where players are peaking.

"There is a good mix of young talented players and experienced old heads, who have been there and done it at club level.

"Hopefully that will hold us in good stead for what is to come."

There is also the stench of failure still hanging around from that abysmal failure to reach Euro 2008, which at the moment is the most notable entry in the CVs of that Golden Generation.

"Thirty is an age where you do consider what you have achieved internationally," he said.

"You don't want to step out of this level of football without doing something.

"There is an excitement in this squad and a determination. After the setback of not qualifying for the Euros we feel as though we owe it to the nation to deliver this time around."

Gerrard has already delivered once during the World Cup build-up by luring close friend Jamie Carragher out of international retirement.

Although he understood Carragher's reasons, the pair are so close it never suited Gerrard for the 32-year-old to be out in the wilderness.

Indeed, he played a major role in the day-to-day persuasion that eventually led to Carragher changing his mind.

"I put a lot of work in," he said.

"I spoke to Jamie all the time, right from the time he took the decision to step down from the squad.

"I wanted Carra here because he is a top player but from a personal perspective it is nice because he is a good friend."

Carragher caused a ripple of surprise when he confirmed his return would last for just one tournament, after which he will slip back into the shadows again.

It is a decision Gerrard himself might be forced to make at some stage, although he insists that view has not floated across his mind just yet.

"I am sure a lot of players are coming to that age now where they will consider what the next best move will be after the World Cup," he said.

"But it depends on how well we do and also what the manager is thinking. In any case, it might be taken out of your hands.

"I have never considered finishing for England."

Zanetti sad to see "great" Mourinho go

Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti is sad to see coach Jose Mourinho go, but says the club must respect his decision.

Mourinho all but confirmed his San Siro exit in the aftermath of Inter's Champions League win on Saturday and Zanetti told SkySport:

"I am really sad that Mourinho has decided to leave, but this is his choice.

"We must respect his decision, and unfortunately we are saying goodbye to a great coach and a great man."

Moving on to happier things, the Argentinean reflected on his side's stunning European win.

"It is a unique feeling," he declared.

"After such a great season this was all that was missing.

"I had many thoughts at the final whistle. My family, my wife, the president Massimo Moratti and of course all the Inter fans.

"Year after year I have managed to improve and mature. After much suffering in the past we are finally on top of Europe and this is an immense satisfaction.

Even the news that he had been left out by Diego Maradona for Argentina's World Cup squad failed to dampen the veteran's spirits.

"I can't feel disappointed about anything after a year like this one. [Diego] Maradona made his decision and for me the World Cup is already something in the past, " he said.

Bayern Munich Star Franck Ribery Signs Contract Extension Until 2015

Finally some good news for Bayern Munich!!!!

Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery has signed a contract extension that will see him tied to the German champions until the summer of 2015.

Die Roten faced Inter in the Champions League final on Saturday night without their influential winger, who was suspended, and promptly lost 2-0 thanks to a Diego Milito brace.

But the French international has committed himself to remaining at the Allianz Arena for a further five years, putting rest to speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid or the English Premier League in the summer.

On the club’s official website, Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummeniege commented, “We are very glad that we have agreed with one of the World’s best players an extension of his contract. This is also an indication of the long-term goals of the club as a whole.”

Ribery himself also discussed his satisfaction at remaining in Germany, adding, “My family and I are very happy in Munich. I am very lucky that I have decided to continue my association with Bayern Munich.”

The former Marseille man moved to the Bundesliga for a fee of €25m in the summer of 2007.

Mourinho likely to quit Inter Milan for Real Madrid!!

Jose Mourinho says he is likely to leave Inter Milan for Real Madrid after guiding Inter to an historic Treble.

The Italian champions beat Bayern Munich to win the Champions League on Saturday, making Mourinho the third coach to win the prize with two clubs.

But following the 2-0 victory at Real's Bernabeu stadium Mourinho said: "I'm so sad as almost for sure it's my last game with Inter.

"If you don't coach Real Madrid then you always have a gap in your career."

Mourinho has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid over the summer

The 47-year-old former Chelsea boss added: "It was difficult to leave Chelsea and it will be sad to leave Inter. Inter is my house in the same way Chelsea was my house. But that's life, that's football.

"Now I have two houses, Stamford Bridge, San Siro and now a third house - probably the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Only Real are interested in me but I haven't spoken with anyone and I haven't signed anything. I promised I'd speak after the final.

"I believe my target now is to win another championship that I've never won and win Champions League with a third club and then come back to England.

"Everybody knows that English football is my passion and I will go back to England once."

Mourinho, who joined Inter in 2008, has also won two Serie A titles and an Italian Cup.

"When I win I don't stop and here [in Italy] I have won everything. I've won the Champions League with two clubs and I can do it with three," he reflected.

"There are many things [in Italy] that I haven't liked and for three to four months I've been thinking of going.

"I've entered into Inter's history, I don't want to speak much because if I do I'll cry and I don't want to do that.

"I want a different challenge in my career, now is the time to decide. What's important for Inter is that [president Massimo] Moratti and [captain Javier] Zanetti stay."

In all the post-match drama, it was easy to forget that Inter had become European champions for the first time in 45 years thanks to two goals from Argentina striker Diego Milito.

And the goalscoring hero hailed his coach as the mastermind behind the Italian side's Champions League victory.

"Mourinho deserves this the most. He is great coach and he deserves all of the credit for this success," the matchwinner stated.

"This is the team that he has made. He made many changes to the team that finished last year and we have come so far."

"Mourinho deserves this the most. He is great coach and he deserves all of the credit for this success," the matchwinner stated.

"This is the team that he has made. He made many changes to the team that finished last year and we have come so far."

Milito was one of the players brought in by Mourinho last summer after Zlatan Ibrahimovic departed for Barcelona.

"I want to thank Inter, the president and the coach for wanting to sign me last summer - I am so happy to be here at Inter," Milito added.

"What I feel now is a joy I have never felt before, an incredible joy. I am so happy for Inter because we have been waiting for so long and we deserved this trophy."

Meanwhile, Inter president Massimo Moratti has revealed Mourinho cried after the side's victory, but hopes the coach was not shedding tears ahead of an imminent departure.

"I didn't cry, but Mourinho did and a lot - I hope they were not from a sense of guilt," Moratti said.

"The players were wrapped up in joy; it's an infinite joy, it's marvellous."

Champions League Matchwinner Diego Milito Set To Follow Mourinho To Real Madrid!!

Before the dust could settle on Inter Milan’s celebrations after being crowned European champions after a 45-year wait, news of the team’s breakup came quickly with goalscorer Diego Milito refusing to commit his future to the club.

The Argentinian international scored both goals that shot Inter to the Champions League trophy on Saturday and after the game, he hinted that he may no longer be at the San Siro next season, with the possibility of joining Jose Mourinho at the Bernabeu increasingly likely.

“Will I stay? I don’t know,” Milito said on Sky Sport Italia. “I have important offers.”

The clinical hitman showed his finishing prowess and no lack of individual ability as he scored a goal in each half to send Bayern Munich spinning to defeat. The manner in which he took his goals could convince Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to agree to any Mourinho request to bring the player along with him to Spain.

Milito has also scored 6 goals in 11 Champions League games to prove his pedigree on the biggest stage of European club football.

“It’s a great joy for me. I have never experienced this and I am really happy for Inter,” the Argentinian continued.

“The president (Inter’s Moratti) deserves this and I am really happy for everyone tonight.

“This is football and I am really happy. I have always fought hard for this and I have always given the maximum.

“We deserve this trophy, the team, the club, the president and everyone. I am very happy. I want to thank Inter, and the president.”

If Milito were to follow his Inter coach to Real, it would put the futures of current Madrid stars Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema in serious doubt. While it remains to be seen if Mourinho will adopt the same formation he employed at Inter in Spain where he frequently played Milito upfront with a triple axis of Pandev, Eto’o and Sneijder in support of the lone striker, the two players may have to change their way of playing in order to fit in.

Champions of Europe 2009/2010

"Jose Mourinho done it again and this time with Inter Milan"!!

Inter Milan has won the Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich. Argentina striker Diego Milito scored both goals for the Italian league and cup holders helping them to secure an unprecented treble.

Argentina striker Milito opened the scoring for the Italian league and cup holders in the 35th minute at the Bernabeu stadium in Madrid and added a second 20 minutes from time to secure the treble for Jose Mourinho's side. It was Inter Milan's third Champions League triumph after successes in 1964 and 1965.

Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho became only the third coach to win the European Cup with two different clubs following his success with Porto in 2004.

Inter Milan forward Diego Milito celebrates scoring his second goal

The convincing victory ends a 45-year drought for the Italian champions in Europe's presitge soccer tournament. It was also a personal triumph for Milito who scored 22 goals this season including the goal that clinched the Italian title last weekend. He also got the winner in the Italian Cup final.

"It's a joy I've never experienced. Incredible. I am so happy for Inter because we wanted this so badly. We are so happy and it's a unique sensation," Milito told reporters.

The loss meant that Bayern after a very successful season with new coach Louis Van Gaal missed out on the treble, having also won the domestic league and cups, despite two chances from midfielder Thomas Mueller early in the second half and Dutch international Arjen Robben.

"Inter were the better team over 90 minutes and deserved to win," former Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer told German TV.

Eventhough Bayern had a lot of possession Samuel Eto'o and Milito were a constant threat to the Bayern defence and Inter were able to convert their goal scoring chances.

Inter Milan's superb display of soccer skill and passion was typified by excellent skipper Javier Zanetti who was playing in his 700th match for the club.