Shanghai Shenhua striker Didier Drogba insists he is happy at the Chinese club, and may even look to stay at the club beyond his initial two-and-a-half year contract, according to The Telegraph.
Drogba joined Shanghai Shenhua after eight years at Chelsea. However, the 34-year-old has been unsettled in China amidst problems at the club. Firstly, former Fulham manager Jean Tigana was removed from the hot-seat following a poor run of results and a disagreement with the board and this was compounded with the Shenhua board falling out with each other as the Chairman, Zhu Jun, who owns 28.5% of the club, has threatened to stop funding it.
The striker admits that at times this season, he has struggled to adjust to life at Shenhua, “It’s difficult at the moment, but I know there’s hope and I believe.”
As a result of the problems at the Chinese outfit, there was speculation that Drogba would be ready for an impromptu move back to Premier League, with Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly looking to lure the striker back to England in order to bolster their attacking options.
However, the Ivorian international, who has scored five goals in seven games for his new side, insists that whilst life has been difficult since leaving Chelsea, he is happy to remain in China, “I’m really happy here. I miss the Premier League because it is the best league in the world, but really I don’t regret my choice.” Drogba added, “I just arrived like two months ago so I’m really happy. I am, I’m really happy here so I have no reason to leave. I don’t want to leave here.”
Drogba was instrumental in helping Chelsea become the first London club to win a European trophy. He says that night in Munich will live long in the memory, “To be able to win in that kind of game was perfect and it’s something you [speaking about himself] will never forget.”
The Chelsea legend, who also won two Premier League titles at the club, hopes to emulate the success he had in England with Shenhua, “I want to stay here, as long as I can and win some trophies with my team and make our fans very happy.”
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Drogba will have to wait before he can win his first piece of silverware with his new club as Shanghai Shenhua currently lie a disappointing ninth in the Chinese Super League following an inconsistent run of form.
We mere mortals can only imagine the cost of fame and fortune. Football’s finest watch their life being portrayed through newspaper print, often with an apparent disregard for the truth. Yet in spite of this, there is a relentless expectation for these individuals to act as the nation’s role models. Actors, politicians and members of royalty are all prone to severe errors of misjudgement, so why do we expect football players to be any different?
The stereotypical view of a professional athlete depicts an unsavoury blend of arrogance and ignorance, with little consideration for the morals, ethics and rules that the rest of us abide by. The constant scrutiny of the media spotlight means it is incredibly easy to blow the smallest of misdemeanours out of proportion. However, you can’t help but feel footballers have an uncanny ability to put their foot firmly in their mouth.
As more money is pumped into the beautiful game, making it swell like greedy cash cow, a large percentage will eventually make its way into the player’s bank accounts. This gifts them to the freedom to be reckless and enhance an already lavish lifestyle, which will inevitably evoke a sense of resentment from the public. While many supporters will cheer and chant their heroes for 90-minutes each week, it could be argued they spend the rest of the time doing the exact opposite.
Deep down I think we all love the ‘showboaters’ or the ‘ball hoggers’ because they provide such a vast amount of entertainment. However, such a selfish playing style will inevitably spill over into other aspects of their private life and this is where antipathy is born. Is it fair to say that footballers are loved on the pitch and hated off it?
It’s worth considering the sacrifice potential athletes have to make at such an early age. How often are we told the story of the player who spent every hour of sunlight with the ball at his feet, it’s hardly surprising that these individuals dedicated more time outside on the football pitch than inside with their head buried in a school book. I am not saying footballers are stupid, but I dread to think of the number of brain cells lost thanks to repeatedly heading the ball.
It’s easy to forget that players live a somewhat sheltered life, as their childhood and teenage years are spent in a controlled academy environment. The traditional life lessons that are an essential process of growing up are perhaps discovered further down the line, this becomes obvious when you consider it took Ashley Cole thirty years to understand the perils of using an air rifle.
Mario Balotelli is another character who usually decorates the tabloids for all the wrong reasons, but many were surprised or rather dismayed to learn that almost all of his antics were a complete fabrication. Even if the majority of the stories were true, the Manchester City forward is just like any other 22-year-old on the planet, except he has the finances to bring his childish fantasies into reality. Whether you consider it right or wrong, the media are on a ruthless quest to tear down the thin veil that guards the games stars from the glaring public eye. There is certainly a case to be argued for the phrase ‘ignorance is bliss’.
England manager Roy Hodgson recently suffered the consequences of travelling by London transport, but I am not referring to the never-ending suspensions on the underground. Although it was slightly inappropriate, Hodgson was simply being polite and trying to further improve his relations with supporters. Instead the conversation becomes victim to sensationalist reporting and he is branded as some sort of traitor. Personally, I wouldn’t blame Hodgson if he never uttered a word to the public again.
The Secret Footballer has discussed at length the perils of constant media attention and seems to epitomise the phrase ‘once bitten twice shy’. Is it any wonder that footballers lash out or revert into a social recluse when friends, family and even strangers view them as a walking cash point? There is also a growing realisation that an increasing number of professionals view football solely as a source of income. I fear there will come a point when the only fans of football, will be the fans themselves.
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It seems that we as a nation are somewhat fickle in our attempts to place individuals on a lofty pedestal, only to commence bringing them down the moment they’ve got comfortable. We constantly chip away at their cold exterior, without fully understanding the consequences of what will happen when we break through. Yes, footballers should know better but the fact is most of them don’t and the sooner we realise that, the better.
Join me on Twitter @theunusedsub where Olcan Adin may have just earned himself the nickname, ‘The Turkish Ronaldo’.
Tuesday night saw one of the greatest international comebacks in recent history with Sweden miraculously salvaging a 4-4 draw in Germany after being 4-0 down with only half an hour remaining.
However, with the international break over for the foreseeable future the domestic lovers can once again look forward to be another exciting weekend in the Barclays Premier League with some fantastic clashes forthcoming.
To whet the appetite I’ve compiled a list of the 15 greatest Premier League comebacks ever witnessed in the past twenty years.
From that brilliant 15 minutes by the great Alan Shearer in the 90’s to the moment when Martin Tyler screamed ‘Aguero’ at the top of his voice, here a list of unforgettable matches which will live long in the memory of football fans across the world.
Click on Tiote below to unveil the 15 great Premier League comebacks
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Robin Van Persie rejected the chance to sign for Manchester City and signed for rivals Manchester United for £24 million in the summer.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that the Dutchman turned down an offer believed to be in the region of £300,000 a week.
The striker has continued his fine form this Premier League season and has scored nine goals in his first 12 appearances as he gets ready to face his old employers this week for the first time.
The Independent understands that van Persie could have been banging in the goals in blue and not in red but turned down a deal for the chance to do so with the Champions. Wenger could not reveal the reasons why the striker snubbed City.
It’s unlikely to be down to financial reasons given the amount that Roberto Mancini’s side were prepared to pay for his services and van Persie is unlikely to be earning quite as much at Old Trafford.
“It is true Manchester City were interested in him and he has chosen to go to United,” Wenger told the Independent.
“He could come out more on the reasons but I didn’t want to know more about that.
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“Does it hurt more than he left for another English club? That is not exactly what I wished!”
David Moyes said that he felt Luis Suarez deserved to be sent off in yesterday’s Merseyside derby.
The Everton manager felt the Uruguayan should have been red carded following his challenge on Sylvain Distin midway through the second half, which was only warranted a yellow card by referee Andre Marriner:
“He was a very lucky man to stay on the pitch for his tackle; it’s over the top, down the back of the leg.”
Brendan Rodgers was of a differing opinion and believes that Suarez was just a little late in the challenge but nothing more.
“I didn’t think it was a red card, sometimes you get that with a striker, when they are just a fraction late. They are trying to time it just as they pass it.”
It was certainly an eventful afternoon for Liverpool’s No.7 who scored a goal, assisted in the other and then had a late winner incorrectly ruled out by the linesman – a decision that clearly frustrated Rodgers:
“Obviously we are bitterly disappointed,” Rodgers added. “It is an easy decision as well.
“I am not going to go on about officials because it has been happening to us all season.
“It is actually quite straightforward – it is a free-kick from deep, the ball is in the air for a long time and the official is looking across the line, so he is clearly onside.
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“When Coates heads it back, Luis is minimum level and it is a wonderful finish. He should have had his goal – it would have been a brilliant win for us.
“We are frustrated but I am are very proud of my young team in a cauldron of an atmosphere against a very experienced team.”
Manchester City visit Chelsea on Sunday, as two giants in flux clash in English Premier League action.
Both clubs have had weeks they would rather forget, City bundled out of the Champions League before the knockout stages and Chelsea close to elimination after disappointing midweek results.
The fall-out was particularly savage in west London, with Roberto Di Matteo – just six months removed from guiding the club to their greatest ever triumph in lifting the Champions League – sacked in favour of former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez after their 3-0 loss to Juventus.
Chelsea still have a chance to reach the knockout stages, if they beat Nordsjaelland at home on matchday six and Juventus lose to Shakhtar Donetsk.
Nevertheless, the latest European defeat saw Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich dismiss Di Matteo, with a laboured 3-2 home win over Shakhtar their only victory from the past five matches in all competitions.
In the league, Chelsea’s form has been particularly average, with 1-1 draws against Swansea and Liverpool followed by a 2-1 defeat at West Brom, leaving the early-season pace-setters in third spot, four points behind leaders City.
Further north in Manchester, Roberto Mancini’s City side have at least been keeping up appearances domestically while their European dream slipped away.
City sit top of the Premier League standings, one point clear of arch-rivals Manchester United, after 12 games played. They were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, ending their hopes of making the last 16 of the Champions League.
They could still qualify for the Europa League by finishing third in the group, but one wonders what incentive Mancini has for wanting his squad tied up mid-week during what is sure to be a tight tussle at the top of the league table.
Both managers have fitness concerns ahead of the crunch match, with City captain Vincent Kompany reportedly leaving the stadium on crutches after the draw against Real Madrid.
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He joins Gael Clichy (ankle), Micah Richards (knee) and Mario Balotelli (back) on the injury list at Eastlands.
For Chelsea, captain John Terry is still bothered by a knee injury, Frank Lampard is slowly returning to fitness after a calf problem while Daniel Sturridge also missed the Juventus match because of a hamstring injury.
Norwich stretched their unbeaten Premier League run to eight games with victory over Sunderland to heap more pressure on Martin O’Neill.
The Canaries have improved after a slow start under Chris Hughton and haven’t tasted defeat since a 4-1 reverse against Chelsea at the start of October.
In stark contrast to their hosts the Wearsiders just can’t seem to buy a win at the moment and a sixth defeat in their last nine leaves them just a place and point outside the bottom three.
Despite the loss O’Neill, who celebrates his first anniversary as boss on Monday, can take heart from a spirited second half display from his side, although his record of two wins in 22 league games is similar to the one that got predecessor Steve Bruce the sack 12-months ago.
And Norwich were quick to capitalise on the visitors’ defensive uncertainty and took just eight minutes to break the deadlock, former Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong stealing in at the back post to bundle Robert Snodgrass’ free kick into the net.
Sunderland barely looked like threatening goalkeeper Mark Bunn, standing in for the injured John Ruddy, and were dealt another blow as the hosts doubled their lead in the 37th minute with a superb team goal.
A move involving 29 passes ended with Anthony Pilkington latching on to a defence splitting pass from Bradley Johnson, shrugging off the attention of Carlos Cuellar and cooly slotting the ball past Simon Mignolet.
That seemed to jolt O’Neill’s men from their perpetual slumber and Craig Gardner gave them hope of a second half comeback, lashing the ball beyond Bunn from 20-yards after being teed up by Adam Johnson just before the break.
Despite improving after the restart they just couldn’t fashion an equaliser and centre back Matt Kilgallon squandered their best opportunity when he fired over an empty net from 10 yards after Gardner’s free kick struck the post.
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Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill has likened Robin van Persie’s effect on the Manchester United team to that of Lionel Messi for Barcelona, the Guardian reports.
The praise from O’Neill followed his side’s 3-1 Premier League defeat at Old Trafford on Saturday in which van Persie was influential throughout for the Red Devils, scoring once as well as providing an assist for Wayne Rooney’s goal.
Speaking of the Dutchman’s impact on the United team, the Sunderland boss made reference to the importance of Barcelona maestro Lionel Messi for the Spanish side.
“Would, for instance, Barcelona have the same effect if Lionel Messi didn’t play? The number of goals he has scored is incredible [90 in 2012]. They are a very talented team, but without him, you don’t know because Messi is their talisman.”
Van Persie took his tally to 15 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions so far this season for his new club, following his switch from the Emirates to Old Trafford in August.
“Honestly, he [Van Persie] can get goals out of very little. It looks like nothing is happening, you have players there in the area, but all of a sudden, he has opened up a gap,” O’Neill said.
“Just look at the third goal. We would say we didn’t defend brilliantly, but he would say it was great play, fantastic play, and you always felt that United would give themselves a big edge by getting van Persie.
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United currently sit six points clear of rivals Manchester City at the top of the table, and are now guaranteed to be able to enjoy being leaders of the pack at Christmas.
Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed talks of retirement following his 71st birthday, insisting he hopes to be at Manchester United for “a bit of time” yet, the Telegraph reports.
Ferguson celebrated 26 years in charge at Old Trafford in November, but speculation has continued to mount that this could be his last season, with the likes of former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, Real Madrid’s Jose Mourinho and Everton’s David Moyes being touted as possible replacements.
However the United chief, who changed his mind on an initial decision to retire in 2002, is adament this won’t be his last season.
“I’m hoping to stay on for a bit of time,” he said. “In terms of football management, I have achieved everything I always wished for.“It’s been a great journey for me but being manager of Manchester United, you have to kick on. You can’t look back. The drive is always on to do better.”Speaking of potential successors to him at United, the Scotsman described the nature of today’s football management as “precarious”, and that many names are linked with the job but you can never be sure that those names are still going to be about when he does finally decided to call it a day and vacate the Old Trafford hot seat.Ferguson’s side currently sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League following their 4-0 victory at Wigan on New Years Day.
Tottenham forward Emmanuel Adebayor’s decision to represent Togo at this month’s African Cup of Nations in South Africa, reversing his previous position in the process, would appear on the face of it to have dealt a hammer blow to manager Andre Villas-Boas at what represents a pivotal part of their campaign. With that in mind, does the squad have the necessary attacking depth to survive the month-long competition as they are, or should they dip their toes into the January transfer market for a replacement?
The move from the 28-year-old was a surprising one considering his near-death experience while representing his country in the past, which saw three team officials shot dead during the 2010 tournament in Angola. Having retired after the shocking attack, he returned to the national team set-up after guarantees were made about security in November 2011, but seemed reluctant to go to the ACN this month to try and force his way into the Tottenham starting XI after a disrupted few months at club level.
The club currently sit in the top four, three points ahead of Everton in fifth place, with the tournament starting over in Africa on the 19th January, ending with the final on the 10th February. Togo are in Group D which on paper looks the most difficult, including the Ivory Coast, Tunisia and Algeria, with the final group game taking place on January 30th.
Should Togo exit at the group stages, which they are broadly expected to do by many observers with a greater appreciation of African football than myself, then Tottenham will have played just three games, against Manchester United and Norwich in the league and an FA Cup fourth round tie against either Leeds or Birmingham. The travel commitments and lack of planning would also likely see him miss the next league game at home to West Brom on the 3rd February. Should Togo progress further than the quarter-finals to the semi-finals, which take place on the 6th February, he will then likely miss the home league game against Newcastle.
It’s worth taking a closer look at the fixtures themselves before letting panic set in. Adebayor is likely to miss three league games and one cup game, two of which are at home and three of which they are expected to win, regardless of his presence. The only game they may miss him for is the first one at home to United.
The argument put forth that this leaves the squad with just a solitary striker in the form of Jermain Defoe is a sound one, but Adebayor’s decision to go to the ACN has not particularly hastened the need for recruitment in the attacking department; they would be wise to add someone to their squad over the course of the next month, but not solely because Adebayor will at a push, miss five games.
Villas-Boas appeared to rule out bringing in a fresh face last week, telling reporters: “I don’t think so. We have been pretty happy with the team and what we have, with the options that we have. We understand that we can put ourselves in a difficult position if we do not add one more striker, if one of the striker gets injured between Jermain Defoe and Clint Dempsey.
“But we’ve been in this situation before when Ade was injured and we managed to go through it. It’s difficult but it is not that great an amount of time that we lose Ade for. Of course we lose him for a couple of important games, but I think we are able to cope with it.”
Names such as Seydou Doumbia, Leandro Damiao, Alvaro Negredo and Roberto Soldado have been bandied about, all of which are feasible options and well within the club’s price range and wage bracket, but Daniel Levy’s reticence to spend any sort of sizeable chunk of change in January is well known and the likelihood is that the Portuguese will have to make do with what he has.
Adebayor’s return to the starting line-up in recent weeks alongside Defoe has paid dividends and the club took ten points out of a possible 12 over the hectic festive period, with the Togolese forward bringing a greater degree of balance to the team, with Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale both in lively form on the flanks.
Nevertheless, that Villas-Boas chose to highlight Dempsey as proof that the club had the necessary depth up top to weather this frustrating period was a telling one. Adebayor’s move to overturn his own decision so close to the eve of the tournament shows a lack of professionalism on his part, but the club, and Levy in particular should have been wary of such a situation arising when they set about purchasing the striker from Manchester City in the summer, with the chairman guilty of a lack of foresight and awareness in this instance
Dempsey is by no means a striker, rather charitably bracketed under the term ‘forward’ due to his lack of positional discipline in midfield and consistency in front of goal. Relations between Villas-Boas and Adebayor have appeared tense for months, amid reports of the player’s unrest at a lack of playing time, completely ignoring the fact that he returned to the club halfway through pre-season overweight and clearly unfit after trying to secure himself the transfer fee that Tottenham were going to pay City.
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The one-eyed pursuit of Adebayor has left them short up top for practically the whole season; he has been part of the squad but only in the last six games has he played any sort of role or made any sort of lasting impression, during which Defoe has notably only scored once. A return to the 4-2-3-1 formation could once again bring the best out in the England international, but the wider picture dictates that all will not be well upon his strike partner’s return from South Africa.
The squad has lacked balance at the top end of the pitch since the start of the summer, but Levy, presumably still solely in charge of the club’s transfer policy, will not sanction a move for a new player simply because he plans to miss a month of the season. However, should he pick up an injury while away, the club could come to regret not strengthening from a position of strength in the top four by the end of the campaign. Has too much been made of Adebayor’s departure? Perhaps, but it has helped to shed further light on a notable weakness in this Tottenham squad.
The need for another genuine, out-and-out striker to be added to the club has been required ever since the summer and in the grand scheme of things will not be hastened by the minor inconvenience that is the ACN, but it does present an opportunity to reinvest and the club would be mad to miss it.