REAL MADRID: KAKÁ OFFICIALLY PRESENTED

Took my 6 year old nephew to see REAL MADRID present its firststar signing KAKÁ this evening. There were between 40-50.000 people to witness the event, & quite frankly I haven´t seen anythinglike it before. I don´t even wish to imagine what it will be like nextMonday the 6th of July when Cristiano Ronaldo gets presented.Kaká will show the number 8 on his back, while its previous ownerGago takes

FC BARCELONA: SAMUEL ETO ´O & SIGNS OF BAD MANAGEMENT III

Does anyone remember that FC BARCELONA won “The Big 3” titles– Spanish League, Spanish Cup & Champions League - last year? TodayREAL MADRID presents their first new signing KAKÁ & there is noplace on the World media for anything else, except the newsconference that SAMUEL ETO ´O´s representative has given thismorning to give their version of what some are already calling thefirst pre-season "

FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009 IDEAL 11 TEAM: DAVID VILLA THE ONLY SPANIARD

FIFA has announced the CONFEDERATIONS CUP IDEAL 11 TEAMafter celebrating its 2009 edition. Apart from the surprises in someof the announcements, the only Spaniard in the 11 is DAVID VILLA.The news in this last case is that David Villa was better valued– 8.76pts vs. 8.70pts – than Luis Fabiano as the tournament “TopStriker”.Here is the list:Goalkeeper: Mohammed Kassid (Eygpt)Defenders: Siboniso

ATLETICO DE MADRID: COUPET SIGNS FOR FRENCH CLUB PARIS ST.GERMAIN

French & ATLETICO DE MADRID 36 year old Goalkeeper GREGORYCOUPET has shut a two year contract deal with French Club PARISSAINT GERMAIN. The Frenchmen returns to French Football afteran unsuccessful year & attempt at Atletico that lead to completefrustration.(photo: Coupet)Continuing with Atletico, goalkeepers & with a “French flavour”,Spanish daily “Mundo Deportivo” publish that according to “

SPANISH BASKETBALL: 2009 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP LIST ANNOUNCED

Spanish National Basketball Selector/Coach SERGIO SCARIOLO hasofficially made public the list of Spanish Basketball players thatwill represent SPAIN in the upcoming EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPSto be held in POLAND ( 7 to 20 September)The list:Pau Gasol - LA LakersRudy Fernández - PortlandRaúl López - R. MadridJuan Carlos Navarro - BarcelonaFelipe Reyes - R. MadridRicky Rubio - JoventutBerni Rodríguez -

FC BARCELONA "PUSHING" SAMUEL ETO´O TO MANCHESTER CITY & OUT THE "BACK DOOR".

After publicly commenting that SAMUEL ETO ´O is for him the “BestForward in the World” & that he would like the player to finish hiscareer at FC BARCELONA, President Laporta has said in referenceto the news from England that Eto´o should accept the offer fromMANCHESTER CITY. Curious & obvious that FC BARCELONA ispushing Samuel Eto´o to leave the Club at whatever opportunityas published today on “

FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009: THIRD PLACE SPAIN 3 - SOUTH AFRICA 2 (SEE VIDEO OF GOALS)

An amazing game for the third place of the FIFA CONFEDERATIONSCUP 2009 between SPAIN & SOUTH AFRICA with the formerwinning 3-2 in extra-time. It was possibly Spain’s worst match ofthe whole tournament with defensive mistakes & with its accustomedflowing game missing. The absence of Xavi was extremely noticeable& other observations – which will be mentioned later – baffled theviewer.The game

REAL MADRID & FRANCK RIBERY: AN SFS EXCLUSIVE

A SFS reporter “risked his life” in gaining an exclusive video ofa “top level” secret meeting at the offices of Santiago Bernabeubetween REAL MADRID President Florentino “ Marlon Brando”Perez & the representative of Franck Ribery (white suit) . Therepresent was General Director Jorge “James Cann” Valdano & Miguel“Robert Duvall” Pardeza, to hear how Ribery´s representative washaving problems

MALLORCA TRANSFER ARANGO TO BORRUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH

Spanish Football loses a class player while German Football gains agreat talent. Spanish Team MALLORCA Captain & VenezuelanInternational 29 year old JUAN ARANGO goes to German ClubBORRUSIA MONCHENGLADBACH for 3.6M€. The transfer operationhas been agreed by both Clubs & the player will do his obligatorymedical examinations next week before signing.Juan Arango leaves Mallorca after 4 fabulous

DUTCH MOTOGP 2009: GOOD DAY FOR SPANIARDS

Good day of Motorcycling for Spanish riders in all catagories of theDUTCH MOTOGP at the Assen circuit held this afternoon.(photo: Spanish rider Gadea)In the 125cc catagory Spaniard GADEA won ahead of another Spanishrider SIMON with Brit SMITH coming in 3ºrd.Current World Campionship standings:1. Simon 104pts; 2. Smith 98.5; 3. Iannone 84.5In the 250cc catagory, Spanish rider & until then leader

REAL MADRID: LIVERPOOL FC PUTS A 41M€ PRICE ON XABI ALONSO

News comes to us from English paper “The Times” – via elmundo.com – that LIVERPOOL FC has publicly placed a transfer price ontheir Spanish midfielder & International XABI ALONSO of 41M€.The main Club interested & has already expressed its desire toincorporate the player in its squad next season is REAL MADRID &the English media express that it is the most likely future stop. Theonly obstacle is

REAL MADRID: FRANCK RIBERY IS NOT ON SALE & IS IRREPLACEABLE

FRANCK RIBERY is turning out to be a difficult operation, the reasonis simple, BAYERN MUNICH doesn’t wish to sell their star forward,or at least that is the message being sent. Bayern President Karl-HeinzRummenigge has told French paper “L´Equipe” that Bayern knowsof the REAL MADRID interest, the player wishes to go there, but thatRibery is a vital piece in the future plans of Bayern. So much so,

REAL MADRID TO TRANSFER JAVIER SAVIOLA TO BENFICA FOR 5M€

Spanish daily “Marca” via its digital edition have published thatREAL MADRID Argentine forward JAVIER SAVIOLA will be leavingfor Portugal & concretely to BENFICA. The agreement is for threeyears with a fourth as a possible option, with the operation costing5M€ in a transfer fee. The official announcement is due to beannounced by the Portuguese Club with the next 24 hours, as theagreement with all

MANCHESTER UNITED MAKES 46,8M€ BID FOR DAVID VILLA ( & 35M€ FOR BENZEMA)?

The latest news from England comes from “The Daily Mirror” – pickedup here by “AS” & “Marca” – that publishes that MANCHESTERUNITED has made a 46,8M€ offer to VALENCIA CF for DAVID VILLA.This offer surpasses the alleged FC BARCELONA bid of 43M€ madefor the Spanish International.(photo: marca.com)However two points that need to be made that add confusion tothis whole David Villa transfer affair:1.

SFS FLASHBACKS: TENERIFE 3 REAL MADRID 2 SEASON 1991/1992

It was season 1991/1992 & REAL MADRID needed only to win itslast game of the season against TENERIFE to take the Spanish 1ºDivision Title. Things started brilliantly for Real Madrid with twogoals from FERNANDO HIERRO & HAGI…, BUT with Real Madridthinking in the title Tenerife made a historic comeback:Quique Estebaranz 1-2Roca 2-2Pier 3-2Real Madrid loses the Spanish League title & FC BARCELONA

DAVID VILLA: THE STORY & SITUATION WITH THE TRANSFER SAGA: PART III

The DAVID VILLA transfer saga takes another twist with the digitaledition of “Marca” announcing that FC BARCELONA has come outof the shadows officially & made a 43M€ offer to VALENCIA CF.The "breakdown" of negotiations with Real Madrid & the apparentdesire by Valencia CF to sell to any one except Real Madrid hasgiven Barça the stimulus to “go for it”, as they - Barcelona - claimagainst all other

VILLAREAL: BESIKTAS SAY THEY HAVE NIHAT

Turkish Club BESIKTAS has announced on its web that they havecome to a complete agreement with VILLAREAL TurkishInternational NIHAT for the next three years. Now what is neededis that both Besiktas & Villareal come to a transfer agreement,something that the Turkish Club President Yildirim Demirorenclaims to have already with a 4M€ deal, but cannot be confirmedhere from Spanish Club Villareal as

REAL MADRID: KARIM BENZEMA PLAN B

Spanish sports daily “AS & Marca" publish that REAL MADRID hasgot in contact with OLYMPIQUE DE LYON to talk about thepossibilities of KARIM BENZEMA landing at the Spanish Club nextseason. However, the original idea is that the 21 year old FrenchInternational stay one more season in French Football to continuehis development before making the move to Real Madrid, but the“failed” operation for

FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009 SEMI FINAL: SPAIN 0 USA 2 (SEE VIDEO GOALS)

Surprise & shock result in tonight’s FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP2009 1ºst Semi-Final with SPAIN losing to USA 0-2. It had to happensooner or later that the 35 consecutive straight games without a losshad to come to an end equalizing the FIFA Record with Brazil.Two reasons that explains this result, no perhaps three:1. Over confidence from the Spanish National Team. Mentally theywere already in the

REAL MADRID SIGNS VALENCIA CF DEFENDER RAÚL ALBIOL

According to news just in via the digital editions of “AS” &“elmundo.com”, VALENCIA CF Spanish International defenderRAUL ALBIOL will be player of REAL MADRID CF next season.Both Clubs have shut a 15M€ transfer deal in which all that is nowneeded is the players signature after his return from South Africawhere he is participating in the FIFA Confederations Cup withthe National Team. The 23 year

THE ROBINHO SHOW

At times SFS gets out of its Spanish Football & Sports boundaries tofeature videos that are universal in their appeal & of interest to itsreaders supposing beforehand that they are not only Spanish Footballfans but ultimately Football lovers on the whole.Found this video of Brazilian International & Manchester City playerROBINHO doing his thing while training in South Africa at the

REAL MADRID: RAÚL ALBIOL & ALVARO ARBELOA CLOSER

VALENCIA CF & REAL MADRID may not be in agreement over DavidVilla, but according to “Marca” both are very close in agreeing tothe transfer of Valencia & Spanish International 23 year old defenderRAÚL ALBIOL to Real Madrid. The operation is being said to bearound 15M€ & if successful would be the first Spanish player signedby Real in their promised process of acquiring more Spanish playersinto the

RCD ESPANYOL SIGN JAPANESE SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA

Spanish Football has another superstar Football player for nextseason, the "Japanese equivalent" of Cristiano Ronaldo, midfielderSHUNSUKE NAKAMURA has signed for two years with RCDESPANYOL.The Japanese player comes from Scottish Club GLASGOW CELTIC &comes “free” after finishing his contract at the Scottish team. Hisnew team will own a high percentage of his image rights as the 30year old Nakamura

MANCHESTER UNITED PREPARING TO GO AFTER SERGIO "KUN" AGUERO ?

Spanish sports daily “Marca” in its afternoon digital edition gives thenews that MANCHESTER UNITED maybe elaborating a plan to takeover to Old Trafford ATLETICO DE MADRID Argentine InternationalSERGIO “KUN” AGÜERO.Atletico has informed all Clubs interestedthat Aguero has a contractual release clause of 60M€ (+ VAT) &that this is the figure in any negotiation.(photo: afp/marca.com)Manchester

FOOTBALL (SOCCER) FINANCE: LEONEL MESSI THE WORLDS MOST POWERFUL FOOTBALL MEDIA PERSONALITY

An interesting piece on “Football Finance” has appeared thisafternoon on the digital edition of local sports media “AS”.They cite the University of Navarra (Spain) & their EconomicDepartment who have just released a study indicating theplayer, Club & Coach with most media pulling power in theWorld, using last season’s indicators(photo: as.com)In the player category FC BARCELONA player LEONEL

REAL MADRID: "THE XABI ALONSO & ARBELOA PACK" FOR 45M€

English paper “The Daily Mail” – sensationalist as it maybe – havepublished that with the transfer of Portsmouth & English Internationaldefender GLEN JOHNSON for 20M€ to LIVERPOOL FC, the actioncreates the necessity of the latter to sell. This has increasedspeculation within the Football World that the interest of REALMADRID for Liverpool FC & Spanish International XABI ALONSO may transform

FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009: PREVIEW SPAIN vs. USA SEMI FINAL

This Wednesday SPAIN plays FIFA Nº 14 ranked USA in the firstsemi-final of the FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009 tournament.There is already speculation on the possible Spanish Team startingline-up that sees changes that local daily “AS” has titled the“2 Ps & 2 X” plan.According to the diagram the defence will feature the proven FCBarcelona partnership of Pique – Pujoy as central defenders, whilethe

REAL MADRID: NEGOTIATIONS FOR FRANCK RIBERY BACK ON COURSE?

The Spanish daily & at times enthusiastic admirers of REAL MADRID,the paper “AS”, publish today that contacts & negotiations haveincreased in reference to French International & BAYERN MUNICHplayer FRANCK RIBERY. According to the source the player’s agentAlan Migliaccio is in constant dialogue with Bayern Munich, withoutthe fanfare of other signings thus maintaining a low media profile. The

EUROPEAN U-21 CHAMPIONSHIP 2009: SPAIN SAYS GOODBYE WITH A VICTORY

The Spanish U-21 National Team said goodbye to the EUROPEANU-21 CHAMPIONSHIPS with a 2-0 victory over FINLAND. The only“miracle” possible for Spain to continue was in the hands of Englandwith a victory over Germany; however their game finished in a 1-1draw. Therefore Group B has England & Germany that go onto thenext stage, while Spain packs its bags as third in what has been afor them a

ATLETICO DE MADRID SIGNS YOUNG URUGUAYAN LEANDRO CABRERA

Sports daily “AS” informs that ATLETICO DE MADRID has signedUruguayan International U/20 youngster & defender LEANDROCABRERA, as communicated by the President of DEFENSORSPORTING the Club of origin & the Uruguay Club Champion. Theplayer comes under a “financial engineering” formula with theSpanish Club giving Club Defensor Sporting 1.5M€ in cash.Leandro Cabrera is a talented defender with

DAVID VILLA: THE STORY & SITUATION WITH THE REAL MADRID TRANSFER SAGA II

Hi, here is more on the VALENCIA CF – DAVID VILLA saga. TodaySpanish daily “Marca” add more light to this unbelievable situationthat is affecting personally the actual player.1.On Friday, VALENCIA CF communicates that after reflectionDAVID VILLA is non-transferable. The Club goes back on its wordto the player & Real Madrid CF who had verbally shut a deal 10days earlier.2.Reason: David Villa is an

CHELSEA FC PLANNING A 100M€ JOINT OFFER FOR TORRES & VILLA?

News that has “hit” locally comes from the English paper “New ofThe World” is that CHELSEA FC is preparing a Football earthquake.The idea of Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich & his new CoachCarlo Ancelotti is to put together Spanish International FERNANDOTORRES & DAVID VILLA in the English teams forward line, theestimate cost is 100M€.The English Club wishes to take advantage of the

SFS IS BACK. CAN´T LEAVE EVEN FOR TWO DAYS!

Can´t even go anywhere for a few days :)(photo: SFS resting place. Zahora/Cadiz)Been to the beach to disconnect this weekend & when I get backhome & onto the Internet I see that from Friday until now:. Valencia CF breaks all negotiations & signal that David Villa is notfor sale. Valencia CF Directive has “broken” under the pressurefrom the fan base that sees Real Madrid as the Club least to

EUROPEAN U-21 CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009: SPAIN 0 ENGLAND 2

The SPANISH U-21 NATIONAL TEAM went down tonight 0-2 toENGLAND in its Group B match. This “virtually” puts the Spaniardsout of the EUROPEAN U-21 Finals being held in Sweden. TheONLY chance left is if Spain goals Finland in its last Group game& England defeats Germany in its match.Spain was nervous & put up a conservative set up that lacked anyaction along the wings. Once again Spain’s goalkeeper

SPANISH BASKETBALL: BARCELONA WINS ACB TITLE 2008-09

FC BARCELONA Basketball Team has won the Spanish Basketball ACBNational Title after defeating TAU CREMANICA 90 – 77 who wonthe title last year. Barça wins the Final play-off 3-1 & brings back thetitle after winning its last Championship back in 2004.(photo: JC Navarro/Marca.com)Juan Carlos Navarro & David Andersen were the star players forBarça tonight & managed to outpace & outshoot a “tired”

SFS FLASHBACKS:1998 WORLD CUP - SPAIN 2 NIGERIA 3

It was the 1998 World Cup in France & the Group D game againstthe strong & skillfull Nigeria. The end result was a "surprising"SPAIN 2 - NIGERIA 3 which was the end of Coach Javier Clemente& another disappointing World Cup "go home early" scenario. A defeatthat went down in Spanish history as the beginning of the WCupcareer for RAUL & another disasterous goalkeeping mistake byZubizarretaDon´t

FC BARCELONA: SIGNS OF BAD MANAGEMENT II

SFS posted this (click) a couple of days back explaining theapparent unusual situation at FC BARCELONA were it appearsfrom an outsider’s point of view that they are not enjoyingat all their historic three title triumph & are looking as ifeveryday is a problem. SFS put it down to BAD MANAGEMENTof their success, team & Club, added with an irrational nonjustifiable paranoia & negative envy towards

DAVID VILLA: THE STORY & SITUATION WITH THE REAL MADRID TRANSFER SAGA

The operation has verbally sealed on both fronts. REAL MADRID &DAVID VILLA agreed to a 5 year contract with a salary around 5M€ +incentives for goals/titles. The Clubs had verbally sealed thetransfer agreement & VALENCIA CF accepted the 28M€ cash offerplus Real player NEGREDO valued at 17M€ (28+15 = 43M€). However,last Monday Valencia CF President Manuel Llorente went back onhis word & put up the

FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009: SPAIN 1 - IRAQ 0 (SEE VIDEO)

SPAIN has defeated IRAQ 1-0 in its second Group A match of theFIFA Confederations Cup tournament & guarantees itself a placein the semi-finals. Next Saturday Spain plays host South Africa toattempt to secure the first place of the Group so to meet in the semis the 2º placed team of Group B(photo: elmundo.es)The Iraqi strategy was simple & logical under the circumstances,defend with most of the

REAL MADRID: WHAT ABOUT RAUL?

While REAL MADRID brings onboard Kaká & Cristiano Roanldo,& with the possible & probable incorporations of David Villa &Franck Ribery, the million dollar question arises: what aboutRAUL?An old ex team-mate & friend Portuguese LUIS FIGO has preciselybrought this question into the frontline with his comments to media“Radio Onda Cero” & “Radio Marca” yesterday saying (translated) “…They are

CRISTIANO RONALDO WILL BE THE 13,000,000€ MAN

If you are having difficulties conceptualizing in your mind the extentof the CRISTIANO RONALDO transfer deal to REAL MADRID of96,000,000€ (+/-), here is another fact revealed by Spanish daily“Marca” to add to your efforts.Cristiano Ronaldo will be the World highest paid Football player atReal Madrid with a yearly salary of 13,000,000€, he overtakesInter Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic with 12M€.

REAL MADRID FAX LIST OF TRANSFERABLE PLAYERS TO PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS

What goes in must have others go out, this is the grand task aheadfor the REAL MADRID directives who have to do their “Summercleaning sale” in order to put in place the "new look super team".The English paper “The Guardian” & specialist media “FutbolMercado” inform that the Spanish Club has sent out an official fax to all the English Premier League Clubs with a list of players thatare on the

SIGNS OF BAD MANAGEMENT & IRRATIONAL PARANOIA AT FC BARCELONA

It’s commonly called "Team Management", or more correctly in thisparticular case "Club Management", something that is not being donetoo well at FC BARCELONA, or at least it seems from this outsideobserver´s point of view. The last couple of weeks have seen FCBarcelona transform itself & its public image from total euphoria toalmost depression,that is, the signals being transmitted outside fromthe

ATLETICO DE MADRID THINKS IN FELIPE LUIS

Enough of Real Madrid, its time to talk about ATLETICO DEMADRID :-)Seriously, there is news from “AS” that the Madrid Club has its eyeson DEPORTIVO A CORUÑA 23 year old Brazilian left wing defenderFELIPE LUIS. There are Clubs like FC Barcelona ( option to substituteSylvinho) & Juventus who are also interested & the price of transferbeing talked about is around 15M€. Atletico wishes to lower

REAL MADRID: FRANCK RIBERY AGREES

BAYERN MUNICH Frenchmen International FRANCK RIBERY beginsto sound again, & seriously, as a soon to be transfer possibility toREAL MADRID. According to “Marca” the German Club hascommunicated to FC BARCELONA that if Ribery was to changeClubs the only place he would go would be to REAL MADRID.According to “AS”, this solid decision apparently was taken last week on the Island of Ibiza where Ribery

EUROPEAN U - 21 CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009: SPAIN 0 - GERMANY 0

The SPANISH U-21 National Team kicked off its participation in theU-21 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS,being held in Sweden againstGERMANY, with the result ending in a 0-0 draw.One can simply describe the game for Spain by saying that their bestplayer was Asenjo, who is the goalkeeper. It was a “miracle” thatSpain managed to go away from this game with a point as Germanywas way more superior & the better

DAVID VILLA: REAL MADRID? FC BARCELONA? MANCHESTER UNITED?

After FC BARCELONA put a “spanner in the works” to up the REALMADRID offer of 43M€ plus its player NEGREDO to VALENCIA CF,which was informally closed, with the inclusion of a 40M€ cashfigure with the loan of defender Martin Caceres in the operation,we now see news from English paper “The Mirror” that addsexcitement to the whole issue. According to the reportsMANCHESTER UNITED will make – if not

BASKETBALL: PAU GASOL NBA CHAMPION & SPAIN´S GREATEST

Another great moment for Spanish Basketball lived in the personof Spanish player PAU GASOL member of the NBA team the LOSÁNGELES LAKERS who won this morning 86 – 99 Orlando Magic &take the NBA Final 4-1.It’s the first time in history that a Spanish player has gone so far & Pauis the man who will go down on the books as the first with an NBA ring.A player that has evolved into Spain´s Best ever

FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009: NEW ZEALAND 0 - SPAIN 5 ( HAT-TRICK FOR TORRES - SEE VIDEO)

The FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 kicked off today with Group Agames, starting with a South Africa 0 - Iraq 0 draw, that has just seenthe other result with NEW ZEALEND defeated 0-5 by SPAIN.(photo: elmundo.es)Spain was clearly the superior side with New Zealand turning out to be a "sparring partner" with all due respects to them as they playedwithin their limits under the circumstances. Liverpool

SFS FLASHBACKS - 2006 UEFA CUP FINAL - SEVILLA FC 4 MIDDLESBOROUGH 0

It was 2006 & the UEFA CUP Final at Eindhoven (Holland) whereSEVILLA FC faced English Club MIDDLESBOROUGH. The end resultwas a historic first ever European title for Sevilla who won 4-0with goals from LUIS FABIANO (27th), MARESCA ( 78th & 84th) &KANOUTE (89th).This was the beginning of Sevilla´s glory run in Europe with a EuropeanSuperCup victory & a return Uefa Cup Final victory the following

MOTO GP: GOOD DAY FOR SPANIARDS, GREAT DAY OF RACING

The CATALUNYA (Spain) GP has been good to the Spanish riderstoday, & apart it turned out to be a fabulous day of events & racing,specially the GP catagory.Here is a brief summary of days proceedings& results.The 125cc catagory put two Spaniards on podium, second placeto TEROL & third place to GADEA, with IANNONE winning afterSpanish rider & leader of the catagory SIMON mistook the last lapas

FIORENTINA THINKS ON BARÇA DEFENDER RAFAEL MARQUEZ...PLUS ALBIOL & DRENTE

Italian Sports daily “La Gazzetta dello Sport” announce that ItalianSerie A Club FIORENTINA is searching for a proven & experienceddefender for next season, & the player on their mind is FCBARCELONA Mexican International RAFAEL MAZQUEZ. The onlyhurdle in view is the possible high transfer figure that maybe askedfor by Barça if they see the idea as positive, which is in doubt at thisearly stage of

REAL MADRID: DAVID VILLA OPERATION "BROKEN". DIEGO FORLAN NOW THE OPTION

The adamant agreement between VALENCIA CF & REAL MADRID forthe transfer of DAVID VILLA has gone into a dangerous standoffaccording to local sporting paper “AS”. It’s natural & obvious fromthe Valencia point of view that they are negotiating hard to extractthe maximum possible transfer figure from Real Madrid who havesignalled to the market that they have cash to burn.(photo: as.com)Yesterday

SPANISH 2º DIVISION: TENERIFE, REAL ZARAGOZA & XEREZ GO UP TO "LA LIGA" NEXT SEASON

With one more round of the Spanish 2º Division left to be playednext week, the three teams that will go up to the "LIGA" - 1º Division next season have been decided this afternoon.They are TENERIFE, REAL ZARAGOZA & XEREZ (Jerez)Xerez defeated 3-1 Huesca to secure their 3º spot, with Herculesmissing out. Zaragoza beat 3-1 Cordoba to get the promotion ticket& 2º Division leaders Tenerife beat away

REAL MADRID: MAICON FOR WESLEY SNEIJDER + 20M€? WHAT ABOUT CLICHY?

Everyone wants to get into the act, or at least get some of thecirculating cash that is & will flood the market. Thinking again,perhaps it’s a case of the opportunists seeing a deal where othersare slow. INTER MILAN Coach José Mourinho rightly asks if REALMADRID have Cristiano Ronaldo & Kaká, where will WESLEYSNEIJDER play? Plus if Real Madrid is looking for a defender &MAICON is the player they

VALENCIA CF: JEREMY MATHIEU & DAVID VILLA

VALENCIA CF has agreed to the signing of 25 year old French &TOULOUSE player JEREMY MATHIEU for the next three years.The player comes “Free” due to the fact that he has ended hiscontract at his former Club; this explains the deal when Valenciais moneyless awaiting the “huge” deposits of cash soon to arrivefrom the sale of DAVID VILLA & other players.Sticking with Valencia & DAVID VILLA, latest

HUMOUR: REAL MADRID , CRISTIANO RONALDO & RAUL...PLUS PARIS HILTON

Thanks for the emotion of humour. Saw this cartoon in elmundo.es by its cartoonist "Ricardo" giving his view on the REAL MADRID signing & spending to get over to their squad CRISTIANO RONALDO:After the laugh, there is something to think about & SFS will post soonmore on the subject, if Real Madrid has Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo & are soon to get David Villa - with Silva & Ribery (the Frenchmen

REAL MADRID: LATEST ON DAVID VILLA - NEXT WEEK

As you can image the Cristiano Ronaldo transfer to Real Madrid hasdominated all the media with front covers & inner pages that saturatethe news. But there is another REAL MADRID soon to be announcedtransfer in the pipeline that is Spanish International DAVID VILLA. Allthe media consider that David Villa will soon be a Real Madrid player,some are saying as some as next week. There is total

REAL MADRID: DAVID VILLA IN LINE TO BE THE NEXT

Mr. Juan Cruz Sol is the representative of CHELSEA FC in Spain & hehas met with VALENCIA CF President Manuel Llorente to see ifChelsea had any chance in signing Spanish International DAVID VILLA.On leaving Mr Cruz Sol was adamant “…the negotiations with REALMADRID are very advanced” Clear sign that Chelsea are not in therunning, that Villa wishes to stay in Spain to play in Real Madrid &that he

CRISTIANO RONALDO BECOMES THE FOOTBALL WORLD RECORD TRANSFER ( 94M€)

CRISTIANO RONALDO is soon to become - if not already - the WorldRecord Transfer in Football (Soccer) History with the 94M€ offeraccepted by MANCHESTER UNITED & made by Spanish Club REALMADRID C.F. Ronaldo over takes Zinedine Zidane who was on topuntil today with 73,5M€. In fact, Real Madrid under its PresidentFlorentino Perez is responsable for the Top 4 on the Top 10 listbelow.TOP 10 HISTORICAL

MANCHESTER UNITED ACCEPTS THE 94M€ OFFER FROM REAL MADRID FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO

MANCHESTER UNITED have just published on their web site (click)following statement:11/06/2009 09:30, Report by Press departmentReds accept £80m Ronaldo bidManchester United have received a world-record, unconditionaloffer of £80million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.AtCristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave -and after discussion with the player's representatives,

REAL MADRID WILLING TO EXERCISE "ITS RIGHT" ON RONALDO FOR 96M€

Once KAKA is secure in the REAL MADRID “bag”, all the focus &attention moves towards CRISTIANO RONALDO & the adamantmedia affirmations that the MANCHESTER UNITED player will bethe next player announced to join Kaka at Madrid.The source of such confidence is the “pre-contract” between Ronaldo,Manchester United & Real Madrid signed at the beginning of last seasonthat opens the door for the

SAMUEL ETO´O TO AC MILAN 2010? INTER?

The Silvio Berlusconi owned Sportmediaset.it has published thatSAMUEL ETO´O may be on course to land at AC MILAN in the year2010. According to “Mundo Deportivo” who has picked up thenews, the Italian Club has put itself in contact with Eto´o ´srepresentative to begin discussing the terms, conditions that includearriving at Italy FREE of transfer fee which would help increase hissalary package.

FC BARCELONA, GUARDIOLA, SAMUEL ETO´O & "VIVA LA VIDA"

FC Barcelona must be on top of the World, literally, that is from itsPresident down to the dressing room cleaner onto to the healthyeveryday street fan. What they have achieved in season 2008-2009is simply amazing & in Spanish Football it is historical. Never beforehas a Spanish team won the “Big 3” in one single season; theChampions League Cup (European Cup), the Spanish League & theSpanish Cup.

ATLETICO DE MADRID: CHELSEA FC EYES AGUERO & TOTTENHAM SOUNDS MAXI

The transfer market is in full swing & the “offer winds” are blowingonto all Clubs & particular onto their prized assets. According toEnglish daily “The Times” – picked up here via “AS” – CHELSEA FChas offered ATLETICO DE MADRID 52M€ for its ArgentineInternational forward SERGIO “KUN” AGUERO. There are initialdisagreements over the player’s salary desires, but the offer isthere for consideration

REAL MADRID: RONALDO CLOSER BUT MANCHESTER UNITED HOLDS ITS "AGREED GROUND"

CRISTIANO RONALDO could be soon the next World Football Star toland at REAL MADRID as published by most local media,with thesporting daily “As” being to most adamant. Today, with its frontcover, they publishes details of the “supposed” pact deal, the lastestMANCHESTER UNITED reaction & the strategic moves that Real willput in place to get the Portuguese player over to Madrid.Last year, before the

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY: AZERBAIJAN 0 - SPAIN 6 (See Video)

The Spanish National Football Team continues unbeaten sinceNovember of 2006 notching up today its 32nd consecutive victoryaway to AZERBAIJAN 0-6. The only team ahead of SPAIN with themost consecutive victories is Brazil who managed to string 34straight wins back in 1997.Today’s International friendly was a warm up for Coach Del Bosque´sboys as they fly off to South Africa to participate in the

REAL MADRID CONSIDERS CLAUDIO BRAVO A GOOD SUB FOR CASILLAS

Sorry guys, it may appear that SFS is at the service of Real Madrid,it is not the case at all. The fact is that the Club is “revolutionizing”that national & International transfer markets & is dominating all themedia. There appears another news piece that REAL MADRID CoachPellegrini has advised the Club to consider signing Chilean & 2ºDisvision REAL SOCIEDAD 26 year old goalkeeper CLAUDIO BRAVO

REAL MADRID: DAVID VILLA CLOSE WITH SILVA HALTED

With one prime objective achieved – "KAKA" – REAL MADRID continueworking for the rest. Today Spanish sports daily “Marca” put on theirfront page an “exclusive”, that REAL MADRID & VALENCIA CF has a"total agreement" to transfer DAVID VILLA. The supposed & agreedtransfer figure is around 38M€ plus incentives for titles, friendlygames with Real to give TV royalties, etc.It is speculated – rumoured –

KAKA EXPLAINS HIS MOVE TO REAL MADRID - PRESS CONFERENCE

It´s over. KAKA is a new player of REAL MADRID. It´s the biggest news today. Here - & to finally move chapter - are highlightsof yesterdays Press Conference , an Interview to Brazilian TV & theman in action with his play.It´s all in Brazilian, but in summary: Thanks to AC Milan, Milan has aneconomic problem,67.5M€ helps the Club, Real Madrid is a motivationfor me, it´s another jump in my carreer

ITS OFFICIAL. KAKA IS PLAYER OF REAL MADRID

Its official, AC MILAN has transfered KAKA to REAL MADRID CFfor 65M€. Real Madrid has officially announced the news on its webas copied below - click on the example. It´s in Spanish but it says what we all expected - a 6 year contract at around 9.5M€/yearRealmadrid.comRicardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, Kaká, es ya jugador del Real Madrid tras el acuerdo alcanzado con el A.C. Milan. El futbolista

FC BARCELONA HAS LIVERPOOL FC MASCHERANO IN MIND

SFS enjoys the off season; there are soooo many stories & rumourson possible transfers that it is emotional, & frustrating! Here is onefrom Argentina, specifically the newspaper “Clarin” which has gone“viral” & now is on local daily “As” on its digital edition.Apparently FC BARCELONA Coach Guardiola gave a call to LIVERPOOLFC & Argentina Captain JAVIER MASCHERANO to sound out his opinionon

KAKA HOURS AWAY FROM REAL MADRID

As the image shows AC MILAN & Brazilian International KAKA hasundergone his medical exam (cardio & the rest) as the prerequisitefor the signing of the contract that transfers him to REAL MADRID.The image shows Kaka entering the “Esperanza Clinic” of theBrazilian city of Recife where he was met by the Medical team ofReal Madrid to oversee all the examinations which lasted two hours& were

REAL MADRID - KAKA. OFFICIAL SOON

Here is a quick update on the REAL MADRID – KAKA transfersituation. The Spanish Club has sent over a Medical doctor forthe routine medical exam to see if Kaka is fine, plus a lawyerfrom the Club joins them so the Brazilian can sign the contracts:5 years, 9M€/season salary & a 65M€ transfer fee + commissions.The owner of AC MILAN, Silvio Berlusconi is expected to makea declaration sometime today -

THE DESIRED & THEORETICAL 2009-2010 REAL MADRID TEAM LINE-UP

SFS readers may think that there exists certain favouritism towardsREAL MADRID in this blog, this idea is far from the truth as it is SFSpolicy to be as unbiased as possible with coverage to all that is ofinterest. What occurs is that Real has returned to dominate mostmedia headlines with the return of Florentino Perez as President ofthe Club & its applied politics of upcoming star signings that

SFS FLASHBACKS: HUGO SANCHEZ

He is now the Coach of Spanish 1º Division Club Almeria, but beforethis Mexican HUGO SANCHEZ was a goal scoring machine,ex-Atletico de Madrid player & a legend of Real Madrid. The manwas 5 times “Pichichi” of the Spanish League.Here is a SFS Flashback of one of his goals back in 1988 againstLogrones, incredible:

RACING SANTANDER DEFENDER MARCANO IN THE REAL MADRID ORBIT

REAL MADRID continues in their “revolution” with more players,this time it is a youngster, Spanish & from “La Liga”. New CoachManuel Pellegrini has given the green light to Football DirectorPardeza to begin negotiations with RACING DE SANTANDER forits 21 year old defender MARCANO according to “AS”.(photo: as.com)The Spanish U/21 International has a 12M€ release clause that willincrease to 20M€ on

SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBAL TEAM: SHIRT NUMBERS HANDED FOR THE FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009

There are plenty of global fans that follow that Spanish NationalFootball (Soccer) Team & their stars. For the sake of interest & tokeep you informed, SFS posts the "Shirt Numbers" of each player forthe upcoming FIFA Confederations Cup that have been handed outofficially today with the following results:1. Casillas2. Albiol3. Piqué4. Marchena5. Puyol6. Pablo Hernández7. David Villa8. Xavi9.

REAL MADRID: SNEIJDER & VAN DER VAART FOR FRANCK RIBERY?

Here is more news about REAL MADRID & FRANCK RIBERY, & frankly– excuse the punt – there is a new & interesting twist. BAYERNMUNICH asks 60M€ for their French International, so Real Madridmay offer two men that their new Coach Van Gaal has asked for,VAN DER VAART & WESLEY SNEIJDER. Spanish sporting paperMarca has announced the idea on its digital edition & if acceptedthe transfer operation could

ATLETICO DE MADRID "EYE" SALVIO, PEREIRA, BENAYOUN; ARBELOA...

ATLETICO DE MADRID is also making its “moves” & looking at themarket to incorporate new talent to its team for next season. Oneplayer named in today’s “AS” is young 19 year old EDUARDO SALVIO(image below) midfielder for LANUS of Argentina. The U/20Argentine International has also caught the eye of Juventus & InterMilan which has lifted his price to around 12M€. If this player finallyescapes it’s

SPANISH NATIONAL TEAM: PABLO HERNANDEZ SUBSTITUTES INIESTA FOR THE FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP

It´s official, the Spanish National squad Medical team has ruled outFC Barcelona midfielder ANDRES INIESTA from participating in theupcoming FIFA Confederations Cup Tournament in South Africawhich starts the 14 of June. The Barça midfielder has a torn musclewhich will not recover in time, & to avoid future risk everyone hasdecided for the best of the player to leave Iniesta home.National selector

REAL MADRID EXPRESS PUBLICALLY INTEREST FOR RIBERY

REAL MADRID President Florentino Perez has expressed to Frenchpaper “L´Equipe - AS” that BAYERN MUNICH French Internationalplayer FRANCK RIBERY is an objective of the Spanish Club. TheReal President added that they will get in touch with the GermanClub & enquire what are their ideas & pretensions concerning theirplayer.(photo as.com)The Real Madrid President was more direct than usual with

VALENCIA CF: REAL MADRID HOOVERING FOR SILVA & VILLA

The representatives of VALENCIA CF player & Spanish InternationalDAVID SILVA met yesterday with REAL MADRID Football DirectorMiguel Pardeza to begin the first round of talks to “investigate”the possibilities of a change. It´s common knowledge that RealMadrid is interested in David Silva & the feeling is mutual fromthe player.Real will have to discuss it all formally with Valencia CF who haveput

FC BARCELONA & INTER MILAN "INVESTIGATING" IBRAHIMOVIC POSSIBLITY

News from “Sport” & most local media report of a meeting betweenFC BARCELONA President Laporta & INTER MILAN President Morratiyesterday ( see the above photo) that has added wood to the rumoursthat they were discussing ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC. The Italian Club viaits Coach Mourinho has given the OK to transfer Ibrahimovic if Barçaforward SAMUEL ETO´O is his substitute, plus a transfer price ofaround

REAL MADRID WILL ANNOUNCE KAKA NEXT WEEK - IT´S A DONE DEAL

SFS knows that it´s not all over until the fat lady sings. However thefinal act is coming to its end & the fat lady is expected to sing herlast song next week. KAKA will be a REAL MADRID player & officially announced next week, all the evidence & signs add weight to whatall the media & experts are saying. The last signs are three:1) AC MILAN has taken KAKA - along with Maldini & Seedorf -

SFS “LIGA TEAM” 2008-2009. IT´S BEST 11 PLAYERS OF THE SPANISH SEASON.

With the season over for the Spanish “Liga”, Spanish Football &Sports Blog has made this video clip to name its “LIGA TEAM” forseason 2008-2009. That is, the 11 players SFS consider have beenthe “Best” for the season. It is a very personal choice & of whichnaturally will not satisfy everyone, but hopefully will animatedebate.Watch the clip, chose HQ, hope you enjoy & share if you wish: SFS “Liga”

THANK YOU SYLVINHO

A brief thank you & goodbye from SFS to 35 year old FC BARCELONABrazilian defender Sylvio Mendes Campos – SYLVINHO – who leavesBarça & possibly Spanish Football.(photo: mundodeportivo.es)The defender leaves with 3 "Ligas", 2 Champions, 1 Spanish Cup& 2 Spanish "SuperCups" under his belt. Sylvinho has been anexample of professionalism personified & a true team player, plusan excellent

FC BARECLONA: IBRAHIMOVIC 30M€ & ETO´O?

The Italian press places ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC at FC BARCELONAnext season (click here). The deal would go down for 30M€ & theloan for a year of Barça forward SAMUEL ETO´O. The latter endscontract next year & Barça hasn’t approached the player to renewhis contract as yet. In fact, news filtered to local media says thatCoach Guardiola has manifested to Barcelona Directives that hedoesn’t wish to have

BAYERN LOOK AT VAN DER VAART & OTHERS

German newspaper “Bild” reports on the obvious. REAL MADRIDwill need to rid itself of current players if they are to undertakethe signing of 4-5 new players, as expressed by the new PresidentialTeam of Real Madrid.(photo: as.com)BAYERN MUNICH new Coach VAN GAAL wishes to take advantageof the “spring sales” & looks favourably at bringing over RAFAELVAN DER VAART &/or WESLEY SNEIJNER. These two

SPAIN REMAIN Nº1 IN FIFA RANKING

With the CONFEDERATIONS CUP in play in a couple of weeks inSouth Africa between the Champions of the different ContinentalFootball Confederations, plus the World Cup Champions & the hosts,FIFA has released its World Football Team Rankings.SPAIN remains Nº1 in the list, but there have occurred interestingchanges in the positions below them. Here is the Top 20 list:1. (.1) SPAIN 1.761. 2. (.3)

REAL MADRID & KAKA - SETTLED NEXT WEEK

The “smoke” clears in the KAKA saga. CHELSEA FC has made apublic comment on its web site – remember it published they hadsigned Robinho – that they have never made an offer to AC MILANor KAKA (click here). However, Real Madrid claim that it´s newCoach Carlo Ancelotti has been in contact with player &father/representative. Conflicting stories here...Independently of this, there are other reasons

REAL MADRID THINKING IN DIEGO FORLAN OVER DAVID VILLA?

While Kaka stirs the “transfer” market, local sports daily “AS”speculate that ATLETICO DE MADRID European Golden Boot &“Pichichi” forward DIEGO FORLAN is on the mind of REAL MADRID.The rumours are strong because Real Madrid new Coach ManuelPellegrini had Forlan under his wings at Villareal & knows well theUruguayan. Plus the Atletico player has a contract release clause of“only” 36M€ that makes

KAKA CLOSE, VERY CLOSE TO REAL MADRID

All the press, local & International , make echo of the last minuteoffer from CHELSEA FC that halted the signing yesterday of theagreement to transfer AC MILAN player KAKA to REAL MADRID.In the last moment,the English team offered 80M€ plus a12M€/season salary over the 65M€ & 9M€/season of Real Madrid.HOWEVER, all the sources comment that negotiations continue & thatthe signing with Real Madrid

CHELSEA FC HALTS IN LAST MINUTE REAL MADRID & KAKA DEAL

So close yet so far. It was agreed by all parts,AC MILAN via Galliani,KAKA via his father Bosco Leite & REAL MADRID via its PresidentFlorentino Perez, that Brazilian star would go to REAL MADRID for65M€ plus a 5 year contract at 9M€/season salary, Real would have50% of Kaka´s image rights. However, in the very last minute CHELSEA FC via its owner Roman Abramovich made an offer thatdoubled his

REAL MADRID: GALLIANI, LEITE & FLORENTINO PEREZ MEETING IN MADRID OVER KAKA

It’s the news bomb of this afternoon, picked up by all the localmedia, AC MILAN Vice President Adriano Galliani & therepresentative of KAKA his father Bosco Leite are currently inMadrid – this afternoon – in a meeting with REAL MADRIDPresident Florentino Perez at his ACS Construction Multinationaloffices.It is speculated that this is the final push to shut the deal that willtransfer Kaka to Real

FC BARCELONA HAS A NUMBER NINE ON THEIR MIND

News from “Mundo Deportivo” talks about how FC BARCELONA isalready thinking about the next season & in concrete the centre forward position. The unknown is SAMUEL ETO ´O who may leaveindependently if Coach Guradiola wishes him to stay. For this tohappen, Eto´o & Club will have to negotiate & this will always bevery tough & may not be to the forwards liking, we will have towait & see.(photo:

REAL MADRID: CHELSEA FC ENTERS THE PICTURE

It’s a natural solicitation & move. Once CHELSEA FC had announcedthat Carlo Ancelotti was to be their next Coach it was to expectthat the English Club attempt to also lure his ex-Club star player,KAKA. In fact, media stories comment that Chelsea FC Directorused his visit to Milan to sign Ancelotti to attempt to convince & signthe Brazilian Star. This has made REAL MADRID nervous, BUT theSpanish

THE MOTIVATIONAL VIDEO USED BY COACH GUARDIOLA BEFORE THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2009 FINAL

Just before the start of the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2009 Rome Finalagainst MANCHESTER UNITED, FC BARCELONA Coach Guardiolacalled in his team to the dressing rooms prematurely while warmingup, the Coach had a surprise. He sat his whole squad down, calledfor silence & attention to bring down the lights. Then this specialvideo of 7 minutes played…This motivational video piece was “screened” yesterday on

REAL MADRID: FLORENTINO PEREZ PRESENTS HIS TEAM & AGREEMENT FOR PELLEGRINI AS NEXT COACH

New REAL MADRID President Florentino Perez presented his teamto media in this afternoon “swearing in” session to begin anotherchapter in the Clubs history. To summarize the important areas tonote, here are some names:President of Honour – Alfredo Di StefanoDirector General ( Presidents right hand man) – Jorge ValdanoSports Director – Miguel PardezaInstitutional Ambassador ( for Fifa & Uefa) –

SPANISH NATIONAL TEAM: DEL BOSQUE CALLS HIS 23 CONFEDERATIONS CUP PLAYERS

Spanish National Team selector & Coach Vicente del Bosque hascalled up 23 players to represent SPAIN in the upcoming FIFAConfederations Cup tournament to be held in South Africa betweenthe dates 14 – 28 of June. Next Thursday the players on the belowlist will get together to prepare the tournament which includes afriendly against Azerbaiyan before debuting in its Group againstNew Zealand the 14th

REAL MADRID: FLORENTINO PEREZ PRESIDENT

The man won before he started.Florentino Perez is the new President of REAL MADRID, & withoutthe need to celebrate elections down for the 14th of June. Why?There was only one candidate left in the race & that was Mr.Perezas the other “wanna be´s” retired their candidacy. Today at 13.00hrs the new President will present himself with his managementteam to the media & commence the announced “