EPL, Premiership, English Premier League

The 24 year old Brazilian International is unhappy at Real Madrid and disatisfied with the way its management is treating him. Chelsea has reportedly made an offer for Robinho for approximately €20 million. However, Real Madrid is supposedly trying to wait for a higher offer around €27 million. Robinho’s agent Wagner Ribeiro, has announced for some time that Robino would like to leave the Bernabeu. “Robinho is very angry with the way the Madrid bosses are dealing with him. He calls me every day to know whether anyone has spoken to me about his future. His ambition is to become the best player in the world but he won’t achieve that at Madrid because they treat him like a normal player.”

Ribero recently met with Peter Kenyon, the Chelsea chief executive, “I met Peter Kenyon in London on Thursday.” It appears that the two teams are engaging in a bargaining process; whether a middle ground can be met will be seen. It often seems that Real Madrid is always trying to obtain the hottest, popular ’star’.

“I have been trying to speak with someone from the club for three days. Robinho does not understand what is going on. His ambition is to become the best player in the world but he won’t achieve that at Madrid because they treat him like a normal player. He didn’t like at all the idea of being fourth choice in the plans Madrid have had this summer. First they wanted to sign Cristiano Ronaldo but couldn’t. Their second option was (Rafael) Van der Vaart. Third is (Valencia striker David) Villa. Robinho is fourth.”

“Robinho’s plan was to play for Real Madrid for many years. But he no longer feels that way. He is getting affection from (Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe) Scolari. He knows Robinho well and calls him every day.”

Robinho joined Real Madrid in 2005 and recently has only become more confident and successful with time.

During the 2005/2006 season Robinho: started in 31 games, was substituted in for 6 games, scored 8 goals with 0 assists.
Out of 8 Champions League appearances he obtained 1 assist.

During the 2006/2007 season Robinho: started in 20 games, was substituted in for 12, scored 6 goals, and assisted in 4.
Out of 7 Champions League appearances he scored 1 goal.

During the 2007/2008 season Robinho: started in 27 games, was substituted in for 5, scored 11 goals, and assisted in 8.
Out of 6 Champions League appearances he scored 4 goals and 4 assists.

Switzerland International Valon Behrami has been signed by West Ham. 23 year old Behrami started in every game of the Euro Cup for Switzerland; he was signed over from Lazio for €5 million. Behrami can play either as a right mid or as a defender right-back.

“It’s my dream come true to play for West Ham and play in the Premier League. At last I am able to sign. After the Euro 2008 Championship I spoke to West Ham who had expressed an interest but I had to be sure it was the right thing for everybody. I have now made my decision and am looking forward to being part of this side and playing in the English league.”

Concerns have been raised that West Ham has been struggling to acquire new talent due to low finances. Scott Duxberry insists however that this is not the case. “Valon is a player who will a valuable addition to the squad as we aim for a successful season ahead. His signing also indicates the club’s positive ambitions. Contrary to some reports we are fully committed to strengthening the playing staff. There will not be a mass exodus and fans can be assured we are working as hard as always to ensure high-calibre competition in all areas of the team.”

Behrami was born in Mitrovica, Kosovo, but also holds Swiss nationality. He grew up in an Italian speaking region of Switzerland and has played with club teams: Lugano, Genoa, Verona (on loan), and Lazio before being transferred to West Ham.

Unfortunately for him, he’s dating supermodel Elena Bonzanni.

Elena Bonzanni Image

28 year old Brazilian Ronaldinho has completed his move from Barcelona to AC Milan. Ronaldinho has not been starting at Barcelona with many concerned over his fitness levels. “I have always lived a regular life and I will continue like that. I am in good physical condition. Every player dreams of playing for Milan. It is a special emotion and I hope to bring happiness to the fans. I already feel at home here. It was a beautiful period (at Barcelona), we won important trophies but after recent disappointments we decided together to go our separate ways. Here I can go back to being happy and to reaching new personal and team objectives.”

Ronaldinho rejected Manchester City’s offer and instead described how he looked forward to playing with Brzilian teammate Kaka. “It will be exciting to play with Kaka. He is among the best in the world. He is also a friend and we play well together”. Reportedly, he underwent a medical exam Wednesday and has a contract that should keep him until 2010.

Humorously, Manchester City attempted to obtain Ronaldinho for €25.5 million; Ronaldinho refused the offer and instead signed with AC Milan who paid a lot less. Manchester City’s Boss Mark Hughes said “We presented our case as well as we possibly could and the fact that we are in there trying to get one of the top players in the world shows where we want to go”. Supposedly, Manchester City attempted to riddle the contract with clauses about performance, success and marketing. Milan may pay just €14.6 million or the trade.

27 year old Belarus attacking midfielder Alexander Hleb has completed his move from Arsenal to Barcelona. The transfer cost €11.8 million; Hleb described it as “a dream, I love this team” said Hleb. “I will give my best and I want to win everything with Barca”. Hleb was reportedly tired of living in London and playing with Arsenal, an unfortunate circumstance for Wenger who has already lost Flamini and may lose Gilberto Silva. Arsenals midfield will be significantly weakened after having lost these players. Hleb and Flamini were both starting players critical in Arsenals flowing style of play and attack.

Hleb will be a great asset to Barcelona who is currently letting Ronaldinho leave to AC Milan. Hleb is also the 5th signing for Barcelona including Martin Caceres and Gerard Pique, Daniel Alves, Seydou Keita.

Jo. Let’s extrapolate.  Manchester City has obtained a Brazilian player by name of Joao Alves de Assis Silva (though he goes by Jo). Hes played for the Corinthians and then for CSKA Moscow. He’s scored 44 goals in 77 matches, has won the Russian League and Couple Double in 2006, is left footed, ’s 21 years old and 6 foot 3 inches; he also has some tight celebratory dances. I’ve seen a few clips and he seems pretty good. City paid an undisclosed fee but did say the transfer fee was a ‘club record’ (reportedly over €19 million).

Jo said: “After I spoke to the manager (Hughes) I was very pleased. I was told Manchester City is a club going forward at the moment. We can go places, that is our objective. We thought about it and I decided to come to Manchester City for that reason. The club who showed interest officially was Valencia. I know from the press there were other clubs who showed interest.”

Whether he is good or not is to be seen but he may well bring some really interesting gameplay to City. I am more sure though, that one reason he decided to come to City was the promise that City’s owner (Thaksin Shinawatra) will be spending a lot more in the near future.
Joao Alves de Assis Silva

Portugese International Deco was recently informed by Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola that he was not a part of Barcelona’s plans and he cold leave. Deco is Chelsea’s newest acquisition since they acquired Jose Bosingwa (and Scolari’s first move as the new Chelsea manager). “It is good for me to be here and first of all I am very happy to be here” said Deco.

“I am sure I have come at the right time to do great things and be able to help Chelsea go back to the way it was and come back to being the first one, not only in England but also to win the Champions League that has been their dream for so long.”

Deco left Porto in 2004; but before he did, he helped Porto win domestic league titles, the Champions League, and the UEFA Cup (under Jose Mourinho). With Barcelona he won a Champions League Title against Arsenal in 2006 and won 2 League Championships. Unfortunately, during the 2007/2008 season he was hampered by injuries and made only 14 starting appearances.

While questions could be raised about the signing (since Deco is 31 years old), I believe that with his record and consistency he will play well. The contract is for 2 years but may continued at that point. The signing also raises speculation about Frank Lampard who could leave Chelsea perhaps for Inter Milan.

“The Premier League is a great league and it is getting better and you can see that with the Champions League final, where you had two English teams.I t is great that we have so many great players here at Chelsea and it is great that there is the competition which is healthy for everybody and this just makes the team better. To have great players in any position of the club just enhances the club. I know it is a new challenge but I am looking forward to it.”

Luis Felipe Scolari has been named by Chelsea as the new manager to suceed Avram Grant. “Chelsea Football Club is delighted to confirm that Luiz Felipe Scolari will be the club’s new manager from July 1, 2008. Felipe has great qualities. He is one of the world’s top coaches with a record of success at country and club level, he gets the best out of a talented squad of players and his ambitions and expectations match ours. He was the outstanding choice. Out of respect for his current role as head coach of the Portuguese national team, and to ensure minimum disruption to this work, there will be no further comment from Chelsea FC nor from Felipe about his new role until his employment with us commences.”

Scolari is currently coaching the Portugese national team in the Euro Cup. While Avram Grant was in no way a bad coach I am sure that Scolari is an excellent choice and will bring a new style of play to Chelsea. Grant also appeared to be rather unexciting and unemotional. The Brazilian International coached the Brazilian national team and won the World Cup in 2002. He also guided Portugal to the Euro Cup finals in 2004 and the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup. He also turned down the opportunity to coach England’s National team in 2006 after Sven-Goran Eriksson was fired. He has also won the Copa Libertadores (South American equivalent to the Champions League) with two different club teams. However, the 59 years old has never coached a European club team.

Chelsea’s keeper Peter Czech welcomed the appointment saying, “He is a manager with great charisma, great experience, great results. I look forward to working with him. For the club to progress further, I think it’s a wise appointment.”

Reportedly his contract will be worth €6 million, though no details have been revealed officially yet. The decision came less than a week after Scolari said, “What’s going to happen to me after Euro 2008 - if I am going to stay or leave - concerns (only) me and I am not going to talk about it now. If I decide to leave or stay, I am only going to make a public declaration at the end of Euro 2008.”

“I think it’s a top-class appointment. They have got a top-class manager. When he was manager of Brazil their emphasis was on attacking style - I think he will bring that into Chelsea football club.” said Ron Harris (former Chelsea player and legend).

Chelsea midfielder Ray Wilkins described Scolari as “A manager of top quality. It appears that he’s up for a challenge. He’s a big guy, he’s charismatic. This will be a breath of fresh air.”

Carvalho also supported the new manager saying “We were all shocked by the news. We heard the rumours but didn’t guess he would be going to Chelsea after the Euros,’ said the 30-year-old. He is a great manager and a big personality. He’s the kind of guy that players respond to and I think we can go forward with him.”

Fellow Portugese player Paulo Ferreira said “I think Scolari is a good manager and he can do a good job there and it will be good for the club.”

Nikolai Shpilevski, Hleb’s agent, has stated that the Belarus International is already holding talks with another club. “I can officially confirm that a short time ago Alexander decided that he will leave Arsenal and join another club. Of course, Arsenal and Arsene wanted him to stay but they have accepted the player’s choice”. Hleb has been playing with Arsenal for the past 3 years. He transferred from Stuttgart in 2005 for €11.2 million but has not settled down in London. “I can’t tell you anything about where he will be playing yet. Talks are under way, and I don’t have the right to make them public. I think that the issue of his new club will be clarified in the next few days” said his agent.

Arsenal recently lost defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini and now they’ve lost attacking midfielder Hleb. Hleb and Flamini have both been part of Arsenal’s midfield for some time and losing both will severely impair with the development of Arsenal’s team. Wenger will have to find new starting midfielders to take their places as well. “Alex has spent three good seasons at Arsenal and he wasn’t sure he could maintain the same level that he has been showing if he stayed. It’s also true that he felt uncomfortable off the field. Alexander wants a change of scene. That’s had a large part to play in his decision.”

By the end of the 2007/2008 season Bolton barely avoided relegation by only one point. After Bolton’s miserable season, it seems like several players feel like they no longer belong with Bolton and have decided to leave. Three of the clubs midfielders including Andranik Teymourian, Stelios Giannakopoulos, and Ivan Campo have left. “Ivan, Stelios and Andranik have all done well for Bolton Wanderers and I’d like to express my gratitude to them. It’s time for them to move on and I wish them all the best.” said the Bolton manager Gary Megson.

Not only that but Jussi Jaaskalanen and Ricardo Gardner’s contracts will be expiring at the end of June; Megson, of course will be trying to stem the tide of fleeing players who sense the danger of relegation. “Jussi and Ricardo have both been excellent servants and are still very much part of my future plans for this football club. Hopefully, we can get them secured on new deals as soon as possible.” said Megson.

Chelsea has agreed to sign Portugese International Jose Bosingwa from FC Porto; however, he still has to agree with the personal terms of the contract. Bosingwa joined FC Porto in 2003 and played under Jose Morinho and has been considered by Chelsea for signing for the past few seasons. “Chelsea can confirm it has reached agreement with FC Porto for the transfer of Jose Bosingwa. The player is now in England to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.” Bosingwa can play either as a right fullback or less frequently as a winger. He will likely sign a 5 year contract for about €16 million. Chelsea already has several competing defenders for the position including Julian Belletti, Michael Essien, and Paula Ferreira (who recently signed a 5 year deal). United have stated their interest in Bosingwa who would replace Gary Neville as an attack minded defender. 25 year old Bosingwa is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa; however, he moved to central Portugal (Seia) when young and played for Boavista in midfield and later played for FC Porto, he will be playing for Portugal in Euro 2008.