Leonardo: "Kaka is no longer a priority"

Ricardo Kaka pulls the petals off his future's daisy with the PSG petal already on the floor. The French club's sporting director, Leonardo, ruled out the transfer of Real Madrid midfielder in an interview in Le Parisien: "There is no negotiation. Nothing. I have a friendship with Kaka and, based on this, everyone speculates on the transfer to PSG. However, the truth is that, right now, Kaka is not a priority for us".

Ricardo Kaka

The PSG met with Kaka and Higuain at Madrid after the elimination of the white team in the Champions League semifinals against Bayern. The Sheikh of the French club, Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, dreamed sign him, just as the team's coach, Carlo Ancelotti. The French teams took charge of the salary of the Brazilian (nine million euros net per season), but were unwilling to pay the 25 million euros required by Real Madrid.

Therefore, currently the four interested teams in Kaka's transfer are the Chinese Guangzhou (which offers him a salary of 18 million euros per year), Milan (which waits for his return on loan), Sao Paulo (which dreams with the return of the prodigal son) and the Red Bulls in the USA.

Chinese option is difficult due to low competitive level of the team, which would endanger his presence in the 2014 World Cup. Milan and Sao Paolo's problem is the money. And the American option does not seem clear. The player's agent spoke about his possible departure to the MLS, where there are other great players who played in Europe as Thierry Henry and David Beckham. "There is no negotiation. Even I do not know if it's a rumor or not. What I can say is that to live in America and play in Major League Soccer is a Kaka's dream. If not now, probably in the future he will play in MLS. Kaka's affinity for U.S.A. is known. He spends his holidays in Miami and has bought an apartment in New York" said Diogo Kotscho to the New York Post.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Bitter moments after Euro 2012

The elimination of Portugal (against Spain) in the semifinals of the Euro 2012 was a very disappointing moment for Cristiano Ronaldo. He is very sad. The Portuguese captain faced the game against the Spanish National team with high spirits and with great optimism after passing the 'group of death' and beat in quarter-finals the Czech Republic. However, the fate of the penalty shootout destroyed his dream of captaining his national team to the final and deprived him of taking the final step toward his second Golden Ball (Ballon d'Or). The double setback was a difficult moment. The Portuguese has taken refuge in his family to overcome this bitter moment.

Cristiano Ronaldo at Portela Airport (Lisbon)

Neither the tremendous tribute that hundreds of Portuguese (who welcomed the Portuguese team at the Portela Airport -Lisbon-) dedicated him, was enough to lift the spirits of Cristiano, who responded with a slight smile to the affection of his countrymen.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scheduled a few days in Portugal with his family and then will travel to a heavenly destination, where he will rest and charge the batteries ahead of next season. His next assault in order to get the Golden Ball is the Spanish Supercup, when Real Madrid will play against Barcelona to get the first official trophy of the season (22 and 29 August).

At first, Cristiano, along with Pepe, Coentrao, Özil and Khedira, will return to the Real Madrid trainings on July 27, the date on which the team will play at Lisbon a friendly match (Eusebio Tournament). From there the team will depart to Los Angeles to perform the usual pre-season stage.

On the other hand Cristiano Ronaldo has no qualms to recognize that tomorrow will encourage Spain: "I hope Spain wins because I have a lot of friends there". Cristiano explained that was Paulo Bento who proposed him to shoot the fifth penalty of the shootout: "Will you shoot the fifth? He asked me. I said yes. I was going to score".

Pedro Leon to play for Getafe on loan

Real Madrid has managed the transfer (on loan) of one of the players who was in the sale operation for this upcoming season. The first was David Mateos, central defender, who will play for the Real Madrid Castilla after returning from his loan at Real Zaragoza. Mateos is a former Castilla's player and will help the youth team to stay in the Spanish Second Division.

Pedro Leon

And Pedro Leon has been the next. The midfielder will play again for Getafe. Last year he was loaned to the blue team because Mourinho did not want him on the squad. After his problems with Mourinho the player decided to play for Getafe and has spent a year there although it was not a good year for him due to injuries.

Getafe had already announced that wanted the player to stay on the team once again. The player himself had also indicated he did not want to move from Getafe, much less to return to Real Madrid, and was only needed that the two clubs to agree. In principle, since last summer there was a clause of purchase for Getafe by 8 million euros in compensation per the year of loan. However, the blue team president, Angel Torres, have managed to renegotiate the agreement and get Pedro Leon another year on loan. That is, zero cost.

Real Madrid will save the salary of the player, almost completely, because Getafe will pay it. The blue team wanted to have him because they know the quality of Pedro Leon and the negotiation of transfers is one of the things that must be taken into account at this time of the season. But in the near future and with the continuity of Mourinho, both teams will have to renegotiate the terms of the agreement. Perhaps the Getafe hopes to sign him for free or for less than 8 million euros. But it will be another story.

Guti: "Silva is the ideal player for Real Madrid"

Yesterday, during a meeting in Madrid, Jose Maria Gutierrez, 'Guti', took the opportunity to review the situation of his former team. With regard to the negotiations that would lead to the signing of Luka Modric for Real Madrid, the player was quite clear: "Modric has not been a man so important in Tottenham. I really think that he has not deserved to play for Real Madrid. Not yet".

Jose Maria Gutierrez ('Guti')

Although Guti recognizes that Luka Modric is a great player, the former midfielder of white club has his own idea about who is the best to play in Real Madrid's midfield: "In that position I prefer Silva. I think is the ideal player for Real Madrid. He is a young player, very talented with good projection that has done great things for Manchester City and in the Spanish national team".

The midfielder also spoke about Mourinho and his management. Guti is convinced that: "Mourinho knows his stuff. He has demonstrated it in all teams he has coached and also in Madrid". Furthermore, Guti commented about Mourinho: "Real Madrid fans must give him more time. We must begin to believe that this year with the team we have we can get more titles, and in that sense I think Mourinho is the right man to lead the team".

In this line Guti talked about to the coming clashes between Real Madrid and Barcelona to be held in August: "They will be unusual matches because there will be two teams that have finished two very strong pre-seasons". Besides, Guti does not give much importance to the winner of the Spanish Supercup: "We will not get important things for the season. Only one team that will win. From there it will be seen what team can be better or worse".

Finally, after his sudden departure of Besiktas, Guti revealed that in a couple of weeks he will talk about where is going to play: "In principle I want to play. I have a couple of good offers and in 10 or 15 days I will be able to sign the contract and say where I am going to play".

Lass Diarra to play for Milan?

Lassana Diarra could be close to signing for Milan. The only difficulty at this time would be on the payment of the transfer. Real Madrid would be willing to sell the player for 10 million euros. The agent Ernesto Bronzetti, strong man in the signings of AC Milan, said to Italian media: "Lass is a good player who will fit into the 'rossoneri' club. At the moment, he is on holiday in America. On his return to Europe, the matter will resume".

Lass Diarra

Asked about what remains to close the deal, Bronzetti commented: "Some details, but relations between Milan and Real Madrid are excellent". Lass joined Real Madrid in January 2009 and featured a high performance. Last summer he wanted to leave the club, but in the absence of significant deals ended up staying and played 25 games for the Mourinho's team.

This information clashes with the latest known. A few days ago, Claudio Vigorelli, player's agent, told to Sportitalia: "Lass is not going to play in Italy. It is very difficult because he has a one year contract with Madrid and a large offer of Spartak Moscow". Spartak Moscow seemed the team was closer to signing Lass. The Moscow club had presented to Real Madrid a 10 million euros bid for French midfielder. Besides, Spartak Moscow would be willing to increase the salary of Lass. It would be around 5 million euros annually.

In any case, Lass is not in a hurry. He has rejected several offers and his brother, who is leading his business, is waiting for a Real Madrid's move. Lass knocked down, at the last moment, the agreement reached between Tottenham and Real Madrid last summer. It is another neverending story.

In addition, there are many rumors in the Italian press these days and it is difficult to assess the information. According to the Italian media, Carvalho and Altintop could also sign for Milan this summer. Apparently, the coach, Massimiliano Allegri, wants to strengthen the center of defense with the Portuguese. Nesta is retired and Thiago Silva can sign for PSG. Apart from that, Milan would be interested in signing Altintop, because the player does not decide his future with Galatasaray. The Italian club would want to take advantage of the situation and sign the Turkish player. We'll see.

Modric transfer goes on track

Modric operation continues to go on track. In fact, is well advanced. Now has been known that two weeks ago there was a meeting in Madrid between an agent of the player, Mario Mamic, and board members of Real Madrid. The first contact was positive and Luka Modric could be close to Madrid team.

Luka Modric at Euro 2012 

Modric, who stays on vacation surfing the Croatian coast, is waiting for his departure from Tottenham and has shown to Real Madrid his clear intention to play at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The question is now purely economic. Tottenham would have asked around 50 million euros, a prohibitive amount for a transfer at this moment. However, Real Madrid, which is keen to close the operation, has already prepared around 35 million euros (or 25 millions and Nuri Sahin) to undertake the transfer. It does not be cheap, as is known at Bernabeu Stadium, but Modric is a player who would fit perfectly into what Mourinho wants; a versatile midfielder who can play at the front as playmaker or in a side.

The Croatian player has offers from Chelsea, Manchester United and two Russian teams, one of them the Anzhi. The most desirable offer from the economical point of view, are those from Russia. They offer him a salary that can not be granted in the Premier or Madrid. But the monetary issue is not fundamental for Modric. He is more interested in a good sport project.

The decision to leave Tottenham is taken. The player wants to play on a team with greater challenges. And with a desire above all: to play and win the Champions League. Luka Modric has already missed this season's top competition and does not want to see it on television (Tottenham has not classified on top four in the Premier and will not play this competition next year).

The agent who traveled to Madrid, Mario Mamic, works for ASA International Agency and is the son of the owner of Dinamo Zagreb, Zdravko Mamic. The agency represents almost all the star players who have played for Dinamo (Corluka, Lovren, Vukojevic...) Remember that Real Madrid faced Dinamo in the Champions League group stage this year so Mario Mamic already knew the leaders of Real Madrid.

Mourinho prepares the return of international players

There are three matches remaining to end the Euro 2012 and except Benzema, all the Real Madrid international players are fighting for the trophy. With this scenario, Mourinho knows that the Germans, the Portuguese and Spanish will join the rest of the team during the U.S.A. stage of the Real Madrid pre-season 2012-2013. Benzema is the only international to join the white team training stage before the U.S.A. tour 2012. The French striker will return from holiday on July 26 following the Tangier friendly against Athletic Tetouan (July 24).

Real Madrid pre-season 2011-2012

Players who are in Euro 2012 will return according to the success of their national teams. Those players who are going to be eliminated in the semifinals, will go back to the group on July 28, while those who are going to reach the final of the Euro, will enjoy on vacation until July 30. These dates are open. For example, in the first year of Mourinho, which coincided with the World Cup 2010, the coach gave more holidays to Ramos, Casillas and Xabi Alonso because they were the players who most minutes played in the event of South Africa.

The rest of the squad (Adam, Varane, Carvalho, Lass, Sahin, Altintop, Granero, Kaka, Callejon, Di Maria and Higuain) is cited on July 15 in Valdebebas to start the preseason. There are players who played last year on loan (Pedro Leon and Gago) who will return if they do not sign for a new team before that date.

Marcelo is a special case. The Brazilian player is summoned, as well as other 35 players, with the Brazilian national team, coached by ​​Mano Menezes, that has to play the London Olympics. If on July 6 is confirmed his presence in the Olympics, the left-back will play for Mourinho's team after Brazil elimination. If Marcelo plays the final (on August 11) he will miss all the U.S.A. tour and will join Real Madrid in Spain. If he does not play the Olympics, he must be on July 15 in Valdebebas sports city.

Modric: 25 million euros and Nuri Sahin

The leaving of Luka Modric of Tottenham seems impossible to stop. The question is in what team will finish the Croatian star, valued by his club on 50 million euros. Four clubs have taken positions on the run: Real Madrid, Manchester United (which is closely monitoring the situation but believes that Tottenham asks too much money), PSG (which has already made ​​an offer but insufficient) and Chelsea, that currently there has not made ​​much noise, but is expected to appear.

Luka Modric

Real Madrid has an advantage and is already negotiating the signing of Luka Modric. The player, whose contract with Tottenham remains until June 30, 2016, is a lover of the Spanish League and would love to be part of the Mourinho's team and, most importantly, has already reached an agreement with the white club that includes contract length and salary to be earned. Tottenham, in return, would like to sign Nuri Sahin and about 25 million euros more, and they have made known it to Real Madrid.

Nuri Sahin cost 10 million euros and is valued highly by Mourinho despite the injury and adaptation problems that Turkish has had, but could be sacrificed for the transfer of Modric. Until Tottenham has asked for him in the operation, the Portuguese coach considered Sahin as the covert signing of the summer.

Ronaldo: Scoring in every international tournament since 2004

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals against the Netherlands and another against the Czech Republic, becaming the only player to score in all major international tournaments held since 2004: three Euros (2004, 2008, 2012) and two World Cups (2006, 2010).

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating his goal against Czech Republic

Cristiano played his first Euro in 2004 when he was only 19 years old and scored in the inaugural match against Greece and in the semifinals clash with the Netherlands. Portugal got the second place in the championship after loosing against Greece in the final.

He went on to score one of Portugal's goals in the 2006 World Cup group stage against Iran and another in the 2008 Euro against the Czech Republic. He then sealed Portugal's 7-0 pour over North Korea in the 2010 World Cup.

Being only 27 years old gives Cristiano a good chance to overtake Germany's Klinsman, who scored in six straight Euros and World Cups. Ronaldo has currently tallied 67 strikes this season (60 with Real Madrid and seven with Portugal) and is currently his national team's third all-time top scorer.

Now his next target is to be the top scorer of the Euro 2012 tournament. At this time, there is a four-way tie in the race for the Golden Boot trophy following the conclusion of the quarter-finals on Sunday.

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic and Alan Dzagoev of Russia were among the early contenders for the top scorers' crown after finding the net three times apiece in their teams' opening two fixtures. Neither country made it out of the group stage, however, forcing Mandžukić and Dzagoev to settle for their lot.

Though they remain at the head of the pile, there are two players with the same tally who look to be in ominous form. Mario Gomez, who scored 26 Bundesliga goals for Bayern München this term, also struck three times in Germany's first two fixtures against Portugal and the Netherlands. He is yet to add to that tally, though, having only featured for ten minutes of the quarter-final win against Greece.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, scorer of 40 Liga goals for Real Madrid CF in 2011/12, was far slower out of the blocks but now looks to have hit his stride. He was phenomenal in the 2-1 matchday three victory against the Dutch, scoring both goals, and also struck the winner as Paulo Bento's men defeated the Czech Republic to move into the last four.

The Spain trio of Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas are the only players on two goals who are still involved in the tournament. The race is on.

Spartak Moscow wants Lass Diarra

The future of Lass Diarra for next season seems to be distancing itself further from Real Madrid. The Frenchman has expressed his intention to leave the club despite that he still has to fulfill a contract year and Real Madrid wants to sell him and get an income. Also, to stay in the white club player has asked for a higher salary, which currently stands at 3.5 million euros, to increase it to 5 million. An economic effort that Madrid is not willing to make in any case.

Lass Diarra

Spartak Moscow seems the team is closer to signing Lass. According to Russian website 'Life Sport', the Moscow club has presented to Real Madrid a 10 million euros bid for French midfielder. Besides, Spartak Moscow would be willing to increase the salary of Lass. The figure offered by the Russian team, which is now under the command of Unai Emery, would be around 5 million euros annually.

Moreover, the new coach of the Russian team has always liked the French midfielder, which would be a guarantee that the player would play many more minutes than he had in Real Madrid. Unai Emery has seen Lass at the Spanish League and does not hesitate about the player's work in the midfield.

This news is bound to the statements of his agent two days ago, in acknowledging that interest exists. The Russian media claim that the signing of Lass is close and that the transfer negotation has been carried out at the request of Unai Emery, coach of Spartak. In addition, two days ago, Claudio Vigorelli, player's agent, told to Sportitalia "Lass is not going to play in Italy. It is very difficult because he has a one year contract with Madrid and a large offer of Spartak Moscow".

Mesut Özil: "Khedira is a reliable player"

The Real Madrid playmaker, Mesut Özil, talked with the German media and referred to the excellent play by Sami Khedira with the German national team in this Euro 2012 Championship and wanted to distance himself from those who see that Khedira's performance decreases with Real Madrid. "I do not understand the criticism, Sami is a player who regularly plays for the best team in the world. He always plays good, you can trust him one hundred percent" he said.

Khedira and Özil at Euro 2012

"I am proud to play alongside him in the national team and for Real Madrid. Khedira has got a super evolution. About him I also said he is of the best midfielders of the world" said Mesut Özil, who also wanted to highlight the work of Joachim Löw coaching the Germany team: "He is a very good coach. Is one of the best in the world. He could coach Real Madrid? Of course, why not? Has quality to do it" he said.

Besides he does not envisage another future that Real Madrid: "I have still a contract until 2016. I love the city where the sun shines often and I have many friends there. The people are quiet. I do not know what the future holds but I am happy in Madrid" he finished.

Mesut Özil is having a good performance at Euro 2012. He has showed glimpses of his quality. Against Portugal, was named MVP. He gave a recital of football with 42 good passes and only 9 bad. Against the Netherlands he did not play his best but was close to score. Against Denmark had a good performance (55 good passes). In addition, gave an assist. In the last German match, agasint Greece in the quarterfinals, was named again MVP and gave two goal assists.

Davor Suker: "Modric is a player for Real Madrid"

Davor Suker, one of the most influential people of Croatia (he is about to be elected president of the Football Association) is an authoritative voice to talk about Luka Modric and the football skills that this player has.

Davor Suker

Suker, who yesterday was in Donetsk (Ukraine) and has lived near Modric this Euro 2012, smiles when is asked about the possibilities of his compatriot to play for the white team. He prefers not to speak or give details on this subject, but that smile reveals that manages information that is indicative of the contacts between Modric and Real Madrid are true.

"Modric is a high quality midfielder. He has great talent. I emphasize this, above all, but I also like he plays without fear against any rival. He has demonstrated it during many years at Tottenham and in the Croatian national team" said Davor.

Suker knows fully what is to play with Real Madrid jersey, playing in the Bernabeu Stadium and be exposed to great pressure from the media and fans. He lived it and therefore has no doubt that Modric has sufficient quality and personality to not panic if eventually the player signs for Mourinho's team.

"Just watch the game he did against the Spanish national team at Euro 2012. It was not easy to play because Spain had possession of the ball, but he worked hard to take the ball and when it was on his feet, he created danger. Against Spain Luka Modric proved to be a player for Real Madrid" When Suker says it, smiles again.

Suker still analyzes the game of the player number 10 from Croatia and, by his words, no one should doubt that if Modric plays at the Bernabeu, will be applauded: "He is a spectacular player who can play on multiple sites and noted for the good ball control he has". Suker can not say it, but he is delighted with the possibility that Modric signs for Real Madrid. He endorses and recommends Luka Modric.

Ricardo Kaka's father is in Milan

Bosco Leite, Kaka's father, arrived yesterday to Milan to meet with the 'rossoneri' team and negotiate the return of his son to Italian league. He plans to talk with Adriano Galliani, even with the sport director Braida, and discuss the matter. Their relations are very cordial and they have constant contact (last year they also met at this time and the coach Allegri was at the meeting). Kaka would be willing to return to Milan and the Italian club would welcome him with open arms. According to La Repubblica newspaper, Real Madrid has given Bosco Leite the go-ahead to negotiate but not at any price.

Bosco Leite

Galliani this week, and officially, refused the return of the player: "Kaka will not be transferred to Milan. He has three-year contract with Real Madrid, and we cannot afford. He has a salary that we can not assume. In Spain there is a different tax. With the Italian taxation is impossible", he said. But his words are nothing more than a tactic. Since Italy has leaked that Milan wants the player on loan, something that Real Madrid does not arise. The player will leave only through a transfer, never free. In fact if there is no offer on the table, Real Madrid will not negotiate Kaka's transfer.

The player's salary problem could be solved (now earns 9 million euros net) and Kaka could negotiate downward. It is one of the reasons why Bosco Leite is in Milan. The orders of his son are that the Brazilian playmaker wants to play for a first-class team that would ensure his participation in the World Cup Brazil 2014 and Milan meets these requirements. It is also a city that he knows and his wife also would agree.

Milan and in particular its president, Silvio Berlusconi, wants to get Kaka. Italian club has not paid attention to the temptations of millions of PSG and Thiago Silva will play for the team (rejected a 46 million euros offer) and now Berlusconi has set a new target: the return of the Brazilian star. In Milan, Kaka played from 2003 to 2009 and won the Ballon d'Or trophy (2007). It would be a great team for him.