Diego Forlan could play for any club in the world - Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has stated that Diego Forlan is good enough to play for any club in the world.

The supremo's comments follow the player's outburst earlier this month when he said he would consider a move in the summer after he fell out of favour with Atleti coach Quique Sanchez Flores.

"Forlan is a great player and could play for any team in the world," Cerezo beamed to Marca.

Cerezo was then asked once again to comment on the future of Sergio Aguero and David de Gea.

Falling short of confirming the pair's commitment to the Madrid club, Cerezo conceded: "there will be few casualties at the end of the season."

Atletico are six in the Liga table, eight points behind Villarreal in the race for the final Champions League spot.

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Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero eager to reach 100 goals in La Liga

Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero believes he can reach the 100-goal mark for the club before the end of the term.
His two goals in the 4-1 win over Levante took him to 97 goals for the Rojiblancos in La Liga since joining the capital city club in 2006 from Independiente - making him Atletico's 10th top-scorer of all time.

And with five games to go until the end of the season, the 22-year-old, who has scored 16 in 27 games, believes he can reach 100 goals.

"Right now I am going through a good run and I hope to continue for the good of the team as this is the most important thing," he told the club's official website.

"Goals are worthless if the team is not going to achieve their objectives. We need to play in Europe next season.

"My challenge is to try to reach 100 goals before the end of the season and will be proud if I succeed."

Atleti are sixth in La Liga on 49 points and they meet Deportivo la Coruna next.

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Atletico Madrid's Quique Sanchez Flores happy with his side's form after Levante win

Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez Flores has declared that he is happy with his side's form following their 4-1 victory over Levante.

The victory moves the Madrid-based team up to sixth in the Primera Division table and they are looking good for qualification for next season's Europa League.

Flores believes that qualifying for Europe and the club's UEFA Super Cup success back in August will represent a good season for the side.

"The team started the season well. The middle was not so good but we are finishing strongly. If we finish in the European places combined with our title [UEFA Super Cup] then it would not have been a bad year," the coach told Spanish media after the Levante win.

Despite the comfortable Sergio Aguero-inspired victory, his striking partner Diego Forlan's reaction to being substituted was a sour note on the victory.

"I understand that it is a difficult time for him but the coach has to make decisions and decide what is best for the team," he added.

Atletico are up against Deportivo next weekend where they will be hoping to continue their impressive form.

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Barcelona's Pep Guardiola: Real Madrid are favourites in Champions League first leg

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has admitted that rivals Real Madrid are favourites for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final meeting at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
The two biggest teams in Spain have met twice in the last 10 days, drawing 1-1 in La Liga before Los Blancos claimed an extra-time victory over the Blaugrana in the final of the Copa Del Rey 1-0.

Jose Mourinho's side were in scintillating form at the Mestalla on Saturday, beating Valencia 6-3 with fringe players Gonzalo Higuain, Karim Benzema and Kaka coming into the side and scoring all the goals between them.

"We accept that Madrid are in the role of favourites in the Champons League. I understand that is so, because they won the Copa and they are [playing] well," the ex-defensive midfielder is reported to have said by Marca.

"We also accept the challenge. We have great faith in ourselves and I have faith more than anything in my players," the 40-year-old continued.

There is a possibility that the referee for the game will be from Portugal, 'The Special One's home country, something Guardiola feels Mourinho will not be displeased with.

"If so I think the coach of Real Madrid will be very happy," he commented.

Guardiola's side kept their eight-point lead in the league with a 2-0 victory over Osasuna on Saturday and now only need two wins and a draw in the remaining five games to retain the Liga title for the third year in a row.

The third of four El Clasico battles promises to be an entralling encounter, and both coaches will be aware that it is the most important fixture of the season to date.

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Barcelona & Real Madrid are the best paid sports teams in the world

Barcelona are the best paid sports team on the planet with Real Madrid following them in second, according to a survey scheduled to be published this week.

The Global Sports Salaries Survey 2011 has revealed that the average first team pay at Barca is £95,081 per player per week (€107,488), while that at Madrid is £88,421 (€99,961) every week.

Baseball giants New York Yankees are third in the list with the first team players set to earn an average salary of £81,206 (€91,799) per week in the 2011 season.

The LA Lakers and Orlando Magic are fourth and fifth in the list, with English Premier League giants Chelsea and current Italian and European champion Inter following them. Ambitious English club Manchester City are tenth in the list.

The report, compiled in association with ESPN The Magazine in America, features information gathered from 272 teams in 14 leagues in seven sports across ten countries. The full report will be published on Friday.
Here is the list of the top ten best paid sports teams

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Sergio Ramos insists Real Madrid can still win title & Daniel Alves says Barcelona serious about winning Copa del Rey

Barcelona are serious about winning the Copa del Rey, insists fullback Daniel Alves.

Saturday night's clash was the first of four meetings between the two arch rivals in the space of 18 days, with the next coming up in just four days time when they meet in the final of the Copa del Rey.

"We have to continue like that because on Wednesday we have a massively important game. Let's see if we have more luck," said Alves on his club's website.

"We are very motivated for the cup, especially after this game. We deserved more and football always offers you a new opportunity and that will be on Wednesday."

Sergio Ramos insists Real Madrid can still pull off a shock title victory after Saturday's draw with leaders Barcelona.

With only six games now remaining it would take a remarkable loss of form for Barca - who have won 27 of their 32 league games this season and lost just once - to be denied the title, but Ramos has pledged to continue pushing as long as they can.

"Whilst no team has been mathematically crowned champions we are obliged to carry on and put Barcelona under pressure," said the Spain international.

On Wednesday they play Barca again in the Copa del Rey final, while they also face the same opponents in the Champions League semi-finals.

"We have a large squad with quality players. Everyone on the team has responded whenever they've been given a chance to play," he added.

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New Forlan heading for Chelsea as Blues invite Uruguay starlet Mascia for talks

Chelsea have invited the heir to Diego Forlan's throne for talks at Stamford Bridge.

Juan Cruz Mascia, 17, is keen to move to the Premier League and his club Miramar are reported to be willing to let him go.

The tall teenager was top scorer in the South American Under 17 championship with six goals as Uruguay finished runner-up to Brazil.

 Mascia (No 13) He Scored Six goals In 9 Matches in the Under 17 tournament

 Mascia is rated as one of the hottest prospects in Uruguay and veteran striker Forlan is a big fan of the youngster.

Chelsea have moved quickly as Mascia has caught the eye of several clubs in the English top flight while his form has also been noted in Italy and Spain.

Uruguay legend Forlan (No 10) likes what he sees in Mascia

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Atletico Madrid's Raul Garcia: Diego Costa should start against Real Sociedad

Spaniard Raul Garcia fully believes that Diego Costa should start in tomorrow's Liga match ahead of either Forlan or Aguero because of his match-winning hat-trick last week

Atletico Madrid man Raul Garcia thinks that Diego Costa should get the nod ahead of Sergio Aguero or Diego Forlan in attack for the Mattress Makers against Real Sociedad this weekend following his hat-trick against Osasuna last time out.

However he realises that the coach, Quique Sanchez Flores, makes the final decision as the club look to earn maximum points in the final furlong of the league campaign.

The Pamplona native told Spanish publication AS, "Diego Costa has played his way into the team I think. Fortunately though, I'm not the one to decide whether or not to play Costa. It is true that after the three goals he got against Osasuna he has to play but the coach is the person who decides what is best for the team,'' he added.

The 24-year-old Spaniard hopes the coach shows belief in him for the remaining eight games of La Liga season, "The coach knows he can count on me for any of these games. Of course I want to play and compete for the clash against Real Sociedad. The coach will think of the opponent we have and assess what is best for everyone. The goal is for the rest of the league is to win the 24 points, we cannot fail again,'' he finished bullishly.
Diego Costa's three goal salvo last week rescued Atletico Madrid and tagged on another three points. They now lie only three points off a Europa League spot and Garcia will be hoping his team's late surge will help secure them European football for next season.

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Tottenham contemplate renewed swoop for Diego Forlan

Tottenham will reportedly make a renewed approach for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan in the summer.

The north London club were known to have been tracking the 31-year-old during the January transfer window but ultimately failed to strike a deal with Atleti.

Spurs were monitoring the Uruguay international with great interest, and Harry Redknapp attended Atletico's Copa Del Rey quarter-final against Real Madrid in January to run the rule over the forward.

However, whilst admitting an interest in the player, the Tottenham manager claimed a deal would not represent financial sense for the White Hart Lane club.

“Diego Forlan has been mentioned but we are not going to get near their wages,” the Spurs boss said at the time.

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Diego Forlan Takes Estonian Citizenship

In a move termed "slimy" by FIFA management, footballer Diego Forlan has renounced his Uruguayan citizenship to become an Estonian

Forlan has refuted claims that Harry Männil, a wealthy Estonian businessman in Central America thought by some to be dead, paid him an undisclosed sum to move to Estonia's national team.

"I was in Tallinn hanging out at Nimeta pub and I met a waitress there," said Forlan. "Is that such an unusual story for a foreigner in Tallinn?"

Forlan said he will take up residence immediately with Ilona in her family's Lasnamäe flat. "It is a bit crowded at the moment, but we are looking for an Old Town place." Forlan urged real estate agents to reach him via Skype (Skype name: NewGEP-10).

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Manchester United goalkeeper search intensifies as agent confirms talks with Atletico Madrid's David De Gea

Manchester United have held talks over a move for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea, the player's agent, Hector Rincon, has confirmed.

The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer as the Red Devils ramp up their search for Edwin van der Sar's replacement.

Rincon told sport.co.uk: “Well, we did have talks with Manchester United but, first of all, they always look for an agreement with the club.

“Anyway, most of the biggest European teams have shown interest in David de Gea.”

Asked whether Atletico were prepared to sell their star goalkeeper, Rincon suggested that United may have to pay full minimum fee inserted into the player's contract.

“You would have to ask the club," he said. "What I can tell you is that his release clause now is €20 million, but I have no idea if the club would sell him for less.

"Right now, the player has a contract with Atletico Madrid and if Manchester United or any other team want him they will have to reach an agreement or pay the whole release clause.”

He added that several other English clubs have asked about the youngster's situation, and that Wigan had attempted to buy the player before he burst onto the scene.

“Well, some time ago, before he became an important player in Atletico, Wigan made an offer, but the club rejected it," said Rincon.

"Recently, I don't want to say any names but all the big clubs in England and in Europe have asked about him.”

Meanwhile, The Times claim that if the two parties are unable to reach an understanding, then United could make a move for Schalke's Manuel Neuer.

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Real Madrid & Spain captain Iker Casillas hits out at UEFA

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has hit out at UEFA in the wake of Spain's Euro 2012 win over Lithuania on Tuesday. The match was played on an extremely poor pitch, but UEFA defended the surface in Kaunas after the game, much to the dismay of Casillas.

"We've got three points on a pitch which was impossible to play on. The pitch was a disaster," Casillas was quoted as saying by Marca.

"I think that sometimes we have to catch UEFA's attention, because this is lamentable. We go and play where they tell us to, but these football pitches don't help anyone to play this sport. It isn't only this one."

The Madrid shot stopper then claimed that European football's governing body should reconsider their priorities.

"UEFA has to come out and look at them and worry much more about pitches like this. They need to do much more and not stay in their seats behind a desk telling us we have to wear pants and the same coloured socks. What they have to do is make sure the installations are in a condition to play football."

Spain's 3-1 victory maintained their perfect record so far in qualifying as they attempt to retain the European Championship crown they won in Austria and Switzerland in 2008.

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Diego Forlán refuses to rule out return to Premier League

Diego Forlán has insisted that despite all the talk, Tottenham Hotspur did not make a "proper offer" for him during the winter transfer window. The Atlético Madrid and Uruguay striker, though, refused to rule out the possibility of a move back to the Premier League in the summer.

Forlán, who previously spent two and a half years at Manchester United, was prominent on the Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp's list of January targets. Redknapp made a well-documented personal check on Forlán, when he was robbed outside Atlético's Vicente Calderón stadium by pickpockets.

Forlán was one of several players that Tottenham inquired about. The others included Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi, Luís Fabiano of Sevilla and Forlán's Atlético team-mate Sergio Agüero.

It is believed that Tottenham indicated they were willing to pay €15m (£13.15) for Forlán but the 31-year-old said he had heard of nothing concrete. "There was no offer," he said. "There was a lot of talking but there was not a proper offer. Yes, Harry Redknapp came to watch me, they said that… he got robbed. It was a funny story.

"You are always flattered by every interest of every team, and also about Tottenham but in the end, there was nothing firm. There was not any offer on the table. There was a lot of speculation ... nothing else."

Forlán was asked whether he would be open to the possibility of a transfer to the Premier League in the summer. "You never know," he said. "I have two more years of contract at Atlético. I don't know what's going to happen. I continue playing and if there is any team that wants me, they have to make a good offer and then you will see. But at the moment, I don't think anything because there is nothing."

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Sergio Aguero: I Want To Stay With Atletico Madrid As Long As Possible

'Kun' Aguero appreciates the interest shown in him by big clubs but he has expressed his desire to see out his deal which runs until 2014
Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero has underlined his commitment to the club amid rumours of an imminent departure this summer. 'El Kun' has been linked to a host of Europe's top clubs, including arch-rivals Real Madrid.

But the striker has pointed to the fact that his deal with Atleti runs for another three years and he he says would like to build on their Europa League success from last season.

''I want to stay with Atletico for as long as I can. I am very comfortable at the club now. I will try to keep winning titles here because that's what every player wants. I signed until 2014 and I hope to stay beyond this year,'' the defiant youngster told the club's official website.

On the speculation over a possible summer transfer, he responded: ''It's always appreciated if top clubs are interested in you. There are many comments that have been raised about my future but I'm quiet, they don't affect me. I'm honest with myself.''

Aguero has been linked with a move away from Los Rojiblancos for some time now, with father-in-law Diego Maradona on record as saying "I see Sergio at Real Madrid". Despite the speculation, Aguero is enjoying a fine season, netting a brace last weekend to take his tally for the year to 18 goals, ensuring Atleti are in contention to clinch a Europa League spot for next season.
 

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Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan: I Would Consider Move To Serie A

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan has revealed that he would be willing to make a switch to Italy's Serie A, but only if the right offer came in.

The 31-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Spanish capital since last summer, with clubs such Juventus said to be in the hunt.

Forlan has in disappointing form this season for the Colchoneros but is still one of the more prized transfer targets, and has further fueled speculation regarding his future by saying that he is ready for adventure in Italy.

When asked about a move to Serie A by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Manchester United forward said:"I do not exclude that in the future, if a good offer came to me and the club, a proposal that was not only suitable economically but also from the perspective that it was an important club, [then] I would accept."

Atletico Madrid are fighting for a place in the top-six in the Spanish Primera Division at the moment and confront Real Madrid in the derby this weekend.

Looking ahead to the encounter, Forlan enthused, "It's strange, we have strengthened the team and we're not getting results. Perhaps we have had too many injuries, but we're still working calmly.

"For the fans, the media interest and passion of the public, Atletico is not a lesser club than Real Madrid. It is a great club, not only in Spain but the world."

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Diego Godin in defence of his teammate Diego Forlan

Diego Godin has spoken out in defence of his teammate Diego Forlan, who has struggled to hit the net all season.
Godin, who turns out with Forlan for the Uruguayan national team as well, has seen first-hand what the striker is capable of, having played together at the 2010 World Cup, where Forlan went on to win the Golden Ball as the player of the tournament.

The normally-lethal striker, who was won the Pichichi trophy, awarded to La Liga's top scorer of each season, twice before, has struggled to translate last summer's exploits onto the club stage this year, having only netted nine goals from 31 games in all competitions.
Atletico manager Quique Sanchez Flores has recently stated that Forlan and his striker partner Sergio Aguero need to start firing soon if the club are to have any chance of qualifying for Europe next season.

However, Godin has since defended his compatriot, suggesting it was the team's performance as a whole that was starving the frontman of goalscoring opportunities.
"No one [at the club] is against Forlan. He always wants to score and perhaps he needs more to feel confident, but he is doing well," Godin was reported as saying by Marca.com.

"Against Getafe there were not many clear chances on goal, and perhaps the lack of goals are noticed from Forlan as he is the one leading the team forwards."

With a match against fellow European qualification contenders Villarreal on Saturday, Godin has asked his team to focus solely on the clash.

"We cannot think about losing as we have aspirations for European football."
"Villarreal are a tough team to beat as they play really well. We must do our best and improve on mistakes. It will be a hard game."

Atletico are currently 8th in La Liga, fifteen points behind fourth-placed Villarreal, and will be looking to kickstart their climb to European qualification with a win this weekend.

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FORLÁN PROPICIA EL EMPATE EN GETAFE

El Atlético no tuvo un partido fácil en Getafe. El tempranero gol de Manu del Moral (minuto 4) fue un jarro de agua fría para los rojiblancos, que fueron a remolque durante todo el partido hasta que Forlán, de nuevo explotando su faceta de asistente, puso en la cabeza de Elías el balón que significó el empate. Forlán, que no pudo romper su maleficio ante el gol, fue de los más destacados en un Atlético que sigue estando cerca de los puestos europeos (a tres puntos) gracias a las derrotas de Athletic y Espanyol.

Como quiera que el calendario no concede ni un día de tregua, el conjunto rojiblanco prepara ya su difícil compromiso ante el Villarreal. Forlán y los suyos reciben este sábado (22.00) a uno de los equipos más en forma del campeonato. Un encuentro, por otro lado, siempre especial para Diego.

Ficha técnica:

1.- Getafe: Codina; Miguel Torres, "Cata" Díaz, Rafa, Mané (Marcano, min. 30); Manu del Moral, Víctor Sánchez (Boateng, min. 65), Parejo, Gavilán; Colunga (Casquero, min. 72) y Miku.

1.- Atlético de Madrid: De Gea; Valera, Perea, Godín, Antonio López; Reyes, Tiago (Juanfran, min. 81) Raúl García (Mario Suárez, min.63) Koke (Elías, min. 66); Forlán y Kun Agüero.

Goles: 1-0, min. 2: Manu del Moral. 1-1, min. 81: Elias.

Árbitro: Clos Gómez (Comité Aragonés): Mostró cartulina amarilla a Mané (min. 28), a Víctor Sánchez (min. 57) y a Rafa (min. 70) por parte local y a Kun Agüero (min. 29) y a Perea (min. 86) por parte visitante.

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Hoffenheim move for Atletico Madrid veteran Forlan

Ambitious Hoffenheim are moving for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan.

Gazzetta dello Sport says while Juventus remain interested, cashed up Hoffenheim are the new favourites to land the Uruguay international.

Atletico chief Miguel Angel Gil Marin revealed they rejected an approach from Real Madrid for Forlan in January.

However, it's now emerged Hoffenheim have already opened talks about a deal for the striker with negotiations now at an advanced stage.

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I See Sergio Aguero Joining Real Madrid - Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona has stated his belief that son-in-law Sergio Aguero will eventually join Real Madrid.
Former Argentina coach Diego Maradona has discussed his belief that his son-in-law, Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero, will eventually sign for city rivals Real Madrid at some point in his career.

The Albiceleste legend assessed the future of the 22-year-old in an interview with Spanish publication Marca, during which he also compared the managerial styles of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.

Maradona stated that he "saw Aguero at [Real] Madrid", as speculation intensifies that the player could be set to make a summer move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Continuing to the subject of who he feels to be the better coach between Mourinho and Guardiola, he insisted that the Portuguese would always be his first choice, saying: “If I were a president, I would hire Mourinho first, certainly because of his experience.
“I believe however that Pep is a guy who has been touched by a magic wand, make no mistake that he is a hard worker. If Mourinho had the time that Guardiola has had [in Spanish football], things might be more equal.”

Finally, Maradona also had words of high praise for Los Blancos defender Marcelo.

“Removing [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo], Marcelo is the best player in the league right now.”

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Atletico Madrid Are Not Bankrupt - Financial Vice-President Fernando Garcia Abasolo

Fernando Garcia Abasolo, financial vice-president of Atletico Madrid, has taken moves to stress that the club is not bankrupt, but added that their current debt levels are unsustainable.

Los Colchoneros reportedly owe creditors in the region of €250-300 million, and Abasolo released a statement yesterday explaining that while the club are not in danger of dropping into administration, there is no leeway available to increase that figure.

He remarked: “The club is not bankrupt, but the club no longer has the room to increase the debt because it could reach a situation where there is a lack of liquidity, and that could lead to bankruptcy.

“The situation is open and notorious, and I have disagreement with some aspects of club management in relation to the structure of premier sports policy. There are consequences to the team if the economic resources are not provided.

“Therefore, this leads to less income and the immediate consequence of the alarming increase in borrowing, which is some €250-300m. It is time for change at Atletico Madrid, and all who love this club should provide constructive ideas and solutions, because we are staking them against the future.”

Atleti are currently 13 points behind Villarreal, who occupy the last Champions League qualification position in the Primera Division.

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