De Gea dismisses ´lies´ about Van Gaal relationship

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has refuted claims that he and manager Louis van Gaal do not get on as "a lie".

Speculation that David de Gea and Louis van Gaal have a difficult relationship is simply not true, according to the Manchester United goalkeeper.

Reports in Spain emerged this week that the pair do not get on and have not spoken for weeks.

De Gea is out of contract at Old Trafford in 2016, and is in talks to agree fresh terms, with the likes of former United keeper Peter Schmeichel urging the club to secure the Spaniard's long-term future in the face of reported interest from Real Madrid.

"Everything that has been written in the press about us not getting on is a lie," De Gea told MUTV.

"We both want the best for the club and the team, and the stories are complete lies."

Uefa Europa league draw: Fiorentina to face Roma

Fiorentina face Serie A rivals Roma in the UEFA Europa League round of 16, while holders Sevilla take on Villarreal.

Serie A rivals Fiorentina and Roma will lock horns in a mouth-watering UEFA Europa League round-of-16 tie next month.

Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella spent 10 years at Roma during his playing days and also had a spell as caretaker coach at Stadio Olimpico, but there will be no room for sentiment when his side attempt to dump the Eternal City club out of Europe.

Montella's side, who knocked out Tottenham in the round of 32, will be at home for the first leg on March 12 and travel to Rome a week later.

Fiorentina knocked Roma out of the Coppa Italia earlier this month, so Rudi Garcia's side have an opportunity to exact revenge.

Roma beat Feyenoord among a backdrop of crowd disturbances on Wednesday, winning 2-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.

There will also be an all-Spanish tie in last 16, with holders Sevilla taking on Villarreal.

Sevilla were crowned champions when they beat Benfica last season and Unai Emery's side knocked out Borussia Monchengladbach to keep their hopes of lifting the trophy again alive.

Villarreal, conquerors of Salzburg in the round of 32, will be at home in the first leg.

A clash between Bundesliga high-flyers Wolfsburg and in-form Inter was another standout tie when the draw was made in Nyon on Friday.

Inter beat 10-man Celtic 1-0 - and 3-2 on aggregate - courtesy of a late Fredy Guarin strike at San Siro on Thursday and the Serie A outfit have won four of their last five matches.

Rafael Benitez is aiming to win this tournament for the second time in the space of three years and his Napoli side will take on Dynamo Moscow.

Besiktas beat Liverpool on penalties in the round of 32 and the Istanbul club will fancy their chances of seeing off Club Brugge, while Everton - the only English club remaining in the competition will face Dynamo Kiev.

Ajax travel to Dnipro in the first leg of their tie, while Zenit will be at home in the first leg of their tie with Torino.

Draw in full:

Everton v Dynamo Kiev

Dnipro v Ajax

Zenit v Torino

Wolfsburg v Inter

Villarreal v Sevilla

Napoli v Dinamo Moscow

Club Brugge v Besiktas

Fiorentina v Roma

Police identify Chelsea fans over racist chanting

A group of Chelsea fans alleged to have chanted racist songs have been identified by police.

Several Chelsea fans have been identified by British Transport Police in connection with racist chanting following their UEFA Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain.

A group of supporters were heard singing abusive chants at London St Pancras station on Wednesday as they travelled back from the game in the French capital.

The tie has been surrounded with controversy after another group of Chelsea fans were filmed pushing a black man off a Paris Metro train prior to the 1-1 draw at the Parc des Princes.

A statement read: "British Transport Police recently issued an appeal for information in connection with racist chanting at St Pancras International station on Wednesday, 18 February.

"The incident happened 24 hours after Chelsea had played Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

"As a result of extensive media coverage, all seven men have been identified and will be interviewed in due course."

Prince Albert: I feel for Wenger

Prince Albert II of Monaco said he feels for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after the Premier League club lost on Wednesday.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger received sympathy from Prince Albert II, who admitted he was "sort of sad" for the Frenchman after Monaco claimed a remarkable 3-1 victory in the opening leg of the UEFA Champions League last-16 clash.

Monaco put Arsenal on the brink of elimination on Wednesday thanks to goals from Geoffrey Kondogbia, Dimitar Berbatov and Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco at the Emirates Stadium.

Depleted by injuries and suspensions, not much was expected of Monaco in a reunion with former boss Wenger but Kondogbia and Berbatov had other ideas as the pair struck on either side of the break to put the visitors in control.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came off the bench and pulled a goal back for Arsenal in the first minute of stoppage time, but Monaco substitute Ferreira-Carrasco struck at the death to give Leonardo Jardim's men the upper hand heading into the return leg on March 17.

Monaco's head of state, Prince Albert II, who attended the match, conceded he was stunned by the result after meeting with Wenger prior to kick-off.

"I never thought I would see this scoreline here but it's deserved," he said.

"A draw would have been great for us. Before the game I met Arsene and asked him to be kind to us.

"I'm sort of sad for him, for us to have stolen the show."

Europa League games marred by crowd trouble

Feyenoord's clash with Roma and Guingamp's trip to Dynamo Kiev in the UEFA Europa League were interrupted by crowd trouble on Thursday.

Two UEFA Europa League clashes were disrupted due to crowd trouble on Thursday as Roma's trip to Feyenoord and Dynamo Kiev's clash with Guingamp were both affected.

The last-32 fixtures each saw delays, with Roma's 2-1 victory over Feyenoord marred by apparent racial abuse of Ivorian forward Gervinho after an inflatable banana was thrown in his direction from the stands.

After French referee Clement Turpin ordered an announcement calling for fans to stop, play eventually resumed, although he was forced to take the players off the field in Rotterdam in the second half after objects were hurled in his direction following the dismissal of Mitchell te Verde.

Roma eventually progressed 2-1 - Gervinho hitting the winner - following the highly charged second leg, with the reverse fixture in Rome having also seen trouble in the Italian capital.

Guingamp's exit at the hands of Dynamo Kiev also saw delays after home fans invaded the running track around the pitch, apparently in response to an inflammatory flag on show in the away support.

With home fans attacking match stewards, veteran goalkeeper and Dynamo captain Oleksandr Shovkovskiy was forced to intervene in an attempt to calm the tense scenes.

The incidents in both games are likely to be the subject of UEFA investigations in the coming days.

Chelsea agree record sponsorship deal

Chelsea have agreed a five-year agreement with Yokohama Rubber, claiming it to be one of the biggest shirt sponsorship deals ever signed.

Chelsea have agreed their largest ever commercial deal in signing a five-year shirt sponsorship agreement with Yokohama Rubber.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have had a partnership with Samsung since 2005, but Thursday's announcement will see their sponsor change from the start of next season.

A renewed focus on Financial Fair Play regulations has prompted a more frugal approach from Stamford Bridge recently, with a number of high-profile sales.

The departures of Juan Mata, David Luiz and Romelu Lukaku have raised significant cash for Chelsea.

And they now appear to be following the lead of Premier League rivals Manchester United, who have funded the signings of high-profile players – including Mata – with a vast collection of lucrative commercial deals.

Barcelona defend Messi´s penalty miss

Both Luis Enrique and Luis Suarez defended Lionel Messi after the Barcelona striker missed a penalty against Manchester City.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique and striker Luis Suarez brushed off Lionel Messi's penalty miss on Tuesday, claiming the Catalan club are in prime position to reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Messi's stoppage-time spot-kick was saved by Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart at Etihad Stadium, although Barcelona still triumphed 2-1 in the round of 16 first leg to take a significant step towards the Champions League's last eight.

Although the penalty would have given Barcelona a two-goal cushion ahead of the second leg on March 18, Suarez was not convinced it would have "killed off" the tie, while Luis Enrique claimed victory was the most important thing.

"This was a very good display from our team, we were much better than our opponents," Barca's coach said.

"We played a very complete game and we should be very satisfied with that. The aim was always to win the game, we did not care too much about the precise result.

"We have to bear in mind the quality of our opponents and how difficult this tie is."

Luis Enrique added: "Players who take penalties will always miss some but we have full confidence in [Lionel] Messi."

Suarez had given the visitors a 2-0 lead at half-time with a pair of fine finishes in Manchester - his first brace for Barcelona - while Sergio Aguero struck back for City in the 69th minute.

The Uruguayan striker took his tally to four goals in Barcelona's past five matches and he backed the La Liga outfit to hold off City at the Camp Nou.

"We played really well in the first half," Suarez said.

"They're a great side with a lot of quality in midfield and up front. It's still open going into the second leg but we're Barca."

Messi won a penalty with full-time approaching but, after taking responsibility from the spot, his effort was saved by Hart and the Barca legend's follow-up diving header went wide of the post.

Suarez said: "I don't know if it [Messi's penalty] would have killed off the tie. These things happen."

Matic banned for two matches

Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic has seen a three-match ban for his angry reaction towards Ashley Barnes reduced by one game.

Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic has been banned for two matches following his reaction to the challenge of Burnley's Ashley Barnes, a decision the Premier League club claim to be "appalled" by.

Matic was caught on the shin by the Burnley striker in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, with the Portuguese immediately shoving Barnes to the ground - receiving a red card in the process.

The Serb was initially handed an automatic three-match ban, which has been reduced after the FA partially accepted Chelsea's claims that Matic was provoked by Barnes' challenge.

However, Chelsea - as part of a lengthy campaign to draw attention to the incident - have hit out at the decision.

"The Chelsea Football Club board is extremely disappointed and frustrated that the FA Regulatory Commission has today decided not to reduce Nemanja Matic's suspension to the maximum extent permitted under FA rules," read a statement on the club's website.

"There has been universal condemnation of the reckless challenge made by Ashley Barnes on Matic and it is the club's view that he has been unjustly punished with a two-match ban for his reaction to a career-threatening tackle.

Matic will miss Sunday's League Cup final with Tottenham and the Premier League clash with West Ham.

In explaining the FA's decision, Roger Burden, chairman of the Regulatory Commission, said: "The violent response of Mr. Matic to the nature of the tackle cannot be condoned and does not vindicate his subsequent actions."

Inter Vs Celtic: Brown hope for another goalfist

Celtic captain Scott Brown hopes another whirlwind encounter with Inter can help the Scottish champions progress in the UEFA Europa League.

Scott Brown believes Celtic's potent strike duo of Leigh Griffiths and John Guidetti can fire them to UEFA Europa League progression against Inter on Thursday.

The sides played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Park head last week, Guidetti levelling the scores in the third minute of stoppage time.

Ronny Deila's side resumed their domestic dominance with a 4-0 win over Hamilton Academical on Saturday – Guidetti again among the scorers – and Celtic captain Brown hopes for another show of attacking prowess at San Siro.

He told The Daily Record: "We have got to go over there and think we can do it - especially when you look at the chances we created against them.

"You always have a chance when you have the likes of Leigh Griffiths and John Guidetti .

"John scored a great goal - it was an unbelievable finish - but wee Griff worked his socks off to soften up the Inter defence for him.

"He created chances for others as well. We'll do the same in Milan. It could be 5-4 – it would be nice if it was to us."

Highly rated on-loan defender Jason Denayer is expected to be fit despite going off at half-time at the weekend with a calf injury, while Kris Commons returned with a double having sat out the first leg with a hamstring strain.

Inter look to be finally putting form together under Roberto Mancini, having secured a third consecutive Serie A win at Cagliari on Monday.

The 18-time Italian champions did not have things all their own way in Sardinia, almost throwing away a two-goal lead, prompting Mancini to lament: "If we don't make things difficult for ourselves, then we wouldn't be Inter."

Goals from Mateo Kovacic and Mauro Icardi, who have shone so far under Mancini's tutelage, proved to be enough.

The Croatian playmaker has put his impressive form down to the backing he has received from his coach.

"I'm happy because I know that Mancini has faith in me," the 20-year-old said. "He gives me confidence and I’m really pleased he decided to play me from the start."

Inter have few selection concerns for the clash, though misfiring January recruit Lukas Podolski is ineligible to play in the Europa League.

Cazorla apologises to Malaga fans

Former Malaga midfielder Santi Cazorla feels guilty for his swift departure from the La Liga club in 2012.

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla attempted to clear the air with Malaga supporters by issuing an apology for not saying goodbye properly in 2012.

After helping Malaga qualify for the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League courtesy of a fourth-place finish in La Liga, Cazorla joined Arsenal for a £16.5million fee.

Malaga fans were angered by the Spaniard's swift departure but the 30-year-old has apologised for the manner in which he exited the club.

"I left because the club needed money," Cazorla told Sky Sports' Spanish football show Revista de la Liga.

"Arsenal was a good opportunity, but Malaga wasn't stable and it wasn't clear where they were headed.

"I know that in Malaga lots of people haven't forgiven me for the way I left.

"When I signed for Arsenal, everything happened so quick, I had to go to London.

"Arsenal had already started their pre-season and I had to go over there for a medical, and then I had to go to Holland to start to train with the squad.

"That all meant that I couldn't go to Malaga to hold a press conference to say goodbye to everyone face to face.

"In the end, I could only write a letter in which I expressed my gratitude and my affection for the club. I know a lot of people didn't like that.

"I'd like to apologise for not being able to say goodbye properly as I know that would have been the best thing.

"It still bothers me that I didn't get to do that for the fans."

Predict and win

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 20:45   MAN CITY VS BARCELONA

Messi is on another galaxy - Nasri

Ahead of his side's UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona, Manchester City's Samir Nasri says Lionel Messi is "on another galaxy".

Barcelona star Lionel Messi plays football "on another galaxy" from his team-mates Neymar and Luis Suarez, according to Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri.

Nasri will likely come head-to-head with Barca's fearsome attacking trio in the UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday, with Nasri having plenty of experience facing Suarez from the Uruguayan's time at Liverpool.

While Suarez has gradually integrated into Luis Enrique's side, Nasri maintains there is no comparison between him, Neymar and Messi.

"I think Messi and [Real Madrid star Cristiano] Ronaldo play in their own galaxy. They compete with each other," the Frenchman told reporters on Monday ahead of this week's clash at the Etihad Stadium.

"The rest, Suarez and Neymar, are the same level as [City striker] Sergio [Aguero]. Sergio, when he is fit, can lift the team and score goals.

"I just think that Messi is on another galaxy.

"At Liverpool, he [Suarez] was the main striker, but you are not going to score 70 goals playing for Barcelona because he makes a lot of assists and opens up space for Messi and Neymar.

"He is good, he just doesn't score as much for Barcelona. At Liverpool, the team was built around him, but at Barcelona you cannot do that when you have Messi in his prime.

Dortmund will show their worth at Juventus - Klopp

With his team on a three-game winning run in the Bundesliga, Jurgen Klopp is keen for Borussia Dortmund to show their worth versus Juventus.

Jurgen Klopp feels his Borussia Dortmund side have something to prove when they face Juventus in the UEFA Champions League last 16 on Tuesday.

Dortmund visit Juve for the first-leg clash on the back of a three-game winning streak in the Bundesliga that has cooled talk of potential relegation from the German top tier.

Klopp puts their recent form down to his squad's improved fitness and views the challenge of facing the Serie A leaders as an opportunity for Dortmund to re-emphasise their quality on the European stage.

"We had troubles at the start of the season, mainly down to the injuries we suffered at the time. Our physical shape has improved," Klopp said.

"In the Bundesliga we weren't in peak physical shape. It's not a matter of motivation, more injuries and bad luck.

"We can keep improving. We still need to rediscover our consistency in the Bundesliga. We'll soon be back at the top.

"Juventus possess plenty of experience and quality. We'll require a big effort to get through to the next round.

"We're motivated to show our worth in this last 16 tie."

Yaya Toure wants to stay at City for life

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure is ready to commit his future to the club, according to his agent Dimitri Seluk.

Agent Dimitri Seluk said his client Yaya Toure is ready to retire at Manchester City before taking up a role as football director.

Toure's future in Manchester beyond the 2014-15 Premier League season has been in doubt since hinting earlier this month that he would consider his options in an interview with CNN.

Inter have emerged as a possible destination for the Ivory Coast international, with former City manager Roberto Mancini reportedly considering a close-season swoop.

However, Seluk has put those doubts to rest in an interview with The Mirror, claiming the 31-year-old wants to stick with the Premier League champions beyond his playing days.

"Yaya loves Manchester City and, despite what is sometimes said, he is happy at the club," Seluk said.

"In fact, he would like to stay for life. He would love nothing better than to finish his playing career with City and then work for the club after that.

"That's why I want City to give Yaya a new contract, to show him that they want him to be part of the future.

"It is not about money. It is about keeping Yaya at the club until his playing days are over and showing the club's best player that he is respected and loved."

Seluk added: "When he stops playing, then Yaya could have an executive role, perhaps as sporting director.

"Think about it. He has played in Belgium, Ukraine, Greece, France, Spain and England.

"He has won championships with Olympiacos, Barcelona and Manchester City. He has won the Champions League and the African Cup of Nations.

FIFA and UEFA have let football down over racism, says Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand says FIFA and UEFA have "let football down, time and time again" in failing to adequately address the issue of racism.

FIFA and UEFA have come in for heavy criticism from former England captain Rio Ferdinand for failing to adequately tackle racism "time and time again".

Racism in football has come under the microscope this week following two high-profile incidents.

A group of Chelsea supporters were caught on camera stopping a black man from boarding a Paris Metro train prior to their club's UEFA Champions League draw with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

The shocking behaviour came after Arrigo Sacchi, the ex-coach of Milan and Italy, had been quoted as saying Italian football "has no dignity or pride" because there are "too many blacks" and "foreigners" in top clubs' youth teams.

Discussing the video footage of events in Paris, QPR defender Ferdinand told The Sun on Sunday: "It is a rude awakening for the whole game.

"To be fair to the FA [Football Association], they have done more than most to try to eradicate racism from the stands, but the game as a whole has to take a zero-tolerance approach.

"For years it's been clear that FIFA and UEFA have shied away from doing what they needed to do.

"They have let football down, time and time again."

Chelsea have strongly condemned the actions of those involved in the Paris Metro incident, suspending five people from Stamford Bridge to date.

SOCCER PREDICTION

Time	Match	Tip	odd	Result
17.00 17.15 17.00 18.00	REIMS                   VS   METZ   SOUTHAMPTON   VS  LIVERPOOL   LYON                     VS NANTES   ESKISEHIRSPOR VS BESIKTAS	X XHT 1HT  2	3.20 2.10 2.12 2.30

                                 TOTAL ODDS 32.8  

David Silva the Premier League's best - Dzeko

Edin Dzeko hailed David Silva as the best player in the Premier League following Manchester City's 5-0 trouncing of Newcastle United.

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko believes team-mate David Silva is the best player in the Premier League.

Silva and Dzeko were highly influential as City annihiliate their opponent to a 5-0 victory on Saturday to capitalise on leaders Chelsea's surprise draw with Burnley earlier in the day.

It was Silva who laid on Dzeko's first-half goal with a sublime lofted pass and the Spain international went on to score twice himself early in the second period, before being withdrawn ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League tie against Barcelona.

Invited to comment on the quality of Silva's assist, Dzeko told Sky Sports: "The pass from David was first-class ... and for me he is the best player in the Premier League.

"To have him here with us is an amazing thing, because with David you can always score goals'.