WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 SPORTS Barca beaming, Real bickering over transfer

MADRID: Barcelona congratulated themselves yes- dressing-room heavyweight Cristiano Ronaldo, for Perez and stand in stark contrast to the upbeat two transfer windows but have added Suarez and terday for a job well done in the transfer window, Real’s top scorer and current World Player of the tone of a news conference given by Barca sporting Rakitic, as well as centre backs Thomas Vermaelen while rivals Real Madrid were dealing with the fall- Year, appeared to criticize Perez’s transfer policies. director Andoni Zubizarreta yesterday. Spanish and Jeremy Mathieu, goalkeepers Claudio Bravo out from Cristiano Ronaldo’s apparent criticism of The construction magnate has spent hundreds of sports dailies Marca and As both splashed Ronaldo’s and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and fullback Douglas to president Florentino Perez. The world’s two richest millions of euros of the club’s money on the top remarks across their front pages, while Real’s Spain their ranks. clubs by income again spent big, with Barca’s sign- players, with his strategy also driven by how many contingent were quizzed about the situation when They have begun the campaign in confi- ings including Uruguay striker Luis Suarez for 81.25 shirts new recruits will help sell. they met up with their international team mates. dent fashion and are the only side to have won their million euros (107 million US dollars) and Croatia Alarm bells rang at the club when they let slip a “Everyone has their opinion and it is respectable, I opening two games as they seek to improve on last Ivan Rakitic for around 20 million. Real two-goal lead to crash to a 4-2 defeat at Real am not going to make any comment about term’s second-place finish. Zubizarreta said he was lured Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez to the Sociedad in La Liga on Sunday, when Ronaldo was Cristiano or any player,” centre back Sergio Ramos, delighted with the squad and predicted Barca Spanish capital for around 80 million euros and sidelined by injury. “I have a very clear opinion but I one of Real’s captains, told reporters. “We belong to would be a major force under new coach Luis snapped up Germany midfielder Toni Kroos for 30 cannot always say what I think,” the Portugal for- the club and we must respect the rules of the club,” Enrique, who has replaced the discarded Gerardo million, seduced by the pair’s success at the World ward told reporters when asked about his club’s he added. “I am not going to reveal my opinion, it’s Martino. Cup finals in Brazil. recent transfer dealings. “If not I would be on the not the time to be drawing conclusions.” “We again have a team that is at a very high com- However, while Barca are widely perceived to front page of the newspaper tomorrow and I don’t petitive level,” former Barca and Spain goalkeeper have improved their squad as they look to bounce want that. But, if I was in charge, maybe I would not Transfer Ban Zubizarreta told reporters. “I am very pleased and back from a season without major silverware, critics have done it like that. “But if the president thinks Barca’s hand was forced in the market after the we will see how far we can go.” Champions Atletico have suggested European champions Real will be that the best thing for the team is to buy the players club were given a temporary reprieve from a trans- Madrid are again expected to mount a realistic chal- significantly weakened by the exit of he bought and let others leave we have to respect fer ban for breaching rules on the transfer of under- lenge after some astute business in the transfer Xabi Alonso and Angel Di Maria, sold to Bayern and support his decisions.” 18 players while an appeal to soccer’s world govern- market when they bought in the likes of Croatia Munich and Manchester United respectively. The Ronaldo’s comments, together with grumbling ing body FIFA was ongoing. They lost the appeal striker Mario Mandzukic, France forward Antoine sense of unease was heightened on Monday when from coach , will be uncomfortable and may not be allowed to buy again in the next Griezmann and Italy winger Alessio Cerci. — Reuters Five biggest summer transfers in France

PARIS: The five biggest transfers in France dur- ing the summer transfer window, which closed on Monday night:

David Luiz Chelsea to Paris Saint-Germain; 49.5 million euros (£39.1m, $65m) - The Brazilian centre- back joined Paris Saint-Germain from Chelsea for a world record fee for a defender and is reunited with international team-mate at the heart of Laurent Blanc’s back four. The World Cup proved a traumatic experience for the 27-year-old and his compatriots as they BERLIN: File picture shows Germany’s national football team’s midfielder Bastian were demolished 7-1 by Germany in the semi- Schweinsteiger holding the trophy as he celebrates their FIFA World Cup 2014 title at finals but Blanc tipped his new signing to ban- Berlin’s landmark Brandenburg Gate. Bastian Schweinsteiger is the new captain of ish those painful memories and forge a formi- the German national football team, German head coach Joachim Loew announced dable partnership with Silva at the Parc des yesterday. — AFP Princes. The ex-Benfica man’s decision-making can prove suspect at times but Luiz is a strong character blessed with natural ability and with Schweinsteiger named Silva alongside him to keep him in check, he should blossom in the French capital. Also has Germany’s new captain the versatility to play a more advanced role in front of the back four, if required. DUSSELDORF: Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian en on great responsibility,” Loew said. “I knew that Schweinsteiger was yesterday named the new I could always rely on him. captain of world champions Germany by manag- “Think back to the World Cup final and what Toulouse to Paris Saint-Germain; loan - er Joachim Loew. Loew turned to the 30-year-old he achieved for the team there and also in the Aurier, 21, was the standout right-back in the to succeed Philipp Lahm, who stepped down games before it. “At the moment Bastian is French top flight a year ago with Toulouse and from international duty after skippering Germany injured but of course I’ve talked to him in the past to the World Cup title in July. “Bastian will be a few weeks. I was in Munich and his injury is not was named in the team of the season great and dignified captain of our national team,” one that is going to keep him out for months. “His for the 2013/14 campaign. He then performed Loew told a press conference in Dusseldorf. big goal is Euro 2016. I could sense that he’s still admirably for the Ivory Coast in Brazil despite Schweinsteiger is currently injured with a bursting with ambition.” If Schweinsteiger does the Elephants’ premature exit from the World knee problem, leaving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer miss more time than expected, Loew said he is Cup before Paris Saint-Germain swooped in to lead Germany out today in an international fortunate to have several other major personali- and snapped up Aurier on a season-long loan friendly in Dusseldorf against Argentina in a ties in his squad. The 54-year-old suggested that with an option to make the move permanent. rematch 50 days after the Maracana showdown the likes of Neuer, Sami Khedira, Thomas Mueller Aurier, who spent much of his upbringing in in Rio de Janeiro. Schweinsteiger became a sym- and Mats Hummels can step up in the Paris outskirts, said the move was “a child- bol of Germany’s charge to a fourth world trophy, Schweinsteiger’s absence. battling on through the final victory over Hummels and fellow defender Jerome hood dream” while PSG president Nasser Al- Argentina despite taking an elbow in the face Boateng will sit out today’s friendly, although Khelaifi lauded the Ivorian as “one of the most that left blood pouring from a cut. Loew hopes that they can both return to train- promising young players in world football”. Loew also announced that former VfB ing before Germany’s first Euro 2016 qualifier Aurier poses quite the attacking threat, too, as Stuttgart coach Thomas Schneider would against Scotland on Sunday. Real Madrid mid- his six goals and six assists made him Europe’s become his new assistant manager in October. fielder Khedira is doubtful, with Hoffenheim’s most prolific defender last season. Must com- Schneider replaces Hansi Flick, who has taken up Sebastian Rudy earning a late call up to the pete with Gregory van der Wiel for a starting a new role as sporting director of the German squad. While today’s glamour friendly against berth, however. Football Association. Schweinsteiger, who has Argentina will bring back fond memories of 108 caps for Germany, is currently out of action Germany’s triumph in Brazil, Loew has already Jordan Ayew because of a tendon problem in his knee. But set his sights on further success. “The next big Loew said that he was confident that the Bayern goal for us after the final in Rio clearly has to be Marseille to Lorient; undisclosed - Ayew, 22, star’s vast experience would help him to lead the European Championship final in Paris,” Loew penned a four-year contract at Lorient after Germany to the 2016 European Championships said. “The journey already begins with the next struggling for first-team opportunities at in France. “Bastian Schweinsteiger has always tak- game on Sunday against Scotland.” — AFP Marseille. The Ghanaian striker impressed dur- ing the the second half of last season on loan at strugglers Sochaux where he netted five goals in 17 appearances, arguably his best run The five biggest in the French top flight, but was unable to pre- vent the club from suffering relegation to the second tier. Ayew is charged with the task of transfers in Italy replacing Jeremie Aliadiere, who moved to , and Cameroon international Vincent ROME: The five biggest transfers in Italy dur- and Sevilla and was never likely to stay at Aboubakar, sold to FC Porto after scoring 16 ing the summer transfer window, which Cardiff once they were relegated from the Ligue 1 goals last season. Scored his first goal closed on Monday night: , with his World Cup per- for the club in the weekend win against formances making him an attractive propo- Guingamp. Alvaro Morata sition for potential buyers. Has scored five Real Madrid to Juventus; 20 million euros goals in 61 appearances for Chile and was Michy Batshuayi (£15.9m/$27m) - Highly promising Spanish also part of the 2010 World Cup squad. under-21 striker who never managed to Standard Liege to Marseille; 7 million euros - become a regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Fernando Torres The highly-rated Batshuayi signed a five-year Madrid side. He scored 11 goals in 52 match- Chelsea to AC Milan; loan- A change of contract with Marseille after setting the es for the Spanish giants between 2010 and country and air may do the talented Spanish Belgian Pro League alight with Standard Liege David Luiz 2014. The 21-year-old was a pivotal member striker the world of good after Milan ended last season, scoring 21 goals. The 20-year-old of of Spain’s under-21 side who won the 2013 his largely underwhelming spell with Congolese origin, a reported target of boy- European Championship after landing the Chelsea by taking him on a two-year loan. hood club Arsenal before pledging his future Europe clubs overlook Under-19 version in 2011. He will hope that Chelsea bought him for a then British-record to Marseille, linked up with new OM boss he doesn’t face the same problem in gaining £50 million (63m euros, $82.9m) in January Marcelo Bielsa as the Argentine looks to lead a regular place in Turin as he faces competi- 2011 but he scored just 45 goals in 172 the nine-time French champions back into Brazil in transfer rush tion from experienced Argentinian Carlos appearances in all competitions at Stamford contention for silverware. Batshuayi, a regular Tevez and Spanish international Fernando Bridge. Still just 30, Milan fans can expect at Under-21 level for Belgium, was called up to SAO PAULO: Brazil is famous for the huge number there are fewer talented players around. A humili- Llorente. him to be fully committed to the club’s Marc Wilmots’ provisional 30-man squad for of footballers it has produced but either the well ating World Cup in which few Brazilians shone cause, something which his predecessor the World Cup, and although he failed to make has dried up or European clubs no longer see val- under the global spotlight has perhaps caused Juan Iturbe Mario Balotelli was at times accused of lack- the final cut, Batshuayi very much remains one ue there as the total of Brazilians leaving for European managers to question the wisdom of Verona to Roma; 22 million euros- The ing, but he will also soon come under pres- for the future. Has made all his appearances so Europe fell this transfer window, FIFA officials and signing them. Unrest in the Caucuses has also Argentine under-20 international has sure from the unforgiving supporters if the Brazilian statisticians said. Only 178 players went blocked a previously well-worn path for young already drawn comparisons with his compa- goals don’t flow. far for Marseille from the bench, with Andre- from Brazil to UEFA clubs before the transfer win- Brazilians looking to get their first move to the Old triot Lionel Messi as like him he is a dazzling- Pierre Gignac in front of him in the queue. dow shut, fewer than in any year since FIFA began World. “The entry market for many Brazilians is ly quick diminutive goal-scorer. Spent last Nemanja Vidic recording transfer data in 2011. Russia and the Ukraine, and those markets were season on loan at Verona from River Plate, Manchester United to ; free - Romain Alessandrini The majority went for free or on loan and clubs problematic this year,” Marcos Motta, a lawyer for where he scored eight goals before the club The Serbian centre-back was a mainstay in Rennes to Marseille; 5 million euros - Former shelled out just $68 million for the remaining 30, several players, including Neymar, Lucas and Doria, bought him outright in May 2014. Just two the Manchester United back four between Marseille academy product Alessandrini finally barely one-third of last year’s outlay, according to told Reuters. months later, he was sold to Roma who can 2006 and 2014 and won the Champions got his wish as he returned to the Velodrome, a figures provided by FIFA’s Transfer Matching System, “There are several other motives,” added Motta, offer him Champions League football for the League in 2008 as well as five Premier year after almost joining his hometown club. A the body that has been recording transfer data who was in Zurich to complete the Doria signing. upcoming campaign. Spent most of his life League titles under retired manager Alex year ago, Rennes were reluctant to let him since 2010. There was no big-name chase, as in “If you look at the Brazilian league, there are not a in Paraguay but declared his international Ferguson. leave after the Brittany club helped nurse him future to Argentina. Twice voted Premier League player of the recent years, when European giants fought over the lot of players who are attracting attention. There’s back from a cruciate knee ligament injury suf- signatures of Brazil-based players such as Neymar, simply not a lot of good players around right now.” season, in 2009 and 2011, he also made 56 fered during the 2012/13 campaign. Gary Medel appearances for Serbia before announcing Lucas Silva and Oscar. The biggest transfer this year Motta pointed out that several Brazilians moved Alessandrini, 25, scored 10 goals and laid on was the reported 10 million euros Olympique within Europe for multi-million-pound fees this Cardiff to Inter Milan; 12.5 million euros- his international retirement in 2011 follow- five assists and was called up to the France The 27-year-old Chilean international made ing criticism from fans over his performanc- Marseille paid for Botafogo’s 19-year-old centre summer, with Diego Costa and Filipe Luis joining squad during his injury-truncated debut sea- back Doria. “This is the worst market in the last 30 Chelsea from Spanish club Atletico Madrid and the trip from the Cardiff City Stadium to the es. Recurrent injury problems, especially son in Ligue 1. And while he struggled to hit historic San Siro after earning a move fol- with his knees, renders Vidic, who turns 33 in years for Brazilian clubs,” sports statistician and David Luiz departing Stamford Bridge for Paris St quite the same heights last campaign, a return lowing an impressive World Cup. The October, a gamble by Inter. He was sent off newspaper columnist Paulo Vinicius Coelho wrote Germain. However, the lack of activity is especially Santiago-born defensive midfielder or cen- on his debut for Inter against Torino of six goals and five assists was still enough to in Sunday’s Folha de S. Paulo newspaper. notable because more Brazilian players have been tre-back also had spells with Boca Juniors at the weekend. — AFP convince OM to prise him away from Rennes Experts have posited several reasons for the bought or sold than any other nationality since on a four-year deal. — AFP lack of interest. With Brazilian football at a low ebb FIFA started tracking transfers. —Reuters