ndetichia
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<br />
<br />
all in all the club is looking for money that is why they are disappointed for the loan basis transaction..
Transfer news...
Transfer news...
- Thread starter Rutashubanyuma
- Start date
<br />
all in all the club is looking for money that is why they are disappointed for the loan basis transaction..
Rutashubanyuma
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[h=1]Why Everton must share a stadium with Liverpool if they want to keep David Moyes[/h]
By Michael Calvin
Published 23:12 03/09/11
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opi...avid-Moyes-Bill-Kenwright-article794772.html#
Liverpool's great strength as a city is its ability to unite in adversity.
Great causes such as the social injustice of *Thatcherism and the human tragedy of Hillsborough evoke great *responses.
Now, the city must show solidarity once more and build a shrine to its *collective passion.
Relocation, *relocation, *relocation is the mantra of *modern *football.
By Michael Calvin
Published 23:12 03/09/11
(49)http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opi...avid-Moyes-Bill-Kenwright-article794772.html#
Liverpool's great strength as a city is its ability to unite in adversity.
Great causes such as the social injustice of *Thatcherism and the human tragedy of Hillsborough evoke great *responses.
Now, the city must show solidarity once more and build a shrine to its *collective passion.
Relocation, *relocation, *relocation is the mantra of *modern *football.
Rutashubanyuma
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[h=1]Chelsea's Frank Lampard insists his England days are not numbered[/h] • 33-year-old says form, not age, is crucial factor
• Only the need to prolong Chelsea career would make him retire
• Only the need to prolong Chelsea career would make him retire
- Dominic Fifield
- guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 7 September 2011 22.59 BST Article history
England's Frank Lampard is hopeful that his international career will last for some time yet, providing he can improve his form. Photograph: Neil Tingle/Sportsphoto
A defiant Frank Lampard has insisted he will not walk away from the England setup and that he still has a major role to play in the national team. The Chelsea midfielder was dismissive of suggestions that, at 33, age is catching up with him after a 12-year career at this level.
Lampard, who had been granted only 10 minutes as a substitute in last Friday's victory in Bulgaria, gained his 88th cap when starting Tuesday's lacklustre victory over Wales, though his impact at Wembley was rather nullified as the visitors' flooded midfield. The management had been seeking trademark bursts from deep in support of Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young but Lampard's only real surge culminated in a shot over the bar and he was replaced with 17 minutes remaining.
After gaining support from his captain John Terry in the buildup, Lampard was quick to insist he can still prove any sceptics wrong and remain a fixture in this England side. "I've never expected to play for my country," he said. "I'm very proud to play for England and, if your form is good, the manager will pick you. I want to be a big part of the squad. It's simple. I wasn't surprised to be left out last week – you never take your place for granted until you see that board with your name on it – because there is so much quality around. I'm never sitting there expecting anything. But I'll always want to play and that is what drives you on.
"There are only two ways I won't play for England: if I don't get picked, which is fair enough; and if I found it beneficial to my long-term career on the Chelsea front. But I'll certainly give everything I can while I can.
"As when you're young, you shouldn't be ruled out because of your age. It's the same at the other end of the age scale. As long as you are showing the energy and desire to play, and quality for your club and when you come to England, I think the manager will pick you. As long as he does that, I'll keep turning up."
The comments on the midfielder's age are familiar, with similar observations often made of his involvement at Chelsea in a team that, last season in particular, was dominated by players over 30. Lampard has started the campaign relatively quietly to date at club level, having missed a large section of 2010-11 with a groin injury, though there is confidence that he will find his rhythm sooner rather than later.
"One reason [that criticism] does agitate me is because I've been here before," Lampard said. "I've had slow starts to seasons when I was 25 or 26, and I had a World Cup which didn't go well in 2006. I wasn't told I was 'old' then. I was just told I was 'crap'.
"That is just the game. I honestly don't mind. When I was 25, I probably would have had a different reaction to it all. Once you've been around the block a little bit you understand how things are and my main aim is to play for Chelsea every week. If I can do that, I'm putting myself into contention for England. People can talk about my age for as long as they like. There is nothing better in football than proving people wrong and I'll try to do that for as long as I can.
"I've not flown out of the blocks with Chelsea but I don't think Chelsea have as a group, either. I tend to get stronger if I get more games into me. I missed half a season last year and it was the first time I'd had niggles throughout a season, and I carried them a bit during the pre-season just gone. But no excuses. I'm going to hopefully be on top form very soon.
"I understand that, at 38 or 40 years of age, I certainly won't be playing for England. But I'd rather be sitting on the settee then thinking I'd given everything to play while I could, rather than thinking I'd ducked out and could have done a bit more for my country. That's just how I feel."
Rutashubanyuma
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[h=1]Samir Nasri set to play in cast for Manchester City against Wigan[/h] • £24m midfielder breaks bone in hand playing for France
• Protective cast should allow him to make home debut
• Protective cast should allow him to make home debut
- Daniel Taylor
- guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 7 September 2011 12.27 BST Article history
Manchester City's Samir Nasri, left, broke a bone in his hand while on international duty with France. Photograph: Daniel Mihailescu/AFP/Getty Images
Samir Nasri will be fitted with a protective cast in an effort to ensure he can make his home debut for Manchester City this weekend after breaking a bone in his left hand while on international duty for France.
Nasri suffered the injury during a 15-minute substitute's appearance in France's goalless draw with Romania on Tuesday. He was able to finish the match after receiving a pain-killing spray but he left the stadium with a cast on his left hand and, on his return to Manchester, was taken to a private hospital for an x-ray.
The results will determine whether the £24m signing, who made his City debut in the 5-1 defeat of Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane two weekends ago, can play in the Premier League home game against Wigan Athletic on Saturday. The immediate sense at City is that the former Arsenal player will be cleared to play.
Kolo Touré may have to wait a little longer before his return. The defender's six-month ban for taking a prohibited substance has now elapsed but there are doubts about his match fitness after such a long time out of the team.
Rutashubanyuma
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"This is my fifth year here and people know what I can do."
– Nani
Read the full interview with United's Portuguese winger in Inside United, out on Wednesday.
05/09/2011 11:57, Report by James Tuck
Page 1 of 2 Next
[h=1]Nani aims for number one[/h] Nani has enough faith in his ability to allow himself to dream of becoming the world's best player.
Four years since arriving at Old Trafford as an unknown bag of tricks, the Portuguese winger is starting to realise his undoubted potential as an attacking force.
The 24-year-old was voted player of the year by his Reds team-mates last season and has begun this campaign in exciting fashion, scoring three goals in the opening four games.
With confidence brimming, the wideman has set himself a lofty goal, though he recognises he'll have to work hard to achieve it.
"That's one dream I've got: to be the best in the world," Nani told Inside United, out on Wednesday.
"But I don't let it frustrate me. I'm not like: 'I have to be the best in the world', because I have other priorities like winning trophies with the team.
"Hopefully, when I have finished playing football, people will say 'Nani was a fantastic player who won a lot of titles and beat records at the club' or something like that.
"I know I have the condition to be among the select best players in the world, but I have to work hard and show that.
"Sometimes that doesn't happen, but what I can promise is that as long as I am a football player, I will do my best to try to get there."
– Nani
Read the full interview with United's Portuguese winger in Inside United, out on Wednesday.
05/09/2011 11:57, Report by James Tuck
Page 1 of 2 Next
[h=1]Nani aims for number one[/h] Nani has enough faith in his ability to allow himself to dream of becoming the world's best player.
Four years since arriving at Old Trafford as an unknown bag of tricks, the Portuguese winger is starting to realise his undoubted potential as an attacking force.
The 24-year-old was voted player of the year by his Reds team-mates last season and has begun this campaign in exciting fashion, scoring three goals in the opening four games.
With confidence brimming, the wideman has set himself a lofty goal, though he recognises he'll have to work hard to achieve it.
"That's one dream I've got: to be the best in the world," Nani told Inside United, out on Wednesday.
"But I don't let it frustrate me. I'm not like: 'I have to be the best in the world', because I have other priorities like winning trophies with the team.
"Hopefully, when I have finished playing football, people will say 'Nani was a fantastic player who won a lot of titles and beat records at the club' or something like that.
"I know I have the condition to be among the select best players in the world, but I have to work hard and show that.
"Sometimes that doesn't happen, but what I can promise is that as long as I am a football player, I will do my best to try to get there."
ndetichia
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Samir Nasri set to play in cast for Manchester City against Wigan
• £24m midfielder breaks bone in hand playing for France
• Protective cast should allow him to make home debut
- Daniel Taylor
- guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 7 September 2011 12.27 BST Article history
Manchester City's Samir Nasri, left, broke a bone in his hand while on international duty with France. Photograph: Daniel Mihailescu/AFP/Getty Images
Samir Nasri will be fitted with a protective cast in an effort to ensure he can make his home debut for Manchester City this weekend after breaking a bone in his left hand while on international duty for France.
Nasri suffered the injury during a 15-minute substitute's appearance in France's goalless draw with Romania on Tuesday. He was able to finish the match after receiving a pain-killing spray but he left the stadium with a cast on his left hand and, on his return to Manchester, was taken to a private hospital for an x-ray.
The results will determine whether the £24m signing, who made his City debut in the 5-1 defeat of Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane two weekends ago, can play in the Premier League home game against Wigan Athletic on Saturday. The immediate sense at City is that the former Arsenal player will be cleared to play.
Kolo Touré may have to wait a little longer before his return. The defender's six-month ban for taking a prohibited substance has now elapsed but there are doubts about his match fitness after such a long time out of the team.
good news to us city fans..
ndetichia
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Samir Nasri set to play in cast for Manchester City against Wigan
£24m midfielder breaks bone in hand playing for France
Protective cast should allow him to make home debut
- Daniel Taylor
- guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 7 September 2011 12.27 BST Article history
Manchester City's Samir Nasri, left, broke a bone in his hand while on international duty with France. Photograph: Daniel Mihailescu/AFP/Getty Images
Samir Nasri will be fitted with a protective cast in an effort to ensure he can make his home debut for Manchester City this weekend after breaking a bone in his left hand while on international duty for France.
Nasri suffered the injury during a 15-minute substitute's appearance in France's goalless draw with Romania on Tuesday. He was able to finish the match after receiving a pain-killing spray but he left the stadium with a cast on his left hand and, on his return to Manchester, was taken to a private hospital for an x-ray.
The results will determine whether the £24m signing, who made his City debut in the 5-1 defeat of Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane two weekends ago, can play in the Premier League home game against Wigan Athletic on Saturday. The immediate sense at City is that the former Arsenal player will be cleared to play.
Kolo Touré may have to wait a little longer before his return. The defender's six-month ban for taking a prohibited substance has now elapsed but there are doubts about his match fitness after such a long time out of the team.
good news to us city fans..
Rutashubanyuma
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[h=1]Fergie backs youngsters to stand up to Bolton bullies[/h] Published 22:30 09/09/11 By David McDonnell
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...ers-against-bully-tactics-article796731.html#
Sir Alkex Ferguson has backed his young Manchester United side to stand up to Bolton's bully-boy tactics and prove their title mettle.
Trotters skipper Kevin Davies has already promised young Old Trafford defender Phil Jones a physical duel.
And he said Owen Coyle's side will look to expose keeper David De Gea's perceived vulnerability* with a similarly robust and direct approach.
Ferguson complained at the lack of protection afforded to De Gea by officials on his Premier League debut at West Brom four weeks ago, as the Spaniard endured a tough entry into the English game.
But the United boss said he has no worries over De Gea's ability to handle Bolton's approach today, despite his keeper's slender build and lack of experience* playing against such uncompromising opponents.
"He is bound to get better protection than he did at West Brom," said Ferguson.
"There's nothing wrong with a physical approach, it's part of the challenge. Each game will be a new experience for him.
"He got a different type of experience at West Brom and actually did really well in the sense he had to deal with it.
"He made a mistake with West Brom's goal, but on every occasion* they put the ball on top of him, he dealt with it.
"At 20, he's young for a keeper, but he's here long-term for us.
"He will improve as he goes along and will get stronger. I have no issues with him at all." Ferguson is expected to continue with Jones and Jonny Evans in central defence, despite Rio Ferdinand having recovered from a hamstring problem.
Davies has warned Jones, 19, to expect a rough ride at the Reebok Stadium, but the United boss said the defender can cope with the striker's tough tactics.
Fergie, who has already seen his exciting new breed of* talent – such as Ashley Young, Chris Smalling and Jones – lift the Community Shield (left), said: "Davies is a very difficult customer.
"He uses his physique well, but I think Phil Jones has shown he's quite capable of dealing with different opponents.
"I'm sure he faced Davies last year and has probably* played against the likes of Didier Drogba and Peter Crouch.
"So it's not as if he's lacking experience of playing against players of that type."
With Danny Welbeck injured, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez are expected to resume their prolific strike partnership for the first time this season.
Hernandez, who was rested as a precaution after suffering concussion on United's pre-season tour of the US, is fit to return after featuring for Mexico during the international break.
"Javier played two lots of 45 minutes for Mexico and scored once," said Ferguson.
"He came on against Arsenal and played an hour or so there, so he's ready and trained well.
"The only issue was how much time we gave him after his head knock in the States. He's fine."
Ferguson said he was not surprised at all by Owen Hargreaves' switch to Manchester City on a free, after being released by United following three years of battling knee injuries.*
"He was desperate to get somewhere," said Ferguson.
"Unfortunately, he didn't play enough football for us."
Ngog dreams of scoring on debut against United
Former ref claims United game against Galatasaray was fixed
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...ers-against-bully-tactics-article796731.html#
Sir Alkex Ferguson has backed his young Manchester United side to stand up to Bolton's bully-boy tactics and prove their title mettle.
Trotters skipper Kevin Davies has already promised young Old Trafford defender Phil Jones a physical duel.
And he said Owen Coyle's side will look to expose keeper David De Gea's perceived vulnerability* with a similarly robust and direct approach.
Ferguson complained at the lack of protection afforded to De Gea by officials on his Premier League debut at West Brom four weeks ago, as the Spaniard endured a tough entry into the English game.
But the United boss said he has no worries over De Gea's ability to handle Bolton's approach today, despite his keeper's slender build and lack of experience* playing against such uncompromising opponents.
"He is bound to get better protection than he did at West Brom," said Ferguson.
"There's nothing wrong with a physical approach, it's part of the challenge. Each game will be a new experience for him.
"He got a different type of experience at West Brom and actually did really well in the sense he had to deal with it.
"He made a mistake with West Brom's goal, but on every occasion* they put the ball on top of him, he dealt with it.
"At 20, he's young for a keeper, but he's here long-term for us.
"He will improve as he goes along and will get stronger. I have no issues with him at all." Ferguson is expected to continue with Jones and Jonny Evans in central defence, despite Rio Ferdinand having recovered from a hamstring problem.
Davies has warned Jones, 19, to expect a rough ride at the Reebok Stadium, but the United boss said the defender can cope with the striker's tough tactics.
Fergie, who has already seen his exciting new breed of* talent – such as Ashley Young, Chris Smalling and Jones – lift the Community Shield (left), said: "Davies is a very difficult customer.
"He uses his physique well, but I think Phil Jones has shown he's quite capable of dealing with different opponents.
"I'm sure he faced Davies last year and has probably* played against the likes of Didier Drogba and Peter Crouch.
"So it's not as if he's lacking experience of playing against players of that type."
With Danny Welbeck injured, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez are expected to resume their prolific strike partnership for the first time this season.
Hernandez, who was rested as a precaution after suffering concussion on United's pre-season tour of the US, is fit to return after featuring for Mexico during the international break.
"Javier played two lots of 45 minutes for Mexico and scored once," said Ferguson.
"He came on against Arsenal and played an hour or so there, so he's ready and trained well.
"The only issue was how much time we gave him after his head knock in the States. He's fine."
Ferguson said he was not surprised at all by Owen Hargreaves' switch to Manchester City on a free, after being released by United following three years of battling knee injuries.*
"He was desperate to get somewhere," said Ferguson.
"Unfortunately, he didn't play enough football for us."
Ngog dreams of scoring on debut against United
Former ref claims United game against Galatasaray was fixed
Rutashubanyuma
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[h=1]Cristiano Ronaldo drops hint he could leave Real Madrid[/h] Published 10:49 10/09/11 By MirrorFootball
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...ted-Real-Madrid-quit-hint-article796760.html#
Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped yet another hint that his future lies away from Real Madrid.
"I am still not finished in the world of football," said the former Manchester United star when asked about his long-term plans.
"I am Portuguese and I love my land and people but I am not sure if I will finish my career there.
"I never close the doors to any league or any club but for now I am happy in Madrid. In the future, you never know."
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...ted-Real-Madrid-quit-hint-article796760.html#
Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped yet another hint that his future lies away from Real Madrid.
"I am still not finished in the world of football," said the former Manchester United star when asked about his long-term plans.
"I am Portuguese and I love my land and people but I am not sure if I will finish my career there.
"I never close the doors to any league or any club but for now I am happy in Madrid. In the future, you never know."
Rutashubanyuma
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[h=1]Cahill opens door to Arsenal or Spurs move[/h] Published 11:12 10/09/11 By Football Spy
Sought-after Bolton defender Gary Cahill has opened the door to a big-money move in January.
Arsenal and Tottenham were both frustrated in their attempts to sign the England international this summer.
And now Cahill has hinted he could leave the Reebok to play European football.
"As a professional footballer in general you want to strive and be the best you can and try to get to the highest level you can," said Cahill.
"Playing European football would be fantastic but as it is at the minute I'm not doing that so all I can do is put my performances in for Bolton Wanderers."
Sought-after Bolton defender Gary Cahill has opened the door to a big-money move in January.
Arsenal and Tottenham were both frustrated in their attempts to sign the England international this summer.
And now Cahill has hinted he could leave the Reebok to play European football.
"As a professional footballer in general you want to strive and be the best you can and try to get to the highest level you can," said Cahill.
"Playing European football would be fantastic but as it is at the minute I'm not doing that so all I can do is put my performances in for Bolton Wanderers."
Rutashubanyuma
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[h=1]Papers: Sir Alex going nowhere[/h] 07/09/2011 08:45
Martin Lipton writes in The Sun...
Alex Ferguson and on and on
Alex Ferguson insists he still has no plans to retire - even though he turns 70 at the end of this year. Fergie will clock up 25 years as Manchester United boss on November 6. Plenty of other names have been mentioned as possible successors over the last quarter of a century. But Fergie has seen them all off and insists he will keep modern-day pretenders to his throne such as Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola waiting for a while longer yet. Ferguson said: "Over the years I've had the question who do I think could replace me? Now some of the coaches who people were talking about to replace me don't have jobs any more. So it becomes very difficult because someone who I think has potential may be sacked by his club and disappear. I think you would need someone very experienced in the long-term. But I have absolutely no idea... and anyway I'm not retiring!"
Elsewhere, The Daily Mail claim Danny Welbeck is ahead of schedule in his fight to return to fitness after the young striker pulled up with hamstring trouble in United's 8-2 win against Arsenal last month. Initially, Sir Alex said he expected Welbeck to miss up to six weeks, but The Daily Mail claim Danny hopes to resume training next week.
There's also plenty of praise for Ashley Young in the papers, after the Reds winger scored England's only goal in last night's 1-0 win against Wales at Wembley. You can read all about how Manchester United players fared in last night's fixtures in our international round-up.
More: Sir Alex praises Anderson | Rooney is Player of Month
Round Up By Nick Coppack
Alex Ferguson and on and on
Alex Ferguson insists he still has no plans to retire - even though he turns 70 at the end of this year. Fergie will clock up 25 years as Manchester United boss on November 6. Plenty of other names have been mentioned as possible successors over the last quarter of a century. But Fergie has seen them all off and insists he will keep modern-day pretenders to his throne such as Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola waiting for a while longer yet. Ferguson said: "Over the years I've had the question who do I think could replace me? Now some of the coaches who people were talking about to replace me don't have jobs any more. So it becomes very difficult because someone who I think has potential may be sacked by his club and disappear. I think you would need someone very experienced in the long-term. But I have absolutely no idea... and anyway I'm not retiring!"
Elsewhere, The Daily Mail claim Danny Welbeck is ahead of schedule in his fight to return to fitness after the young striker pulled up with hamstring trouble in United's 8-2 win against Arsenal last month. Initially, Sir Alex said he expected Welbeck to miss up to six weeks, but The Daily Mail claim Danny hopes to resume training next week.
There's also plenty of praise for Ashley Young in the papers, after the Reds winger scored England's only goal in last night's 1-0 win against Wales at Wembley. You can read all about how Manchester United players fared in last night's fixtures in our international round-up.
More: Sir Alex praises Anderson | Rooney is Player of Month
Round Up By Nick Coppack
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[h=1]Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Saturday's papers[/h] Published 10:39 10/09/11 By Football Spy
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...-King-axe-Saturday-papers-article796759.html#
The transfer window may be shut, but some clubs are already planning their assault on the next one in January.
Here's the best stories from today's papers:
Transfer stories from today's Daily Mirror
City back in for 'extraordinary' Serie A star
Redknapp finds out about Sandro's new contract...on TV!
Bridge urged to rebuild his career in Championship
Ipswich beat Pompey and Forest to Stoke defender
Today's transfer stories from other papers and websites
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has admitted he may have to let Ledley King go unless he starts playing more games (Daily Mail)
Nottingham Forest boss Steve McClaren admits he is now shopping in the bargain basement (The Sun)
Gary Cahill has alerted Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal by saying his dream remains to play European football (Caughtoffside.com)
Arsenal are weighing up a move for PSV Eindhoven's Sweden strike r Ola Toivonen (talkSPORT)
Everton and Manchester City target Luisao has signed a new contract at Benfica (talkSPORT)
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again hinted that he could leave Real Madrid(talkSPORT)
Arsenal and Sunderland will battle it out for Hannover 96 striker Mohammed Abdellaoue (talkSPORT)
Auxerre midfielder Delvin Ndinga rejected approaches from Tottenham and Newcastle to remain in France (talkSPORT)
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...-King-axe-Saturday-papers-article796759.html#
The transfer window may be shut, but some clubs are already planning their assault on the next one in January.
Here's the best stories from today's papers:
Transfer stories from today's Daily Mirror
City back in for 'extraordinary' Serie A star
Redknapp finds out about Sandro's new contract...on TV!
Bridge urged to rebuild his career in Championship
Ipswich beat Pompey and Forest to Stoke defender
Today's transfer stories from other papers and websites
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has admitted he may have to let Ledley King go unless he starts playing more games (Daily Mail)
Nottingham Forest boss Steve McClaren admits he is now shopping in the bargain basement (The Sun)
Gary Cahill has alerted Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal by saying his dream remains to play European football (Caughtoffside.com)
Arsenal are weighing up a move for PSV Eindhoven's Sweden strike r Ola Toivonen (talkSPORT)
Everton and Manchester City target Luisao has signed a new contract at Benfica (talkSPORT)
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again hinted that he could leave Real Madrid(talkSPORT)
Arsenal and Sunderland will battle it out for Hannover 96 striker Mohammed Abdellaoue (talkSPORT)
Auxerre midfielder Delvin Ndinga rejected approaches from Tottenham and Newcastle to remain in France (talkSPORT)
Rutashubanyuma
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[h=1]Mancini strips disloyal Tevez of City captaincy[/h] Published 23:00 09/09/11 By David McDonnell
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...captaincy-Vincent-Kompany-article796580.html#
Roberto Mancini confirmed he has stripped Carlos Tevez of the Manchester City captaincy because of the striker's demand to leave over the summer.
Tevez is set to make his first start of the season for City today since declaring his desire to leave, a move which has cost him the skipper's armband and seen Vincent Kompany replace him.
Mancini admitted Tevez's perceived show of disloyalty in trying to force through a move had made the forward's position as captain untenable and said Kompany was now the permanent choice.
"The captain now is Vinnie Kompany," said Mancini.
"The reasons are simple. Carlos wanted to leave the club in the summer for family reasons.
"I respected his opinion about wanting to leave, but Carlos is still here because we didn't find a solution for him.
"He's a fantastic player for us, someone who can score 20 goals a season, but I decided in the summer that Vinnie was the captain."
Asked if Tevez had accepted and understood the decision to take the captaincy away from him, Mancini said: "Yes, Carlos is a clever man.
"He trains very well, Carlos works very well. Sometimes maybe, like all the other players, it?s impossible that all the players train very well every day.
"Maybe if a player plays the night before he doesn't sleep very well, and that's a problem for every player. But Carlos works very well, and when he plays the games he's an incredible player."
Tevez stayed put because no club was able or willing to match City's £40m-plus valuation of him and the former Manchester United striker's prohibitive £200,000-a-week wages.
Ironically, the reason Tevez gave for wanting to leave - being separated from his family back in Argentina - would appear to have been resolved, with his wife and two daughters having moved over to Manchester on a permanent basis.
But the actions of Tevez and his agent Kia Joorabchian, in trying to engineer a move, had a destabilising effect on the club and Mancini has acted in the best interests of his squad by appointing Kompany as skipper.
City take on Wigan at the Etihad Stadium today, looking to mainatin their 100 per cent start to the sesaon with a fourth straight Premier League win.
With Sergio Aguero having travelled around the globe on international duty with Argentina, his compatriot Tevez - left out of his country's squad - is primed for his first start of the season.
Gareth Barry, who twisted his left ankle in England's 1-0 win over Wales, wore a protective plastic boot at the club's training ground yesterday and needed crutches to walk.
Along with Barry, fellow midfielder Nigel De Jong remains sidelined with a foot problem, Mancini admitting he does not expect the Dutchman back for at least another fortnight.
With City and United having taken maximum points from their opening three games, the title race has already been billed as a straight fight between Manchester's two clubs.
After City thrashed Spurs 5-1 a fortnight ago, United went out and demolished Arsenal 8-2 later the same day, proof, Mancini claimed, of how tough it will be to usurp the champions.
"United have been playing like this for 20 years and now we have arrived," said Mancini. "I think United are two or three yards above us.
"But this season I think we can arrive there if we improve. The season is long.
"There will be some moments when we play very well and score three or four goals every game.
"But there will probably be some other moments when we can't score with the same players."
Martinez: My young stars can be as good as Aguero
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...captaincy-Vincent-Kompany-article796580.html#
Roberto Mancini confirmed he has stripped Carlos Tevez of the Manchester City captaincy because of the striker's demand to leave over the summer.
Tevez is set to make his first start of the season for City today since declaring his desire to leave, a move which has cost him the skipper's armband and seen Vincent Kompany replace him.
Mancini admitted Tevez's perceived show of disloyalty in trying to force through a move had made the forward's position as captain untenable and said Kompany was now the permanent choice.
"The captain now is Vinnie Kompany," said Mancini.
"The reasons are simple. Carlos wanted to leave the club in the summer for family reasons.
"I respected his opinion about wanting to leave, but Carlos is still here because we didn't find a solution for him.
"He's a fantastic player for us, someone who can score 20 goals a season, but I decided in the summer that Vinnie was the captain."
Asked if Tevez had accepted and understood the decision to take the captaincy away from him, Mancini said: "Yes, Carlos is a clever man.
"He trains very well, Carlos works very well. Sometimes maybe, like all the other players, it?s impossible that all the players train very well every day.
"Maybe if a player plays the night before he doesn't sleep very well, and that's a problem for every player. But Carlos works very well, and when he plays the games he's an incredible player."
Tevez stayed put because no club was able or willing to match City's £40m-plus valuation of him and the former Manchester United striker's prohibitive £200,000-a-week wages.
Ironically, the reason Tevez gave for wanting to leave - being separated from his family back in Argentina - would appear to have been resolved, with his wife and two daughters having moved over to Manchester on a permanent basis.
But the actions of Tevez and his agent Kia Joorabchian, in trying to engineer a move, had a destabilising effect on the club and Mancini has acted in the best interests of his squad by appointing Kompany as skipper.
City take on Wigan at the Etihad Stadium today, looking to mainatin their 100 per cent start to the sesaon with a fourth straight Premier League win.
With Sergio Aguero having travelled around the globe on international duty with Argentina, his compatriot Tevez - left out of his country's squad - is primed for his first start of the season.
Gareth Barry, who twisted his left ankle in England's 1-0 win over Wales, wore a protective plastic boot at the club's training ground yesterday and needed crutches to walk.
Along with Barry, fellow midfielder Nigel De Jong remains sidelined with a foot problem, Mancini admitting he does not expect the Dutchman back for at least another fortnight.
With City and United having taken maximum points from their opening three games, the title race has already been billed as a straight fight between Manchester's two clubs.
After City thrashed Spurs 5-1 a fortnight ago, United went out and demolished Arsenal 8-2 later the same day, proof, Mancini claimed, of how tough it will be to usurp the champions.
"United have been playing like this for 20 years and now we have arrived," said Mancini. "I think United are two or three yards above us.
"But this season I think we can arrive there if we improve. The season is long.
"There will be some moments when we play very well and score three or four goals every game.
"But there will probably be some other moments when we can't score with the same players."
Martinez: My young stars can be as good as Aguero
Rutashubanyuma
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[h=1]Papers: Ashley's aim[/h] 08/09/2011 09:30
Rob Beasley writes in The Sun...
Young: Wayne and I can destroy Europe
Ashley Young believes he and Wayne Rooney can terrorise Europe for club and country. The pair are in sensational form, scoring four out of England's six goals in their last three internationals. And they are doing even better for United with seven goals in the first three league games this term, Rooney bagging five and Young two. Now United's new-boy is hoping it is just the beginning of a brilliant partnership that will drive both sides to Euro glory next summer. Young, 26, said: "You can build up relationships at a club and with the way Wayne's started and the way the club has started we've done really well already. So I'm delighted with the way things have begun. OK, we're only three games in and there is a long season ahead. But things have started great and hopefully we can continue to build on that and keep winning. And if we can continue that partnership at Man United, I'm sure it will bode well for England, too."
Meanwhile, The Sun features quotes from Jonny Evans who says he must improve after an inconsistent season at Old Trafford last term. "I didn't hit the form I wanted," he says. "If I had another season like that I am sure the manager wouldn't want me around. I wasn't playing consistently to a good enough standard for Manchester United so I have gone back to basics and worked hard."
The Telegraph run an interview with Reds legend Denis Law who is thrilled to recognise Manchester's status as the 'Capital of Football.'
More: Owen eyes Barcelona rematch | Rooney backs Hernandez | Is Rooney world class?
Round Up By Gemma Thompson
Young: Wayne and I can destroy Europe
Ashley Young believes he and Wayne Rooney can terrorise Europe for club and country. The pair are in sensational form, scoring four out of England's six goals in their last three internationals. And they are doing even better for United with seven goals in the first three league games this term, Rooney bagging five and Young two. Now United's new-boy is hoping it is just the beginning of a brilliant partnership that will drive both sides to Euro glory next summer. Young, 26, said: "You can build up relationships at a club and with the way Wayne's started and the way the club has started we've done really well already. So I'm delighted with the way things have begun. OK, we're only three games in and there is a long season ahead. But things have started great and hopefully we can continue to build on that and keep winning. And if we can continue that partnership at Man United, I'm sure it will bode well for England, too."
Meanwhile, The Sun features quotes from Jonny Evans who says he must improve after an inconsistent season at Old Trafford last term. "I didn't hit the form I wanted," he says. "If I had another season like that I am sure the manager wouldn't want me around. I wasn't playing consistently to a good enough standard for Manchester United so I have gone back to basics and worked hard."
The Telegraph run an interview with Reds legend Denis Law who is thrilled to recognise Manchester's status as the 'Capital of Football.'
More: Owen eyes Barcelona rematch | Rooney backs Hernandez | Is Rooney world class?
Round Up By Gemma Thompson
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[h=1]Exclusive: Cook jumped City ship before he was pushed[/h] Published 22:31 09/09/11 By David McDonnell
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...al-resigned-before-sacked-article796726.html#
Disgraced former Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook quit because he knew he faced the sack, it emerged last night.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak flew in to Manchester yesterday to sack Cook over the email scandal which brought shame on the world's richest club.
But Mirror Sport has learned Cook's fate was sealed long before his resignation was accepted, with the board having concluded they had no option but to sack him following an internal inquiry.
Cook denied sending an offensive email to the cancer-stricken mother of City defender Nedum Onuoha. He claimed his computer had been hacked into by a third party, but the inquiry found no substance to the claim.
Cook resigned before coming clean that he was responsible. Cook said: "I am privileged to have held my position at Manchester City.
"The privilege is in part offset, however, by the significant personal focus which has at times detracted from the magnificent achievements of those working at the football club.
"It is that factor, together with my error of judgement in this matter, that has prompted me to reach this decision, which I believe is in the best interests of the football club."
City were keen for a swift end to the saga to ensure it wouldn't overshadow their Champions League debut next Wednesday against Napoli.
A City statement said: "The board-led review has been concluded and the club can confirm there is foundation to Dr Onuoha's allegations and the chairman has written to apologise to Dr Onuoha for any distress caused.
"Following the findings of the review, chief executive officer Garry Cook has offered his resignation, which has been accepted with regret by the board."
City chairman Khaldoon said: "Garry has made a remarkable contribution to Manchester City over the past three years.
"His judgement in this matter should in no way lead to his accomplishments being overlooked.
"On behalf of Sheikh Mansour and the board, I would like to thank him for his energy and tireless commitment to serving all those connected with the football club. He will always be welcome at Manchester City."
Cook, currently on holiday in America with his family, was due to be informed of his sacking in a face-to-face meeting with Khaldoon on his return.
The offending email sent to Onuoha's mother, who is also her son's agent, was intended for City's football adminstrator Brian Marwood.
The content mocked her battle with cancer.
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...al-resigned-before-sacked-article796726.html#
Disgraced former Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook quit because he knew he faced the sack, it emerged last night.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak flew in to Manchester yesterday to sack Cook over the email scandal which brought shame on the world's richest club.
But Mirror Sport has learned Cook's fate was sealed long before his resignation was accepted, with the board having concluded they had no option but to sack him following an internal inquiry.
Cook denied sending an offensive email to the cancer-stricken mother of City defender Nedum Onuoha. He claimed his computer had been hacked into by a third party, but the inquiry found no substance to the claim.
Cook resigned before coming clean that he was responsible. Cook said: "I am privileged to have held my position at Manchester City.
"The privilege is in part offset, however, by the significant personal focus which has at times detracted from the magnificent achievements of those working at the football club.
"It is that factor, together with my error of judgement in this matter, that has prompted me to reach this decision, which I believe is in the best interests of the football club."
City were keen for a swift end to the saga to ensure it wouldn't overshadow their Champions League debut next Wednesday against Napoli.
A City statement said: "The board-led review has been concluded and the club can confirm there is foundation to Dr Onuoha's allegations and the chairman has written to apologise to Dr Onuoha for any distress caused.
"Following the findings of the review, chief executive officer Garry Cook has offered his resignation, which has been accepted with regret by the board."
City chairman Khaldoon said: "Garry has made a remarkable contribution to Manchester City over the past three years.
"His judgement in this matter should in no way lead to his accomplishments being overlooked.
"On behalf of Sheikh Mansour and the board, I would like to thank him for his energy and tireless commitment to serving all those connected with the football club. He will always be welcome at Manchester City."
Cook, currently on holiday in America with his family, was due to be informed of his sacking in a face-to-face meeting with Khaldoon on his return.
The offending email sent to Onuoha's mother, who is also her son's agent, was intended for City's football adminstrator Brian Marwood.
The content mocked her battle with cancer.
Rutashubanyuma
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[h=1]Papers: Smalling shines[/h] 05/09/2011 08:57
John Cross writes in The Mirror...
Smalling happy to learn as England's right back
Chris Smalling is happy to carry on as England's right-back even though he admits he is still learning the position. The Manchester United centre-back has played in the role already this season and that convinced Fabio Capello to hand him his international debut in Bulgaria. Smalling could now continue at right-back against Wales tomorrow night with Glen Johnson out and Micah Richards injured and the ex-Fulham defender says he is enjoying the best times of his career. "I've only played there a few times this season," he said. "The manager gave me a job and luckily it paid off. It was good to get the clean sheet."
The same paper claims Wayne Rooney, who scored twice in England's 3-0 win over Bulgaria on Friday night, will be fit to face Wales on Tuesday after overcoming a toe injury.
There's an interview with Denis Law in The Independent in which the Reds legend asserts that this season's Barclays Premier League title race will be between United and Manchester City. "The rivalry is great, it's exciting for Manchester," says Law, who played for both clubs.
Several papers continue to serialise Gary Neville's autobiography, while The Star reports that Rooney "sent only one tweet after Manchester United thrashed Arsenal 8-2 – to Gunners fan Piers Morgan, 46."
More: International round-up | Rooney is Player of Month | Fletcher: We'll keep fighting
Round Up By James Tuck
Smalling happy to learn as England's right back
Chris Smalling is happy to carry on as England's right-back even though he admits he is still learning the position. The Manchester United centre-back has played in the role already this season and that convinced Fabio Capello to hand him his international debut in Bulgaria. Smalling could now continue at right-back against Wales tomorrow night with Glen Johnson out and Micah Richards injured and the ex-Fulham defender says he is enjoying the best times of his career. "I've only played there a few times this season," he said. "The manager gave me a job and luckily it paid off. It was good to get the clean sheet."
The same paper claims Wayne Rooney, who scored twice in England's 3-0 win over Bulgaria on Friday night, will be fit to face Wales on Tuesday after overcoming a toe injury.
There's an interview with Denis Law in The Independent in which the Reds legend asserts that this season's Barclays Premier League title race will be between United and Manchester City. "The rivalry is great, it's exciting for Manchester," says Law, who played for both clubs.
Several papers continue to serialise Gary Neville's autobiography, while The Star reports that Rooney "sent only one tweet after Manchester United thrashed Arsenal 8-2 – to Gunners fan Piers Morgan, 46."
More: International round-up | Rooney is Player of Month | Fletcher: We'll keep fighting
Round Up By James Tuck
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[h=1]Papers: Jones praised[/h] 02/09/2011 08:43
Jason Burt writes in The Telegraph...
Capello to decide on Jones
The rise of Phil Jones has been so rapid and so remarkable that Fabio Capello will wait until Friday morning to decide whether to award the 19 year-old his first senior cap in the crucial Euro 2012 evening qualifier against Bulgaria. The likelihood is that Capello will go with the more experienced Gary Cahill as John Terry's partner in central defence but on Thursday the England captain admitted that Jones is "the one I am looking over my shoulder at" when it comes to eventually taking his place in the senior team. "For me, he's the one who really sticks out in our position," the 30-year-old defender said. "He clearly wants a place in the England side, whether that's mine or someone else's. He's hungry for that."
Writing in The Guardian, Paul Hayward says "adaptable" Ashley Young's performances for United so far have given Capello a clearer picture when it comes to picking his England wingers.
Meanwhile, in The Independent there's an opinion piece in praise of Wayne Rooney. James Lawton writes: "Last Sunday's hat-trick against Arsenal [...] was still more evidence to support the belief that, at 25, he has grasped the importance of some serious concentration of the mind."
Elsewhere there is plenty of coverage of United's yearly financial results, announced on Thursday.
More: International Reds | Duo hope for England debuts | Rooney: My best decision
Round Up By James Tuck
Capello to decide on Jones
The rise of Phil Jones has been so rapid and so remarkable that Fabio Capello will wait until Friday morning to decide whether to award the 19 year-old his first senior cap in the crucial Euro 2012 evening qualifier against Bulgaria. The likelihood is that Capello will go with the more experienced Gary Cahill as John Terry's partner in central defence but on Thursday the England captain admitted that Jones is "the one I am looking over my shoulder at" when it comes to eventually taking his place in the senior team. "For me, he's the one who really sticks out in our position," the 30-year-old defender said. "He clearly wants a place in the England side, whether that's mine or someone else's. He's hungry for that."
Writing in The Guardian, Paul Hayward says "adaptable" Ashley Young's performances for United so far have given Capello a clearer picture when it comes to picking his England wingers.
Meanwhile, in The Independent there's an opinion piece in praise of Wayne Rooney. James Lawton writes: "Last Sunday's hat-trick against Arsenal [...] was still more evidence to support the belief that, at 25, he has grasped the importance of some serious concentration of the mind."
Elsewhere there is plenty of coverage of United's yearly financial results, announced on Thursday.
More: International Reds | Duo hope for England debuts | Rooney: My best decision
Round Up By James Tuck
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[h=1]Papers: Fletcher gamble[/h] 01/09/2011 10:00
Levein set for biggest gamble yet
Darren Fletcher is set to start Scotland's big Euro 2012 qualifier on Saturday against Czech Republic after his fitness was endorsed by Sir Alex. The Scotsman writes: "It might well be the case that Fletcher, the captain and beating heart of the team in competitive fixtures under Levein, is regarded as a special case. If he starts on Saturday, in Scotland's most vital fixture for four years, then he will have been given special treatment to go with the long months of medical care received since succumbing to what is still being described as a mystery virus, one which attacked his stomach and left him struggling to maintain his optimum weight. Levein, it seems, has settled on the matter already, helped along the way by a telephone call from Sir Alex Ferguson on Friday morning. Assistant Peter Houston yesterday revealed that the Manchester United manager had told Levein to "get him in, he's fine". Strangely, however, Ferguson did not then include the midfielder in his own squad for last weekend's home fixture against Arsenal. The fear is that Levein might end up regretting his vow to play Fletcher, particularly since it jars with what he said as recently as the start of last month. But his performances in training this week have also proved persuasive. Houston reported yesterday that Fletcher had showed up well at Dumbarton. "Darren did it all," he said. "He's looking exceptionally well."
The newspapers obviously focus on the transfer deadline day activity and United did not do any business in the final 24 hours. Owen Hargreaves completed his move to City after being released by the Reds.
In The Daily Express, ex-England boss Graham Taylor says Rio Ferdinand faces a fight for his place from Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.
More: International Reds | The Gossip
Round Up By Adam Marshall
Darren Fletcher is set to start Scotland's big Euro 2012 qualifier on Saturday against Czech Republic after his fitness was endorsed by Sir Alex. The Scotsman writes: "It might well be the case that Fletcher, the captain and beating heart of the team in competitive fixtures under Levein, is regarded as a special case. If he starts on Saturday, in Scotland's most vital fixture for four years, then he will have been given special treatment to go with the long months of medical care received since succumbing to what is still being described as a mystery virus, one which attacked his stomach and left him struggling to maintain his optimum weight. Levein, it seems, has settled on the matter already, helped along the way by a telephone call from Sir Alex Ferguson on Friday morning. Assistant Peter Houston yesterday revealed that the Manchester United manager had told Levein to "get him in, he's fine". Strangely, however, Ferguson did not then include the midfielder in his own squad for last weekend's home fixture against Arsenal. The fear is that Levein might end up regretting his vow to play Fletcher, particularly since it jars with what he said as recently as the start of last month. But his performances in training this week have also proved persuasive. Houston reported yesterday that Fletcher had showed up well at Dumbarton. "Darren did it all," he said. "He's looking exceptionally well."
The newspapers obviously focus on the transfer deadline day activity and United did not do any business in the final 24 hours. Owen Hargreaves completed his move to City after being released by the Reds.
In The Daily Express, ex-England boss Graham Taylor says Rio Ferdinand faces a fight for his place from Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.
More: International Reds | The Gossip
Round Up By Adam Marshall
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[h=1]Papers: Sneijder shuts door[/h] 31/08/2011 10:00
Jeremy Cross wrote in the Daily Star ...
Wesley Sneijder has slammed the door shut on a last-minute switch to Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson has spent the summer chasing the Inter Milan star in the hope of luring him to Manchester United. United officials held talks with Wesley Sneijder's representatives and were confident of landing the midfield ace in a £36m deal. The move stalled when Inter dug their heels in and Holland international Sneijder struggled to agree personal terms. United's hopes were revived when Ferge's right hand man Rene Meulensteen suggested earlier this week a deal could still be thrashed out before tonight's transfer deadline. But Sneijder said: "I'm staying at Inter. I don't think I'll leave at this moment of the market. "It was either me or Eto'o to leave Inter and since he has now gone, there is no need for Inter to sell me. "Manchester United? Anything is possible in football, but I don't think this time something will happen."
In other news, The Sun claims that Fabio Capello has already taken the decision to include Ashley Young in the starting line-up for the match with Bulgaria on Friday. The Italian was impressed with the winger's displays this season and will play in the European Championship qualifier in Sofia.
More: International Reds | The Gossip
Round Up By Nick Coppack
Wesley Sneijder has slammed the door shut on a last-minute switch to Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson has spent the summer chasing the Inter Milan star in the hope of luring him to Manchester United. United officials held talks with Wesley Sneijder's representatives and were confident of landing the midfield ace in a £36m deal. The move stalled when Inter dug their heels in and Holland international Sneijder struggled to agree personal terms. United's hopes were revived when Ferge's right hand man Rene Meulensteen suggested earlier this week a deal could still be thrashed out before tonight's transfer deadline. But Sneijder said: "I'm staying at Inter. I don't think I'll leave at this moment of the market. "It was either me or Eto'o to leave Inter and since he has now gone, there is no need for Inter to sell me. "Manchester United? Anything is possible in football, but I don't think this time something will happen."
In other news, The Sun claims that Fabio Capello has already taken the decision to include Ashley Young in the starting line-up for the match with Bulgaria on Friday. The Italian was impressed with the winger's displays this season and will play in the European Championship qualifier in Sofia.
More: International Reds | The Gossip
Round Up By Nick Coppack
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[h=1]Manchester City's Wayne Bridge joins the non-playing footballers' club[/h] Wayne Bridge has become one of the forgotten men of football, living a celebrity lifestyle but rejecting the chance to move and play
-
- Daniel Taylor
- guardian.co.uk, Friday 9 September 2011 23.16 BST Article history
Manchester City's Wayne Bridge is not in the club's 25-man squads for either the Premier League or Champions League. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images
On the face of it, it is not a bad life. Wayne Bridge has all the star footballer's accessories: the pretty girlfriend, the designer labels, the big house on millionaire's row, with the big drive and big gates.
He lives in Alderley Edge, Cheshire's equivalent of the Hollywood Hills, and there are enough paparazzi around to let him know he is still news, at least for the gossip pages (he dates Frankie Sandford from the Saturdays).
They reckon Alderley Edge has more millionaires per square mile than any other part of the country. It is a place, according to one Daily Mail article, where the Oddbins sells upwards of 150 bottles of Cristal every week and the local charity shop is "filled with last season's Versace, Armani and Cavalli". Bridge's salary of £90,000 a week, or £4.7m a year, makes sure he fits in with the crowd.
But it is a strange existence. Bridge trains alone at Manchester City these days. He has not played for the first team since last December and is not in the 25-man squad for the Champions League. He has become one of the forgotten men, lost in the small print of the story that is unfolding in east Manchester.
Except it did not have to be this way, and it is here that we see why, behind the scenes at City, one senior member of staff talked this week of someone who had become "more interested in what he's doing on his Saturday nights rather than Saturday afternoons".
Then we come to Roberto Mancini's weekly press conference and the blank look when he was asked whether he understood the player's decision to stay put when he could have left during the transfer window. "I don't," he replied.
Mancini spoke of a "good player, a good guy" but it inevitably came back to a question of the player's priorities. "I'm not disappointed but I think he should be disappointed," he said. "For every player, it's important to play. If you have [the chance] to go and play somewhere it's important [to take it]."
Newcastle looked at Bridge at the start of the summer until it became clear the money involved was out of their reach. Two clubs from Turkey contacted City, and one from Russia. Then Celtic came in for him.
The proposal was a season-long loan, with European football and sell-out crowds. Bridge had the chance to re-establish himself, demonstrate his ambition, prove he still had a competitive spirit. He said no.
His motives have not been explained and, until we hear from him, we can only speculate. At City, though, there is a feeling among the coaching staff that this is someone who has lost his drive and is endangering whatever is left of his playing days.
Bridge has been on the wane for a couple of years. To put it into context, he went through a full season for City, playing 1,897 minutes, without a single cross, out of 47 attempts, going to a team-mate. He was loaned to West Ham in January and, on his debut, was at fault for every goal in a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal ("defending conspicuous by its awfulness", one match report said). He played 18 times for a club that was relegated.
Yet his last England cap was only 22 months ago. He has won 36 in total. There was a league championship medal for him at Chelsea, plus glories in the FA Cup and League Cup. City, then managed by Mark Hughes, paid £10m to sign him in January 2009, with a contract that runs to 2013.
City will investigate whether he will drop down a level. "It would be better for him if he finds a good solution in the Championship," Mancini says. "It's important he can find a good solution for the next four months." But any loan arrangement would mean City have to subsidise the majority of his salary. And what a salary it is. In total, Bridge's earnings at City stand at £12.5m so far and rising.
For this, the responsibility falls on City and their now-departed chief executive, Garry Cook, for handing out so many over-the-top salaries in the first year of the Abu Dhabi United Group regime. Craig Bellamy and Roque Santa Cruz were also earning around the £90,000-a-week mark, while Emmanuel Adebayor was on £150,000.
All these players, like Bridge, were excluded from first-team training in the run-up to the transfer window closing. Everyone bar Bridge moved on. What we have now is a non-playing football player.
Bridge has been frozen into a gulag of indifference at City, albeit one where the club pay enough into his account every month to make sure he can enjoy the life that has taken him off the sports pages and into the gossip columns. And there are still the footballers' perks, as his girlfriend explained to one newspaper last weekend.
"We booked a last-minute holiday to Cannes but I was in Manchester and didn't have anything with me. So Wayne was like: 'I'll ring up Harvey Nichols and see if they'll open late for us.' We were shopping by ourselves drinking champagne. I felt like a princess."
It is a life many would envy. But what price the thrill and adrenaline of running on to a football pitch, hearing the crowd, beneath the floodlights, the noise, the colours?
That, perhaps, is the most appropriate question for a man who does not seem to comprehend, a few weeks after turning 31, that it is far too early to find his career being spoken about in the past tense.
This article has been amended since publication to reflect the fact that Wayne Bridge is in Manchester City's Premier League squad
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