Ronaldinho to hang up his cleats

Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho has announced that after this season of football, he will be hanging up his cleats, and calling it a career.  Ronaldinho, who was in New York this Wednesday to help with the opening of Barcelona's new offices in the United States was in great spirits as he took some time to mingle with fans' and snap pictures with them as well.  Eventually sitting down and talking to the media, Ronaldinho told reporters during a press conference, "I am an old man now, I am 36.  I am no longer 26 like I once was, and I am looking at what I can do to mark an end to my career.  The plan is to play one more year." 

Ronaldinho who is currently not signed to a team has hinted in the past at playing in China, India and even the MLS.  Where he ends up playing is still in question as he hasn't announced anything yet, when asked about his future after football, the Brazilian legend said, "I am immersed in new projects, related to music and football which are, as you know, my two passions.  I am looking at new things that I have always liked and we will see what we will do this year."

Ronaldinho, who's full name is Ronaldo de Assis Moreira started his career in Gremio in the youth squad back in 1998.  Working his way up to first team and scoring 21 goals in 52 appearances.  From their he got the attention of French team Paris Saint-Germain, and signed with them in 2001.  It was for PSG that his star began to shine much, as well as winning a World Cup with Brazil in 2002, he got the attention of Barcelona in Spain.  So in 2003 after not winning much silverware (except for the Intertoto Cup) with PSG and not qualifying for a Champion's League, he signed with the Catalan club.  The beginning of his first season with the Catalan team was filled with injury woes.  Barcelona dropped all the way down to 12th place midway into the season, but when he returned, he managed to score a total of 15 goals and helped the team climb back to second place.

2004 was different, he won his first La Liga title and was named FIFA World Player of the Year.  In 2005 he signed an extension with Barcelona for two years.  By the start of the 2005 season, Ronaldinho was winning all kinds of individual awards, he won a consecutive second FIFA World Player of the award.  Only two other players had won that award more than once, Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.  This same year he also won the Ballon d'Or, the only time in his career.  To many, this is Ronaldinho's greatest season in any team, who can forget the famous Clasico match that occurred on November 19th, where Ronaldinho scored two goals in a 3-0 defeat of Real Madrid after the game was pretty much decided after his second goal, the Madrid fans in the Santiago Bernabeu paid Ronaldinho homage for his amazing performance by applauding and giving the Brazilian legend a standing ovation.  A feat that only one other person was able to do, a certain Argentine by the name of Diego Maradona.  Ronaldinho finished that season with another Liga title and winning the Champion League trophy for the first time in 14 years for the Catalans.

After his great many seasons at Barcelona, he became somewhat nomadic joining A.C. Milan for 2 seasons and then having stints back home with Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro, winning the first ever Copa Libertadores with the later team.  Then giving Mexican football a try, signed for Queretaro where he only played a season until he went back home to Brazil to Fluminense where he only made 9 appearances before he and club came to a mutual agreement that he wasn't performing as best as he could therefore terminating his contract.  Currently Ronaldinho is a free agent, where his last season will be played has yet to be announced.

 

Ibrahimovic offered to play at Manchester City and Coach Ibra

Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic revealed in an interview that before sigining with Manchester United, he had an opportunity on two separate occasions to play for Manchester City and also Arsenal.  He never specified weather or not the Manchester City offer was made before or after Pep Guardiola took reign of the team.  Ultimately, what made his decision easier for him was the possibility of working with Jose Mourinho again.  He told the Sun Paper from England, "Mourinho is the mastermind, the masterbrain.  He knows what he needs to do to win.  I learned a lot from him at Inter.  Who wouldn't want to have Mourinho as manager?"  Having only spent one year with the Portuguese at the San Siro, Ibrahimovic has stated in the past how much he regrets not spending more time with the Portuguese manager.

Zlatan also stated his desire to coach, he said that he would start taking his coaching badges to become a manager in January of 2017.  The Swedish legend has already spoken to Jose Mourinho about what to do after his playing days are over.  Even though he said he still has atleast two or three years of playing left, he plans on starting his coaching exams early next year and finishing them up next summer.  When asked where he would like to land a manager job, Zlatan looks to be leaning towards the Italian Serie A League.

From the looks of it, Zlatan has been getting his feet wet already in the coaching departments with reports coming last week from the training grounds of Manchester United saying how the Swede has been coaching the younger strikers including Marcus Rashford.  The ex-PSG star has also been staying behind after practice is over at United's Carrington training complex to teach the youngsters his shooting techniques.  Currently Ibra has been enjoying a great start to Manchester United's season scoring four goals in four appearances.  Because of this great start he's enjoying a four day extended break granted by Mourinho during the international break to recover.

 

 

Ronaldo In, Messi Out

Cristiano Ronaldo has reported back to training with the Real Madrid first team this Monday, after being out of action for almost 2 months.  The Portuguese captain was injured in the Euro 2016 final, where Portugal defeated favorites France with a score of 1-0 to win the tournament. 

Now, even though he's been out of training with the first team, Ronaldo has been staying busy by working out in the gym to keep his fitness level up.  But now that hes reported back to the first team squad, he is fired up and raring to go.  No date is set for his return, but all signs are pointing to a very close date as photos on his Instagram account show him in training unleashing a ferocious volley during training.

In Barcelona news, Lionel Messi has aggravated an ongoing hamstring injury that might see him miss this Saturday's game against Alaves.  Messi, who led Argentina to a 1-0 victory against Uruguay during a World Cup qualifying match will also miss Wednesday's match against Venezuela.  Messi has been recommended by Barcelona team doctors to, "lighten his training load over the next few days and his availability will depend on how the issue progresses" as stated on  the Barcelona website.  

Retirement for Clint Dempsey?

U.S. and Seattle Sounder's soccer superstar Clint Dempsey is going to be out of action for an indefinite amount of time due to a "irregular heartbeat".  The now 33 year old striker has played in 17 MLS games, scoring 8 goals, and 2 assists this season.  The Sounders who just lost to rivals Portland Timbers 4-2 clearly miss the superstar forward as well as his leadership.  Last encounter against Portland, in which Dempsey played, the Sounders won 3-1 with two goals from the striker.  Meanwhile the U.S. National team had a great game against St. Vincent, winning 6-0 with a stand out performance from Bobby Wood and Christian Pulisic. 

With only 8 games left in the regular season for the Sounders, and still in the hunt for a playoff berth, no doubt that Dempsey is missed for the club.  Especially with some tough fixtures coming up against the L.A. Galaxy on the 25th of September and Western Conference leaders FC Dallas on the 16th of October the goal scorer is very much needed.  Seattle Sounders have said that Dempsey will be undergoing further medical evaluations and as the medical process unfolds and information is gathered internally, no other details are being made publicly available at this time.

The main question is if Clint will comeback.  Being 33 years old in a sport of constant running, and throw in a irregular heart beat, the real question is if he will even return to the fields or possibly retire.  Earlier in July when interviewed by Taylor Twellman, Dempsey said that he would love to retire as a Sounder, possibly hinting at a retirement this year.  No doubt that Dempsey has had a great career both for club and international team.  Most recent was his stellar performance in this summer's Copa America Centenario where he led the U.S. team with three goals and three assist in 460 minutes, also with 20 shots on goal that added up to be 64 percent of the American total.  The U.S. made it all the way to the 3rd place game where they fell to Colombia 1-0.

Here's hoping that he makes a speedy recovery, and that we see him back on the fields in now time.  I would love to see Clint retire on his own terms and not forced because of something like this.  But, if this is the end, he's had a hell of a career and has accomplished so much.  Feel better 'Big Deuce". 

Wounded Tiger at Old Trafford

Concerns keep growing as Radamel Falcao known as "El Tigre" or "The Tiger", forward for the Red Devils as re injured himself, and will now be sidelined for 2 more weeks.  Falcao, who hasn't been active since the 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion on October 20th, injured is calf, and his now at least 2 weeks away from being healthy again.  Reports say that the injury occurred while training.  The injury also means that Falcao won't be available for the Arsenal clash which will be on Saturday, and the 2 back to back home games against Hull on November 29th and Stoke City on December 2nd. 

Falcao, who was a deadline day loan transfer from French club Monaco, has appeared for 5 games and scored 1 goal this season for the Red Devils, and has yet to complete a full 90 minutes.  When asked about this new set back by MUTV, Van Gaal was quoted as replying, "It takes time", he replied, "next week he shall train, probably with our selection and then he needs two weeks and maybe a game."

Falcao remains very optimistic though, and he even showed frustration on the media reporting stories on how he is still battling the injury that he attained at Monaco, which made him miss the World Cup.  Falcao told MUTV, "I am getting better,  I feel well and I hope to come back to the pitch soon.  It is disappointing that I can't play but I have to be calm and recover because that is important to help the team when I return to the games." He then mentioned his frustration with the media about his past injury, and cleared the air on it a bit.  "It is a bit frustrating. Well, it is more than frustrating actually and it detracts from the credibility of the media that there is so much speculation and that so many falsehoods have been written about it.  I think with an audience of so many millions of people, it is not right. I did take a small injury to my calf, which is something that I need to be careful with, but there are a lot of stories circulating that are pure speculation."

Let's hope the man known to his fan's as "El Tigre" or "The Tiger" has a quick and speedy recovery.  I'm sure I'm speaking for most football fan's when I say that the football world misses him and his amazing aerial goals.  On top of that, I'm sure Manchester United are missing him, especially with the other injury woes that they are going through.  Like Daley Blind who is going to be out of action for some time and a possible worry for the status of Angel Di Maria as he took a knock in Argentina's friendly against Portugal.  I would love to hear your opinion or any feedback, and if you enjoyed this article please follow and share my blog, and follow me on Twitter by following @RobertoVindell . Thanks guys.

Chicharito linked to Real Madrid

Javier Hernandez, better known as "Chicharito" to soccer fans, is being heavily linked to Spanish soccer club Real Madrid.  If true, this transfer would be a direct result from the Falcao deal not falling through for Real Madrid, who were trying to lure him away from A.S. Monaco on a one year loan deal as well.

From what we know, Chicharito has only played a total of 45 minutes this season so far in the Premier League for Manchester United.  Also, being that Benzema just signed an extension to hus contract, Chicharito will play the role of a back-up striker to the Frenchmen.  Not a bad back-up I think.  Chicharito is a decent player and his work ethic on the pitch is great.  His mobility inside the penalty box is great and his awareness on the pitch is pretty good. I'm sure he's going to make a few waves given the chance.

If rumours are true and "Los Blancos" sign Chicharito, will this conclude Madrid's shopping spree or will there be one more signing perhaps to fill the void of Xabi Alonso leaving?  Who would you like Madrid to sign? Let me know in the comments below, and also let me know about Chicharito's possible move to Madrid.

David Villa to New York City F.C.

In latest transfer comfirmation, Athletico De Madrid striker David Villa has signed with new upcoming MLS team New York City F.C.  Honestly I did'nt see this coming, even with the rumours and speculation.  David Villa is still a world-class player to me, so the fact that he signed for the MLS at this time is pretty exciting.

Villa is a World Cup champion, and recently just won the La Liga championship with Athletico De Madrid.  As well as a European championship back in 2008 and a Champions League title in the 2010-2011season.  Nicknamed "El Guaje" or "The Kid", Villa started for little teams such as Sporting Gijon, before moving to Valencia F.C. and making a name for himself.  Here he spent 5 seasons, and it's here where his star started to rise.  Scoring more than 100 goals for Valencia, Villa's stock soared, and it wasn't long till he started getting noticed by other soccer giants.  He ended up going to Barcelona, where he helped the team win a Champions League title. 

Last summer he signed for Athletico de Madrid helping them win their first La Liga title since 1996, under the managing of Diego Simeone.  All in all, I'm more than happy with New York City F.C. signing.  He still has a lot to give to the world of soccer, and the rivalry between New York City F.C. and New York Redbulls is going to be AMAZING!  Villa vs. Henry... Enough said.  Welcome to the U.S.A. Guaje!!!  

The stage is set for the 2014 World Cup

So the stage is set and the groups have been filled.  The FIFA 2014 World Cup has its schedule.  For the most, the groups are even, for some uneven.  As for the dreaded "Group of Death", to many commentators and soccer analysts, this Cup brings more than one "Group of Death."

The groups are as follows:

GROUP A
1. BRAZIL (host country)
2. CROATIA
3. MEXICO
4. CAMEROON

GROUP B
1. SPAIN (current World Champions)
2. NETHERLANDS (2nd place finisher)
3. CHILE
4. AUSTRALIA

GROUP C
1. COLOMBIA
2. GREECE
3. IVORY COAST
4. JAPAN

GROUP D
1. URUGUAY
2. COSTA RICA
3. ENGLAND
4. ITALY

GROUP E
1. SWITZERLAND
2. ECUADOR
3. FRANCE
4. HONDURAS

GROUP F
1. ARGENTINA
2. BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (1st appearance at the World Cup)
3. IRAN
4. NIGERIA

GROUP G
1. GERMANY
2. PORTUGAL
3. GHANA
4. USA

GROUP H
1. BELGIUM
2. ALGERIA
3. RUSSIA
4. SOUTH KOREA

So how did your team fare? How do you think your team will fare? Will they make it out the group stages and into the "Knockout stages"? Post a comment and let me know below.  Stay tune later on this week I'll start dissecting each group starting with group A and I'll let you guys know who I think will make it out and who won't.  Thanks amigos! See you guys in Brazil!

Final drawing for the 2014 World Cup is in a few minutes...

So just a heads up guys, the 2014 World Cup drawing starts in a few minutes. I don't know about you, but I'm really excited to see the different groups forming and seeing who is going to play who.

Will your team have a easy group? Will your team survive their group and make it to the knock stage?  Tune in and find out. Later on when the groups are made I'm going to start on writing about each group and hopefully each team to see who to keep an eye on for each team and my personal predictions as well. So stay tune!

And if there's anything you guys want on this blog relating to the World Cup or any other soccer topic leave a comment below.

El Tri with one foot in Rio

El Tri has crushed New Zealand in the first of two playoff games to finally qualify for the 2014 World Cup.  With new coach Miguel Herrera (Herrera being the fourth coach in less than 2 months) picking only national players, and not calling up on stars that play in European leagues like Javier Hernandez who plays for Manchester United.  Mexico who was extremely lucky to qualify for the play-off games had a rather lack luster performance in qualifiers, scoring only seven goals in a total of ten games.  With new coach Herrera, it seems like he has the team firing on all cylinders.  When asked why he went with an all national line-up, Herrera said, "It was partly to deal with Mexico City's altitude of 7,350 feet, which seems to fatigue the New Zealand players."

Mexico reached the play-off spot for the CONCACAF group finishing fourth, behind USA who are first, Costa Rica who are second, and Honduras finishing third.  On top of that Mexico secured their fourth place finish due to the U.S. scoring two really late goals against Panama, in what was a great comeback performance from the Stars and Stripes.

New Zealand never really was in the game as the Mexicans seemed really comfortable playing at home at the famous Azteca stadium.  As well as controlling the majority of the game and setting the tempo. More importantly Mexico looked like Mexico again.  Combining well in the mid-field and completing crisp combination passes to set-up play.  New Zealand also had it's hands full when it came to containing certain players, for example Oribe Peralta (who was my favorite player on the field today) and his darting runs, not to mention him scoring a pair of goals. 

Oribe Peralta (19) celebrating after scoring. My Man of the Match for the game.

All in all, Mexico is only 90 more minutes away from officially booking their trip to Brazil.  I think its safe to say that they are in.  New Zealand just isn't a good enough team, and they haven't been for awhile.  Which concerns me for Mexico cause if they want to go far in the World Cup, they need to really start coming up with game plans that will work in containing world class team's in the World Cup.  Sure New Zealand was a great game for El Tri, but if they want to step away from the shadows of mediocrity, Mexico still has a long way to go.

The Greatest Goals in FIFA Confederation Cup History

Here's a video presented by FIFA's YouTube channel, I only find fitting since the Confederation Cup is under way and the final is set.  Brazil vs. Spain.  Enjoy and comment below to see which was your favorite, and I would love to hear who you guys think will win the final.  I have my prediction, and I'll share it with you guy's tomorrow.

Captain America is BACK!!!

Jurgen Klinsman has just released his 23-man roster for the U.S. Gold Cup and Captain America is back!  Landon Donovan has been called back to the U.S. National team after being absent for nearly 11 months.  Donovan, who has been in three World Cups, and has played a total of 144 games for the Stars and Stripes, as well as a record total of 49 goals, hasn't played for the national team since the teams' 1-0 win against Mexico back in August 15th of 2012 in a friendly.

Following another great season with the L.A. Galaxy, Donovan took a much needed break for four months after winning the MLS Cup last season.  Donovan who was the captain for the team will most likely have to earn that captain's armband back.  Clint Dempsey has been leading the team lately, and his form and leadership is felt on the field as well as off.

When asked by the USSF about Donovan's inclusion to the roster, Klinsman replied, "He needed time to get back in rhythm, get back in shape and work on his game again.  I think now the process is on a good roll.  He's getting sharper every game and every week.  We've watched his games and believe now is a good time to get him back into the national team and give him the opportunity to prove his point.  He knows that the group that played the World Cup qualifiers is ahead of the curve and have a very strong position right now, and that he's been observed by us and has to rebuild his case.  We have all respect for what he has done int the past, but sports are about the present and about the future."  Very strong words from the manager, but at the same time very true, and for a player like Landon, I'm sure he views this as motivation.  I'm pretty sure he will earn his spot on the team.  He still has the same passion and drive that made him such a great player, look for him to be one of the player's to watch once the Gold Cup starts for them on July 9th against Belize in Portland, Oregon.
Feel free to comment below, and tell us how you feel about the inclusion of Landon on the U.S. team again.

Carlos Tevez to Juventus

Star striker Carlos Tevez has just packed up and left for Turin, Italy to play for Juventus.  Manchester City agreed to let Tevez leave for a fee of £12 million pounds ($18.5 million dollars) as well as bonuses.

Tevez who joined Manchester City back in 2009 helped end the team's drought of any type of silverware, winning the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League title the following season.  As well as scoring 58 goals in 107 appearances for City.

According to Italian media, Tevez will sign a contract for 3 years valued at £5.5 million pounds ($7.7 million dollars) per season.  Juventus who have been winning the "Scudetto" for the past two season, have done so with out a star forward.  So the signing of Tevez should provide the team with the needed firepower that they've been missing.

Confederation Cup Semi-final: Brazil vs. Uruguay

So the semi-final's start tomorrow for the Confederation Cup, and all I can say is we are in for some great clashes.  First we have Brazil against Uruguay who face off tomorrow,  and later on Spain against Italy.  Four world-class team's with world-class players.  Brazil versus Uruguay will be a fun game to watch. Seen as a rematch of the 1950's World Cup final where Uruguay defeated Brazil 2-1, known to soccer fans as "El Maracanazo".  The game will be fueled by passion especially from the Brazil squad as they want to still erase the memories of the 1950 World Cup final infront of their home crowd.

 

The host team (Brazil) is coming in to the semi-finals undefeated amd on the back of new Barcelona signee Neymar.  Neymar's performance thus far has been amazing, and has shut many critics up about whether or not he can hold his own against European team's. As of now in the tournament he's played in all three games and scored in all of them. A total of three, and one greatly made assist.  The kid is on fire and I only see him making big plays tomorrow when he amd his team faces Uruguay.

 

Uruguay comes into the semi-final's with their attacking trident all well rested.  Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez,  and Edinson Cavani were all given rest during Uruguays game against Tahiti. So each player will be playing to their full potential Wednesday.  Bottom line is this game will be a festival of goals and really entertaining.  Im giving the edge to Brazil, Brazil habe the talent all over the field wether its in the defense, midfield and forwards, as well as Neymar.  Then theres the reason that they're playing infront of their home, and I'm sure they dont want another "Maracanazo"!

Finally, my prediction, I'm giving the edge to Brazil.  They're coming into the semi's on a very high note, and next to Spain, they are the best team in the tournment.  Plus Neymar is playing on a great level.  Uruguay has the fire power but I think Brazil is just more well rounded. They have the fire power, and a pretty good defense capable of stopping Suarez, Cavani, or Forlan.  In other words, Brazil is a more complete team then Uruguay.  My score: 3-1 Brazil.

Cute kid scores at Chelsea's stadium...

Watch "Josh Turnbull - Sign Him Up!" on YouTube

Chelsea better sign him up asap! LOL!!!

David Beckham: The Last of the Galacticos

So as all of you guys know, the great David Beckham has retired.  I'm a bit late cause I've been busy with work and life.  I've been wanting to write on Beckham's recent retirement for awhile now, and what it mean's to me as a soccer fan and a David Beckham fan. 

All through out my life, I've looked up to two soccer players with feverish passion, the first one, as all my friends and relatives know is the Brazilian Ronaldo, or the Phenomenon.  I've looked up to him since I first saw him in a Brazil jersey way back in 96' in the Olympic's. I was 10, and he was everything I wanted to be as a soccer player, super-speed, strength of a bull, and did I say super-speed!  A couple of days after the Olympic games, I saw a game that to many soccer fan's that watched it, is forever burned in their memories.  In the 96'-97' season of the English Premier League, Manchester United was playing against Wimbledon, and were up 2-0. The flow of the game evolved from Manchester's back four towards the midfield, when all of a sudden the right midfielder for the Red Devil's took a pass deep in the center of the park and noticed Neil Sullivan (keeper for Wimbledon) standing way to far from his goal. Without hesitation Beckham struck from the midfield, and the ball, like a heat-seeking missile went straight into the goal. No bounce or anything, it went straight in, and the only thing that stopped the ball was the goal's net. I was left with my mouth wide open, and ever since that game, David Beckham became a house-hold name.  I'm pretty sure not just to me personally either but to many soccer fan's around the world.

After that day, I had another hero.  The more I saw of him the more I loved the guy.  I started following his career throughout Manchester United, then to Real Madrid, where he, alongside Ronaldo, Zidane, Figo, Roberto Carlos, Raul and company became what is known as "the Galactico's Era".  All these amazing soccer players, the best of the best, all in one team.  It was every soccer fan's wet dream.  Even the team's nickname sounded heroic.  Straight out of a comic book... Los Galactico's... The Galactics.  Throughout the season I would watch these Titan's play beautiful soccer.  These guys were God's among men to me. I loved every minute of it. Beckham was crucial in the team getting silverware and his signature free-kicks were just to much for opposing team's... Especially because they didn't know if they were getting a bullet shot from Roberto Carlos, or a banana curved shot from Beckham. As I got older, watching my heroes play, I realized the real reason why I loved Beckham so much.  The reason why I loved David so much was that he was a working-class soccer player. What I mean by that is that Beckham's ability weren't god given, he wasn't born with amazing abilities. No, he worked and worked and honed is skills.  I'm not saying that every great soccer player is born with great skill and abilities, but some are.  For example Lionel Messi has amazing skills.  There's videos of him at a really young age doing things that grown men can't, of course he's gotten better over the years through training and practicing but his initial ability was god given natural talent.

In David Beckham's case he trained and trained to become the player he is today.  He was never the fastest, and he never had a set of dribbling skills like Ronaldo ( the Phenomenon).  Nonetheless through his resilience and just drive he became good enough to play amongst these other soccer giants in the end becoming one himself.  David is known for his amazing dead-ball skills ex: free-kicks, corner-kicks. Also is crossing was sublime.  It was these abilities that made him a force on the pitch, and an outstanding player.  But the way he honed is skills was the reason I love this guy.  There's countless storied about how he would stay hours after practice taking an extra 35-40 free-kicks from different spots on the field.  It was this drive that made him great, and it was this drive that took him this far.

Aside from his drive and just overall hard-work ethic, the other thing that stood out to me was his passion.  No matter what shirt he had on he played with the strongest of passion.  He's one of the few players that I could look on the pitch and just know he was giving 125% in all games.  Overall he was just a hard-working player that always put his heart into every game and was passionate.  As cheesy as this sound's, Beckham's drive and hard-working ethic is something I always strive to do, whether it's in a small sided pick up game of soccer, or work.  I always try to give my all in anything I do. Something David Beckham has taught me.  So I knew the day would come when the last of my soccer heroes would retire. It killed me, I was shattered.  His last game was for Paris St. Germain, and he went out like any soccer great, any soccer god should... On top!  Paris St. Germain won the French Ligue and David Beckham had a teary-eyed standing ovation.  Perfect ending to a world-class player's career.  Perfect way to say good-bye to the last Galactico.  Thank you David, for the memories and inspiration.

Adios Mourinho!!!

Real Madrid have just released a statement saying that at the end of the season, Jose Mourinho will be gone. He's leaving with 3 years still left on his contract. According from the information currently out, both Mourinho and Real Madrid reached a mutual agreement deal. What the deal is no one knows... Yet. I'm sure in the near future more info will be released. What we do know is that one of the candidates currently in Madrid's radar is Carlos Ancelotti, who's currently managing Paris St. Germain. Another rumour that looks highly possible is Mourinho's return to Chelsea.

Mourinho who's 50, had joined Madrid after winning the Champion's League with Inter Milan back in 2010. For 3 years he was managing Madrid, with not a whole lot of silverware to show for it. In those 3 years he won 1 League title, 1 King's Cup, and 1 Super Cup. As well as 3 semi-final appearances in the Champion's League. Which for most soccer fan's that sounds like great accomplishments, but for a team with the pedigree and history of Real Madrid that's just not good enough.

So adios Mourinho, thank you for some great memories, as well as some of the most entertaining "Clasicos" that I have ever seen. Whether it's Chelsea or any other team, I'll be sure to keep an eye on "the Special One".

Gooodbye Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson,  the only Manchester United manager that I've seen coach "the Red Devil's" has called it quits. After a long and quite the successful career that includes over 30 trophies for the Red's. The great manager is stepping down.

Coaching the team since 1986, Mr. Ferguson is the most successful coach in English football. On top of being a great coach he was also a great mentor, starting the careers of many football star's such as David Beckham who joined the club at the tender age of 11. Also Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Javier Hernandez aee in that list, among many more. During his 26 years at Old Trafford, Sir Alex has won a total of 38 trophies which include 13 Premier League titles and 2 Champion's League titles as well.

On May 7th, in a match against Swansea. The Red Devils gave Sir Alex the perfect going away gift. A win and the English Premier League title yet again. A long and fruitful career came to an end. Sir Alex was a great coach and will be missed in the world of football

Already announced was his replacement. Mr. David Moyes, ex-manager for Everton will take over the reigns for Man. U.

Ronaldinho calling it quits...

Brazilian super-star Ronaldinho has announced at a press conference in Rio de Janiero, Brazil that he will be hanging up his boots for the national team after the Confederations Cup, and the World Cup.  The World Cup, which is going to be held in is home country Brazil, starts in June. Ronaldinho is quoted as saying, " I'm trying to motivate myself to have to a successful run in both tournaments to end my cycle with the national team", reported SporTV from Brazil.

 

Ronaldinho said that he wants to win the World Cup, in which Brazil will play host. Also stating that nothing is left for him to win with the national team because he's won, "all the possible championships with the Selecao." (Brazilian National Team nickname.)

 

Already called up twice to serve his national team by head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Athletico Minieros player has had 2 great performances against the friendlies played against England, and most recently Bolivia.  Whether or not Ronaldinho will call it quits or not after these tournaments, one thing can be said for sure, when the day comes for this maestro of the beautiful game, the world will miss a magician of soccer. With many soccer greats and personal heroes of mine calling it quits over the years, Ronaldinho stands as one of the last remaining greats that I grew up watching along side my child-hood and all time favorite Ronaldo. He's one of the last remaining legends I idolized in the sport. Ronaldinho, Beckham, and Thierry Henry are the last remaining that I admire, all still playing, but running out of fumes. Sooner or later, all good things come to an end... Unfortunately.

 

Ronaldinho with the Selecao has won a World Cup back in 2002, Copa America in 1999, and the Confederations Cup in 2005. To win another World Cup in his home Country would be the perfect icing on the cake, and a fine way to say goodbye to the national team.  How do you soccer fans feel about this news?  Comment below.

Messi vs. Machine

Messi vs. Machine (courtesy of YouTube)

 

 

Funny video, Messi going up against a Robotic goal-keeper. Who wins? Comment below...