Wayne Rooney has expressed his pride at being named Manchester United captain by manager Louis van Gaal.

European round-up

Rafael Benitez has been appointed as the new coach of Napoli, club president Aurelio de Laurentiis announced on his Twitter feed last night.

Valencia 1 Paris Saint-Germain 2

Mauricio Pellegrino has been sacked as coach of Valencia, the club have confirmed on their Twitter feed.

This time last year, few Spanish fans or pundits could say with certainty who would be playing left-back for La Roja at Euro 2012.

Juventus last night won their first Serie A crown since 2003 as a Diego Milito hat-trick sunk title rivals AC Milan.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis reflected on a thrilling seven-month adventure to the corners of the continent after his side’s Europa League run was finally brought to an end by Valencia in the last 32 last night.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola claimed his side deserved to be closer to Real Madrid than the current 10-point gap to the Primera Division leaders but vowed his team would not give up their title without a fight after last night’s 5-1 thrashing of Valencia.

Stoke 0 Valencia 1

NEVER renowned for taking a loss with grace, Jose Mourinho put Real Madrid’s weekend 3-1 defeat in ‘El Clasico’ down to luck.

Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a brace as Real Madrid returned to within seven points of Primera Division leaders Barcelona with a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Bernabeu.

DAVID VILLA bade an emotional farewell to Valencia yesterday after the club agreed to sell the Spain striker to Barcelona for €40 million.

Valencia have not received any offers from Manchester United or Barcelona for Spain striker David Villa, according to a club spokesman.

VALENCIA have slapped a ‘not for sale’ sign on star striker David Villa following months of speculation the Spain international was on his way out of the club.

Chelsea insist they have not made a bid for Real Madrid-bound Valencia striker David Villa.

Valencia have turned down a reported offer from Chelsea for David Villa, with the Spain international seemingly set to join Real Madrid instead.

Valencia striker David Villa intends to see out his six-year contract at the Mestalla – even if Los Che fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Valencia vice-president Fernando Gomez has confirmed they have held talks with Manchester City regarding the possible transfer of star striker David Villa to the Premier League side.

Valencia vice-president Fernando Gomez insists they have yet to receive a formal offer for star striker David Villa, but admits they could be tempted by a €50m bid.

Valencia are in talks with David Villa over an improved contract, sporting vice president Fernando Gomez has revealed.

Want-away Valencia midfielder David Albelda admits he has yet to receive an offer from another club despite reported interest from Chelsea.

Valencia insist they have received no offers for star striker David Villa, who is currently setting Euro 2008 alight with Spain.

Fernando Morientes completed his move from Liverpool to Valencia by passing his medical today.

Valencia midfielder Edu has accused Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger of freezing him out when it became clear that the Brazilian midfielder wanted to leave the London club.

Rafael Benitez has quit Valencia after refusing to sign a contract extension.