More than a quarter of professional footballers suffer from depression or anxiety problems, according to a new study carried out by the international players’ union FIFPro.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a sensitive soul. As Sepp Blatter discovered last October, it is unwise to make fun about how much an actor spends on his appearance.

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has admitted his annoyance at the timing of the announcement of Mario Gotze’s move to Bayern Munich, which has drawn fierce criticism from fans and seen the 20-year-old accused of betraying the club.

Four first-phase clashes at Euro 2012 have a historical resonance, says Paul Kelly.

Bulgaria 0 England 3

Northern Ireland’s most capped player, Pat Jennings, is to be honoured by UEFA.

Wales 0 Bulgaria 1

FRANZ BECKENBAUER has predicted a place in the semi-finals for Germany at the World Cup, but warned them at the same time not to underestimate their opening opponents Australia.

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus has sided with current coach Joachim Low in his dispute with captain Michael Ballack.

YOU can say what you like about Giovanni Trapattoni — but you can’t argue with his record as a club manager.

It's turning out to be one of the most talked about recruitment processes ever in this country but it's not finished yet.

MICHAEL BALLACK has been included in Germany’s 20-man squad for their first two Euro 2008 qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and San Marino.

Pop star Robbie Williams and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay today unveiled their line-ups for Soccer Aid.

Former Aston Villa boss John Gregory could be set to make a surprise return to management with Hungary’s national team.

THERE remain 182 days to the start of the 2006 World Cup finals and, following last night’s draw in Leipzig, the countdown has now begun in earnest.

LIVERPOOL manager Gerard Houllier has defiantly brushed off reports linking skipper Steven Gerrard with a move to Arsenal and Manchester United by declaring: “You would have to cut off both my arms before I let go of him.”

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier today defiantly brushed aside reports linking skipper Steven Gerrard with a move to Arsenal and Manchester United by declaring: “You would have to cut off both my arms before I let go of him.”

Fulham 0 Birmingham 0

Hungary 1 Wales 2

Adrian Mutu scored twice as Romania outclassed Georgia 3-0 at the Cyprus International Tournament, which also features the hosts, Belarus, Hungary, Latvia, Kazakhstan and Armenia.

NEWCASTLE manager Bobby Robson has warned his players to remember the pain of their Champions League nightmare as they attempt to extend their stay in the UEFA Cup.

TWO goals from Ronaldo and one apiece from Roberto Carlos and Luis Figo allowed Real Madrid to come from a goal down to claim a 4-2 win over Olympique Marseille in their opening Champions League Group F match at the Bernabeu last night.

When the final whistle blew on Brazil’s World Cup semi-final success against Turkey, captain Cafu paused only momentarily to swap shirts and acknowledge the celebratory carnival gathering life in the stands before disappearing from view.

It is difficult to perceive how Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy’s World Cup preparations could have been more cataclysmic.

ALTHOUGH the Roy Keane saga had been a well-reported subject in the German media, news about the absence of German darling Sebastian Deisler and the whole ill-fated warm-up campaign dominate the headlines and most German observers wonder what all the Keane fuss is about.

As a player whose heroic qualities are revered in both host countries, it is fitting that South Korea and Japan should provide Hong Myung-bo with the stage to make World Cup history.

Lothar Matthaus has rejected the chance to take over at Aston Villa to see out his contract with Rapid Vienna.

Former Bayern Munich and Germany skipper Lothar Matthaus claims he has been offered the chance to take over at Aston Villa.

Diego Maradona returned to the field to play his farewell match in front of 50,000 devoted fans in Buenos Aires.

Bayern Munich will use their dramatic Champions League final defeat to spur them to victory against Manchester United in the quarter-finals.

Manchester United could hardly have wished for a better omen as they seek to reclaim the Champions League crown they so dramatically won in 1999.