Park Ji-sung believes it was only a matter of time before Wayne Rooney blossomed into a world-class talent.

Stoke chairman Peter Coates has confirmed the Potters remain keen to sign Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Alex Ferguson is not a fan of using Wembley as an FA Cup semi-final venue.

Everton striker Jo returns to the squad for the Barclays Premier League clash at Chelsea after being cup-tied for the Toffees’ FA Cup semi-final at the weekend.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez admitted that his side now have a mountain to climb if they are to stay in the Champions League.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres wants to replace Cristiano Ronaldo as the Premier League’s top player.

Gary Megson handed debuts to four of his new signings as Bolton hosted Sunderland on the opening day of the Premier League season.

Cristiano Ronaldo will replace David Beckham as the new face of Emporio Armani underwear.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed the Anfield club has rejected moves from rivals to lure away star striker Fernando Torres.

Franck Ribery's agent believes the Bayern Munich midfielder would choose Real Madrid over treble winners Barcelona but insists nothing will be done until next month at the earliest.

Roma striker Mirko Vucinic has ruled out a move to Tottenham, reiterating he hopes to remain with the Giallorossi.

Giovanni Trapattoni will give Preston's Sean St Ledger a start against Australia in their friendly at Thomond Park tomorrow.

Skipper Steven Gerrard and young team-mate Lucas have led the call for a vastly improved Liverpool display when they face Chelsea on Sunday in a key Barclays Premier League clash.

Alex Ferguson is amazed at the youthful attitude Ryan Giggs still shows at the ripe old age of 35.

New Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini insists he is not interested in Palermo defender Simon Kjaer.

Midfielder Mathieu Flamini has revealed he would have signed a new deal with Arsenal last summer but the ’pain’ of missing out on the Barclays Premier League title influenced his decision to leave the Emirates.

Caretaker manager Don Givens is hoping to temporarily divert attention away from the Republic of Ireland’s search for a new boss by fashioning a famous win over Brazil at sold-out Croke Park.

Norwich striker Dion Dublin has confirmed he will retire at the end of the season.

Northern Ireland will be without Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan for Wednesday’s friendly with Bulgaria at Windsor Park.

Manchester City trio Robinho, Jo and Elano have both been named in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Colombia next month but there is no place for Ronaldinho.