Bacary Sagna becomes FIFTH Arsenal star to join Man City in past five years

Bacary Sagna has joined Manchester City on a free transfer from Premier League rivals Arsenal.

The defender has signed a three-year deal with the Premier League champions worth £150,000-per-week  - inclusive of add-ons and bonuses.

As revealed exclusively by Sportsmail in May, the 31-year-old will officially join City on July 1 - ending his seven-year spell with the Gunners.

Done: Bacary Sagna (right) has joined Manchester City on a free transfer from Premier League rivals Arsenal

All smiles: Sagna has ended a seven-year spell with Arsenal to sign a three-year £150k-per-week deal at City

Done deal: Arsenal confirmed the transfer of Sagna via their Twitter account on Friday

Tearful exit: Sagna's last game for Arsenal was in their 3-2 FA Cup final victory against Hull City in May

High note: The FA Cup victory was the only trophy Sagna won during his seven-year spell at Arsenal

FOLLOWING THE TREND

Bacary Sagna is the fifth Arsenal player in five years to move to Manchester City. Sportsmail reviews the other transfers.
Emmanuel Adebayor - £25million - July 2009
Kolo Toure - £14million - July 2009
Gael Clichy - £7million - July 2011
Samir Nasri - £24million - August 2011
Total: £70million

In a club statement City announced their 'delight' at the capture of the defender who has won 41 caps for his country. 

The statement read: 'Manchester City are delighted to announce that Bacary Sagna will join the Club for next season.

'The 31-year-old full-back will complete his transfer from Arsenal on a three year contract following the World Cup in Brazil, where he is currently on duty with the French squad.

'Sagna is a hugely experienced defender, having represented Arsenal 213 times since joining  them from Auxerre in 2007. During that time he has picked up 41 caps for the French national side.

'France are in Group E of the World Cup, alongside Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras. They begin their World Cup campaign against Honduras on Saturday.

'Sagna will join up with his new team-mates for the first time after the end of the World Cup, when the squad take in their tour to America.'

'He will take up the vacant squad number 3, the same number he wore for the Gunners.'

Sagna becomes the latest Gunner to move to City - following in the footsteps of Emmanuel Adebayor, Samir Nasri, Kolo Toure and Gael Clichy.

With Clichy and Nasri still playing for the blue half of Manchester, the France international will be reunited with the duo as Manuel Pellegrini's side look to defend their league title next season.

Earlier in the week, Sagna thanked Arsenal and Arsene Wenger in another clear message that he was set to quit the club.

The full-back, part of France's squad at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, took to his Twitter and Instagram pages to post the lengthy message which signalled the end of his association with Arsenal.

Sagna, who played 231 times for Arsenal, finished his career at the club on a high with their 3-2 comeback victory against Hull City in the FA Cup final at Wembley in May.

Farewell: Sagna posted this emotional goodbye to Arsenal via social media

Reunited: Sagna will be joining former Arsenal duo Samir Nasri (left) and Gael Clichy (right) at City

International pedigree: Sagna (centre) is currently with the France squad as they bid to win a second World Cup

Sagna scores incredible volley in France World Cup training

A club statement from Arsenal read: 'Bacary Sagna has agreed to join Manchester City after his contract with Arsenal expires on June 30.

'Sagna, 31, signed for Arsenal from Auxerre in the summer of 2007 and went on to make a total of 284 appearances for the club.

'An integral part of Arsenal’s defence over the past seven seasons, the France international brought his time with the Gunners to a fitting close last month when he helped the team win the FA Cup in his final match.

'Everyone at Arsenal Football Club would like to thank Bacary for his fantastic contribution, and wish him all the best for the future.'

Meanwhile, City hope to finalise a deal for Porto midfielder Fernando once he has sorted out outstanding financial issues with the Portuguese side.

Read More »

Robin Van Persie went from being 'star man' under Ferguson to 'sideshow' under Moyes, says Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand thinks Robin van Persie went from being adored under Sir Alex Ferguson to unloved by David Moyes at Manchester United.

Ferdinand, an ex-United defender, was asked about Van Persie's below par season at Old Trafford, and admitted the new boss did little to invigorate the striker in the same way as his predecessor.

'When Sir Alex Ferguson left, he went from being the star man, our go-to guy, the top scorer, to being almost like a sideshow,' said Ferdinand.

Opinions: Rio Ferdinand says Robin van Persie went from being the 'main man' to a 'sideshow' at Manchester United

The pundits: Ferdinand, Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry and Gary Lineker in Brazil reporting on the World Cup

World Cup: Ferdinand (left) told the three ex-striker pundits they 'need to be loved' by their clubs

'I think that the dynamics changed.

'The manager, David Moyes, was talking up Wayne Rooney and forwards need to be loved.

'And I don't think he felt that love last season.'

Ferdinand is acting as a pundit alongside Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry and Gary Lineker in the BBC studios in Brazil.

Van Persie is captaining the Netherlands during their World Cup opener against Spain in Group B, and is doing so under manager Louis van Gaal.

His headed goal was followed by a celebration with his national manager, where Van Persie ran towards Van Gaal, prompting Henry to say: 'If you have a boss that loves you, look at this.'

Van Gaal will follow his Dutch forward back to Manchester once the tournament is finished, after being named new United boss following the sacking of Moyes. 

Kicking out: Van Persie will 'need to be loved' by Louis van Gaal at Manchester United to perform at his best

Chase: Van Persie runs after the ball in front of Spain's Gerard Pique during their Group B clash

Read More »

David Luiz completes £50m move to PSG from Chelsea with five-year deal

David Luiz has completed his move from Chelsea to Paris St Germain with the Brazil star signing a five-year deal at the French Champions.
Luiz - who starred for the Selecao as they kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Croatia on Thurdsday night - left Stamford Bridge for a huge £50million fee.
The French side announced the deal on their official website, saying: 'Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the transfer of Brazilian international David Luiz from Chelsea FC, for the next five years.'

Cause to celebrate: David Luiz, with Brazil on Thursday, has sealed a five-year deal at PSG

In action: Luiz is challenged by Croatian forward Nikica Jelavic in the opening clash of the World Cup 

Young disabled boy astonishes David Luiz with his keepy ups

The move will see Luiz link up with his international centre half partner Thaigo Silva, who was part of the PSG side knocked out of last season's Champions League by Luiz's Chelsea.
Luiz signed for Chelsea from Benfica in January 2011 and after taking time to settle, the Brazilian went on to become a mainstay in the Blues defence, helping them win the 2012 Champions League and then the Europa League the following season.
He made 143 Blues appearances - 34 of them last season, including against PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals - scoring 12 goals.
However, Luiz had been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge after falling behind Gary Cahill and John Terry in the pecking order at centre-half last term.

See you next year: PSG boss Laurent Blanc remonstrates with Luiz in last season's Champions League tie

Battle: Luiz squares up to future team-mate, Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho often preferred to use the 27-year-old just in front of the defenders in midfield, but with Nemanja Matic rejoining the squad in January, Luiz's days appeared numbered.
It was announced last month that Chelsea and PSG had come to an agreement regarding a fee, with Press Association Sport understanding Luiz would move for £50million, a world record for a defender.
The confirmation of the deal on Friday means Luiz, who was also a reported target for Barcelona and Bayern Munich, is likely to a form a centre-half partnership with international team-mate Thiago Silva.
Mourinho has already looked to strengthen his squad this summer.
On Thursday, the Premier League club completed the £30million signing of former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, with his Spain team-mate Diego Costa expected to follow from Atletico Madrid to bolster the Chelsea attack.

Read More »

Get some statement shoes like Jennifer Lopez

You've got to give it to her, Jennifer Lopez knows exactly what her fans want and she gives it to us 100%. So she might not have the most amazing voice in the world, but her wardrobe definitely rivals that of even the most dedicated fashionista. And here, it's all about the bling.
If she'd turned up for judging time at American Idol in this ensemble, we'd have questioned it, but for the stage, it's perfect. She always does a sparkle, and here it's a full on sequin affair: green one-piece, embellished tights and THOSE Christian Louboutin mesh and sparkly boots!

If you thought everything was hand made for this diva, you'd be wrong. Maybe this low-cut green sparkly one piece is custom made, but these Marale boots were available for all of us to buy once upon a time.
Unfortunately they are no more, but J Lo is obviously a big fan, and we suspect Beyonce and maybe even Dolly Parton has a pair too.
Head-to-toe sparkles... we love you Jennifer!

Read More »

Sizzle on the beach in a white bikini like Kim

It felt like only yesterday that we were seeing bizarre images of Kim and Kanye on honeymoon in Ireland and Prague, so to see them already jetting off on holiday to Mexico so soon afterwards, we cannot help but feel jealous!
Kim's pre-wedding workouts seem to be still doing the trick as the reality star look slim and toned as she relaxed by the pool on her second honeymoon sporting an uber flattering white bikini.
Amazing for when you have a tan, take a leaf out of Kim's book and don a white two-piece - the most classic of all colours on the beach. Check out our selection below of the best high street bikini's, and starting at just £7.99, there really is no excuse to not give Kim a run for her money

Read More »

Work understated style in a chic black top like Kendall

Effortless cool dressing is Kendall Jenner's signature look. As a model, she's perfected her off-duty style favouring pared-back pieces that are sleek and minimalist with an understated edge. Just take this slick all-black ensemble.

Kendall is working top-to-toe blacks teaming a pair of wet look skinny jeans with this super flattering Donna Karen wrap effect top. The low neckline combined with the long sleeves make it the perfect marriage of sexy and sophisticated so if you want to complete your capsule closet with a wear-with-everything top then why not click right to Harvey Nichols to get yours now?

The luxe top promises to be a wardrobe workhorse but if you don't have the £545 to splash out then why not shop the look for less with our best buys below from the likes of ASOS and Motel? Wear yours with a pair of white skinny jeans for a crisp contemporary contrast.

Read More »

Keep it simple on the beach in a classic black bikini

These pictures of Lara Bingle and husband Sam Worthington are enough to make us green with envy. Not only are they loved up, they're on holiday on the Italian island of Capri and they both look amazing in their beachwear! Or rock wear...
Model Lara opted for a classic black two-piece with no fuss and frills. It's a minimal triangle cut top with halter straps and a simple pair of block colour bottoms. On her perfect figure it's the ultimate in swimwear chic.
There are so many bikini styles out there this season that it's hard to know which trend to try. Do you go sporty with labels like Mikoh and Lisa Marie Fernandez? Bohemian with Mara Hoffman? Mis-matched from Urban Outfitters? Retro high waisted? Frilly? Cut out? The choice is endless and overwhelming.
So why not ditch the drama and take a leaf out of Lara's style notebook. Go for a straightforward and sophisticated black two-piece that will still be on trend next summer. We've picked out our favourite styles below and with Fendi and Missguided both in the mix, there's one for every budget.

Read More »

Cristiano Ronaldo cuts training short and leaves with ice pack on knee as he races to be fit ahead of opening world cup game

Cristiano Ronaldo has caused concern in the Portugal camp ahead of their crucial World Cup opener against Germany after leaving training early with an ice pack attached to his left knee.

The Real Madrid maestro is relied upon in the Portugal team, but the 29-year-old's campaign could have taken a hit if the injury that bothered him at Real Madrid has made its way to Brazil.

Ronaldo managed less than 20 minutes with the rest of his team-mates before being forced to leave.

Packaged up: Ronaldo leaves training with ice on his left knee in Brazil on Thursday

Leaving: Ronaldo makes his way off the training pitch after managing 15-20 minutes with the squad

Off: Ronaldo waves his goodbyes to the crowd as he leaves Portugal's training session ahead of everyone else

Ronaldo reportedly signed shirts, met fans and stretched out before taking a seat on the bench while his team-mates continued with their drills.
The 2014 Ballon d'Or winner was out of action for two weeks with tendinitis in the knee before the World Cup - an injury which had been largely kept secret.
A return of that would come as a major blow to manager Paulo Bento so close to the tournament.

It is hoped Ronaldo, who did not look in pain, will be able to start in Portugal's opener but the extent of his fitness is yet to be seen.

Read More »

Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte all had pointless opening ceremony pageantry in Sao Paulo at world cup opening ceremony

Is there anything more pointless than a World Cup opening ceremony?
Joining the league against the march of the unstoppable Sepp Blatter perhaps? Trying to find where the money’s gone again? Putting the toothpaste back in the tube?
The Olympic flame lighting gala is part of the wonder of the event. Fortunes are spent, the biggest names are hired. Histories unfold and the Arctic Monkeys rock out. By contrast, there will be 18th birthday parties in Essex this weekend that have more wit and imagination than this.

Trio: Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte perform during the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup in Arena de Sao Paulo

Start: J-LO acknowledges the crowd after singing the official World Cup song 'We Are One (Ola Ola)' alongside Pitbull

High notes: Singer Leitte performs during the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup where the Brazuca ball was before it split into segments

There were plenty of perfectly viable ways to start this World Cup — the ceremonial beheading of various disgraced FIFA executive committee members, for instance — but Brazil 2014 went for the usual.
A cast of hundreds twirling colourfully but to no real purpose, representing the same old cliches that bear about as much resemblance to the true soul of Brazil as Morris dancers would cut to the heart of old England.
Still, it was good to see the spirit of Frank Sidebottom rekindled in the dancers with what appeared to be footballs for heads. They resisted the opportunity to do Frank’s own World Cup song, Three Shirts On The Line — a pulsating tale of the time his ball went over next door’s fence — but you can’t have everything.
All opening ceremonies have a central theme, though, and this was no exception. Nature, people and football — ‘Brazil’s greatest treasures,’ according to FIFA, who would know a bit about plundering them — were the subject of this one, which included 660 dancers, floaters and others just standing for large parts of the process wondering how hot it could get inside a giant football head before a person passed out. As ever, the action was ripe with hidden meaning.

In the mood: J-LO, Leitte and Pitbull perform on the central stage in Sao Paulo ahead of the World Cup opener between Brazil and Croatia

The World Cup stage: The Brazuca ball split into segments to allow Pitbull, J-LO and Leitte to perform during the opening ceremony

Looking on: A Brazil fan waits for the start of the Group A match against Croatia, which the host nation won 3-1

A mix of all kinds: A Mexico fan looks on while wearing his eccentric peacock-feathered headdress during the opening ceremony in Sao Paulo

Many had the tall folk on stilts down as representing the trees of the Amazonian rainforest, but those of a more creative bent will have instantly spotted the subtle representation of England’s back four against Germany in Bloemfontein.
The same stilted sideways movement, uncannily similar pace. Maybe the trees turned quicker and had a better positional sense, but there is always a degree of artistic licence where these festivals are concerned.
Soon after, dancers in national costumes old and new celebrated together, some performing somersaults and cartwheels, representing the joy that is felt among the various members of FIFA ExCo when the bloke from Qatar turns up with a sackload of readies.
More formally attired attendants represented the lawyers telling journalists they can’t make jokes like that, because nothing of this nature has been proven. And that they’re racists, probably. It really was a most heart-warming scene.
Meanwhile, extras dressed as flowers, sprouts, sprites and other stuff you pick out of a salad stood around doing, well, nothing really. Everyone was waiting for J-Lo. 

Read More »

Wenger turned me down... so I've joined Chelsea to win some trophies, reveals £30m Fabregas as he signs £150,000-a-week deal

Cesc Fabregas completed his shock £30million switch to Chelsea yesterday and confirmed Arsenal snubbed the chance to re-sign him.

However, the blow of seeing Fabregas in a Chelsea shirt has been softened by a hefty £5.6million windfall as part of the Spaniard's move to Stamford Bridge.

In what is one of the most unexpected moves of the summer so far, the Spain international has signed a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge, understood to be worth in the region of £150,000-per-week.

Blue: Cesc Fabregas has signed for Chelsea from Barcelona on a five-year deal

New signing: Fabregas will wear the No 4 shirt and counts as a homegrown player for Chelsea

Feud: Fabregas (right) has had several run-ins with Chelsea's players in the past

Raring to go: Fabregas and Spain face Holland on Friday night in their World Cup opener

Former blue: Jack Wilshere once revealed that Frank Lampard and Fabregas dislike each other

And in announcing his return to the Premier League, Fabregas was quick to underline the fact his former club rejected the chance to bring him back to the Emirates Stadium.

Fabregas came through the ranks at Arsenal, and went on to captain the side before returning to boyhood club Barcelona in 2011.

Arsenal secured a first-option buy-back clause as part of the £35million deal which saw Fabregas return to Catalonia.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had considered taking up the option once it became clear Barca were looking to sell the midfielder.

But with the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain already at the club, Wenger decided his squad did not need another creative midfielder.

Make it official: Barcelona released an official statement thanking Fabregas for his time

Team-mates: John Terry (right) squares up to Fabregas during a Premier League match in 2007

Wenger and Fabregas continue to have a close relationship, while it is understood returning to north London was Fabregas' preferred destination.

Despite the fact Fabregas' move to Chelsea has been mooted for several days, there remained an element of surprise that Wenger snubbed the opportunity to re-sign Fabregas from within the club yesterday.

And the ex-Arsenal captain was at pains to point out that it was Arsenal's decision to end any potential reunion, and not vice versa.

'Firstly I would like to thank everyone at FC Barcelona where I enjoyed three wonderful years. It was my childhood club and I will always be proud and honoured that I had a chance to play for such a great team.

Read More »

Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas say they are divorcing 'thoughtfully and consensually' after 18-years

They had one of the most enduring Hollywood marriages.

But after 18 years of wedded unity, Melanie Griffith has filed for divorce from 53-year-old Antonio Banderas, according to a Friday report from TMZ.

The 56-year-old actress, who has reportedly hired power attorney Laura Wasser, has cited irreconcilable differences.

Split: Melanie Griffith has filed for divorce from husband of 18 years Antonio Banderas, pictured together in 2012, according to a Friday report from TMZ

THEIR JOINT STATEMENT

'We have thoughtfully and consensually decided to finalize our almost twenty years marriage in a loving and friendly manner honoring and respecting each other, our family and friends and the beautiful time we have spent together - Melanie & Antonio'

The site have legal documents on the filing. No date of separation was listed.

The couple, who fell in love on the set of the 1995 film Two Much, have been plagued by split rumors for most of this year.

A spokesperson for the couple announced this statement: 'We have thoughtfully and consensually decided to finalize our almost twenty years marriage in a loving and friendly manner honoring and respecting each other, our family and friends and the beautiful time we have spent together.'

Griffith is asking for child support and sole physical and joint legal custody of their 17-year-old daughter Stella.

The Working Girl star is also asking for spousal support.

The unlikely couple: The odds were against them from the start but Griffith and Banderas managed almost two decades

No problems here: The Working Girl actress with Eva Longoria at the AFI Tribute to Jane Fonda in LA on Thursday

The dream is over: The last time the couple were spotted together in public was on their return from what seemed to be a happy holiday in the Bahamas in March

Happier times: Griffith files for divorce from Banderas

Sources tell TMZ the split is 'amicable.' This will be Melanie's fourth divorce: she was twice married to Don Johnson and also married to Steve Bauer. It's Banderas' second divorce.

Griffith looked to be in good spirits Thursday evening at the AFI tribute to Jane Fonda, and smiled as she walked the carpet holding hands with Eva Longoria, still wearing her wedding band.

As recently as March, the couple seemed happy, Melanie even tweeted a shirtless picture of her husband on a in the Bahamas.

The writing's on the wall: Griffith has filed for divorce, as these documents prove

 'Antonio!!!!!' Griffith tweeted a shirtless picture of her husband Antonio while on an incredible seaside holiday in the Bahamas in Marach

Read More »