Tuesday 20 May 2014

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's celebration made into waxwork statue at Musee Grevin

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is loved by all in the French capital, and the Paris Saint-Germain striker will receive his very own waxwork.
The Swedish striker visited the Musee Grevin - the French version of Madame Tussauds - where work began on his own statue of his famous celebration.
Ibrahimovic was measured, molded in wax and covered in cling film on his visit to the famous waxwork museum, which is home to more than 300 statues.
Immortalised: Zlatan Ibrahimovic visited the Musee Grevin in Paris to begin work on his very own statue
Immortalised: Zlatan Ibrahimovic visited the Musee Grevin in Paris to begin work on his very own statue
Striking a pose: Zlatan's famous celebration will be made into waxwork at the Paris museum
Striking a pose: Zlatan's famous celebration will be made into waxwork at the Paris museum

Awaited: The statue will be unveiled towards the end of 2014 for the French public to view
Awaited: The statue will be unveiled towards the end of 2014 for the French public to view
In the flesh: Ibrahimovic celebrates after scoring for Sweden against England in 2012
In the flesh: Ibrahimovic celebrates after scoring for Sweden against England in 2012
Arms aloft: The Swedish striker is among the biggest names not on show at the World Cup this summer
Arms aloft: The Swedish striker is among the biggest names not on show at the World Cup this summer
 
The statue of Ibrahimovic's famous celebration will be ready towards the end of the year or early 2015 for the French public to view.
Such is his status in France, the Swede will become only the second foreign footballer after Pele to receive his own statue at Musee Grevin.
Ibrahimovic told PSG's official website: 'It was a really fantastic day. It's a great honour for me to have my own wax statue, here at the Musée Grévin.
'I am very happy to have been chosen to stand alongside all these international celebrities. Don't forget to come and see me when the statue is unveiled!'
Zlatan's waxwork will soon be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Zinedine Zidane and George Clooney.
Made to measure: The Swedish striker is measured up at the Musee Grevin
Made to measure: The Swedish striker is measured up at the Musee Grevin

Fashion sense: Ibrahimovic is covered in cling film by people working on his statue
Fashion sense: Ibrahimovic is covered in cling film by people working on his statue

Home: Ibrahimovic moved to Paris from AC Milan in 2012 and is loved by the French public
Home: Ibrahimovic moved to Paris from AC Milan in 2012 and is loved by the French public
Adopted: Ibrahimovic is only the second foreign footballer after Pele to be given his own statue in Paris
Adopted: Ibrahimovic is only the second foreign footballer after Pele to be given his own statue in Paris
On the mark: Ibrahimovic's goals helped Paris to another Ligue 1 title this season
On the mark: Ibrahimovic's goals helped Paris to another Ligue 1 title this season
Museum president Béatrice de Reyniès explained: 'First of all we took all his information, all his measurements, we made a scan. Now we will work in our studios, first on the scan, to create a prototype and then the sculptor can begin his sculpture.
'He will then have a second rendezvous with Zlatan to see how the likeness is. In total, the whole project will take around 6 months.'
Ibrahimovic moved to Paris from AC Milan in 2012 in a deal worth around £16m and he has scored 56 goals in Ligue 1 during his two seasons with the club.
Read More »

Ryan Giggs makes first TV appearance since becoming Man Utd No 2 in Dubai for football talent show with Diego Maradona

Ryan Giggs made his first television appearance since becoming Louis van Gaal's No 2 at Manchester United, but it wasn't quite the unveiling you might have have imagined.
The 40-year-old has certainly been busy since ending the season as United's interim boss and even interrupted his holiday in Dubai to link up with Diego Maradona for a new football show.   
Giggs even hit the stage in full kit and boots as he joined Maradona and Michel Salgado on The Victorious, which aims to find the next football star in the UAE.

All smiles: Giggs (right) poses with Michel Salgado (second left) and Diego Maradona (centre)
All smiles: Giggs (right) poses with Michel Salgado (second left) and Diego Maradona (centre) 
V for Victorious: The show's presenter Nathalie Mamo
V for Victorious: The show's presenter Nathalie Mamo

Speaking in a rather awkward interview after the show, Giggs said: 'I'm here in Dubai on holiday but also to work on The Victorious programme.
'It's great to see the young players doing so well and being given a chance.
'I've really enjoyed it, it's been a really successful night.'
He tweeted a snap of the famous faces along with the message: 'With Diego, Ryan Giggs, Jehad and my friend Bakoor in The Victorious'
The United veteran recently revealed his decision to retire from football after 963 games for the club, during which time he won 13 Premier league titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League twice.
Giggs will now be assistant to new United boss Van Gaal next season.
Full kit: The United legend took to the stage in a special kit and boots for the show
Full kit: The United legend took to the stage in a special kit and boots for the show

Backstage: Giggs poses with The Victorious presenter Nathalie Mamo (right)
Backstage: Giggs poses with The Victorious presenter Nathalie Mamo (right)

Striker pose: The United veteran poses with Salgado backstage in Dubai
Striker pose: The United veteran poses with Salgado backstage in Dubai

Veteran: Giggs retired from football after 963 games for Manchester United
Veteran: Giggs retired from football after 963 games for Manchester United

Team: Giggs will join new United boss Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford next season
Team: Giggs will join new United boss Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford next season 
Read More »

Monday 19 May 2014

Courtois set for Chelsea return after landing La Liga title with Atletico

Thibaut Courtois celebrated winning La Liga with over 100,000 supporters on the streets of Madrid but looks increasingly likely to be contesting the Premier League with Chelsea next season.
‘I will miss all this the day I have to say goodbye,’ he said after Atletico Madrid’s draw with Barcelona won them the Spanish title.
‘I have built-up a very good relationship with the supporters in the three years that I have been here. I never imagined this would happen when I arrived at the club.’
Celebrations: Thibaut Courtois leads celebrations of thousands of Atletico fans in the Spanish capital
Celebrations: Thibaut Courtois leads celebrations of thousands of Atletico fans in the Spanish capital

Lining the streets: The supporters were out in force to see the newly crowned Spanish champions
Lining the streets: The supporters were out in force to see the newly crowned Spanish champions

Selfie: The Belgian goalkeeper posted this picture to his Instagram page
Selfie: The Belgian goalkeeper posted this picture to his Instagram page
Flares: Atletico fans let off red flares in Neptuno square
Flares: Atletico fans let off red flares in Neptuno square




Jubilant: Atletico won their first La Liga title in 18 years with a draw against Barcelona in the Nou Camp
Jubilant: Atletico won their first La Liga title in 18 years with a draw against Barcelona in the Nou Camp

IIt’s little wonder Chelsea want their 22-year-old keeper back, he has now gone seven straight games without being scored against by Leo Messi. The previous record was six held by Petr Cech the man Courtois could replace next season.
Messi was jeered off by angry Barcelona supporters unhappy with his no-show in the biggest game of the season just 24-hours after the club confirmed they would be making him the best paid player on the planet with a contract renewal.
Courtois was beaten in the first half of Saturday’s title decider by Alexis Sanchez but an equaliser from Diego Godin ensured that he won his second league title – three years ago to the day he won the Belgian League with Genk.
‘I want to win next week in Lisbon in the Champions League final and then I’m off to Brazil. The last three years have been incredible,’ he added.
Climbing high: Atletico Madrid captain Gabi even climbed on top of the Neptuno statue and tied a scarf
Climbing high: Atletico Madrid captain Gabi even climbed on top of the Neptuno statue and tied a scarf

Atletico players celebrate


Mastermind: League winning manager Diego Simeone is hurled into the air by his players
Mastermind: League winning manager Diego Simeone is hurled into the air by his players

He was hugged by a hobbling Diego Costa at the final whistle of Saturday’s energy-sapping title decider but the Brazilian Spain international was in tears after being taken off with a sore right hamstring in the first half and remains a huge doubt for Saturday’s Champions League final.
One man who does not look like he is about to leave Atletico Madrid is coach Diego Simeone. There were emotional scenes at the end of the game when his father Carlos was ushered to the front of the Camp Nou to congratulate his son.
‘I was concerned to see him crying because he never cries,’ said the Atletico coach. 
In the opposing dug-out Gerardo Martino had taken charge of his last game. He confirmed his departure after the match and will be replaced by former Tottenham target Luis Enrique this week.
The former Barcelona player and Barça B-team coach’s first task next season will be to find the old Messi and rebuild the side. 'There will be major changes' promised the club’s president Josep Bartomeu.
Brilliant: Courtois has been superb for Atletico in his three-year loan spell
Brilliant: Courtois has been superb for Atletico in his three-year loan spell
Read More »

Louis van Gaal sees Robin van Persie as perfect captain for Manchester United

Louis van Gaal dropped the heaviest hint yet that he will appoint compatriot Robin van Persie as captain when he takes over at Manchester United, claiming the pair have a similar outlook on life.
The Holland manager has grown close to the striker, who captains his country, and is set to favour him over Wayne Rooney for the skipper’s armband at Old Trafford.
Rooney had looked certain to be made permanent captain under David Moyes.
Double Dutch: Louis van Gaal (right) sees Robin van Persie as his perfect captain at Manchester United
Double Dutch: Louis van Gaal (right) sees Robin van Persie as his perfect captain at Manchester United

A sign of things to come? Van Persie (right) poses with Kluivert (left), Louis van Gaal's assistant manager
A sign of things to come? Van Persie (right) poses with Kluivert (left), Louis van Gaal's assistant manager

Class: Holland captain van Persie scored a fantastic volley in their 1-1 draw with Ecuador on Saturday
Class: Holland captain van Persie scored a fantastic volley in their 1-1 draw with Ecuador on Saturday

Van Gaal rarely singles his players out but he gushed about Van Persie after the 30-year-old scored a superb goal in Holland’s 1-1 World Cup warm-up draw with Ecuador.
Van Persie was out injured for six weeks towards the end of United’s  disappointing season after suffering a knee injury in their Champions League victory over Olympiacos in March.
‘Even coming from a bad injury, he scores a fantastic, unbelievable goal, just brilliant,’ said Van Gaal about the striker’s 37th-minute equaliser at the Amsterdam ArenA on Saturday.
Van Persie is not 100 per cent fit, according to Van Gaal, but looked sharp as he sprinted to meet a superb pass from Feyenoord midfielder Jordy Clasie.
He controlled the ball with his chest before volleying past the baseball cap-wearing keeper Maximo Banguera.
‘I was happy with his performance, but he is also a fantastic captain — and that is important, too,’ said Van Gaal. ‘I think you always make a player captain when you have the same morals and philosophy as they do.
‘Not only about football and tactics and what is happening on the pitch but about life as well.
‘We click and I think that’s very important. I believe that Van Persie and Van Gaal share the same philosophy.’

Superb: Van Gaal praised his star striker's scoring record in the year and a half since he took over
Superb: Van Gaal praised his star striker's scoring record in the year and a half since he took over
Read More »

Wenger handed huge transfer kitty with trio Benzema, Mandzukic and Bender at the top of his summer wish list as Arsenal boss celebrates FA Cup glory with new £24m contract

Arsenal will hand Arsene Wenger a £24m contract and £100m transfer kitty in the next 72 hours after he ended the club’s nine-year trophy drought.
Sportsmail understands Wenger’s will sign a three-year deal worth in the region of £8million-per-season in wages.
And he will be given the biggest transfer budget in Arsenal history to help him win the Premier League title for the first time since 2004.
Finally: Arsene Wenger proudly holds aloft the FA Cup, won by beating Hull after extra-time at Wembley
Finally: Arsene Wenger proudly holds aloft the FA Cup, won by beating Hull after extra-time at Wembley
The Red Sea: Thousands of fans turned out to celebrate Arsenal's first silverware in nine years
The Red Sea: Thousands of fans turned out to celebrate Arsenal's first silverware in nine years



Wenger has been re-invigorated after watching his team beat Hull City in Saturday’s FA Cup final - the fifth time he has lifted the trophy as Arsenal boss - and will now stay at the Emirates.
Asked if the new deal would be signed soon, he said: ‘Yes - because I go to Brazil on June 10.’
The length of the deal is viewed as a significant statement of unwavering support from the club’s hierarchy. And they will also give Wenger the all clear to go on an unprecedented spending spree this summer to ensure the club build upon their FA Cup success.
Wenger will have £100m to spend on transfers and wages. His priority is to convince full-back Bacary Sagna and keeper Lukasz Fabianski to stay at the club, but the Arsenal manager has also identified three key areas to strengthen this summer. He wants a new striker, a holding centre-midfielder and a right-back.
Hitman: Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema (centre) remains a top target for Arsenal
Hitman: Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema (centre) remains a top target for Arsenal

Combative: Wenger is also taking a keen interest in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender (right)
Combative: Wenger is also taking a keen interest in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender (right)

Up front: Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic is likely to be up for grabs, with Arsenal interested
Up front: Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic is likely to be up for grabs, with Arsenal interested

Bayern Munich’s Mario Mandzukic and Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema are among Wenger’s top striker targets.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Lars Bender and Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin are midfielders who have been watched extensively by the Gunners scouts, while Toulouse’s Serge Aurier, Southampton’s Calum Chambers and Manchester City’s Micah Richards are right-back options should Sagna depart.
Wenger said: ‘First we have to wait for Sagna and see what he will do - also Fabianski. After we have to bring in two to three players to strengthen the squad, that’s for sure.
‘Unfortunately everywhere we go there are many teams on the market at the moment.’
Sagna’s contract expires next month and he will hold talks with Manchester City this week over a four-year deal worth at least £100,000-per-week.
However, as MailOnline exclusively revealed on Saturday, Manchester United are keen to hijack City’s move for the right-back.
Emotional: Right-back stalwart Bacary Sagna has yet to sign a new deal at the Emirates
Emotional: Right-back stalwart Bacary Sagna has yet to sign a new deal at the Emirates

Smile away: Southampton's impressive youngster Calum Chambers could be next in line for the right-back berth
Smile away: Southampton's impressive youngster Calum Chambers could be next in line for the right-back berth

Arsenal’s triumph on Saturday was Wenger’s first trophy since Patrick Vieira struck the winning spot kick in a penalty shootout against Manchester United in the 2005 FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium.
He admitted: ‘I questioned myself because we live in a world where people always tell you what you haven’t done. They never say what you have done.
‘I believe as well that the quality of the club is its consistency. The special players help you to win trophies, but the quality of consistency is important for a club.
‘And on that front, we’ve been better than everybody. There are only two clubs in Europe who have qualified for the Champions League for 17 seasons consecutively.
‘That consistency demands special values inside the club. I work seven days a week because I want to win. It’s difficult. ‘Unfortunately you don’t win on command. Our job is very easy when we win things. When we don’t win, we need some strength to continue to grow.
‘Some clubs haven’t won a trophy for 20 years and they don’t get that question.
‘This is my 14th cup final and I fight very hard to win, doing everything every day of my life to try to win. If I don’t manage to do it, it’s not because of a lack of commitment. I try my best.’
In action: Wenger is also keeping tabs on Manchester City stalwart Micah Richards, who will leave the Etihad
In action: Wenger is also keeping tabs on Manchester City stalwart Micah Richards, who will leave the Etihad
Read More »

Arsenal WAGS celebrate Gunners' FA Cup victory following Wembley showdown

Arsenal WAGS were out celebrating Gunners' FA Cup victory on Saturday night.
Having supported their men during the north London club's 3-2 win over Hull at Wembley, the wives and girlfriend's of Arsenal's victorious players posted a number of pictures posing with the famous trophy.
Bacary Sagna's wife Ludivine took to Twitter to show off Arsenal's prized possession and said: 'The cup and I last night.' Thomas Vermaelen's partner Polly Parsons also shared a snap of the night while goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny posted a photo to Facebook of himself and other half Marina Luczenko holding the trophy.
Poser: Bacary Sagna's wife Ludivine Sagna posed with the FA Cup after Arsenal's win on Saturday
Poser: Bacary Sagna's wife Ludivine Sagna posed with the FA Cup after Arsenal's win on Saturday

All smiles: Thomas Vermaelen and his partner Polly Parsons pose with the famous trophy on Saturday night
All smiles: Thomas Vermaelen and his partner Polly Parsons pose with the famous trophy on Saturday night

Proud day: Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and his girlfriend Marina Luczenko celebrate with the Cup (right)
Proud day: Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny celebrated the Cup victory with girlfriend Marina Luczenko
Proud day: Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and his girlfriend Marina Luczenko celebrate with the Cup (right)


On Sunday, following the club's trophy parade, Ludivine posted a picture of her and Sagna with the trophy and tweeted: 'Mr and Mrs with the Cup'.
The WAGS had attended the Wembley showdown as Arsene Wenger's men ended the club's nine-year trophy drought.
Looking forward to the Cup final on Saturday morning, Sagna's wife posted the first of a series of selfies as she sat upon a white leather poof.
This was followed by a picture of a carefully manicured hand holding an FA Cup ticket for the big game.
Mr and Mrs: Ludivine and Bacary Sagna are all smiles as they pose with the Cup following Sunday's trophy parade
Mr and Mrs: Ludivine and Bacary Sagna are all smiles as they pose with the Cup following Sunday's trophy parade

Ludivine was then joined by Mandy Capristo, Mesut Ozil's girlfriend, and their journey to Wembley was captured on Instagram with the accompanying caption: 'On the way to support our men!'.
Mrs Sagna is a regular tweeter of pictures from games, although these could be the last set taken as an Arsenal fan with her husband likely to move away from the Emirates once his contract expires at the end of the season.
The France international has been courted by Manchester City and more recently United after potential new manager Louis van Gaal identified him to provide more competition for the right-back spot at Old Trafford.
Selfie promotion: Bacary Sagna's wife Ludivine poses at her home ahead of the Wembley showdown
Selfie promotion: Bacary Sagna's wife Ludivine poses at her home ahead of the Wembley showdown



Out to support: Bacary Sagna's wife Ludivine and Laurent Koscielny's wife Claire were at the Emirates on Sunday
Got previous: Ludivine Sagna (L) poses with Claire Koscielny (R) at Arsenal's final league game of the season
Entry: Ludivine Sagna posts a picture of her ticket for Wembley
Entry: Ludivine Sagna posts a picture of her ticket for Wembley
Read More »

Sunday 18 May 2014

ARSENAL reveal Away kit for next season? Tribute to end of Nike partnership after FA Cup Triumph

Arsenal are to create a commemorative shirt following their FA Cup win, celebrating the 20-year partnership with Nike that has come to an end this season.
It is is a patchwork of many different Arsenal kits from years gone by, and will be produced after the ending of their nine-year run without silverware.
The Gunners won the FA Cup on Saturday, coming back from two goals down to beat Hull 3-2 in extra-time. 
Patchwork: Nike are to release an commemorative Arsenal shirt celebrating their 20-year partnership
Patchwork: Nike are to release an commemorative Arsenal shirt celebrating their 20-year partnership

'Nike has enjoyed a wonderful partnership with Arsenal Football Club,' said Marc van Pappelendam, the Vice President of Nike UK & Ireland.
'The kits that Nike has produced for the club over the last twenty years tell a story; a timeline of quality that will be remembered for a long time to come.'
The shirt, which uses the current 2013-14 home kit as its base, incorporates a unique design that is inspired by a selection of iconic Arsenal kits from the past two decades - including the shirt from the 'Invincibles' season, and the red currant shirt that they wore in 2005/06 to bid farewell to Highbury.
A limited amount will also be produced, with individually numbered prints of the shirt being created and sold.
The shirt itself will also be on display at Phenomenal House from May 26-30, then at NikeTown London from May 31, before moving to its permanent home in the Arsenal Football Club Museum from June 30.
Arsenal's partnership with Nike is coming to an end after the club agreed the most lucrative kit contract in British football history with Puma.
They are set to rake in £30million a year over five years from the deal. Topping the £25m deal that Liverpool currently have with the manufacturer Warrior.

Can you spot where each of these kits feature in the new limited edition Arsenal shirt?
Retro: Ian Wright and Ray Parlour celebrating during Arsenal's title winning season in 1997/98
Retro: Ian Wright and Ray Parlour celebrating during Arsenal's title winning season in 1997/98
Deep purple: Theo Walcott in Arsenal's 2012/13 away kit during the last 16 of the Champions League
New surroundings: Cesc Fabregas in action wearing the first Arsenal home kit to be worn at the Emirates in 2006
Making an appearance: Arsenal's first home kit worn at the Emirates and their away top from last season

Redcurrant: Robert Pires sporting the shirt that Arsenal wore to say goodbye to Highbury in 2005/06
Redcurrant: Robert Pires sporting the shirt that Arsenal wore to say goodbye to Highbury in 2005/06

Feeling blue: Tony Adams of Arsenal during a Premier League game against Middlesbrough in 1996
The Master: Dennis Bergkamp celebrates scoring Arsenal's third against Wimbledon in 1996
Home and Away: Legends Dennis Bergkamp and Tony Adams sporting kits from 1996

And finally: Aaron Ramsey holding the FA Cup trophy in Arsenal's final Nike kit
And finally: Aaron Ramsey holding the FA Cup trophy in Arsenal's final Nike kit
Read More »

Rihanna sets pulses racing with provocative display as Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers reach NBA conference finals

Kevin Durant scored 39 points for the Oklahoma City Thunder to beat the Los Angeles Clippers and advance to the Western Conference Finals for the third time in four years, but Rihanna stole the show at the Staples Center.
The 26-year-old Barbadian pop star was pictured giving one of her famously raunchy displays as the Thunder's 104-98 win set up a meeting with the San Antonio Spurs on Monday - which key forward Serge Ibaka may miss after picking up a left calf strain.
The Umbrella and Diamonds singer proved a handful - in more ways than one - as she watched the game in an animated matter, grabbing herself provocatively and screaming encouragement.
Provocative: Rihanna was spotted courtside watching the LA Clippers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder
Provocative: Rihanna was spotted courtside watching the LA Clippers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder

Dye-ing to watch the game: The pop star sported a new pink hairstyle at Staples Center
Celebrating: Rihanna enjoys the game
Dye-ing to watch the game: The pop star sported a new pink hairstyle at Staples Center

Excited: Rihanna cheered the teams on from the sidelines as the Thunder sealed victory in LA
Excited: Rihanna cheered the teams on from the sidelines as the Thunder sealed victory in LA

THURSDAY RESULTS

OKC Thunder 104-98 LA Clippers
(OKlahoma City win series 4-2)

Washington Wizards 80-93 Indiana Pacers
(Indiana win seires 4-2)
For LA, Chris Paul led scoring with 25 points but controversial officiating cost them down the stretch, as a number of calls appeared to go against the Clippers, while Blake Griffin fouled out with 2mins 27s left to play.
Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook added 19 points, though 11 of those came from the free throw line, but it was Durant's show.
After missing his first five shots the lanky small forward caught fire, adding 16 rebounds and five assists to go along with his tally, shooting 5-from-8 from three point range.
Jamal Crawford, who averaged more than 18-points-per-game in the regular season for LA, only scored four.
'Tonight's game is something we've done all year,' said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. 'We've stuck together and found ways to win.'
Read More »

Video: Arsenal Dressing Room Celebrations after Winning FA Cup to end Trophy drought

Read More »

Follow Me