Friday Photos: Transfer Talk And The Asian Cup

Emmanuel Adebayor has been presented at Real Madrid. Adebayor is excited
 to begin playing, and is looking forward to having a successful loan spell with Real.

Mark van Bommel and Emanuelson debuted for AC Milan in the Coppa Italia.
The two recently joined Milan, and they helped their team to a 2-1 victory.
AC Milan will be playing Palermo in the semi-finals, and the other semi-final between
Inter and Roma. Could we see a Milan derby in the final of the Coppa Italia? 

There have been rumours linking Gareth Bale to a transfer in the summer.
Inter Milan are apparently prepared to offer 40 million Euros for the Welsh winger.

Andrea Barzagli leaves Wolfsburg and returns to Italy. Juventus have signed
the defender for just 300,000 Euros, but will the deal be worth it?

Giampaolo Pazzini has signed for Inter Milan. The nerazzurri had to pay
12 million Euros and give the speedy winger Biabiany to Sampdoria.
Can Pazzini end Inter's scoring difficulties?

While David Luiz's signing for Chelsea seemed imminent, the deal has hit a snag.
The Brazilian might not join the Blues, we'll just have to wait and see where
this young and talented defender goes.

Liverpool rejected Chelsea's bid of around 40 million Pounds for Fernando Torres.
The question is: will Liverpool manage to keep the striker over the summer?

The Socceroos celebrating their 6-0 semifinal victory over Uzbekistan in the Asian Cup.
Australia will be facing Japan in the final, and while the Samurais have been crowned
Asian champions three times already, Australia have yet to win the Asian Cup.

Ending on a beautiful note, the stunning Khalifa International Stadium where
Australia defeated Uzbekistan 6-0.

Mark van Bommel Joins AC Milan In Free Transfer

Mark van Bommel has been called many things. While some call him, "the dirtiest player alive", others prefer to simply call him "scum". While normally I don't approve of these rude and often over-exaggerated names, in van Bommel's case I might make an exception. Last season the Dutchman amassed an impressive 111 fouls and 16 yellow cards in all competitions, yet never receiving a red card.

While van Bommel is an intelligent central midfielder, with a relatively wide range of passing, his overall style is what turns many people away from him. He tends to plow through his opponents: ramming through them, stepping on them, and using sly tactics to avoid more bookings than he should receive. If you were to categorize Mark van Bommel, you would probably have to put him into a category of his own: a provoking bone-cruncher.

Acting is part of van Bommel's vast repertoire of skills

Regarding the deal which has been signed, Mark van Bommel was released from his contract at Bayern Munich after specially requesting termination of his contract. The club was happy to tear up the player's contract, thanking him for the four years and a half of service, and letting him join AC Milan on a free transfer. Mark van Bommel's deal with AC Milan is six months long, a smart move by the rossoneri. The former Bayern player will be useful in case injuries continue to pile up, but he won't be around for long to drag down the club.

Mark van Bommel joins another newly-signed Dutch player, Emanuelson who arrived from Ajax for about 1.5 million Euros. While Emanuelson will have the shirt number 28, Mark van Bommel will wear the prestigious shirt number four, previously worn by Demetrio Albertini. 

While it's a little early to judge, we might get a chance very soon when AC Milan play against Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia. AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says that it is likely that the new signings will play, giving them a chance to debut at the San Siro.

It's a strange transfer, probably one which will work out well for AC Milan in the end. What do you think? Share your comments below!

Inter Milan win Coppa Italia, Marseille win French Ligue 1, and more

Just a quick update with midweek action starting with silverware being dealt out in Italy and France.

Coppa Italia


Inter Milan won the Coppa Italia (Italian FA Cup) 1-0 over Roma in the final with a wonder-goal by Diego Milito. But what you should look out for this match is Totti's wild kick at Balotelli, here's a video with the kick below. There was also a fan who after the final whistle ran onto the field and charged towards Cambiasso, but he was quickly stopped.




Ligue 1


Marseille have won the Ligue 1 in midweek after winning 3-1, but also thanks to Lyon who managed to defeat 2nd placed Auxerre 2-1, giving Marseille the title mathematically. This is the first time in 18 years that Marseille win the French title Lyon on the other hand get closer to Champions League football for next season.

Premier League

In the English Premier League, Tottenham beat Manchester City in the battle for fourth 1-0 thanks to a rather late goal by Crouch. The game was fantastic full of chances for both sides, and the Spurs goalkeeper Gomes should be commended for some fantastic saves. With this win Tottenham are assured Champions League football next season and they could even overtake Arsenal for third place if the Gunners lose and Tottenham win on the final day of the season.

La Liga


In La Liga everything remains the same with both Barcelona and Real Madrid winning in midweek, keeping Los Blancos still one point from the Catalans. If there's one place Barcelona will slip up it'll probably be this weekend against Sevilla who will be fielding Luis Fabiano, and Barcelona could be without their center-back Gerard Pique for that important game.