MLS Migration: Henry, Raul, Diego, who else?

Season is over, and now the fun stuff can begin... First, a bit of self-advertisement, just wrote an article on Serie A Talk to check out on Parma and Guidolin, check that awesome stuff out here. Second, a bit of MLS migration news, it's interesting to see recent comments by Juventus midfielder Diego who said this about the MLS,

"I find Major League Soccer quite interesting and I could compete in it one day. I like the way it is organized and the US is a beautiful country. .... I believe American soccer has room for improvement and it is an attractive option for foreign players"

Interesting that a player like Diego at Juventus who has a relatively big future in front of him is thinking of the MLS, maybe we could see him move at a young age? Here are some of the big stars could be making their way over to North America this summer.

Henry


It seems like the Frenchman has already signed for the New York Red Bulls who are having a great start to the season with the new coach Hans Backe. Henry would fit in well with Juan Pablo Angel up top, and he could put bums in seats for the new 25,000 seater Red Bull Arena.

Pires


Another Frenchman who although is rumored to have rejected some offers from MLS clubs could still move to play footy in North America. Pires could also decide to retire though being 37, but a couple of years in the MLS wouldn't do him any bad.

Raul (and maybe Ronaldinho)


Raul is a player who has been going on forever, but this past season we've seen less of him, and it could be the perfect time for him to move to the MLS and finish a prestigious career possibly with the LA Galaxy along former teammate David Beckham. It's also possible that the LA Galaxy will try to sign Ronaldinho from AC Milan, re-uniting the chubby but still inspirational Brazilian with Beckham.

Ze Roberto


It's very possible that Ze Roberto could move to the New York Red Bulls, especially if Henry isn't signed, the veteran player would add a creative presence for the Red Bulls, and if him and Henry both go there, it would be wonderful to see them play together.

A couple more possibles...


Here are a couple more that could move this summer, or maybe in the future transfer windows, basically all of them are over 30 and aging, but it's certainly a move in the right direction for MLS and football in North America. Del Piero from Juventus is getting less playing time and could move to MLS along with Seedorf and Inzaghi from AC Milan.

Inter Milan and Barcelona win Serie A and La Liga and Chelsea win FA Cup

Cool kids with the trophy, look at Ballack's face...

Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea are all to be applauded along with Bayern Munich, Olympique Marseille, Benfica, Rangers, and all other teams which have won titles, cups, and anything else. It feels like it's almost over, but as we all know there's a massive final May 22nd between Inter Milan and Bayern Munich which will take place in the Santiago Bernabeu. Here's the last wrap up of the 2010/2011 season, I hope you enjoy it.


Fa Cup


Chelsea have won a historic double after defeating Portsmouth 1-0, Ancelotti's first year and the Italian coach has done what Mourinho couldn't do in a season. While the big news will be Drogba's pinpoint free kick which won the game for Chelsea, it should also be noted that Portsmouth and Chelsea both missed a penalty each (Portsmouth missed theirs right before Chelsea scored with Drogba), and both of the keepers had a fantastic match. But Chelsea's dominance was oppressing, they created chance after chance only to be stopped by David James who had a stupendous game, his only error was the slightest of shuffles the wrong way on Drogba's free kick. While Chelsea will be aiming for Champions League glory next year, Portsmouth could cease to exist.


Serie A

Inter Milan have won their 5th scudetto in a row, and it's the 18th in the club's history which puts Inter Milan ahead of AC Milan (which has 17) in the amount of Serie A titles. And while it seems all very simple, Inter Milan had to fight against an extremely tough Siena side, winning by only 1 goal by Diego Milito. While Inter pummeled Siena continuously hitting the crossbar repeatedly, putting plenty of chances wide, and testing Curci more than enough, but eventually the goal came by Diego Milito who tucked away yet another goal in this fantastic season for him, giving Inter Milan the Italian Serie A title. Roma on the other hand fought hard an played a good match against Chievo, but it wasn't enough. Vucinic rocketed a volley to give Roma the lead, and then De Rossi blasted a long range effort into the top right corner, but it still just wasn't enough. As for other teams (yes, there are other teams in the Serie A), Sampdoria were able to claim fourth spot after a 1-0 win over Napoli giving them Champions League football for next year (Cassano in the Champions League!).


La Liga

Pique sprayed everybody in celebration, even injured Xavi

Barcelona have won La Liga after thrashing Real Valladolid 4-0, it started with an extremely unfortunate own goal by Prieto, Pedro's ball across bounced of Prieto's foot, sending the ball into the net. Pedro then put his name on the scoresheet with a simple finish after being released by Messi, and after that Messi had a simple tap in after Toure Yaya marauded through the Valladolid defence, making it three. The final goal came in the 75th minute, Messi was released against two defenders which he dribbled through easily and then he slotted home the fourth goal. Real Madrid on the other hand were only able to get a 1-1 draw against Malaga, but it doesn't even matter due to Barcelona's win. We see yet another season which the galacticos are unable to put their stamp on. The battle for fourth was won by Sevilla who away from home defeated Almeria 3-2 with a 90th minute winner by Rios. And although Mallorca won, it wasn't enough for them to claim fourth, and it's very possible that their coach Gregorio Manzano will be going to Sevilla for the next season.


What do you think about Inter, Barca, and Chelsea winning trophies? Comment below!

Leonardo resigns as AC Milan coach

A bit of exciting news has hit the press regarding AC Milan and their coach Leonardo who has resigned as coach of the club. I've got an article up on Serie A Talk which delves into the decision and the possible replacements, so be sure to check it out here.

Also a bit of a preview for La Liga and Serie A and who could win the titles

La Liga


Barcelona are just a point ahead of Real Madrid and the Catalans will be playing the Real Valladolid who's fighting against relegation. Los Blancos on the other hand have to play Malaga, another team fighting relegation and have to hope for Barcelona to drop points against Valladolid for them to win the Spanish title.

Serie A


In Serie A it's also very close with Inter Milan two points ahead of Roma, the nerazzurri are playing Siena away who's president being a Roma fan has allegedly offered bonuses to the Siena players if they were to beat Inter. Roma have to play Chievoverona away which gave Inter Milan a tough game last week which finished 4-3 for Inter. Roma will have to win and hope for Inter Milan to drop points against Siena.

Atletico Madrid conquer Europa League with Forlan double

The Europa League final has ended 2-1 for Atletico Madrid, both teams were going for the trophy 100% considering that Fulham finished 12th in the Premier League and Atletico Madrid are 9th in La Liga. Here's SWU's match report.

Atletico Madrid - Fulham

Forlan tapping in the winner past Schwarzer

While some will complain that this match was not as entertaining as most, the tension and passion was certainly there to be seen in Hamburg. In the first half, Atletico were strong and convincing, they manouvered well creating space with Aguero who fed Forlan along with Reyes and Simao. The first goal eventually came after Aguero's failed shot which Forlan leaped on and put in the back of the net, but Fulham were beginning to rise. Eventually Fulham found the goal before halftime with Davies who from close range near the post volleyed in a shot which restored everything back to parity. After halftime Fulham began to raise the tempo of the match, causing Atletico problems with the subbed on Dempsey for Zamora. De Gea was fantastic at stopping attempts from Davies and the Englishmen, but it eventually went to extra time. While Fulham were happily waiting for it to go to penalties, Atletico (and Forlan) stepped up their game big time, first the Uruguyan striker played a golden pass to Salvio who wasted the opportunity, then Diego did the work himself and tapped Aguero's cross in to give the trophy to the Spaniards.


What are your reactions to the match? Comment below!