Menez: I'm Happy At AC Milan

Jeremy Menez has no desire to leave AC Milan, despite rumours linking him with a move away from the struggling Serie A side, and is hoping that his fine club form will earn him a France recall.

Liverpool have emerged a possible suitor for the 28-year-old winger, who has scored 16 goals in 33 league matches this term, after being regularly utilised by Rossoneri coach Filippo Inzaghi in a more central attacking position.

However, the French forward insists that he remains fully committed to a club with whom he signed a three-year contract upon joining on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

"I am happy here at Milan," Menez told the club's official television channel. "The relationship with my team-mates is brilliant, we have a great group, it's just a shame about the results.

"On a personal level, I think that I've had a good season, but of course I could have done better and I hope that I can do more next season.

"You can always improve in a lot of areas, I feel very happy here, even if I've heard things that I do not like, but that's a part of football.

"I will try to give even more come next season."

Menez, who was left out of the France squad for last year’s World Cup, hasn’t represented his country since October 2013.

However, the former Roma man has been one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise disappointing season for Milan, who currently sit 11th in Serie A with just two rounds of the season remaining, and admitted that forcing his way back into the France set-up has been one of the key factors in his resurgence.

“I came here to also get back into the national team," Menez added. "I try my best for Milan above all, but also for the national team.

“The European Championship is taking place next year and I want to be there.”

'Van Gaal Snubbed Real Madrid To Join Barcelona'

A former assistant of Louis Van Gaal claims that the Dutch coach snubbed Real Madrid in order to take the Barcelona job.

The current Manchester United boss moved to Camp Nou in 1997, a year after leading a young Ajax side the Champions League title.

However, Gerard van der Lem, who had been Van Gaal’s right-hand man during his time in Amsterdam, has revealed that his former boss could have easily ended up at the Santiago Bernabeu instead.

"Real Madrid and Barcelona both wanted Van Gaal in 1997," he told De Telegraaf.

"He asked me: 'What do you want?' I said that I preferred Barcelona... Madrid is right in the middle of Spain and is always incredibly hot in the summer and very cold in the winter.

"Barcelona has a more pleasant climate, seemed like a nicer city and I enjoy the sea.

"Louis then told me that he would open talks with Barcelona."

Van Gaal succeeded Bobby Robson as Barcelona boss, with the Catalans deciding to return to their Dutch roots in an attempt to rekindle the glory days of Johan Cruyff’s 'Dream Team'.

The 63-year-old claimed two league titles during his first three-year stay in Spain before returning for an ill-fated second spell in 2002, after two years with the Dutch national team.

Casillas: Real Madrid Should Sign David De Gea

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has welcomed the club's interest in David De Gea, insisting that the Santiago Bernabeu side should sign the Manchester United star.

Casillas has suffered heavy criticism in recent seasons following a number high-profile mistakes and there is mounting speculation that the Liga outfit are ready to axe their captain this summer.

But despite suggestions that De Gea’s potential arrival could signal the end of his spell in the Spanish capital, Casillas still feels that Madrid should move for the 24-year-old shot-stopper, who has thus far refused to sign a new contract at United.

Indeed, when asked by reporters if he would like to see De Gea arrive from Old Trafford, the Blancos skipper stated: “Of course I would."

However, when asked if he would be at the Bernabeu himself next season, a defiant Casillas added: “Yes, I will be [at Real Madrid next season].”

This week, Manchester United coach Louis Van Gaal denied suggestions De Gea was set to return to Spain. However, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is reported to have lost patience with Casillas, who endured a torrid time for his country during last year’s World Cup, making two major errors in his side’s 5-1 loss to Netherlands in the group stage in Brazil.

Casillas was dropped by former Madrid coach Jose Mourinho in 2013 but won back his place in the starting line-up under Carlo Ancelotti this season.

Casillas, who joined the club's academy 25 years ago, has claimed three Champions League titles and five Liga crowns since making his professional debut in 1999.

‘Second Place Isn't Failure for City’

Manuel Pellegrini claims Manchester City's second place finish in the Premier League does not represent a failure for the deposed champions.

City are guaranteed to end as runners-up behind champions Chelsea whatever their result in their last game of the season at home to Southampton on Sunday.

While City's lofty position would be gratefully accepted by many of their top-flight competitors, Pellegrini's expensively-assembled side have won few plaudits this season after tamely surrendering the title and crashing out of the Champions League in the last 16.

Yet City manager Pellegrini struck a defiant note when asked to assess his team's campaign.

And with Uefa president Michel Platini reportedly on the brink of relaxing Financial Fair Play regulations, the Chilean believes the new developments will help ensure City challenge at the top of the English game for years to come.

"I think all the rules about FFP must be clear and Platini saying he will make changes is because they have got some things wrong in the past," Pellegrini said.

"I think a club like ours, when you don't have any debt, I don't see why you have restrictions.

"But it is a thing I am glad they are reviewing because I said before I never understood what are the rules of FFP.

"Of course, with restrictions, you are giving an advantage to other teams. It is not the most important reason we failed this season because, as I said before, we lost a lot of points to teams not as strong as our squad.

"But against Chelsea or Man United or Arsenal or Tottenham or Liverpool, if you have restrictions the other group doesn't have, then of course it's an advantage.

"This year we will all be in the same condition and we will see which is the team that works more to have a strong squad."

JOB SECURITY

Despite rumours about his job security, Pellegrini is still talking like a manager who fully expects to be in the job when the next season kicks off and, as he has done repeatedly in recent weeks, the City chief says the season has not been the disaster some critics claim.

"If we cannot win the title, it is better to finish second to finish than third or fourth," he said.

"It was not our target at the beginning of the season. We tried to keep the title but it was not possible. Chelsea was a better team than our team this year so I think to be second is not bad.

"It is difficult to review the whole season in one moment. I think it was a special season. It was not a good season because we did not win any titles but it was not a disaster."

Southampton, who will kick off in seventh spot, are hoping to clinch a place in next season's Europa League, which they will do if they win and one of Liverpool or Tottenham does not.

But remaining in seventh will also be enough, provided Arsenal, who have already qualified for the Champions League, beat Aston Villa in the FA Cup final.

Whatever happens, Saints boss Ronald Koeman is assured of having overseen the joint fourth-highest finish in the club's history.

Captain Jose Fonte admitted he was actually disappointed Saints will finish outside the top four however.

"I know this is the Premier League and it's the hardest league in the world and anything can happen," he said.

"But I really believe that at least four wins we could have got instead of four defeats that we had, and that would have put us you know where - in the Champions League."

Carver Aims To Lift Newcastle

John Carver will use the painful memories of Newcastle's most recent relegation from the Premier League as motivation for his players as they approach what he has described as the club's biggest game for six years.

Carver's side go in search of a first victory in 11 games against West Ham on Sunday as they bid to secure their top flight safety after a season of turmoil on and off the pitch at St James' Park.

Anything less than a win against a team managed by their former boss Sam Allardyce will leave Newcastle, who sit just two points above the relegation zone, in danger of going down on what is likely to prove to be a dramatic final day of the campaign.

If Newcastle lose or draw and third bottom Hull beat Manchester United at the KC Stadium then they will be relegated as they have an inferior goal difference to the Tigers.

But several members of the current Newcastle squad - Fabricio Coloccini, Tim Krul, Steven Taylor, Jonas Gutierrez and Ryan Taylor - were at the club when Newcastle were relegated under caretaker manager Alan Shearer, following a final day defeat at Aston Villa in 2009, and Carver has been motivating his players this week by recalling that painful experience.

"I don't think I'll be getting any of those individual players to talk specifically to the rest of the squad about that day, but as a group we have discussed their experiences in team meetings," Carver said.

"Those players they know what it feels like. I talked about their experiences and how they had to deal with what came next, because it wasn't nice.

"I considered showing the squad something to reinforce what it's like to be in the Premier League compared to what it's like to be in the next division down.

"This is what it's like to go to Old Trafford, the Emirates and Stamford Bridge compared to this is what it's like to go to the lesser clubs with a smaller changing room and all of that.

"I thought about showing them the fans after the Aston Villa game, but I decided against it because I think if you can't motivate yourself for a game as big as this, when you've got so much to play for, then no matter what I show you, it's not going to make any difference."

DISMAL RUN

Carver has won just two of his 19 games in charge since making the step up when Alan Pardew left to join Crystal Palace at the start of the year with Newcastle in 10th place.

The 50-year-old has come in for strong criticism from supporters for overseeing such a dismal run, his unpopularity matched by that of the club's billionaire owner, Mike Ashley, after taking one point from the last possible 30.

Fans plan a sit-in protest after Sunday's game, regardless of the outcome, and Carver added: "The fans have a right to do what they want."

Realistically, West Ham can finish no lower than 12th but that is a disappointment given that the Hammers were in the Champions League qualification mix at Christmas.

Allardyce's contract expires at the end of the season and it is expected that co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold will inform him on Monday that it will not be renewed.

"It will be all sorted on Monday, one way or the other," said Allardyce, who revealed he will be on holiday with his grandchildren by then.

"I'm not personally having a meeting but my agent will be available to speak to the owners."

Allardyce was sacked by Ashley in 2008 after just eight months in charge but insisted revenge was not on his mind.

"It's not about Newcastle for me," he said. "Some have suggested I'm all up for winning to send them down, but I'm up for winning for West Ham because that's where I work."

I Want to continue at Real Madrid - Ancelotti

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will discuss his future with the club after Saturday's final La Liga game of the campaign at home to Getafe and said he wants to stay on despite a season without a major trophy.

Speculation that Real president Florentino Perez is poised to discard Ancelotti, a year before his three-year contract expires, has been rife since the holders were eliminated from the Champions League and Barcelona secured the La Liga title last weekend.

Ancelotti's post-training news conference on Friday had the air of a farewell, with journalists applauding the Italian at the end, but he insisted he is ready and willing to continue.

Ancelotti led Real to a record-extending 10th European title last term, as well as a King's Cup triumph, and they went on to win the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup before their form tailed off after the turn of the year.

"I understand that this is a key moment for the club because they are taking an important decision," Ancelotti told reporters.

"If I don't carry on I will have spent two fantastic years here and each will go their separate ways, the club one way and me the other," he added.

"We have had some very happy moments, perhaps the happiest in the history of Real Madrid.

"I won't be sad as I will have the feeling that I gave everything I could.

"I have the confidence and the desire and the excitement to carry on because I like this club and these players and I like this city."

Spanish media reports have suggested Napoli coach Rafa Benitez, who had a stint working in Real's academy in the mid-1990s, is the front runner to replace Ancelotti.

There has also been speculation that Ancelotti could continue but without his long-term fitness trainer, Giovanni Mauri, and goalkeeping coach Villiam Vecchi, who would be replaced.

Ancelotti dismissed a suggestion a lack of fitness had scuppered Real's trophy chances and defended his assistants.

"I have a lot of confidence in them and they have been working with me for a long time," Ancelotti said.

"What I have achieved in my career I have achieved with this staff and I still think they are the best in the world."

Real are assured of second in La Liga and a Champions League berth for next season.

I Won't Give Medal Away Again - Mou

Jose Mourinho will receive a third Premier League winners' medal on Sunday but the Chelsea manager is not feeling so charitable this time – meaning no surprise souvenir for a lucky fan at Stamford Bridge.

After claiming a second English title in 2006 following a 3-0 win against Manchester United, Mourinho launched his medal and blazer into the crowd.

Chelsea host Sunderland in their final game of the season on Sunday where they will be presented with the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2010.

"My son now is collecting all my stuff," the Portuguese told a news conference on Friday. "He keeps everything.

"At that time (2006) he was too young, but in this moment he is collecting everything. Shirts, medals – he steals everything from me."

Mourinho was named Premier League manager of the season for the third time following previous triumphs in 2005 and 2006.

"I was not waiting for it, I was never manager of the month, but I'm happy with it," he said.

"It's a club trophy, not an individual one. It's for me, my assistants, my players, everybody who works with me. It's something you don't just get by yourself.

"It's the icing on the cake but I work for the cake. The Premier League is the real cake but obviously to be the manager of the season is nice."

Forward Eden Hazard, who has played in all 37 of Chelsea's league fixtures, is unlikely to feature against Sunderland after undergoing emergency dental surgery on Wednesday to have three wisdom teeth removed.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech is struggling with a muscle injury but Mourinho said the 33-year-old, who could leave at the end of the season after being used as back-up to Thibaut Courtois, will play some part against Sunderland.

Young defender Andreas Christensen and 18-year-old attacking midfielder Jeremie Boga will be given a taste of first team action.

Xavi To Start Final La Liga Game

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique confirmed that Xavi Hernandez will captain the side on his 505th and final La Liga appearance for the Catalans at home to Deportivo la Coruna on Saturday.

The 35-year-old announced on Thursday that he will leave the club for Qatari side Al-Sadd after a 17-year playing career that has already seen him win 23 trophies at club level.

And he could yet leave with two more trophies as Barca face Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final in Xavi's last ever match at the Camp Nou next weekend before meeting Juventus in the Champions League final on June 6.

"Xavi will start tomorrow," Enrique told a press conference on Friday.

"Without him in the dressing room it will obviously be different. He has taken the decision that he believes is best for him.

"The years go by and everyone gets older. We have all spoken about what he has meant, continues to mean and will mean in the future for the club. He still has the chance to win two more titles."

Former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen will also make his debut after an injury-ravaged season as Enrique admitted he will make a number of changes with the upcoming finals in mind.

Keshi Throws Open Super Eagles Door To 'Goal Poacher' Taiwo Awoniyi

Nigeria senior team coach Stephen Keshi has given U20 striker Taiwo Awoniyi the green light to lead the Super Eagles attack when he finishes with the U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Awoniyi, a top talent in the Flying Eagles squad, is expected to light up the youth championship that starts next week with his eye for goal and impressive physique.

The 18-year-old scored a brace for Samson Siasia’s U23 squad in a recent All African Games qualifier in Lusaka, Zambia, and it would be only a matter of time before he makes his senior team debut.

Keshi told Goal that Awoniyi is ripe enough to lead the Eagles attack but must indicate his readiness to take that responsibility on the field of play.

“If you will recall, I gave Awoniyi his first call up to the Super Eagles sometimes ago because I know that he has the quality of a goal poacher who can deliver the goals when needed,” Keshi told Goal.

“But like I have always explained, playing for the age grade national teams is different from the Super Eagles.

“Taiwo Awoniyi is young and talented and has the quality of a good striker. So who says he can’t lead the Eagles attack?

“He just needs to be ready for the task and show it on the field of play which I believe the boy is capable of doing.”

The 53-year-old wished his future lead man a good time at the Fifa tournament where Nigeria have never won despite reaching two finals.

“I pray that he continues to wax stronger with the Flying Eagles at the World Cup. His performance in New Zealand will be good for his confidence level and will also help prepare him for the Super Eagles task.

“Like I said, the boy is a good player,” he said.

The Nigeria U20 side will begin their title challenge with a game against Brazil on June 1 in New Plymouth.

Man Utd Should Sign Cech If De Gea Quits, Says Scholes

Manchester United should sign Chelse's Petr Cech if David De Gea leaves to join Real Madrid, according to Red Devils legend Paul Scholes.

The Spanish side have identified De Gea - who will soon enter the final year of his current contract with United and has so far declined to sign an extension - as the ideal replacement for Iker Casillas and have issued the 24-year-old an ultimatum to persuade him to join this year.

Cech, meanwhile, is ready to leave Stamford Bridge after being displaced as Chelsea No.1 by Thibaut Courtois this season and his agent, Viktor Kolar, on Tuesday revealed that his client would be open to joining United or Arsenal.

Scholes sees Cech as the outstanding available candidate to replace De Gea should he depart and believes the 33-year-old could have a similar impact at Old Trafford as Dutch goalkeeping great Edwin van der Sar.

"If De Gea does go, United should sign Petr Cech," Scholes wrote in his column for the Independent.

"I remember the effect Edwin van der Sar had on the club when he arrived in 2005. United had struggled since Peter Schmeichel to find a really commanding goalkeeper. Fabien Barthez was the closest we got.

"Edwin came ready-made. He was a Champions League winner, he had four years’ Premier League experience with Fulham, and in the end our manager got six extremely successful years out of him.

"Edwin was almost 35 when he joined United. Cech has only just turned 33. He could potentially play another six years for United.

"There would be no concern about having to give him time to play his way into the position or the demands that the Premier League makes of a goalkeeper new to the country. United won’t want to lose De Gea but there is a solution in the offing."