Football News

Mikel Arteta is happy at Everton and will not look to force a move from Goodison Park even though he wishes to return to Spain one day.

Atletico Madrid, who came close to signing the elegant midfielder before he joined Rangers in 2002, are known to be monitoring Arteta, with Spanish sources claiming that director Miguel Angel Gil Marin met the player after last week's Merseyside derby.

Arteta, who came through Barcelona's youth ranks, concedes he is drawn by the prospect of a return to his homeland.

"I would like to return to Spain," he said. "It is something that will always be there, but I have to find the right moment and the ideal club. If somebody wants me, they will have to talk to Everton."

Player in hospital after QPR brawl

Chinese U-21 international Zheng Tao was knocked unconscious and taken to hospital following a brawl in a match against Queens Park Rangers at the English club's training ground on Wednesday.

The violent fracas caused Premier League referee Dermot Gallacher to abandon the friendly in west London with QPR winning 2-1 in the second half.

Xian Chanba defender Zheng was unconscious for five minutes after the fighting, which was sparked off when Gao Lin hit a player from the English second division club.

The Chinese Olympic team for next year's Beijing Games are in England for a two-week stay at Chelsea's training complex in Cobham. Shanghai Shenhua striker Gao, who could be sent home, said he had been provoked.

Inter join Ronaldo hunt

Inter might join the race to sign winger Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, according to the latest reports. The Portuguese, who scored his 15th goal of the season in United's 4-0 win at Tottenham on Sunday, is being linked with a summer move, with various big clubs interested in his services.

Ronaldo is valued at £35m and is contracted to the Premiership outfit until 2010, but could leave this year despite United insisting that the player is not for sale at any price.

Inter will celebrate their centenary in March 2008 and Massimo Moratti is allegedly eager to honour the important occasion with prestigious signings, with Ronaldo one of the names on his wish list.

EU seeks talks with Platini

The European Commission has called for urgent talks with new UEFA president Michel Platini in a bid to halt rising hooliganism and racism in the game.

The move by European Union justice and security commissioner Franco Frattini comes in the aftermath of serious violence in Italy which resulted in the death of a policeman.

"I can confirm that vice president Frattini has invited Michel Platini, president of UEFA, to discuss issues of violence and racism," said commission spokesman Friso Roscam Abbing.

"It's clear it won't be at the end of the year because things are urgent. It will be in the coming days or weeks."

Zola eyeing job 'down-under'

Gianfranco Zola could become the new coach of Australian side Sydney FC. The former Italy international retired in 2005 and is currently Pierluigi Casiraghi's assistant at the helm of the U-21 national team.

Sydney are looking for a new tactician after the departure of Terry Butcher and Zola has allegedly stated that he would favour a move to Australia.

Sydney confirmed on their website that the arrangement with former England international Butcher had come to an end, although there were no further details on his possible replacements.

Reports suggest that 40-year-old Zola was impressed with Sydney during his visit over the Christmas period.

Juve regret selling Mutu

Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco admits that he regrets selling Adrian Mutu to Fiorentina. "Now I wouldn't let him go," he said.

The Romanian joined Fiorentina during the summer on a permanent basis, after moving to Turin on a free transfer last January following his sacking from Chelsea where he failed a routine drugs test.

The striker has impressed so far this season and scored in Wednesday's international match against Moldova, which replaced the friendly with Italy cancelled after events in Catania.

"If I could change one thing it might be the sale of Mutu," said Secco.

Van der Sar out for two weeks

Edwin van der Sar is expected to return to action within a fortnight, despite breaking his nose in the win at Spurs last week.

The Manchester United goalkeeper was briefly knocked out and had to spend the night in hospital following an accidental collision with Tottenham striker Robbie Keane. However, United expect him to be back in training by the start of next week.

That means that Tomasz Kuszczak will deputise in goal against Charlton at the weekend. The Pole is also likely to face Reading in the FA Cup fifth round tie on February 17.

Zidane for futsal tournament

Zinedine Zidane is to come out of retirement to star in a futsal tournament in France that will help promote the small-sided sport in the country as well as raise funds for former players in need.

The 34-year-old former Juventus and Real Madrid playmaker, who hung up his boots after last summer's World Cup final, will line up in a five-hour futsal extravaganza on March 25 with other members of the 1998 World Cup-winning squad.

The event has been organised by Henri Emile, a former team manager with Les Bleus who works to promote futsal for the French Football Federation.