Football news

French midfielder Mathieu Flamini says he is considering leaving Arsenal at the end of the season.

"The next three years will be very important for me," Flamini, 23, told French sports daily L'Equipe.

"I want to move a step forward. Arsenal are a young team with qualities but I have been playing less lately. It's not an easy situation. Any player in that situation would ask himself questions."

"I'm reaching the end of a cycle," he added. "I've just spent three years at Arsenal and my lawyer told me that from June I would be able to leave. For that, I will have to pay the club a year in salary."

Perth want Zola in their team

Perth Glory, of Australia, want Gianfranco Zola to join their team along with Teddy Sheringham. The duo were recently touted as high profile acquisitions for Perth's rivals Sydney FC, but the club decided not to pursue their interest further.

That left the door open for Perth's coach Ron Smith, who is keen to have the former Italy and England internationals on board for short-term stints.

"Zola is still on the cards and we're after Sheringham," Perth co-owner Tony Sage said. "They'd be for five or six-week stints, but they are being driven by Ron Smith."

I'm leaving Inter - Recoba

Alvaro Recoba says he wants to leave Inter at the end of the season.

The Uruguayan has had few chances to shine this season and has again admitted that he is looking for more first team football elsewhere.

"I am disappointed that I was unable to give my contribution to the team this season," said Recoba, who joined the club in 1997.

"It will be sad to leave, but I can't stay here without having the opportunity to play regularly... Inter can be sure, however, that I will never move to Milan."

Capello about to retire?

Fabio Capello is said to be considering the idea of quitting the game at the end of the season.

The Real Madrid coach moved to Spain last year but has had his difficulties during his second spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.

His results-based football has been unpopular with fans. Now reports in Spain are suggesting that Capello is considering the idea of completely retiring from football in June.

Real have had a disappointing season so far, having been knocked out from the Champions League and the King's Cup.

Houllier with millions to spend

Lyon will be armed with a war chest of 200 million euros for next season, according to their president Jean-Michel Aulas. Lyon are on the cusp of claiming their sixth successive French title - a record for any of the major leagues in Europe.

But once again they failed in the Champions League while they were beaten 1-0 by Bordeaux in the League Cup final on Saturday.

"We are going to bounce back," Aulas said. "We are already looking ahead to next season. The budget will be bordering on 200 million euros and we are studying a certain number of trails as we look to reinforce."

Beckham back to training

Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham has returned to training after recovering from injury. The 31-year-old ex-England captain has been sidelined since he sustained the injury to his right knee in a league match against Getafe early in March.

He had been recovering in the gym but is now back with his team-mates at their Valdebebas training ground.

Real are next in action against Osasuna at the Bernabeu this weekend but it is not yet known whether Beckham will be fit to play.

Redknapp wants Kranjcar to stay

Harry Redknapp wants Croatian midfielder Niko Kranjcar to extend his stay at Portsmouth. The 23-year-old, who scored his first goal for Pompey at Fulham, had been linked with a return to Hajduk Split.

But Redknapp said: "We've bought him, he's not a loan. He belongs to us. He's a terrific footballer and I'm keen on him and want to keep him."

Kranjcar said: "It is up to the club whether I stay here next season. If they say they want to keep me I will be happy with that."

Barthez receives Nantes backing

Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez cost Nantes defeat at the weekend after he spilled a cross into his own net but the coach is not pointing fingers in his direction.

Moments after the mistake he was substituted and he left the stadium almost immediately. At the time it was presumed Barthez was injured but coach Michel Der Zakarian has revealed this was not the case.

"It is a shame to have conceded such a stupid goal," Der Zakarian said.

"Fabien made a gaffe that cost us a lot. He wasn't injured when he left.

"He is alright now, back to training. To me, Fabien remains an example of professionalism."

Easter period crucial - Anelka

Nicolas Anelka thinks the Easter period is crucial to Bolton's bid for a European place. Sam Allardyce's side travel to Wigan on Saturday before entertaining Everton on Monday. Bolton ended a run of four games without a victory by winning 1-0 against Sheffield United on Saturday to cement fifth place in the Premier League standings.

And Anelka is now looking for the team to maintain that momentum during the crucial holiday period.

"There is a buzz around the place and the next two games are massive in our European ambitions," Anelka said. "European football is important to us all but I try not to think too far ahead as you can get carried away. The focus is on Wigan and then Everton."