Football news

Ronaldinho needs a bit of affection from the rest of the squad if he is to return to top form at Barcelona, according to team-mate Silvinho.

"Ronnie needs our support and affection," the Brazilian full-back was quoted as saying yesterday. "He needs us to feel that we are with him and for us to give him a hug. We need him to come back as soon as possible as he is a very important player for us."

Ronaldinho has been plagued by injury and fitness problems this season and has only been in the starting line-up for 13 of the club's 29 league matches this season.

Heitinga agrees to join Atletico

Ajax Amsterdam's Netherlands defender John Heitinga has agreed to sign a five-year deal with Atletico Madrid.

"I'm thrilled. This is a fantastic next step in my career," he said.

The 24-year-old international said he had reached an agreement to join the Primera Liga side but the clubs had yet to discuss payment terms for the transfer fee. Heitinga has a clause in his contract stating that the maximum fee Ajax can demand is €10 million.

No regrets for Anelka

Chelsea forward Nicolas Anelka agreed this week he had made mistakes since his debut for France 10 years ago but said he had no regrets.

"I've made mistakes, that's life, but regrets, no, I don't have any," Anelka told reporters.

The clash against England revives memories of a magnificent performance by Anelka in February, 1999, at Wembley, where he scored both goals in a 2-0 win by France.

"That was 10 years ago," he said. "I scored two goals but I wasn't that extraordinary. I've played better matches than that one."

Osim released from hospital

Former Japan coach Ivica Osim left hospital yesterday, four months after a life-threatening stroke. The 66-year-old Bosnian collapsed at his home last November after watching soccer late at night and spent almost two weeks in a coma.

"I wish to thank everyone involved in my treatment after being 'liberated' from hospital," Osim told reporters.

While Osim was battling for his life, Takeshi Okada was appointed as the Bosnian's replacement.

Rafa wants talks with refs' chief

Rafael Benitez wants to hold talks with referees' chief Keith Hackett in the wake of Javier Mascherano's red card at Old Trafford. Mascherano will serve a one-match ban after Sunday's dismissal, and could face an additional two-match ban if he is charged with improper conduct.

"I would like to speak to Keith Hackett because it is important we find a solution," said Benitez.

"At Liverpool we respect the game, the rules and we respect the referee."

Wenger eyeing winger Ben Arfa

Arsene Wenger admitted he is interested in signing Lyon winger Hatem Ben Arfa, one of the most sought-after young players in Europe.

Manchester United were linked with a move for Ben Arfa and team-mate Karim Benzema last month, while Spurs have held a long-term interest in Ben Arfa. The 21-year-old still has two years to run on his contract.

"If Ben Arfa is for sale, then we are very interested," Wenger said.

City express interest in Dos Santos

Manchester City want to start negotiations for Barcelona's 18-year-old forward Giovani dos Santos, according to the player's father Zizinho.

Mexico international Dos Santos broke into Barca's senior squad last season, but the rise of fellow young star Bojan Krkic has limited his appearances at the Nou Camp.

"There is interest from Manchester City," Zizinho said.

"However, I cannot give more information now as Giovani's agent is the one in charge of all this, it's him who is dealing with negotiations."

Nedved to prolong Juve stay

Pavel Nedved is set to begin talks over a contract extension to spend one more year with Juventus. Many expected the 35-year-old to quit when his current deal expires this summer, but reports suggest that the lure of Champions League football has changed his mind.

Nedved has made over 200 appearances for Juve since arriving from Lazio in 2001 and remains a key figure for Claudio Ranieri's side.

Juve's directors are waiting to meet with agent Mino Raiola, who is currently conducting business in Brazil.

Saviola linked with Napoli move

Napoli's love affair with Argentine No.10s may continue in the summer after they were linked with Javier Saviola. The South American is set to leave Real Madrid after rarely featuring for the Spanish champions since his summer switch from rivals Barcelona.

Juve have also recently been associated with him as a possible alternative to Werder Bremen's Diego, but Napoli are understood to be keen too.

Despite already having Ezequiel Lavezzi at their disposal, San Paolo transfer chief Pierpaolo Marino is monitoring Saviola's position.