Football news

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has said that he will heed club captain Raul's advice and make the fewest possible changes to the squad that won a second successive league title at the weekend.

"During the celebrations Raul and (Gabriel) Heinze took me to one side and said something very sensible: 'don't destroy this team, don't destroy it' they said," Calderon said.

"What they meant was that we shouldn't make too many changes in the team.

"We are going through a very successful period and they don't want it destroyed by bad decision making and I agree with them."

Real spent around €120 million on eight new editions to their championship-winning squad at the end of last season.

Puyol upset to clap rivals on pitch

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has admitted he is upset his team will have to give arch-rivals Real Madrid the guard of honour as they run on to the pitch at the Bernabeu today in recognition of their victory in the Spanish league.

"As a Barca fan I don't like having to clap them on to the pitch, but as a sportsman you have to recognise the champions and we will do that," the Barca defender said.

"We didn't do things right this season, we weren't consistent and Real Madrid are deserving champions."

Bruce wants Egypt striker

Steve Bruce, the Wigan manager, is expected to step up his efforts to sign Amr Zaki, the Egypt striker, over the next few weeks. Bruce watched Zaki score twice this week as his club El Zamalek beat Aluminum 5-1 in the Egyptian League.

Zaki is a top target for Wigan, who reportedly had a £4.1m bid rejected in the January transfer window.

Bruce's priority is a proven scorer. Wigan netted just 34 times all season, the worst total in the top flight other than Derby.

Nani sorry for headbutt

Manchester United winger Nani has apologised after getting himself sent off against West Ham. The Portuguese star headbutted West Ham skipper Lucas Neill in Saturday's Premier League win at Old Trafford, earning himself a three-match ban.

Nani said: "I recognise that my action was a thoughtless one, but I also have to say that I was provoked and attacked. I know it serves as no excuse, but that's exactly what happened.

"I want to publicly ask for forgiveness, first of my team-mates, who were forced into a greater effort during more than 60 minutes, second of my manager and coaches, and third of the United fans who have given me so much affection."

Ranieri wants to strenghten squad

Claudio Ranieri has warned that Juventus need more reinforcements if they are to be a force at home and in Europe next term.

Juventus are back in the Champions League and they have already signed Palermo striker Amauri. But Ranieri hopes he is the first of several big-name additions.

"Amauri is a great player and he could be an extra champion in the dressing room, but we aren't a league-chasing squad yet," he admitted.

"I need two alternatives for every role and two or three emergency players. We have to improve in terms of strength and depth."

Sagnol set to turn down Milan

Bayern Munich wing-back Willy Sagnol has confirmed that Milan are vying for his signature, but he is set to stay in Germany.

The Serie A club have already started to reinforce the squad for next season with the addition of Mathieu Flamini, from Arsenal. But their main focus is expected to be the back line and Sagnol is known to be on the shopping list.

"The Milan directors have been keen to show their interest in me regularly over the last six years," the 31-year-old said. "I am proud to get Milan's attention, but my first priority remains Bayern Munich."

No extension in Scottish Premier

The Scottish Premier League announced that the domestic season will not be extended to ease Rangers' fixture congestion.

Rangers failed to have Saturday's league game against Dundee United postponed as they sought more time to prepare for next week's UEFA Cup final.

SPL chairman Lex Gold said there was no "viable alternative" to the fixture list.

The Ibrox club face playing seven games in 17 days as they chase four trophies before the end of the season.