Football news

Germany striker Kevin Kuranyi, who left the national team during the World Cup qualifier against Russia on Saturday, has been indefinitely suspended by coach Joachim Loew, the German Football Federation said.

Reports in Bild claim that the 26-year-old left the Signal Iduna Park Stadium in Dortmund during the game, in which he was only on the bench, and went home where he stated he would be retiring from international football.

Kuranyi has 52 caps to his name and has scored 19 goals for Germany but has become increasingly frustrated with his lack of playing time. Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski appear to be the first-choice pairing for Loew.

Real still want Ronaldo

Spanish champions Real Madrid have not given up hope of luring Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, despite failing to land him during the close season.

"It is possible. He's very keen. I think it will be a little harder for his club to hang on to him next year. The hope remains that next year he could be with us," coach Bernd Schuster told Spanish sports daily Marca.

"It is necessary to do everything possible because it is worth it to have this player."

Real's pursuit of Ronaldo in summer was one of the most protracted and high-profile transfer sagas of recent years, but it ultimately ended in disappointment for the Primera Liga champions.

English lessons for Robinho

Manchester City striker Robinho wants his language talents to match his football skills by the end of the season and told reporters he wants to learn English as quickly as possible.

"The language of football is universal," the Brazilian told the Manchester Evening News.

"Myself and the other players already have a good understanding. Sometimes in training when I shout something they think it's funny but they understand me. I haven't started language lessons yet but as soon as I find my own place I will."

Robinho has flown his wife and baby son over from Brazil and is currently house-hunting in the North West.

"I am enjoying Manchester, Elano took me for a city tour and I loved it," he said.

Extra refs on goal-line

UEFA president Michel Platini wants Italy to test his idea of having two extra referees on the goal-lines.

"It would be great and really useful. Maybe in the Italian cup," Platini told reporters, adding that the results of the 1966 and 1990 World Cup finals could have been different if there had been a goal-line referee.

The International Football Association Board have given permission for two extra assistant referees to officiate at matches in the U-19 European Championship qualifying tournament in Slovenia during the weekend.

The extra assistants were positioned behind the goal-line at either end of the field.

Terry faces test

England coach Fabio Capello has given John Terry a final chance to prove his fitness before the trip to Belarus tomorrow.

The England captain missed the 5-1 victory over Kazakhstan at Wembley on Saturday with a back problem and is now facing a race against time to convince Capello that he is ready for international action.

FA director of communications Adrian Bevington confirmed that Terry was due to train with his team-mates today.

He said: "John is working with the physio and he'll be doing some jogging and gym work. On Monday (today) he'll hopefully be training with the rest of the squad and that's when Fabio will make his decision."

Tottenham set to bid for Rosina

Troubled Premier League club Tottenham are looking to bolster their squad and Torino striker Alessandro Rosina could be one of their transfer targets in January.

Rosina is a darling of the Torino fans but he has often engaged in public rows with the club directors and this season criticised president Urbano Cairo for not bringing in more reinforcements.

Reports in the UK press said Spurs are looking to sign Rosina to boost their dismal campaign.

Torino have a good relationship with the English sides, having already off-loaded David Di Michele to West Ham and Vincenzo Grella to Blackburn last summer.

Iwelumo asks for second chance

Chris Iwelumo wants Scotland manager George Burley to give him a second chance and the time to make up for his stunning miss against Norway on Saturday.

The Wolves striker missed a glaring sitter in front of goal and Scotland had to settle for a scoreless home draw. Iwelumo, however, is still upbeat.

He said: "I'm a positive person. I'm sure I will look at it over and over again but it's been and gone now.

"All I can do is keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully I'll get another chance to go out there and show what I'm all about."