Football news

Real Madrid's French midfielder Lassana Diarra has claimed to have learnt "nothing" from Arsene Wenger during his short-lived time at Arsenal.

In an interview with El Pais newspaper, Diarra said: "I have the impression that I never played at Arsenal. If you hadn't reminded me of it, I would have forgotten about it. It is something erased from my head."

Asked about any influence Wenger had on him, Diarra said: "Me? Nothing. With Wenger I learnt nothing. Well, he only taught me how to doubt everything.

"I played 15 matches. The relationship I had with him was not good."

Diarra signed for Arsenal from Chelsea in September 2007 but moved to Portsmouth in January 2008 before joining Real Madrid a year later.

Babbel to remain Stuttgart coach

Former Germany international Markus Babbel has received the green light to continue as coach of Bundesliga club Stuttgart despite not having the necessary badges.

The German football federation (DFB) said the 36-year-old Babbel will take part in a coaching course in Cologne at the start of July, which will run three days a week for 10 months.

Babbel's case has been a sticking point between Stuttgart and the federation, who announced in January that the defender could not continue in his post from season's end.

With 51 caps to his name, Babbel took over from Armin Veh at the end of November and has led Stuttgart from 11th up to fifth in the Bundesliga table.

Ujfalusi dismisses Juve reports

Atletico Madrid defender Tomas Ujfalusi is flattered by interest from Juventus but has dismissed suggestions he could be set for a move to Turin. The Czech Republic international played for Fiorentina between 2004 and 2008 before joining Atletico Madrid.

"I have a lot of nostalgia for Italy," he admitted. "I played there for a good four years with Fiorentina and I have emotional ties with the country.

"But I am happy here in Madrid and if I ever return to Italy it has to be with Fiorentina."

UEFA reject Barca appeal

UEFA have rejected Barcelona's appeal against Lionel Messi's yellow card and coach Pep Guardiola's dismissal from the bench in last Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, the club said.

Messi was cautioned for diving in the penalty area by referee Howard Webb in the first half of the 4-0 win and Guardiola was ordered to the stands for protesting against the decision.

UEFA ruled that Guardiola will not be allowed to sit on the bench during Tuesday's second leg in Munich, the Primera Liga leaders said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.com).

Walcott wants to stay at Arsenal

Theo Walcott, whose contract with Arsenal is due to run out in June 2010, has hinted that he's ready to extend his playing days with the English Premiership giants.

The 20-year-old England star, who is in talks about extending his deal, has become a key member of Arsene Wenger's side this season despite missing four months with a shoulder injury.

"I'll let my agents deal with the contract situation and just get on with playing," Walcott said. "But I do look around and think what a great team this is. We've got a great squad and some great talents.

"There are so many examples of players who have developed into great players under our manager, Thierry (Henry) for a start, and I want to be one of them."

Romania to end Piturca contract

Romania's soccer federation will negotiate a mutual termination of coach Victor Piturca's contract after the team's poor showing in qualifiers for next year's World Cup in South Africa, officials said.

"I asked the board to negotiate with Mr Piturca a mutual termination of the contract, given that our chances to qualify are close to zero and that is putting it politely," Romanian federation (FRF) chief Mircea Sandu told a news conference.

Romania have lost their last two matches in Group Seven against Serbia and Austria and lie fifth in a group also containing France, Lithuania and Faroe Islands.

Hillsborough scars will never heal

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard believes the scars of the Hillsborough disaster, which claimed the life of his cousin, as well as 95 other fans, will never heal.

With the 20th anniversary of the tragedy being marked on Wednesday, the England star, who was only nine at the time, recalled the horror of discovering his 10-year-old cousin Jon-Paul Gilhooley had become the youngest victim of the disaster.

"We got the dreaded knock the next morning to say that a member of our family was at the game and had been tragically killed," said Gerrard.

"Seeing the reactions of his mum, dad and family helped me drive on to become the player I have developed into today.

"Time has gone by, but the scars will never ever be healed."