Football news

Frank Lampard has been named Chelsea's Player of the Year for a record third time.

The England midfielder is the first to win the accolade three times. Winner in 2004 and 2005, Lampard was again voted leading performer over the season by Chelsea fans.

The award was some consolation for the midfielder who, despite what he describes as his best season to date, failed to win awards from the Professional Footballers' Association or Football Writers' Association.

"It feels great because of the amount of top quality players who have won this award," Lampard said.

"When I came here I never expected to win it three times at all, I just wanted to establish myself."

Ronaldinho out of Brazil squad

Off-form Ronaldinho was left out of Brazil's squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers and the Confederations Cup.

Brazil face Uruguay in Montevideo on June 6 and host South American group leaders Paraguay in Recife four days later.

Coach Dunga said he wanted Ronaldinho to return to full form before he picked him again.

"I'm going to do everything possible to help him recover," he said.

"I have confidence in him, he's a special player. He's having a bad time but I hope he can get over this."

Burnley offering free season tickets

Following a Premier League club in England is an expensive hobby but Burnley could buck the trend next season by handing out 7,000 free season tickets.

Should the club win their play-off against Sheffield United on Monday, everyone who bought a season ticket last year will pay nothing to watch their team take on the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.

The idea could cost 2.0 million pounds but with promotion to the top flight estimated to be worth in excess of 50 million pounds, it seems everybody will be happy if Burnley get over the final hurdle.

Burnley will be one of the cheapest grounds to watch Premier League football next season if they go up, with adult prices starting at around 315 pounds. Chelsea's cheapest adult deal is 520 pounds.

Fabregas cleared of spitting charge

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has been cleared of a charge of spitting at Hull City's assistant manager after an FA Cup match in March.

"The FA can confirm that, at a Regulatory Commission hearing, two charges of improper conduct against Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas were found not proved," a statement said.

Fabregas, who did not play in the match, was charged with improper conduct last month after he was accused of spitting at Hull's Brian Horton.

The other charge concerned his conduct after coming on to the pitch at the end of the match which Arsenal won 2-1.

Mourinho wants Carvalho at Inter

Jose Mourinho is hopeful of tempting his former player Ricardo Carvalho away from Chelsea to join him at Serie A champions Inter.

The Portugal defender, who played under his compatriot at Porto and Chelsea, was linked to Inter after Mourinho took over last season but a deal never materialised.

"Carvalho is one of the best central defenders in the world," Mourinho said.

"A year ago it was impossible to think of him. Now I think it is."

Mourinho said Inter were also interested in signing Twente Enschede's 20-year-old Austrian winger Marko Arnautovic.

Barca deserve to win final - Messi

Barcelona deserve to win the Champions League because of the stylish football they play, forward Lionel Messi said.

"I know that many people who are not Barca fans admire the club for its brand of football," Messi said.

"We deserve the title for the football we have played throughout the year. We deserve this reward."

The 21-year-old said Wednesday's match against Man. United was the most important of his life.

"We know that we are close to making history," he said, referring to Barca's bid to become the first Spanish club to win the league, domestic cup and European title in one season.

Ancelotti future no influence on Kaka

Kaka says he sees his future at Milan regardless of whether Carlo Ancelotti is the club's coach next season.

"I have a contract with Milan until 2013, not with Carlo Ancelotti," the playmaker said.

"Lots of things can happen in the future, but it's difficult for me to imagine myself far from Milan."

Reports in Italy claim Ancelotti wants to see Kaka join him at his next club.

"I am tied to the club, and of course, to the coach," Kaka said.

"Right now my contract speaks clearly and with regards to any transfer news related to me it will be the club that speaks."