Football news

Cristiano Ronaldo is targeting the Champions League clash at Milan as his comeback date.

It had been expected Ronaldo would be out of action for around a month after limping out of Portugal's World Cup qualifier against Hungary on October 10 with an ankle injury. But the 24-year-old is confident he will be on the pitch at the San Siro come November 3.

"The ankle already doesn't hurt me," the Real Madrid winger said.

"I think I am ready to play."

The news will be greatly welcomed by Real who have struggled in his absence, while he would also be available for Portugal's two-legged World Cup play-off against Bosnia.

Maicon wants to stay at Inter

Brazil right-back Douglas Maicon quashed speculation that he will be leaving Inter saying he intends to honour his contract at the Serie A champions.

Maicon, who made his 100th appearance for Inter last night, has been at the centre of transfer speculation since last summer as strong reports of a bidding war between Manchester United and rivals Manchester City started to emerge while Real Madrid and Barcelona are also showing interest.

"Everyone wants me? My wife would also like me to be at home more," Maicon said.

"I am happy here and reaching my 100th game with this jersey was an ambition, but I have many more targets to hit with this club."

Richards 'big part' of Hughes's plans

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is adamant Micah Richards has a long-term future with the club. With three-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract and City a club challenging the big four this season, Richards recognised he would be insane to walk away.

"When you look at the way this club is going, who in their right mind would want to leave?" he asked.

Rather than Richards departing, there is talk City are looking at the prospect of him signing a new five-year deal.

Hughes said: "He is a big part of what we're doing here.

"I've said for a number of weeks, when questioned about players' futures, we're in the process of building and creating a team and a squad of the right quality."

Salary cap fits for US billionaire

Robert Kraft, the American billionaire who came close to buying Liverpool in 2005, has ruled out buying a Premier League club unless a salary cap is brought in.

Kraft, who owns the New England Revolution soccer team, said he is put off by the financial structure of English football.

Kraft said: "We always look at what's right for us - I love the Premier League and we probably wouldn't seriously consider coming in unless there was some sort of salary cap.

"We are involved in the Major League Soccer and we are happy to compete where it's a level playing field.

"We don't want to be a business where the wallet determines what kind of player you have."

Agent plays down Giovinco move

Sebastian Giovinco has no intention of leaving Juventus in January, according to his agent.

West Ham are reportedly offering Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami to Juventus in a swap deal which would see the Italian playmaker move in the other direction.

However, the player's agent Andrea D'Amico said: "He is not interested in any other option than to remain at Juventus.

"Giovinco is doing well and his only focus is with the Bianconeri project and nothing else."

Giovinco is under contract with the Turin giants until June 2013.

Ribery will avoid surgery

Bayern Munich forward Franck Ribery will not need an operation to cure a recurring knee problem, the club's coach Louis van Gaal said.

It had been feared that the France international may have to go under the knife, causing an absence of up to four months.

But instead, more conservative methods will be employed in a bid to get the 26-year-old back on the field before Christmas.

"Ribery will not have an operation," Van Gaal said.

"That is a good decision. I hope it (the recovery) goes quicker than many people think."

Owen can cope with Kop - Ferguson

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson insists that Michael Owen won't wilt in the Anfield pressure cooker when the former Liverpool striker lines up against his old side today.

Owen was once worshipped on The Kop after scoring 158 goals before leaving for Real Madrid in 2004.

"It will be interesting to see the kind of reaction he gets," Ferguson said.

"There are very few players who have played for both clubs. Paul Ince obviously got a bad reaction from our fans when he went to Liverpool.

"But Michael Owen is experienced. Everyone likes to be liked but I don't think it will bother him."