Football News

Diego Maradona has been invited by Uruguay's President-elect Jose Mujica to take part in an anti-drugs campaign giving talks to youths.

Argentina's national football team coach, who was addicted to drugs during most of his playing career, has accepted the invitation but only after the World Cup in South Africa which ends in mid-July.

Left-wing former guerrilla Mujica, due to be sworn in as President on March 1, said he wants Maradona to speak to youths "not only about drugs, but about sports, doing a physical activity and so perhaps getting away from other things."

Ancelotti lauds world-class Rooney

Carlo Ancelotti believes Manchester United would find it difficult to retain the Premier League title without Wayne Rooney.

The Italian coach hinted United are over-reliant on the England striker.

When asked if United could win the title if they were denied Rooney's services through injury in the months ahead, Ancelotti said: "Without Rooney it'd be difficult. He's the best striker at Manchester United, and one of the best strikers in the world.

"He's a champion, a world-class player, and not only just a finisher but a team player. I saw him play left-wing at times last year, coming back to help the team out defensively.

"He's a very decisive player."

Ljungberg to stay with Sounders

Freddie Ljungberg has committed his future to Seattle Sounders following rampant speculation regarding his future in MLS.

The 32-year-old former Arsenal and Sweden star did not report to the Sounders on Monday for the start of pre-season training, citing concerns about an ongoing labour dispute between MLS and its players' union over the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

"A lot of very good clubs in Europe have shown an interest in me this winter and that is always a nice feeling and very flattering," Ljungberg wrote in his blog.

"I have handled this situation with the respect and dignity that the Seattle fans deserve. I hope you understand that this situation was out of my control but I can say that I am truly happy and I will be returning to Seattle."

Allardyce to begin striker search

Sam Allardyce will target a replacement for Benni McCarthy after Blackburn agreed a fee with West Ham for the South Africa striker.

A move for Stoke's James Beattie is being lined up while Rovers have also looked at Stuttgart's gifted Turkish midfielder Yildiray Basturk.

A fee believed to be for £2.25 million has been agreed for McCarthy, 32, who stayed away from training this week in an attempt to force through a transfer.

Allardyce said: "We will now look to secure a replacement - we have been inundated with offers of players who are available."

Benitez tight-lipped over Juve link

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez declined to comment after the frustrating goalless draw at Wolves on reports linking him with a move to Italian giants Juventus.

Benitez saw his side miss out on the chance to put pressure on the Premier League top four after drawing a blank at Molineux.

There has been speculation that Juve are about to sack coach Ciro Ferrara and approach Benitez to become his replacement.

But Benitez insisted: "I prefer to talk about the game. Is the speculation a distraction? I was really focused on trying to do the right things and to try and win this game.

"Is being linked with Juventus flattering? I prefer to concentrate on the game."

Santana takes over at Botafogo

Former South Africa coach Joel Santana signed as coach of Brazilian club Botafogo on Tuesday.

Santana, sacked by 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa in October, signed a one-year deal with Botafogo, who fired Estevam Soares after last weekend's humiliating 6-0 defeat by Vasco da Gama in their third match of the Carioca championship.

"I thought I was going to get a bit more holiday. But life doesn't stop. When I'm out of Rio for a time, I miss it," Santana told reporters.

The 61-year-old Santana is taking charge of Botafogo for the third time, having led them to the Carioca (Rio de Janeiro) state championship title in 1997 and another less successful spell in 2000.

Giovani loaned to Galatasaray - report

Tottenham Hotspur's Mexican striker Giovani Dos Santos is going out on loan to Turkish club Galatasaray, a Mexico radio station has reported.

Giovani, who also went on loan to English Championship (second division) side Ipswich Town in March, will link up at the Turkish club with coach Frank Rijkaard, who gave him his first division debut at Barcelona in 2007.

"I'm very happy because it's an opportunity for me, and because I'm joining a coach I know," the 20-year-old, who hopes to get a place in Mexico's World Cup squad in South Africa, told a local radio station.

"I need to play, I need minutes to recover rhythm and form."