Football news

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has lost his billionaire status, according to Forbes magazine's latest rich list.

However, the Texan business-man was still ranked 701st richest man in the world, with an estimated fortune of $950m.

The American - who also owns the Dallas Stars ice hockey franchise - has already agreed a deal to sell the Texas Rangers baseball team for £310m.

However, he appears in no hurry to offload his 50% share in Liverpool, despite increasing pressure from disillusioned fans against the way he and co-owner George Gillett have run the club.

Milan not past it - Ancelotti

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has leapt to the defence of his former club, insisting Milan do not need to be completely rebuilt.

Milan have come in for heavy criticism after their disastrous Champions League showing, with many labelling the team as old and past it. However, Ancelotti believes the situation is not as bleak as is being made out.

"Milan had the misfortune of facing Man. United who are in a brilliant moment of form," he said.

"Besides, they were also missing important players like Pato and Nesta. Milan are a squad who, like all sides, need some additions, but they are not a team that needs to be reformed."

Robinho hopes to stay at Santos

Manchester City striker Robinho has reiterated his desire to extend his loan stay at Santos.

Robinho returned to Santos in January, penning a six-month loan deal which is set to expire on August 4. The 26-year-old has been in imp-ressive form since his return and, having notched up five goals in eight matches, puts his re-found scoring prowess down to his happiness.

"It was the right choice," said Robinho.

"I'm good physically and mentally. I hope to continue like this until the end of my spell at Santos. Where I have to be happiest is within the four lines of the pitch, and this is happening. I intend to continue for long."

Wenger rules out Real Madrid switch

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists he would reject any offer from Real Madrid to take charge at the Bernabeu.

Reports in Spain suggest current Real manager Manuel Pellegrini is likely to be sacked after Lyon eliminated his side from the Champions League in midweek. Wenger has been a long-term target for Real and they are expected to renew interest in the Frenchman.

But Wenger maintains he has no intention of breaking his contract.

"I am always going to stay to the end of my contract until 2011," Wenger said.

"My focus is fully on Hull... they may be less glamorous than Real, but they are much more important in my life at the moment."

Ruud thrilled with first Hamburg start

Ruud van Nistelrooy was delighted to have marked his full Hamburg debut with a goal on Thursday to take the north German club one step closer to their dream Europa League final in their own stadium thanks to a 3-1 win over Anderlecht.

The Dutchman lasted the whole 90 minutes after only having previously made a handful of substitute appearances.

"This is the kind of game a footballer lives for," he said.

"To play in a European knockout match under the floodlights is something special. I have worked hard for this in recent weeks and now my patience has been rewarded and I could help my team with my goal."

Bruce's job is safe says Quinn

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has been told his job is safe even if the Black Cats are relegated from the Premier League this season.

Bruce's future at the Stadium of Light has looked uncertain in recent weeks after his team's dismal run of 14 matches without a win. They finally ended that barren stretch in midweek with a 4-0 victory over Bolton, but still sit just six points above the relegation zone.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn said: "If we go down, he'll still be the manager. I just feel he shares the same passion that the fans have, the owner has, we all have.

"We're trying to make a step up in the toughest league in the world."

City can press on with development

Manchester City have reached an agreement with Manchester City Council to develop land around their Eastlands stadium.

The massive scheme will transform one of the poorest areas of the city, creating thousands of jobs as the site is turned into a "world class sports and leisure complex".

Almost since the moment Sheikh Mansour completed his takeover of City in 2008 there have been suggestions that he wanted to develop spare land around the Blues' stadium, with a new training ground among the ideas that have been mentioned.

That plan is now set to reach fruition as part of the wider project, with Milan's luxurious Milanello complex the template for a centre which will include training pitches and medical facilities.