Football news

Fabio Capello has committed himself to the England job until after Euro 2012.

When Capello was named as Steve McClaren's successor in December 2007 he was handed a £6 million-a-year contract until the summer of 2012.

Crucially though, it contained an escape clause which meant either the Italian, or the FA, could terminate at the end of this year's World Cup.

However, PA Sport reported yesterday that Capello asked for the clause to be removed, and the FA were only too happy to oblige.

"I have a contract with the FA and it will finish when they decide to sack me," Capello reflected.

"I love this country but I don't think about my future. My future is the World Cup."

Sousa pays tribute to Idrizaj

Swansea manager Paulo Sousa has paid an emotional tribute to Besian Idrizaj after learning of the striker's tragic passing on Saturday.

The 22-year-old died in his sleep while at home with his family in Austria and, although the exact cause of death is yet to be established, Idrizaj is believed to have suffered a heart attack.

Sousa told www.swanseacity.net: "It's a very sad time for everyone. It's sad for all the Swansea family, but more importantly his own close family. Our whole-hearted condolences go out to them."

Idrizaj joined Swansea in August 2009.

Take note Jose, Van Gaal warns

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal said Inter boss Jose Mourinho should take note of his side's performance in the German Cup final ahead of the Champions League showdown with Inter.

Bundesliga champions Bayern beat 10-man Werder Bremen 4-0 at Berlin's Olympic Stadium on Saturday to take the second step on the road to the treble with the Champions League final set to take place in Madrid on Saturday.

"We produced an impressive performance against a very good team," said Dutch coach Van Gaal.

"Jose Mourinho will have seen that we can produce some good football."

Galliani slams fans' protest

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani leapt to the defence of club president Silvio Berlusconi after fans protested against him during the 3-0 victory over Juventus.

Supporters held up a banner at the San Siro praising the players and Leonardo while attacking the president, who was absent.

"There's no battle between our president and Leonardo. Our president was not at the game because he was ill," fumed Galliani.

"There was no unjustifiable absence. Our fans were ungracious and forgot that thanks to Berlusconi's ideas and resources we've been in eight Champions League finals (since Berlusconi took over in 1986)."

Blanc quits Bordeaux, set for France post

Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc took a major step towards replacing Raymond Domenech as France's national coach after expressing his wish to leave his club yesterday.

Blanc, a World Cup and Euro winning defender with France as a player, led Bordeaux to the 2009 league title but his side could only finish sixth and out of the European places in Saturday's final round of league matches.

Blanc quit as Bordeaux coach yesterday after informing the players of his decision.

"FC Girondins de Bordeaux have just been informed by coach Laurent Blanc that he wishes to respond favourably to an offer by the FFF to become the France coach," the statement said.

Buffon hints at Manchester move

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon seemed to hint at a move to Manchester when he refused to commit his future to the Italians following the end of their disastrous Serie A campaign.

Having been reportedly linked with a move to either Manchester United or City, Buffon was not about to dampen the fires of speculation.

Asked if it was his last game for Juve, he said: "I don't know, that's something I can't say I know and I don't know. Hence it would be useless to say anything without knowing."

Pressed about a move to Manchester he added: "I really don't know. That's a discussion that has nothing to do with the problems we've had this year.

"I'm hurting because I never expected to reach the last game with nothing to play for."

Abramovich going nowhere - Buck

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck yesterday insisted that Roman Abramovich will remain at Chelsea "indefinitely".

The London club completed a league and cup double on Saturday thanks to Didier Drogba's goal in the FA Cup final against Portsmouth at Wembley.

Buck told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme that the Chelsea owner was committed to the club.

"He was a very happy man last night," Buck said. "I see him here indefinitely. He has never, ever given us any indication that he is anything other than a long term Chelsea fan."