Football news

Genoa president Enrico Preziosi hit out at Inter for gamesmanship following their 1-0 home defeat to the champions.

Goalkeeper Eduardo gifted Inter victory with a horror gaffe as he let Sulley Muntari’s shot bounce over his shoulder and past him into the goal in first-half stoppage time on Friday. But Preziosi feels Inter reverted to dirty tactics as the clock wound down to hold on to their slim advantage.

“I’m disgusted, the spectacle of the last 15 minutes was far-fetched,” he said.

“Seeing a team like Inter that aims to win the title behaving like a provincial side was disgusting. They shouldn’t revert to certain tactics.”

Hughes ‘interested’ in Santa Cruz

Fulham manager Mark Hughes could be set to renew his interest in Roque Santa Cruz when the January transfer window opens.

Hughes failed in an attempt to sign Santa Cruz on loan during the summer but is weighing up a second approach for the unsettled Manchester City striker. Hughes worked with Santa Cruz at Eastlands and Blackburn and the Paraguay international has been told he can leave City.

“I’m interested in players of the quality of Roque,” Hughes said.

“My interest in him before was there for everybody to see. This time we want to target players quite early so that we are ready to flick the switch when the window opens.”

Rooney right to stay put – Ronaldo

Wayne Rooney is right to have elected to stay put at Manchester United, former clubmate Cristiano Ronaldo indicated.

Rooney seemed set to leave Old Trafford after revealing he had turned down a contract offer amid concerns he felt the club no longer had the spending power to attract top names. However, he ultimately performed a u-turn and signed a new five-year deal.

Ronaldo did, in contrast, leave United for Real Madrid last year and Real were reportedly interested in a potential bid had Rooney become available.

Ronaldo said: “Rooney knows what’s best for his career so we have to respect his decisions. I think the best club for him is Man. United, of course.”

Palermo mulling Simplicio return

Midfielder Fabio Simplicio could be heading back to Palermo when the transfer window re-opens as the Brazilian has rarely played for Roma since his move in summer.

It seems, Simplicio has not settled down in his new environs and only made five substitutes’ appearances this season.

Reports said Palermo have already made inquiries about Simplicio’s availability and Walter Sabatini, the club’s director of sport, is apparently ready to bid for the 31-year-old in January.

Things could change though in the next few weeks as Simplicio is likely to get more time on the pitch with David Pizarro ruled out with injury until the end of November.

Wilshere set for new deal – Wenger

Arsene Wenger claims midfielder Jack Wilshere will soon sign a new contract at Arsenal.

The 18-year-old has emerged as one of England’s most promising young stars in an impressive first three months of the Premier League season.

He also made his England debut in the friendly with Hungary in August.

Wenger told the Daily Mirror: “We are confident we will sign Jack quickly and hope to announce the deal soon.”

Villa’s Sidwell puts off operation

Steve Sidwell has postponed an Achilles operation to help Aston Villa through a midfield player shortage ahead of today’s derby with Birmingham at Villa Park.

The former Chelsea player will partner Nigel Reo-Coker in the centre of the park against Alex McLeish’s side as Villa look for a seventh successive win against their local rivals.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier said: “Steve’s operation has been delayed.

“He could have said ‘okay, I’m having my operation and we will see after that’. But, he hasn’t complained.

“Usually when you play, sometimes injuries disappear. I would say that is one of them.”

Demichelis – I love Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich defender Martin Demichelis declared his love for the club after marking his first start of the season with his first goal on Friday. The Argentine has been out of favour with coach Louis van Gaal this season, but an injury crisis meant he had to play in the 4-2 win over Freiburg.

And he made an impact, scoring the goal which set Bayern on their way to victory.

“It was important for me to show that I am still alive,” he said.

“Thank God I was able to help the team with my first goal. A football career is like this. I have got to learn from this situation. I am thankful to be at Bayern. I have been here for eight years and I love Bayern.”

Demichelis has played 171 games for the club since joining in 2003.