Football news

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo said reports of a spat with team-mate Iker Casillas and his girlfriend Sara Carbonero were “nonsense” in an interview published yesterday.

Carbonero, a television sports journalist who shot to fame when Casillas kissed her on camera after Spain’s World Cup victory, had described Ronaldo in September as being “selfish” on the pitch.

But, in an interview with Marca, Ronaldo said he was shocked by reports at the time that he had stopped talking to Casillas.

“I was fine, scoring goals, my family was well... and that happened. It was a controversy that made no sense. I spoke about it with him.”

Ronaldo said he had spoken to Casillas about Carbonero’s comments and cleared up any misunderstanding.

Ivanovic nears Blues extension

Branislav Ivanovic is close to signing a new four-year contract with Chelsea.

The 26-year-old defender, who has 18 months left on his current deal, has reportedly attracted interest from Milan and Juventus but he is keen to stay at Stamford Bridge.

“I want to stay and I hope it will be sorted out soon,” Ivanovic, who scored one goal and set up the other in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Blackburn last Saturday, said.

“We are talking about my new contract but we will see in the next couple of weeks.

“I don’t want to say anything wrong. I hope things are going the right way. This is all I can say.”

Cantona lands NY Cosmos role

Former Manchester United forward Eric Cantona has joined the New York Cosmos as their new director of soccer.

The 44-year-old, who retired as a professional player nearly 14 years ago, was voted United’s player of the century after sparking a trophy-winning revival at Old Trafford.

“I am very honoured to join the legendary New York Cosmos,” the Frenchman said.

“It’s a big project, a wonderful project. The Cosmos are very strong, beautifully made, with a great past. It’s kind of a mix between football and art.”

San Siro pitch to be relaid for third time

The San Siro pitch shared by Milan and Inter is to be relaid again before Sunday’s Milan-Cesena clash.

The pitch was due to be played on four times in just over a week and that has been deemed too much for a surface that was already being criticised by players last week.

“It’s the third time this season and it won’t be the last,” said administrative counsellor for the city of Milan Alfonso Cefaliello.

“Each one of these operations costs between €120,000 and €200,000 and often it’s not easy to find the right materials because in this period bad weather and rain are affecting many European farms.”

Gerrard outlines five-year plan

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has set himself the target of playing for another five years.

The England midfielder, 31 in May, admits he has been lifted by Kenny Dalglish’s return as manager in the last fortnight.

And he wants to carry on playing for as long as possible, although he has considered taking his coaching badges like team-mate Jamie Carragher.

“It’s not my main priority or focus at the moment, I still think that’s a long way off,” he told LFC Weekly.

“I believe I can play football for another four or five years but I do sometimes think about what I’m going to do when I finish playing.

“I will certainly try to get my coaching qualifications at some point.”

United eye Giggs contract extension

Manchester United chief executive David Gill is planning to open contract talks with veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs.

The 37-year-old Welshman, who is closing in on 20 years as first-team player at Old Trafford, is approaching the end of his deal at Old Trafford.

But Gill is keen to keep him with the club for another season, telling the National: “I wouldn’t be surprised if he extends his contract for another season.

“That will be addressed in the next month or so. He has been playing well, keeps himself in great shape and is a wonderful advert for the modern footballer.”

Genoa president threatens to sell

Genoa president Enrico Preziosi has threatened to sell the club if he and his family continue to be the targets for supporters’ ire and insults.

Genoa are stuck in mid-table in Serie A and succumbed to a 4-2 defeat at home to Udinese on Sunday, after which some fans vented their anger against the owner.

“On Sunday my son Fabrizio was insulted by some fans who called him a son of a bitch,” said Preziosi, whose surname in Italian means precious.

“If it happens again I’ll sell Genoa. I cannot tolerate my son being insulted as he leaves the stadium.

“If something similar happens again I’ll put Genoa in security and then sell it.­”