Football news

Dutch striker Ryan Babel quit Liverpool late Tuesday and finalised his transfer to Bundesliga team Hoffenheim on a two-year contract for a fee of seven million euros.

“I am looking forward to my new task at Hoffenheim,” said the 24-year-old.

“My first impressions are very positive. I hope now to be able to quickly get into the team,” Babel said.

“We are very proud to be able to sign Ryan Babel, an internationally experienced player from a top club like Liverpool,” said Hoffenheim manager Ernst Tanner.

Babel replaces Senegal striker Demba Ba who has been loaned to West Ham for the rest of the season.

Jovanovic seeks Anfield revival

Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic is hoping that Kenny Dalglish’s second spell as manager at Liverpool will lead to a revival in his flagging fortunes.

The 29-year-old international arrived at Anfield on a free transfer in the summer but has failed to make his mark, scoring twice in 17 appearances.

“I am sure the new manager coming in has given everyone a lift, those who are playing and those who aren’t,” he said.

“I think the second half of the season can be much better. When I first came here I expected things to be better. It hasn’t been good enough so far but I am strong and I keep working hard.”

France return for Julio Cesar

Brazil coach Mano Menezes has recalled Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar into his squad to face France in a February 9 friendly but there is no room for Real Madrid’s Kaka, just returning from injury.

Julio Cesar has not featured for the auriverde since the World Cup but Menezes, who replaced Dunga after the tournament, told the Brazilian Football Confederation’s website: “He was already in our plans so it is with pleasure that I call him up for the first time since taking the job.”

There had been a feeling in France that PSG striker Nene might make the squad after the Brazilian’s 13 goals so far this term but Mene-zes did not pick him.

Rafael to miss United’s FA Cup tie

Manchester United full-back Rafael will miss Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Southampton after being carried off on a stretcher at Blackpool on Tuesday with concussion.

The Brazilian defender was involved in a sickening collision with Marlon Harewood and was taken to hospital for X-rays.

Thankfully, he was quickly given the all-clear and was able to return to Manchester with his team-mates following the dramatic 3-2 win.

However, as with all cases of concussion, United will ensure Rafael gets the correct break from physical contact and the 20-year-old will not travel to the south coast for this weekend’s fourth-round tie.

Messi fined for t-shirt message

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) fined Barcelona star striker Lionel Messi after the Argentine world player of the year showed off a t-shirt bearing a birthday message to his mother.

Media reports said the fine was believed to be between €2,000 and €3,000 which the RFEF deemed Messi should pay for ripping off his shirt after scoring at the weekend against Racing Santander and showing a t-shirt emblazoned with the words “Happy Birthday Mum”.

The Federation stipulates that no such slogans should be shown off.

Barca won the match 3-0 to maintain their position as league leaders ahead of Real Madrid.

No Chelsea bid for Atletico pair

Chelsea have not made a £52 million bid for Atletico Madrid pair Sergio Aguero and Diego Godin, despite claims to the contrary by the Spanish club’s majority shareholder Miguel Angel Gil.

Chelsea refused to comment on the claims, a spokesman saying on Tuesday: “We never comment on transfer speculation, no matter how wild it is.”

However, it is understood the Blues made no attempt to sign Atletico striker Aguero or defen-der Godin.

Gil also claimed he turned down a £39 million bid for Argentina international Aguero from city rivals Real Madrid.

American investors in Roma talks

A group of American businessmen are in advanvced talks to buy Serie A club Roma, reports said yesterday.

Representatives of Unicredit, the bank currently in charge of Roma, travelled to the States on Tuesday to meet the interested investors.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the two parties had lengthy discussions during an eight-hour meeting which could lead to a deal being reached.

The head of the American investors is said to be a 60-year-old from Boston called Thomas Richard di Benedetto.

He was seen at the Stadio Olimpico on September 25 when Mirko Vucinic scored an excellent goal to down champions Inter.