Football news

Veteran Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos has joined Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala, who hail from the southern republic of Dagestan, on a two-and-a-half year deal.

“Anzhi Makhachkala officially announce the signing of 2002 World Cup winning defender Roberto Carlos,” the club said on their website.

Roberto Carlos, 37, had a brief spell with Inter in 1995-1996 but it was his foraging runs at Real Madrid which earned him stardom along with three Champions League winners medals in 11 years with the club.

There followed spells with Fenerbahce of Turkey (2007-2009) and then back in Brazil with Corinthians.

Physio Murphy leaves Man. City

Manchester City’s head of physiotherapy Jamie Murphy has left Eastlands by mutual consent, the club confirmed.

Former footballer Murphy, 37, was appointed when Mark Hughes was manager.

However, there has been talk of a rift with current boss Roberto Mancini, stretching back to earlier in the campaign, over City’s injury list and that he was being downgraded.

But the club stated in a statement that at no time was Murphy demoted nor did he work at any time or in any capacity in the Academy.

Milan clubs vie for Santos’ Ganso

Santos starlet Paulo Henrique Ganso is leaning towards a move to Inter despite strong interest from Milan.

“Next year I will play in Milan,” Ganso, widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects of Brazilian football, told Il Corriere dello Sport.

“Leonardo often calls me because he wants me at Inter. Leo is a wonderful person. Inter are a massive club and everyone would like to play there.

“But Milan are also interested. I am happy because Milan are a big club. But I don’t want to talk about the transfer market out of respect for Santos’ fans.”

Juve keeping an eye on Farfan

Juventus are keeping a close eye on Schalke forward Jefferson Farfan whose contract with the Bundesliga side is due to run out at the end of the season.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Juventus scouts were at the Mestalla on Tuesday to watch Schalke play Valencia in the Champions League.

Juventus will not rush to conclude a deal for the versatile Farfan but they are monitoring the situation, especially in view of the fact that the Peru international will be a free agent in the summer.

Reports claim Juventus have already sounded out the player’s agent but they could face competition from Atletico Madrid and Sevilla.

Barton calls for smart spending

Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has urged the club to spend the £35 million accrued from selling Andy Carroll to enable them to challenge for a European spot.

Barton believes the Magpies need to add to the 15-16 top-quality players he feels are already part of the squad if they are to become a major force.

The in-form 28-year-old said: “I know it’s the nature of this club sometimes that it’s stop-start.

“As soon as we get something going, players get sold and then we have to start again.

“We’ve got some good players in there and, if we can add more to that in the summer, then we’ve got the basis, a spine of a top side and a side that is capable of challenging for Europe, in my opinion.”

New injury worry for Woodgate

Jonathan Woodgate has suffered a fresh injury setback after a scan showed the Tottenham defender had sustained a strain of the left adductor muscle.

Tottenham confirmed Woodgate picked up the injury after coming on as a substitute in Tuesday’s Champions League win over Milan, his first appearance following a 15-month lay-off.

The 31-year-old, who will be assessed over the next few days, revealed after the game how delighted he was to be back.

“It was a great feeling to get back,” Woodgate said.

“There is nothing worse than when you can’t play football.

“A lot of people doubted whether I’d be able to get back but you have to show determination to not let bad times get you down and you have to just keep going.”

Armed robbers target Hernandez

Palermo striker Abel Hernandez is recovering after being the victim of an armed hold-up on Wednesday in which one of the robbers put a gun in the victim’s mouth.

The 20-year-old Uruguay forward was driving home from training at around 6.30 p.m. when the incident happened. Hernandez handed over his earrings, jewellery and wallet to the robbers but luckily he suffered no injuries.

“These things happen everywhere a little,” Hernandez’s agent Vincenzo D’Ippolito said. “The worst thing is that they pointed the gun in his mouth.

“He was alone when it happened. But at least he wasn’t hit or suffered any physical aggression. We hope that he’ll recover.”