Football news

Thieves have stolen 900 FA Cup semi-final tickets from Manchester City.

The Royal Mail van which was carrying the tickets was targeted in Manchester on Friday. It is now feared the tickets for the upcoming derby clash against Man. United on April 16 will be sold on the black market.

A police spokesman said: “Shortly before 7.50 p.m. on Friday, April 1, police were called to Ashton New Road, Manchester, following reports two bags of special delivery mail had been stolen from a Royal Mail van.

“A number of tickets for the FA Cup semi-final were stolen. Inquiries are continuing.”

Berbatov not moving – Stoichkov

Legendary Bulgarian Hristo Stoichkov insists fellow countryman Dimitar Berbatov has no intention of leaving Man. United this summer.

Even though he remains top of the Premier League goalscorers’ list, it seems Berbatov cannot find a regular place in Alex Ferguson’s starting line-up. The 30-year-old has started just twice in United’s last 10 games following the shock defeat at Wolves on February 5.

“Berbatov is not going to leave United,” Stoichkov said.

“He is going to stay. He is happy because he is at one of the best teams in the world. Money is not the most important thing for him. What is important for him is to become the best player on his team.”

League agree reduced Sky deal

The English Football League have signed a new three-year broadcasting deal with Sky Sports worth £195m (€221m) – a £69m drop.

The new contract, which is effective from the start of the 2012/13 season, marks a drop from the current £264m deal.

Football League chairman Greg Clarke said: “This has been a challenging climate in which to negotiate television rights, given the state of the economy and the lack of competitive tension in the sports broadcasting market.”

The league believe the fact they have agreed the deal so far in advance will help clubs plan accordingly – and that more than four-fifths of all player contracts in the three divisions will have expired by the time the next deal starts.

B. Dortmund rule out Gotze sale

Borussia Dortmund chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke has ruled out selling Mario Gotze, the teenage star. Gotze, 18, has been a regular in the Dortmund side which has run away with the Bundesliga this season.

Speculation has suggested Europe’s leading clubs have him in their sights but Watzke is adamant the midfielder is going nowhere.

“I can say he is not for sale,” he said, before insisting the club would reject a €25 million offer for a player who came through their system.

“Definitely. Mario has a contract with us until 2014 and he will remain in Dortmund. Other clubs can forget making an offer for Mario, they would be wasting their time.”

Raul seeks Real Madrid return

Real Madrid legend Raul expects to return to the club in some capacity when his playing days are over.

The former Spain striker, now 33, is currently playing for German side Schalke and has a contract until the end of next season with the Gelsenkirchen outfit.

Raul left Real Madrid last summer but insists coach Jose Mourinho did not offload him.

“When I finish my playing career I want to return to Real Madrid,” he told La Stampa.

“But until 2012, I’m not thinking about it. I decided to leave – not Jose Mourinho. He wanted me to stay.”

Aquilani hopes for Turin stay

Juventus midfielder Alberto Aquilani is hopeful he will remain at the club beyond the summer.

The Italian playmaker is on loan at the Turin giants until the end of the season from Liverpool, but Juve have an option to buy him should they wish to do so.

“There is a price fixed for Juve to acquire me at the end of the season,” Aquilani said.

“The club has to evaluate the situation but I would like to stay. It is thanks to the Bianconeri club that I have returned to the national team.”

Aquilani joined Liverpool in the summer of 2009 but failed to make an appearance for the club until November due to injury. The 26-year-old returned to Italy after just one year in the Premier League.

Ancelotti eyes new Blues contract

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful of extending his con-tract with the Premier League champions.

The Italian guided the Blues to a league and cup double in his first season in English football last year, but a failure to successfully defend both this time around has led to speculation he may lose his job.

But he does not see it that way, and is hopeful of lengthening his stay in west London.

He said: “I want to stay at Chelsea. I would like to extend my contract because I love these players and this club. Obviously, it is just not my decision, but I don’t think they require me to win a trophy to retain my position.”