Football news

Rio Ferdinand hit out at Mario Balotelli for taunting Manchester United fans after Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final win at Wembley.

Balotelli incensed Ferdinand after the final whistle by thrusting the badge on his shirt in the direction of opposition supporters.

Ferdinand, writing on his Twitter account, said: “If you score a goal and give a bit to opposing fans I kind of accept that but at the final whistle (you should) go to your own fans and enjoy it, not opposing fans.”

Balotelli and Ferdinand had to be separated by their team-mates at the final whistle.

Ferdinand added: “If I offended anyone, I apologise, emotions obviously were running high.”

Dortmund make plans for Sahin exit

Borussia Dortmund are lining up Nuremberg’s Ilkay Gundogan as a replacement for Nuri Sahin, who they expect to lose this summer.

Sahin is reported to be wanted by both Barcelona and Real Madrid and, although no offer has yet been received, Dortmund are resigned to losing him.

“If Nuri has an offer from Real Madrid or Barcelona, then he obviously has every right to talk to us about it,” Dortmund general man­ager Hans-Joachim Watzke said.

“Then we would sit down and discuss it. We have already tried to extend his contract, but we did not manage it.”

Wenger bites the bullet

Arsene Wenger accepts he had to make a compromise as Arsenal prepare to enter the “real world” when they break with tradition and embark on a pre-season tour this summer.

Wenger has always favoured a low-key build-up to the new campaign, taking his squad away to a secluded Austria training camp before hosting the Emirates Cup.

However, plans are now being set in motion for the Gunners to head to the Far East in order to bring in some extra revenue as many of their Premier League rivals do.

“It is a compromise with the commercial department. It is the real world because we do not get the money in on any other income than the one you produce, so we have to produce as much as we can,” Wenger said.

Van Bommel happy at Milan

Mark van Bommel wants to extend his contract at Milan. Talks are ongoing but Mino Raiola, the player’s agent, said there is “nothing concrete” in renewal negotiations so far.

The veteran arrived in the January transfer window for the final six months of his deal with Bayern Munich. He has also been linked with a move to the Premier League but Van Bommel prefers Milan.

“The lad is happy to stay and the club is happy to keep him, but for now we have only discussed a few things about the renewal. There is nothing concrete,” Raiola said.

“We will wait for the club to contact us over the next few weeks.”

FA Cup can spur title bid – Mancini

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes victory in the FA Cup can be a launchpad for success in the Premier League after his side ended Manchester United’s treble dream on Saturday.

But while Mancini believes victory in the FA Cup could be a turning point for City, the Italian warned that the club still had to win a final if they are to end a 35-year trophy drought.

“For us it’s important to win the first trophies. If we can win the FA Cup, probably next year we can play for the title,” Mancini said.

“Yes, first we have to play another game. And probably the final will be harder than this.”

Time running out for Hammers

West Ham manager Avram Grant admits time is running out for his team to save their season and avoid relegation. Grant’s side were defeated 2-1 by Aston Villa at Upton Park and they remain in the bottom three ahead of matches against Chelsea and Manchester City.

“We need to deal with this situation, we have been on a good run since January but lost points in the last games,” Grant said.

“We need nine points more or less to stay in the league. It will be difficult but still possible and we don’t have any intention to give up. We will fight. And we will not give up against our next two opponents, we have beaten big teams this season.”

Schalke’s Neuer settles on future

Schalke keeper Manuel Neuer, who has been linked to Bayern Munich, has said he has decided where his future lies – but refused to say where.

“A decision has been taken. People who need to know, know. So everything is cleared up,” the 25-year-old said.

He refused to reveal where he will play next season, but his ­contract at Schalke runs until 2012 and, unless he signs an extension, the Royal Blues will need to sell him soon or risk losing him on a free transfer in a year’s time.

German daily Bild claimed last week Schalke are set to offer Neuer a bumper contract worth €21 million over the next three years, but the Royal Blues have since denied that.