Football news

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has joined coach Jose Mourinho in suggesting there is a conspiracy against teams facing Barcelona in Champions League ties.

Madrid lost 2-0 at home to the Catalans on Wednesday, Lionel Messi scoring two late goals after the home side had Pepe sent off for a high challenge on Dani Alves.

The former Manchester United man said: “I do not understand why everyone playing against them (Barcelona) in the Champions League ends with 10 men, Arsenal, Chelsea...

“It is not an excuse but playing against 10 is very different to playing with 11.”

Kranjcar keen on Serie A switch

Tottenham midfielder Niko Kranjcar says he wants to move to Italy after struggling for first-team opportunities at White Hart Lane this season.

“Is there a point of beginning next season as a bit-part player? None whatsoever,” Kranjcar told The Sun.

“I have an agreed meeting with the chairman (Daniel Levy) and the manager (Harry Redknapp), it should happen within a week.

“After the meeting I want to have a clear picture about my status. I would definitely be interested in moving to Italy. I think I would adapt quickly to Italian football.”

Red Bulls to contest Emirates Cup

Thierry Henry is set to return to Arsenal this summer with the New York Red Bulls confirmed as part of the line-up for pre-season Emirates Cup. Paris St Germain and Boca Juniors will also join the Gunners in the two-day tournament on July 30-31.

Although he left for Barca in 2007, Henry remains close to Arsenal, where he is the club’s all-time top scorer, and trained with the Gunners this winter during the MLS off-season.

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: “I’m sure all Arsenal fans will be looking forward to welcoming back Thierry Henry – a true Arsenal legend.”

Houllier advised to walk away

Gerard Houllier has been advised to walk away from football by Chelsea’s cardiologist.

The Aston Villa manager is recovering in hospital after complaining of chest pains last week.

Dr Duncan Dymond, who works with Chelsea, told TalkSport that Houllier would be best advised to retire.

“My own assessment, without knowing Gerard Houllier or having seen him, quite frankly he’s had one brush with the grim reaper already (when he was with Liverpool) and now’s he had one serious warning, and to put himself through this again with the stresses and strains of being a football manager, I think he should call it a day,” Dymond said.

Dalglish may not roll out Carroll

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll will be given every chance to prove his fitness ahead of Sunday’s visit of former club Newcastle but the identity of the opposition will not cloud manager Kenny Dalglish’s assessment of the situation.

The Reds’ £35 million record signing missed the 5-0 win over Birmingham with a knee injury but will be keen to recover in time to face his hometown club – whom he left in January – at Anfield this weekend.

Dalglish was guarded on the England international’s current state of fitness. “It’s only Thursday and there’s a few days to go yet,” the Scot said. “I don’t think nature knows it is Newcastle so if he’s not fit, he’s not fit.”

Evra wary of ‘wounded’ Gunners

Patrice Evra has warned Manchester United to beware the wounded animal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

United are six points ahead with four games to go and closest challengers Chelsea to face, so much now rests on this weekend’s tussle with Arsenal.

With just two points from their last three games, the Gunners have virtually drifted out of contention.

However, Evra realises Arsenal have one last shot at redemption, and United are in the firing line.

“You have to fear the wounded animal,” the France full-back said. “It is all or nothing for Arsenal so that is a danger.

“They will want to show they can still win the title.”

Napoli line up bid for Almiron

Napoli are set to open talks with Bari to buy a 50 per cent stake in Sergio Almiron, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported.

Udinese’s Gokhan Inler remains Napoli’s no.1 target for a central midfield role but the 30-year-old Almiron is seen as a valid alternative.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has offered €10m for the Switzerland international but Udinese are believed to be demanding a figure closer to €15m.

Almiron’s transfer fee will be significantly less than that of Inler. Bari have been relegated and are facing serious financial difficulties.

The Argentine midfielder is co-owned by Juventus but a return to Turin is very unlikely.