Brazilian forward Pato will miss July’s Copa America in Argentina after dislocating his shoulder in Sunday’s Serie A finale.
Pato played in Italian champions Milan’s 0-0 draw at Udinese but was forced off in the second period after falling awkwardly.
Milan doctor Maurizio Gevi said afterwards: “He needs at least a month (to recover) but he doesn’t need an operation.
“He won’t make it for the Copa America because he will also need rehabilitation. His season is over.”
Beckham gets all-clear for Neville testimonial
Los Angeles Galaxy have given the green light for David Beckham to play in former Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville’s testimonial today.
The Major League Soccer side’s technical director Bruce Arena said he had made the decision to let former England star Beckham return to Old Trafford to play in the match between a United selection and Juventus, a repeat of the 1999 Champions League semi-final.
The Galaxy will allow Beckham to miss an MLS match against Houston Dynamo tomorrow before returning in time for a May 28 match against New England Revolution.
Ronaldo unhappy about Real season
Cristiano Ronaldo may have written his name into the Primera Division record books and won his first trophy as a Real Madrid player this season, but he admits he cannot be 100 per cent happy with how the campaign turned out.
Ronaldo’s brace in Saturday’s 8-1 drubbing of Almeria saw him finish with an unprecedented 40-goal haul in La Liga.
However, with Real coming up short against Barca in both the race for the league title and in the Champions League semi-finals, Ronaldo knows it could have been better.
“If you asked me if I’m very happy with the season, then I have to say no, because Madrid aspire to win every titles and we’ve only won the cup,” he said.“But together next season we’ll help Madrid win more titles than this.”
Udinese reveal Sanchez bid
Udinese have turned down a €35 million offer from an unnamed club for Chile winger Alexis Sanchez, the Serie A club have confirmed.
Sanchez has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League, with several clubs, including Manchester United, reportedly keen to sign the 22-year-old.
“For me Sanchez is worth the same as (Lionel) Messi,” Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo said.
“It’s difficult to find other players of his level. We have an offer of 35 million euros which we have turned down. I do not want to name the club, out of respect.
“Sanchez is young and we would like him to stay for another year. Besides, we believe he is worth much more.”
Sahin voted best in Germany
German-born Turkish international Nuri Sahin, who is leaving Borussia Dortmund for Real Madrid, has been voted Bundesliga player of the 2010-11 season by his peers, Kicker magazine said yesterday.
The 22-year-old midfielder was voted best outfield player with 46.1 per cent of the vote, the magazine’s survey of 298 players showed, followed in second place by his Dortmund team-mate Mario Goetze with 18.7 per cent. Chilean Arturo Vidal, of Bayer Leverkusen, was third.
Schalke’s Manuel Neuer was voted best goalkeeper with a thumping 70 per cent of the vote.
Dortmund’s Juergen Klopp was rewarded for leading his team to their first league title since the 2001/02 season by being voted the Bundesliga’s best coach.
No quick decision on Houllier
Aston Villa will await the results of medical tests before deciding on the future of manager Gerard Houllier, Press Association Sport reported yesterday.
The midlands club do not expect to make any announcement until early next week as Houllier recuperates after his recent heart problem.
Sources close to Villa have indicated the outcome of the tests will be “the driving force” behind what is the next step to take.
There have been conflicting weekend reports over Houllier’s future. One suggested the 63-year-old would be relieved of his duties and another indicated his return would be rubberstamped by club owner Randy Lerner.
Totti promotes Ancelotti candidacy
Carlo Ancelotti should be considered for the Roma job following his dismissal from Chelsea, club captain Francesco Totti said.
The Italian coach was fired by the Blues on Sunday just hours after their 1-0 defeat to Everton.
“I hope Ancelotti is in contention after he left Chelsea,” Totti said following Sunday’s 3-1 win over Sampdoria.
Ancelotti is a former Roma player and has never concealed his desire to coach the Giallorossi one day. Totti, too, is keen to work with Ancelotti in the capital in the final years of his playing career.