Football news

David Trezeguet, 33, is ready to return to play in his native country after leaving Spanish club Hercules.

The World Cup and European Championship winner is keen to return to play in Ligue 1 for family reasons. The former Monaco and Juventus striker, who left Hercules following their relegation, has been training with the principality club.

Trezeguet said the next club he joins would have to provide him with a worthwhile challenge.

He said: “I made a point with my family about my situation. The conclusion is that it may be time for me to return. Today I want to return to France.”

Turkish season to start late

The Turkish football federation have confirmed the new Super Lig season will begin over a month later than planned as a result of the match-fixing scandal.

The new campaign will now get under way on September 9 allowing further time for the authorities to investigate the corruption allegations that have rocked Turkish football.

Fenerbahce president Aziz Yildi-rim is just one of around 30 people arrested in recent weeks as part of an investigation into claims of match-fixing during last season.

The group included officials and players from a number of clubs.

Fenerbahce were crowned lea-gue champions last term, pipping Trabzonspor to the Super Lig title with a dramatic 4-3 win at Sivasspor on the final day.

Beckham backing for Balotelli

David Beckham has stuck up for Mario Balotelli in the ongoing row over his ill-advised back heel in Manchester City’s friendly in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Blues boss Roberto Mancini immediately replaced the 20-year-old, so unimpressed was he by Balotelli’s conduct.

However, Beckham did feel there was a legitimate excuse.

“I have watched it back a few times and from his mannerisms I believe he thought he was offside,” said the former England skipper.

“But it doesn’t matter whether you think it was offside or not. There are a lot of young kids watching these teams... you have to be professional and score the goal.”

Levein ponders Goodwillie recall

Scotland manager Craig Levein could be set to recall David Good-willie to his squad after a charge of serious sexual assault against the Dundee United striker was dropped on Monday.

The 22-year-old – who has one cap – could now have a part to play in next month’s friendly against Denmark at Hampden.

Levein told BBC Scotland: “One of the reasons he hasn’t been involved until now is because of the charge hanging over him.

“Now that has been dropped, on merit, I think he’s as good a young striker as there is in Scotland and certainly he’ll be one I’ll be thinking about.”

Henry is happy in the United States

Thierry Henry has ruled out any chance of returning to Europe. The former Arsenal star joined David Beckham in the MLS last year, signing for the New York Red Bulls.

Earlier this year, Henry returned to the Gunners to use their training facilities at London Colney in a bid to gain full fitness ahead of the new American season.

However, sitting alongside David Beckham, who will be a team-mate in the MLS All-Stars’ side to face Man. United at Red Bull Arena today, the 33-year-old rejected the idea of following the Englishman’s lead and heading back to Europe for a short spell.

“Nope. I am happy here. I am done with Europe. I was fortunate enough to win everything at club level and now I am happy where I am,” he said.

Messi among Barca no-shows in US

Lionel Messi, a two-time FIFA Player of the Year, is among several Barcelona players who will not play for the reigning UEFA Champions League winners in their upcoming three-match American tour.

The Spanish side’s star striker will be rested after playing in the Copa America this month for Argentina.

Also missing from the Barcelona line-up for the US matches will be Daniel Alves, Javier Mascherano and Alexis Sanchez.

Barca will open the US tour on Saturday against Manchester United in suburban Washington in a rematch of the Champions League final. The Catalans will also play Mexican sides Chivas Guadalajara on August 3 in Miami and Club America in Texas, on August 6.

Hodgson wants better defence

West Brom need to tighten up their defence if they are to avoid another relegation battle in the new season, manager Roy Hodgson has told his players.

The Midlands side finished a creditable 11th last season but allowed 71 goals in 38 games. Only relegated Blackpool let in more with 78 goals against.

“If you are talking about soft goals and defensive errors and goals conceded, we’ve got a lot of work to do, all of us, myself and the coaching staff with the players we’ve got,” he said.

“It would be wrong to try and attribute those goals to one person or two people.

“It’s a team thing. We’ve got to concede less free-kicks, maybe concede less corners, defend them better, and in general be stronger defensively.”