Sporting briefs

Mourinho: Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said that he would prefer to be known as the “unique one” rather than the “special one” as a result of his achievements. “I’m the only one to have won the three biggest championships in the world,” Mourinho said. “So whether it pleases or not, if one recognises my value or not... people should maybe call me ‘unique’ rather than ‘special’ until someone else wins three championships like me.”

Hulk: Brazil forward Hulk is ready to leave Porto and would like to move to a high-profile club in England or Spain. “I have left the door open to be transferred. My preference is to play in England or Spain because they are the most watched leagues in the world,” the 26-year-old said. “Now is a great time for me to move.”

Ramirez: Bologna’s Uruguay mid-fielder Gaston Ramirez has been ruled out of today’s friendly against France because of injury. Uruguay coach Oscar Washington Tabarez’s squad has as a result been reduced to 19 players. Tabarez has left strikers Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani out of his line-up but has called up PSG defender Celeste Diego Lugano.

PAOK: Greek Super League club PAOK Salonica announced that they have signed Irish right winger Liam Lawrence and Brazilian defender Matheus Caradini Vivian on a two-year contract. Lawrence, 30, has made 15 appearances for the Irish national team scoring two goals.

Brandao: St Etienne have con-firmed the signing of striker Brandao on a two-year deal. The 32-year-old was a free agent after being released by Marseille last season. “Everyone knows the qualities of Brandao,” St Etienne chief executive Roland Romeyer said. “He is a great player, a warrior who does not shrink from the fight.”