Football news

David Beckham has revealed he has numerous offers to continue playing after his Los Angeles Galaxy career ends this weekend, but the former England captain does not expect a return to the Premier League.

“I’m lucky because at 37 years old, I’ve been offered some exciting options,” Beckham told Sky Sports News. “I’ve got quite a few offers on the table.”

But asked if a return to England was on the cards, the childhood United fan was more cautious.

“I’ve always said I think I would struggle to come back and play in England because I’ve played for the biggest club in the world, the biggest club in England, Manchester United, and I couldn’t see myself playing for any other Premiership team.”

Koscielny injured

Arsenal’s fragile defence will be without Laurent Koscielny for three weeks after the French international limped out of the 1-1 draw at Everton on Wednesday night with a groin injury.

Koscielny was replaced after only four minutes of the Premier League clash by full-back Kieran Gibbs, just back from a similar ailment.

“He has a groin strain. That’s usually three weeks,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told reporters at Goodison Park.

Japan’s Kagawa wins AFC award

Japanese playmaker Shinji Kagawa won the inaugural Asian Football Confederation (AFC) International Player-of-the-Year award yesterday.

The 23-year-old Manchester United midfielder beat Japan team-mate Yuto Nagatomo of Inter and Australia’s veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer of Fulham to the award in Kuala Lumpur.

Kagawa produced a number of impressive displays earlier in the year as Borussia Dortmund claimed the Bundesliga title before he moved to England where he has had a low-key start and struggled with injury.

Ljajic blow for Fiorentina

Fiorentina are facing a crisis in attack after losing Adem Ljajic to injury for up to three weeks.

The latest news comes with Stevan Jovetic struggling with a leg injury and veteran forward Luca Toni recovering from concussion.

Serbia midfielder Ljajic is not a natural striker but has acquitted himself well alongside Toni during the prolonged absence of Jovetic.

A statement released on the club’s official website read: “Fiorentina can confirm that Adem Ljajic has suffered a lesion to his thigh during training.

“The prognosis is a break from training of around 15 to 20 days.”

Falcao focused on Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao is thinking only about helping his side to glory and not a possible move to city rivals Real.

The Colombian striker has been linked to Los Blancos and Chelsea after an incredible spell in Madrid where he has scored 35 goals in 45 league matches.

Atletico are second in the Primera Division, just three points off leaders Barcelona.

“At Atletico Madrid I have a contract for three more years and I will not at this time think about future,” he said.

“We are fighting for important things that are at stake and valuable titles.

“I will not lose concentration for anything in the world.”

Vilanova delighted with Villa return

There were plenty of reasons for Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova to be satisfied after his side secured a spot in the last 16 of the King’s Cup on Wednesday but David Villa’s double probably comes near the top of the list.

The prolific Spain striker, sidelined for eight months after breaking his leg at the Club World Cup last December, netted twice in a 3-1 victory at the Nou Camp that eliminated third-tier Alaves 6-1 on aggregate.

“Every day he (Villa) looks better,” Vilanova told a news conference. “It was a complicated injury and he has worked a great deal over the summer.

“He is a player who has the scorer’s gift and it is important to have him in the squad.”

Unhappy Lucio eyes Juve exit

Veteran defender Lucio admits he is unhappy at Juventus and would consider returning to Germany.

The World Cup-winning Brazilian joined Juve this summer after spending three successful years with Inter but he has made just three appearances for the Italian champions this season.

“I’m not happy in Turin because I’m not playing. These have been some difficult months because the coach doesn’t consider picking me. I want to leave and find a club that will let me play,” Lucio was quoted as saying.

“Wolfsburg? That would be a good opportunity. I spent a lot of great years in Germany. If I started talking about returning to Germany my children would get really excited.”