Football news

Lukas Podolski has rejected rumours linking him with a move away from Arsenal.

Podolski, who joined Arsenal from Cologne last summer, is thought to be attracting interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. However, Podolski, who is currently away on international duty with Germany says he is happy at Arsenal and has no intention to leave.

“I feel very comfortable and I am completely satisfied with my first year in England,” Podolski said.

“I have no intention to leave the club. Rumours are rumours and I cannot stop them.”

Red’s the colour for England

England’s new away kit has been revealed, with makers Nike returning to iconic red.

The US sportwear giant, who agreed a six-year deal with the Football Association last year, has plumped for the colour England famously wore when they won the World Cup in 1966 to replace Umbro’s navy shirt.

Nike designers have gone for a polo-necked top – red apart from a white button featuring a St George cross – white shorts and red socks.

The shirt is emblazoned with a gold crest to celebrate the FA’s 150th anniversary and preserves a gold star in honour of the 1966 heroes.

Defender Wilson opts for Hearts beat

Hearts have secured the signing of Danny Wilson from Liverpool on a three-year contract.

The defender spent the last four months on loan at Tynecastle from Anfield and will sign a permanent deal when his Liverpool contract expires.

The 21-year-old, who left Rangers for Liverpool in a £2 million move in 2010, said: “It didn’t take me long to decide about committing myself to Hearts once the club made it known they were keen to keep me.”

Wilson is Gary Locke’s first signing as manager.

Rogers makes first LA Galaxy showing

Robbie Rogers’s return to football ended in a 4-0 win as Robbie Keane’s hat-trick saw Los Angeles Galaxy ease past Seattle Sounders on Sunday.

Barely 24 hours after signing for the Galaxy to end his hiatus from the game after coming out, Rogers became American professional sport’s first openly gay active player when he stepped off the bench – to a standing ovation from the home fans – to replace Juninho in the 77th minute.

By that time LA Galaxy were already four goals up thanks to Sean Franklin’s 12th-minute opener and strikes from Keane in the 24th, 34th and 44th minutes, the last two from the penalty spot.

Loew praises Dortmund keeper

Germany coach Joachim Loew has paid tribute to Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller, although the chances of him earning a call-up to the national team remain slim.

Weidenfeller was the only German player on the field at Wembley not to have won a cap, but while the national coach was full of praise for the keeper, he stopped short of opening him a door into his squad.

“Of course it has not escaped me that Roman has played a fantastic season,” said Loew.

“If you look at his performances, then Roman would certainly have deserved a cap.”

However, at the age of 32, Weidenfeller no longer fits the blueprint Loew is looking for, especially as he continues to view Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer, 27, as his no.1.

Lopez not moving

Goalkeeper Diego Lopez insists he has no intention of quitting Real Madrid this summer amid reports linking him with a move to big-spending Monaco.

Lopez has made a huge impression at Madrid since re-joining the club on a four-and-a-half year deal from Sevilla during the January transfer window.

The 31-year-old was brought in after Iker Casillas was ruled out for three months with a hand injury and he has made the most of the opportunity with a series of superb performances.

He said: “I’ve tried to take advantage of the chance as always. I’ve already said that every minute at Real is golden.

“It’s in my plans to continue at Real. I think that competition between goalkeepers is positive.”

Lewandowski set for Bayern – agent

Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski is likely to join German rivals and newly-crowned Champions League winners Bayern Munich, the Pole’s agent said.

However, Cezary Kucharski told Polish reporters that Bayern had yet to agree terms for Dortmund’s top-scorer.

“For us it is clear, but we have not signed anything,” Kucharski said.

“The clubs need to reach an agreement.”

Kucharski gave no further details, but said they should emerge within three weeks’ time.