French forward Emmanuel Riviere has joined Newcastle United from Monaco for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League club has said. “This is an important signing because the striking area is one we really had to improve,” British media quoted Newcastle manager Alan Pardew as saying. “We have looked at Emmanuel for a while and we know he will score goals for us.” Newcastle did not disclose the length of the deal the Martinique-born 24-year-old signed. “When the club spoke to me I said yes immediately. It was an easy decision,” Riviere said.
Eight WCup players in MLS All-Star XI
Eight players who took part in the World Cup have been named in Major League Soccer’s All-Star XI for their exhibition clash with Bayern Munich on August 6. The All-Star team is dominated by members of the US team who reached the round of 16 in Brazil before losing 2-1 to Belgium. US captain Clint Dempsey is joined by World Cup team-mates Michael Bradley, Graham Zusi, Kyle Beckerman, Matt Besler, DeAndre Yedlin, Omar Gonzalez and Nick Rimando, while former US striker Landon Donovan, 1998 World Cup winner Thierry Henry and Nigeria’s Obafemi Martins complete the team.
Third Briton fined for match-fixing
An Australian court yesterday convicted a third British player for his part in a match-fixing ring that corrupted games in a semi-professional league in Victoria state. David Obaze, 25, was one of four Britons charged with corruption after a police investigation into betting irregularities surrounding Victoria Premier League club Southern Stars. Defender Reiss Noel and goalkeeper Joe Woolley, both Britons, were convicted and fined in December for throwing games on the instruction of a betting syndicate. Obaze pleaded guilty to fixing three VPL games and was fined A$3000 ($2,800), the Australian Associated Press said, citing the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
Keeper Scuffet set to stay at Udinese
Italian goalkeeper Simone Scuffet has turned down an offer to join Atletico Madrid and will remain at Udinese next season, according to his agent. Chelsea and Milan are also reportedly keen to acquire the 18-year-old’s services. “Simone Scuffet will remain at Udine,” Scuffet’s agent Claudio Vagheggi told www.tuttomercatoweb.com. “Atletico Madrid’s offer was interesting and advantageous but we agreed with the club and with the player’s family that the best thing for him is to have a progressive and gradual growth.”
Roma seal big-money move for Iturbe
Roma have continued their off-season recruitment drive by signing promising Argentine midfielder Juan Iturbe as last season’s Serie A runners-up prepare for life in the Champions League. “AS Roma has signed a contract with Hellas Verona for the transfer of Iturbe for €22 million,” the club said in a statement. “The agreement could rise by a further €2.5 million depending on the achievement of particular sporting goals.” Italian media reported that the deal also included a large payment to Iturbe’s agent, pushing the overall fee up to around €30 million.
Petrov calls time on 20-year career
Former Bulgaria winger Martin Petrov drew a near 20-year career to an end yesterday when the 35-year-old announced his retirement from football. As a youngster he joined his hometown club, Botev Vratsa, in 1995, then travelled all over Europe to play at CSKA Sofia, Servette, VfL Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers and Espanyol. He represented his country 90 times between 1999 and 2011 and scored 19 goals. “Everything has a beginning and an end,” Petrov, who returned to his homeland to rejoin CSKA on one-year contract last summer, told reporters in Vratsa. “I think it’s time to stop playing football.”
Michu joins Napoli on season loan
Napoli have signed Spanish international striker Michu on a season’s loan from Swansea City, club president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed yesterday. “Welcome, Michu!” film magnate De Laurentiis said in an announcement on Twitter. Italian media reported that Michu, 28, will sign a year-long loan deal. After the payment of an initial fee of around €1.75 million, Napoli will have the chance to buy the Spaniard for €7.5 million at the end of next season, the reports added. Michu joined Premier League side Swansea from Spanish club Rayo Vallecano in 2012 and scored 22 goals in his first season as the Welsh club won the League Cup.