Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt, an avowed Manchester United fan, could appear for the Premier League club in a charity game next summer, according to manager Alex Ferguson.
“Usain’s a character and a big Man. Utd fan,” Ferguson told Inside United magazine of Bolt, fresh from his second successive triple gold haul at the London Olympics.
“But it’s interesting he says he’d like to play in a charity game. It could be brilliant, and next year when we play Real Madrid’s Legends again, there could be opportunities to bring him up and see how he does.”
That game is scheduled for June 3, 2013, at Old Trafford.
Adriano warned
Adriano’s latest comeback attempt suffered a setback this week when he received a warning from Flamengo after missing training.
A statement on the club website said the 30-year-old forward, beset by drinking, depression and weight problems in recent years, would be warned for his absence “in line with the clause established in his contract”.
His spokesperson responded with a statement saying Adriano was simply having a day off and would train regularly this week.
Bertrand pens new Blues deal
Chelsea confirmed yesterday that Ryan Bertrand has signed a new five-year contract.
Full-back Bertrand was only a year into a four-year deal agreed last summer but has been rewarded for his remarkable progress in recent months.
The 23-year-old became the first man ever to make his Champions League debut in the final itself in May and made his England debut in last month’s friendly win over Italy.
He has also started two of Chelsea’s three Premier League games this season.
Prior to Roberto Di Matteo’s appointment as manager in March, he barely figured for his parent club since making a controversial move from Gillingham seven years ago.
Fabregas keen to regain spot
Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas is unhappy at being only a bit-part player for Barcelona this season, but is determined to make an impact at the Nou Camp.
The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club last summer, has struggled to force his way in Tito Vilanova’s starting formation this season.
He said: “There’s no such thing as a great substitute in football. I’ve always said that I play for the best team in the world, but I came here to compete and not to sit wracking my brains.
“I will keep going, looking forward to the time that things change.”
Boruc ready for a fresh start
Former Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc is looking forward to a new challenge after turning down a contract extension at Fiorentina.
The 32-year-old’s move to QPR foundered when Inter’s Julio Cesar became available but the Poland international remains optimistic about his next move having had interest from FC Dnipro and Werder Bremen.
“I’m fit and available and a little bit surprised to be in this situation following two good seasons with Fiorentina,” Boruc said.
“I was offered an extension with Fiorentina but felt it was the right time for a change and have had other offers which just didn’t feel right at the time.”
Aguero eyeing Argentina match
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has hinted he could be involved in Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Peru next Tuesday despite not having played for his club since suffering a knee injury on the opening day of the season.
City expect to be without the frontman until mid-September at the earliest but Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella nevertheless included Aguero when he announced his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru.
“I’m here until the Peru game,” Aguero said.
“The knee still hurts but maybe in two or three days the landscape will change. Now I’m going to see the doctors of the national team.”
Sydney confirm Del Piero signing
Sydney FC have confirmed the most high-profile signing in their history by announcing the capture of Alessandro Del Piero.
The move had been mooted for most of the summer, but appeared to have come under some threat owing to interest from Premier League sides Liverpool and Southampton.
But there was relief all round in Sydney yesterday when, speaking at a press conference in Turin, the 37-year-old forward confirmed he was heading down under on a two-year deal.
“I am extremely happy to be joining Sydney FC,' he said.
“This is a very big moment for me because I want to continue my career in a new part of the world where I can make a major contribution and help grow the game.”