Brazil have recalled Kaka to the international squad for the first time in more than a year as a replacement for the injured Cruzeiro striker Ricardo Goulart, the Brazilian Football Confederation said.
The 32-year-old Sao Paulo playmaker will join the squad to face Argentina in Beijing on October 11 and Japan in Singapore three days later.
His last appearance for Brazil was against Russia in March last year. The former Milan and Real Madrid star was not selected for either the 2013 Confederations Cup or the 2014 World Cup.
Real’s Ronaldo in ‘perfect shape’
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo returned to training with his team-mates yesterday and coach Carlo Ancelotti said he was in “perfect shape” ahead of today’s game at home to Athletic Bilbao.
The World Player of the Year took a knock to the ankle near the end of Wednesday’s Champions League Group B victory at Ludogorets.
The Portugal captain has been on lethal form this season and has scored 10 goals in five La Liga appearances and two in two Champions League games.
“Cristiano is in very good condition,” Ancelotti said.
“He has completely recovered and is in perfect shape as always.”
No racism in the game – Mourinho
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes there is no need for English football to introduce American Football’s ‘Rooney Rule’, saying “there is no racism” in the game.
A law whereby at least one black or ethnic minority candidate must be interviewed for every head coaching job has been in force in NFL since 2003 after it was pushed forward by Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney.
No such requirement exists in English football and only two black managers are employed throughout the 92 Premier League and Football League clubs.
Mourinho said: “There is no racism in football. Football is not so stupid to close doors to people.
“If you are good, you get the job. If you are top, you are top.”
CSKA Moscow hit with supporter ban
CSKA Moscow will have to play their next three European home matches behind closed doors and have been fined €200,000 because of the behaviour of their fans, UEFA said.
The Russian club’s supporters will also be prevented from attending their remaining two Champions League away group games this season against Manchester City and Bayern Munich, European football’s governing body added.
CSKA fans were found guilty of a series of offences including “racist behaviour of fans, crowd disturbance, setting off/throwing of fireworks and missiles” during their Group E fixture against Roma in Italy on September 17.
LA Galaxy showing interest in Pirlo
LA Galaxy manager Bruce Arena confirmed the MLS club is interested in signing Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
“Pirlo? He’d be ideal for us. We are interested in players of his calibre,” Arena told ESPN yesterday.
Pirlo has a contract with Juve that runs until June 2016 and LA Galaxy might have to wait at least two years before signing the Italian veteran.
In a recent interview, Pirlo said that he had no plans of leaving Juventus anytime soon.
“Why should I move? Serie A is the top league in Italy and life is good. Two years with Juventus, then maybe I can go to the MLS in the United States,” said the 35-year-old.
United move a step up says Di Maria
Angel Di Maria says that moving from Real Madrid to Manchester United is a step up in his career.
Di Maria, 26, moved to Old Trafford this summer for a British record fee of £59.7 million and has impressed, scoring two goals and giving the Red Devils a renewed attacking threat.
“Leaving a club like Real and coming to as big a club as Manchester United makes you grow as a player and helps you progress in your career,” he said.
“It was an important moment and I’m really happy here.
“With every day that goes by, I feel much more relaxed and settled here. I’ve got a house and my family are happy.”
Martinez hails Stones potential
Everton defender John Stones is a natural leader and a future captain, according to manager Roberto Martinez, who believes the youngster is learning from some of the best at Goodison Park.
The 20-year-old has started five of the last six matches, missing only the League Cup defeat at Swansea in that time, and is developing a maturity beyond his years.
“John Stones has been in terrific form ever since he played his first (pre-season) friendly in the USA,” said Martinez.
“Since then he has been growing as a footballer and he is a complete centre-half.
“John has gone to the next level this season. He has shown he is ready for any challenge.
“Clearly in the last few weeks he has earned his place and performances have shown that.”