LA Galaxy forward Robbie Keane has been named Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player of 2014.
The Ireland striker scored 19 goals in 29 games, a return impressive enough to beat Lee Nguyen, of the New England Revolution, and Obafemi Martins, of the Seattle Sounders, to the award, which was announced on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old all-time record scorer for Ireland said he remained highly motivated in the twilight of his career.
“I’m not here for a holiday,” Keane, captain of both his club and country, told reporters in the build-up to Sunday’s MLS Cup in which the Galaxy will host the Revolution.
Palace lacking firepower – Warnock
Crystal Palace must add attacking firepower if they want to ease their fears of being dragged into a relegation battle, manager Neil Warnock said yesterday.
Palace are one point above the relegation zone after a 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa on Tuesday.
“We’ve had opportunities to win the games, we know we haven’t got enough firepower really,” Warnock told reporters.
“When you look at the other teams they’ve all got men, main strikers to select from.
“I think the lads are doing as well as they can. We do need improvement in that area, which we are looking to address in January.”
Grant offers lifeline to Ghana outcasts
New Ghana coach Avram Grant has said he will consider an international return for Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng who were sent home in disgrace from the World Cup in Brazil.
“It’s open for every player that is willing to give everything for his country and to understand that with all the developments in football, money etc, the main competition is for the national team,” Grant told the Ghana FA website.
“Any player that will be proud to wear the national jersey and give all his passion to the team and have the quality, of course, the doors of the Black Stars are open to him.”
Gudjohnsen set for Bolton return
Bolton Wanderers are set to bring Eidur Gudjohnsen back to the club where he made a name for himself after offering the former Chelsea and Barcelona striker a contract, manager Neil Lennon said yesterday.
The 36-year-old former Iceland international, who played for Bolton between 1998 and 2000, scoring 19 goals in 59 games, has been training with the Championship club for the past month after being released by Belgian side Club Brugge.
“I’m assuming everything’s agreed. If there’s any hold-ups it’ll be a minor thing and I’m hoping to have him in the squad for the weekend,” Lennon said.
Iniesta delighted with Barca return
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta was delighted with his performance on his return from injury against Huesca on Wednesday night.
The Spain international scored one goal and set up two others to guide Barca to a 4-0 triumph over their third division opponents in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.
The 30-year-old, who had been sidelined since October 25 with a thigh injury, played 90 minutes.
“It’s never easy to return after so long,” Iniesta told his club’s website. “But I got really good feelings from the game and this is the most important thing.
“This gives me peace of mind.
“When you play a football match, you always want to win and play well.”
Simeone dismisses Godin transfer talk
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has laughed off reports that Manchester United are preparing a €20 million offer for Diego Godin in January.
United are reportedly looking to strengthen their backline in the winter transfer market.
Godin has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford, with United manager Louis van Gaal reportedly keen to acquire the Uruguay international’s services.
But when asked whether Atletico would accept an offer in the region of €20 million from United for Godin, Simeone told the Spanish media: “Let’s talk about something else.
“How much? Twenty? For Godin? It must be a mistake.”
Zapata to remain at Napoli – agent
Duvan Zapata will remain at Napoli at least until the end of the season, according to his agent.
The Colombian forward has been linked with a move away from Naples in January with several European clubs reportedly keen to acquire the 23-year-old’s services.
Zapata is struggling to convince Napoli coach Rafa Benitez to give him a regular place in his starting line-up.
“In January Duvan Zapata will remain at Napoli,” Zapata’s agent Fernando Schena said. “At least this is his wish. Then in June we will hold talks with Napoli and decide his future.
“We have received offers from Holland, Turkey, Greece but not Italy. Zapata has a lot of trust in (coach Rafa) Benitez and he will certainly get more playing time.”