Motta: Thiago Motta has hit out at former club Inter over his surprise move to PSG in January. Motta claims he was poorly treated by Inter and essentially forced out, blaming the club for destabilising him. “I believe the club had already decided to get rid of me (before the season began),” Motta said. “The only reason it didn’t happen is because coach Gasperini arrived and he asked to keep me.”

Giresse: Former France midfield stalwart Alain Giresse is stepping down as coach of Mali. Giresse, 59, signed a two-year deal in May 2010 and led the squad to third place at the African Nations Cup having previously had a four-year stint in charge of Gabon. The Frenchman’s assistant Amadou Pathe Diallo will take over in an interim capacity.

Auckland: New Zealand club Auckland City successfully defended their Oceania crown and booked a return ticket to the FIFA Club World Cup with a 3-1 aggregate win over Tahitian champions Tefana yesterday. Auckland held a slender 2-1 advantage from the first leg at home and won the tie with a 1-0 win in Papeete.

Vidic: Nemanja Vidic will miss Manchester United’s pre-season tour. United are due to release details of their summer plans soon but Vidic will not be available for the first part, having ruptured cruciate ligaments in December. “Vidic won’t be ready for going on the tour but hopefully he’ll be ready for the start of the season,” Alex Ferguson said.

Chiellini: Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini will miss next weekend’s Italian Cup final after pulling his groin during yesterday’s Serie A finale, a 3-1 win over Atalanta. Chiellini was forced off late on after going down in his own box. He was filmed in tears walking down the tunnel back to the changing rooms.