Debuchy: Highly-rated French full-back Mathieu Debuchy said yesterday he would like to move to the English Premier League after a successful spell with Lille. “I would really like to, why not, go and see what it is like to play for a club in England,” he said. “Other leagues please me as well, but I really like the English style.”
Cech: Chelsea received another boost yesterday when their star goalkeeper Petr Cech signed a new four year contract with them. The 30-year-old Czech Republic international – who lived up to his nickname as ‘Mr Perfect’ in the Champions League final win over Bayern Munich saving Arjen Robben’s injury-time penalty and two more in the shootout – has been at the Blues since 2004.
Lamouchi: Ex-France international Sabri Lamouchi was yesterday named the new coach of the Ivory Coast, taking over from Francois Zahoui who was sacked. It is the first coaching job for the 40-year-old Lamouchi, who won 12 caps for France between 1996-2000 as a midfielder.
Ronaldinho: Ronaldinho was substituted and insulted by Flamengo fans after his mistake allowed Internacional to snatch a 3-3 draw after trailing 3-1 in a league match last weekend. Ronaldinho lost possession in midfield and the resulting break led to Jesus Datolo scoring the equaliser for the visitors. Ronaldinho was taken off by coach Joel Santana shortly afterwards to a hostile reception from the team’s supporters.
Pescara: Pescara’s promotion celebrations were delayed by several hours on Sunday after the open-topped bus they had hired to parade the winning squad caught fire. Pescara are back in the top flight after 20 years. The vehicle they had hired was destroyed in the fire on the motorway. The driver escaped unhurt.
International friendly: Ukraine vs Estonia 4-0.