France striker Thierry Henry has enjoyed positive reviews for his performances with Barcelona this season, after a difficult first year with the Catalans, but did not dismiss media suggestions that he was "finished."
"They're not far from the truth. I have played 15 years at the top level and it takes its toll," the 31-year-old told Spanish daily Sport.
"My career will be over soon and being a striker it happens much quicker. As I have said before, I have never run as much as I do now with Barca."
Coach banned one month for outburst
The coach of Brazilian side Nautico has been given a one-month touchline ban for kicking a bucket and insulting match officials.
Brazilian football's disciplinary tribunal said Roberto Fernandes lost his temper when the referee signalled five minutes of injury time in the 0-0 draw at Santos on the final day of the season on Dec. 7.
Defeat would have condemned Nautico to relegation.
The tribunal said that Fernandes shouted: "Thief ... I'm going to kill everyone here today. This is a set up against my team."
He then kicked a bucket containing ice and bottles of mineral water and was sent off.
League adopts homegrown rule
Football League chairmen yesterday voted to adopt a new rule where four of the 16 players for matchday squads will have to be 'home grown'.
Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney said: "I would like to compliment Football League clubs for having the foresight to make changes that will benefit the wider game.
"League clubs are at the forefront of developing young playing talent for the domestic game and are investing more than £40 million a season in this important area."
The rule, which will come into effect from the beginning of next season, means at least four of the 16 players in match squads will have had to have been registered domestically for a minimum of three seasons before their 21st birthday. They can however, be of any nationality.
Stranzl fancies Rangers move
Spartak Moscow defender Martin Stranzl wants to join Scottish club Rangers.
Stranzl, who would cost around £1 million, is also reportedly attracting interest from Fulham, West Ham and Everton.
"I am honoured and I would be interested in any move to a club of the stature of Rangers," Stranzl was quoted as saying.
"I want to get my future sorted out as soon as possible and hopefully this will be the case as I am desperate to play regular football again and if it was with Rangers, that would be great."
Spartak Moscow manager Michael Laudrup refused to comment when asked about Rangers' interest.
Ashley keen to keep Owen at Newcastle
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is keen to keep striker Michael Owen at the club.
The Magpies have started talks with Owen and the other Newcastle players whose contracts expire at the end of the season.
"We'd love Michael Owen to stay," Ashley said.
"Newcastle want him to stay but we have to look at what we can spend when other clubs like Man. City do not. The guy at City is about 1,000 times wealthier than me."
Ashley also said that manager Joe Kinnear would be handed "limited" funds to spend during the January transfer window.
Veteran Fontana linked with Roma
Roma may make a bid for veteran Palermo goalkeeper Alberto Fontana to provide cover for Alexander Doni.
Inexperienced Brazilian Arthur is Roma's second choice at present but reports suggest that the Serie A are looking to sign a new goalkeeper.
French newspaper L'Equipe reported that Roma had made efforts to sign Le Mans custodian Yoann Pelé but have been told that they cannot get him in January.
Roma are believed to be mulling a move for the 41-year-old Fontana who was first choice with Palermo until the arrival of Marco Amelia last summer.
The former Inter custodian would probably be receptive to a move that would allow him to represent one more prestigious club before he hangs up his gloves.
Legrottaglie happy with Juve's defence
Juventus don't need to bring in defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window, Nicola Legrottaglie has said.
There has been persistent speculation that the Serie A high-fliers are looking to add some new faces in 2009, with Premier League defenders William Gallas and Daniel Agger reported to be targets.
"It's the first time that I have heard those two names linked with Juventus," Legrottaglie told Tuttosport.
"I'm not really interested in that kind of talk, but I am a fan of Juve and so I am in favour of any transfers that can help the side improve.
"We are the second best defence in Serie A and I don't think we need to strengthen the defensive department."