Bayern Munich appear on a collision course once more with the Dutch Football Federation over the handling of a player carrying an injury.
The German champions yesterday requested the return of captain Mark van Bommel from international duty after he suffered a recurrence of a knee injury sustained in Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Moldova in training on Sunday.
Bayern are already in dispute with the Dutch FA after Arjen Robben returned from the World Cup with a hamstring injury which has prevented him from playing this season.
Benjani to quit internationals
Zimbabwe team captain Benjani Mwaruwari said that he has quit international football to concentrate on his career in England.
The 32-year-old forward, who signed a one-year deal with Blackburn in August, announced his decision just days after Zimbabwe were held to a draw by Cape Verde.
“After the game I went to speak with (team coach) Norman Mapeza and thanked him for giving me a chance to play in the game against Cape Verde and that I was sorry we couldn’t do enough to win the game,” Mwaruwari said.
“I still have a few more years playing club football, but I feel that I have done my part for my country.”
Blues consider stadium expansion
Birmingham are considering redeveloping part of their St Andrew’s ground to increase the capacity to around 46,000 as an alternative to moving to a new stadium.
City have been looking at the possibility of moving away from their current home for several years and remain in talks about potential projects with Birmingham City council.
But vice-chairman Peter Pannu admitted rebuilding the Garrison Lane stand to significantly bolster the capacity from the current 30,000 was also an option.
“The capacity is 30,000 and we are considering pulling down our old (Garrison Lane) stand as another option,” Pannu said.
“The indication from our experts is that it would be a size increase to 45,000, 46,000.”
Larsson reveals Man. United regret
Henrik Larsson has admitted the greatest regret of his career was snubbing Alex Ferguson’s pleas for him to spend more time with Manchester United. Ferguson sprang a surprise when he confirmed Larsson as a short-term arrival during the 2007 January transfer window.
Although he only scored three goals in 13 matches, the now 39-year-old Swede made a significant impact on the Red Devils’ performances during a difficult period of the season and ended the campaign with a title medal.
“If there is one regret I have from my career, it is that I came home to Sweden when Ferguson was trying to get me to stay at United,” he said.
“I should have stayed at United for longer because I had a great time there.”
Lin makes cash bid for Liverpool
Peter Lim, a sports-loving Singaporean billionaire, yesterday announced an increased offer of £360 million in cash for troubled club Liverpool.
“I respect and admire Liverpool Football Club, which is so steeped in tradition and history,” Lim remarked.
“I am committed to rebuilding the club so that it can soon regain its position at the pinnacle of English and European football, where it truly belongs.”
His offer is 20 per cent higher than a US rival’s proposal of £300 million that was accepted by the club’s management over a similar offer by Lim during an auction that ended last week.
The decision to sell the club to New England Sports Ventures is now being contested by Liverpool’s current owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
Modric vows to find rhythm
Luka Modric has admitted he is well below his best for Tottenham so far this season.
But the midfielder has vowed to be back to his best by the end of the month, blaming a spell on the sidelines with a leg injury for his lack of “rhythm”.
Modric said: “For me, I’m a little out of rhythm.
“I’ve had a couple of injuries this season and I’m not yet back into my rhythm but, in a couple of games, I’ll settle down and play better.
“I just need to be fitter. It’s been hard for me because I’ve had a couple of injuries but in a couple of matches I’ll be back into full shape.”
Montolivo opts against surgery
Fiorentina captain Riccardo Montolivo has turned down the opportunity to have surgery to repair a persistent ankle problem, reports said yesterday.
The 25-year-old Italy international has been suffering with the injury since the World Cup in South Africa this summer.
“I had a scan on my ankle,” Montolivo told reporters.
“Right now there isn’t any surgery planned. I would like to get out of this situation without having an operation.
“I hope to be back again 100 per cent as soon as possible. I am taking care of myself in order to heal.”