Ronaldinho: For Ronaldinho, having the opportunity to win trophies such as the Champions League is precisely the reason he joined Barcelona three years ago. "When I came here my aim was to win important competitions like the Spanish league and the Champions League and now I am closer to realising that dream," the Brazilian said yesterday, a week before his side meet Arsenal in the final. "Before I came here there were other clubs that were interested, but I wanted to look for a team that was better for my career. I'm very happy that I made that decision. I'm enjoying myself a great deal here."
FIFA criticism: A German soccer official has criticised FIFA's choice of World Cup referees and said UEFA Cup final referee Herbert Fandel should have been picked. "One referee who usually only works in the student city league in Singapore is going to the World Cup and Fandel is sent off into the cold - and no one knows why," Manfred Amerell, referee spokesman for the German football association (DFB), said. He said Norway's Terje Hauge should also have been among the 23 referees chosen by FIFA for the finals starting on June 9.
Wigan: Wigan Athletic have released midfielder David Thompson and Swiss international defender Stephane Henchoz, the Premier League club said yesterday. Henchoz, 31, who spent 5-1/2 seasons with Liverpool, joined Wigan in the close season after the club's promotion. Thompson, 28, joined Wigan during the transfer window in January until the end of the season after being released by Blackburn Rovers.
Benfica: Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has a name in mind for a new coach, but the decision will only be taken after the team returns from friendlies in Mozambique next week. Dutchman Ronald Koeman resigned as their coach on Monday to join PSV Eindhoven on a two-year contract after defending champions Benfica finished only third in the league. "The new coach will be chosen by me. I don't need advice from anybody, I know what decision I need to take for Benfica," Vieira said.
Reina: Liverpool's Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina has won the Premier League's Golden Gloves Award after keeping 20 clean sheets this season. Reina's performances put him ahead of Manchester United's Dutch keeper Edwin Van der Sar (18) and last year's winner Czech Petr Cech of champions Chelsea (17). American Brad Friedel of Blackburn Rovers and German Jens Lehmann of Arsenal (both 16) completed the top five.