Mcmanaman: Former England and Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman is being released by Manchester City, the Premier League club said yesterday. The 33-year-old, who began his career at Liverpool and won the European Cup twice with Real, will leave at the end of his contract next month. Former Netherlands midfielder Paul Bosvelt is also leaving after two seasons at the club. Bosvelt, who joined City from Feyenoord in 2003, is looking to continue his career back home with Heerenveen.

Bellamy: Manager Martin O'Neill has urged Celtic's board to buy Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy when the Welshman's loan spell ends this month. Bellamy has been on sparkling form for Celtic since joining in January, scoring nine goals in 11 Scottish Premier League games, plus two more in the Scottish Cup. Dismissing comments from Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis on Wednesday that the Midlands club had agreed a six million pound fee for Bellamy, O'Neill said: "I wouldn't hold much store by it. Craig Bellamy will make up his own mind about what he wants to do."

Giggs: Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has played down the animosity between his team and Arsenal before they meet in the FA Cup final today. The build-up to the game has centred on the bitter rivalry between the players of both sides that has spilled over in recent games, but Giggs expects an attractive spectacle. "We don't dislike each other," he said. "It is competitive. It has spilled over in the last two seasons into dangerous territory and we hope that doesn't happen. The last game was competitive but nothing really naughty. Both teams are quality and play in the right way. We both attack."

Aris relegated: Aris Salonika have been relegated to the Greek second division following the decision by a sports tribunal to award last Sunday's abandoned match to Iraklis. The game was called off after 41 minutes when Aris fans invaded the pitch and attacked two Iraklis players. Iraklis, who were leading 2-1 at the time, were awarded the game 2-0. Aris, who play in the Greek Cup final today, were also docked three points, ordered to play their next six games behind closed doors and hit with a 100,000-euro fine.

Niemi: Finland keeper Antti Niemi has retired from the national team, citing the need to recover from injuries accumulated over the last season. "There have been many things nagging me and I want to be in playing shape next season," the Southampton player said. Niemi said the decision to retire was made easier by the strong play this season of Bolton's Jussi Jaaskelainen. Niemi, who turns 33 on May 31, played a record 66 times for Finland. He made his debut in a 1-1 draw against Tunisia in 1992.

Armenia: Dutchman Henk Wisman has been named coach of the Armenian national team. Ruben Airapetyan, head of the Armenian FA, said that Wisman would guide Armenia through to the end of their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign. Wisman, 48, takes over from Frenchman Bernard Casoni who was sacked last month following a 2-0 defeat by the Netherlands in a World Cup qualifier on March 30.