Close the curtains, light some candles and stick on some Barry White because Football Circus is getting sexy. This week we report on members of the Spain team allegedly getting robbed at a strip poker party in Brazil, Ronaldinho's new line of condoms and the repercussions of Silvio Berlusconi's 'Bunga Bunga' parties. In some slightly less sexy news, we take a look at one of the more controversial managerial firings of the year so far.

Spain National Team Players Allegedly hold Strip Poker Party in Brazil only to be Robbed

Brazilian website Globoesporte this week reported that members of the Spanish national side held a party at the Golden Tulip Recife Palace hotel in Recife, following their victory against Uruguay in the Confederations Cup. A band was brought in and as the players drank through the night and at some point, five women joined the group and a game of strip poker ensued. 

Globoesporte further claimed that when the players resurfaced the following morning, the women had disappeared and around €1,000 worth of cash was missing. A combination of alcohol and strip poker could not possibly equate to financial loss, could it? Members of the team were also said to have thrown television remotes and bars of soap from the windows of their hotel rooms. How rock and roll.

The allegations have been vehemently denied by the Spanish Football Federation, although they claimed a robbery had taken place - something that the hotel denies. Spain captain Sergio Ramos and centre back Gerard Pique also moved swiftly to publicly deny the rumours. A statement from Federation read:

"The Real Federacion Espanola de Futbol denies completely the news spread by a Brazilian media outlet and that infringe upon the good name of the Spanish national side and the honorability and professionalism of its players".

"Six players of the national team were the object of a burglary in the team hotel in Recife during the Spain-Uruguay game. This fact was duly reported to the Brazilian police. Later there has emerged a series of allegations about our players, which the RFEF completely denies and repudiates, deeply, because they damage the honour of the players and their families and friends".

Ronaldinho Releases Own Line of Condoms, called...'Sex Free'

First we had Pele promoting Viagra. Now Ronaldinho has released his own brand of condoms. 

Oddly, the product has been named 'Sex Free', which would not quite seem apt for the intended purpose.

Ronnie's current club Atletico Mineiro are also associated with the condoms. 

The ex-Barcelona man should be commended though, as he has launched the condoms as part of his role as a global ambassador for the United Nations against AIDS.  

The Brazilian announced on Twitter and Facebook:

"Guys, a condom with my signature on has hit the market, Atletico MG 'Sex Free'. In partnership with sport against AIDS!" 

Ronaldinho is not the first footballer to have a line of condoms. Former Italy striker Christian Vieri also promoted his own range of latex, while David was an unofficial spokesperson for a Chinese brand. 

Poyet Sacked while On Air in BBC Studio

Brighton this week took the unprecedented step of parting ways with manager Gus Poyet - As he sat in a BBC studio as a pundit for the Confederations Cup game between Uruguay and Nigeria.

Poyet had been on air prior to kick off and once the half time whistle blew, coverage switched back to the studio where presenter Mark Chapman, instead of immediately analysing the first half, announced that news had filtered through to the studio of Poyet's sacking.

Chapman said that he had handed Brighton's statement confirming their decision to Poyet during the first half.

The statement from the club regarding the firing read as follows:

"This followed his suspension, an investigation, and a subsequent formal disciplinary process. In line with the club’s own procedures, and UK employment law, Mr Poyet now has a right of appeal. As such, the club will make no further comment at this time".

Poyet appeared relatively calm and composed despite the bombshell and confirmed he would be appealing the decision.

The former Chelsea star responded from the studio, stating:

"I’ve still had no communication from the club, no text, no email. I didn’t receive anything. I’m probably the first to be in this position. Everyone can make their own conclusions about the way I have been informed by you". 

"I think the BBC got a great story really because a manager getting the information that he’s been released from his employment during the time of a programme is quite surprising".

"I suppose reading the statement I will be able to talk to them. It’s been really sad, they gave me so much, they made me so proud and not being able to answer a call or text or even an email for legal reasons is unusual for me".

"Are they messing with my career? We will see, it’s too early to say. I am looking forward to clearing this".

"The only thing I’m concentrating on is the appeal. I will appeal because it’s the right thing to do. I cannot understand it any more, after this I will talk a bit longer with my lawyers and they are reading, and until we go through that it’s very difficult to make any comments".

Italian Football Story of the Week

 - Milan President Silvio Berlusconi Setenced to Seven Years in Prison

AC Milan president Silivi Berlusconi, who also happens to be Italian prime minister, has this week been sentenced to seven years imprisonment having been found guilty of having sex with an underage prostitute.

The 76 year old was also sentenced to a lifetime ban from holding public office. 

The Milan president stood accused of having sex with prostitute Karima el-Mahroug in 2010. El-Mahroug was just 17 at the time. Berlusconi was additionally charged with abusing his position as he allegedly pressured police to release the girl from custody after she was arrested for a suspected theft.

Both parites deny the charges and as Italian law dictates, such a sentence for Berlusconi will not come into affect unless the allegations are found to be definite. A decision could take years to be reached, however the story will do little to enhance the prime minister's reputation. 

Magic 8 Ball Transfer Oracle

This week's focus of the segment was to be Carlos Tevez to Juventus. Then the transfer was confirmed. Then we switched our attention to the rumour of Isco moving to Real Madrid. Then that too was confirmed. So we're hoping it will be third time lucky with this rumour...

Micah Richards to Bayern Munich

(As reported here http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/322885/EXCLUSIVE-Bayern-Munich-want-Manchester-City-s-Micah-Richards/)

Magic 8 Ball Says...

"ABSOLUTELY NOT"

Football Recommendation

 - Moments in Football. A Fantasista Animation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qApcorfRHzo

Non-Football Recommendation

This week's non-football recommendation comes in the form of a trailer for Martin Scorsese's latest offering, the Wolf of Wall Street.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iszwuX1AK6A

This week's Football Circus takes a look at Australia's tribute to Tim Cahill, Joe Kinnear's farcical interview regarding his new role at Newcastle and a tragedy in the Netherlands. Meanwhile the Italian Football Story of the week does NOT feature Mario Balotelli for a change...

Dutch Teenagers found Guilty of Manslaughter of Linesman

A quite shocking story has emerged from the Netherlands this week as it was revealed that five teenagers have been given two year sentences in youth detention, while another given a 30 day day sentence, for their parts in the beating of linesman Richard Nieuwenhuizen. The incident took place during a youth game in Almere on December 2nd between Buitenboys and Nieuw Sloten. A father of one of the guilty players, aged 50, was also given six years in prison for his role.

The attack did not appear at the time to have caused too much damage to Niewenhuizen. He seemed to have recovered and avoided questions as to whether he would be taking action against the culprits. However he collapsed shortly thereafter and died.

The story has shook the Netherlands and Ajax coach Frank De Boer has made the following comments on the matter:

"You can't imagine it That boys of 15, 16 years short-circuit like that. You wonder about the parenting".

While the defence have argued that Nieuwenhuizen had an underlying condition, forensics have confirmed that it was in fact the beating that led to the linesman's eventual death. The defendants have two weeks to appeal the decision. 

Australia Name Road after Tim Cahill...For Two Days

In advance of Australia's World Cup qualifying match against Iraq on Tuesday, the premier of New South Wales Barry O'Farrell and CEO of Football Federation Australia, David Gallop revealed they would be renaming the Cahill Expressway behind Circular Quay, the 'Tim Cahill Expressway'...For 48 hours at least.

The gesture was to honour the former Everton man, who would equal Australia's all time leading goalscorer were he to score in the qualifier. If Australia were to win the match, they would qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Barry O'Farrell said of the honour "In honour of Tim's potential milestone, and the significance of tomorrow night's FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Sydney, I am delighted to rename the Cahill Expressway the 'Tim Cahill Expressway' from now until full time tomorrow night".

Cahill himself expressed his gratitude, proclaiming: "I am extremely grateful and humbled by this wonderful gesture by the premier and the NSW government in renaming the Cahill Expressway in my name and in honour of the Socceroos. Tomorrow night is a huge night for the Socceroos, and for me personally, as we push to qualify for Brazil 2014 and without the support of the NSW people, and all Australians, we would not be in this position".

At this point the Ozzies seemed gripped by Tim Cahill Expressway-mania. Twitter pleas to have the Expressway permanently named the Tim Cahill Expressway were flying in. There was a definite glimmer of hope when David Gallop tweeted: "If Tim does score a goal tomorrow I'm sure the Tim Cahill Expressway will be there forever." Not long afterwards, premier Barry O'Farrell responded with a "We'll see depending on the results tomorrow".

And so it was onto the match itself. Iraq fielded a depleted side and the Socceroos were expected to win, perhaps even comfortably. A nervy game suggested they may falter, however on the 83rd minute, Australia had the ball in the net. The goalscorer, none other than...Josh Kennedy, the substitute who had been brought on for Tim Cahill six minutes earlier. Cahill had left the field, dismayed at his substitution. Holger Osieck's decision to take him off was justified however and the Tim Cahill Expressway, alas, was no more.

Newcastle appoint 'Four Time Manager of the Year' Joe Kinnear as Director of Football...

Newcastle United this week announced the appointment of Joe Kinnear as their director of football, to the dismay of many Magpies fans.

Kinnear, who had a brief spell as manager of the side before Alan Pardew's appointment, announced the news himself before the club had made it official.

Kinnear went on Talksport radio to conduct an interview regarding his appointment, and a series of mispronunciations and lies/errors regarding his past achievements, did little to appease the Tyneside fans.

The ex-Wimbledon boss told the Talksport crew that talks between himself and Mike Ashley had been ongoing for weeks. He claimed that Derek 'Llmabeezie' (Llambias), was standing down from his Director of Football role to make way for him and would take up another role at the club. Llambias was not in fact director of football prior to Kinnear's arrival. Furthermore, he has since resigned from the club. (Some stories allege that Kinnear had cancelled the proposed transfer of Twente player Douglas, based on the fact that he had never heard of him, thus causing Llambias to walk out).

Possibly the most laughable mispronunciation by Kinner during the interview was 'Yohann Kebab'. He was of course referring to Yohann Cabaye.

Further gaffs included calling Sammy Ameobi 'Amneobi' and Hatem Ben Arfa 'Ben Arfre'.

Ameobi subsequently posted a tweet to say that the new man should at least get his name right.

Kinnear claimed to have played over 400 games for Tottenham and said he was voted manager of the year four times. He played nowhere near that amount of games for Tottenham and was voted manager of the year just once.

He also alleged that he had access to every manager throughout all divisions in England, claimed to have been in contact on a weekly basis with Sir Alex Ferguson prior to his retirement and said he could pick up the phone to Arsene Wenger for a conversation whenever he wanted.

Newcastle made Kinnear's appointment official the following day. Could be an interesting season for the Geordies...

Italian Football Story of the Week

 - Gattuso to Resume Coaching Career at Palermo

Palermo will this week announce the appointment of ex-AC Milan and Rangers midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as their new head coach.

Following his release from AC Milan last summer, Gattuso who is a World Cup winner with the Italian national team, became a player-manager at Swiss side Sion in February. That particular foray was a short-lived one and he was sacked from his position in May.

Palermo meanwhile were relegated from Serie A at the end of the season, following an 18th place finish. They will take a gamble however, by choosing the inexperienced Gattuso as the man to lead them straight back to the top flight from Serie B. The announcement is expected to be made on Friday.

Gattuso is yet to meet Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini and the question was this week put to him, whether he is nervous about his first encounter with a man notorious for firing managers regularly. The tough Gattuso responded, "I’m not afraid of Zamparini…I only fear death." 

Magic 8 Ball Transfer Oracle

Daniele De Rossi seems to be one of those players who gets linked with a move away from his club every transfer window. Which is odd in itself given that the midfield maestro has been a one club man his whole career. This summer is no different.

Daniele De Rossi to Chelsea

(As reported here http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2013/06/03/4022661/chelsea-open-talks-with-roma-to-sign-de-rossi)

Magic 8 Ball Says...

"I have my doubts"

Football Recommendation

 - Football 365

http://www.football365.com/

Non-Football Recommendation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpaPBCBjSVc

Here at Football Circus we revel in exposing idiocy. So we feel it is only right to to hold our hands up when we ourselves have been idiotic. Last week's blog, which we proclaimed to be our twelfth, was in fact, our thirteenth - So we apologise for any confusion caused and would like to swiftly revert to the laughing at and mocking of others. To make up for our faux pas, we've thrown in a few more stories than usual this week. Animals? Tick. Sendings off? Tick. Mario Balotellli? Tick. Welcome to Football Circus...

Lazio Fans hold Funeral for AS Roma

Having beaten their city rivals in this year's Coppa Italia Final, fans of Lazio held a public funeral on Saturday for Roma.

Not ones to to do things  by halves, the 4,000 Lazio fans who showed up near Rome's Ponte Milvio pulled out all the stops to rub it in, staging a full funeral procession which included: a coffin shrouded in a Roma flag; red and yellow flowers; mourners; pall bearers; fake grieving widows; and even a mock priest.

Lazio defeated Roma 1-0 in the Coppa Italia Final on May 26th, not only denying Roma the silverware but also a place in next season's Europa League. The match was not overly impressive and a chorus of boos rang out throughout the game. A pre-match performance from PSY of Gangham Style fame was even drowned out by both sets of fans attempting to drown out each other's chants.

Both sets of fans have something of a reputation for violence, so here's hoping the tongue-in-cheek gesture will not be taken too seriously by the Roma fans.

Fenerbache, Besiktas and Steaua Bucharest Face Champion's League Ban

Fenerbache face being banned from the Champions League for a second time following allegations of match fixing by the club and five club officials.

The Turkish giants were banned from the competition for the 2011-12 campaign as a result of a match-fixing scandal and should they be found guilty this time around, will be banned again. One of the five club officials who stands accused is club president Azia Yildirim who was imprisoned last July for six years for match fixing.

Fener are not alone as fellow Turks Besiktas have been charged with match fixing. Romanian side Steaua Bucharest are also looking at a ban, as their owner Gigi Becali was jailed for attempting to bribe players from rival teams to throw a match.

UEFA have stated: "Following the investigation into alleged match fixing activities involving Fenerbahce, the UEFA disciplinary inspector has now submitted his findings to the control and disciplinary body, in the context of disciplinary proceedings against this club and five club officials.This case will be heard by the UEFA control and disciplinary body on Saturday June 22".

"Proceedings have also been opened against Besiktas and two club officials in relation to match-fixing activities, which are alleged to have taken place during the 2011 Turkish Cup final".

"Proceedings have also been opened against Steaua Bucharest on the basis of ... the 2013-14 UEFA Champions League regulations, relating to the admission criteria for participation in UEFA competitions".

Footballer Throws Dog, Fans Infuriated

Nothing says Football Circus like a dog on a football pitch. If you can throw in a sending off for good measure, all the better. Although if the sending off involved a player throwing said dog violently against a fence by the neck, we're not so keen.

Bella Vista took on San Juan in a fourth division Argentine league encounter last weekend. A stray dog somehow made its way onto the pitch as the match progressed. Eager not to have play held up, Bella Vista forward Jose Jimenez ran towards the dog, picked it up by the neck in what appeared to be some form of choke hold, and flung the defenseless animal against the wire fencing that separated the fans from the pitch. It was apparent that Jimenez had intended to throw the dog over and not against the fence in order to remove him from the field of play.

However the manner in which Jimenez went about removing the dog was met with immediate disdain from both the fans and opposition players alike. A water bottle was thrown towards him and as he walked back across the pitch he was surrounded by angry players from San Juan. 

The referee did not appreciate Jimenez's attempt to rid the pitch of the dog either and showed him a straight red card.

Jimenez said of the incident "The referee made me nervous. I wasn't trying to hurt the dog, I just wanted to remove it because the (San Juan) fans sent it onto the field to waste time."

His meek attempt at an apology did not go far however and he has now been dropped from the Bella Vista squad. San Juan ran out 2-1 victors and more importantly, the dog escaped uninjured.

More Argie-Bargy

Barcelona star Javier Mascherano has hit the headlines this week for kicking a medic whilst being stretchered off the field during Argentina's World Cup qualifier away to Ecuador. 

The midfielder had sustained an injury and a motorised cart was driven onto the pitch to stretcher the Argetine captain to the sidelines. Whilst being transported, Mascherano claims he felt the cart was going too fast and feared he would fall off. He shouted at the driver to slow down but his protests fell on deaf ears. Alas, Mascherano thought the only way to grab the attention of the driver was to kick him and he duly proceeded to do so. 

His actions did not escape the eagle-eyed referee however and Mascherano was promptly shown a straight red card. Players from both sides converged upon the sideline, surrounding both the referee and Mascherano as the ex-Liverpool and West Ham man pleaded his innocence. Eventually order was restored and a 1-1 draw was played out.

He later apologised for his actions via the medium of Twitter (what else), declaring:  "I really apologise for the reaction I had, nothing justifies this".

He's a Socceroo...And a Sexist Too

Last week Sepp Blatter was the featured purveyor of casual sexism, this week Australia coach Holger Osieck is at it.

In his pre-match press conference ahead of Australia's 4-0 World Cup Qualifier win at home to Jordan this week, Holger dropped quite a clanger...and almost immediately realised his mistake thanks to a few "Ooooh"(s) from the waiting media.

Asking the press officer "I sit hear?"was followed by Holger joking "You push me round like my wife". Hmm...That one was let slide. But Osieck wouldn't put the shovel down that easily. He went on, "But there's a saying..." (Osieck then murmurs a phrase in Latin) "It's a very very eh...Women should shut up in public". Gaging the journalists' reactions, Osieck knew he was in trouble and backtracked. "I say it to my wife at home, OK, it's a private one". Right so Holger, if you say so. The German born coach then said "And you've recorded that one as well so I'm going to be the darling of all Australian wives...women".

To counteract the backlash Osieck has (conveniently) issued an apology.

Neuer to Star in German Version of New Monsters Inc. Film

Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set to voice one of the characters in  the German version of Monsters University, the prequel to Monsters Inc.

The German equivalent of the film, called 'Die Monsters Uni', will feature a character named 'Frightening' Frank McCay, to be voiced by Neuer. 

 The film is due for release on June 21st.

Neuer isn't the first footballer to voice an animated character. Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta voiced an albino pirate in 2012 hit 'The Pirates!'.

Tragedy Hits Man City...As they mourn the Loss of Wimblydon the Cat

Manchester City this week announced a day of mourning following the sad passing of Wimblydon, a cat who wandered into the dressing room of their Carrington training complex thirteen years ago.

Wimblydon, who was thought to have been a stray, found himself in the dressing room as then fitness coach, Juan Carlos Osorio, attempted to pronounce 'Wimbledon'. His mispronunciation was found so hysterical by the listening players, that they felt it apt to associate it with the cat.

Wimblydon led a hell of life at Carrington. He once dropped a dead mouse outside the door of Kevin Keegan's office. He greeted Mario Balotelli when he first arrived at the club. He even had his own Twitter account.

City's own Twitter feed announced this week: "It is with great sadness that we announce that the Carrington Club Cat Wimblydon passed away this afternoon RIPWimbly"

Following the announcement the media have linked several big name cats to the vacant spot. Garfield and Jess from Postman Pat are rumoured to be the front runners, while the cat seen on the wall during the Coronation Street credits is thought to be an outside bet.

The Magic 8 Ball Transfer Oracle

Even Zidane seems to have an interest in this one...

GARETH BALE TO REAL MADRID 

(As reported here http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/406731/Real-Madrid-unfazed-by-Tottenham-demanding-85m-for-Gareth-Bale)

Magic 8 Ball Says...

"LOOKING GOOD"

Italian Football Story of the Week

- Rollercoaster of a Fortnight for Balotelli

Mario Balotelli was sent off last week during Italy's 0-0 draw with Czech Republic following two yellow cards. The second booking was a harsh one as Czech Republic defender Gabre Selassie made a meal of minor contact from the Italian striker.

Balotelli accepted the referee's decision, shook his hand and retreated to the dressing room. No, of course not, he didn't really.

Super Mario reacted furiously. He was seen to shout at the referee, match officials and Italian coaches before storming down the tunnel where he was caught on camera punching a wall.

This week rumours are rife that Balotelli has gotten engaged to girlfriend Fanny Neguesha. Yes, APPARENTLY they're back together. Not sure how we missed that one. Regardless, Fanny has posted pictures on, Twitter (of course) of an engagement ring on her finger along with photos of flowers and a cake with a picture of the happy couple on it. The picture with the engagement ring was accompanied with the caption "It's official...like me".

Football Recommendation

- The Art of Steve Welsh

http://false9.blogspot.ie/2012/02/art-of-steve-welsh.html

Non-Football Recommendation

- The latest offering from the Lonely Island

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKQ6nINAeq8

On the twelfth edition of Football Circus, Football Circus will send to you: One sexist head of FIFA, one Romanian footballer who wants to adopt a baby found in a sewage pipe and one lottery winner who decided to buy a footballer. No golden rings nor partridges in pear  trees though, what do you think it is, Christmas? 

Mutu Aims to Adopt Baby found in Sewage Pipe

Last week the world was touched by a news story involving the discovery of a newborn baby who was stuck in a sewage pipe in Zhejiang, China. The baby had been abandoned by his mother who feared a backlash resulting from China's family planning laws. Millions across the world saw footage of medics relentlessly working to cut the baby from the pipe, after the baby's cries were heard.

One of those watching was former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu. The Romanian who now plays for AC Ajaccio has told Romanian TV that he was so overwhelmed by the footage that he intends to adopt the baby. Mutu stated:

"I intend to adopt this baby. I couldn't figure out how to carry on living, how to eat my breakfast when I saw this story on TV. He's a special child. When I saw the baby I said 'I must adopt him, he has been sent to me by God.'

"Just look at this poor little fellow. He made such a strong impression on me. I told my wife we have to help him, we have to do everything we can".

"I never thought I would adopt a baby, I had no plan concerning that, but I just know: I have to help this one."

The striker and father of three may encounter difficulties on his quest to adopt however as China has a list of just seventeen countries whose citizens can adopt Chinese children. As things stand, Romania is not on the list.

Blatter Puts His Foot in it

Sepp Blatter has never been known as a man of particular decorum. For example, once asked about an alleged affair between John Terry and the girlfriend of then teammate Wayne Bridge, the FIFA head commented "Listen, this is a special approach in the Anglo-Saxon countries. If this had happened in let's say Latin countries, then I think he would have been applauded". Asked about how a player subjected to racism should react, Blatter answered "He should say that this is a game. We are in a game, and at the end of the game, we shake hands, and this can happen, because we have worked so hard against racism and discrimination". Perhaps more poignant to this particular news piece, when once asked how to raise the profile of the women's game, he replied, "Let the women play in more feminine clothes like they do in volleyball. They could, for example, have tighter shorts. Female players are pretty, if you excuse me for saying so, and they already have some different rules to men – such as playing with a lighter ball. That decision was taken to create a more female aesthetic, so why not do it in fashion?".

This week he's been at it again. A landmark decision to appoint a woman to FIFA's executive committee has been met with widespread applause throughout most parts of the media. The woman in question was Lydia Nsekera of Burundi. She will be joined by Moya Dodd and Sonia Bien-Aime, who will take up positions as co-opted members. Blatter could have used the opportunity to prove his mindset has changed in recent years, but instead foolishly remarked "Say something ladies, you are always speaking at home, now you can speak here". He further compounded matters by describing Dodd as "good and good-looking". 

Norweigan Lottery Winner Buys Footballer

It's conversation topic that has been brought  up in school yards, bars and at football grounds amongst fans for years - If you won the lottery, do you think it would be possible to buy a footballer? Well Norwegian Yngvar Borgersen has done just that. Well 25% of it at least!

Having last month won €13 million in the Euro Millions lottery, the Odd Grenland supporter has donated 2.5 million kroner to the club in order that they may hang on to talented young defender Fredrik Semb Berge. Grenland are struggling in the Norwegian league and are at pains to stave off potential suitors who have been sniffing around Berge. By no means financial giants either, Grenland's hand may have been forced should a large bid been made for Berge. 

With generous Borgersen's donation, they need not worry about the financial implications of keeping their player at the club and can now focus on improving their league position. Should they eventually opt to cash in on Berge, the lottery winner will receive 25% of the transfer fee.

"I sat and thought about what I could do locally, and the answer was Odd. They have a good profile and mean a lot for the local community", Borgensen said of his decision.

Berge also seemed satisfied with the development - "It means that Odd can get more money for me and that they don’t have to sell me at any price".

The Magic 8 Ball Transfer Rumour Oracle

This rumour has been doing the rounds all week and would prove quite a shock were it to come to fruition.

WAYNE ROONEY TO ARSENAL

(As reported here http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2336222/Wayne-Rooney-Arsenal-target-fed-midfield-role.html and here http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/06/06/exclusive-arsenal-close-in-on-sensational-deal-to-sign-wayne-rooney-as-man-united-striker-indicates-interest-in-gunners-move/)

Magic 8 Ball Says...

"I HAVE MY DOUBTS"

Italian Football Story of the Week

 - Genoa President Attacks Journalist

Genoa president Enrico Preziosi is feeling the pressue. He saw his team finish just one spot above relegation this season in Serie A and now amid rumours that he is to sell the club, he has lashed out at a journalist who attempted to confront him regarding the matter.

The journalist from a local newspaper was kicked by Preziosi when he approached him. Preziosi proceeded to prise the journalist's camera from his hands and smash it on the ground. What Preziosi failed to realise was that the fracas was being filmed on a camera phone by an onlooker and can now be seen via the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1JT763mrrY&feature=player_embedded

It's not the first time Preziosi has been under the spotlight for the wrong reasons. He has been fined and banned on numerous occasions during his tenure as Genoa president for actions ranging from entering the field of play and illegal transfer dealings.

A dodgy Italian football president? Who would have thought it?!

Football Recommendation

POZNAN IN MY PANTS - Good read for any Gooners fans who enjoy a good blog.

http://www.poznaninmypants.com

Non-football Recommendation

Primal Scream: Screamadelica

http://www.amazon.com/Screamadelica-Primal-Scream/dp/B000002LR3