Fabio Borini finally joins Sunderland from Liverpool - after rejecting the Black Cats TWICE

Kampusbet -   Fabio Borini finally joins Sunderland from Liverpool - after rejecting the Black Cats TWICE 

 

 

 

 

Judi Online Tangkas.net -    Fabio Borini has joined Sunderland for £8million – after rejecting the club twice.

The Italian striker could cost the Black Cats up to £10million if he is a success – after Liverpool cashed in.


Borini was wanted by Sunderland last summer, and in January, but refused to quit Anfield saying he wanted to play for a Champions League club.


Instead he has joined bottom of the league Sunderland – where he scored crucial goals in their relegation fight 15 months ago.


The signing will further placate boss Dick Advocaat who demanded quality was added to his squad this summer.

Advocaat says Borini, 24, will be a versatile front man covering several positions – and a rival to Jermain Defoe for central strike role the former England man wants.


Advocaat said: “Fabio is a great addition to the squad who will make our front line stronger. He can play in a number of attacking positions which is a huge benefit to the team.”

Agen BetTing Judi Online Terbaik -   Sporting director Lee Congerton added: “Fabio is a player who I’ve known since he was 15 years old and I was fortunate enough to help recruit him at Chelsea.

He has developed into a Premier League striker, which we have already seen from his previous loan spell at the club. We are delighted to have him here on a permanent basis.”


Borini said: “I am delighted to be back at Sunderland. It is a club I know really well from my time here previously. It will be emotional for me to play at the Stadium of Light again and I can’t wait to get back on the pitch as a Sunderland player.”

After turning down Sunderland last August he said: "The reason I said no to the clubs who wanted to sign me was that I wanted to play for a top-four club. I wanted to play in the Champions League.


"I don't think you can blame any player for having that kind of ambition. I took into account my football and also my personal life."


A four year deal has helped lure him to Wearside 12 months on, with Sunderland out-bidding Fiorentina and Watford.


 

Victor Wanyama will NOT leave Southampton despite requesting transfer, warns Ronald Koeman

Kampusbet -   Victor Wanyama will NOT leave Southampton despite requesting transfer, warns Ronald Koeman 

 

 

 

 

Judi Online -   Ronald Koeman insists Tottenham target Victor Wanyama is going nowhere despite asking to leave Southampton.

Midfielder Wanyama was left out of today's 3-0 win over Norwich after telling Koeman last week that he wasn't in the right frame of mind to play.

But Koeman insists the Kenyan won't be sold and warned him he is putting his own future at risk by acting up.

Koeman said: “It is a difficult situation because Victor mentioned himself that his mind is not with the team.

“He has lost some focus to the team, to the club and that is the reason I took finally to keep him out of the squad in the end.

“We had a meeting and that is true but nobody is for sale. The player has to accept that.

“If Victor shows the commitment to the team and he comes back we would like to have him in the team that is no problem.

“If he keeps playing like this he is playing with his own future and that is not good.”

Bandar Judi Online Terbaik -  Koeman told Wanyama to speak to his former Southampton midfield partner Morgan Schneiderlin before trying to force a move to Spurs.

Schneiderlin wanted to do similar last season but was persuaded to stay at St Mary's for another season and ended up joining Manchester United this summer.

Koeman claimed Schneiderlin is happier now than he would have been if he had got his way last summer.

He said: “Maybe it is good for Victor to talk to Morgan, because I think he is more happy now than he was last year even to do the move he wanted at that moment.

“The Schneiderlin situation was still in the pre-season, this is in the last week of the transfer window – that makes it different but not a difference in our statement.

 

“We like to grow, we like to keep the best players and if there is a player with a one-year contract or finished his contract it is totally different, Victor Wanyama has a two-year contract – come on.”

Mario Balotelli's move is good for both him AND Liverpool, insists Brendan Rodgers

Kampusbet -   Mario Balotelli's move is good for both him AND Liverpool, insists Brendan Rodgers 

 

 

 

 

 

Judi Online -   Brendan Rodgers insists Mario Balotelli's loan move back to AC Milan is good for him and Liverpool.

Rodgers refused to answer Balotelli's parting shot at the Liverpool boss when he claimed his style did not suit him.

Instead he said it is good for everyone concerned that the Kop flop, who managed just one Premier League goal last season, will be playing football rather than kicking his heels at Melwood.

"It's a good move for Mario, for both parties," said Rodgers. "He goes to play and he gets a season of playing football back in his homeland. That will be good for him."

Rodgers also refused to put a timeline on Daniel Sturridge's return now that the England striker is back training at Melwood following his rehab in America.

There's no timeline on Daniel," said Rodgers. "He's obviously been away working in America. He's come back and it's just about him working hard to get back to somewhere near the level of the group. 

"But there's no time on it. He's come back, he looks well and he's really excited and happy to be back amongst his team-mates.

"So we will just have to take that week by week rather than put any pressure on him by giving a time."

Bandar BetTing Online Terpercaya -  Rodgers is delighted by Liverpool's three clean sheets in their opening three games and hailed Nathaniel Clyne's contribution.

He feels the £12.5million signing from Southampton has slotted in well and feels he is the best right-back in England.

"I think he's an outstanding player," he said. "First and foremost, he wants to defend.

"He is the best England right-back, clearly. You can see that in his play. He's just slotted in with so much ease.

"He's the ultimate professional. He comes in, he trains every day, he listens, he wants to improve and make himself a better player.

"He's one of a dying breed where first and foremost he wants to defend, both the full-backs.

"Nathaniel being that bit older and more experienced, he's been playing since he was 17.

"You can see in his game where he wants to defend first, he gets tight, up close to people, knows how to use his body to great affect, and his athleticism when we break. He really wants to get forward and join the attack.

"I think he's an outstanding player and hopefully he will be here and play to that level for a number of years."

Liverpool will not let Lucas Leiva depart Anfield to sign for Besiktas, Turkish club confirm

Kampusbet -   Liverpool will not let Lucas Leiva depart Anfield to sign for Besiktas, Turkish club confirm 

 

 

 

 

Judi Online -   Besiktas have confirmed that Liverpool have shelved plans to off-load Lucas Leiva before the transfer window shuts.

The Brazilian midfielder was expected to leave the Reds after falling down the pecking order at Anfield and the Turkish outfit believed they were on the brink of agreeing a season-long loan deal, report the Liverpool Echo.

 

However, a foot injury to captain Jordan Henderson led to Lucas earning a recall for Monday night’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal.

After the 28-year-old delivered an impressive performance in the capital manager Brendan Rodgers said he planned to keep him for the season ahead.

Bandar BetTing Judi Bola Online Terpercaya -  Besiktas president Fikret Orman said: “Liverpool do not want him to go.

"The transfer can only go ahead with their say so there is nothing we can do right now.”

Besiktas are desperate for midfield reinforcements after losing Tolgay Arslan and Veli Kavlak to injury.

Lucas, who has two years to run on his existing contract, travelled back to Merseyside with the Liverpool squad following Monday’s game in London and has trained at Melwood as preparations begin for Saturday’s game against West Ham at Anfield.

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne pursuit boosted as Bayern Munich rule out bid for Wolfsburg star

Kampusbet -   Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne pursuit boosted as Bayern Munich rule out bid for Wolfsburg star 

 

 

 

 

 Judi Online -  Manchester City are in pole position to land Kevin De Bruyne for around £53million after Bayern Munich ruled out making a bid.

Wolfsburg had tried to encourage a late move from Bayern and suggested selling De Bruyne this summer, but allowing him to remain with them on loan for this season.

Bayern had enquired about De Bruyne at the end of last season, but insist they have shelved their interest.

Spokesman for the Bundesliga champions Markus Horwick said: "We definitely won't do anything about signing De Bruyne. The board already decided this a long time ago."

City will be hoping Wolfsburg now finally sell them De Bruyne and they thought they had agreed a deal in principle with the German club on Friday.

Wolfsburg had intimated they were prepared to accept between £52.6million and £54.8million, only to stall City yet further.

Bandar Agen Judi BetTing  Bola TerPercaya -   Now Wolfsburg's sporting director Klaus Allofs claims De Bruyne could stay with them for another "one or two years".

"I believe that he could feel at home in Wolfsburg for another one or two years," he said.

Allofs also admitted Wolfsburg would consider "serious offers" for the Belgium star.

"I want to emphasise that we are making an effort to convince him to stay, but we consider everything should there be serious offers," he said.

"We'll discuss it and make a decision."

Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking said: "We are still doing all we can. We want Kevin to stay. That's our main priority."

Louis van Gaal insists Manchester United don't need another striker despite Newcastle blank

Kampusbet -   Louis van Gaal insists Manchester United don't need another striker despite Newcastle blank 

 

 

 

 

Judi Online -   Louis van Gaal watched his Manchester United side struggle in front of goal for the third Premier League match in succession - but insisted he doesn’t need to add to his attack, report the Manchester Evening News.

United’s 100 percent start to the season ground to a halt as they were held to a goalless draw against Newcastle.

Their previous wins in the league came courtesy of a Kyle Walker own goal against Tottenham and a deflected strike by Adnan Januzaj at Aston Villa.

In the week that saw them fail to land one of their top targets Pedro, Van Gaal claimed he was happy with his strike-force.

He refused to comment on reported interest in Neymar, but when asked if he needed more forwards, the Dutchman said: “No, because we were three times the best team.

“My worries is that we have to dominate the opponent.

“We did it today, we did it against Aston Villa and against Tottenham.

“Against Tottenham was less, but against Villa, Brugge and today we dominate.

“In USA we dominate against Barcelona, Club America and San Jose, only against PSG we don’t.”

It was another frustrating day for Wayne Rooney at the point of United’s attack - with the England captain still to open his account this season.

Bandar Bola Terbaik -  He did find the back of the net in the opening stages - only for his effort to be adjudged marginally offside.

Van Gaal believes the striker was unfortunate to see his goal ruled out.

“Wayne scored - only it was not allowed,” he said. “When you see the television, it is very doubtful.

“The rules are that when it is doubtful then do not flag. But it is also football and I have said already many times you need more equipment to help the referees and linesmen because it is not easy.

“We were unlucky with rewarding ourselves because we have created a lot of chances also so you have to score.

“I was satisfied about the performance, I said at half time and I said also after the match, but you don’t win.

“I am satisfied with the performance and not with the result and that is different.

“We created a lot of chances and we only gave two chances away so then you have to win the game, but you don’t reward ourselves and that is a big pity.

“At home we lose two points.”

On links with Neymar, Van Gaal added: “You can ask about all the players in the world.

“I have to protect the interests of Manchester United, the players in my selection and the people in my organisation. You can mention every player, but I cannot answer these questions.”

 

Pedro's transfer has just secured the long-term future of one club - and it's not Chelsea or Barcelona

Kampusbet -   Pedro's transfer has just secured the long-term future of one club - and it's not Chelsea or Barcelona 

 

 

 

 

Judi Online -   You've probably never heard of Raqui San Isidro, and why would you have?

Unless you'd been to Tenerife and felt the urge to go and watch fourth-tier Spanish football then it's most likely that Raqui - as they're more commonly known - would never have entered your conscious.

As with most clubs of that size, money can be tight and life can be difficult. They have a friendly crowd, but not one that regularly packs out their 2,700-capacity stadium - not even during their stellar campaign last year where they finished second in the Preferente, a localised Canary Islands league that comprises part of the fifth level in Spanish football's broad pyramid.

The finances, as you might imagine, mirror that lower-league struggle.

"In the three years that I have been president of the club," says Jaime Lorenzo, "I've been through several [transfer] embargoes.

"When I took over the club it had €300,000 debts and now it only owes €22,000 in social security plus a loan to a building society."

Lorenzo has attempted to guide the club out of the troubled financial waters, but nothing he could do will ever compare to what Jose Mourinho and Roman Abramovich are about to do for his club.

Thanks to FIFA's 'training and solidarity mechanism', the fact that Pedro Rodriguez played for the club up to the age of 17 means that they will receive an estimated €450,000 (£320,000) from the winger's imminent move to Chelsea.

While the club has felt immense pride in all of the player's achievements - a World Cup, three Champions Leagues, five La Ligas and loads more - the latest step in his career will benefit Raqui in far greater ways.

Agen Bandar Judi Bola Online Terpercaya -  "With this money that is coming to us, we will be able to clear all of the debts hanging over us," Lorenzo told Diario de Avisos.

And that's not all.

In the sort of financial prudence and forward thinking rarely seen in football governance, the club has big, sensible plans for the cash.

"We will buy some apartments," he told El Dorsal, "in order to rent them out and guarantee the club some money. It will mean we're not dependent on subsidies from the local authorities in the Canaries.

"We're going to hold a general assembly of members with the intention of writing into the statutes that these flats cannot be sold nor mortgaged. It will guarantee is some €5,000 or €6,000 per month."

With such a secure income, the club is backing themselves for on-field success too, and hopes that it can be one of the top sides in the Canary Islands as they continue to rise up the football pyramid in Spain.

"With this money we're going to have a lot more interest as more players are wanting to come to Raqui San Isidro. Certainly we're going to arm ourselves a project.

"For this season we already have a team that is quite good, that has the aim of going up.

"With this help," says Lorenzo, "we will reinforce further still."

The Premier League's considerable wealth has trickled down a little in England, but now - even on clusters of volcanic rock in the North Atlantic Ocean - the ripple effect is slowly becoming global.

West Ham lose Adrian red card appeal over studs-up, waist-high challenge against Leicester

Kampusbet -   West Ham lose Adrian red card appeal over studs-up, waist-high challenge against Leicester 

 

 

 

 Judi Online -  West Ham have lost their appeal over goalkeeper Adrian’s dismissal against Leicester at Upton Park on Saturday.

The Hammers’ Spanish shot-stopper is now facing a three-match ban after being sent off late on against the Foxes.

Adrian was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on the visitors' striker, Jamie Vardy.

He caught Vardy in the stomach with his boot in the process of trying to hook the ball back into the box and West Ham believe the contact was unintentional.

Right-back Carl Jenkinson was forced to play in goal after Adrian went off as the Hammers had made all three substitutions.

Bandar Bola Terbaik -   "I thought the red card was a bit harsh. It was a high foot, but I am sure it was accidental," said Arsenal loanee Jenkinson.

"I ended up in goal but fortunately I didn't have too much to do."

Hammers manager Slaven Bilic said after the game that he was sure Adrian did not mean to catch Vardy, but admitted it "could have been seen as a red card" owing to the height of the challenge.

Shinji Okazaki and Riyad Mahrez netted goals for Leicester, meaning Dimitri Payet's fine strike for the home side counted for nothing.

Manchester City: We have NOT launched a £50m bid for Kevin De Bruyne

Kampusbet -   Manchester City: We have NOT launched a £50m bid for Kevin De Bruyne 

 

 

 

 

Judi Online -   Kevin De Bruyne is still in limbo over his future after Manchester City insisted that they have not launched a £50million bid for the Belgian playmaker.

It was claimed in both Germany and Belgium that City had hit Wolfsburg with an increased offer for the 24-year-old after having an initial approach of £47m rejected.

But senior officials at the Etihad last night told Sunday Mirror Sport that they were baffled by the claims and that no fresh offer for De Bruyne has been submitted.

It is understood that City have been made aware that Wolfsburg value the player at nearer £60m.

And that is currently deemed too rich given that the German club only paid £18million for De Bruyne when they signed him from Chelsea last year.

Bandar Bola -  City boss Manuel Pellegrini is desperate to add even more firepower to his squad despite already signing £44million Raheem Sterling.

De Bruyne has told his adviser that he wants the move to City to happen but is reluctant to force the issue at the moment in the hope that the transfer can be brokered amicably.

But Wolfsburg insist that they will only sell if they are made an offer they can’t refuse - and the cash that will come from qualifying for the Champion League is enabling them to call City’s bluff.

Alberto Moreno defends Mario Balotelli over criticism during Liverpool career: "He's a great lad"

Kampusbet -  Alberto Moreno defends Mario Balotelli over criticism during Liverpool career: "He's a great lad"  

 

 

 

 Judi Online -    Alberto Moreno has leapt to the defence of Mario Balotelli as he insisted the Liverpool striker has been harshly treated by his critics.

Balotelli is expected to leave before the end of the transfer window having been told by boss Brendan Rodgers he’s surplus to requirements at Anfield, report the Liverpool Echo.

The Italy international, who has been training with Fabio Borini and Jose Enrique away from the first-team squad, scored just four goals in 28 appearances last season.

Balotelli has been criticised for both his attitude and lack of application but Spanish left-back Moreno has delivered a ringing endorsement of his qualities.

Bandar Bola -  “I think he’s unfairly maligned,” Moreno said.

“He’s a very relaxed guy. He never bothers anyone. He could be a great striker. He’s got the tools.

“Things haven’t gone well for him here. He’s really struggled to score goals. ‘This had never happened to me before,’ he told me.

“I wish him the best if he ends up leaving because he’s a great lad.”

 

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers opens up: “I’ve been through the most traumatic four years of my life"

Kampusbet -   Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers opens up: “I’ve been through the most traumatic four years of my life" 

 

 

 

 

Judi Online -    Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says he has been through “the most traumatic four years” of his life, writes James Pearce in the Liverpool Echo.

In Michael Calvin’s new book, Living On The Volcano, the Northern Irishman talks about having to balance the professional demands of such a high profile job with personal heartache.

“I’ve been through probably the most traumatic four years of my life,” he said.

“I lost my mum. I lost my dad. I split up from the woman I loved for 23 years. I had a court case, two Old Bailey trials over six weeks with my son who was charged with sexual assault, which was an absolute disgrace.

“Yet professionally, here and at Swansea, these have been the best four years of my life. Something has to come from within. You have to put the professional and personal to each side. It’s about being happy of course, but the owners have paid me to do a job, so I will do the job.

Bandar Bola -   “There’s a story about Jimmy Sirrel at Notts County which has stuck with me since I was a young coach. His wife, Cathy, died late on the Friday night, but he came in on the Saturday.

“Nothing was said. He got on with his job, he did his job. Team played the game, won the game. 

Normally after every game, him and his wife would sit at a little table and have a glass. Then they’d go.

“This Saturday night he quickly popped into the bar. Someone asked about his wife, and he said, ‘She died last night’. He’d lost the woman of his life, his right hand, but he still came in and did his job. 

Makes you think, doesn’t it?”

Liverpool started their season with a 1-0 win at Stoke on Sunday, with Philippe Coutinho scoring late on to earn all three points and go some way to avenging the 6-1 defeat they suffered on the last day of last season, in Steven Gerrard's last match in a Reds shirt.

Glen Johnson: I have no regrets over Liverpool exit - I left Anfield on my terms

 Kampusbet -  Glen Johnson: I have no regrets over Liverpool exit - I left Anfield on my terms 

 

 

 

 

Judi Online -   Glen Johnson insists he bears no grudges over his Liverpool exit and claims he rejected the chance to stay at Anfield.

The defender made 200 appearances during his six-year stint on Merseyside before joining Stoke City when his contract with the Reds expired in the summer.

Johnson, 30, faces his former teammates for the first time on Sunday when Brendan Rodgers' side visit the Britannia Stadium for the opening game of the season.

However, the former West Ham right-back claims he has no regrets over his departure as he left on his terms.

He said: “I had a very good time [at Liverpool] and enjoyed the majority of it. But I turned down a new contract at the end of the day, so it ended exactly how I would like.

“I met Mark Hughes and everything he had to say was what I wanted to hear. I'm settling in well and I've been made to feel welcome, so it couldn't be going any better at the moment.

“It's just typical my first game [for Stoke] is against my old club. That's football and we'll do what we've got to do. It's my job and I'll treat it as any other game.

Bandar Bola -  “I've been in the Premier League for 12 years – I've got nothing to prove. When I was fit I was in the team, simple as that. There's no problems at all.”

Liverpool missed out on a Champions League spot after a disastrous end to the season that saw them win just one of their final six matches, including a 6-1 drubbing at Stoke on the last day.

Rodgers has brought in Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and James Milner as part of a massive overhaul that has seen skipper Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling join Johnson out the exit door.

But the England international has warned his old club they need to get off to a storming start to the season if they are force their way back into the top four.

He added: “They've made some signings, but not ones that are going to walk straight into the team. 

They've lost Raheem, who was an important player, so I wouldn't say it's a better squad than last year.

“It will be key for them to get off to a good start, but we want to be difficult to beat and try to improve on last season's points tally. That was a record for the club, so if we beat that we will be happy.”

Chelsea mystified by Diego Costa injury and don't know when star striker will be fit

Kampusbet -   Chelsea mystified by Diego Costa injury and don't know when star striker will be fit 

 

 

 

Judi Online -  Diego Costa has cast a major injury shadow over the start of Chelsea's Premier League title defence.

Striker Costa will miss the beginning of the campaign this weekend thanks to his long-running hamstring problem, and boss Jose Mourinho admitted: "Costa is not ready. It is not a good feeling for him, it is not a good feeling for me."

The Spain international's absence leaves the champions desperately short of strikers just two days before their season-opening home match against Swansea.

The Londoners' top scorer last season, Costa missed the title run-in with a hamstring injury - the same problem which dogged his final months at Atletico Madrid before his £32m move to Stamford Bridge a year ago.

Mourinho admits the injury is a mystery as it does not show up on scans — and the Blues do not know when he will be able to play again.

It leaves Chelsea with Loic Remy and on-loan Radamel Falcao as their striking options for Saturday, and is a major worry for the reigning champions.

Bandar Bola -  "I have to be honest and say that it is a bit of a concern," said Mourinho. "A player that didn't finish the season and [then] doesn't start the season obviously doesn't make me happy.

"The boy is trying hard but he has a problem against Barcelona [in the friendly last Tuesday]. The scans show there is no injury so next day he trains, but the next day [after that] he is not comfortable.

"Then, 24 hours before the game [last Sunday's Community Shield loss to Arsenal], we don't know if he plays or doesn't play."

Falcao has been struggling for form and fitness since a major knee injury last year, while Remy was substituted at half-time of the Blues' Wembley defeat.

The Costa situation may tempt Chelsea to go back into the market with the transfer window open until September 1st, but Mourinho refused to make excuses ahead of the season opener.

The Special One added: "In this moment, the only thing I want to do is play against Swansea. The squad is good enough and big enough to play against Swansea."

Angel Di Maria transfer: Manchester United dig heels in and demand £45m-plus for PSG switch

Kampusbet -   Angel Di Maria transfer: Manchester United dig heels in and demand £45m-plus for PSG switch 

 

 

 

Judi Online -  Manchester United are adamant that Angel Di Maria will not be allowed to officially join Paris Saint-Germain until their demands over his fee had been met.

They were still holding out for more than £45million for the Argentina international and had demanded most of the final sum be paid in one initial instalment, with the rest spread over the usual period.

The winger - who cost a British record £59.7m a year ago - was due to undergo a medical on Monday after travelling to Qatar on Sunday to meet the owners of his new club. 

But United insisted that couldn’t be completed until the small print was cleared.

Old Trafford boss Louis Van Gaal had directed his fury in the direction of Di Maria after the club’s record signing had failed to turn up for United’s pre-season tour in the USA.

He is determined to ensure the Argentinian doesn't have an easy passage to Paris. 

Bandar Bola -  The deal for Di Maria though, will go through this week with PSG's Qatari owners ready to meet United’s demands, and that will see Van Gaal push hard to complete a move for Barca forward Pedro — as well as step up his efforts for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

Madrid boss Rafa Benitez didn’t rule out the prospect, even though he insisted he wants the 

Frenchman to stay at the Bernabeu, when he said: “I think Benzema is going to stay with us. 

I’m very happy with him.”

United have also explored the prospect of including a couple of PSG players in any deal. 

The French club are keen to keep hold onto Brazilian winger Lucas Moura after giving him a new deal, but have suggested they will allow defender Gregory van der Wiel to switch to the Old Trafford giants.

Van Gaal knows the right-back from his days as Holland coach, and would be tempted if the price is right, given the player only has a year left on his contract.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho warns his rivals he wants to manage for another 20 years

Kampusbet -   Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho warns his rivals he wants to manage for another 20 years 

Judi Online -   Jose Mourinho has given a warning that will send a chill down the spine of the rest of the Premier League.

The feisty Portuguese manager of Chelsea has got under the skin of many managers in his two spells in charge at Stamford Bridge – non more so than Arsene Wenger who will be in direct opposition this afternoon at Wembley in the Community Shield. 

And if anyone thinks he is going away soon, Mourinho made it clear they are mistaken.

He was 52 in January – and reckons he will be around for the next TWENTY years.

Asked if he would be in management as long as his arch-rival Wenger who is 65 and other managers like 61-year­-old Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City and 63­-year-­old Claudio Ranieri at Leicester, Mourinho responded : “ I see myself going into the seventies. Not for ever and ever but while my health is good.”

Just like his old adversary Sir Alex Ferguson in fact.

And Mourinho believes he is getting better with age.

“It is a job where experience is very, very important. With players there is a moment when their experience has a fight with their physical condition.

“With managers, no. Unless you lose your appetite then that is a different story. But I see myself now better than I was ten years ago. I am in evolution, not even in stability."

Ahead of the curtain­raiser against Arsenal, Mourinho emphasised that his appetite and that of his squad remains as keen as ever in pursuit of another league title.

Bandar Bola -  “Being champion doesn’t change me for bad, it changes me for good and hopefully with the players it is the same thing," he said. 

"I want them to feel good not bad. Because we won last season, we do not have space for failure. In pre­season we did well in terms of responsibility in the work, discipline in the work, on the pitch, outside the pitch.

“The atmosphere is brilliant and the relations between the players is good ad between the players and me is good. “

But he also had a warning about the difficult task that lies ahead for the title contenders which he lists as his own club, Liverpool, Arsenal and the two Manchester clubs.

“We go into the most difficult domestic competition in the world," he said. “It has more candidates and more top teams. And I think less points will win the title. There will be more defeats and more lost points for the top teams. “

Why? Because of the way all the teams have strengthened, he believes. 

As an example, he said: ”Crystal Palace buy Yohan Cabaye and Connor Wickham. I would give you many more examples. And I welcome this mentality.

“It is a great thing. It was always difficult to win matches in England. I think that now it is more difficult. I gave Crystal Palace as an example but I could also give you Stoke, Newcastle and Watford.

"It is going to be more difficult now for all of us."