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Friday Kickoff: Falcao hints at Atletico stay, Lippi denies Real Madrid link, and more

The Radamel Falcao-Atletico Madrid saga has taken yet another turn.

In the latest twist in the Falcao sweepstakes, the Colombian striker gave Atletico a boost on Thursday when he alluded to staying in Spain until the end of the season. Falcao was in his native country to receive a “Citizen Award” and said he appreciated everything that Atletico president Enrique Cerezo had done to keep him at the Vicente Calderon, an indication that he may be ready to close out the year with Atletico.

The 25-year old has enjoyed an incredible campaign, scoring 20 goals in 17 games across all competitions this season, including a hat-trick against Chelsea in the European Super Cup. Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all rumored to be battling for the star forward’s signature.

Here are more stories from around the world of soccer:

Lippi shoots down Real Madrid rumors

Former Italy national team head coach Marcello Lippi on Thursday denied reports that he was next in line for the Real Madrid post. With plenty of media speculation around Jose Mourinho’s current tenure in the Spanish capital after a disappointing start to the La Liga campaign, Lippi has been touted by many as an immediate successor. However, the former World-Cup winning coach has snubbed those reports, insisting that he is happy at his current position with Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande.

Monaco exits Beckham Sweepstakes

You can rule out A.S. Monaco from the list of potential landing spots for David Beckham. The Ligue 2 side are no longer a potential destination for the former Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder. Beckham’s wage demands have reportedly forced the club to forgo their pursuit of the former England international. Monaco club chief executive Tor-Kristian Karlsen had recently traveled to the United States to court Beckham and his agents, but was ultimately unsuccessful in securing a deal.

Quick Kicks

English Championship side Nottingham Forest, have appointed former Aston Villa boss Alex Mcleish as manager. (REPORT)

Fenerbahce midfielder Raul Meireles’s 11-match ban has been reduced to four matches. (REPORT)

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Think Falcao will actually stay all the way through the end of the season? Do you see David Beckham playing in France or England? Should Meireles’ ban have stood?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

    • The player always has the final say say. Falcao has a contract with Atletico; no one can force him to sign a new contract with another team if he doesn’t want to. Obviously sometimes clubs who want to collect the transfer money will try to make the situation such that the player feels he has no choice, but unless they do something illegal they cannot outright force a player to leave.

      Reply
  1. glad to see Athletico and Falcao holding strong. It would be a real shame for him to leave for a club that is lower than them in La Liga (Real) or clubs that are out of the Champions League (Chelsea, City-not even in Europa). This summer, if it has to happen, then go for the money but make this year count!

    Reply
      • Didn’t Mata turn them down? And what about Cazorla? I mean sure, if you are looking for a payday, then yes, Real Madrid cannot be beat. But these guys are going to be millionaires regardless of where they sign. So they may well turn down a contract with Real Madrid, especially if they are playing for a team that is competitive in Europe, and that is also currently competitive with the best teams in the league. In a circumstance like that, why risk the move?

  2. Good to see Meireles’ cleared of the spitting charge. The referee probably made an honest mistake thinking he’d spat but it’s a pretty despicable thing to be falsely accused of by media, fans, and the like for the rest of your career. I watched the Youtube footage of it and although Meireles is definitely crossing the line and heavily berating him face-to-face, it’s pretty clear that he didn’t deliberately spit on him. Four games seems like a more reasonable punishment for the bad behavior.

    Reply

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