by GIANFRANCO PANIZO
Despite a calf injury, Manchester United centerback Rio Ferdinand has assured that he will be fit for the Champions League final against Barcelona.
On Wednesday, Sir Alex Ferguson said that Ferdinand would have to prove his fitness against Hull City in Manchester's season finale this weekend in order to get the nod against the La Liga champions in Rome on May 27.
Ferdinand, who has not played since April 25, said there was no doubt he would be fit.
"I've not thought about not playing in the final. It's as simple as that, no chance. I trained with the ball today [Wednesday] and did some running, so I'm doing all the movements I need to be doing before a game," Ferdinand said.
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Inter Milan poised to sign two
Italian champions Inter Milan have agreed to sign forward Diego Milito and midfielder Thiago Motta from Genoa at season's end as The Special 1 Jose Mourinho prepares for a deep run in next season's Champions League.
Milito has scored 20 goals this season while Motta has netted six to help Genoa challenge for a top-four finish this season.
Figo to China?
After announcing his retirement from top level soccer last weekend, World Cup veteran Luis Figo may continue his soccer career in China.
A Chinese newspaper reported Thursday that Figo has not shrugged off the idea of playing in Asia.
"I am still waiting for the calls from outside Europe, from U.S. or Japan," Figo told Chinese sports newspaper Titan Sports.
"I am also happy to accept recruitment offers from CSL (Chinese Super League) clubs," he added.
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What do you think of Ferdinand's status? Will he play in the final? Is Inter going to make a deep run in the Champions League next season? Would you want Figo on your MLS team?
Share your thoughts below.
Balotelli is a BEAST. did you see his goal vs. Chievo two weeks ago?that is not an 18 year old strike
Diego milito will not ride the bench at inter because neither balotelli nor Cruz is better than him.
WHAAT?! Why would Genoa even consider selling basically their two best players???
They’ll hardly play on Inter anyway!!
COME ON. W T F
blake has the right idea. in fact, figo prolly doesn’t know jack about us soccer… usl/mls, it’s all the same right?
figo to the rhinos…er, make that the thunder. i’d pay to see that.
Sweet, my comment got edited and turned into a post! I feel like I’ve made it as a commenter!
yea, bring him here. theres still enough in him
Retired from top level soccer, eh? The Rochester Rhinos should make a move for him then. MLS would look bad if they were to sign this old man.
I don’t get why Inter would sign Milito,he is not a player who can dribble or run at people…..he is a great finisher and great in the air…..they already have an Argentina (Julio Cruz) who can do the same thing.
Balotelli to Celtic!lol a man can dream….
Figo to the Revs. Make it happen
I would also have selected Diego over Elano. Diego is certainly headed away from Werder, and that will probably help his chances.
It’s a super strong squad that will present an enormous challenge to the US.
That is a scary Brazil lineup . They have probably the two best outside backs in the world in Maicon and Dani Alves. How does Werder’s Diego not make this squad? He just doesnt get the credit he deserves
because hes not on a top club. He is seriously underrated. He might have to move to Spain or Italy to get more caps
I had the pleasure of watching Figo play for Barcelona. Has he been any good since then?
Most likely MLS destination has always been New England.
Figo to RBNY!
USA, Figo gets swine flu.
China, Figo gets bird flu.
China can have Figo.
What every team needs, an almost 40 year old midfielder. Figo is becoming a name only, he should really hang it up before he loses even that.
No doubt Figo can help a bunch of MLS teams. Whether he fits into the cap or deserves to be a DP is another story.