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Friday Kickoff: Falcao looking to stay at Man United; Tevez fit for Udinese clash; and more

falcao via manchester utd hi res cropped

By RYAN TOLMICH

Despite only being penciled in for a temporary stay, Radamel Falcao is already looking towards his future with new club Manchester United.

Falcao could be set to make his debut this weekend against Queens Park Rangers, and the Colombian forward is hoping Sunday’s fixture will be the first of many.

“I hope to stay many years at Manchester United and make history at this club,” Falcao said. “When I was in Porto and Atletico Madrid, I always want to improve and I dream of playing in a team like this and now I want to stay here for many years.

“I believe in this project. I think Manchester United is the best club for my style of play and I am sure about my decision. This project in the future will be great for us.”

Here are some more news and notes to kickoff your Friday morning:

TEVEZ CONFIRMS AVAILABILITY AGAINST UDINESE DESPITE INJURY SCARE

Serie A champions Juventus went unbeaten at home last season, but it appeared they may be too shorthanded to repeat that success heading into this weekend’s home debut against Udinese.

However, Carlos Tevez has spoken out to relieve those fears.

The Argentine forward looked set to miss Saturday’s matchup at Juventus Stadium after picking up a thigh injury in Wednesday’s training session. Tevez took to Twitter Thursday to reveal that he is healthy enough to appear over the weekend.

“Thanks to everybody for your concern,” Tevez said. “I have no muscular tear and I am ready for Saturday’s game.”

Sunday will mark Juventus’ second Serie A contest this year, with the first resulting in an Aug. 30 victory over Chievo Verona.

VAN BASTEN TO STEP DOWN FROM AZ ALKMAAR DUE TO HEALTH

After just four games in charge, Marco Van Basten looks to be unable to resume his role as manager at AZ Alkmaar.

The Dutch legend is set to step down as manager due heart palpatations suffered since the death of his father in July. Van Basten could stay on as a club adviser, while he is reportedly set to be replaced by Alex Pastor, who was an assistant under the 50-year-old before taking over the reigns as interim manager.

Prior to joining AZ Alkmaar, Van Basten had previously managed the Dutch National Team from 2004-2008 before spending a year in charge of Ajax.

SCHWEINSTEIGER ‘NEEDS A BIT OF TIME’ BEFORE RETURN

After enduring a grueling season on both the club and international level, Bastian Schweinsteiger says he might need a breather.

The German midfielder has suffered through a knee injury the past few months and has been training separate from his Bayern Munich teammates. 

After a taxing World Cup campaign, Schweinsteiger admits his body has taken a toll.

“The main thing is that we’ve won that (World Cup) trophy,” the German said. “For all I care there could have been even more wounds if needed for the win I had this ankle surgery in June 2013, which didn’t go as planned, and needed another surgery in December.

“Following the second half of last season, and the World Cup my body needs a bit of time, but I am making progress.”

With his return set to come in the coming weeks, the newly crowned Germany captain is trying to keep an eye trained on his long-term future with both club and country.

“I am in the best footballing age, and I am looking ahead to the future,” Schweinsteiger said. “I think that I will fully return in the next few weeks, but for Bayern and Germany it makes sense to fully recover from the injury.”

QUICK KICKS

Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli is set to feature in Saturday’s matchup with Aston Villa after recovering from illness. (REPORT)

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley rules out buying more shares in struggling Rangers. (REPORT)

Hernan Crespo is happy with former club AC Milan’s addition of “fantastic” Fernando Torres. (REPORT)

Hertha Berlin forward Salomon Kalou insists he is fit after dealing with a thigh problem. (REPORT)

What do you expect from Falcao’s United tenure? How will Juventus perform this season? How long can Bayern Munich wait for Schweinsteiger’s return?

Share your thoughts below.

 

Comments

  1. “Fantastic” Fernando Torres. – ….what year is it again?

    Regarding Falcao, any idea how much his full services/i.e. transfer fee would be if United decide to sign him permanently? I know the loan spell+wages is already costing United around 10 million pounds, if I’m correct.

    Reply

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