In amongst the flurry of goals served up for us by Gimnasia de Jujuy and Rosario Central on Friday night, the fact got obscured (on HEGS at least - sorry) that Diego Maradona had named his first competitive squad as Argentina manager, in preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers at home to Venezuela and [.

On Wednesday, Diego Maradona marked Juan Román Riquelme's birthday by telling the country that Riquelme will still be welcome back in the national team if he wants to return, but might have to explain himself directly to his team-mates. No doubt Riquelme will be unhappy Maradona's not said that to his face.

by GIANFRANCO PANIZO

Brazilian striker Adriano left Serie A earlier this year because he had lost the desire to play. After regaining that desire, and his form with Flamengo, he could soon be heading back to Italy.

Sampdoria sporting director Beppe Marotta has revealed that his club would consider making a move for Adriano if he was interested in returning to Serie A.

After narrowly missing out on the Ligue 1 title last season, Marseille and the new boss Didier Deschamps are determined to make things right next season. The latest reports are suggesting that they are on the verge of signing Porto playmaker Lucho Gonzalez, having agreed a €17 million fee for the Argentine player, who is thus set to become the most expensive signing in club's history.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has claimed that Argentina national team boss Diego Maradona is monitoring the progress of Emiliano Insua, considering an international call-up for the 20-year-old.
"Maradona is watching him and the Argentina staff are monitoring the situation because they know he's doing well," Benitez told the club's official website.

Benitez: Argentina keeping tabs on Insua progress
By Soccernet staff

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has claimed that Argentina national team boss Diego Maradona is monitoring the progress of defender Emiliano Insua.

The youngster will get his chance.

Maradona is reportedly considering an international call-up for the 20-year-old, after he proved himself worthy of being first choice for the left-back position at Anfield.

So im casually perusing around ebay and i come across a.....World Cup for sale!! It is an exact replica issued by the Argentinian FA after their 1986 triumph in Mexico The description says : ONE OF A KIND A RARE MEMORABILIA ITEM issued by Argentina Football Association (AFA) given to Argentina National Team champions players for the World [.

Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie could miss three months or more of the English Premier League season after suffering torn ankle ligaments during the Netherlands 0-0 tie vs. Italy on Saturday.

Van Persie injured his right ankle after a hard challenge by Italy and Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini just 15 minutes into the friendly.

Well hello there.

I see you've caught me wearing an old Argentina national team shirt. Naturally, I'm wearing the old one because it was significantly cheaper than the new one and because it was the only one I could find in the dryers at the laundromat. ... Why am I wearing an Argentina shirt at all, you ask?

Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie could miss three months or more of the English Premier League season after suffering torn ankle ligaments during the Netherlands 0-0 tie vs. Italy on Saturday.

Van Persie injured his right ankle after a hard challenge by Italy and Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini just 15 minutes into the friendly.