It has been revealed that Xabi Alonso may have been prevented from writing an open-letter to Liverpool's fans when he left the club. Given the Spaniard's contribution to the club, I find this to be very disappointing.
Both John Arne Riise and Luis Garcia wrote open letters to Liverpool fans when they left the club, both of which were published on the official Liverpool FC website. Click to continue reading...

Here, let me help all of you with my short interview with the Creeper today:

On the Sounders FC inaugural season . . .
"Obviously at the end of the day when you look at the whole thing it was a pretty special year.

I made a lot of money.

It was a special year from the standpoint of what went on in Seattle in terms of the fans, the enthusiasm, the connection to the sport, the unique atmosphere that got created on a game and game basis and I think it was a special year for our team.

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You may have recently read that Bruce Arena received the award for Coach of the Year for rescuing the LA Galaxy from the depths of the last few seasons all the way to the Western Conference final. The most high-profile part of his salvage job was the healing of the San Andreas Fault-sized rift between Lando & Becks. Click to continue reading...

Now we don't know where there relationship stands as of today but Liverpool's fourth choice, perhaps even fifth now, keeper Nikolay Mikhailov has almost lost his life at the hands of the Bulgarian mafia as a result of his relationship with FHM model Nikoleta Lozanova who was previously involved with a high ranking member of the organized crime bosses that practically run the Eastern European country.

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In following with this week's pattern of posting hilarious pictures, photoshopped or no, we bring you this marvelous offering from the Sun. Luckily, the accompanying interview is not half bad. Thanks to reader Chelsea for the heads up.

Q: When Nicolas signed did you feel, Didier, you had to prove you were better?

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There might just be a Kickette brawl, folks. This morning our Spanish amigas from Poprosa alerted us to cougar-on-the-Migi-prowl Patricia Conde and her advances towards our coveted pillow lips. He's 23 – she's 30.

Rumour has it, after being introduced recently by Iker "the evil matchmaker" Casillas, they went shopping (sob) and to the movies.

Click to continue reading...

There might just be a Kickette brawl, folks. This morning our Spanish amigas from Poprosa alerted us to cougar-on-the-Migi-prowl Patricia Conde and her advances towards our coveted pillow lips. He's 23 – she's 30.

Rumour has it, after being introduced recently by Iker "the evil matchmaker" Casillas, they went shopping (sob) and to the movies.

Click to continue reading...

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas says being named captain last season hasn't changed his relationship with teammates.
Fabregas paid tribute to the way the rest of the players helped him develop his leadership style.
"The captaincy hasn't changed me at all," he said.
"My team-mates have done a great job for me as well. Click to continue reading...

Ancelotti very much interested in Napoli star.

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Chelsea and Juventus have been linked with a move for Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik.

Hamsik, 22, has brought about interest in both the Premier League and Serie A after a string of solid performances for the Italian side.

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Liverpool have handed a trial to Norwegian youngster Christian Landu Landu, according to the player's agent.
The 17-year-old has also been linked with Premier League rivals Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs.
But it appears as though The Reds have stolen a march on their rivals by taking a closer look at the Viking youngster. Click to continue reading...

We're making that assumption, anyway. Even though the pair aren't pictured in the same photo frame and it's technically possible that they just happened to be in the same place at the same time coincidentally and not because they aren't having mad monkey love together every night.

As we continue to deal with Iker and his new relationship, at least we can take comfort in the fact that some things never change: our long-term F5 number 1 still has issues choosing shirts we deem to be acceptable.

Click to continue reading...

We're making that assumption, anyway. The pair aren't pictured in the same photo frame and it's technically possible that they just happened to be in the same place at the same time coincidentally. Maybe they're not making mad monkey love together every night. But it's unlikely.

As we continue to deal with Iker and his new relationship, at least we can take comfort in the fact that some things never change: our long-term F5 number 1 still has issues choosing shirts we deem to be acceptable.

Click to continue reading...

Phil Brown, ex manager and current suntan oil salesman?

The Independent says that Adam Pearson's shock arrival from Derby means that current chairman Andy Duffen and Phil Brown's biggest ally might be on his way out. If that happens then Brown's tenure at Hull is in danger. The abrasive Hull coach has had a unsettled relationship with some players and was booed by fans when he took off Stephen Hunt against Portsmouth.

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After Samuel Eto'o's alleged statements against Pep and others at Barca, he adressed the subject as expected at the presentation campaign for "Shoe Aid In Africa" which he's the face of. And Samu's statements were far from any sort of lashing out at the club:
"My relationship [with Guardiola] has never been bad. Click to continue reading...

Well, last Sunday's match was forgettable - for supporters only; I'd have the players never to forget it - so I've decided to forget about it. In fact, I haven't even watched it. It's still a pile of 1's and 0's in the DVR. Maybe someday when I feel really hyper-happy, then I'll use it to calm me down a bit. Click to continue reading...

I haven't done interviews for a while. My full time job had been at its peak, but now with a slight tailing off and the Sounders in the Playoffs I hope to get you a few interviews.

First up is Steve Zakuani. Rookie of the Year candidate, fan favorite and a threat along that left side. We talked via phone and any errors in the conversation are due to my efforts at transcription.

Click to continue reading...

Champions League surprises galore this week Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool all losing while Sepp Blatter is in the news again, this time explaining why he wants to remain as FIFA president. These and other stories all feature in this week's podcast. Come along to the site at languagecaster.

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According to the Madrid newspaper Diario AS, Maradona does not want the upcoming friendly against Spain to be played in Atletico de Madrid's stadium.

Maradona wants the game to be played in Real Madrid's stadium because he does not want to be in a stadium full of Atletico fans and have to deal with being pressured by the fans to include Sergio Aguero in the lineup.

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Listen to Emmanuel Petit, David Dein and Lee Dixon during a special programme, Arsene at 60, on BBC Radio 5 live at 2000 BST on Thursday.

I wonder what Dein will have to say. He has had a complex relationship with Wenger, being responsible for his arrival but his business dealings clashed with Wenger's philosophy of developing low budget talent.

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It is a big day for Barcaloco.com as we announce the formation of the Barcaloco Fan Club and our partnership with FC Barcelona Penya Los Angeles ("Penya-LA")!

The announcement will not affect the team information or other content that fans of Barcaloco have enjoyed since the site launched in early January of this year.

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Editor's Note: We'd like to welcome Gets Handsy to the NCNB team - joining the illustrious Ibracadabra, Stepovers Anonymous, and 1-1-8. Gets Handsy is a brilliant club team goalkeeper and law student by day and has been a frequent sarcastic NCNB commenter under a host of pseudonyms by night. Click to continue reading...

Read the column here.

There were a couple of Aguirre quotes left over that didn't get into the column for space reasons.

The first concerns the infamous incident against Panama in the Gold Cup where Aguirre actually enters the field of play in an effort to influence the game.

The incident is here if you haven't seen it:

And here's Aguirre's rationale for his actions:

"When I lifted up my foot it was just an impulse.

Click to continue reading...

You know, soccer, there are codes of conduct in this world. One of them is that if you want to end a relationship with someone you supposedly care about, you deal with them honestly. You don't promise excitement and entertainment only to bore the hell out of them. But of course, that's what you did with me, and I'm not real happy about it.

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Arsene Wenger has no complaints about the fitness levels of referees in the Premier League, but would prefer less familiarity between them and the players and managers.
The physical condition of referees has been on the agenda since Alan Wiley was criticised by Sir Alex Ferguson following Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Sunderland a fortnight ago. Click to continue reading...

This week Pepsi introduced an iPhone application called "Amp Up Before You Score" to promote its competitor to the slew of energy drinks. Its purpose? To give you alleged insider information to boost you powers of seduction, as well as give you a platform to brag about which women you managed to get naked. Click to continue reading...

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is slowly making his way into Arsene Wenger's regular side, with the French manager playing an important role in the maturity and development of the 18-year old.

Speaking about his season and the relationship with Arsene Wenger, the Welshman said:

The manager has set me a target of 15 to 20 starts this season.

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Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is slowly making his way into Arsene Wenger's regular side, with the French manager playing an important role in the maturity and development of the 18-year old.

Speaking about his season and the relationship with Arsene Wenger, the Welshman said:

The manager has set me a target of 15 to 20 starts this season.

Click to continue reading...

For many reading this you will be used to my writing, and the site name. For those what is new about the site is the structure and relationship with SBNation.com and Daily Soccer Fix and more sites to come. Sounder at Heart is now part of a network. More than just the one site you are used to you will find news about the beautiful game, American soccer and many teams to come.

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It's been almost a month since Emmanuel Adebayor and Arsenal were face to face at Manchester in Mark Hughes' controversial 4-2 win over Arsene Wenger's side.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, ex-Gunner Emmanuel Adebayor revealed insults against his parents were addressed against him, something which he simply "could not stand".

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It's been almost a month since Emmanuel Adebayor and Arsenal were face to face at Manchester in Mark Hughes' controversial 4-2 win over Arsene Wenger's side.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, ex-Gunner Emmanuel Adebayor revealed insults against his parents were addressed against him, something which he simply "could not stand".

Click to continue reading...

IMS is still working on getting a copy of the letter that USL President Tim Holt sent to players who where under contract with the Carolina Railhawks, Minnesota Thunder and Miami FC Blues but have still not been able to get the original document.

Tim Holt of USL was emailed and called for a comment and did not return either message.

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IMS is still working on getting a copy of the letter that USL President Tim Holt sent to players who where under contract with the Carolina Railhawks, Minnesota Thunder and Miami FC Blues but have still not been able to get the original document.

Tim Holt of USL was emailed and called for a comment and did not return either message.

Click to continue reading...

National team sporting director Carlos Bilardo talking to reporters, discussing his relationship and rumored fighting with Maradona.

Bilardo talks about the rumors that he is attempting to have as many Estudiantes players called up to the national team as possible and his desire to become AFA president.

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Maradona talked to the media yesterday and among the subjects discussed were his relationship with Bilardo, Batista and Grondona.

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It happens to the best of us:

You meet someone new, they're not like others you've known before.

There's a spark. And so, it begins.

But inevitably, as in any relationship, the two of you become more comfortable around each other. You don't make the effort you used to before.

Click to continue reading...