Spain: Aiming to become the first ever nation to retain their European title Spain coach Vicente del Bosque admits he is desperate to make history and become the first team to win back-to-back European Championships. The 2008 winners are also aiming to become the first European side to win three major competitions in a row, after claiming the World Cup in 2010. Many of the players that compet...Full Story »

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has handed England manager Roy Hodgson some good news by suggesting Darren Bent could be fit for Euro 2012. The 28-year-old has not played for Villa since February, when he ruptured ankle ligaments in his left foot in a draw with Wigan, and has still not returned to full training. However, the Villans' boss revealed that the striker's recovery has gone well a...Full Story »

Real Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa has declared the team's La Liga win as the start of club rival Barcelona's descent. After beating Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in their latest La Liga fixture, Real Madrid secured league glory after a season-long battle with Barcelona. The title is Los Blancos' first since 2008, and Arbeloa believes their win is a sign of things to come. "I think this is our moment. I wil...Full Story »

ADIOS ... Pep Guardiola walks away from Barca PEP GUARDIOLA has quit Barcelona because of his differences with the president and tensions with star players. As Guardiola revealed on Friday: “I told the president at the end of September or beginning of October this would be my last season.” Rosell’s war with Laporta — the man who appointed Guardiola — left little ...Full Story »

ALWAYS HIM ... but will Mario Balotelli shine again on Monday? MICAH RICHARDS believes Mario Balotelli could be the key in another Manchester derby on Monday. The England defender was voted man of the match in City’s 6-1 romp over United in October — but felt the Italian ran him close. Richards reckons Super Mario — back in contention after a three-game ban — is great ...Full Story »

PROUD BOAST ... Barca ace Xavi BARCELONA maestro Xavi last night warned Chelsea they have to beat the best team on the planet to get to the Champions League final. The Blues host the reigning champs in the first leg of their semi-final tomorrow. And Spanish World Cup winner Xavi said: “We’re enjoying the title of best team in the world, which is not a label we put on ourselves but...Full Story »

SUMM YOU WIN ... Jose Bosingwa is set for a lucrative summer move to Jose Mourinho's Real JOSE MOURINHO will raid Chelsea to sign full-back Jose Bosingwa on a free transfer this summer. Bosingwa joined from Porto for £16.3million in 2008 and has rejected a new deal. Real boss Mourinho is confident of winning the race with AC Milan, Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain also interested. Rep...Full Story »

Lucas Moura: Wanted by a host of clubs Lucas Moura's agent has reiterated that Manchester United are keen to land the Sao Paulo midfielder. The 19-year-old is widely acknowledged as one of the best prospects in Brazil, and he already has more than 10 caps for the senior team to his name. United and Bayern Munich were linked last summer, with his agent Wagner Ribeiro claiming the pair made con...Full Story »

Nigel de Jong: Says Manchester City team-mate Mario Balotelli needs to show his genius Manchester City ace Nigel de Jong has told Mario Balotelli he needs to be more serious, rather than being a 'fool'. The talented Italian has been plagued by controversy since moving to the Etihad Stadium, both on and off the field. He again hit the headlines at the weekend as he clashed with team-mate Aleks...Full Story »

Inter captain Javier Zanetti has heaped praised on current Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, saying that the Portuguese trainer's success will never be forgotten at the club. The 49-year-old coach took charge of the Nerazzurri in 2008, guiding the club to two Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia and one Champions League crown before moving to Madrid. Last week, Mourinho talked up the possibility ...Full Story »