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Valencia joins Man United
Manchester United said on Tuesday they signed Wigan winger Antonio Valencia on a four-year contract for a fee believed to be in the region of £16 million (US$22 million). “Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me,” the 23-year-old Ecuadoran said. “I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honors in club football here. Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can’t wait to get started.” United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been a fan of Valencia, who spent two seasons with Wigan and helped turn the club into an established top flight side. “Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan,” Ferguson said. “I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team.”
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Saints face going under
Southampton are on the verge of going out of business after The Pinnacle group — which included legendary Saints player Matt Le Tissier — withdrew their interest in buyng the club on Tuesday. Pinnacle’s interest waned once the Football League — the body that oversees the clubs outside the Premier League — insisted that they could not appeal against a 10 point penalty imposed last season that will see them start next season in League One minus 10 points. This was imposed once the 1976 FA Cup winners’ — whose highest ever league finish was second in the old First Division in 1983-1984 season — parent company went into administration in April. Le Tissier confirmed on Tuesday the group has withdrawn from negotiations — amid fears that the club may now be only days away from going out of business. “We’ve been trying ever so hard but we’ve been banging our head against a brick wall,” Le Tissier told BBC Radio Solent. “I’m very sad, but hopeful that Mark Fry can find someone to take over the club. Everybody’s worried, we’ve all been working very hard but it’s getting to the point where it’s very desperate.”
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Di Matteo joins Baggies
Former Italy midfielder Roberto Di Matteo was named manager of relegated Premier League side West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday. The 39-year-old — capped 34 times by his country but forced to retire because of injury in 2002 — signed a one year rolling contract after a successful spell as coach of League One side MK Dons. Di Matteo — who was born in Switzerland and took the Milton Keynes based side to last season’s League One play-offs — replaces Tony Mowbray, who left to manage Scottish giants Celtic earlier this month. Di Matteo enjoyed a successful playing career especially with Chelsea with whom he won two FA Cups and a League Cup as well as the now defunct European Cup Winner’s Cup.
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Burnley snap up striker
Scottish international striker Steven Fletcher became newly promoted Burnley’s record signing on Tuesday when they agreed a £3 million fee with Scottish club Hibernian. The 22-year-old has been capped four times and was named young player of the year last season. Burnley — who earlier on Tuesday signed defender Tyrone Mears for £500,000 from Championship side Derby County -— confirmed the signing of Fletcher on their Web site. Fletcher’s fee is double the previous record outlay when they signed Martin Paterson and Chris Eagles for £1.5 million apiece last year.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely