The Malaysian Insider :: Sports
The Malaysian Insider :: Sports |
| Inter defender Chivu snubs calls for Romania return Posted: 24 Dec 2012 05:37 AM PST BUCHAREST, Dec 24 — Inter Milan defender Cristian Chivu has refused to come out of international retirement to help Romania in next year's 2014 World Cup qualifiers. "I was clear and concise two years ago and I do not know why every time I have to repeat the same thing," Chivu, capped 75 times by the Balkan country, told local media today. The versatile 32-year-old defender, who joined Inter from AS Roma for a reported fee of 16 million euros (RM62.4 million) in 2007, quit the national team in May last year, saying that age and injuries were behind his decision. This month, however, Romania coach Victor Piturca said he was planning to meet Chivu in Milan before Christmas or at the beginning of 2013, to try to persuade him to end his international exile. "I miss the national team but I will not return," Chivu added. "The team can do without me, I liked how they played in Turkey (when Romania beat Turkey 1-0 in a world qualifier in October)." Chivu has just recovered from a toe injury and played in Inter's 2-0 win over Verona in a Coppa Italia last-16 match on Tuesday and the 1-1 draw with Genoa on Saturday, his only appearances this season. Romania are third in World Cup qualifying Group D with nine points from four matches, three behind leaders the Netherlands. The Balkan side, who have not qualified for the World Cup finals since 1998, will resume their campaign in March with a much-anticipated visit to second-placed neighbours Hungary, who also have nine points. — Reuters |
| Van Persie has made same impact as Cantona, says Ferguson Posted: 24 Dec 2012 05:16 AM PST  Manchester United's Robin Van Persie celebrates his goal against Manchester City during their English Premier League soccer match at The Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northern England December 9, 2012. — Reuters pic Dutch striker Van Persie has scored 15 goals since signing from Arsenal, drawing comparisons with Frenchman Cantona whose arrival at Old Trafford was the catalyst for United to win the league title for the first time in 26 years. "I reckon here at Manchester United we got our Christmas present early - right at the start of the season in fact when Robin van Persie arrived at Old Trafford," Ferguson has written in the programme for Wednesday's home game against Newcastle United. "I am reluctant to subscribe to the cult of an individual because I firmly believe the essence of a successful football team depends on teamwork, and neither are we a one-man team, but sometimes there really is a situation where you are lucky enough to find the last piece of the jigsaw." Cantona was signed from Leeds United for 1.2 million pounds (RM5.9 million) in 1992 with Ferguson's team languishing in eighth place in the table. But he galvanised the side with his flair and a regular supply of goals, his arrogance and charisma inspiring a team who went on to win the 1993 title by 10 points, the first of Ferguson's 12 Premier League crowns. "We did it when we brought Eric Cantona to Old Trafford where he proved to be the right player at the right club at the right time," Ferguson said. "He became the catalyst and springboard for our surge to success. "It doesn't have to be signing someone for a record fee. Cristiano Ronaldo was not a record buy either but he certainly made a difference as he prospered with us to the extent that he came to be regarded by a lot of people as the world's best player," added Ferguson. Van Persie has formed a prolific attacking partnership with Wayne Rooney which has lifted United four points clear at the top of the Premier League and on course for a 20th English title. They lost out to neighbours Manchester City on goal difference last season after the teams finished level on points at the end of the 38-match campaign. — Reuters |
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