The Malaysian Insider :: Sports
The Malaysian Insider :: Sports |
| Bolt not worried about failure at 2016 Olympics Posted: 28 Aug 2013 07:33 AM PDT "In life you don't always get what you want," the Jamaican told Reuters television after visiting FIFA president Sepp Blatter at the headquarters of soccer's world governing body. "It wouldn't be the greatest moment, but I would understand because I've had my time, I've been dominant for a long time." "So, if I get to Rio and it doesn't happen, I would have to understand because I'm getting older and there are greater athletes coming up," added Bolt (pic) who turned 27 a week ago. "I know the athletes have to work harder to step their game up, and be the best. For me, I'll be happy for the sport because it would mean its stepping up and moving on." Earlier, Bolt, who will compete in the Zurich Diamond League meeting tomorrow, was handed a ticket for the 2014 World Cup final by Blatter along with a furry toy depicting the tournament mascot, a grinning blue and yellow armadillo named Fuleco. "To go to Rio and win again would be a feat in itself, because it would be the first time anybody has ever won three times in a row so that would also add to my greatness," he said. "As an athlete you are always pushing the limit and for me I want to continue pushing the barrier," added Bolt, who won the 100 and 200 metres double at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and will be approaching his 30th birthday in Rio in 2016. "At the end of the day I want to be remembered among the greatest athletes, Pele, (Diego) Maradona, Michael Johnson." Bolt also commented on a suggestion that he could take up a sports administration role after retiring as an athlete, but said he might be "too lazy" for the role. "I have thought about it, I have to admit I'm slightly lazy, but we'll see where it goes," he said. – Reuters, August 28, 2013. |
| Tottenham could fine Bale ahead of “dream” move to Madrid Posted: 28 Aug 2013 07:27 AM PDT Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas said the club could fine forward Gareth Bale for failing to attend training ahead of an expected world record "dream" move to Real Madrid. Bale, who has not been training with the squad due to injury, was granted three days off but did not report back to the club yesterday despite being pictured in London. "(We) gave the player the weekend off, Monday was a day off for the squad, obviously he is involved in a big transfer move to Real Madrid, in the end if it happens we wish him all the best," Villas-Boas told reporters today. "He left here with great memories and the fact that he hasn't turned up, I don't think it is the correct behaviour, but in the end that's the position of pressure and... that's the position that he chose to take. "It's up to the club now to decide if it's a fineable offence." Speculation about Bale's move to nine-times European champions Madrid has mounted in recent weeks, and Villas-Boas acknowledged that the deal should be sealed before the transfer window closes on Sept. 2. "At the moment the two clubs are speaking, Tottenham and Real Madrid, a final decision or final statement and drafts of the contracts, I'm not sure how much time it's going to take. "It could happen very, very soon, it might not happen so soon, so I suppose it could happen on the last day, it could happen in the next two days, I'm not sure." STUNNING CAMPAIGN Wales international Bale enjoyed a stunning Premier League campaign last season, scoring 21 goals in 33 league appearances, and appeared to thrive in a free-role under Villas-Boas. Despite that, the Portuguese coach said he did not feel let down by the ongoing saga amid reports of a world record £86 million (US$133.64 million) transfer to Madrid. "What is happening is a dream move for him..." said Villas-Boas. "This (transfer) can happen in a different way, in the end there will be a three way agreement so... Tottenham will accept most likely the biggest transfer in world football." Tottenham have reportedly been upset at some of the actions of the La Liga giants, including selling shirts with Bale's name and erecting a platform for his presentation at the Bernabeu. Villas-Boas also previously criticised Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti for publicly speaking about their attempts to sign Bale, but he did not want to talk about Madrid today. "I'm not going to comment on the actions the other club has taken, I showed my disappointment before. I think Carlo did extremely well because he didn't speak from that moment onwards." Spurs have spent close to £60 million strengthening their squad in the close season, bringing in Spain striker Roberto Soldado, Brazil midfielder Paulinho, Belgium winger Nacer Chadli and France midfielder Etienne Capoue. The club has been linked with AS Roma forward Erik Lamela and Steaua Bucharest defender Vlad Chiriches, and Villas-Boas said they were still looking to bring in more players. However, he ruled out bidding for Chelsea's Juan Mata, saying their London rivals would not sell the midfielder to Spurs who they see as Premier League title challengers. – Reuters, August 28, 2013. |
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