LOS ANGELES - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is trying to quell the escalating debate over who should pick up the estimated $1.4 million tab for police, traffic control and other services related to Michael Jackson's memorial service.
Villaraigosa, who was vacationing in South Africa a week ago when more than 17,000 fans flocked to downtown Los Angeles to watch the public memorial, asserted Monday that the city will pay. He said he will not ask the Jackson family or AEG Live, the owner of the Staples Center where the event was held, to help the city recoup its expenses, and he lambasted a city Web site set up to request donations.
"This is a world-class city, and we provide fire and police protection, period," Villaraigosa said during his first public appearance since returning from his weeklong trip. "The idea that we would charge the family for a funeral is nonsensical."
Despite his comments, the City Council was expected to take up the issue Tuesday when City Attorney Carmen Trutanich reports on the costs of the event. Trutanich launched an investigation into laws to force third parties to pay the municipal costs associated with unexpected events such as the Jackson memorial.
Villaraigosa told reporters that major events such as the memorial occur frequently in Los Angeles and other big cities. New York and Chicago do not ask others to cough up cash, he said.
The mayor called the city's donation Web site, which raised $35,000, "ridiculous." The site stopped operating Friday afternoon. It was unclear whether the money would be returned to donors.
Villaraigosa's comments was in contrast to a statement attributed to him in a news release distributed by his office last week. In it, he encouraged Jackson fans to memorialize the pop star by donating to the city.
The release quoted Villaraigosa as saying: "Michael Jackson's music touched millions of fans across the globe. Donations will help the City of Angels provide the extraordinary public safety resources required to give Michael the safe, orderly and respectful memorial he deserves."
Matt Szabo, the mayor's spokesman, said the idea to seek donations came from Councilwoman Jan Perry, who served as acting mayor while Villaraigosa and City Council President Eric Garcetti were out of the country.
"Her office asked for donations to be mailed in," Szabo said. "The bottom line is our office then moved to support that effort with an online contribution form."
Perry could not immediately be reached for comment.
The issue took on political overtones last week when several council members asked who was going to foot the bill at a time when the city faces a $530 million budget shortfall and layoffs. One of the most vocal critics was Councilman Dennis Zine, who said taxpayers don't typically pay for motorcade escorts for funerals.
Zine said he agreed with Villaraigosa that the city should not solicit donations, but asserted that the Jackson family and AEG Live should pay.
"AEG and the Jackson family turned this memorial into a worldwide event. The taxpayers should not be responsible for what they did," Zine said Monday.
Zine introduced a motion calling for a review of city policies governing expenditures on such events and a detailed report of the costs related to Jackson's death, as well as who approved the expenditures.
Councilwoman Janice Hahn, meanwhile, introduced a motion asking for a full accounting of tourism-related revenue that flowed into the city after the singer died June 25.
Both motions are on the council's agenda for July 21.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Vaidisova loses in 1st round of Prague Open
PRAGUE (AP) -- Alla Kudryavtseva of Russia eliminated Nicole Vaidisova from the first round of the Prague Open on Tuesday, beating the Czech player 7-5, 6-2.
Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland also advanced, beating sixth-seeded Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia 6-2, 7-6 (5), while seventh-seeded Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic defeated Ksenia Pervak of Russia 6-3, 6-2 and Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic beat Anna Lapuschenkova of Russia 6-1, 6-0.
In the second round, Kudryavtseva will play second-seeded Sybille Bammer of Austria.
Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland also advanced, beating sixth-seeded Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia 6-2, 7-6 (5), while seventh-seeded Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic defeated Ksenia Pervak of Russia 6-3, 6-2 and Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic beat Anna Lapuschenkova of Russia 6-1, 6-0.
In the second round, Kudryavtseva will play second-seeded Sybille Bammer of Austria.
Kiefer upsets Berdych to reach 2nd round
STUTTGART, Germany (AP)—Nicolas Kiefer of Germany has upset third-seeded Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-3 to move into the second round of the Mercedes Cup.
Kiefer beat Berdych for the first time in five matches. Berdych had been hoping for his second clay-court title in Germany this year, after winning in Munich. Berdych also helped the Czech Republic reach the Davis Cup semifinals by beating Argentina last weekend.
Top-seeded Gilles Simon of France advanced by defeating Philipp Petzschner of Germany 6-3, 6-4.
Another German, fifth-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber, eased into the second round Tuesday by beating Diego Junqueira of Argentina 6-3, 6-2.
Fabio Fognini of Italy rallied to beat seventh-seeded Fabrice Santoro of France 5-7, 7-6 (3), 6-1.
Kiefer beat Berdych for the first time in five matches. Berdych had been hoping for his second clay-court title in Germany this year, after winning in Munich. Berdych also helped the Czech Republic reach the Davis Cup semifinals by beating Argentina last weekend.
Top-seeded Gilles Simon of France advanced by defeating Philipp Petzschner of Germany 6-3, 6-4.
Another German, fifth-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber, eased into the second round Tuesday by beating Diego Junqueira of Argentina 6-3, 6-2.
Fabio Fognini of Italy rallied to beat seventh-seeded Fabrice Santoro of France 5-7, 7-6 (3), 6-1.
WTA makes Allaster new CEO
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—Stacey Allaster has been promoted to chairman and CEO of the WTA Tour.
Allaster had been president of the women’s professional tennis circuit since 2006.
The 46-year-old Allaster succeeds Larry Scott, who left the WTA to become the commissioner of the Pac-10 conference.
“I am honored to lead the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, which since its founding by Billie Jean King 36 years ago has continued to break barriers and grow into a premier global sporting league,” Allaster said in a release Monday. “The Tour and our sport have enjoyed unprecedented success over the past years, and we are poised for even greater heights in the years to come.”
Scott announced his departure in March after six years as CEO. The WTA said under Scott, revenue increased 250 percent and prize money increased 40 percent.
Allaster joined the WTA three years ago in the newly created role as president. She was responsible for the Tour’s operations, business development, television, new media and tournament and player relations
She previously served as vice president and tournament director at Tennis Canada.
“Women’s tennis and the Tour have never been stronger as a business, and Stacey has been at the center of this business success over the past years,” Venus Williams said in the release. “Stacey has helped to lead the development of a stronger Tour product through the passage of a healthier and streamlined circuit structure.
“I believe that Stacey will be a great leader for the Tour, understands how players can help drive our business, and has all the tools to take our sport to even greater heights.”
King founded the WTA in 1973.
“Stacey is the right person with the right ideas to continue to lead the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour,” King said. “She has the full support of the players, sponsors and tournament owners.”
Allaster had been president of the women’s professional tennis circuit since 2006.
The 46-year-old Allaster succeeds Larry Scott, who left the WTA to become the commissioner of the Pac-10 conference.
“I am honored to lead the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, which since its founding by Billie Jean King 36 years ago has continued to break barriers and grow into a premier global sporting league,” Allaster said in a release Monday. “The Tour and our sport have enjoyed unprecedented success over the past years, and we are poised for even greater heights in the years to come.”
Scott announced his departure in March after six years as CEO. The WTA said under Scott, revenue increased 250 percent and prize money increased 40 percent.
Allaster joined the WTA three years ago in the newly created role as president. She was responsible for the Tour’s operations, business development, television, new media and tournament and player relations
She previously served as vice president and tournament director at Tennis Canada.
“Women’s tennis and the Tour have never been stronger as a business, and Stacey has been at the center of this business success over the past years,” Venus Williams said in the release. “Stacey has helped to lead the development of a stronger Tour product through the passage of a healthier and streamlined circuit structure.
“I believe that Stacey will be a great leader for the Tour, understands how players can help drive our business, and has all the tools to take our sport to even greater heights.”
King founded the WTA in 1973.
“Stacey is the right person with the right ideas to continue to lead the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour,” King said. “She has the full support of the players, sponsors and tournament owners.”
New WTA chairman Allaster defends rankings system
LONDON, July 13 (Reuters) - New WTA Tour chairman Stacey Allaster defended the controversial women’s rankings system following her appointment on Monday.
Russian Dinara Safina has risen to world number one despite not winning a grand slam title and American Serena Williams criticised the rankings after claiming her 11th major crown at Wimbledon this month.
“It’s a 52-week ruling average and it’s a combination of the grand slams and tour events. Without question, based on the ranking system, with consistent performance at the slams and at the tours, Dinara Safina is the number one player,” Allaster told Reuters.
World number two Williams said she “didn’t even care anymore” about the rankings.
“I think this ranking debate is not new, it has gone on for several years,” Allaster said.
“Every fan has their own (ranking) measure, what we know is that we have a system… (Safina) has had a great season and she will win a grand slam I have no doubt in my mind.”
The former WTA president has identified the digital expansion of tennis as a key goal.
“We just re-launched our new website, our China version will follow in the next six to eight weeks, by year-end we’ll have our Spanish website up and running, so as an organisation we have been investing in digital and I see it as a strategic priority going forward,” she said.
The 46-year-old said she was also supremely confident about the strength of women’s tennis.
“We have great depth, we have Venus and Serena, who are still playing and dominating extremely well at this stage in their careers,” she said.
“We’ve got Maria Sharapova, a champion who is on her way back, and we’ve got Elena Dementieva and some young new bright stars coming. The depth is there.”
(Editing by Ed Osmond; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Russian Dinara Safina has risen to world number one despite not winning a grand slam title and American Serena Williams criticised the rankings after claiming her 11th major crown at Wimbledon this month.
“It’s a 52-week ruling average and it’s a combination of the grand slams and tour events. Without question, based on the ranking system, with consistent performance at the slams and at the tours, Dinara Safina is the number one player,” Allaster told Reuters.
World number two Williams said she “didn’t even care anymore” about the rankings.
“I think this ranking debate is not new, it has gone on for several years,” Allaster said.
“Every fan has their own (ranking) measure, what we know is that we have a system… (Safina) has had a great season and she will win a grand slam I have no doubt in my mind.”
The former WTA president has identified the digital expansion of tennis as a key goal.
“We just re-launched our new website, our China version will follow in the next six to eight weeks, by year-end we’ll have our Spanish website up and running, so as an organisation we have been investing in digital and I see it as a strategic priority going forward,” she said.
The 46-year-old said she was also supremely confident about the strength of women’s tennis.
“We have great depth, we have Venus and Serena, who are still playing and dominating extremely well at this stage in their careers,” she said.
“We’ve got Maria Sharapova, a champion who is on her way back, and we’ve got Elena Dementieva and some young new bright stars coming. The depth is there.”
(Editing by Ed Osmond; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Nadal to return to tour at Montreal next month
BARCELONA, Spain (AP)—Rafael Nadal plans to be back at practice next week and back on tour next month.
Nadal’s publicist, Benito Perez-Barbadillo, said Tuesday that the six-time Grand Slam title winner is in Barcelona for tests on his sore knees.
Perez-Barbadillo says Nadal is “slowly recovering from his injury.”
He says Nadal will return to practice Monday and will play in the hard-court tournament at Montreal that begins Aug. 10.
Nadal has not played a match since being upset in the fourth round at the French Open in May. He did not defend his Wimbledon title and slipped from No. 1 to No. 2 in the rankings.
Nadal’s publicist, Benito Perez-Barbadillo, said Tuesday that the six-time Grand Slam title winner is in Barcelona for tests on his sore knees.
Perez-Barbadillo says Nadal is “slowly recovering from his injury.”
He says Nadal will return to practice Monday and will play in the hard-court tournament at Montreal that begins Aug. 10.
Nadal has not played a match since being upset in the fourth round at the French Open in May. He did not defend his Wimbledon title and slipped from No. 1 to No. 2 in the rankings.
US set to meet Panama in Gold Cup quarterfinals
PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Two years ago, the United States defeated Panama in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup en route to its fourth title. If the U.S. hopes to defend its championship, it will have to beat Panama again.
“Our preparation is the same and we have great respect for Panama,” U.S. coach Bob Bradley said Tuesday. “Many of their players are the same. We will take the same approach as we do with the national team in preparation for Saturday’s game.”
The U.S. plays Panama in the quarterfinal round Saturday at 8 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. Canada and Honduras will meet in the first quarterfinal matchup at 5 p.m.
The U.S. was 2-0-1 in Group B play through the first round and tied Haiti 2-2 last Saturday in Foxboro, Mass. The Americans, looking for their third consecutive title in the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean, finished first in Group B.
The Americans are 23-0-2 in Gold Cup group play. Stuart Holden, a midfielder for MLS’ Houston Dynamo, preserved the unbeaten record with a 25-foot shot past Haiti goalkeeper Jean Dominque Zephirin in the first minute of second-half injury time to force the tie.
“I don’t think there is added pressure on us,” Bradley said. “Our preparation and focus is always the same. We take the same approach. It’s exciting to be defending champions. With that, comes pressure at game time. I think its a good way to go about our work.”Panama earned a spot in the quarterfinals with a 4-0 victory over short-handed Nicaragua in a Group C match last Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Substitute Luis Tejada scored a pair of goals while Blas Perez and Gabriel Gomez added one goal each for Panama. Nicaragua played the second half with 10 men after Franklin Lopez was ejected for kicking Gomez in the second minute of injury time.
In addition to the 2007 loss, Panama lost to the U.S. on penalty kicks in the championship game of the 2005 Gold Cup.
Panama coach Gary Stempel said his club is very confident as these two familiar opponents prepare to play once again.
“We’ve got the base of a very strong squad,” Stempel said. “Two previous losses to the United States is somewhat of a motivation for us to change the result.”
In the other quarterfinals, Mexico meets Haiti and Guadeloupe meets Costa Rica Sunday in Dallas.
The semifinals will be held July 23 in Chicago with the championship game set for Sunday, July 26 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
“Our preparation is the same and we have great respect for Panama,” U.S. coach Bob Bradley said Tuesday. “Many of their players are the same. We will take the same approach as we do with the national team in preparation for Saturday’s game.”
The U.S. plays Panama in the quarterfinal round Saturday at 8 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. Canada and Honduras will meet in the first quarterfinal matchup at 5 p.m.
The U.S. was 2-0-1 in Group B play through the first round and tied Haiti 2-2 last Saturday in Foxboro, Mass. The Americans, looking for their third consecutive title in the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean, finished first in Group B.
The Americans are 23-0-2 in Gold Cup group play. Stuart Holden, a midfielder for MLS’ Houston Dynamo, preserved the unbeaten record with a 25-foot shot past Haiti goalkeeper Jean Dominque Zephirin in the first minute of second-half injury time to force the tie.
“I don’t think there is added pressure on us,” Bradley said. “Our preparation and focus is always the same. We take the same approach. It’s exciting to be defending champions. With that, comes pressure at game time. I think its a good way to go about our work.”Panama earned a spot in the quarterfinals with a 4-0 victory over short-handed Nicaragua in a Group C match last Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Substitute Luis Tejada scored a pair of goals while Blas Perez and Gabriel Gomez added one goal each for Panama. Nicaragua played the second half with 10 men after Franklin Lopez was ejected for kicking Gomez in the second minute of injury time.
In addition to the 2007 loss, Panama lost to the U.S. on penalty kicks in the championship game of the 2005 Gold Cup.
Panama coach Gary Stempel said his club is very confident as these two familiar opponents prepare to play once again.
“We’ve got the base of a very strong squad,” Stempel said. “Two previous losses to the United States is somewhat of a motivation for us to change the result.”
In the other quarterfinals, Mexico meets Haiti and Guadeloupe meets Costa Rica Sunday in Dallas.
The semifinals will be held July 23 in Chicago with the championship game set for Sunday, July 26 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
PREVIEW-Soccer-Estudiantes look to end Brazil bogey for title
BUENOS AIRES, July 14 (Reuters) - Estudiantes will be up against the superior ball skills of Cruzeiro and the weight of their poor results in Brazil when the sides meet in the second leg of the Libertadores Cup final (0050 GMT Thursday).
Cruzeiro, whose goalkeeper and captain Fabio was outstanding, came away from La Plata with a 0-0 draw in the first leg last week that makes them favourites to win the trophy for the third time.
Estudiantes, in their first final since 1971 and looking to add to the titles they won from 1968 to 1970, have lost on all five previous visits to Brazil in the Libertadores Cup including the 1968 final, when they needed a playoff in neutral Montevideo to overcome Palmeiras.
Two almost inexplicable misses by forwards Kleber and Wellington at the end of last week’s match denied Cruzeiro a first-leg lead but it is hard to imagine them making similar mistakes at the Mineirao in Belo Horizonte.
“We’re going to create options to win the match. The players are well aware of the importance of winning the match and taking the title,” Cruzeiro coach Adilson Batista told reporters in Belo Horizonte.
FLOWING ATTACKS
Estudiantes, traditionally good at set pieces, failed to profit from at least 15 corners or free kicks and will have fewer opportunities on Wednesday when they can expect to be pinned back by the flowing attacks of Cruzeiro, who beat them 3-0 at home in the group stage.
“The idea was to go for the near post but they defended very well,” said Rolando Schiavi, whose centre back partner Leandro Desabato had one good header on target only for Fabio to dive to his right to make a save.
Estudiantes will hope that Schiavi’s experience of winning the tournament with Boca Juniors in 2003, when they beat Brazil’s Santos at home and away, will rub off.
“Better if they think they have an advantage with the draw because they will be over-confident,” the 36-year-old defender, on loan from Newell’s Old Boys for the last two rounds of the tournament due to injuries, told reporters.
Also playing his last match for Estudiantes is Catania-bound Argentina goalkeeper Mariano Andujar, who has conceded only one goal in 10 matches since midway through the group stage in March.
“We came come back with the title. The draw (in La Plata) suited both (sides) and we have to realise that finals are decided in the second leg,” he told reporters. (Editing by Sonia Oxley; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Cruzeiro, whose goalkeeper and captain Fabio was outstanding, came away from La Plata with a 0-0 draw in the first leg last week that makes them favourites to win the trophy for the third time.
Estudiantes, in their first final since 1971 and looking to add to the titles they won from 1968 to 1970, have lost on all five previous visits to Brazil in the Libertadores Cup including the 1968 final, when they needed a playoff in neutral Montevideo to overcome Palmeiras.
Two almost inexplicable misses by forwards Kleber and Wellington at the end of last week’s match denied Cruzeiro a first-leg lead but it is hard to imagine them making similar mistakes at the Mineirao in Belo Horizonte.
“We’re going to create options to win the match. The players are well aware of the importance of winning the match and taking the title,” Cruzeiro coach Adilson Batista told reporters in Belo Horizonte.
FLOWING ATTACKS
Estudiantes, traditionally good at set pieces, failed to profit from at least 15 corners or free kicks and will have fewer opportunities on Wednesday when they can expect to be pinned back by the flowing attacks of Cruzeiro, who beat them 3-0 at home in the group stage.
“The idea was to go for the near post but they defended very well,” said Rolando Schiavi, whose centre back partner Leandro Desabato had one good header on target only for Fabio to dive to his right to make a save.
Estudiantes will hope that Schiavi’s experience of winning the tournament with Boca Juniors in 2003, when they beat Brazil’s Santos at home and away, will rub off.
“Better if they think they have an advantage with the draw because they will be over-confident,” the 36-year-old defender, on loan from Newell’s Old Boys for the last two rounds of the tournament due to injuries, told reporters.
Also playing his last match for Estudiantes is Catania-bound Argentina goalkeeper Mariano Andujar, who has conceded only one goal in 10 matches since midway through the group stage in March.
“We came come back with the title. The draw (in La Plata) suited both (sides) and we have to realise that finals are decided in the second leg,” he told reporters. (Editing by Sonia Oxley; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Family double in Verons’ sights
BUENOS AIRES, July 14 (Reuters) - The Champions League was a title that eluded Juan Sebastian Veron in Europe but South America’s Libertadores Cup is within his grasp.
Veron will lead Argentine club Estudiantes when they face Cruzeiro of Brazil in the decisive away leg of the final in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday after a 0-0 draw in the first leg in La Plata last week.
The trophy is closely linked to Estudiantes and the Veron family, father Juan Ramon having won it three years in a row with the club from 1968 to 1970.
“Sebastian completed a stage (in his career) when he played in England and of course that European experience helps him now,” Juan Ramon Veron said.
“He returned to do something and he’s succeeding. He won a title in Argentina, played in the Copa Sudamericana final and that’s what’s most important,” added the 65-year-old in an interview with Reuters while he watched an Estudiantes practice.
The younger Veron, who won the UEFA Cup with Parma in 1999 but reached only the Champions League semi-finals with Manchester United in 2002, returned to his first club in 2006.
The 34-year-old led them to the domestic Apertura title in December 2006 and last year’s Copa Sudamericana final, equivalent to the Europa League, which they lost to Internacional of Brazil.
“I hope he and his team mates can repeat the history we achieved many years ago,” said Veron senior, who played in four finals including defeat by Nacional of Uruguay in 1971.
Looking back to the 0-0 draw in last week’s first leg, he added: “We were all confident of getting the win that didn’t come, but we’re still hopeful of winning there.
“It’s going to be a difficult, hard match against a complicated Cruzeiro team but no one’s had the last word yet and it could be a match that goes to extra time.”
Estudiantes have lost all five of their previous Libertadores Cup matches in Brazil, including the second leg of the 1968 final. They won the trophy in a playoff in Montevideo.
As he prepared for a shot at reversing the trend, the younger Veron told reporters: “I would give everything I’ve won to be Libertadores Cup champion. That is the ultimate because I grew up here.” (Writing by Rex Gowar; Editing by Sonia Oxley; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Veron will lead Argentine club Estudiantes when they face Cruzeiro of Brazil in the decisive away leg of the final in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday after a 0-0 draw in the first leg in La Plata last week.
The trophy is closely linked to Estudiantes and the Veron family, father Juan Ramon having won it three years in a row with the club from 1968 to 1970.
“Sebastian completed a stage (in his career) when he played in England and of course that European experience helps him now,” Juan Ramon Veron said.
“He returned to do something and he’s succeeding. He won a title in Argentina, played in the Copa Sudamericana final and that’s what’s most important,” added the 65-year-old in an interview with Reuters while he watched an Estudiantes practice.
The younger Veron, who won the UEFA Cup with Parma in 1999 but reached only the Champions League semi-finals with Manchester United in 2002, returned to his first club in 2006.
The 34-year-old led them to the domestic Apertura title in December 2006 and last year’s Copa Sudamericana final, equivalent to the Europa League, which they lost to Internacional of Brazil.
“I hope he and his team mates can repeat the history we achieved many years ago,” said Veron senior, who played in four finals including defeat by Nacional of Uruguay in 1971.
Looking back to the 0-0 draw in last week’s first leg, he added: “We were all confident of getting the win that didn’t come, but we’re still hopeful of winning there.
“It’s going to be a difficult, hard match against a complicated Cruzeiro team but no one’s had the last word yet and it could be a match that goes to extra time.”
Estudiantes have lost all five of their previous Libertadores Cup matches in Brazil, including the second leg of the 1968 final. They won the trophy in a playoff in Montevideo.
As he prepared for a shot at reversing the trend, the younger Veron told reporters: “I would give everything I’ve won to be Libertadores Cup champion. That is the ultimate because I grew up here.” (Writing by Rex Gowar; Editing by Sonia Oxley; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Beckham: Issues with Donovan squashed
CARSON, Calif (AP)—David Beckham has resolved his issues with Landon Donovan, saying he recently had a good conversation with his Los Angeles Galaxy teammate.
Beckham practiced with the Galaxy on Monday for the first time since returning from a five-month loan to Italian club AC Milan. Since his arrival back in Southern California, he has been peppered with questions about Donovan calling him a bad captain and portraying the English star as stingy in an upcoming book.
Beckham said details of their meeting will remain private but it went very well.
“I’m not going to talk about what was said,” Beckham said. “That was between me, Landon and the manager (Bruce Arena). I said the other day everything that was needed to say.”
On Saturday at an MLS event, Beckham called Donovan’s behavior “unprofessional.”
Beckham will play his first game of the season with the Galaxy when they face the Red Bulls at Giants Stadium on Thursday. The Galaxy host AC Milan on Sunday.
“We’re getting past it, we’re moving on,” Donovan said. “There’s a lot of things I regret. I regret the way that I went about this process and I also regret some of the things I said.”
Donovan said he knew what he was getting into when he talked to Sports Illustrated senior writer Grant Wahl, the author of “The Beckham Experiment.”
“There were no surprises,” he said. “I’m generally a pretty honest person, but that doesn’t mean I need to share things with everybody.”
The Galaxy has won three straight to improve to 5-3-9 heading into the matchup with the Red Bulls, and they’re hoping Beckham’s return will help them continue their strong run.
Midfielder Chris Klein said Beckham and Donovan interacted just fine at practice.
“I don’t know if it’s buried or not, but for them to carry any of that is silly,” he said.
Beckham said his discussions with Milan on returning to the team in 2010 will be resolved in the next couple of months.
“Obviously Milan expressed that they want me to go back so I don’t see any reason why that would change,” he said. “We’ll have to wait and see. I hope to be going back there.”
So what about that Sunday matchup?
“It’s going to be strange, funny and exciting,” Beckham said. “It’s good when teams like that of that class and the players that they have come over. It’s about preparing yourself and it’s about also the excitement of having such great players here.”
Beckham practiced with the Galaxy on Monday for the first time since returning from a five-month loan to Italian club AC Milan. Since his arrival back in Southern California, he has been peppered with questions about Donovan calling him a bad captain and portraying the English star as stingy in an upcoming book.
Beckham said details of their meeting will remain private but it went very well.
“I’m not going to talk about what was said,” Beckham said. “That was between me, Landon and the manager (Bruce Arena). I said the other day everything that was needed to say.”
On Saturday at an MLS event, Beckham called Donovan’s behavior “unprofessional.”
Beckham will play his first game of the season with the Galaxy when they face the Red Bulls at Giants Stadium on Thursday. The Galaxy host AC Milan on Sunday.
“We’re getting past it, we’re moving on,” Donovan said. “There’s a lot of things I regret. I regret the way that I went about this process and I also regret some of the things I said.”
Donovan said he knew what he was getting into when he talked to Sports Illustrated senior writer Grant Wahl, the author of “The Beckham Experiment.”
“There were no surprises,” he said. “I’m generally a pretty honest person, but that doesn’t mean I need to share things with everybody.”
The Galaxy has won three straight to improve to 5-3-9 heading into the matchup with the Red Bulls, and they’re hoping Beckham’s return will help them continue their strong run.
Midfielder Chris Klein said Beckham and Donovan interacted just fine at practice.
“I don’t know if it’s buried or not, but for them to carry any of that is silly,” he said.
Beckham said his discussions with Milan on returning to the team in 2010 will be resolved in the next couple of months.
“Obviously Milan expressed that they want me to go back so I don’t see any reason why that would change,” he said. “We’ll have to wait and see. I hope to be going back there.”
So what about that Sunday matchup?
“It’s going to be strange, funny and exciting,” Beckham said. “It’s good when teams like that of that class and the players that they have come over. It’s about preparing yourself and it’s about also the excitement of having such great players here.”
Report: Arsenal Boss Wenger Happy To Sell Adebayor To Man City
As speculation continues to mount regarding the immediate future of Arsenal's Togolese targetman Emmanuel Adebayor, Arsene Wenger remains publicly coy on the matter. However, according to the Daily Mail, the Frenchman is more than willing to allow the £22 million-rated striker to join Mark Hughes' continued revolution at Manchester City.
Adebayor became one of the most in-demand strikers in world football following his 30-goal haul in the 2007-08 season, with Barcelona and AC Milan allegedly readying £30 million bids. Each advance was quashed by the Gunners, though, who were keen on keeping the 25-year-old.
However, his failure last season to reproduce the form that propelled him into the short-lists of Europe's elite seems to have made Adebayor's exit from the Emirates Stadium more likely this summer. Arsenal are more receptive to the idea of selling him, and Mark Hughes at City clearly desires the targetman's services - despite having already acquired Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz.
The Daily Mail speculates that it is Adebayor's fractious nature in the dressing room that has caused his downfall, or at least persuaded Wenger he can do without the African star.
Adebayor's on-pitch falling out with Nicklas Bendtner during a cup game with Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 seemed to embody the temperamental aspect of the former African Footballer of the Year's personality, while regular quotes attributed to him (whether substantiated or not), suggesting that he remains amenable to a move, have squandered much goodwill he once enjoyed among Arsenal fans.
The price-tag could appeal to Wenger too, if he is considering bringing in new recruits.
Adebayor became one of the most in-demand strikers in world football following his 30-goal haul in the 2007-08 season, with Barcelona and AC Milan allegedly readying £30 million bids. Each advance was quashed by the Gunners, though, who were keen on keeping the 25-year-old.
However, his failure last season to reproduce the form that propelled him into the short-lists of Europe's elite seems to have made Adebayor's exit from the Emirates Stadium more likely this summer. Arsenal are more receptive to the idea of selling him, and Mark Hughes at City clearly desires the targetman's services - despite having already acquired Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz.
The Daily Mail speculates that it is Adebayor's fractious nature in the dressing room that has caused his downfall, or at least persuaded Wenger he can do without the African star.
Adebayor's on-pitch falling out with Nicklas Bendtner during a cup game with Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 seemed to embody the temperamental aspect of the former African Footballer of the Year's personality, while regular quotes attributed to him (whether substantiated or not), suggesting that he remains amenable to a move, have squandered much goodwill he once enjoyed among Arsenal fans.
The price-tag could appeal to Wenger too, if he is considering bringing in new recruits.
Tevez aims to be one of the best players in England
BUENOS AIRES, July 14 (Reuters) - Carlos Tevez has surprised himself with his success in English football, Manchester City’s new signing said on Tuesday.
“The truth is that when I signed for West Ham I wanted to leave after ten days,” the Argentina striker said.
“I never thought I’d achieve all the good things I’ve done in this country,” the 25-year-old added in an interview with Radio del Plata.
“At this stage of my life I only think of continuing to grow and progress. I want to be one of the best players in England,” said Tevez, who had a season at West Ham United, helping them avoid relegation in 2006 before moving to Manchester United.“England is a high quality country, my wife is very happy and my daughter, who is four, too. This year she starts school here. I signed a contract for five years and I’m relaxed.”
Tevez, who said he was off to South Africa with City for the pre-season, added: “This season will be very important with very big challenges with the club and the (Argentine) national team.
“So it will be essential to have good preparation this month for the whole year.”
City are trying to buy themselves into the Premier League elite while Argentina have struggled lately in the qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
‘GOOD BUSINESS’
Iranian-born entrepreneur Kia Joorabchian, who sold Tevez’s transfer rights to City after he placed the player on loan at West Ham and then United, said he had done very good business.
He paid Boca Juniors 19.5 million dollars for Tevez in 2004 and City spent a reported 25.5 million pounds ($41.48 million) on the player’s transfer.
“I did very good business…I paid cheaply for Carlitos,” Joorabchian told the Argentine sports daily Ole in an interview published on Tuesday.
“When we bought him for $20 million everyone said that was too expensive. But he’s worth much more.
“As a person he’s incredible… For me, Carlitos has no price, not 50 nor 60 million.
“It’s an incredible story… He started playing football in a very poor area. He came out of Fort Apache,” said Joorabchian referring to the dangerous shanty in which Tevez grew up.
“We began (our liaison) with a title at Corinthians (in Brazil), he saved West Ham (from relegation) and won six titles (trophies) with United.
“This is the start of a new project, starting from nothing, because City has nothing today, but Carlitos is a winner.”
Tevez’s transfer fee was the second highest for an Argentine player after former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo, who joined Lazio from Parma for 35 million pounds in 2000.
(Editing by Ken Ferris; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
“The truth is that when I signed for West Ham I wanted to leave after ten days,” the Argentina striker said.
“I never thought I’d achieve all the good things I’ve done in this country,” the 25-year-old added in an interview with Radio del Plata.
“At this stage of my life I only think of continuing to grow and progress. I want to be one of the best players in England,” said Tevez, who had a season at West Ham United, helping them avoid relegation in 2006 before moving to Manchester United.“England is a high quality country, my wife is very happy and my daughter, who is four, too. This year she starts school here. I signed a contract for five years and I’m relaxed.”
Tevez, who said he was off to South Africa with City for the pre-season, added: “This season will be very important with very big challenges with the club and the (Argentine) national team.
“So it will be essential to have good preparation this month for the whole year.”
City are trying to buy themselves into the Premier League elite while Argentina have struggled lately in the qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
‘GOOD BUSINESS’
Iranian-born entrepreneur Kia Joorabchian, who sold Tevez’s transfer rights to City after he placed the player on loan at West Ham and then United, said he had done very good business.
He paid Boca Juniors 19.5 million dollars for Tevez in 2004 and City spent a reported 25.5 million pounds ($41.48 million) on the player’s transfer.
“I did very good business…I paid cheaply for Carlitos,” Joorabchian told the Argentine sports daily Ole in an interview published on Tuesday.
“When we bought him for $20 million everyone said that was too expensive. But he’s worth much more.
“As a person he’s incredible… For me, Carlitos has no price, not 50 nor 60 million.
“It’s an incredible story… He started playing football in a very poor area. He came out of Fort Apache,” said Joorabchian referring to the dangerous shanty in which Tevez grew up.
“We began (our liaison) with a title at Corinthians (in Brazil), he saved West Ham (from relegation) and won six titles (trophies) with United.
“This is the start of a new project, starting from nothing, because City has nothing today, but Carlitos is a winner.”
Tevez’s transfer fee was the second highest for an Argentine player after former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo, who joined Lazio from Parma for 35 million pounds in 2000.
(Editing by Ken Ferris; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Ferguson did not try to keep me, claims Tevez
MANCHESTER (AFP) - Manchester City's new signing Carlos Tevez denied on Tuesday that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson did his best to keep him at Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old Argentinian international striker has signed for United's city rivals in a 25.5million pounds five-year contract after his two-year deal at United ran out at the end of last season.
As United headed towards their 18th league title at the end of last term, speculation about whether United would extend Tevez's contract grew ever more debated before Ferguson decided not to keep the Argentinian.
However, Ferguson suggested on Monday that he had in fact wanted to retain Tevez's services and said that he had tried to contact him in January regarding his future - only to be ignored by his player.
Those claims were comprehensively refuted by Tevez at his unveiling at the City of Manchester Stadium on Tuesday as he insisted that Ferguson had never once been in touch."The fact I didn't stay at United was not about the fans it was because David Gill (chief executive) and Ferguson did not do enough to keep me there," Tevez said.
"I was there for two years and Sir Alex never called or sent any text messages in that time.
"The only time he talked to me was after a match against Roma to discuss a situation about going to play for Argentina.
"It doesn't seem that this is the way to treat a player in two years at the club."
Manchester City have not won English football's top- flight title since 1968 - in stark contrast to United's seemingly endless run of trophies over the last 15 years - but Tevez insists he is not concerned about the past and will use City's lack of silverware as a major motivation.
"The ambition I have here is to help Manchester City recover the status that the club once had as one of the best clubs in England," Tevez added.
"I am here to try and win titles and trophies - that is my main ambition."
City manager Mark Hughes has the biggest available funds of any boss in the Premier League and the club continues to be linked with Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor and Chelsea captain John Terry.
Officials from City and Arsenal have been locked in discussions for the last 24 hours regarding Adebayor's future and a deal is looking increasingly more likely.
Although the same cannot be said of Terry as Hughes admitted that it will be difficult to draw the England captain away from Stamford Bridge, despite offering weekly wages in excess of 250,000 pounds a week.
"There have been discussions between us and Arsenal (regarding Adebayor) but it is my usual response to players we haven't signed - it is not the right time or place to be discussing that," Hughes added.
"There's been contact and there is a deal to be done possibly but it's not been concluded as we speak here.
"I also have fantastic respect for John Terry ever since I saw him when I was at Chelsea as a player myself.
"I think any manager would covet a player like John Terry but at this moment in time he is a Chelsea player and we have to respect that."
The 25-year-old Argentinian international striker has signed for United's city rivals in a 25.5million pounds five-year contract after his two-year deal at United ran out at the end of last season.
As United headed towards their 18th league title at the end of last term, speculation about whether United would extend Tevez's contract grew ever more debated before Ferguson decided not to keep the Argentinian.
However, Ferguson suggested on Monday that he had in fact wanted to retain Tevez's services and said that he had tried to contact him in January regarding his future - only to be ignored by his player.
Those claims were comprehensively refuted by Tevez at his unveiling at the City of Manchester Stadium on Tuesday as he insisted that Ferguson had never once been in touch."The fact I didn't stay at United was not about the fans it was because David Gill (chief executive) and Ferguson did not do enough to keep me there," Tevez said.
"I was there for two years and Sir Alex never called or sent any text messages in that time.
"The only time he talked to me was after a match against Roma to discuss a situation about going to play for Argentina.
"It doesn't seem that this is the way to treat a player in two years at the club."
Manchester City have not won English football's top- flight title since 1968 - in stark contrast to United's seemingly endless run of trophies over the last 15 years - but Tevez insists he is not concerned about the past and will use City's lack of silverware as a major motivation.
"The ambition I have here is to help Manchester City recover the status that the club once had as one of the best clubs in England," Tevez added.
"I am here to try and win titles and trophies - that is my main ambition."
City manager Mark Hughes has the biggest available funds of any boss in the Premier League and the club continues to be linked with Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor and Chelsea captain John Terry.
Officials from City and Arsenal have been locked in discussions for the last 24 hours regarding Adebayor's future and a deal is looking increasingly more likely.
Although the same cannot be said of Terry as Hughes admitted that it will be difficult to draw the England captain away from Stamford Bridge, despite offering weekly wages in excess of 250,000 pounds a week.
"There have been discussions between us and Arsenal (regarding Adebayor) but it is my usual response to players we haven't signed - it is not the right time or place to be discussing that," Hughes added.
"There's been contact and there is a deal to be done possibly but it's not been concluded as we speak here.
"I also have fantastic respect for John Terry ever since I saw him when I was at Chelsea as a player myself.
"I think any manager would covet a player like John Terry but at this moment in time he is a Chelsea player and we have to respect that."
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