Football

Manchester City midfielder Toure says he was unfairly criticised last season for a perceived dip in form but insisted he could not care less.

Courtois was sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity in the 52nd minute of Chelsea's 2-2 draw against Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Messi said he has got an out-and-out option of turning into a midfielder once his usefulness as the centrifugal force in the Spanish side's attack diminishes.

The No. 7 jersey was previously worn by several United greats like Best, Cantona, Ronaldo and Beckham and was last worn by the British record signing Di Maria, who left for PSG recently.

"I write this note to thank all the Manchester United family for the great support received during the year I've been part of this Club," Di Maria said.

Splashing such a fortune on a player yet to score a Champions League goal, let alone win any silverware, and still far from a polished diamond, appears bold.

Swansea City midfielder Sung-yueng hopes his side can repeat last season's opening-day shock while Cattermole believes Sunderland are finally ready to shake off the tag of serial underachievers.

"We are happy to have him (Chhetri) in the team. I think he will be a big plus for the team," Mumbai City FC's star player-cum-manager Nicolas Anelka said.

Former Chelsea forward Mutu has joined FC Pune City as their marquee player for the second season of the Indian Super League (ISL), the club announced on Thursday.

Vidal has completed his transfer from Juventus to Bayern Munich by signing a four-year contract with the Bundesliga

Bayern Munich have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Juventus to sign Vidal, the German club's CEO Karl Heinz Rummenigge said.

Atletico have agreed to sign Mensah from Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes and will send him on loan for one season to La Liga rivals and city neighbours Getafe.

"I think that the grassroots level of football is very important here (in India). We know cricket is huge in India but also football can be," former Arsenal's Ray Parlour said.

Pele spent the weekend at Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo after a procedure to relieve pressure on a nerve in his spine.