Latest Football Transfer News 04-07-2012

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Di Natale extends Udinese stay

Veteran striker signs one-year contract extension
Last Updated: July 4, 2012 3:24pm


Antonio Di Natale: The Italy international has signed a one-year extension to his contract at Udinese


Serie A side Udinese have confirmed striker Antonio Di Natale has signed a new one-year contract extension.
The 34-year-old had just 12 months left on his current deal but will now stay at the Bianconeri until the end of the 2013/14 season.
Di Natale hit 23 league goals last season, the most by any Italian player, helping Udinese to third place in Serie A and a spot in the Champions League qualifiers.


The former Empoli forward was also part of Italy's Euro 2012 squad that reached the final, scoring the only goal in their opening group game against eventual winners Spain.
"Udinese Calcio announces, with satisfaction, that it has extended the agreement with captain Antonio Di Natale for a further season," read a Udinese statement.
"The contract will expire on June 30, 2014."

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Di Matteo: I will be judged on results
Last Updated: July 4 2012, 15:36 BST



Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo accepts results will determine his long-term future in charge at Stamford Bridge - and will not let anything deflect his focus from delivering success next season.



Roberto Di Matteo: Talked to the press on Wednesday

The Italian, 42, was confirmed as the Blues permanent boss last month, having guided them to both FA Cup and then European glory after taking over on an interim basis following the departure of Andre Villas-Boas, who has now been appointed Tottenham manager.
Di Matteo, however, knows that despite all of his good work last season, and the esteem in which he is held by the Chelsea fans from his successful playing career, that will all count for nothing should things not go to plan again on the pitch.
"I have been in football all my life. I clearly know that managers are judged by results as simple as that. It's no different for me than anybody else," Di Matteo said.

"The end of the season was remarkable and the team was outstanding in achieving those targets, but that is the past - now we look to the future and we have to start again.
"We have to try and get running from the start and be competitive in all the competitions we are involved in.
"We have the quality and the players to compete.
"With Chelsea you are always looking to compete and be in the frame to win something at the end of the season, that will be the key."
Di Matteo becomes the eighth permanent boss of Roman Abramovich's ownership.
However, the Italian is not about to concern himself with suggestions he is only keeping the dugout warm for Pep Guardiola, who is on a self-imposed year-long sabbatical after leaving Barcelona.
"Speculation is out there every day. I have lived with it pretty well and I will continue to do so," said Di Matteo.
"I don't feel any shadow above or behind me.

"I focus on my job and try to do the best I can. Everyone else can say what they want."
Di Matteo accepts there must be an improvement on Chelsea's Barclays Premier League form, which resulted in only a sixth-placed finish and would have seen them miss out on Champions League football if they had not won a dramatic penalty shootout in Munich.
Didier Drogba may have departed, but Chelsea have moved to bring in Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard from Lille and Germany midfielder Marko Marin from Werder Bremen.

There have also been reports the Blues are in talks with Porto for a big money transfer for Brazilian striker Hulk.
Di Matteo, though, was giving little away at Wednesday morning's pre-season press conference.
"I am pretty happy with the team," he said.
"We will monitor the market and if there is any other good opportunities to increase the quality and we are able to do it, we will move for it."
When pressed on Hulk, the Chelsea manager added: "I am not going to discuss our targets. Every time you say something the price goes up."
Di Matteo also revealed there had as yet been no firm decision on the futures of Florent Malouda and Yossi Benayoun, who spent last season loaned to Arsenal.

"They are part of the club and I expect everyone to be here at the start of pre-season. We will monitor it and see what happens," he said.
Di Matteo has confirmed Daniel Sturridge was suffering from viral meningitis, but remained hopeful the striker would be fit to take his part in Team GB's Olympic squad.
The Blues boss also hoped midfielder Frank Lampard, who missed England's Euro 2012 campaign through injury, will be fit for the new campaign.
Chelsea are set for a pre-season tour of the United States before returning to build towards the FA Community Shield against champions Manchester City at Villa Park on August 12.

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RVP snubs new Gunners deal

Talismanic skipper will not be prolonging stay in North London
Last Updated: July 4, 2012 6:15pm



Robin van Persie: Will not be extending his contract at Arsenal


Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has announced he will not be extending his contract at Emirates Stadium.
Speculation has been rife over the future of the talismanic captain, who is entering the final year of his contract in North London.


Manager Arsene Wenger stated the importance of keeping Van Persie at the club earlier this month but the 28-year-old Dutchman has decided against prolonging his deal.
The frontman told his official website: "I've thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract.
"I've thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract."
Robin van Persie Quotes of the week
"You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions."
Disagree

The striker had previously kept quiet over his future and refused to commit to a decision until Wednesday.
Van Persie says he has chosen not to extend his deal following talks with Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis over the club's plans for the future.

He added: "I have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for the club and as agreed with Mr Gazidis and Mr Wenger, but since there is so much speculation in the media, I think it is fair for you guys to know what's really going on at the moment.
"As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the boss and Mr Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club's future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.


"Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don't want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward."
Robin van Persie Quotes of the week
"I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days.
"Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don't want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward."
More developments

Van Persie, who joined Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004, added: "I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC.
"Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch. I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last eight years.
"As soon as Mr Gazidis is back from his two-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments."


Van Persie ended last season as the Premier League's top scorer with 30 goals, helping the Gunners to a third-placed finish.
Reigning champions Manchester City have been linked with a move for the prolific frontman, while European heavyweights Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are all thought to be interested.
The Gunners would be loathe to lose their star striker but could sell to avoid losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer.