SV Mattersburg 1-2 Arsenal

Czech Republic star Tomas Rosicky made his debut for Arsenal on Tuesday in a 2-1 friendly win over SV Mattersburg.

Rosicky, who joined the Gunners from Borussia Dortmund before going to play in the World Cup, came on as a second-half substitute in Vienna.

He almost made a goal but Arturo Lupoli failed to make contact with his corner.

Jeremie Aliadiere and Justin Hoyte scored for Arsenal before Jurgen Patocka, who also hit the bar, pulled one back for the hosts.

Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor and Emmanuel Eboue all made their first appearances of the season for Arsenal, having also featured at the World Cup.

From : BBC

Inter closing in on Vieira deal

Internazionale coach Roberto Mancini admits his team will have to change their style of play if Patrick Vieira joins the club.

The France international is on the verge of joining the Nerazzuri from Juventus in a deal worth 13 million euros (£8.9million). Vieira, 30, is expected to arrive in Milan in the next few days to complete the deal as he becomes the fifth player to leave the now disgraced Juventus.

"If Vieira really comes, things are going to change compared to last season," said Mancini.

"He (Vieira) is very good at getting into the danger area and scoring goals.

"I would say we would be a little less technical and a bit tougher, less imaginative but powerful."

Bergkamp has no desire to coach

Dennis Bergkamp revealed he is not keen on returning to football as a coach following his farewell testimonial match against Ajax on Saturday.

The 37-year-old striker called time on his 25-year playing career at Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium and said he now intends to take a break from the game.

He said: "I have never really thought about coaching, it has never really attracted me in any way.

"Boss Arsene Wenger talked to me about scouting, but I have to relax a bit."

An array of Arsenal stars past and present gathered to take on Ajax, Bergkamp's first club, to mark the end of a career in which he made 423 appearances and scored 120 goals.

But Bergkamp insisted that, although it would be difficult to leave, he had no plans for a quick return like Dutch compatriots Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard.

"It's difficult to say goodbye to playing football, I joined Ajax when I was 12 and I've been doing it for 25 years so it's going to be tough to finish," he said.

"In a few months, or a few years, when you still love the game I may come back in some form, but at the moment, no."

The Dutchman also admitted that a potential return to Arsenal for Patrick Vieira had been mentioned to the Frenchman after Juventus' relegation following the Italian match-fixing inquiry.

He added: "I think about 56 people have told him that at the game.

"I hope he will but I don't know if that would be the right thing. Everyone saw what he did at the World Cup and if he could reach that level at Arsenal that would be fantastic, but I'm not sure he will do that."

From : BBC

Campbell would relish move abroad

Sol Campbell has no intention of ending his playing career, despite his shock decision to leave Arsenal, and would relish a move abroad.

The 31-year-old England defender told the News of the World: "All this talk of me quitting and going to Hollywood is rubbish, rubbish, rubbish.

"I want to take my football into a new realm and playing abroad will do that.

"Yes there are clubs interested in Italy, Spain, Germany and here at home but there is nothing finalised."

Campbell, who was part of England's squad for the recent World Cup finals in Germany, had a mixed 2005-2006 season with the Gunners.

He stormed out of Highbury after being substituted at half time against West Ham in February, which raised concerns about his future in the game, but he then went on to score in the
Champions League final defeat at the hands of Barcelona in May.

"People point to the West Ham game and the controversy about me going home but that was not about me losing my love for the game or fearing I could not play at the top anymore," said the former Tottenham star.

"It was about an injury - a long-standing injury that if I had gone on could have ruined my World Cup chances, could even have ended my career.

"I decided I did not want to put it all at risk and that I had to take care, sort myself out and then come back when I knew I was ready."

Campbell also insisted that his exit from Arsenal was an amicable one.

He revealed: "At the end of last season I felt I needed a fresh start and I told Arsenal that. I told manager Arsene Wenger and vice-chairman David Dein and it has just gone from there.

"The more we spoke the more we all realised that the situation was actually good for both parties. They realised it was best for me to move on. There was no wrangling. It was all
amicable.

"It was nicely done but that is Arsenal. They do things in a proper, gentlemanly manner.

"I have walked away with absolutely nothing in place. All I know is that I want to play, in fact I need to play. Not for the money - I am lucky I don't need the money - but I do need this fresh challenge."

And when the centre-half does decide to hang up his boots he would consider a move into coaching or management.

"Did you know I am planning on taking my coaching badges?" he said. "Maybe one day I will be a coach or a manager but right now it is all just about playing football."

From : BBC

Rioch pays tribute to Bergkamp

You might think that after seeing Dennis Bergkamp give Arsenal 11 years, 423 games and 120 goals, the man who signed him for the club would feel a dash of pride.

The £7.5m he paid for the Inter Milan star may have been a British record fee for a foreigner, but it now looks, in relative terms and given Bergkamp's contribution, almost paltry.

Yet Bruce Rioch is keen to stress how easy the decision was to go after the Dutchman, who retires from football after his testimonial at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

"Paying that money for him was not a risk," Rioch told BBC Sport.

"I've taken bigger risks paying £100,000 for a player at a Second Division club when that was all the money the club had and you had to get it right.

"It was an easy signing - Dennis was blessed with great talent, technique and he fitted perfectly into the way I wanted the team to play.

"I had a really explosive striker in Ian Wright who liked to run down behind defenders and what he needed was service. Dennis could link the back and midfield with the frontline and he scored his fair share of goals as well.

"He was perfect for the club - a good team man, great for spirit, popular in the dressing room and he just integrated well into the club."

Rioch was invited to the Dennis Bergkamp Day held at Arsenal towards the end of last season, when a match against West Brom became a tribute to the striker.

The former Arsenal manager could not attend due to commitments with his current club, Odense, but is hoping to get back to London for the testimonial.

"He's had a great career at Arsenal," added Rioch.

"He's been there more than 10 years and to my knowledge - certainly in the period I was there - he never once indicated that he didn't want to stay.

"He found he was at the right football club. He enjoyed life in London - not the nightlife but being able to find seclusion away from football when he wanted it. He has a great family and he's just had a fantastic career."

Rioch hesitates, however, when asked if Bergkamp is the best Arsenal player ever.

"I wouldn't necessarily go that far because that's for other people to make that decision," he said.

"Arsenal Football Club in their great history have had some outstanding players and it's for others to decide who the best one is. That's not an easy decision because there have been some truly fantastic players, like Thierry Henry.

"But Dennis Bergkamp's loyalty has been without question, he's been an integral part of the club and the team. I guess you could say they've had value for money!"

Rioch certainly ranks the Dutchman as the best player he personally has signed at any of the clubs he has managed - even if it was without risk.

He added: "I wish him well - one of the greatest guys I have met, popular with his team and the fans. He has all the qualities you look for in a football player."

From : BBC

Dennis Bergkamp testimonial photos

Bergkamp given rousing farewell

Dennis Bergkamp bowed out of football on a entertaining, celebratory opening day at Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium.

A sell-out crowd revelled in seeing some of the club's greats play in a second-half Legends match against Bergkamp's first club, Dutch side Ajax.

Ian Wright, Emmanuel Petit, Patrick Vieira and Marc Overmars were some of the names to return for the Gunners.

And 59-year-old Johan Cruyff and Holland manager Marco van Basten came on for Ajax in the last 10 minutes.

Ajax's Dutch international striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar had the honour of scoring the first goal at the 60,000 capacity stadium in a first half in which the clubs sent out a host of youngsters for a regulation pre-season run-out.

Huntelaar went close on a couple of occasions before turning in Edgar Manucharyan's low, flat cross from the left.

After the break the girths were a little wider and the legs, in some cases, a bit slower than in their heyday as a new match began between two teams of legends.

But it was Arsenal's only present day player on show who gave the hosts the lead.

Thierry Henry, having chartered a private jet to fly back from a family holiday in the USA for the match, converted Lee Dixon's cross to the delight of the home fans.

And after Ronald De Boer blazed a penalty over following Gilles Grimandi's foul on Tottenham's Edgar Davids - the day's pantomime villain, Kanu's deflected shot made it two to Arsenal.

He may not have scored, despite being put through one-on-one on the right in the closing minutes, but the day was all about one man and Bergkamp was given a rousing send off.

"If I was to have a testimonial it was always going to be against Ajax and their fans have put in a lot of effort to come here," he said in an emotional speech after the final whistle when he gave thanks to one and all.

"My mum and dad were always there from the beginning and have probably seen every game.

"And my wife has been amazing over the years. You can't do a career like this alone and if it wasn't for her I would not be here.

"It's difficult to say goodbye. I've had a fantastic time over the last 11 years and a big part were the fans and how they treated me - they have been fantastic."

Bergkamp was carried shoulder high during a lap of honour by Vieira and Henry - Arsenal captains past and present.

It was applauded long and loud by the legends on the pitch as well as the crowd who have marvelled at his Arsenal displays for the last 11 years during which he has scored 120 goals in 423 games.

From : BBC

Senderos facing three months out

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Philippe Senderos will be out for up to three months after dislocating his shoulder at the World Cup.

With Sol Campbell having left and other defenders injured, Wenger said they may be forced into the transfer market.

"We have lost Senderos for the next three months and Johan Djourou and Gael Clichy have had injuries," he said.

"If we find a player who can play centre back, left back then we are still open."

He picked out highly-rated West Brom defender Curtis Davis for particular praise.

"Curtis Davies I like. I have not made an inquiry or a bid but I like the player."
Arsenal's World Cup players are due to return to training later this week, and Wenger admitted another one of them - Freddie Ljungberg - was also injured.

"Freddie has had an inflammation in his foot," said Wenger.

"We have to check it with a scan. We will see."

It has also been announced that Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas will wear the number four shirt this season, which used to belong to Patrick Vieira and was unused in 2005/06 following the Frenchman's move to Juventus.From : BBC

Wenger can't afford Juve scramble

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will not be joining the scramble to sign players from stricken Juventus.

Juve are expected to part company with their household names after being relegated to Serie B and docked 30 points as punishment for their involvement in the Italian match-fixing scandal.

The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United are circling over the Stadio Delle Alpi but high wage demands means Arsenal will not be tempted.

"This situation is disturbing the market because you have a flow of players coming out," Wenger told the club's official website, www.arsenal.com.

"But don't forget that the players of Juventus are very well paid and not many clubs in the world can afford to pay these kinds of wages. We can not afford to do it."

He added: "That is why we are not very much disturbed by the Juventus case. It is very unlikely because the wages are too high for us.

"Juventus got punished to [go down to] Serie B plus 30 points. They have a team who are above 30 so I cannot see why they would give players out on loan. Even if they make it back in two years those players could be finished."

Turin may be out of bounds for Arsenal but Wenger is happy to look to West Bromwich for inspiration as he attempts to sign a replacement for the injured Philippe Senderos.

Senderos is out for three months with a dislocated shoulder and Wenger admits Albion defender Curtis Davies is a possible target, although not at the £12million price tag being quoted.

"We have lost Senderos for the next three months. Johan Djourou and Gael Clichy have had injuries as well," he said.

"If we find a player who can play centre-back and left-back then we are still open for transfers.

"Curtis Davies I like. I have not made an inquiry or a bid but I like the player. I will not be making a bid as high as £10million or £12million."

From : Football 365

Wenger denies interest in Saviola

Arsene Wenger has denied Arsenal are planning a £4m move for Barcelona's Argentina star Javier Saviola.

The 24-year-old striker's agent Alfredo Cabrera Brizuela claimed he was a target for the Gunners.

But Wenger said: "We are not interested in Saviola. I have enough forward players. We have bought Tomas Rosicky.

"We have Ljungberg, Reyes, Van Persie, Henry, Adebayor, Walcott, Lupoli, Bendtner and Aliadiere. So where do I put all the strikers?"

Saviola, who has 34 international caps and has scored 10 goals, made three appearances at the recent World Cup.

The 1999 South American Footballer of the Year has made more than 100 appearances for Barcelona but has struggled to make an impression at the Nou Camp since moving from River Plate in 2001.

He spent the 2004/05 season on loan at Monaco before returning to Spain last term when he helped Sevilla to Uefa Cup success.

Saviola's Barcelona contract is set to expire in 2007 and the European champions are keen to recoup some of the reported £15m they spent on the striker.

Wenger is more likely to move for a defender to cover the departure of Sol Campbell, but will not pay £10m for West Bromwich Albion defender Curtis Davies.

He said: "We will sign one player, or two maximum, but no more. Davies is a player who I like, but I have not made an inquiry or a bid - £10m is too high."

From : BBC

Bargain Hunt

Just days after being crowned world champions, Italian football faces losing many of its star players following the verdict of the biggest sporting trial in the nation's history.

For their part in the match-fixing scandal, Juventus, Lazio and Fiorentina were relegated to Serie B while AC Milan remain in Serie A but begin the season with a 15-point penalty.

Juve, Fiorentina and Milan were thrown out of the Champions League for the 2006-2007 season.

That has alerted Premiership big-spenders like Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, along with La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, who are ready to swoop like vultures to pick up some easy prey.

BBC Sport looks at some of the stars up for grabs.

GOALKEEPERS

Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)Age: 28, Price: £13mUnderlined his position as the world's best keeper at the World Cup by conceding just once in six games. Became the world's most expensive goalkeeper when Juve paid Parma £33m for his services in 2001

Possible destinations: Arsenal, Inter Milan, Real Madrid

Others: Dida (32) AC Milan and Brazil Angelo Peruzzi (36) Lazio and Italy

DEFENDERS

Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan)Age: 30, Price: £12mItaly's number 13 has been unlucky to miss out on the latter stages of the finals after picking up an injury against the Czech Republic. When fit he is a fixture of the Italian backline and one of the toughest defenders in world football.

Possible destination: Chelsea

Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus)Age: 32, Price: ?Was the outstanding defender at the World Cup and, even at 32, there will be no shortage of takers if he is put on the market.

Possible destinations: Real Madrid, Chelsea

Gianluca Zambrotta (Juventus)Age: 29, Price: ?Another star of Italy's World Cup campaign, Zambrotta is equally capable of performing on either wing in defence or attack. With his best years ahead of him he is unlikely to spend them in Serie B.

Possible destinations: Real Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, Liverpool

Lilian Thuram (Juventus)Age: 34, Price: £2mFrom a marauding full-back in his heyday, Thuram is more often than not used as a calm and collected centre-half these days. He showed at the World Cup he can still perform at the highest level - and would be a bargain.

Possible destinations: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham, Monaco
Others: Cafu (36) AC Milan and Brazil Massimo Oddo (30) Lazio and Italy Tomas Ujfalusi (28) Fiorentina and Czech Republic

MIDFIELDERS

Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan)Age: 28, Price: £10mThe defensive lynchpin of the Italian midfield. Strong in the tackle and a leader on and off the field, the one-time Rangers star has pledged to stick with Milan but could be tempted if Manchester United come calling.

Possible destination: Manchester United

Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan)Age: 27, Price: £25mThe artist in the Italian side enjoyed a superb World Cup. A creator and scorer of goals, there will be no shortage of suitors although as Milan escaped relegation, he may be persuaded to stay and his price tag is prohibitive.

Possible destinations: Arsenal

Kaka (AC Milan)Age: 24, Price: £30mOne of the few Brazilians to emerge from the World Cup with some credit. The Milan playmaker and one-time Chelsea target pushed Ronaldinho to the sidelines to emerge as their key man.

Possible destinations: Real Madrid

Patrick Vieira (Juventus)Age: 30, Price: ?Answered questions about his fading engine with some driving displays at the heart of a France side who rolled back the years in Germany.

Possible destinations: Inter Milan, Manchester United, Arsenal, Roma, Real Madrid

Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus)Age: 29, Price: ?The Argentine-born winger is another of Italy's World Cup winners. A superb crosser of the ball, the only question mark over Camoranesi is his temperament - he was sent off against Arsenal last season

Possible destinations: Inter Milan, Liverpool

Others: Alessandro Del Piero (31) Juventus and Italy Pavel Nedved (33) Juventus and Czech Republic Emerson (30) Juventus and Brazil

STRIKERS

Luca Toni (Fiorentina)Age: 29, Price: £15mThe first player for nearly 50 years to score 30 goals in Serie A took his time to get going at the World Cup, before two against Ukraine in the quarter-finals. At 29 this could be the big striker's last chance to move to one of the world's top clubs.

Possible destinations: Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester United

David Trezeguet (Juventus)Age: 28, Price: £4mTrezeguet was a peripheral figure in France's run to the World Cup final, but he has always been a reliable goalscorer in Serie A

Possible destinations: Lyon, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Juventus)Age: 24, Price: ?Often fails to live up to his billing as one of the world's top strikers and the Sweden player was off-form and injured for the duration of the finals. But the 24-year-old's ability and goal record means there are plenty of admirers out there.

Possible destinations: Inter Milan, Liverpool

Others: Alberto Gilardino (24) AC Milan and Italy Filippo Inzaghi (32) AC Milan and Italy

From : BBC

Wenger wants Arsenal to keep Cole

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he does not want Ashley Cole to leave the club.

In the promotional material for his new book, Cole criticised the Gunners for making him a "scapegoat" over the tapping-up affair with Chelsea.

Wenger said: "He has two years on his contract and unless we sell he has a future. I want him to stay.

"Nothing is decided yet and for me he is just an Arsenal player like everyone else. Football players are there to play football," he told Sky Sports.

Cole, Chelsea and Blues' manager Jose Mourinho were all fined after they breached league rules by meeting without Arsenal's knowledge.

Cole went on to sign a new contract with the Gunners but has now revealed his anger at how the club handled the fall out surrounding his Chelsea meeting.

"Arsenal hung me out to dry, using me as a scapegoat to get back at Chelsea," he is quoted in The Sun as saying.

"The board 'rewarded' me with an insult and threw years of loyalty back in my face.

"I'll reveal the shattering truth about who fed me to the sharks. It changed my view forever on the club I regarded as family."

However, Wenger insisted: "When we look at Ashley Cole we can say Arsenal have helped him a lot. He is intelligent enough to make a difference."

From : BBC

Wenger wants Arsenal to keep Cole

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he does not want Ashley Cole to leave the club.

In the promotional material for his new book, Cole criticised the Gunners for making him a "scapegoat" over the tapping-up affair with Chelsea.

Wenger said: "He has two years on his contract and unless we sell he has a future. I want him to stay.

"Nothing is decided yet and for me he is just an Arsenal player like everyone else. Football players are there to play football," he told Sky Sports.

Cole, Chelsea and Blues' manager Jose Mourinho were all fined after they breached league rules by meeting without Arsenal's knowledge.

Cole went on to sign a new contract with the Gunners but has now revealed his anger at how the club handled the fall out surrounding his Chelsea meeting.

"Arsenal hung me out to dry, using me as a scapegoat to get back at Chelsea," he is quoted in The Sun as saying.

"The board 'rewarded' me with an insult and threw years of loyalty back in my face.

"I'll reveal the shattering truth about who fed me to the sharks. It changed my view forever on the club I regarded as family."

However, Wenger insisted: "When we look at Ashley Cole we can say Arsenal have helped him a lot. He is intelligent enough to make a difference."

From : BBC

Fabregas and Walcott staying put

Cesc Fabregas is not interested in a move to Real Madrid and wants to stay at Arsenal, according to his agent.

"We have one very good offer from Madrid but Cesc and Arsenal prefer he plays in London," Joseba Diaz told BBC Radio Five Live.

"Cesc prefers playing at Arsenal next season and I think a lot of seasons."

Meanwhile, Theo Walcott's agent says Arsenal are not planning to send the 17-year-old striker out on loan to gain first-team experience.

The England World Cup squad member has been linked with a stint at West Brom as part of a deal for Arsenal to sign Curtis Davies.

But Walcott's agent Warwick Horton told the Daily Express: "I am in regular touch with Arsenal and there has never once been a suggestion of Theo going out on loan.

"He has learnt an awful lot since joining the club and was delighted Thierry Henry signed a new contract because he loves working with him in training.

"He is looking forward to starting the new season at the new Emirates Stadium and there is no reason why that won't happen."

Arsenal have also firmly denied that Fabregas could leave the club.

Manager Arsene Wenger said: "I'd like to make it clear that Cesc Fabregas is not for sale and we will not be listening to any offers.

"He represents the future of Arsenal and we are looking forward to him being a major part of our plans."

From : BBC

Saviola setting sights on Arsenal

Argentina international Javier Saviola is weighing up a potential move from Barcelona to Arsenal.

The 24-year-old striker's agent Alfredo Cabrera Brizuela said: "He will make his decision based on football and that points to the Gunners.

"He will have no problem playing in England because he is world-class and will be successful in any country.

"This week is very important because he wants to have a holiday knowing he has his future sorted out."

Saviola, who has 34 international caps and has scored 10 goals, made three appearances at the recent World Cup.

The 1999 South American Footballer of the Year has made more than 100 appearances for Barcelona but has struggled to make an impression at the Nou Camp since moving from River
Plate in 2001.

He spent the 2004/05 season on loan at Monaco before returning to Spain last term when he helped Sevilla to Uefa Cup success.

Saviola's Barcelona contract is set to expire in 2007 and the European champions are keen to recoup some of the reported £15m they spent on the striker.

From : BBC

Ribery agent denies Arsenal link

Franck Ribery's agent has denied reports Arsenal have made a £10m bid for the Marseille and France winger.

The 23-year-old has been tipped to join Lyon in media reports but has also been linked with Arsenal.

"I've not met with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, in Paris or elsewhere, and have not received any offers for Franck," agent Bruno Heiderscheid told L'Equipe.

"Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also rumoured to be interested but I have never received any concrete offer."

Ribery, who is expected to take the role of the retired Zinedine Zidane in the French national team, scored his first international goal in Les Bleus' triumph over Spain at this summer's World Cup.

He was also a part of the starting line-up that lost out to Italy in last Sunday's final.

"For now, Franck's priority is to go on holiday and rest. Marseille have agreed to give him four extra days so he will be back at the club on 29 July," added Heiderscheid.

"In the meantime I have asked Marseille president Pape Diouf to meet with me regarding Franck. I hope we will be able to do so in the next few days."

Meanwhile, Diouf has reiterated his hope to hold on to Ribery, despite the player making it clear last month that he was hoping to join Ligue 1 champions Lyon.

"I have no problem with Ribery," said Diouf. "It only concerns those who want to make him leave the club or tempt him to join their club."

From : BBC

Fabregas rejects Madrid move talk

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas expects to report for pre-season training with the Gunners on 24 July and is unfazed by Real Madrid's reported interest.

Madrid's new president Ramon Calderon claimed the 19-year-old would be signed as one of his election promises but the midfielder has rejected talk of a move.

"I'm not thinking of anything other than playing for Arsenal next season," he told Mundo Deportivo newspaper.

"I'm an Arsenal player 100%. No-one has told me anything to the contrary."

Fabregas, who became Arsenal's youngest first-team player and scorer at the age of 16, won his first cap for Spain in March.

He was also the youngest member of his nation's World Cup squad and played in all four matches in Germany.

He revealed he would like to return home to play at some stage but said he was currently happy with his life in England.

"Sooner or later I would like to play in the Spanish league as I left when I was 16 and I haven't had the chance but at the moment I am really good in England," he said.

From : BBC

A Salute to Campbell

After this shock news, Arsenal News salutes one of the greatest defenders to ever grace an Arsenal shirt. His contribution will forever be remembered, for Campbell was a true Arsenal legend.

We hope Sol all the best of luck in his career, and all your comments on the issue will be very welcomed.

Campbell in shock Arsenal exit!!

Arsenal have announced that defender Sol Campbell is to leave the club so he can seek a "fresh challenge".

Campbell, 31, made 197 appearances for the Gunners after joining the club from arch rivals Tottenham in 2001.

"It is with a sense of pride, achievement and the desire for a fresh challenge that I depart," he said.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger added: "Sol has been a giant for us but we respect his decision to move on and of course, we are very sorry to see him go."

Since his controversial move across north London in 2001, Campbell has won five major trophies at Highbury.

He was a member of England's World Cup squad, and despite signing a three-year contract in 2005, he has recently been linked with moves away from the club. Turkish club Fenerbache were reportedly interested in signing the centre-back in May and Portsmouth were understood to be interested in taking him to Fratton Park.

Campbell added: "Playing abroad is something that would really interest me but at the moment I am keeping all of my options open.

"I would like to thank Arsene Wenger for everything he has done for me, the world class players that I have been privileged to play alongside and accomplish so much."

The departure means that Campbell's last game for Arsenal was the Champions League final in which he scored the Gunners' goal in a 2-1 defeat.

Campbell walked out of Highbury after being withdrawn by Wenger against West Ham in
February and struggled with fitness and injuries leading up to the clash with Barcelona in May.

Wenger attributed Campbell's early departure down to "exceptional circumstances" and said that he was going through a "difficult period" in his life.

The Frenchman added: "His desire and presence have been instrumental to our success over the past five years.

"Sol was at the heart of our defence and he will take away with him many fantastic memories, which he richly deserves.

"Winning two Premiership titles, three FA Cups and scoring in the Champions League final against Barcelona will surely be highlights he will treasure.

"I know that the younger players, who have progressed here over recent times, have benefited hugely from playing alongside Sol."

Campbell clocked up his 69th international cap in England's final group game against Sweden and has featured in three World Cups and three European Championships.

From : BBC

Owen queries Rooney's solo role

Michael Owen said Sven-Goran Eriksson's decision to play Wayne Rooney as a lone striker contributed to the forward's red card against Portugal.

Owen, 26, told ITV that Rooney's stamp on Ricardo Carvalho may have stemmed from anger at his lack of support.

"He probably only got angry because of what happened in the first hour. It's a frustrating role to play," said Owen.

"Wayne is one of the best strikers in the world and you're cutting one of his legs off if you play one up front."

England lost on penalties in their World Cup quarter-final to Portugal after playing with 10 men for nearly an hour.

Owen said he felt England's exit from Germany was an opportunity missed.

"We've let a big opportunity slip. It's a major disappointment, getting knocked out by Portugal," he said.

"Player for player, I'm convinced we were the best team in the tournament, yet we're out in the quarter-finals again."

The Newcastle striker, who will have surgery on ruptured ligaments in his right knee in about eight weeks' time, said England needed to be more positive in tournaments.

"I'm not one of those who goes into tournaments thinking why we never win," he said.

"It's an English mentality to think like that but we should snap out of it. We've won a World Cup, so we are not serial losers.

"But we've got to know how to win more."

He also said the level of expectation on England whenever they enter a major tournament is affecting the way the team plays.

"There's so much pressure, people are probably worried about letting the shackles go in case their man scores and they are going to be the scapegoat," he said.

"In my eyes there are far too many players - myself included - who don't play as well for England as they do at club level."

From : BBC

Rooney waiting on Fifa punishment

Fifa says it will deal with Wayne Rooney's charge of violent conduct by the time the World Cup ends on Sunday.

Disciplinary chiefs met on Thursday to consider the length of his ban for the red card he received against Portugal.

The Football Association has submitted its report on Rooney's alleged stamp on Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho.

Fifa spokesman Andreas Herren said: "Statements have been received and the disciplinary committee will decide before the end of the World Cup."

Fifa says it will also make a decision on Argentina players Leandro Cufre and Maxi Rodriguez.

They were charged following the post-match fracas after they were defeated in a penalty shoot-out by Germany in the quarter-final.

As for Rooney, he will automatically miss the start of new England coach Steve McClaren's reign and the opening games of the Euro 2008 qualifying round in September.

The first competitive match of McClaren's reign will be against Andorra at Old Trafford on 2 September, followed four days later by an away game in Macedonia.

Rooney insists there was no malice intended in the incident which happened after he fought off several players to try and win the ball.
He says Carvalho slipped into the area where he was about to place his foot.
Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to encourage the referee to send off his Manchester United team-mate, although he denied this and will not be investigated by Fifa.
Eriksson revealed he had spoken to referee Horacio Elizondo after the game against Portugal, which was decided by a penalty shoot-out, and had "no complaints" about the decision to send off Rooney.
"I spoke to Wayne after the game and he had no intention to do it," said Eriksson.
"I also went to the referee to speak and he was 100% sure it was a red card. He told me he hit the other player and where he was hit so I can't complain about that."

Arsenal's Pre-Season Friendlies

Arsenal's list of pre-season friendlies is now complete.

In addition to the Dennis Bergkamp testimonial and the publicised games against Barnet and Boreham Wood, Wenger’s side will also travel to Austria and the Netherlands for warm-up games.

Below is the full fixtures with ticket details where available.

Keep checking Arsenal.com for further details over tickets and kick-off times. Please note that all kick-off times stated are local not UK.

Arsenal Pre-Season Fixtures:

Barnet v Arsenal
Friendly, Underhill Stadium
Saturday, July 15, 3pm - Click here for ticket news

Arsenal v Ajax
Dennis Bergkamp Testimonial, Emirates Stadium
Saturday, July 22, 4.15pm* - Click here for ticket news*
Event commences at 4:15pm

SV Mattersburg v Arsenal
Friendly, Mattersburg
Tuesday, July 25, 7pm - Click here for ticket news

Schwadorf v Arsenal
Friendly, Schwadorf
Monday, July 31, 5pm

AZ Alkmaar v Arsenal
Friendly, DSB Stadium
Friday, August 4

Boreham Wood v Arsenal XI
Friendly, Boreham Wood
Friday, August 4, 7.30pm - Click here for ticket news

From : Arsenal

Taylor back Terry for captaincy

Former England caretaker boss Peter Taylor has backed John Terry to take over as skipper from David Beckham.

Beckham, who stood down on Sunday, was appointed captain by Taylor for the friendly with Italy in November 2000.

"For me, John Terry is the obvious choice," said the England Under-21 and Crystal Palace boss.

Terry, 25, has also won support from Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard, who said: "John has many strengths - not just as a player but as a man."

Taylor believes Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand are the other main candidates.

Steve McClaren, who has taken over from Sven-Goran Eriksson as England boss, will need to appoint a new captain after Beckham stood down following England's World Cup quarter-final defeat by Portugal.

Beckham, 31, led the team 58 times as he remained skipper during Eriksson's five-and-a-half-year reign.

Taylor added: "When I had to pick a captain for my one game in charge I had three options, in David Beckham, Gareth Southgate or Gary Neville.

"Steve McClaren also has choices with John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand - all leaders in different ways.

"John Terry has done a superb job for Chelsea over the past couple of years, he's young and is an inspirational type of player."

Terry is the bookmakers' favourite to replace Beckham and Lampard believes he has the qualities needed to succeed in the role.

Lampard said: "He's a great leader at Chelsea and a great player for England.

"He helps others around him and has that strength of character, which means he's not just concerned about himself but everything that will benefit the team.

"John also exudes an air of confidence in the way he plays. He sets standards for people around him. He is also a good mixer when we are away, like at a World Cup."

From : BBC

Is the future bright for England?

Steve McClaren's England era starts with the new coach having hands-on experience of the problems he must confront after Sven-Goran Eriksson ended his reign in failure.

McClaren was almost absolved from blame for England's poor World Cup showing by some apologists - but he does not start his new career covered in glory.

The former Middlesbrough man was the visible face of England's dug-out, standing on the touchline with his trademark notes and pen, as well as his trademark wave urging England forward.

And make no mistake, despite what his supporters would have you believe, his hand was very much on the body of England's World Cup ambitions.

McClaren was a key coaching figure, and to suggest Eriksson ignored all his advice is stretching reality to breaking point.

Now he must do the job himself - and there will be no hiding place for a man already under pressure because he was part of England's downfall in Germany.

He needs results quickly because his was an appointment that was hardly well-received by the public, especially as first choice Luiz Felipe Scolari delivered another "here's what you could have won" moment when his limited Portugal side ousted England.

David Beckham has at least saved McClaren the thorny job of removing him from the captaincy, something he would surely have done after the Real Madrid star's lame performances here.

Now McClaren must tackle the Beckham sub-plot. Should he actually keep his place in the team at the age of 31?

He has looked a spent force for much of his time in Germany, and England have talent in the wings in the shape of Aaron Lennon and the forgotten Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Beckham is a proud man and he will not sacrifice his place lightly, but McClaren must surely start exploring his options.

The one-time icon of England will not be around for the 2010 World Cup, and his form in Germany suggests he is a serious doubt for the European Championship in 2008.

Gary Neville is also 31 and another question McClaren must answer, but he is still England's best right-back and his influence on the squad and his natural leadership means he should stay for now.

But he is unlikely to be around for the European Championship and is a non-starter for the next World Cup, so McClaren must also seek alternatives there.

McClaren must also break the bad news to Sol Campbell that his long England career is over.

Campbell is creaking, as his performance against Sweden proved, and at 32 in September his time on this stage has expired.

England have centre-halves in waiting such as Michael Dawson, while Jamie Carragher would have played ahead of Campbell as replacement for suspended John Terry had they progressed into the semi-final.

McClaren must also send 17-year-old Theo Walcott back to school with Arsenal.

Walcott's presence in Germany was nothing short of farcical and became a rich source of humour and sarcasm by journey's end.

Wayne Rooney will be the fulcrum of England's attacking efforts, but McClaren must solve the issue of who plays with him.

Michael Owen can be forgotten for most of next season, so McClaren must put Jermain Defoe back on the radar.

Peter Crouch was a relative success in Germany, but if McClaren is bold, he will give a debut to West Ham's Dean Ashton.

Everton new boy Andrew Johnson and Charlton's Darren Bent may also stake their claims to the new coach.

England are well served in defence, but more competition is needed for goalkeeper Paul Robinson, whose World Cup was a mixed bag.

If Chris Kirkland can stay fit for three games he might get his chance with Norwich's Robert Green out for months.

England's wafer-thin resources were exposed by the fact that the erratic and 35-year-old David James was Robinson's deputy, followed by Scott Carson, who is surplus at Liverpool and was farmed out to Sheffield Wednesday last season.

McClaren's greatest task of all is to solve a puzzle that escaped Eriksson until the very end.
How to make England's gifted midfield work - and decide whether Frank Lampard and Steven
Gerrard can play together?

Gerrard was far more impressive than Lampard in Germany, and McClaren must decide if the Chelsea man should make way for Owen Hargreaves, who was an unqualified World Cup success.

Hargreaves could be the man to finally release Gerrard from the shackles he is forced to wear for England and become the driving force he is at Anfield.

Dare McClaren drop Lampard to accommodate Hargreaves and Gerrard?

He should at least consider it because England's midfield has failed to function too often.
Lampard will be 32 at the next World Cup, so the European Championship may be his last big tournament.

McClaren's first job is to choose a new captain - my choice would be Gerrard but it appears John Terry will get the nod.

So what else will McClaren bring to the table?

Well, he may bring Terry Venables and Alan Shearer for a start, two appointments that may get sceptics from the media and supporters onside quickly.

But McClaren must be his own man. If he attempts to hide behind trophy appointments to his coaching staff he will fail.

England's backroom staff had a somewhat cobwebbed look in Germany, with the familiar old faces such as Sammy Lee and Ray Clemence still on parade.

It needs freshening up, especially as McClaren has been a familiar face to England's players for five years.

McClaren must be bold, not the cautious figure who told Middlesbrough's players to run the ball into the corner to preserve a 0-0 draw at home to Liverpool on the opening day of last season.

The jury is very much out on McClaren, and the sense is that unless he makes a fast start he will have the shortest of honeymoon periods, even by England standards.

McClaren has talked a good game so far - now he must prove he is the right man for the job and not someone who got lucky at the perfect time.

From : BBC

Rooney 'gobsmacked' by red card

Striker Wayne Rooney said he was "gobsmacked" to be sent off for a stamp on Ricardo Carvalho in England's World Cup quarter-final against Portugal.

And he insisted he was not angry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who appeared to encourage the referee to send him off.

"I want to say absolutely categorically that I did not intentionally put my foot down on Carvalho," said Rooney.

The 20-year-old added: "I bear no ill feeling to Cristiano but am disappointed he chose to get involved."

England ended up losing 3-1 on penalties to Portugal having drawn 0-0 after extra-time - with Rooney's Manchester United team-mate Ronaldo slotting in the winning spot-kick.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's men played the final hour of the match with 10 men after Rooney's sending-off, but in a statement released on Monday, the striker said: "When the referee produced the red card I was amazed - gobsmacked."

He added: "Obviously I'm bitterly disappointed to have been sent off in a World Cup finals match for England.

"I remember the incident clearly and have seen it several times since on TV," he said.

"I am of the same opinion now as I was at the time that what happened didn't warrant a red card. If anything, I feel we should have had a free-kick for the fouls committed on me during the same incident.

"If you ask any player - and indeed almost any fan - they will tell you that I am straight and honest in the way I play.

"From what I've seen in the World Cup, most players would have gone to ground at the slightest contact but my only thought then was to keep possession for England."

Rooney hailed his England team-mates who fought valiantly to force extra-time and penalties despite being a man down.

"I thought the England lads were awesome after I went off and the effort they put in was amazing," he said.

"Truly if there was any justice England would now be preparing for a World Cup semi-final. Sadly, however, that is not to be in 2006."

Earlier on Monday, Ronaldo insisted there was no ill-feeling between him and Rooney.

"At the end we texted each other and between us everything's been cleared," he said.

He added: "The things that have been said regarding me and my team-mate and friend Rooney are incredible.

"He wished me the best of luck in the World Cup. He told me we had a great team and that if we continued to play like this, we would go far.

"He wasn't angry with me and, moreover, he told me to completely ignore what the English press has said, that all they wanted was to create confusion, but we are already used to that."

Ronaldo insisted he was not to blame for Rooney's dismissal, despite appearing to wink at the Portuguese bench once the red card had been shown.

"I am not a referee and I don't have the power to send off a player," said Ronaldo.

"I had nothing to do with the fact that the referee showed the red card."

From: BBC

England 0-0 Portugal

England went out of the World Cup 3-1 on penalties after their quarter-final with Portugal ended 0-0.

England lost skipper David Beckham to injury just after half-time and Wayne Rooney was sent off after 62 minutes for a stamp on Ricardo Carvalho.

They battled on bravely for the rest of normal time and extra-time with 10 men to take the game to a shoot-out.

But Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher missed to end their hopes and Sven-Goran Eriksson's reign.

The Swede leaves his post as England coach after going out at the quarter-final stage of a major tournament for the third time in succession and now hands over to Steve McClaren.

Eriksson had promised a big performance from his side but until Rooney's early exit it was not forthcoming.

The young striker endured a frustrating game and his patience finally snapped as he got tangled up with Carvalho and Armando Petit and appeared to aim a stamp at the Chelsea player's groin.

The incident occurred right in front of Argentine referee Horacio Elizondo, who was urged on by Portugal players - including Rooney's Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo - to take action.

Elizondo took a moment before sending Rooney from the field and with him seemingly went England's World Cup hopes.

But roared on by the England fans that made the AufSchalke Arena like a home game, they finally showed the passion and heart for a battle so often missing in this World Cup campaign.

Portugal were far from their best but they at least caused some worrying moments at the back for England in a tense first half.

A deep Luis Figo free-kick was not dealt with by Gary Neville or Lampard and there was huge relief for England to see Tiago slip with the goal at his mercy.

Tiago almost caused further problems when he was given a free header in the box that Paul Robinson clambered across to save.

Eriksson was forced to change things round six minutes into the second half with Beckham struggling with an ankle problem.

Beckham almost won a penalty with his last contribution of the game - and probably his chances of winning a World Cup - when his cross hit the hand of Nuno Valente but England's appeals
came to nothing.

He was replaced by Aaron Lennon and was seen on the sidelines looking anguished as treatment was performed on his ankle, although he did later bear the pain long enough to berate the referee following Rooney's dismissal.

Lampard, who endured another miserable time in front of goal, mistimed a volley after finding himself unmarked from a Gerrard corner.

Lennon's introduction gave England brief hope as his pace took him past two players, but when the ball fell for Rooney he almost completely missed and Joe Cole's effort was just too high.
But then came Rooney's premature exit, with Joe Cole sacrificed for Peter Crouch.

With temperatures again close to 30C it seemed only so long that England's brave 10-man backs-to-the-wall effort could hold out the Portugal onslaught.

England's best hope of a goal was a set-piece and Lampard fired in a free-kick that Ricardo did well to keep out, with Lennon scuffing his attempt to put in the rebound.

A deflected John Terry shot just looped over the bar after some brilliant work from an outstanding Owen Hargreaves, but Helder Postiga also blazed over in a nerve-jangling injury time.

The drama continued through to extra-time with England showing remarkable energy to match their opponents.

Crouch almost got on the end of a Gerrard cross but at the other end it needed some desperate last-ditch defending and some solid keeping from Robinson.

The game seemed destined to be decided by a penalty shoot-out, just like when the sides met at the same stage of Euro 2004.

And unfortunately for England it ended in the same result - with Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari getting the better of Eriksson.

Only Hargreaves - who had easily his best game in an England shirt - was successful from the spot.

Lampard, Gerrard and Carragher - who scored at the first attempt but had to retake - all saw their efforts saved by Ricardo, who became the first player in World Cup shoot-out history to save three penalties.

Hugo Viana and Armando Petit had missed to give Eriksson's side brief hope, but when Helder Postiga and Ronaldo scored England's dream of being crowned world champions was over for another four years.

Portugal now face France in Wednesday's semi-final in Munich.

England: Robinson, Neville, Terry, Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Hargreaves, Beckham (Lennon 51), Gerrard, Lampard, Joe Cole (Crouch 65), Rooney, Lennon (Carragher 118).Subs Not Used: Campbell, James, Bridge, Jenas, Carrick, Downing, Carson, Walcott.

Sent Off: Rooney (62).

Booked: Terry, Hargreaves.

Portugal: Ricardo, Miguel, Meira, Ricardo Carvalho, Nuno Valente, Figo (Postiga 86), Maniche, Petit, Tiago (Viana 74), Ronaldo, Pauleta (Simao 63).Subs Not Used: Paulo Ferreira, Caneira, Ricardo Costa, Quim, Boa Morte, Nuno Gomes, Paulo Santos.
Booked: Petit, Ricardo Carvalho.

Att: 52,000.

Ref: Horacio Marcelo Elizondo (Argentina).

Fifa man of the match: Owen Hargreaves

England v Portugal player ratings

TRIVIA

Portugal and England were involved in the third penalty shoot-out of the 2006 World Cup. Only the 1990 finals produced more (four). England and Italy are the only nations to have lost all three World Cup shoot-outs they have been involved in. England have been eliminated by a Luiz Felipe Scolari led side in the last three major tournaments.

Wayne Rooney became the third English player to be sent off during a World Cup match. He joined Ray Wilkins (1986) and David Beckham (1998) who also saw a direct red card in a World Cup encounter. Portugal have seen an opposing player sent off on four separate occasions, a figure with which they lead all other nations at the 2006 finals.

This goalless draw was the first time Portugal had failed to win inside 90 minutes at this tournament. However it extended their unbeaten run in competitive matches to 17. It was the Portuguese' 17th World Cup match in their history and the first to finish in a draw.

Trivia stats source: Infostrada Sports

From : BBC

Sorry for Delay

I would like to appologise for our bloggers and readers on the recent inactivity and hope that it didnt cause any inconveniences to you. We are glad to be up and running again, despite the very disappointing exit by England. Luck was against us again unfortunatly, and as every other England fan, i was gutted, but it's time to get over it now, and prepare for Euro 2008 in Switzerland. We hope that McLaren's reign will be a flourishing one and will bring about success to England, go Steve!.

Our focus will now shift London-wise towards Arsenal again, and we will be covering all the pre-season build up. Also stay on the look out for reports on Bergkamp's testimonial match at the Emirates Stadium.