Fashionista

David Beckham’s grand tour of the fashion capitals of the world could soon see him arrive in Paris.
Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has revealed he would like to bring Beckham to the club.
Leonardo told BBC Sport: “I coached him at AC Milan [where Beckham, 36, was loaned from MLS side LA Galaxy] and we created a good relationship.
When asked whether the Qatari-owned club would consider signing the former England captain, Leonardo said: “The door is open. He is more than a football player – he’s a brand, a pop star. I would always consider him.
“He respects the rules, listens to you and wants the best for the team. That’s why for me he is a big example. I worked with him and that’s why I talk about his name.”
At least his wife will be pleased.

Takeover

Just as Manchester United have been cleared to launch a floatation on the Singapore Stock Market, news emerges of a possible takeover for the club.
The Daily Mirror cites top ‘Middle Eastern sources’, claiming an official approach is being made and a deal could be struck as early as next week.
United’s owners, the Glazer family, have consistently stated they are not interested in selling the club, and given that its profits provide them with the money to pay off the loans they took out to buy the club in the first place, then one can see why they would be reluctant sellers.
However, even the Glazers must recognise a gift horse when they see one and with the Qataris reportedly prepared to pay £1.6 billion, the desire to cash in now must be extremely  tempting.

Fact or fiction?

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has denied quotes attributed to him in Sport magazine claiming that he didn’t believe Arsenal would win a trophy in the near future. In a story reminiscent of the Johann Hari scandal, Fabregas claims the quotes are fabricated.
Fabregas reportedly told Sport that he left Arsenal because they were not challenging for honours.
“I needed a change in my life, that’s the truth,” he said. “We weren’t winning any titles and it was very frustrating for me. I didn’t feel like I was developing any more as I should do. I want to be in a club that is able to win the big titles year after year, and I don’t see that kind of future for Arsenal.
“I still have many feelings for Arsenal, but I fear that they won’t be able to push the other big clubs in England away. If you look at the team this season, I can’t see them finishing in front of teams like Manchester United or City. Or Chelsea. There’s just too big a difference between the squads.”
Fabregas then issued an angry response via his Twitter account, claiming he had not even given an interview.
“Id never speak 1 bad work abt AFC, here there’s once more prove that so many people put in newspaper wtv they want and its not professional.
“I want Arsenal to be succesfull as much as every single fan. Thats not why i left, it was never in my mind. AFC made me who i am today.
“And nobody will ever change that. I never gave any interview away since my press conference at my presentation and there i just said…
“…The truth and what came out of my heart. Great words abt this great football club cause that just what they deserve: succes and trophies.
“People can h8 me 4 leaving or remember that i gave my all for the club. But me talking 1 bad word or saying smthng against AFC will not seen.”
Sport magazine have yet to respond to Fabregas’ denial, but surely if the original quotes were genuine it wouldn’t be too difficult proving their veracity. I mean, they wouldn’t just print such incendiary remarks without first checking their authenticity, would they?

Presidential ambitions

When he retires from professional football, Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is determined not to be known simply as that bloke who used to go out with Shakira.
No, the ambitious Pique would one day like to become president of the Catalan club.
“If I hadn’t become a footballer, I definitely would have ended up in the footballing world in some other position,” Pique was quoted as saying by El Mundo Deportivo.
“When football’s your passion, you always want to be active in this world. I will not leave the footballing world when I retire. I’ve once said that I want to become Barcelona president and that’s still my ambition.”
Makes a change from running a pub, I suppose.

A bumpy ride

Enjoy it while it lasts, because Diego Maradona’s stint in charge of UAE club Al Wasl could be a short-lived but eventful tenure.
Maradona’s first match in charge ended with a 4-3 loss to league champions Al Jazira on Thursday with his team gave up the deciding goal in stoppage time.
Here he is prowling the touchline, living every kick, enduring every misfortune, berating every official. He remains a captivating, passionate presence, but not necessarily one you’d entrust with managing a football team. The players seem to like him though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr26val2n10&feature=player_embedded#!