Sheik, 34, who became a Corinthians legend when he scored the vital goals in the Timão’s Copa Libertaores triumph last year, the first in their history, is confident the São Paulo giants can go all the way this season in the league, just like they did two years ago.

He told Lancenet: “Yeah, it's a challenge now that we have won the Libertadores, the FIFA Club World Cup and the Paulista.

“It is a challenge to want more, to get more. But we have a very competent management and a highly experienced coaching staff that can lead people to important achievements.”

Corinthians will start their league campaign at home in Pacaembu, São Paulo, on Sunday against Clarence Seedorf's Botafogo, who enter the season in high spirits following their victory in the Rio de Janeiro State Championship.

Hernanes, 27, has been in inspirational form for the Rome club this season and Gazzetta dello Sport are reporting that he is top of Milan’s shopping list for the summer as they look to boost their squad.

However, Lotito has ruled out the possibility of selling the former São Paulo star.

He said: “Hernanes in Milan? There was no contact. Anyway, he is not in the market.

“We want to strengthen the team for sure. But it depends on whether we will achieve our goal [of winning the Coppa Italia and qualifying for the Europa League].”

Despite Lazio’s stance of not wanting to sell the player, who is a full Brazil international, it is reported by the newspaper that a bid of around €30 million would be enough to convince Lotito to sell.

The announcement is expected to be made during this week so he can be registered in time for Vasco's Brazilian national league debut against Portuguesa on Saturday, at the São Januário stadium.

The striker return to Brazilian football in 2011, when he joined Atlético Mineiro, he was loaned to Santos last year, but failed to impress in both clubs.

Santos are signing Grêmio's Willian José and Mogi Mirim's Henrique to replace André, who is expected to be a key player for Vasco.

Vasco are in a difficult financial situation, having already lost key players such as goalkeeper Fernando Prass, now at Palmeiras, and highly rated centreback Dedé, who joined Cruzeiro.

Source: Globo Esporte

Luxemburgo, 61, has turned the fortunes of Grêmio around since joining last year and steered them to a respectable third place in last year’s Brasilierão.

However, the club backed the coach heavily in the close season, bringing in a number of costly, high profile signings, but they have failed to impress so far, bar a 3-0 victory against Fluminense in Rio, and getting knocked out of the Copa Libertadores was a major blow.

The pressure in the city is on Koff to dismiss the former Real Madrid manager but he is not willing to take this decision lightly.

He told Radio Gaucho: “This (sacking of Luxembourg) is a speculation that did not originate in the club. It's something that came up in the press, which is normal after a disqualification.

“I never heard an officer from Grêmio talking about it. At no time have I heard that the technician's work was in review.”

Grêmio had made a big push for success in this year’s Copa Libertadores but after being knocked out by Santa Fe last week it is time to turn their attention to the Brasileirão, which starts on Sunday.

And the veteran star believes they will need all the support they can get if they are to challenge for the title this year.

He told Globo Esporte: “I know the result on Thursday was bad. I can imagine how much it hurts for you[the fans]. It hurts me too.

“This pain should be used to boost new achievements. I would like to thank everyone who left a message, which expressed encouragement.

“We are experiencing a weekend of woe. But Monday we will be spirited. We still have major challenges this year and we need all Gremistas.”

Grêmio open their league season with a home fixture against Náutico in the Grêmio Arena on Sunday.

Carragher bowed out of professional football against QPR after over 700 games for Liverpool and Lucas says they were fortunate to have him in their side.

"We were more emotional than Carra probably. As he says, he's not an emotional person but we can see what he's done for the club," the midfielder added.

"It's just a dream for any player to achieve what he achieved for Liverpool. I hope I can get half of his achievements because I would be very proud."

Carragher will now take up a position in Sky Sports' punditry team alongside former Manchester United defender Gary Neville.

Source: Liverpool FC

Two serious injuries ruled Lucas out for the majority of 2012 and the Brazilian is still recovering from the effects.

Lucas told LFC TV: "I knew it was going to be a difficult season for me, coming back from a difficult injury.

"Unfortunately, I got another bad one at the beginning of the season. I think the balance was very positive because I played half of the season and in the last five or six games I really felt better.

"Next season is going to be an important one for me because I think I will be at the level I was before the injury.

"This season was positive because I could get through the injuries and the games. Of course I want to do better because we can always do better."

Source: Liverpool FC

The former Everton star replaces the injured Tom Cleverley who was forced to withdraw from the England squad for the friendlies Brazil and France.

The call-up is reward for Rodwell's superb performance against Norwich City as he netted twice in a 3-2 defeat.

The first came as a simple strike past the Norwich goalkeeper in the middle of the box but the second was a sensational finish after sprinting the full length of the pitch to latch onto Yaya Toure's pass.

Luiz Felipe Scolari is also making preparations for the June 2 clash as the Brasileirão campaign starts next weekend.

Source: The FA

The Nerazzurri found themselves 2-0 down inside 10 minutes at San Siro following goals from Giampiero Pinzi and Maurizio Domizzi, before Juan equalised with his first Inter goal.

However, Udinese netted another three goals on the night, while Tommaso Rocchi scored for the hosts, to round off a disastrous season.

Juan said: "We tried everything, but we've had all sorts happen to us this year.

"We lost lots of important players to injury. It's a shame we had such a bad end to the campaign, but at least it's over now.

"We can focus on starting afresh.

"I'm sure we'll come back stronger. I thank the fans for not booing us, not even tonight. We really must thank them, they understand what we've been through."

Inter have failed to qualify for a European competition next term after losing 16 of their 38 Serie A games this season.

As a result, there is some uncertainty over the future of young boss Andrea Stramaccioni.

"That's for the President to decide," added Juan. "I'll always be grateful to Stramaccioni for everything he's done for me."

Source: Football Italia

The Brazilian says it was a gruelling campaign with 68 games played but believes the rewards were worth it.

"All the season was so difficult but when you can win one European title and qualify for the Champions League directly then it was amazing," Luiz told reporters.

"The team we have has a great mentality. Sometimes you cannot win all the games but the team's experience is strong and we keep working every day. All my team-mates focus on winning because if you play for a big team you need to focus all the time.

"It has been a long season for Chelsea and for me and I am so tired now, but I love to play football. Sometimes I am tired but not just Chelsea, the Brazil national team as well have a great team so you can change some players to play some games.

"I enjoy every day, not just during the season. God gave me a fantastic life with my health first, with my family which is amazing and with a great job.

"I enjoy every day and of course I enjoy this season because Chelsea need to win trophies every year and I won one more trophy and qualified for the Champions League."

The Rossoneri forward almost returned to former club Santos in January and has been linked with a number of clubs in Brazil recently, including Fluminense.

Dunga has now revealed that Internacional will try to sign the former Manchester City star at the end of the season.

He told reporters: "Many clubs have tried to bring him back to Brazil.

"Milan want to keep him, but we have made contact to assess the situation.

"This may be the right time for him to come home.

"A lot of players want to return to Brazil for economic reasons and for the World Cup.

"Everything is here for him to do well."

Robinho, who currently has 90 international caps, played under Dunga during the 2009 Confederations Cup and the 2010 World Cup.

Milan vice president Adriano Galliani recently reiterated that the 29-year-old has a contract at San Siro until 2014 and will not be leaving this summer.

Internacional have also been linked with Brazilian striker Júlio Baptista, who is deemed an option if they fail to sign Robinho.

Source: Football Italia

The 21-year-old has long been linked with a summer move to Barcelona and the two clubs are reported to have started negotiations at the end of last week.

However, Neymar has reiterated his desire to see out his current contract with the Peixe and is adamant that the 1-1 draw at the Vila Belmiro was not his last appearance.

He told Globo Esporte: "I'm happy here. I have already told you. Unless I die this game [against Corinthians on Sunday] is not my last game.

"If people are saying other things, then they know more than I do. Many people say what they want without knowing anything. But this is how things are."

The Brazil international’s agent and father stressed last week that Neymar will stay with Santos until they are informed by the club that they are willing to sell him.

Neymar is expected to travel to Catalunya after next month's Confederations Cup for discussions with Barcelona.

Source: Goal.com

Santos vice president Odilio Rodrigues revealed last week that the 21-year-old is desperate to make the move to the Camp Nou side, who are now believed to have started negotiations over a transfer.

Scolari has fuelled those rumours after he revealed talks with the Barca president, in which he spoke highly of Neymar’s great attitude.

He told Canal+: "He is an example to follow as a sportsman. I have spoken to Sandro Rosell about how he behaves on the training pitch and about his personality. And he really is an example to follow.

"Barcelona are clearly leading the race for his signature. He would be a great signing for Barcelona.

"He would be an idol for the fans next season alongside Lionel Messi."

Neymar has a contract with his boyhood club until after World Cup 2014 but is expected to move on this summer.

The Brazilian star is set to travel to Barcelona after the Confederations Cup in June to discuss a potential transfer

Source: Goal

Vasco have expressed interesting for Hélton in the past, as the Rio de Janeiro-based club need an experienced replacement for Fernando Prass, who has joined Palmeiras.

Hélton is part of the Porto's squad that won the Portuguese league on the weekend, after beating Paços de Ferreira 2-0.

He told reporters after the game: "I am very thankful for Vasco's interest as they have sent many messages so far."

"I love the fans of Vasco, but I have learned to love Porto as well."

Hélton also expressed his happiness for winning the Portuguese league title, he said: "I am very happy for the confidence they have always had in me, not just from the current manager but also from everyone else that have worked for the club."

Source: Lancenet

Reports in France indicated that the Italian coach had met with PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi and the Brazilian club chief on Sunday to tell them of his desire to leave Parc des Princes this summer.

The Ligue 1 champions have already confirmed that Madrid, whose coach Jose Mourinho is expected to join Chelsea, have bid for Ancelotti but Leonardo is keen to keep hold of the ex-AC Milan trainer.

Leonardo told L'Equipe: "Carlo has asked to go to Madrid but we want him to stay on. No decision has been taken yet, we just listened to Carlo.

"We will look at the situation a little. The priority is still to keep him on. We have never contacted other coaches [while [Ancelotti has been in charge]."

He added to RMC Sport: "Carlo Ancelotti has a contract and it is binding for both parties. At the time that I am speaking, Ancelotti is still PSG coach. Carlo is the best coach for the club, I hope he will stay."

Ancelotti guided PSG to their first domestic league title for 19 years, having recruited some of the biggest names in world football like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and Ezequiel Lavezzi last summer.

Source: Goal

Corinthians won the state league title after a 1-1 draw at Santos' Vila Belmiro stadium, the Timão won the first leg 2-1.

Muricy Ramalho said after the game: We played well in some moments and dominated possession. We raised the game during the first half, when we were better, but we were punished by conceding a goal, soon after we scored our goal."

He added: "Sometimes you really want something but only happens what you can show. We had chances but we could not keep our advantage, which was important."

"Corinthians were better overall in the two games. I believe that after 180 minutes they deserved their title."

Both teams will now get ready for the Brazilian national league, which starts on the weekend. Santos also have a Brazilian Cup game against Joinville this week.

Source: Superesportes

His team were beaten 1-2 by arch-rivals Cruzeiro in the second leg of the Minas Gerais State League final, but won the title thanks to a 3-0 win in the first leg.

The former Grêmio and Barcelona player scored Atlético Mineiro's only goal in the match, putting an end to Cruzeiro's hopes.

He told reporters after the game: "It's a different kind of emotion, the fans embraced me, and I could score the title winning goal, which was very exciting."

"I am very happy, it's an important title in my career."

Ronaldinho added: "It's a very important title that crowns six months of work. This is the first step towards winning even more titles."

Atlético Mineiro will face Tijuana from Mexico in the quarter-finals of Copa Libertadores, and will start on the weekend the fight to win their first national league title in 1971.

Romarinho has been linked with a 12 million Euros move, while Edenílson has reportedly also received an offer from the German Bundesliga.

Both players played the São Paulo State League final against Santos, which Corinthians won.

Mário Gobbi Filho talked to Brazilian press about their situation, he said: "Thing like this about Edenílson and Romarinho: it's more likely a bettle smokes marijuana in my eye than that I sell them."

"They have just arrived, will become first team starters and will end up at the Brazilian national team. You can write that. I won't authorize their transfers even if I die."

Corinthians are also considering the possibility of increasing their salaries to match their current status at the club.

Paulinho has also been linked to European football, but the midfielder said he will stay at Corinthians.

Source: Lancenet

Paulinho has been recently linked to Inter Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk from Ukraine and had previously been linked to Chelsea too.

The midfielder played the second leg of the São Paulo State League final, which Corinthians won, despite drawing 1-1 with Santos.

He told reporters after the game: "It's not a good bye. We were missing this title and we got it."

"I will continue at Corinthians. Maybe because of our elimination in Copa Libertadores, many people said that I will leave, that I received an offer."

Paulinho completed: "When I receive an offer, I will tell. I have done so twice already. There is nothing official, I just have to thank the squad."

His buyout fee is estimated in 20 million Euros, Flamengo's Ibson might be signed and could be the replacement for Paulinho if he leaves.

Source: Globo Esporte

The Brazil-born Portuguese striker is on loan from Flamengo to Porto until the end of the European season.

Liédson talked to press after the game, he said: "It didn't happen the wya I wanted because I played too few games. I didn't have many chances."

Indeed, he has played only five league games, all of them coming from the bench, and did not score any goal.

Liédson has also played a cup game, and did not score goals, so he is expected to return to Flamengo.

His contract with the Carioca club expires in December, but it remains to be seen if the club's new board will want to keep him.

Source: Sportv

A penalty from Ronaldinho was enough to stop a Cruzeiro side full of steam after two early Dagoberto penalties put them into a 2-0 lead.

Cruzeiro went into the game needing a minor miracle after a crushing defeat at the Independência last weekend with Atlético running out 3-0 winners.

They dominated the opening stages as they looked for the crucial first goal and a swift counterattack saw Borges go one-on-one with the goalkeeper but his tame shot was easily parried.

Atlético then swept up the pitch and Bernard caught a glimpse of goal but his effort was dragged well wide of the goal.

However, Cruzeiro deservedly took the lead when Gilberto Silva brought down Dagoberto in the penalty area, the striker dusting himself off to slot the resulting spot kick home.

Atlético later thought they had levelled proceedings but Diego Tardelli's effort was ruled out after the striker was flagged for offside.

But disaster struck again for Atlético as another penalty was given to Cruzeiro, this time for a foul on Borges.

Dagoberto stepped up once again and sent Victor the wrong way, coolly slotting home to the keeper's right.

Marcos Rocha nearly pulled a goal back with an audacious effort from a tight angle but his effort rebounded off the post and to safety, much to Cruzeiro's relief.

Cruzeiro's Borges then proved himself to be a lucky man as he escaped a red card after shoving goalkeeper Victor to the ground with the ball in his hands.

The Cruzeiro striker then launched into a high challenge just a minute later and could have faced yet another red card, but avoided the referee's book this time.

After the break, Atlético came out with intent to reduce the deficit and Jô came close with a strike from the right-hand side but Fábio was equal to the effort.

Jô came close for a second time after a strike from the edge of the box rebounded off the post with the keeper beaten.

Atlético coach Cuca will have been wondering what they needed to do to score as Réver saw his point-blank header denied by a magnificent save from Fábio.

Borges then made way for Anselmo Ramon as Marcelo de Oliveira reshuffled his side in an effort bring on fresh legs.

But it was Atlético who grabbed the crucial third goal of the game, as Ronaldinho slammed home yet another penalty after substitute Luan had been brought down by Egídio in an attempt to retrieve the ball he'd given away.

Rocha very nearly levelled proceedings on the night as the right-back slalomed past three defenders but his toepoked effort was blocked by Fábio.

Ugly scenes broke out in the final minutes as a brawl broke out in the middle of the pitch as Luan was sent off for shoving over Dagoberto.

But the final whistle blew seconds later and Atlético successfully defended their Campeonato Mineiro title with a 2-1 loss on the night.

Ancelotti has come under pressure from owner who are keen to see a new manager at the post, with Rafael Benitez a reported target.

"I would be sad if Ancelotti were to go away from the club," he told Sky Sports. "We have to wait, it is still wide open [whether he stays]. I do not know if Ancelotti will remain or leave. I came here for him, I will be sad if he departs."

Thiago Silva's future is also up in the air, according to reports, but the Brazilian centre-back, 28, refused to divulge whether he would be leaving PSG at the end of the season.

"I will not talk about my future right now," he added. "That's my agent's job, he does everything I need. I will wait and see what happens."

Source: Goal.com

Diego Simeone's team recently clinched the Copa del Rey and the Wolfsburg midfielder admits he is considering their offer.

"Atletico wants me and I have been given a concrete offer," the 28-year-old midfielder was quoted by Wolfsburger Allgemeine.

"We must now speak with Wolfsburg about what is best for me and the club."I have always been satisfied in Wolfsburg and respect that I still have a year left on my contract. But that is precisely the situation that we need to talk about."

However, VFL boss Dieter Hecking is far from convinced that an offer will come in that will tempt the club to sell the former Juventus man, who scored his side's second in their final game of the season at Frankfurt.

"If his desire to go is really so great, then we need to talk with Diego," the 48-year-old German stressed.

"We have to find arguments to persuade him to stay. However, I cannot imagine that there is a club that will pay enough money for him.

"If you saw him play against Frankfurt, it is clear that clubs come and make offers. We will listen to everything and talk to him but I do not think we will do business unless an offer comes in that is so good that we cannot refuse it."

Source: Goal.com

QPR had already been relegated prior to the clash and Liverpool were already confirmed as finishing in seventh place but the Reds went all out from the beginning.

17-year-old Jordon Ibe was handed his debut as club legend Jamie Carragher played his last game for the Reds at Anfield.

But the game was won with a single moment of magic as Coutinho received the ball from Ibe and struck a 30-yard effort past Robert Green in goal.

Liverpool could have and should have had more but the chances passed them by without another goal as QPR looked like a side destined for relegation.

But the Reds didn't need another and Coutinho adds to his tally of three goals since his move from Inter in January.

It had been speculated that he would return to Napoli as Grêmio are likely to revamp the squad for the rest of the Brazilian football season.

But Grêmio's executive director of football Rui Costa has ruled out this possibility, he told Rádio Guaíba: "Grêmio have no interest at all in sending Eduardo Vargas back to Napoli."

"What can happen is that, by contract, Napoli can call him back, since we were eliminated in Copa Libertadores. But in my opinion he is one of the team's best players and we have no reason to send him back."

Eduardo Vargas was blamed by fans for wasting too many opportunities in key Copa Libertadores games, including a chance to score the equalizer against Santa Fe near the end of the game.

Source: Radio Guaíba

The stadium held its first test game yesterday, between Brasiliense and Brasília, ahead of the Confederations Cup Opening Ceremony on June 15.

The 70,000-capacity venue for next month’s tournament comes five months behind schedule and at a cost of $500 million, almost double its original redevelopment budget.

Rousseff said: "A year ago they said that we wouldn't build our stadiums, that they wouldn't be ready. But now we are seeing that the stadiums have been built and are being opened.

"I am extremely proud of the quality and modernity of the facilities. It's a demonstration of Brazilians' capacity to successfully carry out what many said was beyond us.

"These six stadiums show the capacity and determination that we will have while building the other six [needed for the World Cup]."

FIFA originally wanted three test events in each of the six Confederations Cup venues, but that was not possible because of a series of delays in stadium construction.

The Brasilia venue was delayed because of a problem with the pitch installation, which was said to be due to excessive rain.  

The Mane Garrincha will host seven games at next year’s World Cup but has been highly criticised, with many saying that it will become a "white elephant" after next year because the city has no teams in top leagues.

The win keeps hopes of a Champions League finish alive although rivals Lyon are still a point ahead and have a game in hand.

Brandão laid on an assist for French midfielder Loic Perrin for the first goal to set the victory in motion.

The Brazilian then rose to meet Faouzi Ghoulam's cross with a superb header to give Saint-Étienne the two-goal lead.

The win keeps Les Verts in the running for a Champions League place, however their hopes will be crushed if Lyon secures more than a point from their last two games.

The young Brazilian has made an impressive start to life at Anfield, scoring two Premier League goals and creating five.

Coutinho set up two of Sturridge's goals in the 3-1 win at Fulham last weekend and Evans believes the young midfielder will create even more chances next term.

He said: "If you make the run, you've got a 90 per cent chance he's going to stick it in the right place for you.

"He's benefiting everyone - not just Sturridge."

Liverpool take on relegated Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road in their final fixture of the season today.

Source: Daily Star

Wolfsburg found themselves on the receiving end of a superb comeback from the hosts as they overturned a two-goal lead in the second half.

Polish midfielder Jan Polak got the away side off to a great start with a strike on the eighth minute.

Diego then put Wolfsburg into a two-goal lead after a simple sidefooted finish from Ivica Olic's squared pass.

But Alexander Meier put the comeback into motion with a penalty just before the break and an unfortunate last minute own goal from Ricardo Rodriguez gave the hosts a draw.

The Nerazzurri have suffered a number of injuries over the course of the season and have failed to qualify for Europe.

They will also have to start the Coppa Italia in August if they miss out on the top eight, but Juan believes Inter will come back fighting.

He told Inter Channel: "We had a few difficulties in the second half of the campaign, but now we must have faith that next season will be better.

"I don’t like losing, as I just want to win and do everything possible to achieve that. We must always focus on doing better."

The 21-year-old has impressed during his first full season at the San Siro and hopes to continue improving to earn a Brazil call up.

Juan added: "I am very happy here, especially as I am playing regularly. I always try to help the team, but I was most happy on May 13 2012, as it was my debut.

"It is wonderful that the World Cup is being hosted by Brazil. I am working hard with Inter and hope I can get into the Seleçao."

Inter host Udinese today, who are looking to secure fifth place and Europa League qualification with three points.

Source: Football Italia