Pongolle completes move to Recreativo
Young French forward Florent Sinama Pongolle has made his loan move to Recreativo Huelva permanent, in a £2.7m deal. The 22 year old was signed by Gerard Houllier with cousin Anthony Le Tallec and both were promising teenages who were reportedly chased by a host of European clubs.
Of the 2, Pongolle showed the most promise and will be mostly remembered for his part as a substitute in the Olympiakos comeback mactch on the way to Istanbul.
Good Luck Flo.
[Discuss and read about Pongolle’s departure here]
Ticket Allocation for Athens
Liverpool have been given just 17,000 tickets for the Champions League Final in Athens. The Olympic stadium holds 63,000. Rick Parry has though told that all supporters with all 7 CL matches this season on their fancard will be able to get a ticket.
[More info and discussion here]
Liverpool to wear home kit in final
Despite being the home side, AC Milan have again choosen to play in their white away kit, meaning Liverpool will sport their red home kit – just as they did in 2005 and in all previous finals.
Gattuso talking bollocks
Reno Gattuso, the Milan midfielder Steven Gerrard described as “all mouth” in his book, has been talking rubbish ahead of the final already. Gattuso claims Milan have already beaten the better side out of Liverpool and Man United – and that Liverpool lack technically gifted players.
Gerrard (and others) to sign new deals
Captain is set to agree a deal worth 6 million pounds a year to keep him at the club for LIFE. Carragher, Agger, Reina, Garcia and Alonso are also said to be signing new deals – probably after the final.
VOTE for your April Player of the Month here
Heighway vs Benitez
Departing academy director Steve Heighway says:
“Rafa is a terrific manager, but I think I’m the best coach of 17 and 18-year-olds in this club.
“But I no longer get the chance to do that. It’s crazy, mad and it’s to the detriment of the young players here.”
[Read and discuss Heighway’s comments]
Padelli set for debut
Goalkeeper Daniele Padelli is being tipped to start at Fulham on Saturday afternoon. The Italian under 21 international was on the bench for the Chelsea semi final on Tuesday and Benitez is expected to rest Reina, and several others, at Craven Cottage.
[Team News] [Pre Match Talk and Debate]
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