Futbol

Former Real Madrid star Zinedine Zidane believes that the club's new boss Jose Mourinho has all the qualities needed to help los Blancos topple Barcelona and become the dominant force in Spanish and European football once again.

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has been ruled out of Netherlands' Euro 2012 qualifier against Finland with a shoulder problem that could see him sidelined "for a few weeks".

Fulham assistant manager Mark Bowen has confirmed that the Cottagers are in advanced talks with striker Bobby Zamora over a contract extension. Zamora is believed been offered the biggest deal in the club's history, as Mark Hughes looks to convince him to stay at Craven Cottage.

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has rejected claims that his side are too old and has backed the Nerazzurri to repeat last year's unprecedented Treble triumph.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce believes his side are a year ahead of where he expected them to be when he took over in December 2008.

John Toshack's future as Wales manager is uncertain as reports surfaced claiming he is ready to step down in the next 48 hours.

England coach Fabio Capello has confirmed Wayne Rooney will play in Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland despite recent allegations about the striker's private life.

Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross has accused Arsene Wenger of having a personal vendetta against him after yet more criticism from the Arsenal manager this season.

England coach Fabio Capello says that Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart can continue his rise to become one of the best in the world if he can maintain his focus.

England goalscorer Adam Johnson wants to make up for the disappointment of missing out on World Cup selection by becoming a stalwart for his country.

Wayne Rooney will remain with the England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier in Switzerland on Tuesday despite allegations over his private life appearing in two Sunday newspapers.

Germany striker Mirolsav Klose has set his sights on the country's goalscoring record - set by the legendary Gerd Muller - and says he is hoping to add to his ever-increasing goal tally in the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Portugal captain Ricardo Carvalho says that his side will look to tighten up at the back against Norway after their thrilling 4-4 draw with Cyprus on Friday night.

Former Italy international Gianfranco Zola has given his backing to new coach Cesare Prandelli, despite a less than convincing start to his reign in charge

AC Milan veteran Filippo Inzaghi is excited about Zlatan Ibrahimovic's move to the Rossoneri.

Richard Bevan, the chief executive of the League Managers Association (LMA), has called for "strong leadership" to resolve the issues surrounding the England team.

Roy Hodgson has confessed that Liverpool are caught in "strange times" and urgently need a new owner to invest in the team before they can challenge for major honours again.

Manchester United new-boy Bebe has made the club's Champions League squad after all, as UEFA have now confirmed the 20-year-old is on the 25-man squad list.

Argentine legend Diego Maradona will return to his former club Napoli for his 50th birthday celebrations, according to reports in Italy.

Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez claims the Bundesliga champions blocked a deadline-day loan switch to Liverpool.