Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

Ten days ago we reported that angry bare-chested Ukrainian women in Kiev had attempted to steal the European Championship trophy in a protest centred around domestic politics.

Ukraine, like many other Eastern European nations, has seen a surge in illegal activities such as prostitution and human trafficking after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the subsequent economic crisis of the 1990s. Ukraine’s capital Kiev is dogged with a sex tourism reputation, but a group of local women – FEMEN – are fighting back.

FEMEN, famous for their activists’ topless public protests, object against Ukraine hosting Euro 2012 saying it will only boost the sex trade.

Intriguingly, they don’t seem to be lying low and after their attempt in Kiev was foiled, Inna Shevchenko, 21, of the FEMEN group, grabbed hold of the Henri Delaunay cup while it was being exhibited in a central square in Dnipropetrovsk.

According to reports and pictures, as Shevchenko (presumably no relation to Dynamo Kiev striker Andriy) moved in, another FEMEN activist came on to the scene, topless, with a “Fu** Euro 2012″ slogan on her chest.

FEMEN continue to warn of more attacks throughout the tournament.

The latest FEMEN attack, in Dnipropetrovsk, can be seen here.

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

Chelsea TV: Didier Drogba’s final interview.

“I wish the club all the best and continued success for the future – you will always be in my heart.” – Didier Drogba.

The worst kept secret of the last couple of days is now officially out the bag – Didier Drogba is leaving Chelsea after eight seasons.

A £24 million pound signing from Marseille, Drogba has arguably been the lynchpin of Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea, often unplayable, particularly in big games.

A tally of 157 goals in 341 games speaks for itself. As does the silverware he leaves Stamford Bridge with, including three Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, two League Cups and of course one Champions League.

Below is our effort at compiling his top 10 Chelsea goals.

The first goal. Didier Drogba v Crystal Palace (August 24, 2004)

For more read here »

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

Related video link: David Beckham honored at Sports Spectacular gala in Los Angeles.

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

Video: Barcelona unveil their kits for 2012/2013.

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

Its a well known footballers superstition apparently. You simply don’t touch a trophy on the way out from the tunnel before kick off.

Ukranian midfielder Anatoliy Tymoschuk, who played in defence due to suspensions for Bayern Munich against Chelsea in the Champions League final, committed the cardinal sin on Saturday night.

Tymoschuk brought the “curse” on his team mates by touching the trophy on the way out and the “curse of the Champions League” is also well known to fans.

On certain Bayern Munich forums, supporters have called for Tymoschuk to be sold for committing this cardinal sin. In truth the Ukranian was hardly over popular at the Allianz Arena but this seems a little harsh.

Video of Anatoliy Tymoschuk touching the Champions League trophy is here.

A couple of fan videos have emerged from Chelsea’s victorious Champions League final win:

Didier Drogba’s penalty from the Bayern Munich end at the Champions League final.

Gate 17: Chelsea fans view of the Champions League final.

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

“Chelsea have offered us 40 million euros but it has been refused. However, this club is closest to Lucas. We have also had contact from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who admires the player but we have not received an offer from them.” - Sao Paulo president Juvenal Juvencio.

Following their Champions League triumph in Munich, Roman Abramovich reportedly went into the Chelsea dressing room and told the victorious players that “this was just the beginning.”

If rumours of moves for Eden Hazard, Radamel Falcao and Lucas are to be beleived, the Russian oligarch is looking to win the Champions League next season as well.

His full name is Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva and the Sao Paulo attacking midfielder is one of the hottest prospects in world football.

Neymar might well be the name on many people’s lips in Europe when it comes to Brazilian starlets, but Lucas may well go on to be a bigger hit.

So what’s all the fuss about? Lucas has come through the ranks at Sao Paulo, a club known for its highly-rated youth programme, who also produced Kaka and the 19-year-old attacking midfielder has starred for Brazil at Under-19, Under-20 and more recently for the full national team.

A significant feature of almost all his goals are lung bursting runs where he beats a number of opponents followed by calm unerring finishes.

Lucas would settle in well at Chelsea, perhaps in a midfield three or wide attackin role. Jose Mourinho would also be licking his lips at using the 19-year-old in his midfield at Real Madrid.

Trouble is, Sao Paulo are well aware of what Lucas is worth. Contracted until 2016, they have slapped an 80 million euro buy out clause on the youngster.

Truth is, Lucas is worth it. But, would Chelsea smash their own record transfer fee on one of Brazil’s best youngsters?

Skills of the Week: Lucas pulls of a nuts, elastico & golazo (Sao Paulo) vs Ituano.

How to escape four opposition defenders: Lucas (Brazil) vs Bosnia.

Lucas Moura Skills With Sao Paulo & Brazil 2011-2012.

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

Montpellier’s Ligue 1 title success was one of the great stories of the 2011/2012 season, especially as it came at a fraction of the money spent by rivals PSG.

Another consequence of Montpellier’s surprise first place finish is that celebrity fan Remi Gaillard has released a new video.

Gaillard, a big name in France, is a man we have formerly described as “a cross between Billy Wingrove and Dom Joly.”

Quite simply Gaillard is a walking showboat, able to pull off some ridiculous trick shots with a football.

Sporting his Montpellier shirt, and with scenes of their title triumph and celebrations, Gaillard attempts, and succeeds with some terrific tricks.

Among the highlights are how Gaillard pulls off a “William Tell” trick shot and he also manages to flick a ball into a moving tire. Quality stuff.

The new Remi Gaillard video can be seen here.

Monday, May 21st, 2012

Related video link: Arjen Robben presented with half Holland, half Bayern Munich shirt, ahead of Tuesday’s friendly.

After the jump, a ridiculous picture of Arjen Robben and his wife at Bayern Munich’s post-match dinner after the Champions League final.

For more read here »