Football news

Former European Footballer of the Year Michael Owen has completed a surprise free transfer move to Manchester United, the Premier League champions said yesterday.

"Michael is a world class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question," said manager Alex Ferguson.

"Coming to Manchester United with the expectations that we have is something that Michael will relish," he added on the club's official website (www.manutd.com).

Owen, 29, had been out of contract after deciding to leave relegated Newcastle United and becomes Alex Ferguson's second signing of the close-season following Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia's move from Wigan Athletic on Tuesday.

Real give up on signing Villa

Real Madrid have abandoned their pursuit of Valencia striker David Villa after buying Karim Benzema from Olympique Lyon, director general Jorge Valdano said.

"Benzema fulfils the goal of having a striker, a goal scorer who brings a lot of presence and aggression to the forward line," Valdano told reporters when asked if the Frenchman's arrival had put an end to their bid for Villa.

"Benzema and Villa both have these characteristics so the answer to your question is yes."

Montella decides to stop 'flying'

Vincenzo Montella has decided to retire despite a year remaining on his Roma contract.

The 35-year-old striker decided not to join up with his team-mates for the start of pre-season training on Thursday and will instead be put in charge of one of the club's youth teams.

The diminutive former Fulham forward, who was nicknamed the little aeroplane, played 20 times for his country, scoring three goals.

He was part of the Roma team that won the Serie A title in 2001 but with his retirement only Francesco Totti still remains from that title-winning squad.

After beginning his career in Serie C with Empoli and moving up a division to join Genoa, Montella made his name during three seasons at Sampdoria in Serie A, earning himself a €25m move to Roma in 1999.

Di Matteo to stick with traditions

New West Brom boss Roberto di Matteo promised Baggies fans he would stay true to the club's traditions of attacking football.

The 39-year-old former Italy midfielder, who made his name as a manager in the English lower leagues with MK Dons, has arrived at the Hawthorns following the club's relegation from the English Premier League last season.

Di Matteo said: "My philosophy is to play winning football.

"We have our view on how we would like to achieve that success. I think that will turn out to be a positive style of football and we'll try to apply that this season."

Di Matteo has brought Eddie Newton and Ade Mafe from MK Dons as assistant head coach and head of sports science respectively.

Donovan warning over Beckham

Landon Donovan has issued the LA Galaxy an ultimatum - have David Beckham clean up his act or risk the departure of Donovan, the club's all-time top active scorer.

"Let's say he does stay here for three more years. I'm not going to spend the next three years of my life doing it this way. This is miserable," Donovan said.

Donovan blasted Beckham in the book, "The Beckham Experiment", questioning the former England captain's work ethic, leadership and ability to be a good team-mate on the MLS squad.

"Maybe he's not a leader. Maybe he's not a captain," Donovan said.

Donovan is one of the most decorated players in Galaxy history.

Maradona wants venue change

Argentina want to play arch-rivals Brazil at Rosario Central and not River Plate in their World Cup qualifier on September 5 to generate more support from the fans, coach Diego Maradona said.

Players had asked to move the game to Rosario Central's tight Gigante de Arroyito ground because they needed more support as they sought a place at the 2010 finals in South Africa, he said.

"The other day in Ecuador (the crowd) they all shouted and here (in Buenos Aires) nothing happens," Maradona said complaining of the lack of atmosphere at River.

River's Monumental stadium has a running track around the pitch and the crowd is not close to the action.

Hamburg sign Ze Roberto

Former Brazil midfielder Ze Roberto signed a two-year contract with Hamburg SV.

"We're delighted Ze Roberto opted to sign with us," said Hamburg coach Bruno Labbadia.

"He's an excellent player with an incredible amount of experience."

The 34-year-old's contract with Bayern Munich expired at the end of last season.

Ze Roberto won four Bundesliga championships and four German Cups with Bayern. He gained 84 caps for his country, scoring six goals.