Diego Forlan Receives Standing Ovation from Kolkata Football Fans

Uruguayan striker and World Cup Golden Ball winner Diego Forlan received a standing ovation from thousands of Kolkata's (India) soccer crowd on Sunday (1st Aug, 2010). Diego is in Kolkata to co-host a football reality show for private TV channel Mahuaa Bangla, which concluded with the exhibition match between The Challengers and city soccer giants Mohun Bagan


World Cup's Golden Ball winner Diego Forlan was Sunday accorded a standing ovation by thousands of soccer fans as he appeared in an exhibition soccer at the Salt Lake Stadium here. 31-year-old Diego Forlan assisted 1994's winning Brazil defender Branco in coaching The Challengers.

The match ended 2-0 in favor of Mohun Bagan, where goals came from Isfaq Ahmed and Santosh Oraon.

"I love this city and the people for giving me this chance to come here," Forlan told the crowd in broken English.

Wearing blue T-shirt with white stripes and blue jeans and sneakers Forlan opened the game for Challeger by passing the ball from center.

Image Courtesy: Indiablooms.com

Wesley Sneijder Staying With The Nerazzurri

Soren Lerby, agent of Wesley Sneijder has told that his client will not move from Italian club Inter Milan this season. The runner-up member of this year's football World Cup was previously linked with two Manchester Clubs, City and United.

However, Lerby insists there is no reason to leave, and is fully confident his man will remain at the club.

Wesley Sneijder was even linked to Spanish giant Real Madrid as former Inter coach Jose Mourinho is now in charge of the Spanish side. However, Sneijder himself at one point during the summer seemed open to the idea of returning to Madrid but it is now can be said that he is staying with the Nerazzurri.

"This is one of those years in which everything is beautiful and perfect. It's difficult that Wesley will forget everything that has happened this year," the agent told Calcionews24.com.

"He has made history and everyone is happy for that. His future? That is with Inter, there are no doubts or problems about this."

Israeli Midfielder Biram Kayal Signs for Celtic

Maccabi Haifa's Biram Kayal has signed for Celtic club on four-year contract. This was possible after he sucured a work permit. Earlier this week chief executive of the Scottish club Celtic, Mr. Peter Lawwell had a talk with 22-year-old Biram in Glasgow.

Biram Kayal plays in mid-field and has made more than 100 appearances for Maccabi Haifa and 13 appearances for his country Israel.

Biram is now Neil Lennon's seventh summer signing after Efrain Juarez from Pumas and Joe Ledley from Cardiff City.

Mano Menezes is New Brazilian Football Coach till 2014 World Cup

Brazil has named its new football coach. Mano Menezes is now the new coach of Brazil's National football team. Brazil has named Menezes name on Saturday and signed him till 2014 World Cup that would be held in Brazil.

Earlier Muricy Ramalho was the first choice to replace Dunga, but he turned down the offer and opted to stay in Brazilian club Fluminense.

Menezes coached Brazilian club Corinthians from 2008-10. He was released from his contract with the club to become Brazil's new manager. Menezes previously coached Brazilian club Gremio.

"I have always dreamed of one day becoming the national team's coach, and that day came sooner than I expected," Menezes told a news conference.

Menezes led Gremio to promotion to Brazil's top division in 2005. He also led the team to second place in the Copa Libertadores, which is South America's top club event, during his tenure. Menezes also returned Corinthians to the top flight and claimed the Brazilian Cup last season with the club.

Brazil will play its first match under Menezes on Aug. 10 against the United States.