McLaren up Hamilton pay offer

UPPING THE ANTE ... Lewis Hamilton has been offered a better deal by McLaren

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CHELSEA are plotting a £45million swoop for Colombian superstar Radamel Falcao.

Preliminary discussions have already taken place about a January move for the Atletico Madrid goal machine.
And Blues owner Roman Abramovich has given the green light to a formal bid after watching Falcao destroy his team in last month’s UEFA Super Cup.
The European champions now believe they cannot achieve their ambitions with Fernando Torres as their only front-line striker.

And they are already holding internal talks to work out the best way of being first in the queue for Falcao when the transfer window reopens in January.
A Chelsea source admitted: “The groundwork is already being done for Falcao.
“The owner wants everything in place now so a deal can be done before any other club can make a counter-offer.”

Falcao, 26, has scored an astonishing 115 goals in just three years in European football, including a Monaco hat-trick against Chelsea in the Super Cup.
Atletico paid £32million to sign him from Porto only last summer, but up to half of that fee is believed to have been provided by a third party investment fund which includes the player’s representative Jorge Mendes.

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JT quits England

JT's highs and lows

SEP 2001 One of four Chelsea stars fined for their behaviour at a hotel on the day after 9/11 attacks.

JUNE 2002 Misses World Cup due to assault and affray charge.

AUG 2004 Appointed Chelsea captain.

MAY 2008 Fluffs kick in Champions League shootout final against Manchester United.

JAN 2010 JT’s alleged relationship with Wayne Bridge’s ex-girlfriend is revealed.

FEB 2010 Bridge refuses to shake his hand before match with Man City.

OCT 2011 Terry accused of making a racist slur against Anton Ferdinand.

APR 2012 Terry captains Chelsea to a 1-0 home win over Barcelona in Champions League semi-final first leg. But then is sent off in second leg.

JULY 2012 Cleared by court of making a racist insult to Ferdinand.

SEP 2012 QPR ace Ferdinand refuses to shake his hand.

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Real Madrid 3 Man City 2

SPECIAL RON ... Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his late winner

Last Updated: 19th September 2012

JOSE MOURINHO celebrated Cristiano Ronaldo’s winner by sliding across the pitch on his knees.

City’s players were on their knees too — devastated that they had lost having taken the lead with just five minutes left.
It was an astonishing end to an astonishing opening Champions League game in which City had battled so hard to prevent themselves being completely overwhelmed.
Somehow they found themselves 2-1 in front when Aleksandar Kolarov squeezed in a free-kick.
It restored the advantage Roberto Mancini’s men had taken on 69 minutes thanks to Edin Dzeko’s opener — a strike which was soon cancelled out by Marcelo.

ALL SMILES ... bosses Roberto Mancini and Jose Mourinho meet

Real fans were streaming out of the stadium, resigned to another defeat to add to an awful start to the season which had seen them lose two and draw one of their opening four games in La Liga.
But Karim Benzema equalised on 87 minutes then Ronaldo sparked Mourinho’s wild celebrations, which Chelsea fans may have recognised.

BIG HART ... Joe Hart denies Gonzalo Higuain

Ronaldo’s shot in the 90th minute was not bad but, had Vincent Kompany stood firm, it would have hit him in the face.
Instead, the City skipper ducked out of the way and the ball dipped under the diving Joe Hart.

CRIS CROSS ... Ronaldo fires in a shot across goal

It was no more than Real deserved because they had 30 shots on goal — a third of them by Ronaldo — to City’s eight.
Mancini knew how important it was to make a good start in a group which also includes Ajax and Borussia Dortmund.
All four sides are champions of their respective countries and it will be no easy task for City to get through as one of the top two.

SIDELINED ... Mario Balotelli watches his City team-mates from the stands

Last season, they racked up 10 points and still failed to qualify so they wanted at least a point here to give them a decent platform for the challenges ahead.
Mancini had likened his team to a Ferrari in pre-match but they could not get out of neutral during the first half.
There was no sign of Real being in disarray or any disgruntlement from Ronaldo, who has complained about not being loved enough by the Spanish club.

TO THE RESCUE ... Hart saves from Higuain

The former Manchester United winger had a personal duel with Hart in the early stages, twice cutting inside and unleashing shots which the England keeper saved by diving to his left.
City’s new signing Maicon, once a Champions League winner under Mourinho at Inter Milan, could not cope.

DZEK ME OUT ... Edin Dzeko's joy on giving Man City the lead

Maicon was destroyed by Tottenham’s Gareth Bale a couple of years ago and here he was given the runaround again by Ronaldo.
The Portuguese saw another shot deflected to Sami Khedira, whose loose ball over the bar left Ronaldo looking disgusted.

MAKING HIS MARC ... Marcelo is delighted with his equaliser for 1-1

Five minutes before the break, Gonzalo Higuain should have scored when he stuck out a leg three yards out but could only divert Angel di Maria’s cross over.
Once again, Ronaldo did not look impressed.

HEAD SCRATCHER ... Jose Mourinho wonders how to make the breakthrough

It was more of the same after the break with City penned in their own half. Yet unbelievably, despite all the pressure, City scored with 21 minutes left and Yaya Toure was the creator.
The Ivorian wrested the ball from Pepe in his own half and burst down the right. Sub Dzeko — brought on five minutes earlier for David Silva — peeled away and Toure’s pass into his run was perfect.

ALEKS THE GREAT ... City players congratulate Kolarov

The Bosnian gave Iker Casillas the eyes, sent him the wrong way, then slotted a left-foot shot into the net.
Toure was an absolute beast and nearly got a sensational second only to hit the side-netting as he was challenged.

BIG BEN ... Karim Benzema celebrates his late leveller

But the lead lasted just seven minutes before Marcelo — who had been narrowly off target from distance three times since half-time — found the target at last. He left Kompany for dead and hit a shot which deflected in off Javi Garcia, giving Hart no chance.
We expected City to try to hang on as Real pushed for a winner.

DELIGHT ... Jose Mourinho punches the air at the final whistle

But when City won a free-kick five minutes from time, Kolarov’s curling delivery from the right found the corner.
They could not keep the lead though and sub Benzema turned Matija Nastasic on the edge of the area to fire low beyond Hart. The City keeper then made a flying save to deny Ronaldo and it seemed City had at least managed a draw.
But Ronaldo had the final word which broke City hearts.
DREAM TEAM RATINGS
STAR MAN - CRISTIANO RONALDO
REAL MADRID: Casillas 6, Arbeloa 6, Pepe 6, Varane 6, Marcelo 7, Khedira 6, Essien 7, Alonso 8, Di Maria 7, Ronaldo 8, Higuain 7. Subs: Ozil (Essien 64) 6; Benzema (Higuain 72) 7; Modric (Khedira 72) 6. Not used: Adan, Ramos, Coentrao, Kaka.
MAN CITY: Hart 7, Maicon 5, Kompany 5, Nastasic 5, Clichy 6, Y Toure 8, Barry 6, Garcia 6, Silva 6, Nasri 5, Tevez 6. Subs: Kolarov (Nasri 36) 5; Dzeko (Silva 63) 7; Zabaleta (Maicon 73) 6. Not used: Pantilimon, Lescott, Aguero, Rodwell. Booked: Garcia, Kompany, Dzeko.

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Time for a celebration

Champ shuns glory while entourage hunts for watch

Clocking in ... Murray poses with the US Open trophy and his sponsor's watch

Published: 11th September 2012

ANDY Murray was desperate to get his hands on the Grand Slam trophy - and his WATCH following last night's epic win.

The tennis titan looked panicked as he and his entourage scrambled for the £2,580 Rado D-Star Automatic Chronograph, donated by Murray’s sponsor.
On-court microphones caught him saying, "I don't have it, I don't have it", as he gestured to his wrist and called out to girlfriend Kim Sears, who was donning a bling timepiece herself.

Watch out ... Murray shrugs his shoulders as his entourage rummage around for his posh timepiece

Just three months ago, watchmakers Rado named Murray as a brand ambassador in a deal reportedly worth a seven-figure sum.
Luckily for the tennis star, he found the watch in time to flaunt it alongside his resplendent trophy.
Murray battled for almost five hours at the US Open final to become Britain’s first male major tournament winner in a staggering 76 years.

World class ... Djokovic and Murray stand together at the end of the match

In front of a wild crowd at New York’s Flushing Meadows stadium, he beat Serbia’s Novak Djokovic 7-6 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 – marking a jubilant end to a sensational summer of sport.
Speaking afterwards, 25-year-old Murray revealed a trip to the TOILET was key to his stunning Grand Slam victory last night.
He said: "I had to change my game plan as Novak started going for it when the wind dropped.

Andy Murray's girlfriend Kim Sears cheers on her man from the stands

Come on ... girlfriend Kim Sears cheers on Murray

Rex

"I was still guiding it a little and Novak forced his way back.
"So I went to the toilet and said to myself, 'Give it everything you've got in this final set'.”

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BRITISH tennis ace describes his feelings after beating Novak Djokovic in the final of US Open

"I was obviously very emotional. I cried a little bit on the court. You're not sad; you're incredibly happy. You have a bit of disbelief because when I have been in that position many times before and not won, you do think, is it ever going to happen?
"When I was serving for the match, there was a sense of how big a moment that is in British tennis history.
"It's great to have finally done it. I hope it inspires some kids to play tennis and also that it takes away the notion that British tennis players choke or don't win - or it's not a good sport. Tennis is in a very good place in the UK right now."

Great Britain's Andy Murray celebrates beating Switzerland's Roger Federer in Great Britain's Andy Murray celebrates beating Switzerland's Roger Federer in the Men's Final at Wimbledon, London.the Men's Final at Wimbledon, London.

Golden ... Murray at Olympics

Murray is the first Brit male Grand Slam winner since Fred Perry was crowned Wimbledon champion in 1936.
The stunning victory comes nearly five weeks after he beat Roger Federer and scooped gold at the Olympics.
It was the Scot's fifth bid for a Grand Slam title after enduring the agony of losing four finals, including his Wimbledon defeat in July this year.

Sporting ... Murray and Djokovic clasp each other after the gruelling match

The Dunblane star admitted he had been wracked by self-doubt ahead of last night’s crucial game.
He said: "There were times for sure after Wimbledon this year when you wonder whether it will ever happen.
"I slept fine last night but I started to doubt myself a lot before this final.

Click here to download the latest flash player.

"BRITISH tennis is in a good place" says Andy Murray after historic win over Novak Djokovic

"I don't mean to be disrespectful to Roger, Rafa and Novak but they all won their first Slam against players who had never won one.
"So it's always been a mental battle for me. And it was mentally tough for me here as Novak battles until the end.
"I don't know how I came through after some tough matches here. “

Kim Sears and Andy's mum Judy Murray celebrate Andy winning the US Open title

Joy ... Kim Sears and Andy's mum Judy Murray

REX

Murray’s US Open triumph was hailed by millions worldwide.
Writing on Twitter, the Prime Minister said: "Delighted Andy Murray is continuing a golden summer of sport by winning the US Open. A truly great victory"
Manchester United ace Rio Ferdinand claimed his “boss” Sir Alex Ferguson, who was at the tennis match, may have given Murray his infamous “hairdryer” treatment, in which Fergie blasts players with a face-to-face explosion of rage.

Jubilant ... Murray celebrates in Wimbledon after winning the Olympic Games Tennis against Federer

Murray's delighted mum Judy took to Twitter to post pictures of her son's triumphant post-match dinner - including a fresh fruit platter, ice cream, chocolate mousse, a black cherry sorbet and a margarita - with the caption "Celebration station".
Meanwhile, cycling champ Chris Hoy tweeted: “So pleased for Andy Murray, thoroughly deserved after the frustrations of the last couple of years. Great job mate!”
British number one Murray paid tribute to his coach Ivan Lendl, saying: “He’s one of the greatest players ever to play the game and it’s great to have him here supporting me in the toughest moments.
“Not just him but everyone who’s been there from the start, so thanks very much.”

Pride ... even tough coach Ivan Lendl managed to crack a smile after Murray's win

Djokovic said: “It wasn’t to be but I want to congratulate Andy on his first Grand Slam. He absolutely deserves it.
“And of course to his support team as well, this is their success too.
“I tried my best and gave it my all, it was another tremendous match to be a part of.”

Manchester United boss and fellow Scot Alex Ferguson watches Andy Murray in New York

Support ... United boss Alex Ferguson, who Rio Ferdinand suspects may have given Murray the infamous 'hairdryer' treatment

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SHIRLEY and Roy Erskine react from Dunblane after watching grandson claim first Grand Slam in US Open

Making of a champion: Murray's road to Grand Slam glory

ONE phrase keeps coming up to describe Andy Murray: “Unbelievably competitive.”
This is what junior coach Leon Smith, now one of the most important figures in British tennis, labelled the five-year-old Murray when he first saw him wielding a racquet in Dunblane in 1993.
Some of his sporting grit comes from a gene pool that includes pro footballer grandfather Roy Erskine who played for Hibernian, Stirling Albion and Cowdenbeath.
Some too comes from the challenges he has faced, including the Dunblane massacre of 1996.

Promise ... an eight-year-old Murray practises his back-hand

But the Murray steel was also forged in the shadow of his older brother Jamie amid a sibling rivalry that spilled onto the tennis court.
As a youngster, Jamie was rated the second best junior player in the world and beating him became Andy’s greatest motivation.
He shunned the usual route through the Lawn Tennis Association and headed for Spain in his teens.

Inspiration ... Tim Henman meets Murray in La Manga, Spain in September 2004

REX

Murray moved to Barcelona, where he trained on the clay courts of the Sanchez-Casal Academy.
In 2004, he won the junior US Open where it became obvious he was a star in the making.
After ditching former Andre Agassi coach Brad Gilbert, Murray soared to the world’s top four, reaching the final of the US Open in 2008 against Roger Federer on the way.

Youth ... a shaggier Murray in 2008 at the Open 13 tennis tournament in Marseille, France

He lost in straight sets but vowed to go one better.
Over four years, three more grand slam finals have followed and three more losses.
At the end of last year, he hired eight-time grand slam champion and no-nonsense hardman Ivan Lendl as coach.

Rivalry ... Federer holds his trophy next to Murray following the Wimbledon final earlier this year

It nearly paid off in July’s Wimbledon final against Federer – the first for a British man in 74 years.
The 25-year-old fought back tears after his defeat but gained invaluable confidence and a new-found love from the public.
But three weeks later, Murray returned to Wimbledon for the Olympics and won gold.
This paved the way to his stunning triumph last night at the Arthur Ashe Stadium – tennis’ biggest and brashest arena – in Flushing Meadows for his fifth, fateful grand slam final.

Glory ... Murray unfurls the Union Jack after his Olympic triumph last month

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Medal count

PARALYMPICS MEDALS TABLE
Rank by Gold	Country	Gold	Silver	Bronze	TOTAL
1	People's Republic of China	95	71	65	231
2	Russian Federation	36	38	28	102
3	Great Britain	34	43	43	120
4	Ukraine	32	24	28	84
5	Australia	32	23	30	85
6	United States of America	31	29	38	98
7	Brazil	21	14	8	43
8	Germany	18	26	22	66
9	Poland	14	13	9	36
10	Netherlands	10	10	19	39
11	Islamic Republic of Iran	10	7	7	24
12	Republic of Korea	9	9	9	27
13	Italy	9	8	11	28
14	Tunisia	9	5	5	19
15	Cuba	9	5	3	17
16	France	8	19	18	45
17	Spain	8	18	16	42
18	South Africa	8	12	9	29
19	Ireland	8	3	5	16
20	Canada	7	15	9	31
21	New Zealand	6	7	4	17
22	Nigeria	6	5	2	13
23	Mexico	6	4	11	21
24	Japan	5	5	6	16
25	Belarus	5	2	3	10
26	Algeria	4	6	9	19
27	Azerbaijan	4	5	3	12
28	Egypt	4	4	7	15
29	Sweden	4	4	4	12
30	Austria	4	3	6	13
31	Thailand	4	2	2	8
32	Finland	4	1	1	6
33	Switzerland	3	6	4	13
34	Hong Kong, China	3	3	6	12
35	Norway	3	2	3	8
36	Belgium	3	1	3	7
37	Morocco	3	0	3	6
38	Hungary	2	6	6	14
39	Serbia	2	3	0	5
40	Kenya	2	2	2	6
41	Slovakia	2	1	3	6
42	Czech Republic	1	6	4	11
43	Turkey	1	5	4	10
44	Greece	1	3	8	12
45	Israel	1	2	5	8
46	United Arab Emirates	1	1	1	3
47	Latvia	1	1	0	2
47	Namibia	1	1	0	2
47	Romania	1	1	0	2
50	Denmark	1	0	4	5
51	Angola	1	0	1	2
52	Bosnia and Herzegovina	1	0	0	1
52	Chile	1	0	0	1
52	Fiji	1	0	0	1
52	Iceland	1	0	0	1
52	Jamaica	1	0	0	1
52	Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia	1	0	0	1
58	Croatia	0	2	3	5
59	Bulgaria	0	2	1	3
59	Iraq	0	2	1	3
61	Colombia	0	2	0	2
62	Argentina	0	1	4	5
63	Portugal	0	1	2	3
63	Taipei (Chinese Taipei)	0	1	2	3
65	Malaysia	0	1	1	2
65	Singapore	0	1	1	2
67	Cyprus	0	1	0	1
67	Ethiopia	0	1	0	1
67	India	0	1	0	1
67	Saudi Arabia	0	1	0	1
67	Slovenia	0	1	0	1
67	Uzbekistan	0	1	0	1
73	Venezuela	0	0	2	2
74	Indonesia	0	0	1	1
74	Sri Lanka	0	0	1	1

That's all, folks! Wonderful London 2012 Paralympics wrap up with spectacular closing ceremony

Stunning effects and raw courage signalled the end of the Paralympic Games in London on Sunday night.
The closing ceremony - billed as the Festival of the Flame - lived up to its name as flame throwers, blazing torches and a gigantic heart of fire lit up the Olympic Stadium.
An awed audience roared with delight, particularly for Britain's joint flagbearers wheelchair racer David Weir and cyclist Sarah Storey, who each won four golds.

Dazzling: Fireworks fill the sky as the London 2012 Paralympics come to a close

Stunning: An external view of the stadium

Heroes: David Weir and Sarah Storey with the British flag

Flag bearers: Athletes show their country's flags off

They were also moved by the grit and determination of legless war hero Captain Luke Sinnott - who hauled himself up a flagpole to proudly fly the Union Flag.
The courageous 32-year-old lost his limbs in 2010 after volunteering to search an area 'saturated' with improvised explosive devices to protect his comrades.
Organisers described his role in the ceremony as 'a supreme feat of strength and courage'.

Star billing: Pop band Coldplay appeared during the show

Link-up: Rihanna performs with Chris Martin of Coldplay

Pop queen: Rihanna wowed the crowd

Who's this? Megastar Jay-Z helped close the Paralympics

Magical: Athletes enjoy the ceremony

Loved the Games: A heart of flames is displayed on the arena floor

Blind autistic singer Lissa Hermans, who also performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this year, sang the National Anthem.
So, seven years, two months and three days after London was awarded the Olympic and Paralympic Games of 2012, the baton was passed to Rio de Janeiro.
'Nothing else compares,' sang Chris Martin as Coldplay played Clocks, marking the ticking of time and the conclusion of a great adventure which began on July 6, 2005 in Singapore when London was named host city of the Games of the XXX Olympiad and XIV Paralympiad.

Symbol: The Agitos logo is displayed during the closing ceremony

Present and correct: Boris Johnson watched on

Well done: Ireland's Michael McKillop receives the Whang Youn Dai Award

'Para-para-paradise,' Martin also sang. It could have been written for the Paralympics, the Parallel Games, as we celebrated the end of a glorious, wondrous summer of sporting spectacle, punctuated by British success on home soil.
It was a time for reflection and we were left to wonder when we will see the like of London 2012 again. But this was also a celebration of the time of our lives. Of the best Paralympics yet.
The After Party, as Paralympians like to call the Games, thrilled like none of the previous 13 editions had done so.
Over 4,200 athletes from 164 nations competed for 503 medals, performing to the peak of their physical capabilities and changing perceptions of what is possible.

Welcome: Martin helps Rihanna get her groove on

Toot toot: The Earl of Wessex arrives

London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe summed it up.

He said: 'These past few weeks we've shared some wonderful days, haven't we? Days where incredible people have performed feats we hardly thought possible. Days in these Paralympic Games where our minds were opened to what people can do, to what can be achieved by sheer talent and determination.

Speakers: LOCOG Chairman Lord Sebastian Coe (left) and President of the IPC Sir Philip Craven

'We will never think of sport the same way and we will never think of disability in the same way. The Paralympics have lifted the cloud of limitation.'

International Paralympic Committee president Sir Philip Craven added: 'This is an event absolutely no-one wants to end. These Games have changed us all together.'

Images aplenty stand out from the 11 days of competition, which concluded today with David Weir racing his wheelchair down The Mall, London's most picturesque boulevard, to a fourth gold of his home Games.

Busy scene: The closing ceremony was hectic

Sizzle: Flame throwers light up the arena

Thank you: Games Makers are shown recognition for their fantastic work

The extravaganza celebrated the human spirit, evident in abundance, particularly over the last 11 days, as the Paralympics altered perceptions.
Few embodied the human spirit as much as the London 2012 volunteers, who suitably were honoured along with Irishman Michael McKillop and Mary Nakhumicha Zakayo of Kenya, who received The Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award for 'demonstrating exceptional qualities in sporting excellence and other areas of their lives'.

Just as we had been dazzled in sporting competition, the closing ceremony amazed, astounded and at times baffled, with scenes resembling Mad Max and flame throwers fired, fireflies descending from the sky and delight on the faces of all.

Fancy seeing you here: Johnson with Ken Livingstone

Hang down: A flaming backdrop is suspended in the Olympic Stadium

Coldplay, Rihanna and Jay Z performed with the same energy and enthusiasm demonstrated by the athletes as the flame was extinguished by swimmer Ellie Simmonds and amputee sprinter Jonnie Peacock.

Over to Rio. There are 1425 days until the Rio Olympics, 1459 to the Paralympics and Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, passed the flag to his Brazilian counterpart, sparking a carnival of colour.

The time cannot tick quickly enough.

On the up: Captain Luke Sinnott climbs to hang the Union Flag

Swirly: An unorthodox view of the Olympic Stadium

Paralympic Games closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London.

Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

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~~Sir Chris Hoy got a ‘little bit emotional’ once more on Monday as nearly a million people filled the streets of central London to salute Great Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic teams.~~
~~Mind you, the heady concoction of sport and success we have witnessed this summer has a habit of doing that to all of us.~~
Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford was ‘teary’ and David Weir - the apparent hard man who won four Paralympic gold medals - admitted he, too, had a ‘good cry’ after winning the T54 marathon on Sunday.

~~Capital gains: London awash with celebration and colour as people filled the streets to cheer the summer's sporting heroes~~

~~Red, white and blue: The Red Arrows put on an aerobatic display to commemorate Britain's Olympic and Paralympic successes~~

~~Monday's parade of athletes was our first chance to see Britain’s Olympians and Paralympians side by side, given the billing their performances have merited over the last six weeks.~~
~~It was about celebrating the achievement of ‘the best athletes that have ever put on a British vest’, saying ‘thank you’ for the 185 medals Britain won since July 29.~~
It was also an opportunity for the team to see ‘the joy on people’s faces’, as Hoy put it. But it was more like a mutual appreciation society as they thanked the flag-waving British public; the Games Makers, the ever-smiling volunteers who lined The Mall and the servicemen and women, police and security staff who had kept them safe.

~~Proud: The likes of Tom Daley were paraded with their medals in front of Team GB's many fans on their way to Buckingham Palace~~

~~Address: Prime minister David Cameron (left) delivered a speech next to Princess Anne, Princess Royal and mayor of London Boris Johnson~~

Hoy, who won two gold medals in London to become the most successful British Olympian of all time, said: ‘You looked at the sheer volume of people who turned out here and it was our chance, as athletes, to thank the public. There’s an amazing response that these little lumps of metal, the medals, have with them.
~~‘It is a surreal thing to experience when you see hundreds of thousands of people smiling, taking part in a common celebration.~~
‘I honestly thought four years ago it couldn’t get any bigger than the reception we had after Beijing and this was on a different scale altogether. When you looked down a side street you could see a mass of people just disappearing into the distance. This is another day that will go down in my memory.’

~~Gold standard: Jessica Ennis, Sir Chris Hoy and Greg Rutherford were among those to attract the biggest cheer from the crowds packed into the streets~~

Hoy seemed a little overawed as he carefully put the latest medals into a little black felt bag. But it wasn’t enough to inspire the 36-year-old to continue his 35-hour-a-week training sessions until the Rio de Janeiro Games.
The Scot did say, however, he will wait 12 months before making a decision about whether to compete at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The cycling will take place in the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, after all.
~~But that is for later. This was a day of celebration; a chance for one last collective cheer for the faces who had made an unforgettable summer.~~

~~Have we seen that somewhere before? Mo Farah gave his adoring public exactly what they wanted with a 'mobot'~~

~~Tri-ing to enjoy themselves: Jonathan and Alistair Brownlee got in on the party atmosphere alongside Tom Daley, Victoria Pendleton and Nicola Adams~~

~~As Lord Coe said, those who filled Trafalgar Square ‘get it’. They understood the scale of what we had seen - and shared - over the past six weeks and they wanted to shout about it.~~
Andy Murray, who had more pressing concerns at the US Open last night, and the men’s road cycling team, including Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish, who were otherwise engaged on the Tour of Britain, were the only notable absentees.
Diver Tom Daley saw a few marriage proposals on signs along the two-and-a-half-mile route from London’s Guildhall to Buckingham Palace and Zara Phillips can never have had such an exciting journey to her grandmother’s house. ‘I think there were a lot of people skiving work today,’ she joked.

~~Swimmer Stephanie Millward~~

~~Paralympian David Weir~~

~~Wheelchair rugby's David Anthony~~

~~Everyone's invited: More than a million lined every inch of the route from Mansion House to Buckingham Palace~~

Katherine Grainger, who won gold in London in the double sculls with Anna Watkins after three silver medals, said: ‘It was slow enough that you could make eye contact with people who were genuinely touched and passionate and excited about reliving the Olympics all over again.
‘You just think “Wow. How lucky are we to be athletes at this time, in this country, at a home Games and performing at this level?”’ Life will never be the same for many of these sportsmen and women.

~~Catching a glimpse: The streets were packed full of well wishers cheering and waving flags at those who filtered past~~

~~Getting ready to party: Mo Farah was in high spirits as he and millions more descended on London for an epic street party on the streets of the capital city~~

~~Heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis said she has to do a lot of internet shopping these days because her popularity has gone ‘to a whole new level’. Weir said he felt like a ‘rock star’.~~
Alistair Brownlee, who won triathlon gold as his brother Jonny took bronze, said: ‘It feels like life has changed for ever. We came down to London on a train (for the Olympics) but we went home in a helicopter.’

~~Thanks for your help: Prime Minister David Cameron will be in attendance as will 14,000 volunteers~~

~~Mo-bots: Games Makers join in the fun with a tribute to double gold medal winner Mo Farah~~

Yet, alongside the overriding joy and pride, there was a tinge of sadness that something great was over. There was much talk of legacy, about this being only the first chapter in inspiring a generation - or creating a new one, if you believe Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s prediction of a post-Games baby boom.
~~Ennis, Weir and Rutherford spoke passionately about the need to keep the Olympic Stadium as an athletics facility, to contain the ‘incredible memories created there’.~~

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SERENA WILLIAMS let fly a final knockout punch at the end of an incredible summer and purred: “I feel awesome.”

The American bagged her 15th Grand Slam title on Sunday night after seeing off world No 1 Victoria Azarenka 6-2 2-6 7-5 in a US Open final thriller.
After being dumped out of the French Open in the first round, Williams came back to win Wimbledon, the Olympics and now her fourth US Open crown.
She said: “A champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.
“I have fallen several times. Each time I just get up and I dust myself off and I pray and I’m able to do better or I’m able to get back to the level that I want to be on.
“So I feel awesome that I have been able to do that and that I can do that and I have done that.
“You see great people like Muhammad Ali, for instance, who is a complete person I have always looked up to in sports.
“He went to jail for so long and he came back as a champion again.
“So I just really think that really defines a champion.”

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TENNIS star Andy Murray netted a mighty £6.4million in off-court earnings last year.

The 25-year-old Scot aced big-money deals with kit makers Adidas and Head, Swiss watchmaker Rado and RBS bank.
And he’s tipped to make even more next year after battling Tomas Berdych in last night’s US Open semi-final, scooping Olympic gold and becoming the first Brit in the Wimbledon men’s singles final in 74 years.
A source said: “Andy’s had an incredible 12 months and you’d expect to see that reflected in his earnings.
“Winning tournaments can earn a player millions — but it’s worth far more than that in commercial terms.Companies will be lining up to have his face attached to their products — and they’ll be prepared to pay big bucks.
“If he continues to improve the way he has, there’s no telling how much he could make.”
Accounts for his company Parched Investments show he made £5.4million in merchandising and £940,000 in appearance fees for the year ending November 2011.
On court he made £570,000 after losing to Roger Federer at Wimbledon and will get at least £290,000 in the US Open.
With a fortune totalling £24million he is the UK’s third-richest young sportsman behind Man Utd ace Wayne Rooney and ex-F1 champ Lewis Hamilton.

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CRAIG BELLAMY admits he has struggled to cope with the death of Gary Speed.

The pair were team-mates for Wales and Newcastle and had formed a close friendship.
Speed, who had been the Welsh manager for 10 matches, was found hanged last November.
The Cardiff striker, 33, said: “Losing my best mate has affected everything. I can’t believe how hard it is.
“He was the best mate I’ve ever had."
Bellamy revealed he has since moved out of the family home where he lived with his wife and three children.
He added: "It’s sad but unfortunately it got to my marriage. I’m here and she’s there.
“I don’t know if that’s it for us. All I know is that my best mate has gone. I’m struggling. I can’t lie.
“I can’t tell you how hard it is. It’s the worst time in my life ever.”

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United’s £38m bid for Neymar

BIG-NEYM SIGNING ... Fergie wanted Brazil ace

MANCHESTER UNITED made a £38m deadline day attempt to land Brazil superstar Neymar.

The club record bid failed when the Santos ace, 20, said he wanted to stay put until after his country had hosted the 2014 World Cup.
United boss Alex Ferguson’s approach puts Wayne Rooney’s position at the club even further into question and the Scot will not be afraid to try again for the goalscoring sensation in the January transfer window.
United turned to Neymar after losing out to Paris St Germain in the chase for another Brazilian, Lucas Moura.
They had offered £32m for the Sao Paulo 19-year-old but the French club landed him for £38m.
Ferguson promptly turned to Neymar, who has hit 113 goals in 190 games for Santos but the bold approach failed.
It would have been the joint-highest fee paid for a player from outside the UK — alongside Manchester City’s purchase of Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid — and taken the club’s spending this summer to £80m.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have also courted Neymar, who scored three goals at the Olympic Games before Brazil lost the final to Mexico.

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CRISTIANO RONALDO has vowed he will never join Manchester City while Alex Ferguson is still boss at United.

Real Madrid’s £80million star is unhappy at the Bernabeu — and that has alerted big-spending City.
But a source close to Ronaldo, 27, said: “Cristiano has always been close to Alex Ferguson and even now they still talk. Cristiano simply would not risk hurting him by joining Ferguson’s immediate rivals.”
Ronaldo recently spelt out just what Ferguson meant to him.
He said: “When I arrived at United I was 18 and Sir Alex was like a father to me. He taught me many things.
“I worked with him for six years and he is a great human, a great coach. Sir Alex and Jose Mourinho are the two best coaches in the world.”
But Ronaldo is now unhappy with Mourinho’s Madrid as he wants a new deal worth £25m a year.

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KUHUSU LIGI KUU YA TANZANIA KUONYESHWA SUPER SPORT.

Mwanga wa neema unazidi kuimulika ligi kuu ya Tanzania bara, baada ya kusaini mkataba mpya mzuri na Vodacom kwa miaka mitatu, ligi hiyo inaelekea kupata udhamini kutoka kituo cha Tv cha Afrika kusini cha Supersport ambacho kitakua kinarusha live hizo mechi.
Ili kuweza kupata udhamini huo kumeandaliwa kipindi cha majaribio ya kurusha baadhi ya mechi za ligi msimu huu kupitia Supersport – ambacho kimepewa jina la “Supersport week in Tanzania”.
Supersport kupitia majaribio hayo wataonyesha mechi zifuatazo: Azam vs JKT Ruvu tarehe 28 mwezi huu, Simba vs Tanzania Prisons tarehe 29/9, African Lyon vs Yanga tarehe 30/9, na mechi watani wa jadi Simba vs Yanga ya tarehe 3/10
Baada ya majaribio hayo kuna asilimia kubwa ligi kuu ya msimu ujao wa 2013/14 ikaanza kuonyeshwa na kituo hicho maarufu barani Afrika. (Stori imeandaliwa na Shaffih Dauda)

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All the big Premier League ins and outs

Man City boss Roberto Mancini was pleased to snap up Brazil international Maicon

ARSENAL

TOTAL SPENDING £40m
IN: Santi Cazorla (Malaga, right, £16m), Olivier Giroud (Montpellier, £13m), Lukas Podolski (Cologne, £11m).
OUT: Robin van Persie (Man Utd, £22m), Alex Song (Barcelona, £15m), Kyle Bartley (Swansea, £1m), Henri Lansbury (Nottm Forest, £1m), Gavin Hoyte (Dag & Red, free), Manuel Almunia (Watford, free), Joel Campbell (Real Betis, loan), Denilson (Sao Paulo, loan), Ryo Miyaichi (Wigan, loan), Nicklas Bendtner (Juventus, loan), Ju Young Park (Celta Vigo, loan).

ASTON VILLA

TOTAL SPENDING £20.2m
IN: Christian Benteke (Genk, £7m), Matthew Lowton (Sheff Utd, £3m), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord, right, £3.2m), Ashley Westwood (Crewe, £2m), Karim El Ahmadi (Feyenoord, £2m), Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar, free), Joe Bennett (Middlesbrough, £2.5m), Jordan Bowery (Huddersfield, £500,000).
OUT: James Collins (W Ham, £2.5m), Carlos Cuellar (Sunderland, free), Nathan Delfouenso (Blackpool, loan), Emile Heskey (released), Brad Guzan (released).

CHELSEA

TOTAL SPENDING £83m
IN: Eden Hazard (Lille, right, £32m), Oscar (Internacional, £25m), Victor Moses (Wigan, £9m), Cesar Azpilicueta (Marseille, £8m), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen, £6m), Thorgan Hazard (Lens, £3m).
OUT: Didier Drogba (Shanghai Shenhua, free), Jacob Mellis (Barnsley, free), Salomon Kalou (Lille, free) Jose Bosingwa (QPR, free), Thibaut Courtous (Atletico Madrid, loan), Romelu Lukaku (West Brom, loan), Kevin De Bruyne (Werder Bremen, loan), Sam Hutchinson (Nottingham Forest, loan), Josh McEachran (Middlesbrough, loan), Thorgan Hazard (Zulte Waregem, loan), Gael Kakuta (Vitesse Arnhem, loan), Yossi Benayoun (West Ham, loan), Michael Essien (R Madrid, loan).

EVERTON

TOTAL SPENDING £11.6m
IN: Kevin Mirallas (Olympiakos, right, £5.3m), Steven Pienaar (Tottenham, £4.5m), Bryan Oviedo (Copenhagen, £1.6m), Matthew Kennedy (Kilmarnock, £200,000), Steven Naismith (Rangers, free).
OUT: Jack Rodwell (Man City, £15m), Tim Cahill (NY Red Bulls, £1m), Adam Forshaw (Brentford, undis), James Wallace (Tranmere undis), Joao Silva (Levski Sofia, undis), Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, undis), James McFadden, Marcus Hahnemann (both released).

FULHAM

TOTAL SPENDING £6m
IN: Dimitar Berbatov (Man Utd, £4m), Kieran Richardson (Sunderland, right, £2m), Hugo Rodallega (Wigan, free), Mladen Petric (Hamburg, free), George Williams (MK Dons, free), Sascha Riether (Cologne, loan), Ashkan Dejagah (Wolfsburg, undis).
OUT: Mousa Dembele (Spurs, £15m), Clint Dempsey (Spurs, £6m), Dickson Etuhu (Blackburn, £1.5m), Andrew Johnson (QPR, free), Danny Murphy (Blackburn, free), Pavel Pogrebnyak (Reading, free), Bjorn Helge Riise, Orlando Sa (both released).

LIVERPOOL

TOTAL SPENDING £27.8m
IN: Joe Allen (Swansea, right, £14m), Fabio Borini (Roma, £11m), Oussama Assaidi (Heerenveen, £2.8m), Nuri Sahin (Real Madrid, loan).
OUT: Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce, £1m), Charlie Adam (Stoke, £4m), Craig Bellamy (Cardiff, undis), Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina, undis), Fabio Aurelio (Gremio, free), David Amoo (Preston, free), Stephen Darby (Bradford, free), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell’s Old Boys, undis), Andy Carroll (West Ham, loan), Nathan Eccleston (Blackpool, undis).

MANCHESTER CITY

TOTAL SPENDING £52m
IN: Javi Garcia (Benfica, £16m), Jack Rodwell (Everton, right, £15m), Matija Nastasic (Fiorentina, £12m plus Stefan Savic), Scott Sinclair (Swansea, £6m), Maicon (Inter, £3m), Richard Wright (free).
OUT: Adam Johnson (S’land, £10m), Emmanuel Adebayor (Spurs, £5m), Nigel De Jong (AC Milan, £5m), Roque Santa Cruz (Malaga, loan), Vladimir Weiss (Pescara, undis), Owen Hargreaves (released), Stuart Taylor (Reading, free), Wayne Bridge (Brighton, loan), Dedryck Boyata (Twente, loan).

MANCHESTER UNITED

Robin van Persie's move to Manchester United wowed the Premier League

TOTAL SPENDING £46m
IN: Robin van Persie (Arsenal, right, £22m), Shinji Kagawa (Dortmund, £12m), Angelo Henriquez (Universidad de Chile, £4m), Nick Powell (Crewe, £4m), Alexander Buttner (Vitesse Arnhem, £4m).
OUT: Ji-Sung Park (QPR, £2m), Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham, £4m), Richie De Laet (Leicester, undis), Matty James (Leicester undis), Paul Pogba (Juventus, free), Tomasz Kuszczak (Brighton, free), Michael Owen (released), Fabio (QPR, loan), Ben Amos (Hull, loan).

NEWCASTLE

TOTAL SPENDING £7.85m
IN: Vurnon Anita (Ajax, right, £6.7m), Gael Bigirimana (Coventry, £750,000), Curtis Good (Melbourne, £400,000), Roman Amalfitano (Reims, Free).
OUT: Leon Best (Blackburn, £3m), Fraser Forster (Celtic, £2m), Danny Guthrie (Reading, free), Peter Lovenkrands (Birmingham, free), Alan Smith (MK Dons, free), Ryan Donaldson (released), Tamas Kadar (Roda JC, free).

NORWICH

TOTAL SPENDING £8.5m
IN: Sebastien Bassong (Tottenham, below, £4m), Robert Snodgrass (Leeds, £3m), Michael Turner (Sunderland, £1.5m), Steven Whittaker (Rangers, free), Jacob Butterfield (Barnsley, free), Javier Garrido (Lazio, loan), Alexander Tettey (Rennes, undis), Mark Bunn (Blackburn, undis), Harry Kane (Tottenham, loan).
OUT: Andrew Crofts (Brighton, undis), Adam Drury (Leeds, free), Aaron Wilbraham (Crystal Palace, free), Zak Whitbread (Leicester, free), Josh Dawkin (released), Daniel Ayala (Nottingham Forest, loan), James Vaughan (Huddersfield, loan).

QPR

TOTAL SPENDING £18.8m
IN: Esteban Granero (Real Madrid, £9m), Stephane Mbia (Marseille £4.5m), Samba Diakite (Nancy, £3.5m), Ji-Sung Park (Man U, £2m), Julio Cesar (Inter, right, free) Junior Hoilett (Blackburn, trib), Rob Green (W Ham, free), Ryan Nelsen (Spurs, free), Andrew Johnson (Fulham, free), Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea, free), Fabio (Man Utd, loan), Sam Magri (Portsmouth, undis).
OUT: Tommy Smith (Cardiff, £300,000), Paddy Kenny (Leeds, £400,000), Heidar Helguson, Matt Connolly (both Cardiff, undis), Rowan Vine (St Johnstone, free), Peter Ramage (Palace, free), Danny Gabbidon, Danny Shittu, Fitz Hall, Akos Buzsaky (released), Jay Bothroyd (Sheff Wed, loan), Joey Barton (Marseille, loan).

READING

TOTAL SPENDING £5.25m
IN: Chris Gunter (Nottm Forest, £2.5m), Adrian Mariappa (Watford, £2.5m), Pierce Sweeney (Bray, £250,000), Pavel Pogrebynak (Fulham, right, free), Danny Guthrie (Newcastle, free), Garath McCleary (Nottm Forest, free), Nicky Shorey (West Brom, free), Stuart Taylor (Man City, free).
OUT: Michail Antonio (Sheff Wed, undis), Tomasz Cywka (Barnsley, free), Brian Howard (released), Andy Griffin (released), Jack Mills (released), Joseph Mills (Burnley, loan).

SOUTHAMPTON

TOTAL SPENDING £18m
IN: Gaston Ramirez (Bologna, £12m), Jay Rodriguez (Burnley, £6m), Paulo Gazzaniga (Gillingham, undisc), Steven Davis (Rangers, free), Emmanuel Mayuka (Young Boys, undis), Nathaniel Clyne (Crystal Palace, right, £2.8m).
OUT: Dan Harding (Forest, undis), Bartosz Bialkowski (Notts Co, free), Lee Holmes (Preston, free), Ryan Doble (Shrewsbury, free), David Connolly (released), Radhi Jaidi (retired), Aaron Martin (C Palace, loan), Tommy Forecast (Gillingham, loan), Billy Sharp (Forest, loan), Dean Hammond (Brighton, loan).

STOKE

TOTAL SPENDING £10m
IN: Charlie Adam (Liverpool, right, £4m), Steven Nzonzi (Blackburn, £4m), Michael Kightly (Wolves, £2m), Geoff Cameron Houston Dynamo, undis), Jamie Ness (Rangers, free), Maurice Edu (Rangers, free).
OUT: Danny Collins (Nottm Forest, undis), Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesbrough, free), Andrew Davies (Bradford, free), Salif Diao (released), Ricardo Fuller (Charlton, free).

SUNDERLAND

TOTAL SPENDING £25m
IN: Steven Fletcher (Wolves, £15m), Adam Johnson (Man City, right, £10m), Louis Saha (Tottenham, free), Carlos Cuellar (Aston Villa, free), Danny Rose (Spurs, loan)
OUT: Asamoah Gyan (Al-Ain, £6m), Kieran Richardson (Fulham, £2m), Michael Turner (Norwich, £1.5m), Marcos Angeleri (Estudiantes, undis), George McCartney (West Ham, free), Jordan Cook (Charlton, free), Michael Liddle (Accrington, undis), Ahmed Elmohamady (Hull, loan).

SWANSEA

TOTAL SPENDING £16.5m
IN: Ki-Sung Yeung (Celtic, right, £6m), Pablo Hernandez (Valencia, £5.5m), Michu (Rayo Vallecano, £2m), Jose Manuel Flores (Genoa, £2m), Kyle Bartley (Arsenal, £1m), Jonathan de Guzman (Villarreal, loan), James Proctor (Preston, undis).
OUT: Joe Allen (Liverpool, £14m), Scott Sinclair (Manchester City, £6m), Scott Donnelly (released), Joe Walsh (released), Ferrie Bodde (released), Stephen Dobbie (Brighton, undis).

TOTTENHAM

HOT SPUR ... Hugo Lloris has joined Andre Villas-Boas' outfit

TOTAL SPENDING £54.7m
IN: Hugo Lloris (Lyon, £12m), Mousa Dembele (Fulham, right, £15m), Gylfi Sigurdsson (Hoffenheim, £8.7m), Jan Vertonghen (Ajax, £8m), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, £6m), Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City, £5m).
OUT: Luka Modric (Real Madrid, £30m), Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv, £5m), Steven Pienaar (Everton, 4.5m), Sebastien Bassong (Norwich, £4m), Niko Kranjcar (Dynamo Kiev, £2m), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg, undis), Giovanni Dos Santos (Real Mallorca, undis), (Ryan Nelsen (QPR, free), Ben Alnwick (Barnsley, free), Louis Saha (Sunderland, free), Massimo Luongo (Ipswich, loan), Ryan Fredericks (Brentford, loan), Danny Rose (Sunderland, loan), Harry Kane (Norwich, loan).

WEST BROM

TOTAL SPENDING £4m
IN: Ben Foster (B’ham, £4m), Markus Rosenborg (Werder Bremen, free), Claudio Yacob (Racing Club, right, free), Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea, loan), Yassine El Ghanassy (AA Gent, loan), Goran Popov (Dynamo Kiev, loan).
OUT: Keith Andrews (Bolton), Joe Mattlock (Sheff Wed), Nicky Shorey (Reading, all free), Somen Tchoyi, Paul Scharner (both released), Simon Cox (Nottm For, undis).

WEST HAM

TOTAL SPENDING £20.5m
IN: Matt Jarvis (Wolves, £10.75m), Modibo Maiga (Sochaux, £5m), Alou Diarra (Marseille, £2m), James Collins (Villa, £2.5m), Stephen Henderson (Pompey, £250,000), Raphael Spiegel (Grasshoppers, undis), Jussi Jaaskelainen (Bolton, free), George McCartney (Sunderland, free), Mohamed Diame (Wigan, free), Andy Carroll (Liverpool, right, loan), Yossi Benayoun (Chelsea, loan).
OUT: Nicky Maynard (Cardiff, £2.5m), Sam Baldock (Bristol C, £1m), Rob Green (QPR), Julien Faubert (Elazigspor), Frank Nouble (Wolves), Freddie Sears (Colchester), Abdoulaye Faye (Hull — all free), John Carew, Papa Bouba Diop (both released), Ravel Morrison (Birmingham, loan).

WIGAN

TOTAL SPENDING £7.2m
IN: Ivan Ramis (Real Mallorca, £4m), Arouna Kone (Levante, right, £2.7m), Fraser Fyvie (Aberdeen, £500,000).
OUT: Victor Moses (Chelsea, £9m), Roman Golobart (Tranmere, loan), Chris Kirkland (Sheff W, free), Mohamed Diame (W Ham, free), Hugo Rodallega (Fulham, free), Steve Gohouri, Jordan Robinson (both released).

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Full Champions League draw:
Group A: Porto, Dynamo Kiev, Paris St Germain, Dinamo Zagreb
Group B: ARSENAL, Schalke, Olympiakos, Montpellier
Group C: AC Milan, Zenit St Petersburg, Anderlecht, Malaga
Group D: Real Madrid, MANCHESTER CITY, Ajax, Borussia Dortmund
Group E: CHELSEA, Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus, FC Nordsjaelland
Group F: Bayern Munich, Valencia, Lille, BATE Borisov
Group G: Barcelona, Benfica, Spartak Moscow, CELTIC
Group H: MANCHESTER UNITED, Braga, Galatasaray, CFR Cluj

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All incredible examples of the strength of human will

Spectacle sends inspiring message

The London 2012 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony held at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford Park, East London.

Fireworks ... the opening ceremony

Alpha Press

By OLIVER HARVEY, at The Olympic Stadium

Published: 1 hr ago

THE synthesised voice of 70-year-old Big Bang genius Stephen Hawking echoed around the hushed Olympic Stadium.

The world-famous wheelchair-bound physicist said: “Look up at the stars, and not down at your feet. Be curious.”
Hawking is a shining beacon of the Paralympics ethos of concentrating on what you can do rather than what you can’t do.
And last night 80,000 spectators in the London 2012 stadium watched transfixed as Professor Hawking heralded something special. Something British.

Paralympics - London 2012 Paralympic Games

Action Images

The Paralympics had come home on a scale the World War II veterans who competed at the first Games at Stoke Mandeville in 1948 could never have imagined. In they came, 4,280 athletes from 166 nations. All, in Hawking's words, had been curious. All had looked to the stars.
They included British 100metre sprinter and world record holder Jonnie Peacock.
Despite having only one leg, his best time is an astonishing 10.85 seconds. The quickest time of Usain Bolt, the fastest man ever, is 9.58.
Jonnie will face Blade Runner Oscar Pistorius in the blue riband clash of the Paralympic giants. Top level sport at its finest.Then there was discus thrower Derek Derenalagi, whose artificial limbs replacing the ones blown off by the Taliban are decorated with Union Jacks. And Martine Wright, representing Team GB at women’s sitting volleyball, who lost her legs in the 7/7 bombings.

So proud ... David Cameron and wife Samantha

Alpha Press

All incredible examples of human endeavour. Of the strength of the human will. Proof that sometimes sport is very much more than just games. The wild applause rippled from this grand stadium’s canvas and steel roof down to the red running track where these athletes will perform in the next 11 days. It was the same intoxicating Olympic spirit that swamped Stratford when Mo and Jess were performing their heroics. The same respect. The London crowds want to watch elite sport. The feelings of those I spoke to in the stadium last night were of awe, not pity.
Volunteer Lisa Hawkins, who was showing spectators to their seats, said: “It’s the experience of a lifetime. There’s the same buzz in the stadium as the Olympics.

Red, white and blue ... Team GB athlete

“I did the test events for both sets of Games in May and enjoyed the Paralympics more. It’s just so inspirational, I’m in awe of the Paralympians.” The early evening drizzle did nothing to dampen last night’s party atmosphere. Nursery nurse Susan Knowles, 53, and niece Stephanie Davis, 24, had come down from Leeds to be part of a historic celebration. She said: “I’m so glad just to be a part of it. The atmosphere is amazing.

Athletes from Mexico during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics at the Olympic Stadium on August 29, 2012 in London

Mexican wave ... country's wheelchair athletes sport ponchos

“I believe the Paralympics are as big as the Olympics and I hope they are incorporated and run at the same time in 2016.” Primary school teacher Stephanie added: “The Paralympics will be eye-opening for people and teach them so much. Both games have been wonderful for the country and brought everyone together.” Social worker Steph Allman, 31, said: “Sporting excellence is difficult as it is, let alone if you suffer from a serious disability. These Games will inspire disabled children to get involved in sport.

Arriving ... William and Kate last night

“There will be more role models and more opportunities. Hopefully it will help improve the public’s attitude to disabled people too.” The sheer numbers of spectators certainly demonstrate the level of acceptance both for the Games and those with disabilities. Organisers confidently hope the Games will transform attitudes to disability in the UK. Currently less than half of those with disabilities in the UK are in employment. More than half live below the poverty line. Yet the sheer scale of the audience — the biggest ever for a Paralympics — proves this country’s acceptance of these athletes.
With 2.4 million tickets sold these Games are no longer a sideshow tagged on at the end of the Olympics. And the Paralympics is a British sporting creation every much as football, cricket, rugby or golf.

Flame ... the Paralympic Cauldron

Alpha Press

Martin McElhatton, chief executive of wheelchair sport organisation WheelPower, said: “We should be very proud as a nation that we gave the Paralympics to the world.” The games were born some 95 miles from the London 2012 stadium in the Buckinghamshire village of Stoke Mandeville.
In the hospital there, neurosurgeon Sir Ludwig Guttmann set up the first specialist treatment centre for servicemen in 1944.
On 28 July 1948 — at a time when disabled people were shut away in care homes — he hosted a small archery and javelin competition for 16 paralysed men and women. Guttman, a Jewish German refugee from Nazi Germany, believed it was a “demonstration to the public that competitive sport is not the prerogative of the able-bodied.” The event slowly grew until it became the massive sporting event we see today.

A Belgian athlete carries his dog as he waves in the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games

Game boy ... Belgian athlete's dog

Guttmann died in 1980. His daughter Eva recently said he would be bursting with pride. Sally Haynes, paralysed from the waist down after a horse-riding accident, is one of Guttman’s former patients. She said: “I think the world has accepted us now. I didn’t ever think we would get this far.”
This summer’s second great sporting chapter for Britain has begun with all the same ingredients as the first. Smiling soldiers and polite purple-clad volunteers, British good manners and our new Union Jack-waving patriotism for all.
Danny Boyle’s Olympic opener showcased Britain’s irreverence and humour.

Royals ... Queen and Prince Edward

Last night’s spectacular Paralympic ceremony majored on Britain’s scientific achievements and how they have helped our understanding of the universe. At its core was the message that each of us has an ability to succeed at something.
Hawking, author of the best- selling A Brief History of Time and described by organisers as “the most famous disabled man in the world”, returned as fireworks lit up the night sky.
He said: “However difficult life may seem. There is always something you can do and succeed at.”
Paralympian Martine took up sitting volleyball as part of her rehab after the 7/7 terror attacks.

She said: “July 6 was the day we won the games and then there was July 7, the day the bombing happens. In my mind these days will always be connected.
“When I go through that stadium I’ll feel like I have gone full circle. I’m just so proud, with my friends and family watching at home.”
Last night the Olympic flame flickered around its cauldron once more. The adrenaline-rush of faster, higher, stronger was upon us once more.
Then came the rousing sing-along finale of I Am What I Am.
As an anthem for these games, it couldn’t be bettered.

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Real Madrid 2 Barcelona 1

LUKA MODRIC collected his first medal at Real Madrid — two days after leaving Spurs.

The Croatian midfielder, 26, who never won anything in over four years in north London, came on as a sub as Madrid claimed the Spanish Super Cup.
It was a much-needed success for Jose Mourinho’s side after failing to win any of their opening three games.
Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo got Madrid off to a flying start with two goals in the first 20 minutes.
Barca, who had Adriano sent off, equalised through Lionel Messi but Madrid hung on to win on away goals.

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THEO WALCOTT has given Arsenal one last chance to match his own dreams of success.

The unsettled winger will stay after a heart-to-heart with Arsene Wenger. But he could go in January if contract talks are not resolved in the next four months.
Gunners chief Wenger reminded ambitious Walcott he is a major figure in his plans.
He said the player’s interests were best served by staying put rather than seeking a move to the uncertainty of Manchester City’s big superstar squad.
However, it has only been agreed that Walcott, 23, will not be sold during this transfer window.

That gives Arsenal those four months to persuade him that his long-term future lies at the club.
Gunners insiders say the discussions were ‘extremely positive’ and are hopeful Walcott will sign a new contract in the coming weeks.
But he wants £100,000 a week while Arsenal have only offered £75,000.
Liverpool are also keen but boss Brendan Rodgers knows he has to offload striker Andy Carroll before making any bid for £15m-rated Walcott.
The Kop have made a formal enquiry while City are yet to show their hand officially over Walcott.

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Kop in Dempsey ‘tap-up’ storm

ANGRY Fulham last night took Liverpool to a Premier League tribunal for allegedly tapping up Clint Dempsey.

Liverpool were left red-faced after accidentally “announcing” they had agreed a deal for the American in the newsfeed on the official website of Anfield owners Fenway Sports Group.
The Premier League confirmed Liverpool have been asked to explain their actions and could face sanctions.
A statement read: “The Premier League has received a complaint from Fulham regarding certain comments made by Liverpool officials and is looking into the matter.”

Fulham also claim comments by Kop boss Brendan Rodgers have helped unsettle their 29-year-old star and the Premier League board, which convened last week, accepted Liverpool have a case to answer.
The Reds have to respond over the next fortnight and the Premier League board will decide next month whether to refer the case to a three-man independent panel.
Top officials told SunSport last night that this case is not as blatant as the infamous tap-up row between Arsenal and Chelsea over the transfer of Ashley Cole six years ago.
The Blues were fined £300,000 and copped a suspended three-point deduction.

Dempsey-gate began when an initial £5million offer was rejected even though the player has only one year left on his contract.
Fulham have been demanding £9m but Rodgers has refused to meet the asking price.
It is understood the saga could be drawing to a close as the Reds were set to go back in with an improved £7.5m bid.

Fulham are hoping to replace Dempsey with the £3.5m capture of Arsenal misfit Park Chu-Young.
The South Korea striker, 27, knows he has no future at the Emirates.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are finally set to beat Arsenal in the battle for Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin, who should join the Reds on a one-year loan.

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Big cuts in Nani state

NAN'S BREAD ... winger is asking for less

NANI is offering to drop his wage demands in an attempt to save his future at Manchester United.

The Portuguese winger and his advisors are willing to accept his basic wage stays the same while the rest is made up by bonuses.
SunSport revealed on Wednesday how his prospects are in the balance at Old Trafford. He will be axed for tomorrow’s home game against Fulham after his poor showing in the 1-0 defeat by Everton at Goodison Park on Monday night.

That came on the back of a bad end to last season for Nani, which was why initial demands for a new contract were rejected out of hand by United.
Nani has two years left on his £90,000-a-week deal but wanted that boosted by nearly 50 per cent to more than £130,000.

United told the player’s representatives to forget it and have not gone back with an offer.
Now nervous Nani is ready to drop the demands.
He wants to keep his basic the same and accept around £30,000 for each appearance.
Those close to Nani fear the contract dispute may be affecting his form and he has thought about a move.
But the club would not sell unless they were offered more than £25million.

Nani needs to get back to the form that made him one of manager Alex Ferguson’s favourites.
Fergie chose him ahead of Ashley Young on Monday.
Again he disappointed, getting booked early, failing to create a decent chance and being subbed by Young with 12 minutes left.
Young will start against Fulham tomorrow.

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AVB: I don’t want any more strikers

KNEESY DOES IT ... Andre Villas-Boas during his side's defeat to Newcastle

ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS has ruled out signing another striker this summer.

Tottenham have been linked with a host of forwards including Brazilian hotshot Leandro Damiao.
But AVB, who completed a deal for Emmanuel Adebayor this week, feels his forward options are now complete.
When asked whether he would sign another striker, the Spurs boss said: “I don’t think so.
“With Adebayor, (Jermain) Defoe and (Harry) Kane coming through, I think I have enough options.
“Damiao is obviously a fantastic player but he is not our prospect at the moment because we are closed with what we are trying to do on the striker situation.”
Defoe scored in Tottenham’s season-opening defeat at Newcastle last week, but has hinted that he would be willing to leave White Hart Lane should he not get regular first-team football this season.
But after talks with AVB, the 29-year-old hitman looks set to stay at the North London club.
The Portuguese explained: “I spoke to his agent two days ago and conversations have been extremely productive.
“Jermain is a player I have immense confidence in. I appreciate his qualities so I am hoping that he will continue to be a Tottenham player.”
Spurs have surprisingly allowed skipper Michael Dawson to talk to QPR after a bid was accepted for the England defender.

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Lesnar win ends cool WWE summer

BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS ... Brock Lesnar notched first win since WWE comeback

BROCK LESNAR got his first win since his return to WWE in the main event of this year’s SummerSlam, but the PPV left many disappointed.

Former WWE and UFC world champion Brock took on Triple H, in only his second bout since coming back from the world of Mixed Martial Arts.
But while SummerSlam, broadcast on Sky Box Office in the early hours of this morning, was not a bad show by any means, it seemed to fall short of some admittedly high expectations – even before Lesnar and Hunter took to the ring for the main event.

Chris Jericho picked up a win over Dolph Ziggler in a really nice opening match, but this was ‘very good’ rather than ‘great’.
That may sound harsh, but fan hopes were so high for the dream encounter between these two that they probably never could have been reached.

There then followed a series of contests, all of which were reasonably well-executed and booked, but all lacked any sense of them being ‘big-time’.
Daniel Bryan beat Kane with a cradle, Miz cleanly pinned Rey Mysterio after a Skull-Crushing Finale, R-Truth & Kofi Kingston retained the tag belts over the Prime Time Players and Sheamus kept the world title having defeated Alberto Del Rio.
The last named match came complete with an oddly booked finish.
Ricardo Rodriguez threw Del Rio a shoe, but missed. Sheamus grabbed it and levelled Alberto. He covered for the win, but Del Rio had his foot on the ropes.

IMPACT ... Chris Jericho takes it to Dolph Ziggler

Later, in the WWE title match, CM Punk applied a Koji Clutch on Big Show. John Cena, the third participant in this Triple Threat match, also locked in a submission hold on Show, who tapped out.

Raw General Manager AJ Lee hit the ring to declare that the match had to be restarted, since no one could determine who got Show to tap out. Soon afterwards, Cena hit an Attitude Adjustment on Show only to be pushed aside by Punk who stole the pin.
The finish itself was cleverly and correctly booked. Cena lost nothing in defeat and Punk took another step towards heeldom by sneaking a victory.
However, the false finish and restart, particularly after shenanigans in Sheamus’ match, seemed to cause unnecessary confusion rather than adding to the drama.
To this point, the show had been adequate but forgettable. As ever in this kind of situation, the show’s critical success was likely to rest on the quality of the main event.

And the judgement on that is likely to vary from viewer to viewer.
For SunSport, it took too long to emerge from second gear. Whereas Brock’s beating on Cena, in his first match back at Extreme Rules, took on a life of its own and provided a scene wrestling fans have never seen before, this felt like a wrestling match masquerading as a fight.
Or a fight masquerading as a wrestling match. It was hard to tell.

Eventually, the two picked up the pace and told a compelling final story as Lesnar first kicked out of a Pedigree, then transitioned another one into a Kimura submission hold which made Triple H tap out.
Brock emerged still looking mean, yet vulnerable, which is just fine for a heel with his background. The right decision was made.
However, the spectacle of the match was nothing like what we saw last time Lesnar pulled on the boots.
The show ended with Triple H recovering and apparently standing to soak up a rousing ovation. What he actually received were pockets of polite applause and an audible ‘You tapped out’ chant.
The closing images served as a metaphor for the whole evening. Logical in theory and seemingly satisfactory in execution, but it didn’t seem to go totally to plan and didn’t feel epic.

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Blues no to City’s £30m Luiz bid

TARGET ... Manchester City want to prise David Luiz away from Chelsea

CHELSEA have rejected Manchester City’s £30million bid for David Luiz.

City boss Roberto Mancini needs defensive cover with Micah Richards crocked for 10 weeks.
Luiz was axed from last night’s win over Reading while Chelsea and City tried to thrash out a deal — though the Brazilian centre-back claimed on Twitter he has a knee injury.
Chelsea were angered by the Tweet and Luiz has been fined.
Boss Roberto Di Matteo said: “This social media thing is all around us now. We’ll deal with it internally.”
But Luiz is still a big part of boss Roberto Di Matteo’s plans and City will need to significantly up their offer to prise him away.
Flamboyant Luiz, 25, arrived at Stamford Bridge in a £21m deal from Benfica in January 2011 and became an instant hit with the fans.

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ALEX FERGUSON is trying to hijack Liverpool’s attempt to sign Mexican star Hector Herrera.

The Manchester United boss is ready to match a Liverpool offer of £10million for the Pachuca midfielder, nicknamed Zorro.
He was the inspiration behind Mexico’s gold-medal triumph at the Olympics earlier this month when they shocked Brazil in the final.
Andres Fassi, Pachuca’s sporting director, said: “There is official interest. We have a document.
“We know he’s going to emigrate to England. Manchester United and Liverpool have talked to us.
“We want him to continue with Pachuca. But when he decides to leave, the club will give him the opportunity to do so.”
Herrera, 22, is sidelined with an ankle injury picked up at London 2012.

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Chelsea 4 Reading 2

POINT TO PROVE ... Fernando Torres rumbled Reading with a late strike

IT was the night Stamford Bridge turned into the Garden of Eden as Chelsea returned to the top.

In fact if Eden Hazard carries on like this then comparisons with Blues legend Gianfranco Zola may not be enough.
Roman Abramovich paid Lille a whopping £32million for Hazard but yesterday, as Chelsea went top for the first time in 519 days, it looked like his best-ever buy.
On the day Prince Harry was pictured naked in a Las Vegas hotel room, Hazard laid bare the Royals’ defensive frailties and led his side to a resounding victory.

SPOT ON ... Chelsea's Frank Lampard slots away his penalty

He won the 18th-minute penalty that Frank Lampard converted and even set up Branislav Ivanovic’s 90th-minute strike to round things off nicely. But Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo has ref Lee Mason and his assistant to thank for allowing Fernando Torres’ key third goal to stand when the Spain striker was clearly a yard offside.
It broke Reading’s hearts and we can do without many more Premier League matches finishing with the hot favourite getting such a blatant decision at the expense of a massive underdog.
Di Matteo has clearly yet to find the right blend despite having some of the best talent in the world at his disposal.

GETTING A HEAD ... Reading striker Pavel Pogrebnyak makes it 1-1

The Italian admitted as much afterwards but also purred about Belgian playmaker Hazard, 21, who was at the centre of attention and at the heart of the action. Early on he won the ball in midfield and burst into the box to collect Juan Mata’s pass — but fired wide with his left foot.
Then, on seven minutes, Ramires forced a fine save from Royals stopper Adam Federici when, really, he should have squared to Torres who was ready for the tap-in.
And what a shame because the move was sublime with five one-touch passes proving Abramovich’s dream of a champagne Chelsea side is not far off.

HOWLER ... Petr Cech fails to stop Danny Guthrie free-kick

“Champions of Europe, we know what we are,” sang the Bridge faithful. And, after 18 minutes, they got the goal they had been waiting for when Hazard worked his way into the box and sold a dummy to Chris Gunter, who brought him down for a stonewall penalty.
Up stepped Lampard to plant it past Federici.
But, all of a sudden, Reading were level after 25 minutes.

Gareth McCleary crossed for Pavel Pogrebnyak, who nipped ahead of John Terry and powered a precise header past Petr Cech.
Four minutes later, it got even worse for the hosts.
Skipper Terry was lucky to escape a booking for a blatant trip on Jobi McAnuff, who had flown past Ivanovic on the edge of the box.
Danny Guthrie took the resulting free-kick which bounced harmlessly in front of Cech before the Czech stopper diverted it into his own net.

START THE CA ... Gary Cahill levels for Chelsea

Reading’s very own Russian oligarch Anton Zingarevich and his model wife Katsia were watching from the stands and looked on in disbelief. And if John Obi Mikel had not tracked back to thwart McAnuff as Ivanovic went missing, it could have been 3-2 to the visitors as punch-drunk Chelsea were trying to regain their composure.
Pogrebnyak won virtually every battle with Terry in the first half and England boss Roy Hodgson, watching from the stands, will have no doubt raised an eyebrow.
Just before the interval Terry bundled Reading’s Russian giant into the ground, Ian Harte swung in the free-kick and Alex Pearce just failed to nod home.

TORR BLIMEY ... Fernando Torres puts Chelsea ahead

Chelsea struggled but Hazard never faltered. Before half-time he crossed brilliantly for Torres, who headed wide. Di Matteo gave Oscar his home debut after 56 minutes, taking off the £25million summer signing’s fellow Brazilian Ramires.
Shortly after, Oscar forced a diving save from Federici.
As desperately as they were trying, Chelsea just could not find a breakthrough.

YOU BLUETY ... Branislav Ivanovic seals it with Chelsea's fourth

Cue another change, with Daniel Sturridge replacing Mikel. Within seconds Hazard fed defender Gary Cahill who tried his luck from distance.
His effort swerved but this time it was Federici’s turn to push the ball into his own net.
It was yet another howler for the Reading keeper, four days after he let Michael Kightly’s shot squirm home against Stoke.
Royals boss Brian McDermott gave the keeper his full backing but it was a turning point as, nine minutes from the end, Torres started and ended a move that also involved Mata and Ashley Cole before the No 9 tapped home.
Yes, he was offside by a yard. Yes, the ref and his assistant Andy Halliday missed it — but Chelsea were not complaining.
Royals boss Brian McDermott said: “I’m gutted the linesman got that decision wrong. It was clearly offside which is really disappointing for us.
“It was unfortunate but that’s life. It’s just a shame he made a mistake on such a crucial goal.”
Chelsea still had to survive a late onslaught by brave Reading but they hung on for dear life.
Then, at the death, Torres won the ball and released Hazard with Federici up for a Reading corner.
Hazard bombed forward and with only Gunter to beat, he set up Ivanovic to tap home.
It was Hazard’s fifth assist in two games, including the two penalties he has won. Pure class.
DREAM TEAM RATINGS:
STAR MAN — EDEN HAZARD (Chelsea)
CHELSEA: Cech 4, Ivanovic 5, Cahill 5, Terry 4, Cole 6, Mikel 7 (Sturridge 6), Lampard 7, Ramires 6 (Oscar 6), Eden Hazard 8, Mata 7 (Meireles 5), Torres 6. Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Essien, Romeu, Bertrand.
READING: Federici 6, Gunter 6, Pearce 6, Gorkss 6, Harte 6, Karacan 5 (Le Fondre 5), McAnuff 6, Leigertwood 7, Guthrie 7, McCleary 6 (Robson-Kanu 5), Pogrebnyak 7 (Hunt 5). Subs Not Used: McCarthy, Mariappa, Tabb, Cummings.

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REKODI ZA MBWANA SAMATTA ZAMPANDISHA THAMANI MARA 3 ZAIDIYA SIMBA WALIYOPEWA NA TP: KTK MECHI 7 AFUNGA MABAO 5, MANNE YA KICHWA.

Mbwana Ally Samatta anazidi kung'ara kwenye soka la anga ya kimataifa akiwa na klabu yake ya TP Mazembe.

Mbwana Samatta ambaye tayari anatimiza mwaka mmoja tangu ajiunge na timu yake hiyo ya Kinshasa Congo akitokea klabu bingwa ya Tanzania bara Simba Sports Club, amekuwa mmoja ya wafungaji bora na tegemeo kabisa kwenye timu hiyo inayomilikiwa na tajiri Moise Katumbi.

Kwa takwimu zilizo sahihi kabisa za Mbwana Samatta katika msimu huu 2011/12 upande wa Ligi ya mabingwa wa Afrika amecheza mechi 7 tu.

Katika mechi hizo saba Samatta "Golden Boy" amefunga mabao 5. Katika magoli hayo matano, kichwa chake kimeweka kambani mabao 4 na moja amefunga kwa guu lake la kulia.

Mabao hayo matano ya Samatta kwenye Africa Champions league amezifunga timu za Power Dynamo akiwa Ugenini, Akafunga bao lingine dhidi ya Al Merreikh aTP wakiwa nyumbani kabla ya kuja kuwafunga tena Wasudan hao nyumbani kwao Khartoum. Alhly wakawa majeruhi wengine wa Mbwana Samatta baada ya kuwaumiza wakiwa kwao Misri. TP Mazembe wakiwa uwanja wao nyumbani Tanzania Golden Boy akatupia bao moja kwenye mechi dhidi ya Berekum Chelsea. Ikafika zamu ya waarabu Zamalek ambaye akawafunga bao moja moja nyumbani na Ugenini na kutimiza mabao matano.

Dakika ambazo Mbwana Samatta anafunga sana magoli ni kuanzia kati ya dakika ya 16-30 ambapo hapo amefunga mabao mawili. kuanzia dk ya 31 mpaka 42 amafunga goli moja tu, huku akionekana kuwa hatari zaidi kwenye dakika ya 75 ya mchezo kwani tayari ameshafunga mabao mawili kwenye dakika hiyo.

Mafanikio hayo ya Samatta kwenye michuano mbalimbali TP Mazembe inayoshiriki yamezidi kumuongezea thamani kwenye soko la usajili duniani, kutoka kuuzwa kwa dola 100,000 na Simba kwenda TP Mazembe mpaka sasa anakadiriwa kuwa na thamani ya £175,000 ambayo ni mara 3 ya zaidi TP waliilipa Simba kumsaini Samatta.

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PICHA NNE ZA YANGA BAADA YA KUWASILI RWANDA.

Yanga imewasili Kigali Rwanda kwa mwaliko wa rais Paul Kagame.

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Adebayor signs for Spurs

EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR has completed his £5million move from Manchester City to Tottenham.

The striker had been in negotiations with Spurs all summer after impressing on loan last season.
And today he finally thrashed out personal terms before declaring on Twitter: "I'm back! Tottenham here I come! I'm hungry for goals — get ready."
Spurs had been desperate to secure the services of Adebayor on a permanent basis after he scored 18 goals on loan at White Hart Lane last term.
Talks had stalled because of the Togo international's wage demands.
But the 28-year-old has now agreed to a significant pay cut to seal his move from City, who he joined in a £25m deal from Arsenal in 2009.
Adebayor said: "I am pleased to be signing for Spurs on a permanent basis after finally agreeing my departure with Manchester City.
“It may have taken longer than expected but I am delighted to be back at Tottenham.
"I really enjoyed my time here last season and I am hoping we can achieve great things together again."

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ALEXANDER BUTTNER sealed his dream move to Manchester United and said: It’s the greatest day of my life!

Buttner, 23, has today signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford after completing a £3.9million switch from Vitesse Arnhem.
And he said: “Joining Manchester United is one of the best days of my life.
“It’s a team I have admired for many years now and I can’t wait to join my teammates and play my part in helping the club be successful.”
Alex Ferguson beat off competition from across Europe to land the uncapped Dutch left-back.
And he added: “Alexander is one of the best young left backs in Europe and we’re delighted to sign him.
“He’s someone we’ve been watching for a while now.
“He gives us some really exciting options in that position.”

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UNITED WAANZA LIGI KWA KIPIGO.

Jinsi Fellani alivyoifungia goli Everton.

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REAL DEAL ... Jose Mourinho takes training at Real Madrid

JOSE MOURINHO has flirted with the powerhouses of Premier League football once more — by reiterating his desire to one day return to England.

The Special One, who left an unforgettable impression during his three successful years at Chelsea between 2004-2007, is constantly being linked with a move back to these shores.
The Real Madrid boss is the leading contender to succeed Alex Ferguson when the Scot finally decides to retire at Manchester United, while a switch to rivals Manchester City cannot be ruled out.
Mourinho said: “I will go where people really want me and, when that moment arrives, they show me they really want me.
“But I have to repeat always this: I am at Real Madrid. I like very much to be (there).”
He added: “I want one day to be back in English football, yes. I always said that.”
Mourinho also revealed his success was partly down to his ability to immerse himself in a club in the same manner as a supporter.
He said: “When I go to a club, I wear the shirt, I feel the shirt like it’s my first one or my last one.
“I feel the fans as part of myself. I create eternal links with fans.
“I go to play against Chelsea and I feel (it), I go to Italy and I feel (it).
“I work for the clubs, I work for the people that trust me, and of course the owners and the directors, but the clubs are the fans.
“For me, it’s one of my qualities. I become immediately one of them and I feel that I am one of them with a privileged position to fight for the club and to try to bring to all of them happiness.”

Pages

SPORTS

McLaren up Hamilton pay offer

McLAREN are confident of keeping hold of star driver Lewis Hamilton after upping their contract offer to £12million a year.

CHELSEA are plotting a £45million swoop for Colombian superstar Radamel Falcao.

JT quits England

JT's highs and lows

Real Madrid 3 Man City 2

JOSE MOURINHO celebrated Cristiano Ronaldo’s winner by sliding across the pitch on his knees.

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Time for a celebration

Champ shuns glory while entourage hunts for watch

ANDY Murray was desperate to get his hands on the Grand Slam trophy - and his WATCH following last night's epic win.

Andy Murray on winning his first Grand Slam

Andy Murray in US Open win press conference

Murray's grandparents speak of their pride after win

Making of a champion: Murray's road to Grand Slam glory

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Medal count

That's all, folks! Wonderful London 2012 Paralympics wrap up with spectacular closing ceremony

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SERENA WILLIAMS let fly a final knockout punch at the end of an incredible summer and purred: “I feel awesome.”

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TENNIS star Andy Murray netted a mighty £6.4million in off-court earnings last year.

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CRAIG BELLAMY admits he has struggled to cope with the death of Gary Speed.

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United’s £38m bid for Neymar

MANCHESTER UNITED made a £38m deadline day attempt to land Brazil superstar Neymar.

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CRISTIANO RONALDO has vowed he will never join Manchester City while Alex Ferguson is still boss at United.

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KUHUSU LIGI KUU YA TANZANIA KUONYESHWA SUPER SPORT.

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All the big Premier League ins and outs

ARSENAL

ASTON VILLA

CHELSEA

EVERTON

FULHAM

LIVERPOOL

MANCHESTER CITY

MANCHESTER UNITED

NEWCASTLE

NORWICH

QPR

READING

SOUTHAMPTON

STOKE

SUNDERLAND

SWANSEA

TOTTENHAM

WEST BROM

WEST HAM

WIGAN

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All incredible examples of the strength of human will

Spectacle sends inspiring message

THE synthesised voice of 70-year-old Big Bang genius Stephen Hawking echoed around the hushed Olympic Stadium.

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Real Madrid 2 Barcelona 1

LUKA MODRIC collected his first medal at Real Madrid — two days after leaving Spurs.

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THEO WALCOTT has given Arsenal one last chance to match his own dreams of success.

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Kop in Dempsey ‘tap-up’ storm

ANGRY Fulham last night took Liverpool to a Premier League tribunal for allegedly tapping up Clint Dempsey.

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Big cuts in Nani state

NANI is offering to drop his wage demands in an attempt to save his future at Manchester United.

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AVB: I don’t want any more strikers

ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS has ruled out signing another striker this summer.

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Lesnar win ends cool WWE summer

BROCK LESNAR got his first win since his return to WWE in the main event of this year’s SummerSlam, but the PPV left many disappointed.

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Blues no to City’s £30m Luiz bid