Quaresma Focused On Porto

Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma is not paying too much attention to the rumours linking him with Atletico Madrid.

The former Barcelona youngster scored against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday night as the Portuguese side won 2-0 in Russia.

Porto only need a point against Arsenal in the final group game to progress but Quaresma is adamant his team will go for the victory.

"It was an important goal. We controlled the game all the time and we proved to be a top-class team," he said.

"It will be a complicated game against Arsenal, but we promise to play our best and we'll do everything to win it."

On the transfer rumours, he added: "I can think only of Porto. It's always good to know that other European teams are interested in me, but I'm focused on helping the team reach our goals."

Atletico are looking for a new winger after the long-term injuries sustained by Martin Petrov and Maxi Rodriguez.

Transfer speculation: Luis Garcia to Atletico Madrid (£5 million)

Player: Luis Garcia
From: Liverpool
To: Atletico Madrid
Cost: £5 million
Source: Marca
Likely?: 2/5

Most reports have blamed Steven Gerrard’s continued use on the right hand side of midfield as the key reason for Liverpool’s abject performance against Arsenal last weekend and, although it might well have had an impact, there’s nothing to suggest that playing him elsewhere might have made a difference.

Such was the focus on Gerrard that many failed to pick up Mark Gonzalez’s worryingly inadequate performance on the other flank of midfield. Much less did they mention the fact that Gonzalez was playing largely because the man who had done so well there in previous weeks was missing through injury.

It is hardly surprising given that Luis Garcia, the player in question, is hardly a favourite of the media who often tend to focus on his weaknesses rather than his strengths. Instead of enjoying the creativity and sense of unpredictability that he brings to the side, they often opt to report his failed passes.

Back home in Spain it seems that the opposite is the case. Garcia is a regular squad member for the national team and his goals from midfield are greatly appreciated. So, in that sense, it is not surprising to hear talk of the player reportedly indicating that he would like to move home with Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish newspaper Marca, which has reported this story, isn’t normally too bothered with verifying facts and this is probably the case this time round as well. That they’re reporting the news based on what third parties have heard and even so fail to carry any quotes strengthens this impression.

When he took over as manager, Rafael Benitez insisted on taking Garcia to Liverpool and, although the players isn’t as appreciated as much as he should be, there is nothing to suggest that the manager’s belief in him has in any way diminished.

Costinha backs Atletico Madrid bid for Quaresma

Costinha has backed Atletico Madrid's push for his Portugal teammate Ricardo Quaresma.
Atletico are expected to splash out £8 million in January for the Porto winger and midfielder Costinha said: "I do not know if he is going to come. I know him very well and he is a good player, of great quality for a young person.

"But it is better to speak about those that are here. He cannot do anything for us."

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Atletico Madrid president raps Capello over Torres attack

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has hit back at Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello after his 'cheater' rap for Fernando Torres.
Capello believes Torres played up during a clash with Sergio Ramos, which saw the Real defender sent-off in Sunday's derby.

"Torres is not a cheater. What's more, he's one of the cleanest players in the Liga and receives the most kicks without complaining," said Cerezo.

"Capello's words are unfortunate and wrong. It does not seem normal to me that among coaches and players they accuse eachother this way."

BECKHAM'S CAREER SINKS TO THE PITTS

If that wasn't bad enough, Becks has found new-boy Jose Reyes coming ahead of him in the pecking order at Real Madrid, and he was stuck on the bench again for their 1-1 derby draw with Atletico at the weekend. However, you won't find Goldenballs complaining: "I can't complain because I'm not in the starting line-up," he said. "There are lots of players on the bench in the same circumstances."

Spain must forget about Raul's omission, says Torres

Spain striker Fernando Torres told his team mates on Tuesday to forget about captain Raul's omission from the squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier in Sweden on Saturday.

Coach Luis Aragones left out Raul last Friday, the first time the Real Madrid forward had been dropped in 10 years for reasons other than injury.

"It was the coach's decision not to bring Raul," Torres told reporters. "We were surprised but those that are here must get on with the job in hand.

"After the game we will know if we have missed him. We know he's been a fixture for many years but the coach has made his decision and there is no point us worrying about it."



Spain are joint second in Group F with three points from two games, three adrift of leaders Sweden.

Last month's surprise 3-2 defeat by Northern Ireland in Belfast led to the under-fire Aragones tendering his resignation.

But he decided to continue after the Spanish federation rejected his offer to quit.

Aragones's squad has only two pure strikers in Atletico Madrid's Torres and in-form Valencia frontman David Villa.

"There isn't just pressure on myself and Villa to perform but all the players in the squad," said Torres.

"Losing to Northern Ireland wasn't in our plans and we know it will be a tough game in Sweden as they are direct rivals for qualification.

"This squad is a special one after what has happened with the coach and Raul. The players and the management have shown they have faith in Aragones, now we have to demonstrate what we can do on the pitch."

Another setback in Solna on Saturday could lead to fresh calls for Aragones to go

United snap up ace Torres

Manchester United will sign Fernando Torres for £26m next summer after agreeing to make a down-payment for his services, according to the Evening Echo.

The Red Devils have long been linked with the highly-rated Atletico Madrid frontman and speculation of a move to Old Trafford intensified in the summer after Ruud van Nistelrooy left to join Atletico’s rivals Real.

The 22-year-old Torres, who has also been heavily linked with Chelsea, moved to head off the reports by signing a one-year contract extension with Atletico.

But it is now claimed Sir Alex Ferguson has agreed to make a down-payment of £5m in a bid to beat Chelsea to the signing of Torres, who netted four goals at the World Cup.

The striker, nicknamed ‘El Nino’, had a buy-out clause worth £41m in his contract however Atletico have reportedly dropped the price because of United’s ‘show of faith’ and his apparent desire to move to Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Glenn Roeder has denied reports he has fallen out with Sir Alex Ferguson over Newcastle’s treatment of loan star Giuseppe Rossi at St James’.

Italy Under-21 striker Rossi has not started a game for the Magpies since his loan move from Manchester United and there have been rumours circulating in the north-west that Ferguson is annoyed at the youngster’s lack of action.

“Giuseppe Rossi has made a big impression,” Roeder said.

Row between Real and Atlético Madrid after the derby

The Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid played over the weekend is proving almost more exciting off the pitch.

The game ended with a 1-1 draw but now the goodwill between the teams ahead of the match is at an end.

It’s all because of declarations from the Real Madrid manager, Fabio Capello, who described the Atlético attacker Fernando Torres a cheat.

That after Torres caused the sending off of Sergio Ramos during the match. Capello went as far as to say he should be fined.

Torres himself responding telling the Real manager to ‘watch the video and then comment’.

Capello apologizes to Atletico's Torres

Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello apologized to Atletico Madrid captain Fernando Torres for calling him "a cheat."

"I like to speak about sport, not offend people. If it has caused offense, I apologize," Capello told Cadena SER late Monday.

Capello made the remark after Torres was elbowed by Madrid defender Sergio Ramos during Sunday's 1-1 league draw between the crosstown rivals. Ramos was ejected but Capello felt Torres had exaggerated the collision.

Atletico reacted with annoyance, with club president Enrique Cerezo describing it as "unfortunate, unjustifiable and senseless."

However, Capello continued to defend Ramos, who has received four red cards and 19 yellows since joining Madrid just over a year ago.

"You can see clearly that (Ramos) didn't mean it. I have fought a battle in Italy against those who dive, like when someone touches you close to your face and you put your hand to your face and fall to the ground. I don't like gaining an advantage like that," Capello said.

Madrid lies fourth with 11 points from five games, while Atletico is fifth with 10.

TORRES WANTS GLORY DAYS BACK AT ATLETICO

Fernando Torres has set his sights on bringing the glory days back to Atletico Madrid after committing his future to the club until 2009.

The Spain striker was linked with big-money moves away from the Vicente Calderon this summer but opted to stick with his home-town club by signing a one-year extension to his existing contract.

Atletico have spent big during the close season in a bid to win their first Primera Liga title since 1996 - when they claimed the league-and-cup double - and Torres hopes he can play his part in the quest for silverware.

"I have experienced from the double to the demotion to the second division," the 22-year-old Atletico captain said at Tuesday's press conference.

"This club made my dream to become a professional footballer come true. I owe it a lot and now I want to help it get back to where it belongs. If not, I will continue to be indebted.

"We have to try to win titles."

Torres is now tied to Atletico until June 2009, but his new deal has included a reduced buy-out clause of 40million euros (£27m) - more than half the previous figure.

"This clause is nothing more than a symbolic gesture because if a player wants to leave a club, eventually he does," Torres added.

Torres made his debut against Leganes in 2001, when Atletico were in the Segunda Division, and scored his first goal for the club the following week against Albacete.

After helping Atletico win promotion back to the top flight in 2002, he was the top scorer in the Primera Liga in the 2003-04 season, while also becoming the youngest forward to represent Spain in the finals of a major tournament, when playing at Euro 2004.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo said: "The story of Fernando Torres is different.

"His story, with many triumphs on a personal level, brought him his debut in the first team when he was 17 years old.

"Since that day, he hasn't stopped playing a leading role, becoming the focus in the dressing room, the captain and flying the flag for the club in the most difficult moments of its history."

UNITED TIE UP TORRES DEAL

MANCHESTER UNITED have been guaranteed Spanish striker Fernando Torres next summer - despite the Atletico Madrid star just signing a one-year contract extension with the La Liga club.

Sources in Spain confirmed last night that Torres, 22, is bound for Old Trafford next year after Atletico slashed his buy-out clause from 90million euros to 40m.

In return for Torres signing an extra year's deal, Atletico agreed to substantially mark down the buy-out clause - effectively giving United the green light to wrap up a deal early next year.

Even though Madrid ideally want around £28m for the hitman, it is thought United may get him for about £22m after the youngster agreed to give the Spanish club one more season.

Although Chelsea and Arsenal want the striker, Torres has privately told close friends he's only interested in going to Old Trafford.

A source close to the player said last night: "Ideally, Fernando would like to move in January but he realises that is unlikely now so he will wait until the summer.

Torres eyes United move?

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres has reportedly said he wants to join Manchester United in January.

It is believed the Spanish outfit have reduced his buy out clause in exchange for the player recently signing a new deal at the club - which has effectively given the Red Devils the green light to make their move for the forward in the transfer window.

Torres wants Man Utd move in January

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres wants a move to Manchester United.

In return for Torres signing an extra year's deal, Atletico agreed to substantially mark down the buy-out clause - effectively giving United the green light to wrap up a deal early next year.

Even though Madrid ideally want around ?28m for the hitman, it is thought United may get him for about ?22m after the youngster agreed to give the Spanish club one more season.

Although Chelsea and Arsenal want the striker, Torres has privately told close friends he's only interested in going to Old Trafford.

A source close to the player told the People: "Ideally, Fernando would like to move in January but he realises that is unlikely now so he will wait until the summer.

"Playing for United is a prospect that really excites him."

Torres hopes for new Man Utd approach

Fernando Torres remains in the sights of Manchester United.
United failed to convince Torres to quit Atletico Madrid over the summer, who instead will sign a new contract with his hometown club this week.

The Daily Star Sunday says Torres will extend his contract with Atletico for another 12 months after the club cut the buyout clause in his contract from ?63m to ?28m.

But the forward hopes the decision will lead to his transfer to Manchester United next summer.

ATLETICO BOUNCE BACK TO FORM

Atletico Madrid bounced back from last week's defeat against Valencia in emphatic fashion to claim a 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Maxi Rodriguez put the visitors ahead early on as they looked to claim only their second win of the new Primera Liga campaign, and Martin Petrov added the second before the interval.

Sergio Aguero notched the third goal before Javier Martinez pulled one back but a last-minute penalty from Luciano Galletti added the gloss to a fine performance.

The first few minutes of the game were fragmented by clumsy fouls and poor passing but a fierce low drive from Maxi added some much needed quality to the game.

Daniel Aranzubia produced a smart save to tip the ball around the post for a corner, that failed to produce a goal threat.

Fernando Amorebieta found himself in space on the left but it was cleared out for a corner by Pablo Ibanez.

Francisco Yeste took the resulting corner for Bilbao which Tiko thumped over the bar from 20 yards after eight minutes.

Madrid's Petrov alerted Bilbao to his class when fired a 20-yard shot at goal that ended up going just wide.

But they took the lead soon afterwards when Aguero crossed from the right side for Maxi to convert from 12 yards with a cool finish.

Both sides had speculative long-range attempts at goal that lacked the necessary accuracy to score.

But Petrov showed them how it was done after 35 minutes with a sweet 25-yard curling shot with his left foot to double the lead before the interval.

Bilbao returned after the interval and seemed determined to make a fist of it and dominated possession without really creating anything.

It was something they would play heavily for in the 63rd minute when Peter Luccin funnelled a pass through to Aguero, who made no mistake from 20 yards with a clean strike.

That strike virtually killed the game as a contest although Yeste tried to pull one back with a 18-yard shot that was parried by Leo Franco.

Maxi thought he had doubled his tally for the evening but his goalbound effort was well saved by Aranzubia.

Yeste, who had been busy thoughout the game, was the architect of Bilbao's consolation as he broke down the left before centering the ball for Javi Martinez who made no mistake.

The scoring was completed when Aguero was brought down by a clumsy challenge in the area by Luis Prieto.

Galletti buried the resulting penalty to give his side an impressive 4-1 victory in an entertaining clash.

The win took Atletico up to a provisional sixth in the Primera Liga while Bilbao are second from bottom with just one point after three matches.

Aguero stunned by Atletico Madrid fans

Sergio Aguero admits he's been taken aback by the reaction of Atletico Madrid fans to his arrival this season.

The Argentine teenager is regarded as the hottest signing Atletico has made in some years and he said: "The reaction of people has surprised me a lot.

"You imagine maybe if you play well in the first five games people will seek you out, but here it was the other way around. I hadn't played or even trained and yet people were welcoming me at the airport. I never imagined it.

"I could not walk, there was a pile of police. And later the same happened at my presentation and in training. At those moments, you say: what I did do?"

Aguero has been likened to Diego Maradona, but insists: "It is an exaggeration, we all know that Diego was a one-off. There is not going to be another one like Diego in history.

"On the one hand it pleases me that people say it, although I know that it does not mean much."

Give Atletico striker Aguero time to develop says Maxi

Argentina forward Maxi Rodriguez says that undue pressure should not be heaped on his compatriot and Atletico Madrid team mate Sergio Aguero, after the young striker drew widespread praise in Sunday's 4-1 away win at Athletic Bilbao.

The 18-year-old put in an impressive performance scoring his first official goal for Atletico, having a hand in a second and winning a penalty near the end of the comprehensive success.

"He's top class and we all hope he continues like this. But we have to be patient with him. We don't want to weigh him down with expectation because he will have off-days as well," Maxi was quoted as saying on the Atletico Web site on Tuesday.

Aguero, known as "El Kun" after a Japanese comic book hero, signed for Atletico from Independiente for a reported fee of $25-30 million at the end of May.



He has been touted as one of Argentina's most exciting prospects and has been described by Diego Maradona as a "phenomenon".

Atletico coach Javier Aguirre had resisted calls to play him from the start before Sunday, restricting him to substitute appearances, but with Spain striker Fernando Torres suspended, Aguirre gave Aguero his starting place.

Maxi, who scored the spectacular volleyed winner for Argentina against Mexico at the World Cup finals, pounced on Aguero's miscued shot for the opener in San Mames.

After Martin Petrov had added the second, Aguero cut inside his marker to score the third with a fierce shot, and was then hauled down in the area as he bore in on goal, for a last-minute penalty scored by Luciano Galletti.

The three points put Atletico seventh in the Primera Liga with two wins and a draw from their opening three matches, while Bilbao are 18th in the 20-team division, with just one point from their opening three games.

Torres extends contract with Atletico Madrid to 2009

Spain striker Fernando Torres has agreed a contract extension with Atletico Madrid until 2009, the Primera Liga club said on Wednesday.

"It is an important day for the club and it's fans because Torres is more than just another player," Atletico said in a statement on their Web site.

"He was developed through our youth system and for some time now has been the reference for the club on and off the pitch.

"He is an example for all the youth players who dream of playing in the Vicente Calderon one day."



The official presentation of his one-year extension will take place on Sept.19.

The 22-year-old international was a reported target for Manchester United and Inter Milan after the World Cup, but he rejected their approaches to stay with Atletico.

Torres joined the club aged 11, scored his first goal with the first team in May 2001, and has been their leading scorer in each of the last four seasons.

He has notched up 14 goals in 37 appearances with Spain.

After a disappointing 10th-place finish in the league last year Atletico have spent around 50 million euros ($64 million) reinforcing their squad and are expecting to challenge for a Champions League place this season.

Liga's Argies hail Atletico Madrid whiz Aguero

The Spanish Liga's Argentines have been singing the praises of Atletico Madrid superkid Sergio Aguero after his scoring debut against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi said: "He's a grandisimo and I do not have doubts that he is going to go very far. He does not feel pressure, he plays as if there's no pressure at all. He is a great signing for Atletico and will give great joy to Spanish football."

Valencia defender Roberto Ayala said: "He is a player with great individual technique. He has everything to prevail in Spanish football, although also it will be necessary to give him time. In Argentina, he already has fully demonstrated the quality that he has inside."

Real Zaragoza's Gaby Milito said: "I played with him in my last game with Independiente. My last game was his debut. He already had been training with us for some time. His future is impressive and his football has enormous projection."

Argentine midfielder Ibagaza to rejoin Mallorca

Argentine midfielder Ariel Ibagaza will sign a one-year deal with his former club Real Mallorca after agreeing to leave Atletico Madrid.

Mallorca said on their Web site that the 29-year-old playmaker would be presented to the media on Tuesday after undergoing a medical with the club.

Ibagaza joined Atletico from Mallorca in 2003 and signed a two-year contract extension with the club in March this year, but new coach Javier Aguirre has made it clear that the Argentine does not figure in his plans.

The pint-sized midfielder enjoyed the most successful period of his career in his first spell with the islanders between 1998 and 2003, helping them to two third-place finishes in the league and victory in the King's Cup.



Atletico are trying to close deals to sign Portugal midfielder Maniche from Dynamo Moscow and Spain forward Jose Antonio Reyes from Arsenal before the transfer deadline expires on Thursday.

Wenger happy to sell Reyes at the right price

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed he is willing to part with Spanish international Jose Antonio Reyes, but only if a club matches the Gunners' valuation.

Reyes has revealed his desperation to return to La Liga, but both Real Madrid and city rivals Atletico have both failed to match the player's price-tag, believed to be around £11million.

Wenger has given up on persuading the player to stay in London, but he told the club website he will not let him go cheaply just to facilitate his wishes:
"If we transfer the player I will let you know. If we don't transfer he will stay. It's as simple as that.

"I spoke to him about everything but when a player has a contract you need an agreement of three parties. You also need an offer for a player and we have had no acceptable offer.

"I am not annoyed because I take care of the players who play. What can I do about the players who do not play?

"It's like you wanting to marry Miss World and she doesn't want you. I can try to help you but if she does not want to marry you what can I do? It's exactly the same. He wants to go Spain and we have no offer, what can I do about that?"

Atletico Madrid increase their offer for Reyes to £13.5m

Arsenal were last night considering an improved offer from Atlético Madrid for José Antonio Reyes worth a potential €20m (£13.5m). That matches the figure the Premiership club are demanding, though Atlético are proposing to pay €16m up front, with the rest in annual instalments over four years dependent on them qualifying for the Champions League.
Atlético's president, Enrique Cerezo, has said he is "optimistic" about signing Reyes, though sources at the club are not taking a deal for granted. The latest offer is the third the Madrid club have made for Reyes, Arsenal having turned down €15m and then a proposal worth up to €18m.

Reyes, who is in Spain on international duty, is desperate to return to his homeland after 2½ seasons in England, where he has failed to settle. Real Madrid were his preferred choice but Atlético are now the only serious candidate to sign him. Arsenal want to recover the €20m they paid Sevilla for him in January 2004.
Atlético are preparing a €5m offer for Valencia's Uruguayan left-winger Mario Regueiro in case the move for Reyes does not go through, but are putting all their effort into bringing the Arsenal forward to the club.

If the transfer does progress the Gunners' manager, Arsène Wenger, may make a final attempt to sign Franck Ribéry from Marseille, though the France international winger has said that he does not want to move.

Reyes will be stuck at Arsenal if Atlético fail to land him. He has left himself with few real alternatives after reportedly signing an agreement with Atlético, committing himself to the club in the event of leaving Arsenal.

The agreement apparently stipulates that should he depart north London and join a club other than Atlético, he would be liable to pay them a €3m penalty.

Reyes, who has undergone a scan performed by doctors with the Spanish football federation, clearing him to play against Liechtenstein and Northern Ireland, said: "I want to leave Arsenal but not just to play anywhere; I do not want to lose my prestige.

"I am excited about the prospect of going to Atlético. They are building an exciting team."

Fernando Torres, the Atlético captain, revealed that he had spoken to Reyes about the move. "I really hope [Reyes] comes," Torres said. "It would be a big step forward for us in terms of quality. I have spoken to him and he is very keen to come but right now it's in the hands of the clubs."

Maniche to sign three-year deal with Atletico

Portugal midfielder Maniche will sign for three years with Atletico Madrid after the Primera Liga side reached an agreement with the player's club Dynamo Moscow on Tuesday.

Atletico said on their Web site that the 28-year-old, who spent a six-month loan spell at Chelsea last season, would be presented on Wednesday after undergoing a medical at the club.

He will be reunited with former Dynamo team mates Costinha and Yourkas Seitaridis who joined Atletico in the close season.



Atletico, who newspapers said will spend nine million euros ($11.54 million) for the central midfielder, have been one of the biggest spenders in the Primera Liga in the close season. They forked out a club record 23 million euros for Argentine teenager Sergio Aguero and another 17 million on other new signings including Spain Under-21 international Jurado and former Valencia striker Mista.

The Maniche deal will bring their close-season expenditure to close to 50 million euros.

Maniche won the Champions League and UEFA Cup while at Porto under Jose Mourinho and added an English league title to his honours when he was reunited with the Portuguese coach at Chelsea last season.

He joined Dynamo from Porto in May 2005 for a Russian record transfer fee of 16 million euros, together with fellow Portugal international Costinha but never settled at the club.

The midfielder is a mainstay of the Portuguese national side and was part of team that reached semi-finals of the World Cup.

Maniche to sign 3-year deal with Atletico

Portugal midfielder Maniche will sign a three-year contract with Atletico Madrid after the Spanish first division side sank a deal with the player's club Dynamo Moscow on Tuesday.

Atletico said on their Web site that the 28-year-old, who spent a six-month loan spell at Chelsea last season, would be presented on Wednesday after undergoing a medical at the club.

He will be reunited with former Dynamo team mates Costinha and Yourkas Seitaridis who joined Atletico in the close season.

Local report said that Atleticod would spend nine million euros (11.54 million US dollars) for the central midfielder.

Maniche won the Champions League and UEFA Cup while at Portounder Jose Mourinho and added an English league title to his honors when he was reunited with the Portuguese coach at Chelsea last season.

He joined Dynamo from Porto in May 2005 for a Russian record transfer fee of 16 million euros, together with fellow Portugal international Costinha but never settled at the club.

The midfielder is a mainstay of the Portuguese national side and was part of team that reached semi-finals of the World Cup. Enditem

Vicente Calderon Stadium

TORRES STRIKE SINKS RACING

Spain international Fernando Torres gave 10-man Atletico Madrid the perfect start to the new Primera Liga season with the solitary goal in the 1-0 win against Racing Santander.

Torres netted after just 12 minutes before Atletico had Georgios Seitaridis sent off on the stoke of half time for a professional foul.

But Racing failed to make the numerical advantage count and Atletico survived to take the three points by the narrowest of margins at the Estadio El Sardinero.

It was a good start under new Atletico coach Javier Aguirre with hopes high that the club can be competitive this season.

Torres gave Atletico a dream start when he opened the scoring to continue the good form he showed in the World Cup where he scored three goals.

The Spain international finished from close range after the ball fell invitingly in his path.

After 23 minutes Racing Santander came close to equalising with some enterprising play from Juanjo Exposito.

Pedro Munitis played in a corner which landed at the feet of Juanjo whose right-footed shot from 12 yards rattled the Atletico crossbar.

Munitis, the former Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna man, was in excellent form and two minutes later he played in a dangerous looking cross which Leonardo Franco did well to hold onto.

Munitis himself was unlucky in the 28th minute when his powerful shot crashed back off the crossbar.

In the 43rd minute, Racing's Gonzalo Colsa fired narrowly wide with a free-kick.

Racing were playing some good football and a minute before the break the capital club's task got even tougher with the sending-off of Seitaridis.

Seitaridis, who moved to Atletico after an unsuccessful stint with Dinamo Moscow in Russia, got his marching orders as he halted a dangerous Santander attack with a crude tackle on Felipe Melo.

The full-back, a member of Greece's Euro 2004 winning side, was shown the way to the dressing rooms by referee Eduardo Iturralde Gonzalez.

But despite going a man down, Atletico were unlucky not to double their lead as Torres struck a post on the stroke of half-time.

Racing also started the second half well and Franco made an excellent save to tip over Juanjo's header.

Nine minutes into the second period Atletico almost scored a second goal when their close season signing from Valencia Miguel Angel Mista headed over an Antonio Lopez free-kick.

Mista was looking like the player who flirted with greatness when Rafael Benitez was in charge of Valencia but has had two relatively lean seasons since. Next he missed to the left with a shot from 20 yards.

Pablo Ibanez was doing sterling work in marshalling the Atletico defence but Juanjo was left cursing his luck again when he headed wide.

Franco was called into action to keep out a shot from Melo and young prodigy Sergio Aguero came on for Mista.

With five minutes to play Franco made a brilliant double save to deny Santander substitutes Javier Balboa and David Aguanzo.

Aguanzo forced Franco into action once more and the goalkeeper's heroics proved decisive as the visitors from the capital celebrated three points that they had to battle for and which gives Aguirre the start he needed.

Serb striker Kezman signs for Fenerbahce

Atletico Madrid striker Mateja Kezman signed a four-year contract with Turkish club Fenerbahce on Monday.

"I'm here to win a lot of trophies and score a lot of goals," the Serbian international told a news conference.

"I think they have a lot of quality and with a coach like (Brazilian) Zico we have the capacity to win a lot."

The 27-year-old, dropped by Serbia after a poor World Cup in Germany, joined Atletico from Chelsea in June 2005.



Media reports said Chelsea had paid PSV Eindhoven a fee of nine million euros ($11.50 million).

Kezman scored 105 goals in 123 games for PSV but only managed four goals in his one season at Chelsea.

He also failed to live up to his billing at Atletico, scoring eight times in 30 Primera Liga appearances.

Kezman was also pushed down the pecking order there by the arrival of Argentine forward Sergio Aguero and Spanish striker Mista.

Bad Start For Real Madrid, Good Start For Atletico

Real Madrid made a poor start Sunday to their league programme with a 0-0 draw at home to Villarreal. It was a bad start for Fabio Capello in his second spell at the Estadio Bernabeu, which jeered off his dull team at the end.

Indeed, Villarreal came closer to breaking the deadlock than Real, with dangerous long shots by Marcos Senna and Juan Riquelme.

"I understand the jeers of the crowd," said Capello. "But the truth is that we are not yet in good shape physically."

Javier Aguirre made a better start than Capello, his Atletico Madrid team winning 1-0 in Santander with an early goal from Fernando Torres.

Atleti had to play for 50 minutes with a man less, as Giorgios Seitaridis was sent off for an ugly foul.

Atletico were one of three teams to win Sunday on the road.

Getafe are the first league leaders of the season after a surprise 2-0 win at Osasuna, with goals from Fabio Celestini and Nacho Perez.

Osasuna are clearly suffering a hangover after their Champions League elimination.

Newly promoted Gimnastic Tarragona pulled off the surprise of the day by winning 1-0 at cup winners Espanyol on a goal from Alejandro Campano.

Mallorca were on the point of doing the same in Huelva, thanks to a classy goal from Juan Arango. The hosts, however, made it 1-1 with a late goal from Santi Cazorla.

The Basque derby match - between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad - also finished 1-1.

Aritz Anduriz put Athletic ahead from the penalty spot, while Mikel Aranburu grabbed a late equalizer for Sociedad.

Reyes flies off 'not to return'

ALREADY IRRITATED BY the Ashley Cole saga, Arsène Wenger faces another head-ache after José Antonio Reyes said that he did not want to return to Arsenal.
Practically since the forward arrived at Arsenal two years ago, he has complained about being unable to settle, blaming the weather, language and the food, but his desire for a transfer has intensified this summer. Wenger, the Arsenal manager, claimed that Atlético Madrid’s £8 million offer for a player valued at £16 million was an “insult”.

But Atlético are believed to be preparing to increase their offer with further additional payments payable upon qualifying for the Champions League and Uefa Cup, according to reports in Spain. The La Liga club believe that Arsenal would be willing to sell Reyes for £9.5 million, less than the Barclays Premiership club have so far paid Seville for his services. Reyes joined Arsenal for a fee of £7.1 million could rise to a total of £17.6 million with performance-related bonuses.

Atlético are also trying to buy Maniche, the Portugal midfield player, from Dynamo Moscow. “There has been some talk about Atlético and they are constructing a strong team,” Reyes said. “I just want to return. I would say yes to Atlético, yes to Real Madrid and yes to Seville. I would like to play with Fernando Torres at Atlético. Anyone in the world would like to do that. We are good friends.”

“I’ve heard lots of rumours, but the one thing that is clear is that I want to leave London. I want to come back to Spain. I will not play again in England. I’m thankful to Arsenal for the way that they have treated me. I appreciate all the support from Arsenal fans and I have never had any problems with them. Wenger has also helped me and in that sense it has been a special club.”

Reyes, who has not played in any of Arsenal’s opening four matches of the season, arrived in Seville at the weekend for Spain’s European Championship qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Northern Ireland. The forward’s preferred choice would be Real Madrid, but their interest has receded since signing Mahamadou Diarra, the midfield player, last week.

Arsenal have given a trial to Steven Naismith, the Kilmarnock striker who scored an injury-time penalty against Rangers yesterday. Naismith, who will spend the next two days in London, is regarded as one of the best talents in Scotland and won the Scottish Premierleague’s Young Player of the Year award last season.

“No one is going overboard about it at our club,” Jim Jefferies, the Kilmarnock manager, said. “There is nothing to panic about. There has been no fee agreed. An opportunity may arise but there are no guarantees from Arsenal that they are going to take him.”

Reyes agrees move to Atletico Madrid

Madrid- Jose Antonio Reyes has agreed on a four-year contract with Atletico Madrid despite Arsenal having rejected the offer from Atletico, sports paper AS reported Sunday. On Thursday, Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger called Atletico's 16-million-euro (20.4 million dollars) offer for Reyes "an insult".

Wenger is annoyed with Reyes for being so desperate to leave Arsenal where he has another three years on his contract.

Atletico are keen to make Reyes their eighth signing of the summer, especially after receiving 8 million euros on Saturday from Fenerbahce for striker Mateja Kezman.

Atletico Madrid up bid for Arsenal striker Reyes

Atletico Madrid are making an improved £11 million offer for Arsenal striker Jose Reyes.

After having a bid of £8 million turned down by Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein on Wednesday night, Atletico sports chief Miguel Angel Gil Marin will make their new offer today.

The offer also includes £700,000 for every year they finish in the top four with Reyes on the books, plus a 30 per cent sell-on fee for the Gunners. Dein confirmed yesterday that they had rejected Atletico's opening offer, but while the Gunners are publicly insisting on £16 million, AS says Atletico directors are confident they'll sell Reyes for £12 million.

Arsenal reject Atlético's £8m offer for Reyes

Arsenal have rejected Atlético Madrid's bid for José Antonio Reyes. The club vice-chairman David Dein confirmed yesterday the offer for the 22-year-old forward had been turned down by and suggested Reyes may stay at the Emirates Stadium this season.
"They have made an offer which has been rejected," Dein told Sky Sports News. "He is an Arsenal player and may very well remain an Arsenal player."

Atlético's president Enrique Cerezo had earlier confirmed their interest in Reyes. He said Atlético had lodged "an important offer" for Reyes and denied his club would have to offload any players to finance the deal. Reports in Spain said Atlético offered in the region of £8.1m.

WENGER - ATLETICO OFFER NOT SERIOUS

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insisted Atletico Madrid's offer for forward Jose Antonio Reyes was "not serious enough to be considered".

Gunners vice-chairman David Dein confirmed the offer for the 22-year-old Spain international had been turned down on Thursday night, and suggested Reyes may stay at the Emirates Stadium this season.

Wenger was equally convinced Atletico were way off meeting Arsenal's valuation of the player.

He told Arsenal TV Online: "Atletico Madrid has not made a serious offer and that offer is not considered at all by us.

"It is not serious enough to be considered."

Dein, speaking at Thursday night's Champions League draw, told Sky Sports News: "He is an Arsenal player and may very well remain an Arsenal player."

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo had earlier confirmed Atletico's firm interest in Reyes.

He stated that Atletico had lodged "an important offer" for Reyes and denied his club would have to offload any players to finance the deal.

Reports in Spain said Atletico had made a bid for Reyes in the region of £8.1million.

However, Arsenal were reported to have placed a £12.2million price tag on the Spain international, who has made no secret of his desire to return to the Primera Liga.

Real Madrid were long seen as the favourites to land the former Sevilla player but their city rivals have stepped up their efforts to bring him to the Vicente Calderon stadium instead.

Atletico de Madrid Roster Changes So Far

Squad changes so far for the 2006/07 season

In:

Agüero - Signed From Independiente

Pernía - Signed From Getafe CF

Musampa - Return From Manchester City F.C.

Costinha - Signed From FC Dynamo Moscow

Seitaridis - Signed From FC Dynamo Moscow

Zé Castro - Signed From Academica de Coimbra

Miguel - Signed From Hércules CF

Raúl Medina - Return From Ciudad de Murcia

Mista - Signed From Valencia CF

Jurado - Signed From Real Madrid

Out:

Pinola - On Loan To 1. FC Nürnberg

Manu Del Moral - On Loan To Getafe CF

Contra - Transferred To Getafe CF

Ortiz - On Loan To Polideportivo Ejido

Colsa - Transferred To Racing de Santander

Jorge Larena - Transferred To Celta de Vigo

Zahinos - Transferred To Real Valladolid

Rufino - On Loan To Albacete B

Sosa - On Loan To River Plate

Braulio - On Loan To UD Salamanca

Toché - On Loan To Real Valladolid

List of famous Atletico de Madrid players

List of famous Atletico de Madrid players

Diego Simeone
Germán Burgos
Fabricio Coloccini
Ubaldo Fillol
Luciano Galletti
Santiago Solari
Ruben Ayala
Leonardo Franco
Maxi Rodríguez
Alemão
Emerson Moisés Costa
Juninho
Dirceu
Vavá
Luis Pereira
Luboslav Penev
Martin Petrov
Luis Amaranto Perea
Adolfo Valencia
Jesper Grønkjær
Bernd Schuster
Demis Nikolaidis
Jose Cardona
Avi Nimni
Christian Vieri
Demetrio Albertini
Luis García Postigo
Hugo Sánchez
Larbi Benbarek
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Kiki Musampa
Celso Ayala
Miguel Angel Benítez
Carlos Gamarra
Roman Kosecki
Dani
Paulo Futre
João Vieira Pinto
Vladimir Jugovic
Mateja Kežman
Milinko Pantic
Quinton Fortune
Miguel Jones
Abelardo
Luis Aragonés
Mariano Pernia
Roberto López Ufarte
Javier Irureta
José Luis Pérez Caminero
José Eulogio Gárate
Francisco 'Kiko' Narváez
Manolo
Luis Pereira
Fernando 'El Niño' Torres
José Armando Ufarte
Pablo Ibañez
Antonio Lopez
Henry Carlsson
Raphaël Wicky
Richard Nuñez
Rubén Olivera

List Of Atletico de Madrid Presidents

Following is a list of Atletico de Madrid presidents from the club's founding in 1903 to present.

1.Enrique Allende: 1903
2.Eduardo de Acha: 1903-1907
3.Ricardo de Gondra: 1907-1909
4.Ramón de Cárdenas: 1909-1912
5.Julián Ruete: 1912-1919
6.Álvaro de Aguilar: 1919-1920
7.Julián Ruete: 1920-1923
8.Juan de Estefanía: 1923-1926
9.Luciano Urquijo: 1926-1931
10.Rafael González: 1931-1935
11.José L. del Valle: 1935-1936
12.José María Fernández: 1936-1939
13.Francisco Vives: 1939
14.Luis Navarro: 1939-1941
15.Manuel Gallego: 1941–1945
16.Juan Touzón: 1946-1947
17.Cesáreo Galindez: 1947-1952
18.Marqués de la Florida: 1952-1955
19.Juan Suevos: 1955
20.Javier Barroso: 1955-1964
21.Vicente Calderón: 1964-1980
22.Ricardo Irezábal: 1980
23.Alfonso Cabeza: 1980-1982
24.Antonio del Hoyo: 1982
25.Agustín Cotorruelo: 1982
26.Vicente Calderón: 1982-1987
27.Francisco Castedo: 1987
28.Jesús Gil: 1987-2003
29.Enrique Cerezo: 2003-

History Of Atletico de Madrid

Following is a complete general history of Atletico de Madrid football club, from the club's founding to its ascension back to First Division play in 2002
Athletic Club de Madrid

The club was originally founded on April 26th 1903 as Athletic Club de Madrid by three Basque students living in Madrid. The founders saw the new club as a branch of Athletic Bilbao. In 1904 they were joined by dissident members of Madrid FC. They began playing in blue and white, as did Athletic Bilbao, but by 1911 they were playing in their current colours. The reason the club changed colours is not known for certain. However one theory is that red and white striped tops were the cheapest stripes to make because the same combination was used to make bed mattresses. The left over cloth was easily converted into football shirts. Although both Athletic Bilbao and Athletic Madrid started out with blue and white stripes, the discovery of a cheaper option probably persuaded them to change. The Madrid club did it first and they became known as los colchoneros - the mattress makers.

In 1921 Athletic Madrid became independent of Athletic Bilbao and by 1923, the club built its first stadium, the Metropolitano. During the 1920s Athletic won the Campeonato del Centro three times and in 1921 and 1926 they were Copa del Rey runners-up. Based on this record, they were invited to join the Primera División of the inaugural La Liga in 1928. During their debut La Liga season the club were managed by Fred Pentland. However in 1930 they were relegated to the Segunda División. They briefly returned to the Primera División in 1934, again with Pentland in charge. The club were relegated again in 1936 after Josep Samitier took over in mid-season from Pentland. However the Spanish Civil War gave the club a reprieve and both La Liga and Athletics relegation were postponed.

Athletic Aviacion de Madrid

By 1939, when La Liga had resumed, Athletic had merged with Aviacion Nacional of Zaragoza to become Athletic Aviacion de Madrid. Aviacion Nacional had been founded in 1939 by members of the Spanish Air Force. They had been promised a place in the Primera División for the 1939-40 season, only to be denied by the RFEF. As a compromise this club merged with Athletic, whose squad had lost eight players in the Spanish Civil War. The team were awarded a place in the 1939-40 Primera División only as a replacement for Real Oviedo whose ground had been damaged during the war. With Ricardo Zamora as manager, the club subsequently won their first La Liga in 1940 and then retained the title in 1941.

In 1941 a decree issued by Franco banned teams from using foreign names and the club became Atlético Aviacion de Madrid. In 1947 the club decided to drop the military association from its name and settled on its current name Club Atlético de Madrid. The same year saw Atlético beat Real Madrid 5-0 at the Metropolitano, to date their biggest win over their rivals.

The Golden Age

Under Helenio Herrera and with the help of Larbi Benbarek, Atlético won La Liga again in 1950 and 1951. With the departure of Herrera in 1953, the club began to slip behind Real Madrid and CF Barcelona and for the remainder of the 1950s they where left to battle it out with Atlético Bilbao for the title of third team in Spain.

However during the 1960s and 1970s, Atlético Madrid seriously challenged CF Barcelona for the position of second team. The 1957/58 season saw Fernando Daucik take charge of Atlético and he led them to second place in La Liga. This resulted in Atlético qualifying for the 1958/59 seasons European Cup since the winners, Real Madrid where the reigning European champions. Inspired by Brazilian centre-forward Vavá and Enrique Collar, Atlético reached the semi-finals after beating Drumcondra, CSKA Sofia and FC Schalke 04. In the semi-finals they met Real Madrid. Real won the first leg 2-1 at the Bernabéu while Atlético won 1-0 at the Metropolitano. If away goals had counted double Atlético would have progressed to the final. However the tie went to a replay and Real won 2-1 in Zaragoza.

Atlético, however, gained their revenge when, led by former Real coach José Villalonga, they defeated Real in two successive Copa del Generalísimo finals in 1960 and 1961. In 1962 they won the European Cup Winners Cup beating Fiorentina 3-0 after a replay. In 1963 they reached the final of the same competition again, this time losing 5-1 to Tottenham Hotspur F.C.. Enrique Collar, who continued to be an influential player during this era, was now joined by the likes of midfielder Miguel Jones and midfield playmaker Adelardo who joined

Unfortunately for Atlético fans their best years coincided with a great Real Madrid team. Between 1961 and 1980, Real Madrid dominated La Liga with the club winning the competition 14 times. During this era only Atlético offered Real any serious challenge, winning La Liga titles in 1966, 1970, 1973 and 1977. They were also runners-up in 1961, 1963 and 1965 and won the Copa del Generalísimo again in 1965, 1972 and 1976. In 1965, when they finished as La Liga runners-up to Real after an intense battle for the title, Atlético became the first team to beat Real at the Bernabéu in eight years.

European Cup Finalists

Significant players from this era included the now veteren Adelardo and regular goalscorers Luis Aragonés, Javier Irureta and José Eulogio Gárate. The latter won the Pichichi three times in 1969, 1970 and 1971. In the 1970s Atlético also recruited several Argentine employees, signing Ruben Ayala, Panadero Diaz and Ramon Heredia, as well as coach Juan Carlos Lorenzo. Lorenzo believed in discipline, caution and disrupting the opponents’ game. Although controversial, his methods proved successful and after winning La Liga in 1973, the club reached the European Cup final in 1974. On the way to the final Atlético knocked out Galatasaray, Dinamo Bucharest, Red Star Belgrade and Celtic. In the away leg of the semi-final against Celtic, Atlético had Ayala, Diaz and substitute Quique all sent off during a hard fought encounter. Despite this they still managed a 0-0 draw and then won the return leg 2-0 with goals from Gárate and Adelardo. However the final at the Heysel Stadium proved to be a heartbreaker for Atlético. Against a Bayern Munich team that included Franz Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier, Paul Breitner, Uli Hoeness and Gerd Müller, Atlético played above themselves. Despite missing Ayala, Diaz and Quique through suspension, they went ahead in extra-time with only seven minutes left. Aragonés scored with a superb, curling free-kick that looked like the winner. However in the last minute of the game Bayern defender Georg Schwarzenbeck equalised with a stunning 25 yarder that left the Atlético goalkeeper Miguel Reina motionless. In a replay, back in the Heysel, two days later Bayern won 4-0.

The Aragonés Years

Shortly after the defeat in the European Cup, Atlético appointed their veteran player Luis Aragonés as coach. Aragonés subsequently served as coach on four separate occasions (1974-80, 1982-87, 1991-93 and 2002-03). His first success came quickly. Bayern Munich had declined to participate in the Intercontinental Cup and as runners-up, Atlético were invited instead. Their opponents were Independiente of Argentina and, after losing the away leg 1-0, they won the return leg 2-0 with goals from Javier Irureta and Ruben Ayala. Aragonés subsequently led the club to further successes in the Copa del Rey in 1976 and La Liga in 1977.

During his second spell in charge, Aragonés led the club to second in La Liga and a Copa del Rey in 1985. He received considerable help from Hugo Sánchez who scored 19 La Liga goals and won the Pichichi. Sánchez also scored twice in the Copa final as Atlético beat Athletic Bilbao 2-1. However Sánchez only remained at the club one season before he move across the city to Real Madrid. Despite the loss of Sánchez, Aragonés went on to lead the club to success in the Supercopa de España in 1985 and then guided them to the European Cup Winners Cup final in 1986. However Atlético lost their third successive European final, this time 3-0 to Dynamo Kiev.

The Jesús Gil Years

In 1987 Jesús Gil became club president. Atlético had not won La Liga for ten years and were desperate for success. Gil spent heavily, bringing in a number of expensive signings, most notably Paulo Futre. However the title proved elusive and Gil developed a reputation for his ruthlessness. He hired and fired a number of managers, including César Luis Menotti, Ron Atkinson, Javier Clemente and a returning Luis Aragonés, in pursuit of success. In 1996 Radomir Antic, with a squad including José Luis Caminero, Diego Simeone, Milinko Pantic, Juan Manuel López and Kiko, finally delivered. Atlético won a La Liga/Copa del Rey double. However this success produced no change in the Gil strategy and although Antic survived three consecutive seasons in charge he was replaced in 1998 by Arrigo Sacchi. Antic returned briefly in 1999 only to be replaced by Claudio Ranieri. The spending also continued with Christian Vieri and Juninho arriving in the late 1990s. The 1999/00 season proved disastrous for Atlético. Ranieri was sacked with the club heading towards relegation and the return of Antic for a third time failed to prevent the inevitable. Despite reaching the Copa del Rey final, Atlético were relegated.

Atlético spent two seasons in the Segunda División, narrowly missing out on promotion in 2001 before winning the Segunda División championship in 2002.

Quick Biography Of Atletico de Madrid

Club Atlético de Madrid is a Spanish football club based in Madrid. They currently play in the Primera División of La Liga. Their home stadium is the Vicente Calderón Stadium. Atlético are widely regarded as the third biggest club in Spain, although both Athletic Bilbao and Valencia CF would challenge this opinion. The club has won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey on nine occasions, including a double in 1996. They also won the European Cup Winners Cup in 1962 and were European Cup runners-up and Intercontinental Cup winners in 1974. Atlético play in red and white striped shirts and dark blue shorts.

During their history, the club has been known by a number of nicknames including los colchoneros or mattress makers. During the 1970s they became known as the los indios. This was allegedly due to the club signing several South American players after the restrictions on signing foreign players was lifted. Another theory suggests that the nickname developed because los indios were the traditional enemy of los blancos. The latter nickname refers to the club's city rival Real Madrid.

Atletico in bid for Arsenal's Reyes

Atletico reportedly offered Arsenal €12 million (US$15.3 million) for the 22-year-old Spanish international two weeks ago.

The Web site of sports daily Marca said Atletico has followed up its bid by sending club officials to London on Wednesday to negotiate Reyes' move.

However, Atletico's bid - like Madrid's - is short of Arsenal's reported €18 million (US$23 million) asking price.

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger dismissed fresh reports Wednesday that Madrid is poised to sign Reyes.

"If you tell me there is a deal with Real Madrid, I tell you there will be no deal with Real Madrid," Wenger told Arsenal's Web site.

With next Thursday's transfer deadline looming, time is running short for Reyes, who has long since desired a move back home despite extending his Arsenal contract to 2011 last year.

In February 2005, the former Sevilla player was fooled into acknowledging his desire for a move during a mock interview staged by a Spanish radio station.

Last month, he told the Spanish press he was keen to leave Arsenal for Madrid, saying he hadn't adapted to life in England, the language or the climate.

Sergio Agüero

Atletico eye Guti coup

Atletico Madrid are hoping to sign Spain midfielder Guti from bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Guti has struggled for years to hold down a regular starting berth at the Bernabeu.

And with Brazilian Emerson already arriving from Juventus this summer and Mahamadou Diarra and Jose Reyes also on Los Merengues' hit list, the situation could be about to get worse.

According to Spanish daily Marca, Atletico tried to sign Guti last summer and talks took place between them, the player and Real.

And now they're set to try again with Atletico coach Javier Aguirre believing the stylish playmaker can be his midfield lynchpin for the coming season.

Sergio Aguero is the most interesting and expensive newcomer

The most expensive deal carried out in Spanish football this summer has, just for once, not been done by Real Madrid or Barcelona. The costliest signing has been that of Argentine teenager Sergio Aguero, bought by Atletico Madrid from Independiente Buenos Aires for around 29 million euros (37.4 million dollars).

Why have Atletico broke the club transfer record to sign a relatively unknown 18 year-old?

Atleti, as they are known, have been looking for a second striker to accompany Fernando Torres for several years now.

Aguero seems to be the most exuberant talent to come out of Argentina for several years, having scored 23 goals for Independiente in the past two seasons.

He was unlucky to miss out on a place at the World Cup finals, Argentina coach Jose Pekerman finally opting for Barca wunderkind Lionel Messi instead.

Atleti coach Javier Aguirre, never a man to give praise lightly, is foaming at the mouth about Aguero.

"Sergio has already started to settle down well," said Aguirre on Monday, "and he's showing a maturity beyond his years.

"He is fast, talented, determined...and very intelligent, always looking up to see his options."

Aguirre is working hard to keep Aguero out of the media spotlight, and to prevent excessive expectations from building up around him.

Aguero - as small and skilful as most young Argentine stars - has scored eight goals already for Atletico in pre-season matches.

"I'm delighted to be over here," he said somewhat shyly on Sunday. "It's good to have my family with me to help me settle in...Now I'm just looking forward to the season starting."

Atletico have the advangage of not playing in European competitions - though this has not helped them much domestically in recent years.

Indeed, the red-and-whites have not been in Europe since 1999, just before their two-year spell in the second division.

Every summer they sign six or seven players and expectations rise - only to be quickly dashed.

This season, however, things could be different, thanks to a small teenager with big ambitions called Aguero.

Atletico Madrid president heaps praise on Torres

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has heaped praise on captain Fernando Torres after the striker resisted big offers from Manchester United and AC Milan this summer.

Cerezo said of Torres: "As a player he is a ten and as a person he is a twenty. In addition, he has Atletico in his blood and is a winner.

"And in this team I see winners.

"We always were very clear when we spoke with Fernando Torres about his future. He knows the idea of the club is that he continues here with us not only for this season but several more."

Atletico Madrid Confident Of Signing Maniche

Portugal World Cup star Maniche is all set to join Spain's Atletico Madrid from Russian club Spartak Moscow, the AS sports daily said on its website Monday.

According to AS, Dynamo are ready to accept a 9-million euros (11.5 million dollars) offer for the player made by Atletico.

Atletico coach Javier Aguirre is keen to have Maniche in his squad as soon as possible, and wants him to become the leader of his midfield.

Maniche would be Atletico's ninth summer signing, after Sergio Aguero, Mariano Pernía, Ze Castro, Giorgios Seitaridis, Costinha, Mista and Jose Manuel Jurado.

© 2006 DPA

Petrov could be the man as Jol looks left

SATURDAY's defeat by Bolton Wanderers served Martin Jol with two points to ponder.

First, the need to address the creative void left by Michael Carrick, and second, who can provide his side with genuine balance on the left-hand side?

The answer, he may feel, could come in the shape of one man, but it remains to be seen who that is, and how Spurs can lure them to White Hart Lane.

Despite his side's poor start in Lancashire, Jol can justly feel that his first team is taking shape, with a talented and fit number nine to lead the line in Dimitar Berbatov and Didier Zokora providing a defensive barrier in midfield.

But Zokora is no Carrick when it comes to directing play, leaving more responsibility on Spurs' wide players to create.

Aaron Lennon undoubtedly fulfils that role on the right-hand side, and Wayne Routledge is a talented deputy, but Jol is desperately short of someone who can do the same on the left - especially now he has given up on Andy Reid and packed him off to Charlton for £3million.

As it stands, Jol has three options within his squad, but none of these have made an outstanding case to take on the role full-time.

Reto Ziegler is perhaps the most ideally suited to the role, left-footed, physically strong for his age and capable of delivering accurate crosses, but rightly or wrongly, Jol seems to have reservations when it comes to picking the young Swiss.

Edgar Davids, meanwhile, has regularly taken station on the left flank, but his powers are fading, and he lacks the dynamism to break forward with anything near the pace Jol would hope for.

Teemu Tainio has that speed of foot and mind, but his right-footedness could ultimately count against him.

Despite his unwavering faith in the injury-prone Finn, Jol has made clear his need for a genuine left winger by tabling numerous bids for England's coming man Stewart Downing.

Spurs have been tracking the 22-year-old for nearly two years, but Boro have repelled a series of bids, reportedly ranging between £7-12million.

Cash is not in short supply at the Riverside, and chairman Steve Gibson has stood by new manager Gareth Southgate.

Spurs will be sure to test Boro's resolve once more with an improved bid, but Downing has already indicated that he wants to stay in his native north-east, and with the transfer window closing next Thursday, Jol can ill-afford to spend too much more time flogging a dead horse.

The more realistic option might be Atletico Madrid winger Martin Petrov.

Cheaper but older and unproven in the Premiership, the 27-year-old has already formed an understanding with Berbatov in the Bulgarian national team, and more importantly, Atletico may be willing to part with the player for the right fee.

The La Liga outfit missed out on qualifying for Europe last season, and need to balance the books after recruiting heavily this summer.

If Spurs draw a blank on either player, it seems likely that they will put their left-wing plans on the back burner until January.

Reyes nears Arsenal exit as Atlético fly to the rescue

JOSÉ ANTONIO REYES’S campaign to engineer a move from Arsenal moved closer to completion last night when the club opened transfer talks with Atlético Madrid.
Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, the sporting director of the Spanish club, met David Dein, the Arsenal vice-chairman, before the London club’s Champions League qualifier against Dynamo Zagreb yesterday evening and although a deal was not struck, both parties formed the impression that they could do business.

Argentina's Rodriguez extends deal with Atletico

Argentina forward Maxi Rodriguez has agreed to extend his contract with Atletico Madrid until 2010, the Primera Liga club said on Wednesday.

Maxi, who joined Atletico from Espanyol on a three-year deal in 2005, was the club's second highest scorer with 10 goals last season.

"Atletico have been delighted with the player's performance and the commitment he has shown since he joined the club," Atletico said on their Web site.

The 25-year-old, who is reported to have rejected an offer to move to Inter Milan, was a key member of Argentina's team at the World Cup, ending the tournament as their joint top scorer with three goals.

Reyes interest confirmed

Jose Antonio Reyes's agent has confirmed Atletico Madrid are interested in signing the Arsenal forward.

Reports emanating from Spain on Wednesday claimed Atletico were ready to rival city rivals Real Madrid for Reyes's signature.

Reyes has not hidden his desire to return to Spain because he has failed to settle in England.

Real Madrid have confirmed their interest in the former Sevilla man, but have been unable to agree a deal with Arsenal.

That has allowed Atletico to enter the race for Reyes' signature and reports suggest Atletico officials have travelled to London to hold talks with Arsenal.

Atletico are keen to bring in Reyes, as they look to bolster their squad before the transfer window slams shut next week.

Arsenal are reported to have indicated they would be willing to do a deal with Atletico, as long as they could have first option on star striker Fernando Torres.

However, Atletico have snubbed the option as they are currently working on offering Torres a new deal at El Vicente Calderon.

Reyes's agent, Jesus Rodriguez de Moya, has confirmed Atletico are keen on Reyes, but that he has not held any talks with the Spanish club as yet.

"They (Atletico) have not spoken to me directly," said Rodriguez de Moya.

Arsenal could now be prepared to start a bidding war between Atletico and Real for Reyes, as they look to get the best price for the Spanish international

Atletico enter the race to secure £15m Reyes

The Arsenal striker Jose Antonio Reyes' hopes of a move to Madrid were revived last night with an unexpected twist - the Spanish capital's second team, Atletico, were the club negotiating his departure from England.

An Atletico Madrid representative, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, is believed to have met Arsenal officials before the Gunners' Champions' League qualifier second leg with Dynamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium last night in an attempt to close the deal before the start of the Spanish season this weekend.

Atletico have spent around £30m on new players after last season's disastrous La Liga campaign when they failed even to qualify for the Uefa Cup. The club's new manager, Javier Aguirre, who last season guided Osasuna to fourth in the table, is keen on signing Reyes.

The major stumbling block will be Arsenal's £15m asking price, with Atletico starting their bidding at just £8m and unlikely to raise it far beyond £10m. Atletico could include the Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov as part of the deal but are believed to be counting on two factors to help to persuade the English side to accept their offer - Real Madrid and Fernando Torres.

Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, has made public his contempt for the manner in which Real have unsettled Reyes this summer. Atletico are hoping that selling Reyes to Real's city rivals may be an added incentive for Arsenal.

They are also believed to be willing to give Arsenal first option on Torres should he decide to leave the club next season. The Spain striker has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Milan.

* Milan last night offered Real Madrid £15m for the Brazilian striker Ronaldo. The bid is said to be £2m less than Madrid's asking price for the three-times world player of the year.

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