Higuain sold to MADRID, GAGO on his way

Forwards and midfielders are the glamour spots, but it’s great to hear about some great young DEFENDERS, because that’s what arg will need in the future. A fab bad-ass goalie, and defender’s with the same skill and ferocity as ayala and heinze. That is so important. (I’m glad – Maxilopez- to hear that you love ayala as much as i do! He is going to be SO missed when he’s gone).

Messi was playing so well. But I hope this one big injury a year thing doesn’t become a pattern. His people need to be conscious of this (and I wonder what effects the growth hormones he took will have on his body in his career, and after he retires)

I will finally be interested in watching real madrid, especially if Gago plays there and does well.

From the news…

Fernando Gago travelled today to Spain to finish the details on the transfer from Boca Jr to RM in a deal est. at 20 million euros.

Mauricio Macri, pres of Boca, will also be travelling to Spain.

Finally a chance to see Higuain play. I’m interested to see how he handles being amongst the superstars of the game. I just really hope he chooses Argentina over France. The kid has got Argentine blood running through his veins.

Also Gago has been tagged as right footed Redondo, so I’m really looking forward to seeing these two youngsters plying their trade in the Primera Liga.

Hi everybody. Thanks for the posts. This blog must keep going on.

OLD POST BUT SO IMPORTANT TO ME:

FOR THE LAST TIME, concerning Tevez, you people must understand that he will be sent where Kia wants him to go. He will be loaned. He doen’t belong to WH or Corinthians. TEVEZ BELONGS TO KIA and Abramovitch. And I’m sure that the clever Mourinho is thinking of him in replacement of Sheva!

Alexa, Ayala said: “el futbol es una mierda”, “but football isn’t done with me yet! It can’t beat me down”. I love him too! I am your fan Roberto. He must have been so close to insult Blatter! Too bad…

By the way, I’ve started to read that book criticizing FIFA. I’ve just readen a few pages and believe me, FIFA is tricking everything. Did you know that Samaranch was one of Franco’s minister during the Spanish Dictating and fascist regime?! The man is Brazilian like that old shark of Havelange, president before Blatter. Havelange named Sepp. These guys are rich now. Gangsters. Steelers. I’ve read only a few moments but i’ve already understood why Brazil won so many titles. It’s disgusting. You know what? Brazil will organize WC in 2014. It’s obvious. They are the only applying country. Grondona wants to make Argentina participate in the organization, you know, 2 or 3 matches. What a shame.

Ayala is perfectly right.

Saviola is already back for Barca. It’s a joke. Ridjkaard is really a fool. He always brings his players back from injuries much too early. Before, Messi, 2 times, and now Saviola. This guy is going to kill our players!

Messay, a young player who plays for an under 23 or 17 NT, can play for the senior NT. In France there are many examples. Here is the best one: Kanouté played for France under 23 and now plays for his country of Mali. Same for Bobo Vieri, Benarfa, …

Higuain is coming to Real and cassano is already on his way to Milan.

Gallardo is transferred to Paris SG.

Hi guys, how is everyone doing.

Messay I dont know anything about Fernando Foresterie, but sounds interesting. is he good???

Maxilopez are you sure that fifa allows that to happen??? I mean if the under 17 team was playing may be a friendly thats one thing, but they allow them to switch even after playing in a fifa competition???

Yes Fair, i confirm. some examples:

Kanouté (France then Mali)
Vieri (France then Italy)
Ben Arfa and Bensaada (France then Tunisia)
Maybe Camoranesi and Vieri’s brother who plays for Australia now.

I remember very well that Kanouté played important games for EURO U-23, against Italy,…, official games.

If Forestieri chooses Italy, he could then change his mind but would still be considered as a traitor.

Very bad decision by Higuain to join Real Madrid. What is he going to do there? How many bench warmers do they need?

He is joining a team with the hope of seeing playing time when Real is stacked with
Raúl,Ronaldo,Robinho,Van Nistelrooy,Reyes and Cassano. Is wearing the Madrid jersey more important than actually playing and improving your skills? Who is advising this punk kid anyway.

Get out of there and join a smaller club like Fiorentina or Palermo so you can grow as a player.

It’s just so foolish the long list of players who want to go to Real to “ride the pine”.

Well we’ll see how he performs. Cassano and Raul are really overrated anyway. So he will be used as a sub – and very sparingly his first season.

Completely right neocon. Just look where are Robinho and Saviola. Incredible talent but trapped. All is about money nowadays. Higuain’s dad must be happy. You’ll see, nobody talks about Higuain’s brother because he’s a bit older, he’ll do good job at Real Sociedad.

This week end: Aimar+D’Alessandro+Ponzio+Militos VS Ayala. Great! I’ll have the chance to watch the game! Te quiero Argentina, a vida…

Lets not be to critcal of Higuain as he is now set for life financially. Also dont forget that there is some benefit from practicing with great players and Higuain will get a lot of practice time. I also believe that Real Madrid has a good quality B team. The realities are that the big clubs want to sign them young so if I were a young stud I would do the same thing that Higuain is doing.

I agree that some of these youngs bucks could have a great impact on the future for the NT but would caution that most of our 2010 team should be players that played in 2006. We should only have to replace 5 or 6 guys.

I agree with FIFA on the players being able to decide their national team as they get older. Just because some 15 year old gets pressure to play for Italy should not mean he can not change his mind when he is an adult and more mature. Have a good weekend.

I remember that one day, an English fan asked us about the fight after the ARG GER game. I answered him that Argentine football fans were the most passionate of the world.

Check this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRUs9sZE-qM

At that moment, i was happier than an Italian after the WC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbEq5rW0SFY

Alfio, Riquelme and the rest of the gang,

Anything interesting going on?

Here it is, to make it clear, Forestieri plays for Italy.

En caso de que se realice la operación, Lux se reencontraría con su amigo Luciano Figueroa, con quien jugó en la Selección —fueron campeones olímpicos— y en River (también está Fernando Forestieri, el argentino que ya jugó para el Sub 17 italiano).

Ken is right, where is the rest of the team? On holidays?

I think it`s terrible that Gago and Higuain are going to Real. They will be benchwarmers for sure. They should either stay in Argentina or go to smaller clubs in Europe.
Anyway, I am off for a looong vacation. Merry Christmas to all of you! See you in a a few weeks.
Take care.
Rune

I truely believe Higuain is going to play for argentina argentinas next game is against france that game is the next game these two countries are playing Higuain wants to play for argentina but he is afraid of not playing because argentinas has to much talent so and he doesnt want to play for the U teams so when he gets a call up for argentina senior team he’ll accept it argentina is going to call him up so he wouldnt be avaible to play for france I think???? I’m not sure but argentina will call him up so he’ll think he get a call up every so often and become a regular on the team and become fully a argentine player

Rune,

I think they will get loan out to a smaller european club both of them gago and Higuain

I have a question — why is it that Arg regularly find themselves out of the bug huge clubs, (barc,RM, etc.). I guess Italy is a diff story, since Inter is full of Arg, but in Spain the top arg are in smaller clubs.

Can anyone explain why this is?

I don’t see Inter on the same standing as Barcelona, say, but the way they have been playing, i think that they can do really well in the Champions Cup.

Alexa,
I think there are a number of reasons. However most of them point to competition among the Big clubs to get the best players first!

Firstly, the big clubs want to beat their main competitor assuming the player is a real good player. Then once the player is theirs, they then loan the player to another club which is not a threat to them if they do not need the player right away.

The player agent has big role to play; the bigger the price the higher their fees. Only the big clubs can afford those fees.

The original team also has a lot to say. As you the President of Boca is in Spain right now to wheel and deal…

Have you noticed that even Liverpool has got involved with players as early 17 years old.

I hope this makes sense. I think you get the idea. Why do you think Mourinho wants a B-team?

Capello has said Madrid “NEEDS GAGO” he also said “I will talk more about Gago when he is officially signed” he didnt say “if” he said “when” he is signed. that is pretty cool that the coach feels that way about him.

Also Carlitos said he was surprised that Padraw stayed that long. He said she should have been fired long ago. lol. He talked about how he was forced to play out of position and that how he didnt know what to do because he played way out of position.

I watched that game yesterday: Zaragoza VS Valencia and i’m a bit worried about our NT. Aimar couldn’t play well. He has pure class but was always trapped. Always trying to dribble again and again. The solution is always collective! We talked some time ago about the possibility of playing 2 playmakers in our NT. Zaragoza played with Aimar & D’Alessandro together. They deserved to win but didn’t. I’m not sure Aimar could do better than Riquelme for Argentina. But associated with Messi, our team can be devastating. I must be more optimistic.

It’s true that some guys at Zaragoza don’t have a good level. And it doesn’t help Pablito. Milito was always doing long passes because he didn’t really have the choice, all alone in his defence. We must not forget players like Samuel in the future.

D’Alessandro was a bit useless. He played more like a winger.

D. Milito played well.

By the way, Ayala is a sub now at Valencia. Incredible.

what?! why is ayala a sub? Isn’t he their best defender!

Aimar was boxed in, and he didn’t seem to have any outlets. He looks so physically small and skinny. He’s a fantastic player, but he needs support, both with the nt and zar.

Gago and real madrid talks have broken. maybe this is a good thing.

thanks, ken, for that post.

tevez and mascherano needs to leave west ham right away

Tevez did not even get a chance to play for a second against Man.UTD today.
I wonder whether this has anything to do with his comments about the previous fired manager.

Hello:
“ARGENTINA…ARGENTINA…ARGENTINA”

Do you have any idea why Tevez get a chance to play against Manchester united? Thanks

Sorry, I meant did NOT …

By the time West Ham made 3rd subs, I switched channel…

looks liek masche is going to juve
or mabye zarzagoza

http://albicelestes.com/news/498-West-Ham-happy-to-show-Mascherano-quick-route-to-Italy

Hello guys,

I have been surprised by the fact that Ayala is a Sub, because I always saw him as a regular this year, and I am right:
MAxi Lopez, this was probably the first game Ayala did not play, in fact he played 90 minutes in each games he played in la LIGA : 11 games.
I guess he was injured or suspended, or just a little tired… Don’t worry !

Hi guys,

Was away for the weekend so I haven’t been replying much…but here goes.

To answer your question Ken, truth is I’m not 100% sure why Carlitos did not play yesterday – but it seems he is going to get given a chance to perform for West Ham. It will be good when Dean Ashton comes back from his injury as he is a good #9 for West Ham, and it will be good to see Tevez play alongside him. I think those two will do really well together.

People think West Ham have a lot of forwards but truth is they are not as rich in that department as people think. They have Ashton who is their only really good player (other than Tevez)…Sheringham is too old, Zamora isn’t too good and neither is Harewood. All-in-all, it seems like they need Carlitos way more than they appreciate him so far. Let’s see what happens – I still would like to see Tevez playing in a big team who is always attacking. If he was at one of the big four teams in England it would be great to see.

On to the Higuain and Gago situation – lets keep our fingers crossed they develop in the players we hope they are and undoubtedly have the potential to become. I have no doubts Gago will be among the best midfielders in the world in a few years – the guy oozes class. The way he plays with his head up is superb. I do agree though that sometimes the younger players move TOO early – let’s hope this isn’t the case with these guys. I heard talks have broken down with Real – is this still the case?

On to why so many Argentinean players play in ‘smaller’ teams – truthfully speaking, I find it unbelievable. Apart from Messi at Barcelona and Cambaisso, Zanettti and Crespo at Inter and Heinze at Manchester United, none of the Argentinean world class players play for the biggest teams, and it’s a really big shame.

For example, my team (Liverpool) is managed by Rafa Benitez who had Aimar at Valencia, and yet last year when Aimar was on sale, he never even tried to buy him…yet we have a bad version of Aimar, Luis Garcia in our squad!? I can’t understand it…look how well Saviola played at the World Cup and for Sevilla last year and yet he is bench-warming for Barca?! Crespo wasn’t given a proper chance at Chelsea, and look at how many ‘big’ clubs Sorin has played for?!

Macri to offer Gago to Barcelona as Real Madrid talks collapse
tribalfooball.com – December 18, 2006

Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri is ready to offer Fernando Gago to Barcelona or Atletico Madrid after failing to reach an agreement with Real Madrid yesterday.

Real refuse to go higher than £11 million for the Argentine, however Macri won’t consider selling the youngster for anything less than £17 million.

“I hope that Madrid has flexibility. My objective is £17 million,” said Macri. “And I believe that Gago is worth much more than that. In fact, our initial price was £20 million and we lowered it, already too much, until the £17 million that we want.

“Fernando is worth much more. Look, within six months, he will be worth £25 million. For that reason, it seems to me reasonable to demand £17 million. I hope they are flexible.”

Macri added: “I’m now in Barcelona and hope to resume negotiations on Monday (today).”

It is hard to complain that Tevez did not play when West Ham beat the top of the table Machester United. I do think that Tevez will get his shot at west ham and the way the owners talk it does not appear that they see it as an option to transfer the pair until the summer. It is funny that all of us complain at the lack of Argentines at the biggest clubs but when an argy signs for one we all complain that it is a miskake because youi sont get as much playing time. Mayvbe some of our stars have already figured that out. I even think Messi would be better off at Inter then Barcelona. The reason is that these top clubs stack the deck so deep that even if you are one of the best players in the world you might be riding the pine more than you would like.

http://old.ole.clarin.com/jsp/v4/pagina.jsp?pagId=01287981

Well I dont want to sound bitter but if this idiot wants to refuse the Albicelestes as he has done then good riddance to him & may his career fail.

Excuses excuses about life in Argentina not being safe !! Didn’t seem to bother Messi when he came back after the WC in Rosario.

As for Trecarichi he’s already played for the u17s & has committed himself to Argentina refusing Spain.

Same for Sarmiento.I wonder what effect it will have on Gagos mindset if he ends up at Atletico or Barca rather than the club he’d like to play for.As a professional it shouldn’t make one butit could impinge on his performances.

Macri is just trying to bump the price up by adding in Barca as potential suitors.Even I would balk at paying 25M for a extremely talented player who is unproven in Europe & aged only 20.

Coco should make the ultimatum to GH by naming him in the squad ASAP .If he wants to refuse taking the tried route of every other player who has played for the NT like a spoilt brat then so be it.

Anything just to prevent yet another talent being snatched from countries who cant produce their own in any numbers.

Tevez didn’t get a game yesterday which again casts doubts on his future at WHU with the new manager in charge.

It looks like a season wasted thus far.Masche would be great at Atletico or alongside Aimar.

Aimar needs physical protection on the pitch from defensive bruisers & someone to help him have extra space to work in.

d’Alessandro is struggling somewhat in a restricted role out in the wide midfield. Zaragoza could add in a DM behind these 2 playing as free midfielders in a triangle.

I hope Aletico put in for Belluschi & Masche.Would make a very formidable team one capable of winning the Liga title.

Ayala is being rested.Hes seen as a lynchpin of the European Cup campaign & at 33 needs the odd rest now & then.

Aurelius, how are ou doing?

I was actually wondering about Forestiery not Trecharici. Do you know if Forestieri is going to play for Argentina?

Hallo Messay.Thanks for starting another blog.

Sorry to say but lets forget about this …..

He played in some games for the Italy u17 in November v Andorra & Malta scoring 3 goals.

He’s turned his back on the club & country that raised him. Italy are very poor at the u17 level so its no surprise they’e had to resort to stealing talent.

FIFA of course just sits idly by.

My understanding is that even if he plays for the italian u-17 he can still opt to play for the Argentina mens team in a few years. Is that correct?

A bit off topic — but i have a question ——-

does anyone know how to get tapes of old games?

Or of a good place top download torrents?

Thanks!

Great to hear from you, Aurelius

ARGENTINA…ARGENTINA…ARGENTINA”
Hi there, thanks for response to my query. I really think that Tevez’s comments regarding the fired coach was not appreciated by the current coach. Hence the reason he was left out on Sunday. Regarding Gago, they are asking too much for a fellow who has not even play a simple game in Europe!

thanks again for your response again.

To Todd.I think he can reconsider before the age of 21.

However every statement since November indicates he wants to play for his ‘homeland’(parents are from Messina) & become an Italian star.

Try these websites Alexa.
http://www.footballclips.net
http://www.footballtorrents.net

I’ve got some old tapes from 1994 inc.Rumania v Argentina & will try to upload some material onto youtube or onto the torrent site.

Hi guys,

No problem Ken…I’m enjoying being here on these blogs. Finally somewhere to have a decent conversation about all things Argentina and football!!!

Yeah I guess 20 million is definitely TOO much for Gago, but I don’t want him to go to Barca, I really don’t. Messi aside, I don’t like how they treat Argentinean players! Plus, his idol is Redondo and it would be great to see him fill his boots. Seeing him at Athletico Madrid would be interesting alongside Maxi and Kun Aguero…lets see how this unfolds.

Todd Utah, I understand what you mean about us complaining at the lack of Argentines at the biggest clubs and about them not getting as much playing time, but as I said earlier, if West Ham had decent forwards, I could totally understand. What is shocking is the guys who Tevez is sitting behind. OK, not every player has to be a superstar, but these guys would struggle to get in to most premiership teams. Zamora signed for Tottenham, a pretty big team, and didn’t even ever play before they swapped him with West Ham for Jermaine Defoe, where as Harewood has never even played in the premier league before coming up with West Ham. Teddy Sheringham is a good player, no doubt, but is 40 years old, and Dean Ashton has been injured all season…it makes no sense whatsoever to have Tevez on the bench and sharing playing time with these guys. I seriously doubt that Alan Pardew or Alan Curbishely could have seen any of Tevez’s old matches for Boca or Corinthians because if they saw some of the quality he regularly produced there, they wouldn’t dream of leaving him out.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Lucho Gonzalez on the superb form he is showing this season for FC Porto. More impressively, he has been playing as a central midfielder and he is now their captain. I expected big things from Lucho in the world cup but the form of Maxi rightfully stopped him from shining too much. Maxi was undoubtedly one of the highlights of this year’s tournament. Many people regarding him a “surprise” – but not to most people on this blog!

Anyone else have this sort of empty feeling compared to last year? This time last year I was buying my Argentina jersey for the world cup! Roll on 2010!!!

Three Million Puts Gago On Hold Boca Juniors President Mauricio Macri is back in Argentina without a satisfactory Real Madrid offer for coveted midfielder Fernando Gago. The Xeneize exec had one last marathon meeting at the Eurobuilding facilities in Madrid with player rep Marcelo Lombilla and Merengue negotiator Franco Baldini, but to no avail.

Real Madrid refused to budge over the 18 million mark whereas the Xeneize exec refused to come down any lower than 21 million Euros. This three-million difference is tantalisingly close to an agreement considering the original difference was 13 million: Madrid offering 12 million Euros and Boca demanding 25 million.

Lombilla now has been given a loose 48 hour deadline to smooth the Boca deal and get signatures on paper by Macri. The idea is to convince Real Madrid that if they’re in for a penny, they’re in for a pound and to at least offer a midway mark that will oscillate between 19 and 20 million, many seeing the 20 mark as perfect for a handshake.

A Madrid spokesman, however, gave the impression that the White House can wait. “We’re not in any hurry as the FIFA deadline to sign players such as Gago ends on the 31st of January so we have a month and a half. Just because Macri had a bad end to the Apertura [lost in the last round to Estudiantes] doesn’t mean that we have to pay extra.”

Macri paid a visit to the ‘Esquina del Bernabéu’ (‘Bernabéu Corner’: the Merengue club’s official merchandise outlet) where he bought a pair of Raúl boots before catching the midnight flight to Buenos Aires. The Boca boss will be waiting for Lombilla for 48 hours without listening to any other clubs’ offers – but after that it’s open season on Gago…

Hello all!!! I’m back and so glad to see this board is alive and kickin’ as usual.
Hope to catch up with all the football news I’ve missed this past month, so for now I’ll just enjoy reading your postings. Saludos…

Welcome back Albo! You have been severely missed here!

Thanks Ken, it’s good to be back.
Great posting, all of you.

Ayala isn’t injured. Valencia want to replace him by Gael Givet, from AS Monaco. The deal could be cliched this winter. Roberto should leave Valencia, he needs to play.

This would be awsome!
Real Zaragoza keen on West Ham’s Mascherano
tribalfooball.com – December 20, 2006

Real Zaragoza have expressed interest in West Ham United midfielder Javier Mascherano.
Mascherano’s future at Upton Park is clouded following the change of club ownership and manager in recent weeks.

Juventus coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed his interest in the midfielder, but he will face competition from Zaragoza, which has a successful history of getting the best out of it’s Argentine signings.

Hi guys, It looks like GAGO will be officially signed tomorrow.

Both parties have struck a deal, at least thats what the Real officials are saying. They Said GAGO will be in madrid tomorrow.

Boy!!!
Real Madrid is so stupid for spending too much money on a kid who really don’t have any trajectory yet. But if I would have the money I would get Matias, from Colo Colo. Gago is too overrated