Mourinho a perfect fit for Real Madrid - Perez

Jose Mourinho's style of play will "fit in perfectly" at the Bernabeu, says Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. Inter Milan boss Mourinho is expected to succeed coach Manuel Pellegrini, who was sacked by Real on Wednesday. Mourinho, who guided Inter to a historic Treble this season, is considered to be a defensive coach. But Perez countered: "Mourinho's style of play will fit with the history of Madrid. To win, the values, the spirit of sacrifice, it will fit perfectly." Mourinho, who took over at Inter in 2008, became only the third man to win European club football's most prestigious competition with two different clubs when Inter beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in Saturday's Champions League final. That success also assured the Nerazzuri's place in the history books as they became the first Italian team to win the Treble, having already retained the Serie A title and beaten Roma to lift the Italian Cup. Mourinho is contracted to Inter until 2012 and so the 47-year-old former Chelsea manager must resolve his future at the San Siro before making any move. Pellegrini's free-scoring Real side finished runners-up in the Spanish League this season, netting 102 goals in 38 games, with 60 of those strikes coming at home. But the 56-year-old Chilean was dismissed for failing to land any silverware, despite the Spanish giants having signed Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso for a combined fee in excess of £196m in the summer of 2009. In contrast, Mourinho's Inter side scored 75 goals in 38 games en route to their Serie A title and produced a defensive masterclass in their 3-2 aggregate win over Spanish champions Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final. And now the man who brought unprecedented success to the Nerazzurri is set to become the 11th coach in the last seven years at the Bernabeu. Perez, who is looking forward to a period of progression, added: "Madrid is betting on stability, the stability of the Madridistas is to win and be leaders in Europe. "The change of coach is always difficult but we are convinced that after this first year and this first phase, now is the moment to give a fresh impulse to our project. "A year ago there was a huge and unprecedented effort to configure and put together a squad capable of aspiring to the maximum. "We have advanced a lot but we still have a lot of ground to cover. "This club demands the maximum and is always in search of excellence. Winning and being leaders in Europe has always been the desire of our members and fans and, therefore, that's the objective of this board." Mourinho has previously said his target is to become the first manager to win championships in England - where he won the Premier League twice with Chelsea - Italy and Spain. And Perez has backed Mourinho to bring success to the Bernabeu. "We believe that he is a coach that will add a lot to this important squad," Perez continued. "The only one who has spoken to Inter president Massimo Moratti was me on Monday, but the parties are resolving a resolution (to his contract) in which we are not participating. "My hope is that it will be resolved quickly and I believe it will be."

Mourinho a perfect fit for Real Madrid - Perez

Jose Mourinho's style of play will "fit in perfectly" at the Bernabeu, says Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. Inter Milan boss Mourinho is expected to succeed coach Manuel Pellegrini, who was sacked by Real on Wednesday. Mourinho, who guided Inter to a historic Treble this season, is considered to be a defensive coach. But Perez countered: "Mourinho's style of play will fit with the history of Madrid. To win, the values, the spirit of sacrifice, it will fit perfectly." Mourinho, who took over at Inter in 2008, became only the third man to win European club football's most prestigious competition with two different clubs when Inter beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in Saturday's Champions League final. That success also assured the Nerazzuri's place in the history books as they became the first Italian team to win the Treble, having already retained the Serie A title and beaten Roma to lift the Italian Cup. Mourinho is contracted to Inter until 2012 and so the 47-year-old former Chelsea manager must resolve his future at the San Siro before making any move. Pellegrini's free-scoring Real side finished runners-up in the Spanish League this season, netting 102 goals in 38 games, with 60 of those strikes coming at home. But the 56-year-old Chilean was dismissed for failing to land any silverware, despite the Spanish giants having signed Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso for a combined fee in excess of £196m in the summer of 2009. In contrast, Mourinho's Inter side scored 75 goals in 38 games en route to their Serie A title and produced a defensive masterclass in their 3-2 aggregate win over Spanish champions Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final. And now the man who brought unprecedented success to the Nerazzurri is set to become the 11th coach in the last seven years at the Bernabeu. Perez, who is looking forward to a period of progression, added: "Madrid is betting on stability, the stability of the Madridistas is to win and be leaders in Europe. "The change of coach is always difficult but we are convinced that after this first year and this first phase, now is the moment to give a fresh impulse to our project. "A year ago there was a huge and unprecedented effort to configure and put together a squad capable of aspiring to the maximum. "We have advanced a lot but we still have a lot of ground to cover. "This club demands the maximum and is always in search of excellence. Winning and being leaders in Europe has always been the desire of our members and fans and, therefore, that's the objective of this board." Mourinho has previously said his target is to become the first manager to win championships in England - where he won the Premier League twice with Chelsea - Italy and Spain. And Perez has backed Mourinho to bring success to the Bernabeu. "We believe that he is a coach that will add a lot to this important squad," Perez continued. "The only one who has spoken to Inter president Massimo Moratti was me on Monday, but the parties are resolving a resolution (to his contract) in which we are not participating. "My hope is that it will be resolved quickly and I believe it will be."

Nigerian Aliko Dangote denies interest in Arsenal stake

Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote has denied planning a move to buy a 15.9% stake in Premier League side Arsenal. Reports claimed he was interested in Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith's shares, which are available for about £100m. In a statement, Dangote confirmed he had "been involved in conversations around investment in the past". But he added: "I can say categorically at this time that I have no intention of investing in the club and will not be acquiring a stake." Dangote, group president and chief executive officer of the Dangote Group, is reputed to be Africa's richest man, with Forbes magazine in the United States estimating his fortune two years ago at $3.3bn (£2.3bn). His wealth was built on a business empire that he founded in 1977 and now includes the number one sugar production company in Nigeria, a cement factory and textile products, plus he was made a Commander of the Order of the Niger five years ago. He recently told Nigerian newspaper ThisDay that he had been an Arsenal supporter for a "long time" and stated: "It started in 1980 when I forged a relationship with Mr David Dein, former vice-chairman of the board of Arsenal." Last month, Lady Bracewell-Smith instructed UK brokers Blackstone to find a buyer, having previously given up her place on the club's board in 2008. Stan Kroenke and Alisher Usmanov are Arsenal's two largest shareholders and it was thought that her decision to sell might lead to a bidding war between them. US billionaire Kroenke owns 29.98% of the club's shares, while Russian tycoon Usmanov holds 26.29%, but if any shareholder's stake reaches 30%, he or she is obliged to make a takeover offer for the club. Neither Kroenke - who also owns the NBA's Denver Nuggets basketball franchise, Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids football club and a stake in the NFL's St Louis Rams American football team - nor Usmanov has so far been willing to take that step. And Blackstone, who have been advising Lady Bracewell-Smith for several months, have been looking for an appropriate alternative buyer. Dangote has ruled himself out but his statement read: "I wish Arsenal Football Club the best for the future and will continue to follow the team as a fan." According to the Daily Telegraph, Blackstone has also spoken to consortiums in Eastern Europe and the Far East but the Arsenal Supporters' Trust is urging Lady Bracewell-Smith to lower the asking price for her 9,893 shares.

Mourinho to meet Inter president as exit edges closer

Coach Jose Mourinho is to hold talks with Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti as the Portuguese edges closer to leaving the European champions. Mourinho, 47, is expected to become Real Madrid boss after guiding Inter to an historic Treble. "Mourinho and Moratti will meet in Milan," said a Mourinho spokesman. "If not in the next few hours, on Tuesday." Moratti added:"There's always hope but we have to respect the wish of a person who thinks his task has expired." Mourinho's expected exit comes after the former Porto and Chelsea manager led Italian domestic Double winners Inter to a 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in Saturday's Champions League final at Real's Bernabeu stadium. His agent Jorge Mendes held a 90-minute meeting with Real director general Jorge Valdano and sporting director Miguel Pardeza on Monday, according to Spanish media. Spanish newspapers AS and Marca have reported that Mourinho will sign a four-year deal with Real worth £8.5m annually, though Inter want £13.7m in compensation as the Portuguese's contract with the Serie A side runs until 2012. Later on Monday, Sinisa Mihajlovic quit as Catania coach, amid speculation that the Serbian, who departed as Inter assistant coach in 2008, is set to succeed Mourinho at the San Siro. "I hope to soon find a job which legitimises my decision and my professional ambitions," Mihajlovic told the Inter website. By winning the Champions League, Mourinho became only the third coach to win Europe's top prize with two clubs. "I'm so sad as almost for sure it's my last game with Inter," stated Mourinho after the Nerazzurri beat Bayern Munich in Madrid. "If you don't coach Real Madrid then you always have a gap in your career." He continued: "It was difficult to leave Chelsea and it will be sad to leave Inter. Inter is my house in the same way Chelsea was my house. But that's life, that's football. "Now I have two houses, Stamford Bridge, San Siro and now a third house - probably the Santiago Bernabeu. "Only Real are interested in me but I haven't spoken with anyone and I haven't signed anything. I promised I'd speak after the final. "I believe my target now is to win another championship that I've never won and win Champions League with a third club and then come back to England. "Everybody knows that English football is my passion and I will go back to England." Mourinho, who joined Inter in 2008, has also won two Serie A titles as well as the Italian Cup. "When I win I don't stop and here [in Italy] I have won everything. I've won the Champions League with two clubs and I can do it with three," he reflected. "There are many things [in Italy] that I haven't liked and for three to four months I've been thinking of going. "I've entered into Inter's history, I don't want to speak much because if I do I'll cry and I don't want to do that. "I want a different challenge in my career, now is the time to decide. What's important for Inter is that [president Massimo] Moratti and [captain Javier] Zanetti stay." In all the post-match drama, it was easy to forget that Inter had become European champions for the first time in 45 years thanks to two goals from Argentina striker Diego Milito. And the goalscoring hero hailed his coach as the mastermind behind the Italian side's Champions League victory. "Mourinho deserves this the most. He is great coach and he deserves all of the credit for this success," the matchwinner said. "This is the team that he has made. He made many changes to the team that finished last year and we have come so far." Milito was one of the players brought in by Mourinho last summer after Zlatan Ibrahimovic departed for Barcelona. "I want to thank Inter, the president and the coach for wanting to sign me last summer - I am so happy to be here at Inter," Milito added. "What I feel now is a joy I have never felt before, an incredible joy. I am so happy for Inter because we have been waiting for so long and we deserved this trophy." The story continues shortly.

Arsenal secure signing of striker Marouane Chamakh

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh on an unspecified long-term deal. The 26-year-old, who had been linked with the Gunners since last summer, is to join on a free transfer when his contract with Bordeaux expires. In February he revealed Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal had all been in touch with him about possible moves. "Without any hesitation, Arsenal was my preferred club," said Chamakh, who hit 79 goals in eight years at Bordeaux. "My goal was to join Arsenal out of all the English clubs because it is a club that makes me dream and I have been a fan since I was a child," he continued. "We have many great players at Arsenal and I will be giving everything to help the team win trophies next season." Although born and raised in France, Chamakh qualifies for Morocco through his parents. He was part of the Morocco side that reached the final of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations and has scored 27 goals in 53 appearances for his country. "Chamakh is a striker of real quality and has all the attributes suited to come to England and do very well," Gunners manager Arsene Wenger told the club's website. "He is also a fighter, not only a good football player, but a fighter as well. He is very good in the air and also a good team player. He is a great addition to our squad." Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis added that he was "delighted" the north Londoners had beaten off much competition to sign Chamakh. "Arsene has been following his progress for some time and has identified him as a player that will add significant strength to our squad," Gazidis commented. "We're delighted that Marouane has chosen Arsenal ahead of the many other clubs that were interested in him."

Mourinho likely to quit Inter Milan for Real Madrid

ose Mourinho says he is likely to leave Inter Milan for Real Madrid after guiding Inter to an historic Treble. The Italian champions beat Bayern Munich to win the Champions League on Saturday, making Mourinho the third coach to win the prize with two clubs. But following the 2-0 victory at Real's Bernabeu stadium Mourinho said: "I'm so sad as almost for sure it's my last game with Inter. "If you don't coach Real Madrid then you always have a gap in your career." The 47-year-old former Chelsea boss added: "It was difficult to leave Chelsea and it will be sad to leave Inter. Inter is my house in the same way Chelsea was my house. But that's life, that's football. "Now I have two houses, Stamford Bridge, San Siro and now a third house - probably the Santiago Bernabeu. "Only Real are interested in me but I haven't spoken with anyone and I haven't signed anything. I promised I'd speak after the final. "I believe my target now is to win another championship that I've never won and win Champions League with a third club and then come back to England. "Everybody knows that English football is my passion and I will go back to England once." Mourinho, who joined Inter in 2008, has also won two Serie A titles and an Italian Cup. "When I win I don't stop and here [in Italy] I have won everything. I've won the Champions League with two clubs and I can do it with three," he reflected. "There are many things [in Italy] that I haven't liked and for three to four months I've been thinking of going. "I've entered into Inter's history, I don't want to speak much because if I do I'll cry and I don't want to do that. "I want a different challenge in my career, now is the time to decide. What's important for Inter is that [president Massimo] Moratti and [captain Javier] Zanetti stay." In all the post-match drama, it was easy to forget that Inter had become European champions for the first time in 45 years thanks to two goals from Argentina striker Diego Milito. And the goalscoring hero hailed his coach as the mastermind behind the Italian side's Champions League victory. "Mourinho deserves this the most. He is great coach and he deserves all of the credit for this success," the matchwinner stated. "This is the team that he has made. He made many changes to the team that finished last year and we have come so far." "I want to thank Inter, the president and the coach for wanting to sign me last summer - I am so happy to be here at Inter," Milito added. "What I feel now is a joy I have never felt before, an incredible joy. I am so happy for Inter because we have been waiting for so long and we deserved this trophy." Meanwhile, Inter president Massimo Moratti has revealed Mourinho cried after the side's victory, but hopes the coach was not shedding tears ahead of an imminent departure. "I didn't cry, but Mourinho did and a lot - I hope they were not from a sense of guilt," Moratti said. "The players were wrapped up in joy; it's an infinite joy, it's marvellous."

Avram Grant resigns as Portsmouth manager

Avram Grant has resigned as manager of relegated Portsmouth, the debt-ridden south-coast club has confirmed. The 55-year old Israeli announced his decision to leave the beaten FA Cup finalists in an open letter to fans on the club's website. "This was one of the most difficult decisions I've had to take in my football career," said Grant. Grant, who took over at Fratton Park in November 2009, is the hot favourite to pick up the vacant West Ham job. The Hammers are without a manager after sacking Italian Gianfranco Zola on 11 May following a Premier League campaign that almost ended in relegation. The likes of Mark Hughes, Paolo Di Canio, Slaven Bilic and Ian Holloway have been tipped to take over at Upton Park, but BBC football pundit Steve Claridge expects Grant to succeed Zola. "Not many managers walk out of a job without having another one readily available to them," he said. "If my money was going anywhere it would be on him going to West Ham." The former Portsmouth striker added: "I would not have thought it was the hardest decision for him. I don't think he would have fancied managing in the Championship - I am not sure how much he even knows about the Championship." Grant arrived as Portsmouth's director of football in October 2009 but replaced Paul Hart as manager the following month, with the club bottom of the league with just seven points from 13 games. Crippled by financial problems, the club went into administration in February and were subsequently deducted nine points by the Premier League - a punishment that all but condemned them to relegation. They went on to finish bottom of the table on 19 points but reached the FA Cup final, losing the Wembley showpiece 1-0 to Grant's former club Chelsea. "After a lot of soul searching and under the circumstances, I'm taking a different direction," explained Grant, who won 10, lost 16 and drew seven of his 33 matches in charge. "Portsmouth has given me a feeling of home away from home. I might be leaving Portsmouth physically, but you cannot take Portsmouth away from me and my heart. "It's been both a difficult and complex year for us at the club, but, at the same time, it's been a wonderful and uplifting professional and personal experience. "I have been inundated with letters and emails from fans. Many have brought tears to my eyes - and, take it from me, it takes a lot to do that. "I will never forget you, the loyal fans of Pompey, who, without a doubt, helped me protect the team under such complex circumstances. "There are very few teams in the world that have fans as passionate and devoted as you are. Seeing you all so proud with your heads held up high is the best reward I can receive." Peter Storrie, who quit as Portsmouth chief executive in March, is currently working as a consultant to the club and is unsurprised that Grant's efforts at Fratton Park have attracted attention. "I think Avram has done such a fantastic job down here," he told BBC Radio 5 live. "I am sure there are a lot of clubs interested in him and rightly so because he has shown everyone what a very, very good manager he is and how well he works with players. "The issue of a replacement is one is for the administrators. I am sure they will be speaking to a lot of different people and getting a lot of different advice, but obviously the coaches are still at the club at the moment and they will speak to them as well." Storrie also denied that Grant's departure would be followed by the sale of much of the first-team squad. "It is not so many as people think. Probably about three or four," he said when asked how many players might leave...