Benzema rejects Gunners links

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has dismissed rumors linking him with English side Arsenal.

The French Hit-man is believed to be under the radar of the Gunners this summer as his future at the Santiago Bernabeu remains unclear.

But it appears the €35 million signing from Lyon is slowly but surely establishing himself in the Special one’s side after a strong finish to last season.

And with his impressive showing in Madrid's pre-season, scoring three goals so far, the 23-year-old now sees a future for himself at the club and denied any contact with Gunners manager Arsene Wenger.

"My place is at this club," Benzema told L'Equipe.

"I have never talked to Mr Wenger or anyone else. I want to enjoy success here. I have found my self-belief. This season, I know we will win titles."

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European champs stunned by clinical Chivas

Chivas Guadalajara stunned European Champions Barcelona with two second half goals in two minutes to win 4-1 on Wednesday in a pre-season friendly.

Marco Fabian's sparkling brace got the crowd of over 70,000 at Sun Life Stadium rocking as Chivas came from a goal down at halftime to beat Guardiola's side.

David Villa had put Barcelona ahead in the third minute after a neat through ball from center back Gerard Pique sent him clear of the Chivas defence. Villa made no mistake with the finish, slotting the ball past the exposed goalkeeper.

However, Chivas were to have the last laugh and Fabian turned the match on its head with two superb goals.

The first equalizer came in the 60th minute, was a 30-yard blast into the top corner of net, while the second was an athletic first-time volley in the box from Omar Arellano's cross.

Giovani Casillas made it 3-1 to Chivas in the 71st minute after more poor marking from the Catalans.

Chivas scored a fourth goal in stoppage time thanks to Jose Luis Verduzco.

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Lukas Podolski committed to Cologne

Germany striker Lukas Podolski has confirmed his commitment to his current club Cologne, despite being replaced as captain for the upcoming season.

The 26-year-old was told just over a week ago by new Cologne manager Stale Solbakken that Pedro Geromel will be his choice of club captain and not the fans' favourite Podolski.

While confessing his disappointment upon learning of the decision, Podolski will continue to give 100% for his native land club and does not want to play anywhere else.

"I definitely never thought about leaving the club just because I am no longer the captain," he told Sport Bild magazine.

"My attitude and my identification with Cologne have obviously not changed at all."

Podolski was given the captaincy by former Cologne boss Frank Schafer last January only for Solbakken to prefer Geromel after a few weeks in his role.

However, the Germany striker does not appear to have taken the decision badly.

He was voted man of the match in last weekend's 3-0 cup victory over SC Wiedenbruck and created two goals for his strike partner Milivoje Novakovic.

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Dortmund hit by Barrios blow

Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga title defence hopes have been dealt a blow after confirmation that striker Lucas Barrios will be out of action for longer than first feared.

The Paraguay international has scored 35 goals in 65 Bundesliga appearances for the Westphalians. He picked up a thigh injury while representing his country at the Copa America last month.

The initial analysis indicated a break of two to three weeks, but after returning to Germany at his club's request to undergo further tests, the true level of the damage to his thigh has emerged.

"It is not a pretty story," reported Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp on his club's website.

"The tear to the muscle fibres is a lot larger than we were told.

"The injury is far worse than Paraguay's team doctor had told us."

Barrios gladly accepted his club's request for him to return to Germany early since, according to Klopp, the player "clearly did not feel he was being well looked after over there".

"He is expected to be out for five to six weeks," added Klopp.

"This is very annoying and casts a shadow over our relationship with the Paraguayan Football Association."

Klopp will now be without his top goal scorer from last season until mid-September.

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Sneijder is not for sale!!

Inter Milan remain resolute that Sneijder will not be sold to Premier League champions Manchester United.

The Holland international is currently in Beijing with his club ahead of this weekend's Italian Super Cup against city rivals AC Milan.

It has been reported that the match could be Sneijder's last for the Italian giants after United made a formal offer for the playmaker, who is wanted as a replacement for the retired Paul Scholes.

Speculation suggests that the terms of United's offer would involve a salary pay-cut for Sneijder, while negotiations are ongoing with Inter as the Italian club seeks a transfer fee of at least £30million.

But Inter's chief Ernesto Paolilli, told the club's official website: "Sneijder is here and he's an important part of our team.

"Not so much of what is read in the papers is the truth. As for Sneijder, there is a complete intention that he will stay with us."

Scholes has moved into a coaching role at United, but the Red Devil legend has previously said that Sneijder would be a suitable replacement to his role at the creative heart of midfield.

"Yes, Sneijder's brilliant," said Scholes.

"He's been brilliant for the last year or so with Inter Milan and Holland. I don't think it probably worked out as well as he would have liked at Real Madrid but he's a top player.

"I'm sure there's a lot of clubs who will be after him if he is available."

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