Germany rout sorry Greece

Germany eased ominously into the semi-finals of Euro 2012 - where they will meet either England or Italy - as Greece's resistance finally crumbled.

 Having set out to frustrate from the off, once they fell behind to Philipp Lahm's goal just before half-time the 2004 champions were always up against it.

 Having equalised somewhat unexpectedly through Celtic forward Giorgios Samaras they could not hold on for very long, and goals from Sami Khedira, Miroslav Klose and Marco Reus merely reflected the dominance of the three-time winners of this tournament before Dimitris Salpingidis' late penalty.

 On the four previous occasions Germany have won a last-eight encounter they have reached the final, and this performance increased the likelihood of them making it five.

 For a long time in the first half it appeared they might regret a number of missed chances, but once Lahm broke the deadlock there was only going to be one winner.

 Greece, who have now have never beaten their opponents in nine competitive matches, scrambled, scampered and blocked their way towards half-time only for the Germany captain to fire home a swerving effort from outside the penalty area six minutes before the break.

 It allowed coach Joachim Low to breathe a little easier after making four changes from the side which beat Denmark, the most notable being handing Klose his 120th cap at the expense of three-goal Mario Gomez.

 After the Lazio striker had an early effort ruled out for offside, when Michalis Sifakis had fumbled Khedira's shot, Germany laid siege to Greece's goal.

 Excellent movement and passing had the Greeks manning a determined rearguard effort, but even when that was breached Mesut Ozil shot weakly at Sifakis after being set up by the impressive Reus, who had already sliced one shot wide.

 Klose failed to get on the end of Reus' cross-shot and Khedira had Sifakis scrambling with another shot before Lahm made the 39th-minute breakthrough, the left-back cutting in from an advanced position to smash in a swerving shot.

 The advantage should have been much greater, however, and Germany were made to pay 10 minutes after the break when out of nowhere Greece equalised.

 Substitute Theofanis Gekas released Salpingidis on a quick break down the right, and when he slid over a teasing cross Samaras poked home at the far post.

 They were level for only six minutes, though, as Khedira, Germany's supposed defensive linchpin in midfield, timed his run from deep perfectly to volley home from Jerome Boateng's assist.

 Klose ensured the Greeks could not produce another 2004 upset when he powered home a header from Ozil's free-kick as Sifakis came but got nowhere near the cross, and Reus lashed in a volley off the underside of the crossbar after Klose's shot rebounded off the goalkeeper.

 Salpingidis converted a late penalty, generously awarded for Boateng's handball, but it was little consolation

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All you need to know about Chelsea's new boy

Eden Hazard's rise over the past couple of years has been meteoric, with the Belgian starlet undergoing a remarkable transformation from precocious Lille youngster to Ligue 1 sensation and one of the most sought after players in Europe.

 The fleet-footed attacking midfielder/winger has drawn comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but perhaps the greatest compliment has been the willingness of the Belgian press to proclaim that Hazard has what it takes to fill the enormous boots left by the legendary Enzo Schifo.

 Born into a footballing family, Hazard's youth career took in Belgian sides Royal Stade Brainois and Tubize before he settled at Lille as a 14-year-old in 2005.

 Two years later, and the teenage prodigy had made his debut in the French top flight, going on to make a handful of substitute appearances in the 2007-08 season.

 The following campaign was a real breakthrough year though, as he went from impact sub to first-team talisman in the space of a few months - with his sparkling performances earning him an international debut for Belgium and the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year Award. 

 The plaudits continued to roll in last season and Hazard was tied down to a new four-year contract with Lille in an attempt to stave off interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs.

 With five league goals and eight assists, Hazard became his side's creator-in-chief and his influential displays, coupled with Europa League goals against Genoa, Gent and a winner against Liverpool, saw his reputation continue to grow around the continent. 

 Hazard's start to the 2010-11 campaign was a troubled one as he was publicly criticised by Belgium national team coach Georges Leekens, who accused him of being lazy in training, and he was also dropped by Lille coach Rudi Garcia. 

He didn't start a league game for Lille until November but has now re-established himself as an integral member of the first-team, causing a number of Europe's big clubs to show an interest, with Chelsea sealing his signature in the summer of 2012.

 Strengths: A defender's nightmare, Hazard can dribble at pace and, like Lionel Messi, he is 5ft 7in and has a low centre of gravity that helps him breeze past opposition players. He has an eye for the spectacular and has scored some memorable solo efforts.

 Weaknesses: Hazard's work-rate has questioned by his club and national team bosses, so much so that Lille coach Rudi Garcia dropped him earlier this season in a bid to spark him back into life.

 His strike-rate is also somewhat erratic and while he creates plenty of goals for others, he must start to score more himself.

 Career high: Becoming the first non-French player to win the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year Award in 2008-09, before achieving something that the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry never managed by winning it again in 2009-10.

 Career low: Suffering penalty heartache at the hands of Spain in the 2007 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship . Hazard's Belgium were hosting the tournament but went crashing out in the semi-finals after losing a shootout to a Bojan Krkic-inspired Spain side.

 Style: A fearless, explosive attacking midfielder who can change the game with a turn of pace or a dribble. Quotes: "Eden is technically gifted and very fast.

 I would take him to Real Madrid with my eyes closed. He can become a great footballer, he is a star of the future." France legend Zinedine Zidane gives Hazard a ringing endorsement. 

 Trivia: Both of Hazard's parents, Thierry and Carine were both footballers in Belgium and his younger brother Thorgan is on the books of Lille's arch-rivals Lens.

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Ibrahimovic buys an island

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has indulged in a spot of retail therapy to get over his Euro 2012 disappointment – and in suitably ostentatious style.

 According to reports, he AC Milan striker has bought himself an island on Lake Malaren, to the west of Stockholm.

 Davenso island, the third largest in Sweden, contains a few scattered properties already, but the newspaper reports that Zlatan's interest goes far beyond the tranquil setting and picturesque vista. 

 The purchased property reportedly contains around 500 hectares of hunting ground, allowing the opportunity to stalk deer and wild boar, as well as fish for pike and perch.

 The 30-year-old sharpshooter recently revealed a growing passion for hunting in his autobiography 'I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic' and it seems the former Barcelona star has set his sights on taking his hobby to a more practical level. Since he already owns a number of properties in New York, Milan and Sweden, Zlatan is in no rush to move in just yet.

 Indeed, according to the newspaper, his mother has formally acquired the property, with the Malmo-born maestro not due to take possession of his new digs until July 1 – the day of the European Championship final.

 Ibrahimovic's future has been shrouded in doubt of late, with the Swede reportedly keen on a switch to big-spending Paris Saint-Germain, who have been linked with a double swoop for the striker and team-mate Thiago Silva.

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Official : Manchester United complete Kagawa signing

 The Japanese playmaker has signed a long-term contract with the Old Trafford club after      successfully undergoing a medical and gaining a UK work permit.

 United have now announced that the Japanese international has passed a medical and obtained a UK work permit.

 Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his delight that the 23-year-old is on his way to the Red Devils.

 Shinji is an exciting young midfielder with great skill, vision and a good eye for goal," he told reporters. 

I am delighted he has chosen to come to United. I believe he will make an impact upon the team very quickly as he is suited to United's style of play.

We are all looking forward to working with him." Kagawa has also spoken of his excitement at getting started. "This is a challenge I am really looking forward to," Kagawa told ManUtd.com.

 The Premier League is the best league in the world and Manchester United is such a massive club.

 "This is a really exciting time for me and I can't wait to meet the team and start playing."

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Liverpool fan given four-year ban and fined for making racist gesture at Patrice Evra

A Liverpool supporter has been handed a four-year football ban after making a racist gesture towards Patrice Evra at Anfield in January.

 TV footage during an FA Cup clash between the sides captured Phillip Gannon, a father of five who hails from Barmouth, Wales, impersonating a monkey in the direction of the Manchester United left-back, who had been at the centre of the racism controversy that saw Luis Suarez banned for eight matches in late 2011.

 Images and footage of the former carpenter circulated on social networking website Twitter and complaints regarding his actions were made to the police.

 Gannon claimed he was impersonating a Neanderthal and pleaded not guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence and using threatening or anti-social behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress.

 However, after a two-day trial at Liverpool Magistrates Court, he was convicted of the offence, with prosecutor Rob Girvan saying: "This gesture was caught on camera and it was seen globally not just nationally. 

There was a volatile and tense atmosphere at the game because of a player on the pitch who said he was a victim of racial abuse. 

The defendant saying he was impersonating a Neanderthal is just a childish excuse to cover up what he did. "It was clearly a racist gesture.

 Gannon cannot attend Liverpool and England matches for a four-year period, while the ban also means he cannot be in the Liverpool city centre four hours before and after a match.

 He was also fined a total of 180 pounds and ordered to pay prosecution costs of 300 pounds.

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Germany v Greece : Semis at stake

Germany have shown they have the patience required to break down defensive-minded Greece in their Euro 2012 quarter-final on Friday.

 But coach Joachim Loew may need to consider some changes on the flanks to get the win against a stubborn Greek side.

 Germany have been criticised for abandoning the attacking football that impressed fans at the 2010 World Cup but Loew hit back in the lead-up to Friday's quarter-final by blaming the opposition.

 Loew claimed the teams they have played have not allowed Germany the space to attack at Euro 2012 and argued three wins and five goals in Group B was an impressive result. "Look at these opponents, even the Dutch retreated against us," Loew said.

 "You can't always play as vertically as you want, it can be a consequence of the opponent playing deep.

 Germany's patience has been crucial in their victories over Portugal, the Netherlands and Denmark but while Loew would be wary of tinkering with a winning side, he may need to play some different wingers to get past Greece.

 Greece progressed from Group A by playing their typical defensive style, which earned them a European title in 2004.

 Loew has selected Lukas Podolski and Thomas Mueller as the wide players in his 4-2-3-1 formation so far at Euro 2012. 

 But Podolski and Mueller are more suited to the fast, counter-attacking style Germany showed in South Africa two years ago and Loew may need to bring in one of either Mario Goetze, Toni Kroos or Marco Reus to provide some more creativity.

 Mesut Oezil, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lars Bender, who all started in Germany's 2-1 win over Denmark, are expected to be fit for the quarter-final despite missing training on Tuesday.

 Greece will be without captain Giorgos Karagounis who is suspended and scored the winner against Russia in their final group match.

 Coach Fernando Santos will likely send his team out to frustrate the Germans and hope to score from a corner or free-kick.

 Defenders Vasilis Torosidis and Kyriakos Papadopoulos could therefore be crucial for Greece as goal-scoring options. Torosidis has scored six goals for his country in 47 matches, while Papadopoulos has hit the back of the net three times in 11 appearances.

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Juve seal Giovinco deal

Juventus have confirmed that Sebastian Giovinco will return to the club next season.

 Giovinco, 25, began his career with Juve but spent the last two seasons with Parma, with the two clubs each holding 50% of his sporting rights.

 Having netted 15 goals in Serie A last season and establishing himself as an Italy international, Juve have now formally announced that they have regained 100% of the player's rights after agreeing an €11 million fee.

 A club statement read: "Juventus announces that it has resolved in its favour the agreement with Parma relating to the playing rights of footballer Sebastian Giovinco.

 The transfer was resolved for a fee set at €11m to be paid by Juventus over the next three seasons.

 The contract signed with the player is in effect until June 30, 2015.

 Parma, who had prematurely announced the deal on Tuesday, had gained their 50% share of Giovinco's rights for €3.75 million.

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Manchester United Want to Hijack Barcelona Deal For Spain’s Jordi Alba

Manchester United are hoping to beat Barcelona to the signature of Valencia left-sider Jordi Alba.

 The Spanish international is hot property after standing out for the World Champions at Euro 2012 and is set to seal a move away from the Mestalla this summer.

 Negotations with Barcelona, who have 7 internationals currently alongside Alba in the Spain squad, are at an advanced stage but United boss Sir Alex Ferguson still hopes to beat the Catalonians to the 23-year-old’s signature.

 United are in the market for a left-back, with current incumbent Patrice Evra on the decline and youngster Fabio da Silva set to be loaned out this month.

 The Red Devils have been strongly linked with a move for Everton’s Leighton Baines but view Alba as a younger, more technically gifted alternative.

 Barcelona, however, remain in pole position to sign the £12 million-rated star and could conclude a deal as soon as Spain finish their Euro 2012 campaign.

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Mancini begs Balotelli to behave

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has pleaded with striker Mario Balotelli not to cause problems for Italy coach Cesare Prandelli. 

 The hot-headed forward is hoping to start for the Azzurri when they take on England in Sunday's Euro 2012 quarter-final, after coming off the bench to score against the Republic of Ireland on Monday in the last Group C fixture.

 Mancini said the 21-year-old is Italy's best striker, and thinks he should be in the first XI against Roy Hodgson's side, but has warned him to do as he is told by his national team coach.

 I suggest he plays as he knows, and not to be a pain in the a*** for the coach," he told The press.

 "He has to play, as no one else can give England the same problem. "Prandelli is doing terrific work but he has to rely on Mario. He is too important, you could not leave him on the bench.

 Italy qualified from Group C behind reigning champions Spain, setting up Sunday's showdown with the Three Lions, and Mancini said Balotelli has the star quality that could see the Azzurri go all the way.

 Mario is a champion and champions help you win," he added. "Italy are stronger if Balotelli plays. Look at the other evening (against Ireland). 

He came on, gave a spark to the game and scored a splendid goal. "I consider Mario to be the best Italian attacker. 

Cassano is second, Di Natale is good but he has different characteristics with respect to Balotelli.

 England's showdown against Italy kicks off on Sunday, and the winner will take on either Germany or Greece in the semi-final.

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Hulk tells PSG: I want to join Chelsea

Porto striker Hulk says he does not want to move to PSG - as he holds out for a move to Chelsea.

 The 25-year-old looked set for a £38m move to Stamford Bridge recently but the potential deal has been held up as the two clubs continue to discuss terms over the fee.

 Hulk is eager to join Chelsea and has spoken of his intention to play in west London - but PSG are in the running too.

 The Ligue 1 club, banked by ambitious Qatari owners, want to sign Hulk but he says he doesn't want to move to Paris, with Chelsea his favoured destination.

 Hulk told reporters "Chelsea are the champions of Europe and any player would like to go there.

 "I would like to go there more than any other club. But I have to remember that I have a contract at Porto and I am very happy here too.

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Portugal into semis: Ronaldo nets winner

Cristiano Ronaldo stood up to be counted once again as he lead Portugal into the Euro 2012 semi-finals after a 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic at the National Stadium in Warsaw.

 The Real Madrid star would head home the only goal of the game with 11 minutes to seal a narrow victory for the Seleccao and set up a date with either Spain or France on June 27.

 Both sides seemed reluctant to overcommit in attack in a cautious first-half, though Ronaldo would come closest in first-half injury time with a low drive that rebounded off the post.

 Portugal would attempt to take control in the second-half, sending in a number of shots at Petr Cech's goal, but were largely frustrated in their attempts to breach a Czech defence which had conceded the most goals of any team in the quarter-finals.

 However, Ronaldo would settle affairs with his third goal in the tournament so far that cemented his side's place in the last four clash for the first time since 2004.

 The only change for either side was the inclusion of Vladimir Darida ahead of Daniel Kolar in midfield for the Czech Republic, who also saw captain Tomas Rosicky named as a substitute for the second game running amid concerns over an achilles tendon injury.

 Amid a sizeable fan presence inside the National Stadium, the Czechs just about managed to claim the upper hand during the initial exchanges, as their control of possession restricted Portugal’s enterprise to forays forward on the counter.

 Nevertheless, the first hint of an opening fell to Joao Moutinho after 13 minutes, the Porto midfielder squeezing in a shot on the turn that was comfortably snatched by Cech.

 It was a half-chance at best, and illustrative of the cagey beginning to the match, which saw both sides struggle to really stamp their authority on proceedings.

 Ronaldo appeared to force Cech into action with a powerful drive after racing into the box, but the chance was quickly snuffed out by an offside call.

 Nani and Miguel Veloso were then both booked within minutes of each other after a pair of thumping challenges on Darida and David Limbersky.

 Slowly, Portugal would begin to make an improved contribution to the game, eschewing their long-ball approach for a more concerted offensive effort, with Ronaldo, as ever, at the heart of things.

 The Real Madrid star would go close with an audacious overhead kick that flashed just wide following a struggle by the Czech defence to clear a corner, before sending a 30-yard free kick off target.

 However, the Seleccao were handed a blow with 39 minutes gone when Helder Postiga limped off clutching his hamstring, with Hugo Almedia coming on in his stead.

 The change did not faze Portugal too much however, who went closest to snatching the lead on the stroke of half-time.

 Ronaldo collected Fabio Coentrao’s cross perfectly on the turn, and drilled a low attempt that bounced agonizingly off the base of the post.

 Ronaldo would come close once more a few minutes after the restart, with another long-range free kick brushing off the woodwork via a save by Cech.

 Portugal were looking the superior side as the second-half unfolded, with Raul Meireles sending a pair of efforts over the bar, before Nani forced Cech to parry his low drive towards goal.

 The Chelsea goalkeeper would have to be alert once more to tip over a piledriver from Moutinho at full stretch as the match crossed the hour mark with the Czech Republic struggling to get a sniff of the ball.

 Meireles snatched at an opening from just inside the box, before slipping in Nani, whose deflected effort came close to looping into the top corner.

 But just when it looked like there would be no way through for Portugal, up stepped Ronaldo to bounce a punishing header into the back of the net from a great cross from Moutinho.

 Pereira nearly increased the Seleccao's advantage within moments with a well-taken drive, but Cech was equal to it and expertly tipped wide.

 But Czech Republic's subdued second-half continued as they simply could not find a way back into the match, failing to come close to an equaliser as their tournament ended with a whimper.

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Messi ignores Ronaldo jibe

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has chosen to ignore the comments made by Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo about him during Euro 2012.

 After being taunted by Denmark fans chanting Messi's name during Portugal's match against Morten Olsen's team, Ronaldo lashed out by slating the Argentine's failure to claim silverware with the Albiceleste at Copa America in 2011.

 "I have nothing to say with regards to Cristiano Ronaldo's comments," Messi told reporters.

 Questioned about a potential transfer to Real Madrid, Messi reiterated his desire to retire at Barcelona, where he has played since 2000.

 "I do not think about joining Madrid," the 24-year-old added. "Barcelona are my home and I would be delighted to play there until I retire.

 "I hope that is what happens." Messi went on to comment on the managerial changes at Camp Nou, with Tito Vilanova taking the reins after Pep Guardiola decided to step down as coach to take a year out of the game. "We are very happy that Tito is Guardiola's replacement," he affirmed.

 "He is someone we know, he works the same way that Guardiola did.

 "We are obviously sad that Pep has left us, because we did not expect it, but with Tito the way we work will not suffer any changes."

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Mata tells Drogba: 'It's been a pleasure to play with you'

The 24-year-old Spaniard has today tweeted his message of thanks to the departing Ivorian striker who yesterday agreed a move to Shanghai Shenhua link up with Nicolas Anelka.

 The Ivorian will link-up with ex-team-mate Nicolas Anelka, who made the same move to China in January.

 Drogba was an influential figure during his seven years at Chelsea and won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League with the west London side.

 Mata, who spent just one season with Drogba, used his Twitter account to send the 34-year-old his best wishes.

 Mata wrote: "It's been a pleasure to play with you, thanks for everything you've given to us. 

Wish you the best!" Mata, who also posted a photo of himself with Drogba, enjoyed Champions League glory in his debut season at Stamford Bridge thanks in no small part to the goals the striker scored on the way to the final.

 Drogba grabbed crucial strikes against Barcelona and Napoli before equalising against Bayern Munich and netting a famous spot-kick to guide the Blues to their first ever Champions League title.

 Despite being linked with big money moves across Europe, Drogba decided to sign for the Shanghai club.

 He told reporters: "I considered all the offers I have received in the past few weeks, but feel Shanghai Shenhua is the right move for me at this time.

" One of Drogba's first games for his new club will see him come up against familiar opponents when Manchester United play the Chinese side during their pre-season tour of Asia.

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Seedorf confirms AC Milan exit

Clarence Seedorf has confirmed he is leaving AC Milan as he seeks a new challenge.

 Seedorf, 36, has spent the last decade with Milan after signing from city rivals Inter, but he is out of contract this summer and will not sign an extension. "I leave a family," Seedorf told a press conference.

 "I will think about my future tomorrow. 

I would like to thank (club) president Silvio Berlusconi, (vice-president Adriano) Galliani and those that work at Milanello.

 "I have spent half of my career at Milan and I only took the decision to leave the club recently.

 I am very saddened because this is like a family but I will continue my career in another team.

 He added: "We could have reached an agreement over a renewal, but I chose to leave for the good of my future. I've been thinking about going for a while.

 It's important to think about life after football, but now I just want a new experience. The club have known this for two years.

 Seedorf has been linked with Brazilian side Botafogo as well as clubs in England, America, the United Arab Emirates and China, but he insists he has not yet decided where he will play next.

 "I have received a lot of offers even if I am 36 and I have to seriously evaluate many things," he said.

 "Money has never been an issue and I will speak to my family before making a decision.

" Seedorf won two Champions League, two Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia during his time with Milan.

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PSG set to rival Manchester United for Modric

PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti has added the 26-year-old to his wish-list, with the oil-backed club reportedly prepared to offer in excess of £30 million for his signature.

 Such an offer would be difficult to match by Manchester United, who have already had a £22m bid rejected by the north London club. 

 The news comes in the wake of an impressive performance by Modric during Croatia’s 3-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland in their opening Euro 2012 game.

 It also coincides with the news that the French club are willing to pay £40m for AC Milan defender Thiago Silva, as well as wrapping up the signing of Napoli’s Ezequiel Lavezzi.

 The recent transfer dealings of the Ligue 1 outfit suggest they are set to go all-out in pursuit of the French title that eluded them last time out.

 According to reports, Ancelotti had scouts at the Croatia game looking over Modric, and they cannot have failed to have been impressed by his performance.

 Spurs refused to let go of their star player last summer when Chelsea and United showed a keen interest, but they will have a fight on their hands this time round after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

 The diminutive playmaker refused to talk about his future when quizzed during the Euro 2012 build-up, seeming entirely focused on the campaign for his national side who next come up against Italy next Thursday.

 Modric told reporters: "I'm with the national team. I am a Spurs player and it’s not down       to me to speak about it."

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Arsene Wenger is Confident that Robin Van Persie Will Stay

Arsene Wenger is 'certain' Robin Van Persie will stay at Arsenal. 

 The Dutchman has only one year left to run on his current deal at the Gunners and has yet to agree a new contract at the Emirates.

 Van Persie has been targeted by both Juventus and Manchester City, with rumours suggesting a fee of around £30million should be enough to force Arsenal's hand.

 But speaking to Corriere Dello Sport, Wenger claimed those reports are wide of the mark and that the 28-year-old will stay in north London.

 "I am certain that Robin will remain with us," he said.

 "If you want to know why I am so certain Robin will remain with us, it is because there is no reason in this world why a great player like Van Persie should go and play for you, in Italy and in your competition. "Your football (Serie A) is at an inferior level to the Premier League."

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Kagawa to fly into Manchester for United medical

The Red Devils have agreed a deal to sign the Japanese playmaker from Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund this summer, which could eventually be worth over £17 million. 

 If the 23-year-old passes health checks this week, then the club must wait on a work permit application prior to completing his signing.

 A player has to have played in at least 75 per cent of his country's competitive matches in the last two years - something which Kagawa has not done.

 However, if he is accepted as an ‘exceptional talent’ it should ensure he eventually gets the paperwork required to move to Old Trafford.

 After a medical on Friday, the Dortmund player will leave Manchester at the weekend, by which time it is hoped he will have successfully proved his fitness to the Premier League giants and moved a step closer to securing his future.

 Speaking to the press last week, first team coach Rene Meulensteen hailed the qualities of Kagawa, who the club hope will help them keep pace with champions Manchester City and a revitalised Chelsea side in the race for the title next season.

 "I rate Kagawa very highly," he said. "He gets behind the opposition in the midfield which means that he can help in possession or be direct in moving forward.

 "He can play the ball quick, one touch or two touch and can create chances and score goals.

 "He has got the complete package of what you could want from attacking midfielder.

 In two seasons with Dortmund, Kagawa has won the Bundesliga title twice and one German Cup, having made 71 appearances and contributing 29 goals and 15 assists.

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Euro eight do battle in quarters

With the conclusion of an exciting group stage which saw both co-hosts fall by the wayside, an intriguing quarter-final line-up has emerged.

 One match a day from Thursday through to Sunday will see the remaining eight teams whittled down to a final four.

 First up on Thursday, Group A winners the Czech Republic take on Portugal.

 Taking place in Warsaw's national stadium, Portugal will be hoping to continue the momentum gained from a hard-fought victory over the Netherlands.

 Cristiano Ronaldo announced his arrival at the tournament with a fantastic display to knock out the World Cup finalists of 2010 and Portugal's hopes will again rest on his shoulders.

 Standing in his way will be Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, who was back to his best against Poland in the final group game.

 The second semi-final in Gdansk will see the much-fancied Germans take on Greece. Germany looked in ominously good form as they secured maximum points from the group stage, but will have to be wary of an obstinate Greek team who shocked Russia to scrape through to the last eight.

 Mario Gomez will hope to continue his scoring streak as he bids for the Golden Boot, he currently has three goals after the three group games.

 Saturday's quarter-final in Donetsk sees tournament favourites Spain take on France.

 France have so far failed to fire in the tournament and were soundly beaten by Sweden in their final group game.

 However a fixture against fierce rivals Spain is sure to motivate Laurent Blanc's team, in what should prove to be an exciting match-up. The final last eight tie sees England take on Italy in Kiev on Sunday.

 Roy Hodgson's team have ridden their luck in winning Group D but will now fancy their chances against Italy with Wayne Rooney back in the team.

 Italy, a more attacking team than in years gone by will look to the enigmatic Mario Balotelli to produce the goods, in a bid to reach the last four.

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De Rossi: Gerrard is my idol, ahead clash

Daniele De Rossi has revealed Italy's Euro 2012 contest against England will give him the opportunity to face his idol, Steven Gerrard.

 Italy will tackle England on Sunday in their quarter-final after finishing second in Group C following a 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.

 And De Rossi thinks Roy Hodgson's men will pose Italy a great threat, hailing the quality of the England captain in particular.

 "Gerrard has always been my idol, he has been playing at a high level for years," De Rossi told reporters.

 "England are very strong, they have an Italian approach, with a good defence. We would rather face Ukraine, but it is okay.

 The 28-year-old has played as a centre-back in two games at the tournament following the fitness problems that have plagued the team's defenders.

 Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has not yet made a decision on where the Roma midfielder will be used against England. "Prandelli trusts me, he showed that by deploying me as a defender," De Rossi said.

 "He makes me play in different positions, which is something that I like. "I do not know where I will play against England.

 Mario Balotelli could be handed a start on Sunday following his goal against Ireland, and De Rossi believes the Manchester City striker can play a big role in the match.

 "We hope we will do well. The important thing is that we cause England some problems, it is the same if it is Balotelli to do it or someone else," De Rossi said.

 "What matters is to score goals, and Mario can score them. He looks fine to me, but at his age it is normal that he should start to take responsibility and be treated like the others. He is becoming a man now.

 "At his age I went to the World Cup in 2006 and elbowed someone (Brian McBride). It made me grow up."

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Drogba hails Di Matteo as Chelsea's most memorable manager after Champions League win

Didier Drogba has hailed Roberto Di Matteo as his most memorable manager at Chelsea after the Italian guided the Blues to Champions League glory in the striker's last game with the club The striker has not renewed his deal at Stamford Bridge and is reportedly closing in on a move to Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua where he would join ex-Blues team-mate Nicolas Anelka. 

 The Ivorian has recalled his time at the club during a promotional visit to India, and revealed that of all his managers at Chelsea it is Di Matteo's achievement that will be remembered most. "I think we have had so many managers and all of them brought something special to Chelsea.

 All of them, I think, were part of our success," he said. "When [Jose] Mourinho came, he built up the spirit that we kept all these years.

 When Carlo Ancelotti came, he also brought another way of playing and thinking. So, it’s difficult to choose one. "The most remembered would be Roberto Di Matteo for winning the Champions League.

 The club was waiting for that." Di Matteo signed a two-year permanent deal at Stamford Bridge recently after winning the FA Cup and European Cup after his taking over from Andre Villas-Boas, and Drogba admitted the win against Bayern Munich, in particular, was an unforgettable experience.

 "Playing in the final was amazing. 

You have to be there at the Allianz Arena to feel the atmosphere," said the Ivory Coast international as he recalled the win. "It was like a dream, you know. 

The scenario was like an Alfred Hitchcock movie. "There was lots of disappointment and sadness when we conceded a goal.

 A few minutes later, we equalised and then it went to the penalties.

 "It was like a lottery but when I had the chance to score from the penalty, I went through a gamut of emotions from the time I started walking to the penalty spot.

 "Many things came to my head but I tried to stay calm and score for my friend Petr Cech, who had been amazing that day, saving three penalties.

" The Blues endured criticism for their defensive approach on their way to the final against Benfica and then Barcelona, but the 34-year-old insisted this would not detract from the team’s achievements. "There is more than one way to win in football. Barcelona and Manchester United have their own playing style and we, in Chelsea, have our own.

 Of course, we have to please our fans," he responded. "The beauty about football is that you can always improve. "The Champions League win was important for Chelsea because people have been saying that Chelsea will try but nothing much will happen.

 We had been trying for eight years and reached the final before. This time we managed to win it."

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