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The Week in Quotes

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:08:00 GMT

Featuring Ludovic Giuly on making a fashion mistake at Barcelona, Marco Schallibaum on the amazing toughness of Jeb Brovsky and Gabriel Batistuta on what playing alongside Lionel Messi would have forced him to do.

Benitez: We deserve third place

Sat, 18 May 2013 09:22:00 GMT

Rafael Benitez has said that his Chelsea side deserve to finish in third place in the Premier League, and also said he hoped to avoid a play-off with Arsenal to decide automatic UEFA Champions League qualification.

How did you rate Beckham?

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:05:00 GMT

FIFA.com wants to know how good you thought David Beckham was and what are your best memories of his playing career.

Taylor names provisional England squad

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:30:00 GMT

Peter Taylor has named a provisional 35-man squad for the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup, which includes several players with Premier League experience.

British press lauds 'incredible' Beckham

Fri, 17 May 2013 05:27:00 GMT

The British press have paid tribute to David Beckham after the former England captain announced his retirement on Thursday after two decades at the top.

Farewells take centre stage on final day

Fri, 17 May 2013 03:11:00 GMT

UEFA Champions League qualification is the main prize up for grabs on the final day of the English Premier League season, although Sunday will also witness a host of farewells led by Sir Alex Ferguson and Michael Owen.

Beckham: I always wanted to go out on top

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:29:00 GMT

David Beckham has explained his decision to retire, admitted criticism over his lifestyle upset him and expressed his pride at what he achieved in his career.

Falcao denies rumours, Simeone hails Beckham

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:43:00 GMT

Falcao has rubbished reports he has signed for Monaco, while Diego Simeone has discussed Atletico Madrid's Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid and praised David Beckham.

Beckham, the magnificent seven

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:36:00 GMT

Wonder goals, a wonderful gesture and admirable achievements feature as FIFA.com picks out seven memorable moments from David Beckham’s career.

Five-match ban for racism in England

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:01:00 GMT

Racist or discriminatory abuse by players will carry a minimum five-match ban from next season, the Football Association has announced.

Beckham bows out

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:35:00 GMT

David Beckham has announced his retirement from football at the age of 38, having added the Ligue 1 title to his collection of honours.

Reading keeper gets England call

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:10:00 GMT

England boss Roy Hodgson has included reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy in his squad for the friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

Lampard signs contract extension

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:19:00 GMT

After a season of uncertainty, Chelsea have confirmed that England midfielder Frank Lampard will remain at Stamford Bridge next season

Resilient Blues rejoice in historic Europa win

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:39:00 GMT

Chelsea’s dramatic UEFA Europa League win is a testament to the team’s character at the end of a tumultuous and elongated season, according to midfielder Frank Lampard and interim manager Rafael Benitez.

Guttmann’s curse strikes Benfica again

Wed, 15 May 2013 23:10:00 GMT

A stoppage-time goal condemned Benfica to a UEFA Europa League final defeat, extending the alleged curse put on them by their former coach Bela Guttmann in 1962.

Last-gasp Ivanovic heads Chelsea into ecstasy

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:12:00 GMT

An 11th-hour header from Branislav Ivanovic snatched Chelsea a 2-1 win over Benfica in a pulsating UEFA Europa League final.

Bayern dismiss Rooney reports

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:59:00 GMT

Matthias Sammer has said "absolutely not" to claims Bayern Munich want to sign Wayne Rooney from Manchester United.

Runs, records and retirement

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:39:00 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson stars in FIFA.com's latest stats review, which also reflects on a week of contrasting emotions for Greuther Furth, Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain and Porto.

Benfica set sights on long-term success

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:48:00 GMT

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus hopes that victory in the UEFA Europa League against Chelsea will set the club on a journey towards next year's UEFA Champions League final to be played in Lisbon.

Martinez coy over future as Wigan go down

Wed, 15 May 2013 03:41:00 GMT

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez remains non-committal about his future after a 4-1 defeat at Arsenal confirmed the club's relegation just three days after winning the FA Cup for the first time.

Arsenal send Wigan down as City win

Tue, 14 May 2013 22:36:00 GMT

Arsenal scored three goals in eight minutes to earn a comfortable 4-1 win over Wigan Athletic, relegating the FA Cup winners and pushing the gunners back into the top four, while Manchester City beat Reading 2-0.

Benitez defends Chelsea record, Lampard eyes glory

Tue, 14 May 2013 20:55:00 GMT

Rafa Benitez has outlined the difficulties he’s faced as Chelsea manager and insisted they’ve had a good season, while Frank Lampard has discussed how much the UEFA Europa League means to the Blues.

The Crazy Gang conquer Wembley

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:47:00 GMT

On its 25th anniversary, FIFA.com recalls how Wimbledon edged Liverpool in arguably the biggest upset in FA Cup final history.

Who's your U-21 player of the season?

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:24:00 GMT

FIFA.com wants to know who you think has been the most impressive U-21 player this season in your domestic league.

Rodgers looking to break top four

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:39:00 GMT

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes he and the club are in a better place to mount a top-four challenge next season, despite their inability to qualify for European competition during the current campaign.

Ramires: I have great affection for Benfica

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:04:00 GMT

Ramires speaks to FIFA.com about his time at Benfica, his varying role in the Chelsea team, the UEFA Europa League final between his former and current club, the form of David Luiz and his targets with Brazil.

Luiz: I'm living the dream

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:28:00 GMT

David Luiz has said that he is fulfilling his dreams of playing for a big club in big matches at Chelsea, and wants to add the UEFA Europa League to his trophy collection.

Chelsea, Benfica chase continental history

Tue, 14 May 2013 02:44:00 GMT

Chelsea are seeking to win the UEFA Europa League a year after becoming European champions, while Benfica will aim to end a 51-year continental drought in Wednesday's decider.

Wilshere ruled out of England action

Tue, 14 May 2013 02:15:00 GMT

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere has been ruled out of England's forthcoming matches against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

Palace and Watford face date with EPL destiny

Mon, 13 May 2013 23:10:00 GMT

Crystal Palace will meet Watford for a place in the Premier League after a Wilfried Zaha brace lifted the south Londoners past Brighton and into the Championship play-off final.

City sack Mancini

Mon, 13 May 2013 22:51:00 GMT

Manchester City have sacked manager Roberto Mancini exactly a year to the day after the club won the Premier League in dramatic circumstances on the final day of last season.

Wenger: I want more than fourth next year

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:26:00 GMT

As Arsenal continue their fight for UEFA Champions League qualification, Arsene Wenger has said that battling for fourth is a minimum requirement and he wants more from them next season.

Mata looking for Euro double

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:12:00 GMT

Juan Mata hopes Chelsea can emulate Jose Mourinho's Porto by winning back-to-back European trophies this week. The Blues travel to Amsterdam to take on Benfica after their UEFA Champions League victory a year ago.

United's historic 20

Mon, 13 May 2013 09:55:00 GMT

Manchester United have lifted the English top-flight title for the 20th time, and FIFA.com looks back on the club's journey from first championship to last.

Pellegrini: No deal with City

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:44:00 GMT

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini has reacted to speculation that he will be joining Manchester City by denying that he has signed a contract with the English Premier League side.

Moyes delighted by perfect Goodison farewell

Mon, 13 May 2013 04:25:00 GMT

Everton manager David Moyes says an emotion-charged atmosphere made for a fitting farewell to Goodison Park ahead of his move to the Manchester United hot-seat.

Ferguson: I decided to retire last Christmas

Mon, 13 May 2013 01:45:00 GMT

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has talked at length about the decision to retire, the past week and his future plans.

AVB: The dream is still alive for us

Sun, 12 May 2013 23:22:00 GMT

After earning three crucial points in their bid for a UEFA Champions League spot next season, Tottenham Hotspur manager Andres Villas-Boas thinks his side is still in good position to finish above north London rivals Arsenal.

Fergie confirms Rooney wants out

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:51:00 GMT

Speaking after his side's 2-1 win over Swansea City, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said Wayne Rooney has asked for a transfer, leaving incoming manager David Moyes to decide the future of United's No10.

Laudrup sticking with Swans

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:17:00 GMT

As one of the most in-demand managers in the Premier League, it's no surprise Swansea City boss Michael Laudrup has been linked with other clubs, but he announced today he is sticking with the Welsh club next season.

Rodgers: Sturridge is outstanding

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:01:00 GMT

Following Daniel Sturridge's hat-trick against Fulham, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had high praise for the former Chelsea and Manchester City striker.

Ivanovic hoping for happy ending

Sun, 12 May 2013 19:41:00 GMT

After a disappointing season at Stamford Bridge, Serbian international Branislav Ivanovic is hoping to redeem the Blues' year with a win over Benfica in the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday.

United win in Fergie farewell, Saints draw

Sun, 12 May 2013 18:34:00 GMT

Rio Ferdinand scored his first goal in five years to lift Manchester United to a 2-1 victory over Swansea City in Sir Alex Ferguson's final match at Old Trafford, while Everton beat West Ham United 2-0 and Southampton drew 1-1 with Sunderland.

Spurs strike late to down Stoke

Sun, 12 May 2013 16:18:00 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur took down ten-man Stoke City 2-1 on Sunday, with Emmanuel Adebayor breaking the deadlock through an 83rd minute match winning strike.

Zabaleta highlights lack of passion

Sun, 12 May 2013 15:40:00 GMT

Looking back on his side's 1-0 loss to Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final on Saturday, Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta said his team lacked the passion and desire required to win the final.

Lampard: I want to emulate Giggs

Sun, 12 May 2013 10:20:00 GMT

Frank Lampard has revealed he would like to replicate the longevity of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, as the Chelsea midfielder, and club's newly crowned all-time top scorer, nears his 35th birthday.

Scholes: I am finally hanging up my boots for good

Sat, 11 May 2013 22:57:00 GMT

Ahead of Manchester United's last match of the season at Old Trafford tomorrow, veteran midfielder Paul Scholes has announced he is retiring for good, having previously temporarily hanging up the boots back in 2011.

Martinez: This is an incredible moment

Sat, 11 May 2013 21:12:00 GMT

After beating Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final to win the club's first major silverware in its 81-year history, Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez described the feeling of lifting the trophy.

Allardyce signs new Hammers deal

Sat, 11 May 2013 20:05:00 GMT

West Ham United co-owner David Gold announced the club has signed a new contract with manager Sam Allardyce to keep him at Upton Park for two more years.

Watson's winner lifts Wigan to first FA Cup

Sat, 11 May 2013 19:40:00 GMT

Wigan Athletic defeated Manchester City at Wembley in the FA Cup final 1-0 through substitute Ben Watson's strike in the 91st minute, earning Wigan their first major trophy in the club's 81-year history.