FIFA.com - World Football - News

Carroll out of England squad

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:10:00 GMT

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has withdrawn from the England squad for the friendly games against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil because of a foot injury, the Football Association have announced.

A-League season to run until May

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:21:00 GMT

Next season's A-League schedule has been announced with the season to conclude in May partly to assist national team preparations should the Socceroos qualify for Brazil 2014.

Pulis departs Stoke after seven years

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:22:00 GMT

Manager Tony Pulis has left Stoke by mutual consent following seven successful years at the club.

Buriram continue dream run, FC Seoul advance

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:01:00 GMT

Preliminary round qualifiers Buriram United continued their stunning AFC Champions League run by edging Bunyodkor to reach the last eight, K League champions FC Seoul are also through on what was also a good night for Saudi clubs.

Enza-Yamissi: I'm the big brother of the Wild Beasts

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:27:22 GMT

Captain of Central African Republic, Eloge Enza-Yamissi speaks to FIFA.com about their quest to salvage their Brazil 2014 qualifying campaign

The parallel courses of Falcao and Martinez

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:55:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at the performances of Colombian forwards Jackson Martinez and Radamel Falcao in their first seasons in Europe and finds some striking statistical similarities.

Galtier signs extension at St Etienne

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:11:00 GMT

St Etienne coach Christophe Galtier has signed a two-year contract extension taking him through to 2016, the Ligue 1 club have confirmed.

Hummels: I'm staying at Dortmund

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:56:00 GMT

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has rejected speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona or Bayern Munich, describing the reports as "rumours other people invent".

Mourinho to depart Real

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:58:00 GMT

Jose Mourinho will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season after three years in Spain with club president Florentino Perez saying the departure is via mutual consent.

Klopp reveals his Kagawa heartbreak

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:51:00 GMT

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he was in tears when Shinji Kagawa departed for Manchester United and says the Japanese midfielder deserves more game time at Old Trafford.

Messi committed to Barça

Mon, 20 May 2013 23:48:00 GMT

Lionel Messi has reaffirmed his commitment to Barcelona, claiming that he "has never thought about playing for any other club".

Stramaccioni ready to rebuild Inter

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:55:00 GMT

Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni has said that he hopes to stay at the club and build a new team with the help of club president Massimo Moratti.

Juventus still in a class of their own

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:41:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the Serie A season as Juventus again displayed their dominance to win the Scudetto in a canter, Napoli and Fiorentina enjoyed strong campaigns, while there was vastly contrasting experiences for the two Milan giants.

Ibrahimovic takes French players award

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:40:00 GMT

Paris St Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been named as France's footballer of the year by the country's Union Nationale des Footballeurs Professionnels.

Van Persie follows in Shearer’s footsteps

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:12:00 GMT

Robin van Persie has become the first player to win the Premier League Golden Boot in successive seasons for different teams since Alan Shearer did so in 1997. FIFA.com reflects on their remarkable goalscoring exploits.

Rivals trail in Bayern's wake

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:21:00 GMT

The 50th anniversary of the Bundesliga was dominated by Bayern Munich breaking records, but there were also some other wonderful stories. FIFA.com reviews it all.

Hosts target Asia's last eight

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:03:00 GMT

Home sides are well placed going into the AFC Champions League Round of 16 return legs with only Bunyodkor suffering defeat on the road last week. All the action previewed.

Last-gasp Cahill strike stuns Galaxy

Mon, 20 May 2013 06:44:00 GMT

New York Red Bulls have come out on top in a heavyweight MLS clash with Los Angeles Galaxy thanks to an injury-time winner from Tim Cahill.

Familiar kings Auckland do it the hard way

Mon, 20 May 2013 06:38:00 GMT

Auckland City may have achieved an unprecedented third successive crown but they had to fight off a variety of challengers to do so and triumph in the new-look OFC Champions League.

Cruz Azul ease into final

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:35:00 GMT

Cruz Azul have set up a meeting with Club America in the Clausura final after a 2-1 home win over nine-man Santos Laguna sealed a 5-1 aggregate triumph.

Wellington sign former Victory coach Merrick

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:26:00 GMT

Two-time A-League championship winning coach Ernie Merrick has been appointed to the helm of Wellington Phoenix in the wake of Ricki Herbert's departure in February.

River stumble at Santa Fe

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:18:00 GMT

Third-placed River Plate were forced to come from two goals down for a share of the spoils at struggling Union Santa Fe, while San Lorenzo moved fourth with a 3-0 win at All Boys.

United look forward after Ferguson says goodbye

Mon, 20 May 2013 02:21:00 GMT

Manchester United stars Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick have paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson after the manager's long and highlight-laden career ended with a remarkable 5-5 draw at West Bromwich Albion.

Mazzarri confirms Napoli exit

Sun, 19 May 2013 23:20:00 GMT

After four years at Napoli, coach Walter Mazzarri has announced he is stepping down, saying he has taken the Serie A runners-up "as far as he can."

Milan late-show saves Champions League berth

Sun, 19 May 2013 22:58:00 GMT

A late Phillipe Mexes goal gave AC Milan a 2-1 comeback victory at relegated Siena to push I Rossoneri into Serie A's final UEFA Champions League position and consign Fiorentina to fourth.

Barça win, Zaragoza slip to danger

Sun, 19 May 2013 22:46:00 GMT

Barcelona beat Valladolid 2-1 at Camp Nou to keep the La Liga winners on track for 100 points this season, while Real Zaragoza dropped a 2-1 result to Athletic Bilbao and slipped into the third relegation spot.

Porto claim Portuguese title, Benfica win

Sun, 19 May 2013 22:21:00 GMT

Porto claimed their third consecutive Portuguese Liga title and ninth in 11 years after beating Pacos de Ferreira 2-0 Sunday, as Benfica also won to secure second place.

Ancelotti requests PSG release

Sun, 19 May 2013 21:18:00 GMT

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has said coach Carlo Ancelotti has asked to be released from his contract with the capital club, though no decision been taken.

Daegu remain winless, Incheon win

Sun, 19 May 2013 19:25:00 GMT

Daegu FC were held to a 1-1 draw, meaning they've yet to post three points from a match in the K-League season, while Incheon United dropped Gangwon 1-0.

Nice, Lyon finish level

Sun, 19 May 2013 19:12:00 GMT

Ten-man Lyon managed to hold on for a 1-1 draw at Nice in today's only match in Ligue 1, and the result means the visitors retain their prime positioning to secure the final UEFA Champions League place.

Arsenal clinch fourth, Spurs fifth

Sun, 19 May 2013 18:35:00 GMT

Arsenal held on to edge Newcastle United 1-0 in the final day of the Premier League season, meaning the Gunners secured the fourth and final UEFA Champions League position, while Tottenham Hotspur beat Sunderland 1-0 to finish fifth.

Anderlecht secure title, Brugge into Europa

Sun, 19 May 2013 16:35:00 GMT

Anderlecht were crowned Belgian league champions for a 32nd time on Sunday after a 1-1 draw with Zulte-Waregem during the tenth and final round of play-offs. Lucas Biglia cancelled out Jens Naessens strike.

Heynckes: Ribery is having a superb season

Sun, 19 May 2013 16:14:00 GMT

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has high praise for winger Franck Ribery after his two goal, two assist performance against Borussia Monchengladbach and says the French international is having the best season of his career.

Celtic win to close season, Inverness beaten

Sun, 19 May 2013 16:07:00 GMT

Celtic comfortably beat Dundee United 4-0, ending their six away match winless streak, while Inverness Caledonian Thistle missed out on European football next season after being beat 1-0 by Ross County.

Ancelotti sees Beckham coaching future

Sun, 19 May 2013 13:40:00 GMT

Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti believes David Beckham could move into management after announcing his retirement and playing his final game at the Parc de Princes last night.

Johnson downs Dallas, Timbers extend run

Sun, 19 May 2013 09:09:00 GMT

Eddie Johnson scored twice as the Seattle Sounders posted their third straight Major League Soccer victory with a 4-2 win against FC Dallas, while Portland Timbers extended their unbeaten run to ten games.

Newell's held, Boca grab second win

Sun, 19 May 2013 08:46:00 GMT

A late equaliser from Miguel Caneo earned Quilmes a 1-1 draw against Argentinian Clausura leaders Newell's Old Boys, while Boca Juniors earned their second win of the season so far thanks to Juan Manuel Martinez.

Auckland City again crowned Oceania kings

Sun, 19 May 2013 07:59:00 GMT

Auckland City have once again won through to the FIFA Club World Cup after claiming the OFC Champions League for the third year in succession following a 2-1 win over New Zealand champions Waitakere United.

Sociedad hold fourth, Granada win big

Sat, 18 May 2013 23:25:00 GMT

Real Sociedad reamin in fourth in La Liga after beating Sevilla 2-1, while Valenica, who sit fifth, beat Getafe 1-0 and Granada beat Osasuna 3-0.

Becks' PSG beat Brest, Saint-Etienne win

Sat, 18 May 2013 23:11:00 GMT

Paris Saint-Germain were captained by David Beckham in the capital club's 3-1 win over Brest in a night dedicated to the former England captain, while Saint-Etienne earned a 2-0 win against Marseille.

Sampdoria sink Juve

Sat, 18 May 2013 22:56:00 GMT

Serie A champions Juventus by stymied by hosts Sampdoria 3-2 on Saturday, ending the Italian season with Juve's fifth defeat of the campaign.

Injury troubles for Badstuber, Hummels

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:45:00 GMT

German internationals Holger Badstuber and Mats Hummels both have injury concerns to address, with Badstuber facing another long-term spell on the sidelines and Hummels in doubt for Borussia Dortmund's UEFA Champions League final on Wednesday.

Ulsan end Steelers' unbeaten start, Jeju win

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Ulsan Hyundai dealt K-League leaders Pohang Steelers their first defeat of the season, pegging them back 2-1, while Jeju United moved within a point of the summit as they beat Suwon Bluewings by the same scoreline.

Sassuolo win debut Serie A campaign

Sat, 18 May 2013 18:41:00 GMT

Nine-man Sassuolo defied the odds and scored in the 96th minute to beat Livorno 1-0 and earn their first berth into Serie A.

Martinez: Wigan will bounce back

Sat, 18 May 2013 18:11:00 GMT

After dropping into the Championship, Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez looked back over the Latics' run in the Premier League and believes they'll be back in the top flight before long.

Dusseldorf go down as Augsburg escape danger

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:51:00 GMT

The final day of the 2012/13 Bundesliga season saw Augburg escape relegation as Fortuna Dusseldorf were sent down after losing 3-0 at Hanover, while Bayern Munich came back to beat Borussia Monchengladbach 4-3.

Omiya stretch lead, Urawa thrash Sagan

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:13:00 GMT

Daigo Watanabe scored one goal and assisted another to lead J.League leaders Omiya Ardija to a 2-1 win over Shonan Bellmare, while Urawa Red Diamonds thrashed Sagan Tosu 6-2.

CSKA clinch fourth Russian title with draw

Sat, 18 May 2013 13:31:00 GMT

CSKA Moscow secured their fourth Russian Premier League title after a 0-0 draw with Kuban Krasnodar at the Khimki Arena.

Gotze: Beating Bayern would be huge

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:56:00 GMT

Injured Borussia Dortmund star Mario Gotze has said he is dreaming of beating his future club Bayern Munich in next Saturday's UEFA Champions League final, as he battles to be fit for the showpiece match.

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.

Mourinho: This is my worst season

Sat, 18 May 2013 09:33:00 GMT

Jose Mourinho has described his first campaign without a major trophy for a decade the "worst season" of his life, after Atletico Madrid secured a 2-1 extra-time victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.

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.

Atleti stun Real in extra time

Fri, 17 May 2013 23:51:00 GMT

Atletico Madrid scored eight minutes into extra time and held on to beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the Copa del Rey final, recording their first derby win since 1999.

History beckons in Oceania

Fri, 17 May 2013 22:34:00 GMT

This weekend’s OFC Champions League final is shaping as a classic encounter with holders Auckland City facing cross-town rivals Waitakere United in a meeting of the continent’s two most successful clubs.

Bayern's Heynckes to close 'Gladbach circle

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:41:00 GMT

Bayern Munich will take on Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday in Jupp Heynckes' final Bundesliga match in charge of the German champions, coincidentally where his career began 68 years ago.

McAuley signs new Baggies deal

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:52:00 GMT

West Bromwich Albion announced they have extended Northern Irish international Garteh McAuley's contract by a year, keeping him at The Hawthorns until 2015.

Balotelli happy to be done with England

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:23:00 GMT

After his two-and-a-half year stint with Manchester City, Italian international Mario Balotelli says he is happy be out of England and back home where can is closer to friends and family.

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.

Cruz Azul in cruise control

Fri, 17 May 2013 06:29:00 GMT

Cruz Azul have one foot in the Clausura final after a comprehensive 3-0 win at Santos Laguna in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

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.

Anderlecht, Zulte-Waregem set for title decider

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:15:00 GMT

Anderlecht and Zulte-Waregem scored wins over Lokeren and Club Brugge respectively to set up a title decider on Sunday.

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.

Pedro keen to stay at Barça

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:15:00 GMT

Barcelona forward Pedro has said that he wants to stay at the club and fight for his place, even if Neymar arrives at the Camp Nou during the summer.

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

Metzelder announces retirement

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:52:00 GMT

The former Germany centre-half Christoph Metzelder, capped 47 times for his country, has confirmed he will retire at the end of the season.

Milan duo back Allegri

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Kevin-Prince Boateng and Stephan El Shaarawy have put the case for Massimiliano Allegri being kept on as AC Milan coach amid speculation he could leave the club.

Artur sees consolation for Benfica

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:41:00 GMT

Benfica goalkeeper Artur has praised his team-mates for their performance against Chelsea and says that, despite the defeat, they proved that they are capable of challenging for the big prizes.

Ancelotti '50/50' to stay at PSG

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:15:00 GMT

Carlo Ancelotti has said that he rates his chances of staying at Paris Saint-Germain amid reported interest from Real Madrid.

Underdogs impress as giants stumble

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:51:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews opening action in the AFC Champions League Round of 16 with unheralded Buriram United and Lekhwiya well placed to advance at the expense of highly-fancied opposition.

Benitez double lifts America in Monterrey

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:26:00 GMT

Christian Benitez struck twice as Club America drew 2-2 at Monterrey in the first leg of their Clausura semi-final.

Holders Corinthians eliminated by Boca

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:21:00 GMT

FIFA Club World Cup champions and reigning Copa Libertadores holders Corinthians have been eliminated from this year's competition by Argentinian giants Boca Juniors, while Newell's edged compatriots Velez Sarsfield.

Galaxy late show breaks Union

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:05:00 GMT

Los Angeles Galaxy secured a 4-1 victory at Philadelphia Union to move third in the Western Conference standings.

A-League boosted by duo's return

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:50:00 GMT

The A-League has received a double boost with the return of former Socceroos Nick Carle to Sydney FC and Matt Simon to champions Central Coast Mariners.

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.

Title drought ended as Chiefs crowned

Thu, 16 May 2013 02:58:00 GMT

Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs have ended an eight-year wait after being crowned league champions with a match to spare for their 11th title overall.

Stange set for Singapore

Thu, 16 May 2013 02:14:00 GMT

Former Belarus coach Bernd Stange has been named as the replacement for Raddy Avramovic at the helm of south-east Asian champions Singapore ahead of their AFC Asian Cup campaign.

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.

Esteghlal, Guangzhou & Kashiwa edge towards quarters

Wed, 15 May 2013 21:55:00 GMT

Esteghlal, Guangzhou Evergrande, Kashiwa Reysol and Lekhwiya all picked up impressive victories in the first legs of their last-16 ties.

Hyypia to take sole charge of Leverkusen

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:51:00 GMT

Former Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia will take sole charge of Bayer Leverkusen on their return to the UEFA Champions League next season with co-trainer Sascha Lewandowski taking over the club's youth side.

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.

Godin optimistic ahead of cup final

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:53:00 GMT

Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin has said he is optimistic of his side's chances ahead of the Copa Del Rey final against Real Madrid, despite the Rojiblancos' poor record against their city rivals.

Schaaf departs Bremen after 40 years

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:42:00 GMT

Head coach Thomas Schaaf has parted company with Werder Bremen after 14 years at the helm, ending more than four decades with the club as a youth player, professional and coach.

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.

Velud: Algerian players are gifted

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:06:00 GMT

FIFA.com chats with French coach Hubert Velud about recently leading ES Setif to the Algerian league title, and dealing with tragic memories from the 2010 CAF Africa Cup of Nations while at the helm of Togo.

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.

Buriram continue dream run, Al Ahli claim advantage

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:46:00 GMT

Preliminary round qualifiers Buriram United continued their stunning form in the AFC Champions League with a 2-1 first-leg win over Bunyodkor, while 2012 finalists Al Ahli also have one foot in the last eight after a draw at El Jaish.

Bordeaux battle back to book cup final berth

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Bordeaux will face Evian in the Coupe de France final after battling back to beat Troyes 2-1, with the match winner coming from an unfortunate own goal.

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.

Cairo giants square off in CAF Champions League

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:26:00 GMT

The CAF Champions League group stage draw was held Tuesday in Cairo to determine the placement of the eight teams vying for the African club crown, and Cario rivals Al Ahly and Zamalek were both drawn into Group A.

Heynckes set for Bundesliga farewell

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:44:00 GMT

Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes has indicated that Saturday's match against Borussia Monchengladbach will be his last as a manager in the Bundesliga, and hinted he would not be willing to go abroad.

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.