Since I didn't do a links round-up last Saturday, here's one to celebrate Kaka officially joing Real Madrid. Apparently 50,000 people showed up to welcome him and his new number 8 jersey which, I assume, instantaneously became the best selling jersey in Spain. And, as if TFC wasn't happy enough about getting Real Madrid, apparently that game will be his debut. That ought to make everyone in the Big Smoke pleased as punch.
In other news, Manchester United have apparently completed the signing of Luis Antonio Valencia for 16 million pounds. I'm still not sure how I feel about this, especially given that he scored three (3) goals last year. Not exactly a replacement for CRonaldo's 70-odd goals over the last two years.
A much happier rumor has Karim Benzema all set to join Manchester United for 40 million pounds, this according to his teammate Miralem Pjanic. He's really quite good so I'm happy about this.
Apparently, FIFA is investigating Michael Bradley for attempting to confront the referee who gave him that craptastic red card in the Confederations Cup. It was first reported by AS (in Spanish) with no byline and no source, so I'm dubious. So is Grant Wahl over at SI.
For some reason, CONCACAF decided to withdraw its teams from the Copa Sudamerica. Methinks there's more here than meets the eye.
Confederations Cup wrap-up hopefully later today. Stay tuned.
Happy Canada Day, everyone!
Cross-posted at http://spotkicks.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/saturday-night-links-wednesday-morning-edition/
Ashley Allen
Irina Shayk
Did You See That?
NFL Fans: Week 11
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Valencia isn't going to replace Cristiano's scoring output but he's pretty solid. I actually like the move, and I think we will definitely get more than 3 goals out of him next season.
That 8 looks funny on Kaka but now I wonder if Cristiano takes the number 9? You would think Real Madrid would persuade him not to do that because of jersey sales because why would a tried and true Madrista but a CR9 jersey especially if they already have Brazilian Ronaldo's 9? I wouldn't buy it if I had one.
Anyway, thanks for the links.
J. HOVA: BROOKLYN
Brooklyn, NY
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I like Benzema but I wonder about the fit with United. Rooney is making some statements about how he wants to be upfront more and not on the wing as much and this club made a huge investment in Berbatov last season. I just don't want to see cash splashed on Benzema, see Berba or Benzema on the bench and then have one of them start bitching like Tevez did.
J. HOVA: BROOKLYN
Brooklyn, NY
Total Comments (18081)
Rumor is that Ronaldo will wear number 9 (Saviola was just sold and he wore that jersey). Apparently, according to AS.com, Ronaldo copyrighted the CR9 brand in Portugal (his brand used to be CR7), which makes sense since Raul wears 7 at Real.
I agree with the idea that Rooney wants to play up front, like he does for Capello. I think Benzema's speed would be an asset so that he and Rooney could overlap on runs. And Benzema is really quite talented so I think he'd fit in anywhere. A trio of attackers - Berbatov, Benzema, and Rooney - would work out a lot better than the 4-headed beast last year, at least in terms of players not whining.
naxself
Fort Worth , TX
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