Soccer news in brief

Wenger devoted to Arsenal cause

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has reaffirmed his commitment to the club after recently being linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Wenger sparked speculation that he could be prepared to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer after admitting that working with the Spanish side would be an “interesting project”.

But yesterday the Frenchman said there could be little doubt about his dedication to the Arsenal cause.

“I have shown my commitment always to this club, in good and in bad times and in the worst times, but I don’t think that people can question my commitment,” Wenger said.

Benitez not likely to let Alonso go

RAFAEL Benitez yesterday moved to cool speculation that Xabi Alonso is about to leave Liverpool.

The Liverpool manager has reacted to suggestions that the Spanish midfielder will play his last game for the club tomorrow at home to Tottenham before moving on.

Recent claims that Real Madrid will bid for Alonso should Florentino Perez win the club’s presidential election next month have prompted fears that Alonso will be sold for €22 million-plus to help fund Benitez’ summer transfer targets.

Benitez said: “It’s very clear, Xabi has three years left and we do not want to sell him.”

IFA name Nelson as new chief

THE Irish Football Association have confirmed Patrick Nelson will be their new chief executive, subject to a contract being signed.

Nelson is currently employed in a similar position at English League Two club Macclesfield.

IFA president Raymond Kennedy said: “I believe we have chosen the right person to take on the role. I am delighted that Patrick has accepted the job and I look forward to him taking up his position in the summer.”

The 48-year-old, who has Co Down connections, has been in the Macclesfield role for three years.

Prior to that, he had a year as Notts County chief executive while he also has a long background in business.

Rangers lifted as Bougherra cleared

RANGERS have been boosted by the news Madjid Bougherra is available to play in their Scottish Premier League title-decider against Dundee United tomorrow.

The defender was sent off during last week’s win over Aberdeen but yesterday had his red card reduced to a yellow, clearing him for the trip to Dundee.

Celtic duo Scott Brown and Gary Caldwell are expected to recover from injury to play against Hearts at Parkhead tomorrow.

Both players missed training on Thursday but manager Gordon Strachan is confident of having them available for the last game of the season where victory is required if they are to have any chance of retaining their title.

No agreement on Ronaldo – Real

REAL Madrid have “categorically denied” media reports they have a pre-contract agreement to sign Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

Reports in the media claimed former Madrid president Ramon Calderon had negotiated a pre-contract agreement with Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes, but the Spanish giants yesterday released a statement denying any such deal is in place.

“In relation to the reports that have appeared in several media in the last few hours regarding the alleged signing of the Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo, the club want to categorically deny said information,” the statement read.

Fabregas cleared of spitting charge

ARSENAL captain Cesc Fabregas has been cleared of allegations he spat at Hull assistant boss Brian Horton after the FA Cup tie at the Emirates Stadium on March 17th, the English FA yesterday confirmed.

The Spain midfielder, who was not playing at the time because of a knee injury, always maintained his innocence, and an independent commission has now found there was not enough evidence on two charges of improper conduct.

While the outcome of the investigation was concluded last week, the FA had hoped not to make any public statement until after the end of the Premier League season tomorrow, when Hull face Manchester United.

Mourinho reveals Chelsea manager

FORMER Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claims he has been told by friends at Stamford Bridge that Carlo Ancelotti will be in charge next season.

Speculation has been rife in Italy and England that Ancelotti will leave AC Milan for Chelsea in the summer, with the Rossoneri set to make an announcement on his future on Monday.

Mourinho, currently in charge of bitter rivals Inter Milan, believes his Rossoneri counterpart will take over at Stamford Bridge.

“My friends at Chelsea tell me it will be Carlo,” he said. “Some players are asking me the typical question: ‘Gaffer, will he be good for us, do you think it will be positive?’”