VfL Wolfsburg midfielder Luiz Gustavo has welcomed reports linking him with a move to Spanish champions Barcelona, according to Sky Sports.
Gustavo, who joined Wolfsburg from Bayern Munich for an undisclosed transfer fee in the summer, was the subject of interest from Arsenal and Barca before making the shock move to the Volkswagen Arena.
The Brazil international, 26, has tallied one goal, one assist and two red cards in 14 Bundesliga appearances for Wolfsburg this season.
“It’s always good to have your name linked to Barcelona,” Gustavo told Globo Esporte.
“This is the third time there has been interest from them.
“I have a long contract which includes a buyout fee, and if anyone wants to pay that, they can sign me.”
Gustavo and Wolfsburg, currently in fifth-place in the league table, will return to action when Bundesliga play resumes on 25 January 2014.
VfL Wolfsburg (4/7); Hannover 96 (17/4); Draw (16/5)
Mackay responds to controversial sacking
Malky Mackay has insisted he leaves the Cardiff City Stadium with his ‘head held high’ after being sacked by owner Vincent Tan.
The former Scotland international defender was offered a resign or be sacked deal earlier this month, but he was not willing to concede anything to the Bluebirds’ owner.
According to reports, resigning would have cost Mackay a substantial sum of money and he was not having any of that, and rightfully so.
“As disappointing as today’s decision is, I am already able to look back at my time at Cardiff City FC with immense pride and joy given the number of milestones the club achieved during the last two and a half years.”
“I leave with my head held high having gained a level of experience that, upon reflection, I suspect would have been difficult to find anywhere else in British football.
“The foundations laid at Cardiff City FC will provide a solid platform for my successor, and for the sake of the club, I hope that all of the progress that has been made so far will not be impaired in any way by today’s enforced changes.”
Mackay was sacked just hours after Cardiff fell to Southampton by three goals to nil at home on Boxing Day.
The result leaves Cardiff — 2/5 to avoid relegation — just one point above the relegation zone, with 20 English Premier League matches remaining on schedule.
Robben wants new Bayern deal
Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has revealed he would like to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena.
The Holland international, whose current deal expires in the summer of 2015, has endured several injuries thus far this season but has still managed to bag 13 goals and seven assists in 20 appearances in all competitions.
“I feel I am able to play at the very top of my game for at least three more years to come,” Robben told Sudddeutsche Zeitung.
“I would like to remain at Bayern Munich.
“The club is well aware of what I am capable of and I am also aware of the general quality of a club like this.”
Robben joined Bayern from Real Madrid in 2009 and has since won seven trophies, including the UEFA Champions League last season, with the Bavarian giants.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
