EURO BRIEFS
Carlos slams ‘false’ doping allegations
Roberto Carlos has strenuously denied allegations made by German TV network ARD that he took illegal stimulants. A documentary aired by the ARD network claimed that the World Cup-winning full-back was named in a document given by Brazil’s anti-doping agency to prosecutors in Sao Paulo in 2015.
But, in a post on his official Facebook page, the former Real Madrid star denied the claims, and promised to take legal action.
Roma star Dzeko eyes Wolfsburg return
Roma striker Edin Dzeko has expressed his desire to return to former club Wolfsburg, though he has no plans to leave the Serie A giants in this transfer window.
Dzeko netted 29 goals in Italy’s top flight last term, edging out Napoli forward Dries Mertens as the league’s top-scorer to help Roma secure a second-placed finish.
Ex-Manchester City man Dzeko scored 66 goals in 111 Bundesliga appearances for Wolfsburg before leaving in 2011, and the Bosnia-Herzegovina striker has claimed he would be delighted to return.
Marquinhos hails ‘genius’ Cavani
Paris Saint-Germain’s Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani celebrates after scoring a goal during the French League Cup round of sixteen football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Saint-Etienne (ASSE) on December 18, 2013 at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. AFP PHOTO / THOMAS SAMSON (Photo credit should read THOMAS SAMSON/AFP/Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos has hailed Edinson Cavani following the Uruguay international’s stellar performances in 2016-17.
The attacker was often played out wide before this season due to the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but the Swede’s departure to Manchester United saw Cavani moved into a central role and he did not disappoint.
Cavani netted an impressive 49 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions and Marquinhos has nothing but praise for his team-mate.
Gundogan backs Sane to shine at Man City
Ilkay Gundogan has hailed Leroy Sane’s “incredible” first season at Manchester City, but expects the winger to improve next term. Although the 21-year-old, who, like Gundogan, arrived ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, had to wait until December for his first City goal, he then hit a fine run of form and ended the campaign with nine strikes in all competitions.
Sane’s early season struggles were to be expected, though, according to his City and Germany team-mate Gundogan, who is hoping for another big year from the former Schalke man.
Bayern sign Gnabry from Bremen
Bayern Munich have completed the signing of Serge Gnabry from Werder Bremen for a fee believed to be in the region of €8 million.
The 21-year-old recently already announced that he would leave Werder after just one year at the club and he has now inked a contract with Bayern until June 2020.
Gnabry had also attracted the interest of Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig with his fine performances in 2016-17, but the reigning Bundesliga champions have won the race for his signature.
