Top Shot
Metzelder impatient to get started at Real Madrid
MADRID: German center-back Christoph Metzelder said he cannot wait to get started at Real Madrid after arriving in the Spanish capital to complete a delayed move to the Primera Liga champions.
"I'm really excited with everything that's happening and I keen to hook up with the rest of the team, I would like to start now," the 26-year-old Germany international told Real Madrid television yesterday.
Metzelder, who finished his contract with Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season, is expected to undergo a medical with Real on Monday prior to signing a four-year contract with the club.
He was due to be unveiled last week, but the presentation was delayed because Real had not yet named a new coach. Fellow countryman Bernd Schuster is expected to be appointed to the position later on Monday.
The lanky center-back will be trying to fill what has become a problem position for Real in recent seasons. Metzelder joined Dortmund in 2000, won the Bundesliga two years later and played in both the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
Buehrle agrees 4-year, $56m deal with White Sox
CHICAGO: Chicago White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle has agreed to a four-year, $56 million contract extension that will keep him with the club through the 2011 season, the team announced on Sunday.
Buehrle, who had been the subject of trade talk, will be paid $14 million each of the next four seasons.
The 28-year-old has a 103-70 record over eight seasons with the White Sox. He is 6-4 this season.
"There is no question what Mark Buehrle means to this organisation, our clubhouse and our fans," White Sox General Manager Ken Williams announced.
"He is one of the very best left-handers in the game today."
Lippi happy to bide his time one year on from Cup glory
MILAN: Marcello Lippi has yet to decide when he will return to management, exactly a year after guiding Italy to their World Cup triumph in Germany.
The 59 year-old opted to take a break from the sport following the win over France in Berlin and even the advances of former club Juventus failed to persuade him to return.
"I still haven't taken a definite decision. I have had many calls, from at least 10 clubs, some from abroad," Lippi told the Epolis Milano newspaper yesterday.
"The time to return to the bench and the pitch will come, soon. But I will never be able to forget this long year of magical and unique feelings."
A major reason for Lippi's extended break is that his son Davide is facing a criminal trial over his involvement with troubled sports management agency GEA.
Lippi also had words of consolation for another out-of-work Italian coach. Fabio Capello was sacked by Real Madrid after one season despite leading them to the Spanish title.
(China Daily 07/10/2007 page23)
