“I Love Playing For Utd” Carrick.

Despite Michael Carrick impressing at club level and playing some of his finest football in 2007/08, the 26-year-old hasn’t featured for the Three Lions since Steve McClaren selected him to play Germany in a friendly at Wembley on 22 August, 2007.

“I just put it to the back of my mind,” Carrick shrugged at Monday’s press conference in Durban. “I’m here to do my best for United and that’s what I love doing.

“If I can get in the England squad then that’s great, but I can only put in my performances for United and see how far that takes me.”

Sir Alex admitted he had sympathy for Capello. After all, he said, England is blessed with talented central midfielders.

“Over the last few years, all the England managers – Sven-Goran Eriksson, Steve McClaren and now Fabio Capello – have had more options in central midfield than in any other position.

“You’ve had Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard, Hargreaves, Carrick, Cole and now Barry… it’s very difficult to say what the best midfield is.

“Of course we want United players to be recognised for their abilities, and I think Michael’s done that, but I have no gripes about him not being picked. Fabio has a very difficult choice.”

Espanyol agree deal with Arsenal’s Martinez

Espanyol have swooped for midfielder Ramon Martinez, of Argentina’s Arsenal.

Martinez spent last season with Mexico’s Tigres, and has agreed terms with Espanyol over a four-year contract.

Espanyol moved quickly for Martinez yesterday after being turned down by Matias Delgado, who penned a new deal with Besiktas in the morning.

Singapore to Host Brazilian Olympic Team

The Football Association of Singapore have announced they will be hosting the Brazilian Olympic football team in Singapore.

The team will feature star names such as Ronaldinho, Robinho, Alexandre Pato, Diego and Lucas who will play a Singapore team at the National Stadium on July 28.

Speaking in Singapore, President of organisers Matchworld Football SA, Sidi M. Airouss said, “The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) approached me to arrange for the team to play two games before the Olympics and we had offers from Europe and Asia. Singapore is an obvious choice due to its great infrastructure, similar weather conditions and time zone.

“The Football Association of Singapore has proven more than capable of hosting international events and its football is on the rise.”

Winston Lee, General Secretary of Football Association of Singapore was also looking forward to hosting the Brazilians: “We are pleased to host and play a team of such calibre in Singapore. This will be a great experience for our fans and good exposure for our players.”

Fulham’s David Healy Branded a Disgrace

Fulham and the Irish Football Association are looking into David Healy’s flute-playing gesture during Saturday’s friendly against Celtic.

The Northern Ireland striker upset some Celtic fans by pretending to play a flute in an apparent mimic of an Orange band member who celebrate the victory of King Billy over Irish Nationalists.

Pictures of the incident appeared on the front pages of some newspapers in Scotland though and have prompted debate in Northern Ireland.

IFA chief executive Howard Wells is waiting to speak to Healy before making any judgement.

Barcelona Hand Messi No. 10

Barcelona are ready to hand Lionel Messi a new shirt number.

With Ronaldinho now sold to AC Milan, Barca management are ready to hand the Brazilian’s old No10 to Messi for the new season, says Sport.

Barca won’t assign numbers until the end of preseason and a source said: “Nothing is decided, but Messi wearing the No10 next season seems the most natural, a circumstance that everyone assumes beyond discussion.”

Kaka Convinced of Chelsea Move

According to reports from Diogo Kotscho, Kaka’s advisor - the brazilian wants a move to Chelsea Football Club.  Roman Abramovitch has long been an admirer of the talented midfielder and he wants to bring him to Stamford Bridge to add the flair and style that has apparently been missing since he took over as head-hauncho.

Money is certainly not an issue for Roman, his endless cash reserves insure that he can pay whatever it takes for the one of the best players in the world.

“Ronaldo, A Modern Slave” Sepp Blatter

Sepp Blatter has disgusted the football world with disgraceful comments regarding Cristiano Ronaldo, the FIFA chief has declared all out war on English Football in recent months and this latest outburst will do little to convince football fans of his value within the game.

‘I think in football there’s too much modern slavery in transferring players or buying players here and there, and putting them somewhere’ Blatter explained.

It is astounding how such a figure head within our game can be allowed to spew such utter drivel, his complete disregard for what ’slavery’ was and what it will always be remembered for is astonishing; not only has he failed to mention that these ’slaves’ such as Cristiano Ronaldo are paid massive amounts of money for doing a job they love.

A nurse would have to work years to amass the fortune Ronaldo makes in a week - this does not sound akin to slavery and all it’s associated troubles.

Ronaldo Set To Decide Future

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United may well be coming to an end in the coming weeks, the silky attacker has declared his ‘ambition’ as a player, at any club.  Cristiano may well be lining up in the white of Madrid next season if the past months reports are anything to go by.

However from looking at Man Utd’s stance it seems certain that Real Madrid will ultimately pay over the odds if they wish to prise him away from Old Trafford.  Fees nearly £100,000,000 have been mentioned - something that in the current market climate would be an astonishing amount.  Many United fans would take the money and run after the players consistant disregard for his supporters and fans.

Where does Ronaldo go to now? The obscurity that has plagued so many transfers out of English football such as Marc Overmars (£25,000,000 to Barcelona), Nicolas Anelka (£23,500,000 to Real Madrid) or even Thierry Henry (£16,000,000 to Barcelona).  Something tells me that Ronaldo will end up either winning the Ballon D’or for the first time or slipping into comfortable bliss as he relaxes in the sun.

Only time will tell.