FOOTBALL NEWS

FOOTBALL NEWS

Rafa Benitez will leave Stamford Bridge


Rafa Benitez has confirmed that he will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Benitez, 52, hit out after travelling supporters at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium for Wednesday's FA Cup fifth round tie again chanted against him.


He responded angrily to further chanting against him at Boro by accusing Chelsea fans of "not helping the team" and saying: "They don't have to worry about me - I leave at the end of the season."

Pajtim Kasami joins FC Luzern


FC Luzern have agreed a deal to sign Fulham midfielder Pajtim Kasami on loan until the end of the season.


Kasami, a Switzerland U21 international that represented his country at the London Olympic Games, has failed to secure a regular place in Jol's first-team making only eight appearances for the club.

Luzern finished second in the Swiss Super League last season and are currently ninth in the league.

Kei Kamara to Norwich


Norwich have confirmed the signing of Kansas City's Kei Kamara on loan after the forward was granted a visa.

The 28-year old Kamara move to Carrow Road until May was announced last week, subject to receiving immigration approval, which has now been approved, the Canaries have announced.


A statement on the club's official website: "City are pleased to confirm forward Kei Kamara has been granted a visa to come and play for Norwich City  on loan from Sporting Kansas City until May 6."

Kamara is expected to make his debut for the club in Premier League clash with Fulham.

Petr Cech got Injured


Petr Cech Chelsea goalkeeper has confirmed he suffered a broken finger during Chelsea's defeat to Newcastle.

Cech was ruled out of the Czech Republic's friendly against Turkey and will be sideline for the weekend's Premier League clash with Wigan due to the injury.


Cech said,"I punched the ball and the head of one of Newcastle players at the same time. I thought it was nothing but I went for an X-ray just in case.

"However, it showed there was a fracture. The first leg in Prague will depend on whether we find a solution where it would not threaten my health and, at the same time, I would be able to perform adequately.

Danny Graham to Sunderland


Sunderland have signed Swansea City striker Danny Graham for £5 million.

Graham, 27, has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the club and should be available for Saturday’s clash at Reading.


Graham told Sunderland’s official website, “As soon as I heard about the interest from Sunderland, I didn't even have to consider any of the other options that were on the table.”

“I was born and brought up in the North-East so I know first-hand the intense passion that people have for their football in this part of the world - it's special and there's nowhere else like it.”

Newcastle United bagged Massadio Haidara


Newcastle United have signed Massadio Haidara from Nancy for an undisclosed fee.

Haidara is Newcastle's fourth new signing, and he has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal.

The France Under-21 international will wear the No. 19 shirt and may make his debut against Aston Villa.


 Haidara said: "It was the desire of the club to sign me up which was the most important factor. It was nothing to do with the league position. It was really all about the club's desire and willingness to sign me up. Also, I like the club's ambition to strengthen the whole team so we can improve our league position. That's what appealed to me so I didn't hesitate."

Puyol has signed a deal with Barcelona


Carles Puyol has signed a new deal with Barcelona, which ties him to the club until 2016.


The news was announced via a statement on Barca's official website.

"This Tuesday afternoon the Barca captain signed his contract extension that will keep him at the club through June 30 of 2016. "The ceremony was attended by Carles Puyol, his representative, president Sandro Rosell, vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu and sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta. The agreement to extend the player's contract was made public on December 18. Puyol's contract was set to expire on June 30 of 2013.