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Mario Balotelli's double life: The bitter family feud that haunts the £29m Manchester City target
SPECIAL REPORT
By Laura Williamson and Nick Pisa in Brescia
Thomas and Rose Barwuah’s third-floor council flat above a row of shops in Bagnolo Mella, on the outskirts of Brescia in northern Italy, photographs of their family adorn the walls.
There are pictures of their four children — Abigail, 22, Mario, 19, Enoch, 17, and Angel, 11. But it is Mario who takes centre stage. There are photos of him as a baby and then a toddler growing up in the Sicilian city of Palermo, kicking a football, in a suit at a family party and play-fighting with brother Enoch as Rose looks on.
But Mario is no longer a Barwuah. He has taken the surname of his adopted family, Balotelli. The toddler has grown up into an Inter Milan striker and Champions League winner valued at around £29million.
The player they call ‘Super Mario’ claims his natural parents abandoned him when he was two years old. The grainy images in the Barwuahs’ humble flat in Bagnolo Mella, a sleepy town of terracotta buildings, haphazard cobbled streets and a population of just 13,000, are therefore the only connection they have with their eldest son.
Mr Barwuah picks up a picture of a three-year-old Mario holding a football. It was taken at a friend’s home in Vicenza, a 90-minute drive from Bagnolo Mella.
‘Mario had spent hours playing football in the rain,’ said Mr Barwuah. ‘When the boys came in they were soaked but they were laughing and joking despite being wet. My friend said to Mario, “You really are Super Mario”. It’s the name we gave him.’
Mr Barwuah — a ‘poor metal worker’, as he puts it — is a proud man. But the strain on his face is obvious when he says Balotelli has only invited him to one Inter match in four years, the 2-1 Champions League win over Chelsea in February. Even then it was a second-hand invitation and a match in which Balotelli only played the last 32 minutes.
‘He turned up one day with four tickets and he gave them to his brother, Enoch,’ said Mr Barwuah. ‘I asked if I could come and watch and he said that Enoch had the tickets and he could do what he wanted with them.
‘He has never remembered us. Not a birthday or Christmas, nothing. He is not the same boy I knew when he was younger — always laughing and smiling. He was trouble but in a good way.’
Trouble, it seems, has followed Mario Balotelli throughout his turbulent 19-year life.
Born to Ghanaian immigrants Rose and Thomas on August 12, 1990, in Palermo, the future athlete was in and out of hospital as a baby. Mr Barwuah was forced to find work away from home and shuttled back and forth every weekend on a 12-hour overnight train. Mrs Barwuah was left at home with two young children — Abigail and Mario. Life was hard, to say the least.
Mr Barwuah said: ‘There were complications with Mario’s intestines and he was in a bad way. The doctors were worried that he would not survive and we even had him baptised in hospital in case he died.
‘For a year we were frantic with worry that he would not live. He was our first-born son and we were so proud when he was born, but we were left facing the prospect he might die.’
Mario’s condition improved by the spring of 1992 and the family moved to Brescia, a wealthy industrial city with a rich vein of factories and industries looking for workers.
At first they lived in a cramped studio flat with another African family before asking social services for help, pointing out Mario had recently recovered from an operation.
Social workers suggested Mario should be fostered. They proposed Francesco and Silvio Balotelli, who already had two sons and a daughter of their own.
The Balotellis, a white Italian family, lived in a large house in Concesio, an affluent town six miles north of Brescia. They could offer two-year-old Mario a lifestyle of which Mr Barwuah and his wife could only dream.
Mr Barwuah said: ‘At first we were not sure but we decided it was probably best for Mario. We saw him every week and we all got on really well.
‘We thought that at some point, once things had sorted out, Mario would come back to us. But instead, every time we tried to get him back, the Balotellis kept extending the foster time.’
Mr Barwuah said the family initially agreed to a one-year foster placement, which was then extended by a further 12 months. But their eldest son gradually slipped further and further away from them.
‘We couldn’t afford lawyers to fight for us, so Mario grew more and more distant,’ he said.
‘He would come and visit and play with his brothers and sisters but he just didn’t seem to have any time for us, his mother and father.
‘We wanted him back for more than 10 years but, every time we tried, the courts blocked it and as the years passed he became colder towards us. The Balotellis know
people and are influential and we could do nothing.’
Day of reckoning: Balotelli with his proud foster parents as he gains Italian citizenship
Balotelli was never officially adopted but made a conscious decision to turn his back on his Ghanaian heritage. He took the surname of his adopted parents and represented Italy’s Under 21 side.
Perhaps it was the teenager’s way of surviving in the racially charged cauldron of northern Italy, where he was regarded as an outsider.
As his foster mother has said: ‘He was born and raised in Italy but had to suffer the humiliation and hardships of being considered a foreigner.’
In 2008, on his 18th birthday, Balotelli gained Italian citizenship and an Italian identification card — at a ceremony at Concesio’s city hall to which the Barwuahs were not invited.
‘We didn’t know anything about that until we saw it on the news,’ said Mr Barwuah. ‘I didn’t even know he had taken the surname Balotelli. I thought he would still have our surname.’
It was also in 2008 that Balotelli claimed during a television interview that his birth parents had abandoned him in a hospital. The footballer had by then found fame at Inter Milan and claimed the Barwuahs were only interested in him for his money.
‘If I didn’t become Mario Balotelli then Mr and Mrs Barwuah would not have cared about me for anything,’ he said.
The accusation is deeply painful for Balotelli’s biological father, but Mr Barwuah’s patience is running out. His response is passionate and exasperated. He knows there is little chance of change now.
Mr Barwuah said: ‘Mario was convinced we had abandoned him in a hospital but that’s just not true. That is the Balotelli family putting something into his head and it really hurts.
‘How can he say we just want to know him for his money? It’s not true. We don’t want any money. We are Christians.
‘Do you know what he has started saying now? That we beat him as a child. It’s a lie. We never touched him. We would never beat him. We gave him all the love we could.
‘We have done nothing wrong. We want more than anything to have our son back but now I think it’s too late.’Mr Barwuah said he saw Mario last month and the striker told
him he would be moving to Manchester. But there will be no family visits to England this season.
Mr Barwuah turns to those family snaps again, much-loved pictures that have been perused thousands of times.
‘Like any father, I wish him well. I was so proud when he joined Inter and I am still proud of him,’ he said.
‘I don’t want anything from him. I just want us to be how we were.
‘We did not leave Mario. Why would we have these pictures of us together?’
The boy born with a ball at his feet
HIS team pose in V-necked yellow football shirts on an Astroturf pitch. A proud supporter behind the camera captures the moment for the family album.
Some of the boys are smiling, or casually draping their arms around their team-mates. But it is the boy with the ball at his feet who draws the eye.
Mario Balotelli’s is the only black face in shot, yet something else sets the future Inter Milan striker apart from his peers. Attitude. The young footballer scowls into the lens, resting an elbow nonchalantly on his knee.
He is a player who has always stood out — in demeanour and ability — both at nine and 19.
Walter Salvioni spotted Balotelli when he was 15 in the junior ranks of third division Italian side AC Lumezzane. Within minutes, the coach was convinced the teenager had the talent to make his senior squad.
The 47-year-old said: ‘I was watching the juniors train and saw Mario on the pitch — after just five minutes I knew I had to have him in the first squad. He was incredible. His touch was fantastic.
‘I went to the junior coach and said, “I’m taking that lad for the first team”. I didn’t know he was only 15 until the coach said, “You can’t, he’s too young”.’
The club’s chairman and the league decided Balotelli could play if Lumezzane got a doctor’s certificate to say he was fit. ‘Within 24 hours he was with us,’ said Salvioni.
‘He spent a day training with the first team and then he was on the coach with us
for the match in Genoa.
‘They were up near the top and we were third from bottom, but we ended up winning 1-0. Mario came on for the last 30 minutes and won the corner from which we scored the winner.’
That was in 2005. Balotelli soon outgrew the club, earning an ultimately unsuccessful trial with Barcelona before joining Inter Milan in 2006.
Salvioni said: ‘Mario is an all-round talented player. He can beat his opponents for pace and skill and he is very physical. The few months he was with me, I was very impressed with him.’
But the prodigiously talented youngster could sometimes irritate Salvioni. ‘He was always rushing away after training and wouldn’t stay for any tactics,’ said the coach.
‘I confronted him. He smiled and said, “I have to go home to study”. In the end, he confessed he was going to play five-a-side with his friends.’
But the boy Salvioni knew was not the trouble-maker who is talked about today. He was arrogant, but just wanted to play football.
‘He was always very polite,’ said Salvioni. ‘When he isn’t picked he gets angry because he knows he is good enough to play. I think that’s what has made him go to
Manchester City. He told me a few times he got on really well with (Roberto) Mancini, and he will play him.
‘What Mario really wants is to be picked for the Italian national team. That is his dream.
SPECIAL REPORT
By Laura Williamson and Nick Pisa in Brescia
Thomas and Rose Barwuah’s third-floor council flat above a row of shops in Bagnolo Mella, on the outskirts of Brescia in northern Italy, photographs of their family adorn the walls.
There are pictures of their four children — Abigail, 22, Mario, 19, Enoch, 17, and Angel, 11. But it is Mario who takes centre stage. There are photos of him as a baby and then a toddler growing up in the Sicilian city of Palermo, kicking a football, in a suit at a family party and play-fighting with brother Enoch as Rose looks on.
But Mario is no longer a Barwuah. He has taken the surname of his adopted family, Balotelli. The toddler has grown up into an Inter Milan striker and Champions League winner valued at around £29million.Mr Barwuah picks up a picture of a three-year-old Mario holding a football. It was taken at a friend’s home in Vicenza, a 90-minute drive from Bagnolo Mella.
‘Mario had spent hours playing football in the rain,’ said Mr Barwuah. ‘When the boys came in they were soaked but they were laughing and joking despite being wet. My friend said to Mario, “You really are Super Mario”. It’s the name we gave him.’
Mr Barwuah — a ‘poor metal worker’, as he puts it — is a proud man. But the strain on his face is obvious when he says Balotelli has only invited him to one Inter match in four years, the 2-1 Champions League win over Chelsea in February. Even then it was a second-hand invitation and a match in which Balotelli only played the last 32 minutes.
‘He turned up one day with four tickets and he gave them to his brother, Enoch,’ said Mr Barwuah. ‘I asked if I could come and watch and he said that Enoch had the tickets and he could do what he wanted with them.
‘He has never remembered us. Not a birthday or Christmas, nothing. He is not the same boy I knew when he was younger — always laughing and smiling. He was trouble but in a good way.’
Trouble, it seems, has followed Mario Balotelli throughout his turbulent 19-year life.
Born to Ghanaian immigrants Rose and Thomas on August 12, 1990, in Palermo, the future athlete was in and out of hospital as a baby. Mr Barwuah was forced to find work away from home and shuttled back and forth every weekend on a 12-hour overnight train. Mrs Barwuah was left at home with two young children — Abigail and Mario. Life was hard, to say the least.
Growing pains: Balotelli with mother Rose and brother Enoch
Mr Barwuah said: ‘There were complications with Mario’s intestines and he was in a bad way. The doctors were worried that he would not survive and we even had him baptised in hospital in case he died.
‘For a year we were frantic with worry that he would not live. He was our first-born son and we were so proud when he was born, but we were left facing the prospect he might die.’
Mario’s condition improved by the spring of 1992 and the family moved to Brescia, a wealthy industrial city with a rich vein of factories and industries looking for workers.
At first they lived in a cramped studio flat with another African family before asking social services for help, pointing out Mario had recently recovered from an operation.
Social workers suggested Mario should be fostered. They proposed Francesco and Silvio Balotelli, who already had two sons and a daughter of their own.
Super Mario is born: Balotelli (right) aged three years old
The Balotellis, a white Italian family, lived in a large house in Concesio, an affluent town six miles north of Brescia. They could offer two-year-old Mario a lifestyle of which Mr Barwuah and his wife could only dream.
Mr Barwuah said: ‘At first we were not sure but we decided it was probably best for Mario. We saw him every week and we all got on really well.
‘We thought that at some point, once things had sorted out, Mario would come back to us. But instead, every time we tried to get him back, the Balotellis kept extending the foster time.’
Mr Barwuah said the family initially agreed to a one-year foster placement, which was then extended by a further 12 months. But their eldest son gradually slipped further and further away from them.
‘We couldn’t afford lawyers to fight for us, so Mario grew more and more distant,’ he said.
‘He would come and visit and play with his brothers and sisters but he just didn’t seem to have any time for us, his mother and father.
‘We wanted him back for more than 10 years but, every time we tried, the courts blocked it and as the years passed he became colder towards us. The Balotellis know
people and are influential and we could do nothing.’
Balotelli was never officially adopted but made a conscious decision to turn his back on his Ghanaian heritage. He took the surname of his adopted parents and represented Italy’s Under 21 side.
Perhaps it was the teenager’s way of surviving in the racially charged cauldron of northern Italy, where he was regarded as an outsider.
As his foster mother has said: ‘He was born and raised in Italy but had to suffer the humiliation and hardships of being considered a foreigner.’
In 2008, on his 18th birthday, Balotelli gained Italian citizenship and an Italian identification card — at a ceremony at Concesio’s city hall to which the Barwuahs were not invited.
‘We didn’t know anything about that until we saw it on the news,’ said Mr Barwuah. ‘I didn’t even know he had taken the surname Balotelli. I thought he would still have our surname.’
It was also in 2008 that Balotelli claimed during a television interview that his birth parents had abandoned him in a hospital. The footballer had by then found fame at Inter Milan and claimed the Barwuahs were only interested in him for his money.
‘If I didn’t become Mario Balotelli then Mr and Mrs Barwuah would not have cared about me for anything,’ he said.
The accusation is deeply painful for Balotelli’s biological father, but Mr Barwuah’s patience is running out. His response is passionate and exasperated. He knows there is little chance of change now.
Mr Barwuah said: ‘Mario was convinced we had abandoned him in a hospital but that’s just not true. That is the Balotelli family putting something into his head and it really hurts. ‘We have always loved Mario but he has changed. It’s the Balotellis — they have made him turn against us.
‘How can he say we just want to know him for his money? It’s not true. We don’t want any money. We are Christians.
‘Do you know what he has started saying now? That we beat him as a child. It’s a lie. We never touched him. We would never beat him. We gave him all the love we could.
‘We have done nothing wrong. We want more than anything to have our son back but now I think it’s too late.’Mr Barwuah said he saw Mario last month and the striker told
him he would be moving to Manchester. But there will be no family visits to England this season.
Mr Barwuah turns to those family snaps again, much-loved pictures that have been perused thousands of times.
‘Like any father, I wish him well. I was so proud when he joined Inter and I am still proud of him,’ he said.
‘I don’t want anything from him. I just want us to be how we were.
‘We did not leave Mario. Why would we have these pictures of us together?’
The boy born with a ball at his feet
HIS team pose in V-necked yellow football shirts on an Astroturf pitch. A proud supporter behind the camera captures the moment for the family album.
Some of the boys are smiling, or casually draping their arms around their team-mates. But it is the boy with the ball at his feet who draws the eye.
Mario Balotelli’s is the only black face in shot, yet something else sets the future Inter Milan striker apart from his peers. Attitude. The young footballer scowls into the lens, resting an elbow nonchalantly on his knee.
Sure start: Balotelli at nine (front row, second left)
He is a player who has always stood out — in demeanour and ability — both at nine and 19.
Walter Salvioni spotted Balotelli when he was 15 in the junior ranks of third division Italian side AC Lumezzane. Within minutes, the coach was convinced the teenager had the talent to make his senior squad.
The 47-year-old said: ‘I was watching the juniors train and saw Mario on the pitch — after just five minutes I knew I had to have him in the first squad. He was incredible. His touch was fantastic.
‘I went to the junior coach and said, “I’m taking that lad for the first team”. I didn’t know he was only 15 until the coach said, “You can’t, he’s too young”.’
The club’s chairman and the league decided Balotelli could play if Lumezzane got a doctor’s certificate to say he was fit. ‘Within 24 hours he was with us,’ said Salvioni.
‘He spent a day training with the first team and then he was on the coach with us
for the match in Genoa.
‘They were up near the top and we were third from bottom, but we ended up winning 1-0. Mario came on for the last 30 minutes and won the corner from which we scored the winner.’
That was in 2005. Balotelli soon outgrew the club, earning an ultimately unsuccessful trial with Barcelona before joining Inter Milan in 2006.
Making the grade: Balotelli makes his debut for Lumezzane at the age of 15
Salvioni said: ‘Mario is an all-round talented player. He can beat his opponents for pace and skill and he is very physical. The few months he was with me, I was very impressed with him.’
But the prodigiously talented youngster could sometimes irritate Salvioni. ‘He was always rushing away after training and wouldn’t stay for any tactics,’ said the coach.
‘I confronted him. He smiled and said, “I have to go home to study”. In the end, he confessed he was going to play five-a-side with his friends.’
But the boy Salvioni knew was not the trouble-maker who is talked about today. He was arrogant, but just wanted to play football.
‘He was always very polite,’ said Salvioni. ‘When he isn’t picked he gets angry because he knows he is good enough to play. I think that’s what has made him go to
Manchester City. He told me a few times he got on really well with (Roberto) Mancini, and he will play him.
‘What Mario really wants is to be picked for the Italian national team. That is his dream.
Smiling Cesc Fabregas looks happy to be back at Arsenal - but Barcelona target stays silent on where his heart lies
By Sportsmail Reporter
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas returned to training with the club this morning - but ignored pleas to give a public declaration on his future.
The Spanish World Cup winner has been at the centre of an acrimonious tug of war with Barcelona and the Gunners wanted him to silence the Catalans by pledging his future to north London.
Leader of the pack: Cesc Fabregas leads Arsenal around the Emirates Stadium
However, while the 23-year-old received warm applause and smiled to fans at the Emirates Stadium during a special member's day, he passed up the chance to say the words which supporters wanted to hear.
Barcelona, where Fabregas began his career as a schoolboy, made a £29million bid for the midfielder at the start of June, only to be told by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that the player was not for sale at any price.
No question: The fans let their feelings known to Fabregas (left) as he trained
A series of public statements by Barca's most prominent players advocating a move for the World Cup winner has only served to increase the feeling that Fabregas will leave the club.
Nevertheless, the Spain star looked at ease as he lined up alongside Wenger and the rest of the Arsenal squad for the team photo at the Emirates Stadium today, a glimmer of hope for some that he will remain at the club he joined as a 15-year-old for at least another season.
Keeping up appearances: Arsene Wenger (left) has urged Fabregas to make a statement on his future
He was the first man on the pitch at Emirates as he led the side out to rapturous applause. The Spaniard wore a beaming smile as he jogged out the tunnel, clapping the thousands that had taken their seats inside the ground.
As the players continued their warm-up Fabregas shared jokes with Thomas Vermaelen, Tomas Rosicky and Robin van Persie.
Centre of attention: Fabregas shared jokes with his Arsenal team-mates as he trained
Usual suspects: The entire squad greeted the fans, even the injured Aaron Ramsey (right)
Aaron Ramsey also made an appearance on the pitch as he continued his rehabilitation from a broken leg.
New signings Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny also trained, along with the impressive young duo of Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong.
Fabregas and Van Persie had been granted an extended holiday following their World Cup exploits with Holland and Spain. The pair split from the main group shortly after the warm-up and trained with fitness coach Tony Colbert.
Arsene Wenger said at the end: 'I would like to thank you all for coming to the Emirates today. I hope you enjoyed the day.
'And thank you for the support I am sure you will give us in the coming season. We will give our best and try to finish at the top.'
But we are still waiting for word from Fabregas
By Sportsmail Reporter
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas returned to training with the club this morning - but ignored pleas to give a public declaration on his future.
The Spanish World Cup winner has been at the centre of an acrimonious tug of war with Barcelona and the Gunners wanted him to silence the Catalans by pledging his future to north London.
Barcelona, where Fabregas began his career as a schoolboy, made a £29million bid for the midfielder at the start of June, only to be told by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that the player was not for sale at any price.
A series of public statements by Barca's most prominent players advocating a move for the World Cup winner has only served to increase the feeling that Fabregas will leave the club.
Nevertheless, the Spain star looked at ease as he lined up alongside Wenger and the rest of the Arsenal squad for the team photo at the Emirates Stadium today, a glimmer of hope for some that he will remain at the club he joined as a 15-year-old for at least another season.
He was the first man on the pitch at Emirates as he led the side out to rapturous applause. The Spaniard wore a beaming smile as he jogged out the tunnel, clapping the thousands that had taken their seats inside the ground.
As the players continued their warm-up Fabregas shared jokes with Thomas Vermaelen, Tomas Rosicky and Robin van Persie.
Aaron Ramsey also made an appearance on the pitch as he continued his rehabilitation from a broken leg.
New signings Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny also trained, along with the impressive young duo of Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong.
On the ball: Fabregas briefly joined in with some ball work
Fabregas and Van Persie had been granted an extended holiday following their World Cup exploits with Holland and Spain. The pair split from the main group shortly after the warm-up and trained with fitness coach Tony Colbert.
Arsene Wenger said at the end: 'I would like to thank you all for coming to the Emirates today. I hope you enjoyed the day.
'And thank you for the support I am sure you will give us in the coming season. We will give our best and try to finish at the top.'
But we are still waiting for word from Fabregas
JAN PAULSEN AANZA ‘KIBARUA’ RASMI NA STARS
Jan Paulsen (kulia) akiwapa maelekezo wachezaji wa Stars. Kulia kwake ni msaidizi wake Silvester Marsh.
Kocha mkuu wa timu ya taifa, Taifa Stars, Jan Paulsen aliyerithi nafasi ya Mbrazili Marcio Maximo, aliyeanza kazi na timu hiyo jana, leo aliendelea kuinoa timu hiyo kwenye Uwanja wa Karume jijini Dar es Salaam kwa ajili ya kujiandaa na mchezo dhidi ya Timu ya Taifa ya Kenya, Harambee Stars.
Athumani Iddi Chuji (kushoto) na Juma Kaseja, wakifanya mazoezi kwenye kikosi hicho.
Abdi Kassim (kushoto) na Athumani Iddi Chuji, wakijifua mbele ya Jan Paulsen.
Jan Paulsen akimfundisha beki wa Timu hiyo, Shadrack Nsajigwa jinsi ya kumzuia adui.
Sehemu ya umati wa watu uliofurika kushuhudia mazoezi hayo leo asubuhi.
PICHA ZOTE NA RICHARD BUKOS /GPL
Source by Global
Kocha mkuu wa timu ya taifa, Taifa Stars, Jan Paulsen aliyerithi nafasi ya Mbrazili Marcio Maximo, aliyeanza kazi na timu hiyo jana, leo aliendelea kuinoa timu hiyo kwenye Uwanja wa Karume jijini Dar es Salaam kwa ajili ya kujiandaa na mchezo dhidi ya Timu ya Taifa ya Kenya, Harambee Stars.
….akiandaa uwanja kwa ajili ya zoezi maalum.
Akimuelekeza jambo kipa wa timu hiyo, Juma Kaseja.
Juma Kaseja akionesha cheche zake kwenye mazoezi hayo.
PICHA ZOTE NA RICHARD BUKOS /GPL
Source by Global
. Newcastle yatupa ndoano kwa Ulimwengu
Thomas Ulimwengu alipokuwa akihojiwa na wanahabari kabla ya kwenda Sweden.
KLABU kongwe inayoshiriki Ligi Kuu ya England, Newcastle FC imeonyesha nia ya wazi kutaka kumchukua mshambuliaji kinda Mtanzania, Thomas Ulimwengu.
Newcastle FC ambayo ni moja ya timu kubwa na yenye heshima kubwa nchini England, tayari imefanya mazungumzo ya awali na Shule ya Soka ya AFC ya nchini Sweden ili ikiwezekana kinda huyo atue England kwenye timu ya watoto ya timu hiyo.
Mmiliki wa shule ya kukuza na kuendeleza vipaji ya AFC, Alex Ryssholm ameliambia Championi Jumatatu kutoka Stockholm, Sweden kwamba wataalamu wa kukagua vipaji wa Newcastle walivutiwa na uwezo wa Ulimwengu wakati wa michuano ya Gothia Cup.
“Tuliishia robo fainali, Thomas alicheza mechi zote nne, alifunga mabao saba. Wameonyeshwa kuvutiwa naye, lakini hata hivyo inabidi wavute subira kwa kuwa bado si mchezaji wetu rasmi.
“Tunatakiwa kukamilisha taratibu na TSA, iko chini ya Shirikisho la Soka la Tanzania. Baada ya hapo tunaweza kuzungumza nao, tayari tumewasiliana na wakala aitwaye, Damas Ndumbaro na analifanyia kazi ikiwezekana tulikamilishe mapema,” alisema Ryssholm.
Ryssholm alisema binafsi amevutiwa na kipaji cha Ulimwengu na Watanzania wengine wawili walio katika shule yake hiyo ambayo imekuwa ikifanikiwa kukuza vipaji na kuwapatia nafasi makinda hao kucheza kwenye timu kubwa za Ulaya.
Ulimwengu alitarajia kutua nchini jana kwa ajili ya kujiunga na timu ya taifa ya vijana chini ya miaka 20, Ngorongoro Heroes ambayo itacheza mechi ya marudiano dhidi ya Ivory Coast kuwania kufuzu katika michuano ya Kombe la Mataifa Afrika kwa vijana.
Mechi ya kwanza, Heroes ikiwa ugenini jijini Abidjan ililala kwa bao 1-0, maana yake inatakiwa kupata ushindi wa mabao mawili au zaidi na kuhakikisha pia nyavu zake haziguswi katika mechi hiyi itakayochezwa Jumamosi ijayo.
Source by Global
KLABU kongwe inayoshiriki Ligi Kuu ya England, Newcastle FC imeonyesha nia ya wazi kutaka kumchukua mshambuliaji kinda Mtanzania, Thomas Ulimwengu.
Newcastle FC ambayo ni moja ya timu kubwa na yenye heshima kubwa nchini England, tayari imefanya mazungumzo ya awali na Shule ya Soka ya AFC ya nchini Sweden ili ikiwezekana kinda huyo atue England kwenye timu ya watoto ya timu hiyo.
Mmiliki wa shule ya kukuza na kuendeleza vipaji ya AFC, Alex Ryssholm ameliambia Championi Jumatatu kutoka Stockholm, Sweden kwamba wataalamu wa kukagua vipaji wa Newcastle walivutiwa na uwezo wa Ulimwengu wakati wa michuano ya Gothia Cup.
“Tuliishia robo fainali, Thomas alicheza mechi zote nne, alifunga mabao saba. Wameonyeshwa kuvutiwa naye, lakini hata hivyo inabidi wavute subira kwa kuwa bado si mchezaji wetu rasmi.
“Tunatakiwa kukamilisha taratibu na TSA, iko chini ya Shirikisho la Soka la Tanzania. Baada ya hapo tunaweza kuzungumza nao, tayari tumewasiliana na wakala aitwaye, Damas Ndumbaro na analifanyia kazi ikiwezekana tulikamilishe mapema,” alisema Ryssholm.
Ryssholm alisema binafsi amevutiwa na kipaji cha Ulimwengu na Watanzania wengine wawili walio katika shule yake hiyo ambayo imekuwa ikifanikiwa kukuza vipaji na kuwapatia nafasi makinda hao kucheza kwenye timu kubwa za Ulaya.
Ulimwengu alitarajia kutua nchini jana kwa ajili ya kujiunga na timu ya taifa ya vijana chini ya miaka 20, Ngorongoro Heroes ambayo itacheza mechi ya marudiano dhidi ya Ivory Coast kuwania kufuzu katika michuano ya Kombe la Mataifa Afrika kwa vijana.
Mechi ya kwanza, Heroes ikiwa ugenini jijini Abidjan ililala kwa bao 1-0, maana yake inatakiwa kupata ushindi wa mabao mawili au zaidi na kuhakikisha pia nyavu zake haziguswi katika mechi hiyi itakayochezwa Jumamosi ijayo.
Source by Global
Steven Gerrard commits his future to Liverpool after hailing the arrival of Joe Cole
Steven Gerrard has revealed that he is ready to stay at Liverpool after hailing the arrival of Joe Cole.
Cole was confirmed as their big summer arrival on a free transfer from Chelsea
as they attempt to bounce back from their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Last season's woes have left the futures of Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano in serious doubt.
Happy chappy: Steven Gerrard on the on exercise bike on his first day back
But one-club legend Gerrard, who returned to pre-season training at Melwood on Tuesday away from the club's tour of Switzerland, has now indicated that he is ready to commit his future to Liverpool.
He said: 'I made it clear that I simply needed to concentrate on the World Cup and then have a decent holiday with my family.
'I wanted the chance to meet Roy Hodgson privately and having done so I'm very impressed with his plans for the future of the team.
Wheely good signing: Joe Cole spends his first full day in the Liverpool camp
On Cole, he said: 'It's a great signing for us. I know Joe well through the England set-up and have seen first hand just how good a player he is.
'He's proved his ability over many years in the Premier League, sometimes against us - so it will be fantastic to play alongside him in a red shirt for Liverpool.
'I've told him what a great club this is and I'm sure Joe's the sort of exciting talent our fans will love to see.'
Manager Roy Hodgson welcomed Gerrard's commitment, saying: 'It's a great piece of news. There won't be anyone in Liverpool today who isn't delighted to hear that.
'I'm really pleased about it because I've got great respect for Steven Gerrard. He's a player who I was really looking forward to working with when I came to Liverpool.
'It seems now with that commitment that this will happen. It gives everyone a boost without question.
Fresh challenge: Hodgson welcomes Cole to Liverpool's training camp
'It will be a tough season, with a lot of matches and the disappointment of
last season is going to take a while to dissipate, but it is very good that our best player is still going to be playing at this club.
'Hopefully with the signing of Joe Cole - and if we are lucky one or two others, to boost the squad - we will be going into this season's competition, maybe stronger on paper than we were last season.'
Meanwhile, Hodgson has revealed that Fernando Torres is on course to be fit for the opening weeks of the season despite rupturing his thigh muscle in the World Cup final.
Spark: Carragher expects Cole to open up defences with his creativity
He said: 'I think it's quite good. I saw him now almost a week ago, last Wednesday. I went to Ibiza and met him, albeit briefly, and we had a little talk there.
'He was telling me he didn't think the groin problem was anything to worry about at all and it was something that just a rest on holiday was going to clear up.
'We're hoping when he comes back on August 2 he'll be fit and well.'
Steven Gerrard has revealed that he is ready to stay at Liverpool after hailing the arrival of Joe Cole.
Cole was confirmed as their big summer arrival on a free transfer from Chelsea
as they attempt to bounce back from their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Last season's woes have left the futures of Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano in serious doubt.
But one-club legend Gerrard, who returned to pre-season training at Melwood on Tuesday away from the club's tour of Switzerland, has now indicated that he is ready to commit his future to Liverpool.
He said: 'I made it clear that I simply needed to concentrate on the World Cup and then have a decent holiday with my family.
'I wanted the chance to meet Roy Hodgson privately and having done so I'm very impressed with his plans for the future of the team.
On Cole, he said: 'It's a great signing for us. I know Joe well through the England set-up and have seen first hand just how good a player he is.
'He's proved his ability over many years in the Premier League, sometimes against us - so it will be fantastic to play alongside him in a red shirt for Liverpool.
'I've told him what a great club this is and I'm sure Joe's the sort of exciting talent our fans will love to see.'
Manager Roy Hodgson welcomed Gerrard's commitment, saying: 'It's a great piece of news. There won't be anyone in Liverpool today who isn't delighted to hear that.
'I'm really pleased about it because I've got great respect for Steven Gerrard. He's a player who I was really looking forward to working with when I came to Liverpool.
'It seems now with that commitment that this will happen. It gives everyone a boost without question.
'It will be a tough season, with a lot of matches and the disappointment of
last season is going to take a while to dissipate, but it is very good that our best player is still going to be playing at this club.
'Hopefully with the signing of Joe Cole - and if we are lucky one or two others, to boost the squad - we will be going into this season's competition, maybe stronger on paper than we were last season.'
Meanwhile, Hodgson has revealed that Fernando Torres is on course to be fit for the opening weeks of the season despite rupturing his thigh muscle in the World Cup final.
He said: 'I think it's quite good. I saw him now almost a week ago, last Wednesday. I went to Ibiza and met him, albeit briefly, and we had a little talk there.
'He was telling me he didn't think the groin problem was anything to worry about at all and it was something that just a rest on holiday was going to clear up.
'We're hoping when he comes back on August 2 he'll be fit and well.'
Exclusive: Cole medical pics
Joe Cole has today undergone a medical in Switzerland under the supervision of Dr Peter Brukner - and Liverpoolfc.tv were there to snap some exclusive photographs.
PICTURE SPECIAL: Jose Mourinho gets down to business as the Special One takes his first Real Madrid training session
Jose Mourinho began his quest to become the first 'Grand Slam coach' when he took charge of his first training session as Real Madrid manager on Friday.
The Special One took the Bernabeu job after guiding Inter Milan to an historic Champions League, league and Italian Cup treble last season and promptly announced he wanted to make history by winning a titles in England, Italy and Spain.
The former Chelsea boss has been linked with plenty of stellar signings as he looks to rebuild a Mardid squad high on attacking flair but low on defensive steel. The likes of Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard and now Nemanja Vidic have all been mentioned as possible big-money targets for the Portuguese.
Making a point: Jose Mourinho gives instructions to his new Real Madrid players
Madrid are also said to be closing in on the £8.5million signing of Stuttgart midfielder and Germany international Sami Khedira.
But there was little sign of such star quality on view at Mourinho's first session, held at Madrid's Valdebebas training centre, with galacticos such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain, Kaka and Xabi Alonso all still on holiday following their World Cup exploits.
Familiar faces: Mourinho with Madrid's ex-Premier League players Jerzy Dudek (second left) and Lassana Diarra (third left)
Lassana Diarra and Karim Benzema did have an early opportunity to impress Mourinho, as their new boss put them through their paces. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek also got his chance to make an impression.
In a city still recovering from Spain's World Cup triumph and the wild celebrations that followed, Mourinho made a low-key start to life at Europe's most successful club.
But, knowing Mourinho, this will turn out simply to be the calm before the storm.
Not going well, Jose? The Special One appeared to be feeling the strain (left) and worked closely with French striker Karim Benzema (right)
Welcome to your new home: The Valdebebas training centre in Madrid
Jose Mourinho began his quest to become the first 'Grand Slam coach' when he took charge of his first training session as Real Madrid manager on Friday.
The Special One took the Bernabeu job after guiding Inter Milan to an historic Champions League, league and Italian Cup treble last season and promptly announced he wanted to make history by winning a titles in England, Italy and Spain.
The former Chelsea boss has been linked with plenty of stellar signings as he looks to rebuild a Mardid squad high on attacking flair but low on defensive steel. The likes of Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard and now Nemanja Vidic have all been mentioned as possible big-money targets for the Portuguese.
Madrid are also said to be closing in on the £8.5million signing of Stuttgart midfielder and Germany international Sami Khedira.
But there was little sign of such star quality on view at Mourinho's first session, held at Madrid's Valdebebas training centre, with galacticos such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain, Kaka and Xabi Alonso all still on holiday following their World Cup exploits.
Lassana Diarra and Karim Benzema did have an early opportunity to impress Mourinho, as their new boss put them through their paces. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek also got his chance to make an impression.
In a city still recovering from Spain's World Cup triumph and the wild celebrations that followed, Mourinho made a low-key start to life at Europe's most successful club.
But, knowing Mourinho, this will turn out simply to be the calm before the storm.
Thierry Henry retires from internationals to concentrate on New York mission - and gets ready for an Irish-American backlash
Thierry Henry has retired from international football to give his full commitment to the New York Red Bulls.
The France star, who has joined America's Major League Soccer after being released by Barcelona, won the World Cup and European Championship with his country but played only a minor role in Les Bleus capitulation at South Africa 2010.
Raymond Domenech's side limped out of the finals at the group stage, with Henry's final appearance coming as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat by South Africa - a result which confirmed France's early exit.
King of New York: Henry poses in front of the Manhattan skyline
'That was my last game, against South Africa,' he said. 'Ironically, it was also my first game in the national team against South Africa.'
'I always want to be here 100 per cent and fully committed to this cause and the organisation,' said Henry. 'I couldn't announce it before because that's the not type of thing you announce before a World Cup.'
Henry scored 51 goals in 123 international appearances. He made his debut in October 1997 in a 2-1 win over South Africa.
The French players went on strike and refused to train before their final match of the World Cup after striker Nicolas Anelka was sent home for verbally abusing coach Raymond Domenech, who was replaced after the tournament by Laurent Blanc.
'We still have a good team,' said Henry. 'I think the guys that are going to stay, they still are great players. If you see the guys playing individually in their (club) team, they're always doing great.
'But as you know, in a team sport, it's always a matter of having a great team. It's not only about individuals, and I think Laurent Blanc can do this.'
Still, Henry doesn't think this year's World Cup was the lowest point in his career.
'Going to the World Cup in South Korea (and Japan) in 2002 was, I will say, my worst experience ever as a player,' he said. 'As a group, we didn't even score one goal and we were the reigning world champion.
'And we bounced back, and we went to the final of the World Cup in 2006. Obviously we didn't win it. It still hurts.'
By moving to New York, Henry realises he could draw the ire of a large Irish community. Last November, Henry handled the ball twice with his left hand before poking it to William Gallas for an extra-time goal against Ireland in a playoff that put France into the World Cup.
Swedish referee Martin Hansson failed to call the handball and cried after the match when he learned he blew the call.
Swansong: Henry swaps shirts with South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena at the end of his last international
'I think they (the Irish fans) will still have something, yeah, but that's the game,' Henry said.
He compared it with another handball call that was missed.
'It was kind of funny to see (Brazil's) Luis Fabiano score this goal against Ivory Coast in the World Cup, and nobody ever said anything,' Henry said.
'It was kind of weird, but that's the way the game is. I already talked a lot about what happened that day, and I made it clear it wasn't intentional. It was like a bad movement at the end and I didn't score the goal.'
He also compared it to Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in the 2001 FA Cup final, when referee Steve Dunn failed to award a penalty against Stephane Henchoz for handling Henry's shot on the line.
'You know how many games I lost like this? Lost an FA Cup final like this,' Henry said. 'After the game, I did apologise and I was saying this to the guys on the pitch, to the Irish guys. But, hey, the rules of the game are the ref doesn't blow the whistle, you've got to play.'
Hansson, while selected for the World Cup referee pool, didn't get to referee any games in South Africa.
'When I do a mistake, when you do a mistake, you get punished,' said Henry. 'So I'm not the guy who sets the rules. I'm not the guy who did punish him. But that is the way it is.'
Thierry Henry has retired from international football to give his full commitment to the New York Red Bulls.
The France star, who has joined America's Major League Soccer after being released by Barcelona, won the World Cup and European Championship with his country but played only a minor role in Les Bleus capitulation at South Africa 2010.
Raymond Domenech's side limped out of the finals at the group stage, with Henry's final appearance coming as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat by South Africa - a result which confirmed France's early exit.
'That was my last game, against South Africa,' he said. 'Ironically, it was also my first game in the national team against South Africa.'The 32-year-old said he had made up his mind to retire before the World Cup and would not follow David Beckham's example of commuting between the States and Europe to represent his country.
'I always want to be here 100 per cent and fully committed to this cause and the organisation,' said Henry. 'I couldn't announce it before because that's the not type of thing you announce before a World Cup.'
Henry scored 51 goals in 123 international appearances. He made his debut in October 1997 in a 2-1 win over South Africa.
The French players went on strike and refused to train before their final match of the World Cup after striker Nicolas Anelka was sent home for verbally abusing coach Raymond Domenech, who was replaced after the tournament by Laurent Blanc.
'We still have a good team,' said Henry. 'I think the guys that are going to stay, they still are great players. If you see the guys playing individually in their (club) team, they're always doing great.
'But as you know, in a team sport, it's always a matter of having a great team. It's not only about individuals, and I think Laurent Blanc can do this.'
Still, Henry doesn't think this year's World Cup was the lowest point in his career.
'Going to the World Cup in South Korea (and Japan) in 2002 was, I will say, my worst experience ever as a player,' he said. 'As a group, we didn't even score one goal and we were the reigning world champion.
'And we bounced back, and we went to the final of the World Cup in 2006. Obviously we didn't win it. It still hurts.'
Icon: Henry's infamous handball (left) and wearing his new Red Bulls shirt
By moving to New York, Henry realises he could draw the ire of a large Irish community. Last November, Henry handled the ball twice with his left hand before poking it to William Gallas for an extra-time goal against Ireland in a playoff that put France into the World Cup.
Swedish referee Martin Hansson failed to call the handball and cried after the match when he learned he blew the call.
'I think they (the Irish fans) will still have something, yeah, but that's the game,' Henry said.
He compared it with another handball call that was missed.
'It was kind of funny to see (Brazil's) Luis Fabiano score this goal against Ivory Coast in the World Cup, and nobody ever said anything,' Henry said.
'It was kind of weird, but that's the way the game is. I already talked a lot about what happened that day, and I made it clear it wasn't intentional. It was like a bad movement at the end and I didn't score the goal.'
He also compared it to Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in the 2001 FA Cup final, when referee Steve Dunn failed to award a penalty against Stephane Henchoz for handling Henry's shot on the line.
'You know how many games I lost like this? Lost an FA Cup final like this,' Henry said. 'After the game, I did apologise and I was saying this to the guys on the pitch, to the Irish guys. But, hey, the rules of the game are the ref doesn't blow the whistle, you've got to play.'
Hansson, while selected for the World Cup referee pool, didn't get to referee any games in South Africa.
'When I do a mistake, when you do a mistake, you get punished,' said Henry. 'So I'm not the guy who sets the rules. I'm not the guy who did punish him. But that is the way it is.'
David Beckham: I'll never be a manager like Fabio Capello - I'd rather coach kids
England midfielder David Beckham has no intention of becoming a manager and is instead focusing on his recovery from an achilles injury, which he revealed is ahead of schedule.
The 35-year-old's dreams of participating in a fourth World Cup finals were shattered in March when he sustained the injury while on loan to AC Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy.
However, Beckham was invited along to South Africa as part of the England group by coach Fabio Capello and sat on the bench for what turned out to be a wretched campaign, which ended with 4-1 defeat to Germany in the last 16.
Sure you don't want to be boss? Beckham gestures from the bench during England's ill-fated showing at the World Cup in South Africa
It has been suggested former Manchester United and Real Madrid star could take charge of the national side in future, but Beckham is not interested in such talk at this stage in his career and cannot foresee that changing down the line.
'I must admit it's something I've never been interested in,' he said in a webchat with Yahoo. 'It's not a passion of mine to be a manager of a football team.
'I'm passionate about the game and being there and obviously I was wearing the suit so people have looked and thought I could be going into that.'
'I spoke to James (Milner), Shaun (Wright-Phillips), Aaron (Lennon)... all the right-sided players. I spoke to all the players. If there's anything that needed saying from the manager of the players, that was kind of my role.
'I enjoyed that but, coaching-wise, I love coaching kids - that's one of the reasons I have my academies - the children, I love seeing their faces when they're kicking the ball around. I love the enthusiasm, the honesty - that's one of the things I love doing.
'But coaching a team, being a manager, at this point in my career I don't want to do that and in the future I don't think that will happen either.'
As for his personal fitness, Beckham indicated in late April he may not play again until November - sparking fears he may miss the entire Major League Soccer season which is due to end on the 21st of that month.
Nightmare: Beckham's dreams of playing at the World Cup were dashed by an injury he suffered while playing for AC Milan in March
But he was seen kicking a ball in South Africa - admitting 'I was told off for that!' - and is now aiming to be back in action by the start of September.
'When I had the surgery, the surgeon gave me a schedule,' he said. 'I've got a week now before it's four months and then I'm allowed to run, but I've been running for the last 10 days.
'I'm ahead of schedule, it's going well. I should be back in a month and a half.'
Meanwhile, Beckham has laid the blame for England's dismal World Cup campaign squarely at the door of the players.
'He (Capello) did everything that he could have done,' said the midfielder. 'He prepared us right. He worked the players to the right amount and he set everything up for the players, but obviously the players know it was disappointing.
Warning: England's World Cup flops could face a backlash back at their clubs
'We didn't perform and as players you know that - you know when you don't perform, you know when you don't play well.
'The manager can do so much and then it's down to the players. The players go on to the pitch and they know if they don't perform they don't win games.
'The players are honest about that but it's not about individuals, it's not about how individuals play - it's about how we played as a team. It's a cliche but you win as a team and you lose as a team.
'You have to take the good days and enjoy those, and the bad days you learn from and the team will do that because we've got a lot of young players.'
Beckham also revealed his goal of representing Britain at the London Olympics in 2012 - by which time he will be 37.
'If I'm still playing and I'm still considered to make a difference to the team I'd love to, but if not then I'm definitely going to be there anyway,' he said.
'It's the East End of London - it's on my manor. To be part of getting the Olympics to the east end of London... it's one of the best experiences that I've ever experienced.'
England midfielder David Beckham has no intention of becoming a manager and is instead focusing on his recovery from an achilles injury, which he revealed is ahead of schedule.
The 35-year-old's dreams of participating in a fourth World Cup finals were shattered in March when he sustained the injury while on loan to AC Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy.
However, Beckham was invited along to South Africa as part of the England group by coach Fabio Capello and sat on the bench for what turned out to be a wretched campaign, which ended with 4-1 defeat to Germany in the last 16.
It has been suggested former Manchester United and Real Madrid star could take charge of the national side in future, but Beckham is not interested in such talk at this stage in his career and cannot foresee that changing down the line.
'I must admit it's something I've never been interested in,' he said in a webchat with Yahoo. 'It's not a passion of mine to be a manager of a football team.'I'm passionate about the game and being there and obviously I was wearing the suit so people have looked and thought I could be going into that.'
'I spoke to James (Milner), Shaun (Wright-Phillips), Aaron (Lennon)... all the right-sided players. I spoke to all the players. If there's anything that needed saying from the manager of the players, that was kind of my role.
'I enjoyed that but, coaching-wise, I love coaching kids - that's one of the reasons I have my academies - the children, I love seeing their faces when they're kicking the ball around. I love the enthusiasm, the honesty - that's one of the things I love doing.
'But coaching a team, being a manager, at this point in my career I don't want to do that and in the future I don't think that will happen either.'
As for his personal fitness, Beckham indicated in late April he may not play again until November - sparking fears he may miss the entire Major League Soccer season which is due to end on the 21st of that month.
But he was seen kicking a ball in South Africa - admitting 'I was told off for that!' - and is now aiming to be back in action by the start of September.
'When I had the surgery, the surgeon gave me a schedule,' he said. 'I've got a week now before it's four months and then I'm allowed to run, but I've been running for the last 10 days.
'I'm ahead of schedule, it's going well. I should be back in a month and a half.'
Meanwhile, Beckham has laid the blame for England's dismal World Cup campaign squarely at the door of the players.
'He (Capello) did everything that he could have done,' said the midfielder. 'He prepared us right. He worked the players to the right amount and he set everything up for the players, but obviously the players know it was disappointing.
'We didn't perform and as players you know that - you know when you don't perform, you know when you don't play well.
'The manager can do so much and then it's down to the players. The players go on to the pitch and they know if they don't perform they don't win games.
'The players are honest about that but it's not about individuals, it's not about how individuals play - it's about how we played as a team. It's a cliche but you win as a team and you lose as a team.
'You have to take the good days and enjoy those, and the bad days you learn from and the team will do that because we've got a lot of young players.'
Beckham also revealed his goal of representing Britain at the London Olympics in 2012 - by which time he will be 37.
'If I'm still playing and I'm still considered to make a difference to the team I'd love to, but if not then I'm definitely going to be there anyway,' he said.
'It's the East End of London - it's on my manor. To be part of getting the Olympics to the east end of London... it's one of the best experiences that I've ever experienced.'
WORLD CUP 2010: Fiesta Iniesta! Spain celebrates glorious triumph with heroes' parade through Madrid streets
Spain's World Cup winners enjoyed a heroes' reception as jubilant supporters took to the streets of Madrid in their droves to welcome home Vicente Del Bosque's history-makers on Monday.
Spain, who on Sunday night claimed their first ever World Cup title after Andres Iniesta's extra-time winner earned them a 1-0 final victory over Holland in Johannesburg, landed back in Madrid on Monday afternoon before embarking on an evening of official celebrations and festivities.
Glory: Iker Casillas lifts the World Cup trophy on the team's parade in Madrid
Proud: Thousands of supporters wait for the arrival of the Spain team
Spain party in style as heroes head home...Those celebrations included meeting members of the Royal Family and the Prime Minister before taking an open-top bus ride through the streets of the Spanish capital, where rows and rows of well-wishers - expected to number more than a million - had been waiting for hours to cheer the team on from the pavements and road.
Having landed at Madrid's Barajas airport at around 3pm local time, the squad were immediately taken to a hotel to eat and prepare before making their way to the Royal Palace, where they had a reception with King Juan Carlos.
With captain Iker Casillas cradling the World Cup trophy, the squad and team officials then made their way to the Moncloa section of the city, where they met Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.
Water sight: Fans cool off at the Puente del Rey with the help of a hose
The end of the rainbow: Spanish fans get into the party spirit
Coach Del Bosque said at a brief presentation: 'This cup, this triumph is for all of you, and for the whole Spanish football factory.'
The European and world champions then boarded an open-top bus at around 8pm before slowly making their way into the heart of the city, which saw hundreds of thousands of fans celebrate deep into the night after watching Spain's historic victory on giant screens in Madrid's main Paseo de Castellana and in bars and homes across the city.
All aboard: Pepe Reina, Sergio Busquets, Alvaro Arbeloa, Fernando Llorente, David Villa, Jesus Navas and Iker Casillas enjoy the parade
Paying homage: Over one million fans were thought to be lining the streets of the Spanish capital
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos and Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, as television images suggested they were on the flight back from Johannesburg as well, were at the centre of the players' celebrations on the team bus as the parade inched its way down Madrid's Gran Via.
Such was the slow pace of the procession that when players reached the Cibeles fountain - the traditional place of celebration for Real Madrid which was only about a third of the way through the route - it was already 9pm, which was the planned time for the players to be at their final destination, which was a specially-constructed stage by banks of the river Manzanares.
Lovely bubbly: The Spanish players celebrate with champagne
Ole: The bus continues on its way through the packed Madrid streets
Thousands more fans had been waiting at that location from mid-afternoon and, with the temperature approaching 40 degrees, they would have been grateful for the fire hoses that regularly doused them with water to cool them down.
Supporters passed the time by championing goal hero Iniesta, chanting in Spanish: 'Thanks to Iniesta, Spain is in fiesta'.
As the night progressed the celebrations continued with an aerial exhibition that saw seven jets fly overhead trailing smoke in the red and yellow colours of the Spain flag.
All night long: The party showed no sign of stopping as night fell
As the players finally arrived at the final stop of their circuit around central Madrid, they were greeted by a huge sea of celebrating fans with the Black Eyed Peas hit single 'I Gotta Feeling' booming out in the background.
A public announcer whipped the expectant onlookers into a state of further excitement as the World Cup winners crossed a bridge over the Manzanares before travelling the final few 100 metres towards the stage, encouraging them to chant in Spanish, "Yes yes yes, the cup is here".
Once the whole 23-man squad plus coaching and backroom staff made their way onto the stage, various members of the all-conquering party spoke to the assembled supporters.
Smokin': The Spanish Eagle Patrol (Patrulla Aguila) create the nation's flag
Royal approval: The team passes in front of Madrids' Royal Palace
Captain Casillas, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, said: 'I don't know what to say, only that I'm delighted to be here with you. We (the players) have achieved the dream that we've all had since we were small.'
Coach Del Bosque added: 'It's not only winning but how you win, and that's what these players have done, they are an example to all. Thanks for all the support you've sent to us in South Africa, you are also world champions.'
Iniesta, holding a toy octopus in reference to Paul, the sea creature based in a German aquarium made famous for correctly predicting winning teams during the World Cup - including Spain in the final - joked: 'Thanks to the octopus we are champions. I only want to say that you should be proud of this group. They're the best. I'm very proud to be part of them.'
Hero: Match-winner Andres Iniesta is carried aloft by his team-mates
After that, the ebullient Reina was handed the microphone and he went through the squad player by player. When he arrived at 10, the number worn by Cesc Fabregas, he brought the Arsenal player out to the front of stage, where Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique raced out and tried to force a Barcelona shirt on him.
Barcelona are keen to sign the 23-year-old, who came up through the youth ranks at the Catalan giants before moving to Arsenal as a youngster, and had a 35million euro bid turned down by the Gunners before the World Cup.
Fabregas has stated his desire to return to the Nou Camp but he nevertheless seemed reluctant to let Barcelona defenders Puyol and Pique dress him in the club's famous blue and red shirt.
Once the players had finished speaking to the public, the celebrations continued with fireworks, music and no doubt a long night of partying ahead for some as the Iberian nation revel in having officially the best football team on the planet.
Spanish singalong: Pepe Reina leads the team in song
Cheeky: Pepe Reina and Carles Puyol put a Barcelona shirt on Cesc Fabregas
Spain's World Cup winners enjoyed a heroes' reception as jubilant supporters took to the streets of Madrid in their droves to welcome home Vicente Del Bosque's history-makers on Monday.
Spain, who on Sunday night claimed their first ever World Cup title after Andres Iniesta's extra-time winner earned them a 1-0 final victory over Holland in Johannesburg, landed back in Madrid on Monday afternoon before embarking on an evening of official celebrations and festivities.
Spain party in style as heroes head home...Those celebrations included meeting members of the Royal Family and the Prime Minister before taking an open-top bus ride through the streets of the Spanish capital, where rows and rows of well-wishers - expected to number more than a million - had been waiting for hours to cheer the team on from the pavements and road.
Having landed at Madrid's Barajas airport at around 3pm local time, the squad were immediately taken to a hotel to eat and prepare before making their way to the Royal Palace, where they had a reception with King Juan Carlos.
With captain Iker Casillas cradling the World Cup trophy, the squad and team officials then made their way to the Moncloa section of the city, where they met Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.
Coach Del Bosque said at a brief presentation: 'This cup, this triumph is for all of you, and for the whole Spanish football factory.'
The European and world champions then boarded an open-top bus at around 8pm before slowly making their way into the heart of the city, which saw hundreds of thousands of fans celebrate deep into the night after watching Spain's historic victory on giant screens in Madrid's main Paseo de Castellana and in bars and homes across the city.
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos and Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, as television images suggested they were on the flight back from Johannesburg as well, were at the centre of the players' celebrations on the team bus as the parade inched its way down Madrid's Gran Via.
Such was the slow pace of the procession that when players reached the Cibeles fountain - the traditional place of celebration for Real Madrid which was only about a third of the way through the route - it was already 9pm, which was the planned time for the players to be at their final destination, which was a specially-constructed stage by banks of the river Manzanares.
Thousands more fans had been waiting at that location from mid-afternoon and, with the temperature approaching 40 degrees, they would have been grateful for the fire hoses that regularly doused them with water to cool them down.
Supporters passed the time by championing goal hero Iniesta, chanting in Spanish: 'Thanks to Iniesta, Spain is in fiesta'.
As the night progressed the celebrations continued with an aerial exhibition that saw seven jets fly overhead trailing smoke in the red and yellow colours of the Spain flag.
As the players finally arrived at the final stop of their circuit around central Madrid, they were greeted by a huge sea of celebrating fans with the Black Eyed Peas hit single 'I Gotta Feeling' booming out in the background.
A public announcer whipped the expectant onlookers into a state of further excitement as the World Cup winners crossed a bridge over the Manzanares before travelling the final few 100 metres towards the stage, encouraging them to chant in Spanish, "Yes yes yes, the cup is here".
Once the whole 23-man squad plus coaching and backroom staff made their way onto the stage, various members of the all-conquering party spoke to the assembled supporters.
Captain Casillas, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, said: 'I don't know what to say, only that I'm delighted to be here with you. We (the players) have achieved the dream that we've all had since we were small.'
Coach Del Bosque added: 'It's not only winning but how you win, and that's what these players have done, they are an example to all. Thanks for all the support you've sent to us in South Africa, you are also world champions.'
Iniesta, holding a toy octopus in reference to Paul, the sea creature based in a German aquarium made famous for correctly predicting winning teams during the World Cup - including Spain in the final - joked: 'Thanks to the octopus we are champions. I only want to say that you should be proud of this group. They're the best. I'm very proud to be part of them.'
After that, the ebullient Reina was handed the microphone and he went through the squad player by player. When he arrived at 10, the number worn by Cesc Fabregas, he brought the Arsenal player out to the front of stage, where Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique raced out and tried to force a Barcelona shirt on him.
Barcelona are keen to sign the 23-year-old, who came up through the youth ranks at the Catalan giants before moving to Arsenal as a youngster, and had a 35million euro bid turned down by the Gunners before the World Cup.
Fabregas has stated his desire to return to the Nou Camp but he nevertheless seemed reluctant to let Barcelona defenders Puyol and Pique dress him in the club's famous blue and red shirt.
Once the players had finished speaking to the public, the celebrations continued with fireworks, music and no doubt a long night of partying ahead for some as the Iberian nation revel in having officially the best football team on the planet.
