Ramsey returns to Cardiff roots
Undated: Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey returns to his roots on Saturday seeking to propel Arsenal to victory at former club Cardiff City and lift them seven points clear in the Premier League. Ramsey, 22, has been the attacking fulcrum of Arsenal’s surge to the top of the table with his robust attacking play and six league goals, one fewer than French striker Olivier Giroud, this season. Another consistent performance for Arsenal would enable them to take full advantage of their main rivals, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Southampton not playing until Sunday. His appearance back in south Wales will represent his and Arsenal’s first in the Premier League since he left Cardiff for the London side in 2008, signing for Arsene Wenger in a 5 million pounds (8.17 million dollars) deal. ‘He is a young player and there is a lot more to come from him,’ said Wenger. ‘There is no limitation to his development, he can be a complete midfielder. Efficient defensively, efficient offensively, that is what real football players are. ‘I saw him on tape when he played with Cardiff. The first time I met him was in Switzerland, with his parents, when he had a choice to make and I was at the European Championships. ‘After, he decided to come and join us – and the rest you know. I expect him to continue to improve, of course…’ Cardiff, three points above the relegation zone in 15th place, will seek to repeat the impressive home form that brought victories over Manchester City and Swansea. (Agencies)
Everton Ribeiro scoops Brazil’s player of the year award
SAO PAULO: Cruzeiro’s Everton Ribeiro has been named Brazil’s player of the year, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Friday. The attacking midfielder, who is being watched by Manchester United according to media reports, was Cruzeiro’s standout player as they ran away with Brazil’s Serie A title. Cruzeiro dominated the end-of-season awards with their coach Marcelo Oliveira claiming the manager of the year prize and four players making the championship’s team of the season. Goalkeeper Fabio, central defender Dede, and holding midfielder Nilton, all joined Ribeiro in the side. Second-placed Atletico Paranaense, who lost the Brazilian Cup final to Flamengo on Wednesday, had three players in the team and striker Marcelo was named young player of the year. The coaches and captains of Brazil’s 20 first division sides voted, along with top journalists and members of the Brazil international squad who beat Honduras and Chile earlier this month. (Agencies)
Cricketer Dinesh Karthik engaged to squash star Pallikal
Chennai: Cricketer Dinesh Kathik has found his match in star squash player Dipika Pallikal as they got engaged in a private ceremony at a city hotel here. The 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman found his lady love, Pallikal, 22, after both ended up training under the same fitness coach here. After a one-year courtship, both decided to get engaged at the ITC Chola last week. (PTI)