We showed what we're made of- Bale

The capital club were beaten by city rivals Atletico in La Liga over the weekend but bounced back to get the defence of their Champions League crown off to a perfect start

Gareth Bale believes Real Madrid issued a statement of intent with their 5-1 Champions League win over Basel.

The European champions - who won the competition for a 10th time last season - underlined their threat in the competition with a convincing Group B triumph on Tuesday.

And Bale, who scored Real's second goal with a measured two-touch finish in the first half, was content with the performance, which helped to ease some of the frustration of Saturday's 2-1 La Liga loss to rivals Atletico Madrid.

"We knew that we needed to start the game well after some poor results, but we showed what we're made of," the 25-year-old told ITV.

"We felt we needed to get back on track and that's a good way to do it."

A poor start to the league campaign, which has yielded just three points from three games, has left coach Carlo Ancelotti under some pressure, but Bale insists that is not a factor in his own approach to matches.

"I just concentrate on the football, I don't listen to anything like that," he said.

"I think we go out on the pitch, try to enjoy ourselves, play our best football and hopefully we win - thankfully we did that."

Real return to domestic action with a trip to Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday as they eye just their second win of the league season.

Source: Goal.com

Gerrard secures full points for Reds

Steven Gerrard scored a late penalty to secure all three points for the Reds as they made their return to the Champions League. Liverpool made their return with a 2-1 win over Ludogorets.

Balotelli put Liverpool in the lead with an 82nd-minute strike but their Bulgarian counterparts levelled the score when Dani Abalo rounded Mignolet and slotted home before the 90th minute and when it appeared that the match was heading towards a draw, Liverpool was awarded a penalty.

Gerrard made no mistake and scored the winning goal from the penalty spot to secure three points in Group B on the night Liverpool made their Champions League return after Five years of waiting.

We were Perfect- Klopp

The German pointed to the "pressing and counter-pressing" of his side as key in a one-sided dismantling of Arsenal at Signal Iduna Park

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp described his side's performance as "perfect" after they swept Arsenal aside in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The hosts were much too strong for the Gunners with goals from Ciro Immobile and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang settling a one-sided encounter.
Indeed, the scoreline would have been much more emphatic had it not been for some woeful finishing from Dortmund and a number of fine saves from Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
Klopp, however, was more than content to focus on the positives as the 2013 finalists got their Group D campaign off to an impressive start.
He told Sky Sports: “I'm very pleased. Three players went out of the team because of muscle problems [last night]. In the morning we made some decisions and I have to say it was a really great performance from my team. It was pressing and counter-pressing to perfection.
"We were brave, we were fast. We had everything we needed for this game because if you let them have one metre of space they are so strong. I saw some counter-pressing situations in the centre of midfield and it was perfect really. But you need to be brave for this. I enjoyed this game from the first second to the last.”
Klopp was even happy to pardon Henrikh Mkhitaryan despite the Armenian squandering numerous chances to make the scoreline more emphatic, adding: “I told him 'today you don't need your goals'. There will be a time when we need his goals and he will do it.
“We did what we had to do to win this game and for us it was near perfection. The important thing for me is three days and we play against Mainz. It's hard work but if you see games like this it's the best job in the world."

Source: Goal.com

Dortmund strikes down woeful Gunners

Goals from impressive duo Aubameyang and Immobile helped Dortmund to overcome the Gunners.

Borussia Dortmund won the Gunners 2-0 in their Group D CL match on Tuesday night. The Bundesliga outfit were drawn against the Gunners for the third time in four seasons.

Arsenal were helpless as goals from Aubameyang and CL debutant Ciro Immobile in either half got Dortmund a win to kick off their CL campaign.

Blanc urges Paris to prove European credentials

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has said the Ligue 1 champions must prove they have what it takes to go all the way in the Champions League ahead of their clash with Ajax on Wednesday.
Knocked out in the quarterfinals in each of the last two seasons, first by Barcelona and then by Chelsea, PSG are determined to go further this time and are widely expected to come through Group F, which also contains Barca, Apoel of Cyprus and the Dutch champions.
Ajax coach Frank de Boer sought to put pressure on the French capital club ahead of the game at the Amsterdam Arena by labelling them as one of the contenders to lift the trophy, but Blanc played down expectations.
"Of course PSG are becoming better and better known on a European level because of the players they have signed and their results," he said.
"But to be among the favourites is one thing, to prove it on the pitch is much more difficult."
PSG's Qatari president Nasser Al-Khelaifi set his side the target of winning the Champions League by 2016, but Blanc insisted he has not been set any specific goal for this season.
He said: "The club have not given me any precise objective. But when they say to you that you have to go as far as possible in the Champions League, I understand that means to try and go all the way.
"It is easy to say. We can say it is the objective but so many clubs can say the same. Getting out of the group stage is the first concrete objective. The first match is important and could condition what comes next."
Blanc was full of praise for Ajax, even if the four-time European champions can no longer be considered the force they once were at continental level.
"When you come to this stadium and walk down the corridors, you see what Ajax represent," said the 48-year-old Blanc.
"For me they are a legendary club. I grew up watching them play total football. They have had some great players and coaches."
Ajax edged out struggling Heracles 2-1 in the Dutch Eredivisie at the weekend and de Boer knows they will need to perform better on Wednesday.
"We are without doubt not the strongest side there is but we showed last year that we could beat the strong sides," said de Boer, whose side beat Barcelona 2-1 at home in last season's competition.
"I expect my players to make the most of tomorrow's match. We can and must play much better."
The game will see former Ajax stars Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gregory Van der Wiel come up against their former clubs, while the visitors have doubts over the fitness of their two summer signings David Luiz and Serge Aurier.
However, both trained on Tuesday and Blanc said: "I think and I hope that both will be ready to play."

Source: SuperSport

Time for Manchester City to close the gap- Kompany

The Belgium international believes the Premier League champions must move closer to the best teams in the world as they prepare to begin their Champions League campaign

Vincent Kompany has told his Manchester City team-mates that the time has come to "close the gap" on the world's best teams.

Premier League champions City start their Champions League campaign at Bundesliga counterparts Bayern Munich on Wednesday, with the teams meeting in the group stage for the third time in four seasons.

While City have excelled on the domestic scene in recent years, that success has yet to be replicated in European club football's elite competition - their best showing in three previous attempts coming in last season's last-16 defeat to Barcelona.

And Kompany has now issued a rallying cry for City to prove they can mix with the best the competition has to offer.

"It is a pleasure to come here [Munich]," said the City captain. "It is always a chance to prove ourselves.

"There is probably not many harder places to come to. It is one of the best clubs in the world. It is the time to close the gap between us and those three, four best clubs in the world.

"It's time to start making these games close, making up the gap between ourselves and others.

"It is a good thing to start with such a game. But it is just the first step in the group stage. It is an important game."

It was put to Kompany that City's target for this season is to reach the last four, but the Belgium international only has eyes for the big prize.

"There is only one winner - the rest are losers," he added. "It's difficult to predict what will happen [against Bayern], but as we move on we will get stronger.

"We are not favourites, but the beauty of this game is that every year is a chance to start again. We've seen how much damage it can do when you don't finish top of the group. We believe in our abilities."

Ribery to miss City clash

Bayern Munich have been dealt a blow ahead of their opening Champions League game against Manchester City on Wednesday after it emerged that French midfielder Franck Ribery will miss out through injury.
Ribery made a goalscoring comeback against VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga on Saturday in his first appearance of the season.
But in a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Bayern manager Pep Guardiola revealed that the increasingly fragile Ribery is injured again.
"After training the physio said that Franck would have to go to the doctor," he said.
"Today they told me that he couldn't play. That's all."
Guardiola was vague in his responses to further questions on the issue, suggesting that he did not know how long Ribery would be out for. But he said that the 31-year-old was also likely to miss Saturday's league game against Hamburg.
The Spaniard did not confirm the nature of Ribery's injury, but seemed to suggest that it was a recurrence of the knee tendon problem that caused the player to miss the start of the season.
"When he's not here it's because he's in pain," Guardiola said. "He played 20 minutes [against Stuttgart] and after that he couldn't train. The doctor and the physio said he couldn't play."
Guardiola confirmed that Dutch winger Arjen Robben had returned to training and also said that defender Mehdi Benatia is making progress too.
The Moroccan international, signed for €30 million from Roma, has yet to feature for Bayern this season.
"Benatia is a lot better. The last two days he's trained very well. He came here with very little training and a muscular problem.
"We didn't want to take any chances in this position."
Guardiola, though, insisted he had no problem with the player, who he signed as a replacement for Javi Martinez, who is out for months with a serious knee injury.
"I'm sorry for the prestigious journalist who said that I had a problem with Benatia," Guardiola continued. "We have no problem with Benatia. We're very happy with him and his character."
Bayern face a tough opening fixture in Group E against English champions Manchester City, who won 3-2 in the Allianz Arena in last season's group stage.
But Guardiola rejected suggestions that City needed to win in Munich last season to give them the belief that they could go on and win the competition.
"Last season they were able to win the Champions League and this season they are ready to win the Champions League like 8, 9 or 10 teams more.
"We would like to be part of this 8-10 teams who can win this trophy.
"But last season City were a very strong team. That's why they won the Premier League."
After City, Bayern face Roma and CSKA Moscow in Group E. With that in mind, Bayern defender Jerome Boateng indicated that a draw against City would not be acceptable.
"I think it's a bad result for us because we play at home and of course we want to win the first game," the former City centre back said.
"It's very important for the future in the group."

Source: SuperSport

Manchester United can't afford Bayern players- Guardiola

The coach insists the English giants did not have enough money to buy Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinsteiger and clubs should learn from their recent mistakes

Pep Guardiola says Manchester United cannot afford to buy Bayern Munich's star players and believes their decline should serve as a lesson to other clubs in Europe.

United have been a perennial giant in English and European football under Sir Alex Ferguson, but the Scot's retirement at the end of the 2012-13 season has seen them go downhill rapidly.

Van Gaal was rumoured to be chasing three Bayern Munich players as he looked to add to bolster his squad, with Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger all linked.

Muller recently hinted that he turned down "astronomical" money to join United and Guardiola has added that the 13-time Premier League champions couldn't afford to lure his players away from the Allianz Arena.

"[United] didn't have enough money," he told reporters. "I saw they spent a lot of money. It’s good for my friend Louis. It’s part of the game. 

"All of the clubs in the world want the players of another club. It depends on the player. If the player wants to play he will play. If he wants to stay he will stay."

"[Their decline] is a good lesson for the big clubs. They think: ‘We are unbeatable and strong’ and they are not here. Maybe the next season they are out.

"That’s why football is magnificent. Every single week you have to be ready. Every week you have got to show you are ready."

Turning his attention to his side's first Champions League match with Manchester City, Guardiola stressed winning the opening game is very important. 

"The first game is important to set the tone for the group. It's a tough group and to start with three points is much better but we are going to focus on our style, our game and what we have to do to beat them.

The coach then revealed that Arjen Robben is fit enough to be included in the squad, but Franck Ribery is still injured, while he maintains new signing Mehdi Benatia is still settling into the team.

"Arjen is here, Franck isn't. He is at home. Franck went to the doctor and they told me he can't play.

"We are giving Mehdi time, I am very pleased with his attitude and his character, but we have to see how his situation evolves. He came from AS Roma here with little training and was injured, but it gets better every day."

Source: Goal.com

I was surprised Man U sold Kagawa- Klopp

The German has revealed that he didn't expect Louis Van Gaal to allow the Japan international to leave Old Trafford and make an emotional return to Signal Iduna Park

Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he was surprised that Manchester United were willing to let Shinji Kagawa leave the club.

The Japan international left BVB for Old Trafford two years ago but returned to his old club this summer after two frustrating seasons in England, and marked his second debut with a goal in Saturday's win over Freiburg.

"I was kind of surprised Kagawa was on the market again," he told reporters.

"His first year at Manchester United was Sir Alex Ferguson's last year, so that isn't the time to develop players. The only thing you want at that stage is results and titles.

"Kagawa's second year at United was the first year of the new coach, so that's also all about results. Then there was a third manager with a very successful philosophy [Louis van Gaal].

"So we saw the chance to sign Kagawa and we took it. Kagawa was sensational against Freiburg."

BVB take on Arsenal in their opening Champions League game on Tuesday and Klopp believes the addition of Alexis Sanchez will see the Gunners play more offensively than they did when the two teams met last term.

 "Arsenal have new players in their squad and the last time we played them they had players with injuries like Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey," he said.

"Now they have new players like Alexis Sanchez. Olivier Giroud can't play but when you look at their squad they have a lot of alternatives.

"Arsenal played very defensively here last year. But you have to say that our Champions League is starting against a great team. Arsenal are a very hard opponent and I think they did a great job on transfers over the summer.

"Now their squad has great stability and they're actually able to play the type of football that Arsene Wenger wants to see."

Olympiakos a Difficult test- Simeone

The Argentine highlighted the strength of their Greek opponents in front of their home support and is anticipating a difficult night's work in the Champions League on Tuesday

Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid will face their most difficult test in Champions League Group A when they take on Olympiakos in Greece on Tuesday.

The Greek Super League champions won 16 of their 17 league fixtures at home last season, as well as defeating Manchester United in the first leg of their last-16 European tie before exiting the competition after a second leg defeat.

Atleti finished runners-up themselves in the competition last term, but Simeone is wary of just how tough a proposition Olympiakos could prove to be.

He said: "Tomorrow morning we will decide the starting lineup. This will probably be the most difficult game in the group; Olympiakos have a very strong home record and passionate fans. We had a great season last year. But that's in the past. We are starting from scratch again. We are building the team day by day."

The Argentine is familiar with Olympiakos boss Michel having come up against him during his playing days and was quick to praise him for giving his side an identifiable style of play.

"I''ve played against Míchel as a player and coach," he added.

"Míchel had a great run with Olympiakos in the Champions league. He's succeeded in giving Olympiakos a distinct style and character. He has put his stamp on the team."

Real Madrid are Champions League favourites- Lahm

The former Germany international says the club's summer outlay, which included the signing of Toni Kroos from Bayern, makes them the side to beat in Europe

Bayern Munich skipper Philipp Lahm believes that Real Madrid enter this season's Champions League as favourites after winning the competition last year.

The Bundesliga champions were beaten 5-0 on aggregate by Carlo Ancelotti's side at the semi-final stage, despite having won the tournament the previous term.

The 30-year-old feels that the Spanish side will be the team to beat once more but is determined to add to his one winners' medal in the European Cup before he calls it a day.

"The club have strengthened an already-excellent team with a lot of money," he told Kicker.

"Real are certainly the team to beat. I want to win this trophy again. Whether with the squad we have this season or in the new three years, I want a shot at the title."

Bayern begin their bid to win the Champions League for the sixth time in their history with a clash against English champions Manchester City on Wednesday.

Source: Goal.com

We always expect the best of Messi & Neymar- Iniesta

The Brazilian scored twice during the victory over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday and the Spanish star says his side can always count on their star forwards

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta says his side can always count on Lionel Messi and Neymar to settle matches in their favour.

The Catalans have won all three of their games so far this season, including a 2-0 triumph over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday thanks to two late goals from the Brazilian.

Luis Enrique's side were made to work hard for victory but Iniesta believes the presence of the two South American stars within the squad means Barca are always a threat in the final third.

"We're talking about two unique players who have unending talent," he is quoted as saying by MundoDeportivo.

"We can always expect the very best from both of them."

Iniesta has captained Barca in all three Liga games this term, with club skipper Xavi left on the bench, but the 30-year-old feels his long-time team-mate will have a role to play.

"Fortunately we have players of a very high level to compete. Seasons are long and there are many games, and a team who wish to be champions need them all."

Iniesta says he is happy with the start of Barca's season after their perfect record in the opening stages.

"Every season and every stage is different. In this one, we have new people, a new coach and we're doing different things. We're just trying to carry them out on the pitch. The sensations are good."

Why people's business fail

Starting your own business can yield amazing rewards but at the same time, it’s a pretty big risk. One of the biggest reasons why people fail is that they enter into a business and do not have profitable market.

They may like what they are doing but they are not making money. One of the keys is to do something you are passionate about, but if you can’t monetize it, then it is not a line of business you may want to go into.

It is necessary to carry out research before you build up a business. At one time or another, we have all fantasized about creating our own business and being successful entrepreneurs.

It is exciting to consider the possibilities but then, fear creeps in. We have all heard stories about people who started their own business full of hope and faith, only to fail miserably while losing some good hard earned cash.

Let us take a look at some of the underlying causes that are not always discussed. You might be surprised to hear that the lack of money is not the main reason for failure; there are several reasons why people fail in business:

The “copy cat” factor:

Many people go into business or make a business choice because they also think they can be successful in it. Many people fail because of this reason. You have to put into consideration that what works for “Mr. A” may not be applicable to “Mr. B” and it is better to go along with your own idea and instinct instead of trying to be like someone else. This is wrong.

Lack of discipline and consistency:

Most people get the idea that they can make millions by simply starting their own business. Developing the discipline and consistency necessary to be successful in any endeavour is part of what makes success so sweet. There are not many accidental success stories.

It takes tremendous discipline to be successful in anything including a business. It is like getting in shape or going to college. You will not make it through college if you only study one day in each semester. Once you know what is required daily, learn to discipline yourself and be consistent. Amazingly, consistency and discipline not only elevate you to higher levels of success, they also make your work so much easier!

Lack of personal growth: Most people have it backwards. They think that one becomes a millionaire and then starts thinking like one. But it is the other way round. Before you can be successful, you have to think like a successful person.

Your thoughts, words, and your imagination will affect whether you succeed or fail. Personal development of your attitude and communication skills is a must. It is hard work and it takes discipline. You will have a hard time succeeding without protecting and working on your attitude. This is especially true after some failures. This is a learned skill. It is also applicable in business.

Lack of direction/plan: Most people that start a business have little or no idea how to succeed. Therefore, it is extremely inportant to find a consultant who has the time and experience to guide you through the maze, step by step. Be sure this person will actually have (or make) the time for you. Sit down with hem and create a plan of attack, set realistic goals and then learn everything you can to help you succeed in your business choice.

Wrong Expectations: People are being sold the idea that all you need to do is get into business and the money starts rolling in without doing anything.

Sometimes it is the person’s fault because they only hear what they want to hear or they think they know better. Bottom line, building a successful business is not a 60-yard dash but a marathon.

?        QUITTING TOO SOON – This is probably the biggest reason. People “try” to work the business for a few weeks or even months and then quit and they are on to their next failure. First, you cannot try any business and succeed. Have you ever done anything in life half way and succeeded? With that attitude, you have failed before you even started. You have to have the attitude of “I will do whatever it takes to succeed” (not illegal). It is a mindset.

?        Many people make the fatal mistake of commencing on business with inadequate operating funds. By underestimating

Source: Vanguard

Sir Igbinedion's 80th birthday thanksgiving service(Photos)

The Esama of Benin, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion turned 80 on Thursday. A thanksgiving service was held in honour yesterday Sunday September in Benin. See the photos below...

Balotelli lacks Ibrahimovic maturity- Okaka

The Italy star left AC Milan for Liverpool last month after just 18 months at the club and has been criticised for failing to make a success of his time at San Siro

Sampdoria striker Stefano Okaka claims Mario Balotelli lacked the maturity displayed by Zlatan Ibrahimovic during his time at AC Milan after departing the club for Liverpool.
Balotelli has endured a controversy-ridden career which has already included spells at Inter, Manchester City, Milan and now the Reds, with his latest move coming just 18 months on from his arrival at San Siro.
The 24-year-old ended his Rossoneri career with a respectable tally of 26 goals in 43 games but came under scrutiny as Milan finished a desperately disappointing eighth in Serie A last season, before making his exit in August.
And Balotelli has now been branded a "failure" by Sampdoria's Okaka, who claims the striker lacked the maturity to take responsibility, unlike Zlatan Ibrahimovic during his time with the Italian giants.
He told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Is the fact Balotelli left Serie A for England a failure for our football? No, if anything he is the one who failed. Does he think great champions were never under pressure? When Ibrahimovic was in Italy, he scored 30 goals per season.
"He mustn't keep looking to blame others. Mario is a great player, but if he had problems in Italy then half the responsibility is his.
"At times in life you need to stop and look inside yourself. The fact remains he is a great player and this new English experience might help him rediscover the hunger he once had."

Synagogue building had no govt approval, Fashola visits site(Photos)

Lagos state governor, Babatunde Fashola today visited the site of the collapsed building inside the Synagogue Church of All Nations premises in Ikotun. He commiserated with the founder of the church, Prophet T.B Joshua and also gave an order that all church workers should stop working on the site so that the officials of the Nigerian Emergency Management Authority can work effectively. See more photos after the cut...



Meanwhile, the Lagos state Commissioner for Physical planning, Mr Toyin Ayinde, has revealed that the 5-storey building had no government approval for its construction.

Speaking to newsmen at the site today, the state Commissioner said records in his office shows that no permit was handed to the civil engineers for the building to be erected but that he was awaiting the church engineers to present the building permit they have to erect the collapsed building.

 

Oscar Pistorius found Guilty

Oscar Pistorius got a not guilty of murder verdict yesterday which was considered a victory on his side and that of his defense team but today is a different story. The 27 year old South African Olympic gold medal winning amputee runner has been found guilty of killing his girlfriend unintentionally.. 

-Guilty of Culpable Homicide /Manslaughter 
-Guilty of Discharging a firearm at a restaurant 
Read the Breakdown of all 4 counts: 

Count 1(Murder)- Not guilty of firing at Reeva through the bathroom door.The court does not believe the argument that the accused and deceased had an argument, she ran into the bathroom,he followed her and fired shots and she died .It was considered circumstantial .The court believes he thought there was an intruder in the toilet because of the sequence of events.The court believes he genuinely seeked for help and wanted to save her when he found out she was behind the door (However) He acted negligently by shooting through the door of a tiny bathroom knowing whoever was behind that door would likely be killed .A reasonable man would have tried to avoid that . -He could have gone to the balcony and yelled for help -He could have called security -He could have made sure Reeva was in bed So he is guilty of murder by negligence(Sentencing may take days or weeks to be handed out as there is bound to be a separate sentencing hearing) 

Count 2– He was not guilty of firing a gun through the roof of his car.The state failed to establish the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt The witnesses,his friend and ex girlfriend were unreliable because they contradicted themselves.Their versions are so dissimilar that one may be tempted to think they were talking of  different incidents. -Fresco his friend was proved to be a dishonest witness and lied. -Taylor a former girlfriend of the accused claimed he was unfaithful to her .Her evidence showed she was hurt by the way the relationship ended and needs to be approached with a certain degree of caution 

Count 3-Firing a gun at a restaurant-He is found guilty of discharging a firearm at a restaurant and begging his friend to take the blame … Count 

4-He is Not guilty of unlawfully possessing 38 rounds of ammunition at his house without any right to possess the ammunition or having a license… 

Nicki hurts her butt during stage performance(Photos)

It’s no news that plastic surgery rumours have trailed Nicki Minaj since her debut into the music scene. She was one of the unlucky few whose throwback pictures came back to hunt her when she became famous. New reports suggest that  Nicki suffered a “butt injury” during her Fashion Rocks performance on Tuesday night. Sources close to her during her performance says “She hurt her butt when she stretched out.” 

How Drake and I settled 'Rihanna Beef'- Chris Brown Explains

In a sit-down interview with Sway Calloway fro MTV News, Brown talked about letting go of his past beef with Drake and collaborating musically with the ‘Young Money’ artist. Wearing a wide-brim Fedora, Brown, 25 simply said it was time to do away with all the negativity. “I think it was his camp who called to do the skit [FOR ESPN] Brown said to Calloway. “For me, especially after getting out of jail and going through what I was going through, I just didn’t have any animosity towards anybody. I’m just focused on me.” Brown said while he and Drake didn’t have a “pow-wow” and sip some tea to discuss their pass aggressions toward one another, and no, a certain pop star’s name (Rihanna) did not come up in conversation, he said he simply wanted to show everyone–including himself–how much he’s grown. “I just wanted to bring light to the situation and grow up. I’m 25 I’m not getting no younger. I’m still young,” he said with a laugh. “You can’t walk around holding grudges, looking over your shoulder. Being negative all the time, I’m tired of being looked at as the aggressor. I just wanted to show my maturity.”

I will not make France comeback- Ribery

The Bayern Munich attacker has made it clear that a return to the national team is not an option as he intends to focus solely on his club duties with the Bavarian giants

Bayern Munich attacker Franck Ribery has insisted that he has no intention of making a France comeback after retiring from international football earlier this summer.

The 31-year-old was heavily criticised for his decision to say farewell to the national team by Michel Platini and the Uefa president even threatened Ribery with a ban if he were to ignore a call-up from Didier Deschamps.

However, Ribery - who missed out on the World Cup through injury - has stressed the matter has long been sorted with Deschamps and he is keen to focus on his club duties from now on.

"I have already said before I have retired from international duty and I will not go back on my decision," the attacker told Der Welt.

"I have discussed this with France coach Deschamps and we reached an agreement on it.

"I want to focus completely on Bayern Munich in the future. That's all I want to say about the matter. I am not going to get involved in all the politics surrounding my decision."

Ribery made 81 international appearances for France, scoring 16 goals.