Will the game ever be the same as Lampard, Gerrard and Xavi leave European Football?

The career of these 3 great midfielders was inspirational,one of the finest and dedicated to their clubs.

The Football fans would have possibly never imagined the game to be the same as we saw three of the greatest midfielders taking retirement from international duties followed by their move to the MLS and Qatar this year.

They were not just any ordinary names in the game,they were legends and the fan favorites and of course it was a huge blow to to them when the players announced their departure from Europe. No wonder they were going to get a grand farewell but their careers,goals and their playing style will be remembered forever. Also there would be millions out there who took these players as their role models who inspired them. The cheers and chants were possibly the loudest for them and their skillful moves had always energized the crowd. They were loved and supported even during their hard times and later these players later repaid the fans faith as ny becoming one of the best players on field.

The 1st player who announced his departure from his long stayed club was Englishman Frank Lampard who left the west London club Chelsea after 14 unforgettable years. Being the highest scoring midfielder in the Premier League history, it was definitely hard for the Chelsea fans to see him go. Some even considered him as the best ever player at the Stamford Bridge side. Lampard began his career at West Ham United, for whom his father Frank Lampard, Sr. had also played. He secured a place in the first team by the 1997–98 season, and the following year helped the team finish 5th in the Premier League, their highest-ever Premier League placing. In 2001, he moved to rival London club Chelsea for £11 million. In 2014, he was released by Chelsea after 13 years of service.

Frank Lampard celebrating after winning the Premier League in 2005 under Jose Mourinho.

From his début, he was ever-present in the Chelsea first team and made 164 consecutive Premier League appearances, a record for an outfield player. He established himself as a prolific scorer at the west London club and was a key part of the sides which won back-to-back Premier League titles in 2004-05 and 2005-06 and a domestic double in 2007. He signed a new contract in 2008, becoming the highest-paid Premier League footballer at that time, and scored in his first Champions League Final that year. He won a second FA Cup winners' medal in 2009, scoring the winning goal in the final. In the 2009–10 season, Lampard helped Chelsea secure their first league and FA Cup Double, and also had his most prolific season with the club, scoring 22 league goals and 17 league assists. In 2012, Lampard captained Chelsea to their first UEFA Champions League success and a year later to their first UEFA Europa League title. He was released by the club after the 2013-14 season.

A three-time Chelsea Player Of The Year Lampard is the club's all-time top goalscorer 211 goals in all competitions. Lampard is one of seven players, and the only midfielder, to have scored 150 or more goals in the Premier League. He is second in the Premier League's all-time assists table, behind Ryan Giggs. In 2005, Lampard was voted FWA Footballer Of The Year and was runner-up in both the FIFA World Player Of The Year and the Balloon d'Or. In 2010 he received the FWA Player SAward.

Internationally, Lampard was capped 106 times by England since his debut in October 1999, and scored 29 international goals. He was voted England Player Of The Year for two consecutive years in 2004 and 2005. He played in Euro 2004, where he was named in the team of the tournament after scoring three goals in four games. He was top scorer for England in their 2006 Worl Cup qualifying campaign with five goals, and played at three World Cups. He is England's most prolific penalty taker with nine goals, surpassing the previous record holders,Ron Flower and Alan Shearer.

After 13 years of service to the the Londoners, he was supposed to leave for the Major League Soccer side New York City FC in the summer of 2014. He was later loaned to by the MLS club to their part owners, English champions Manchester City. He made his debut for the Manchester club in an away game against his former club's rivals Arsenal as a replacement for injured Yaya Toure. During the !st clash between the defending champions City and the challengers Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium, he came on as a 2nd half substitute to score against his former club but couldn't control his emotions and broke down as the away fans still cheered for him. His last game in the league was against Southampton where he scored the opener in City's 2 - 0 win over saints The memories of his spectacular goals and assists will surely stay in the hearts of the fans forever and has always played a part of an honest supportive role. 

Lampard thanking the fans after his last game for City.

Steven Gerrard.

Steven is considered as one of the best midfielders in the world and has been a phenomenal player. He started off his youth career for his boyhood club Liverpool FC. he was in the squad of the mersyside club from 1987 - 1998 and later got in the first team in the year 2000. Though there have been frequent arguments on calling him as the best center midfielder cause many think its his English national team's counterparts - Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard. His style of play was a feast to watch when the Anfield club had the likes of Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia and Fernando Torres under then the manager Rafael Benitez.

 Gerrard has spent his entire Anfield career , succeeding Sami Hyppia as team captain in 2003. His honours include two FA Cup, three League Cup, one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Cup, and two UEFA Super Cup. He has signed a contract to join MLS club LA Galaxy in July 2015, following the conclusion of the 2014–15 season with Liverpool.

Gerrard made his international debut for the England national football team in 2000, and represented his country at the 2000, 2004 and 2012 UEFA European Football Championship, as well as the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup – captaining the team at the latter two tournaments. He was named as the permanent England captain shortly before UEFA Euro 2012, where he was named in the UEFA Team Of The Tournament. Gerrard became the sixth player to win 100 caps for England in 2012, and is currently third in the country's all time appearance list. He ended his international career in July 2014, having won 114 caps.

Gerrard lifting the Champions League trophy in 2005.

Regarded to be one of the best English footballers of his generation, Gerrard came second to Kenny Dalglish the "100 Players Who Shook The Kop", a 2008 Liverpool fan poll, and first in 2013.Zinedine Zidane said in 2009 that he considered Gerrard to be the best footballer in the world. In 2005, Gerrard was honoured as the UEFA Club Footballer Of The Year and won the Balloon d'Or Bronze Award. He has also been named in the PFA Team Of The Year a record eight times, the UEFA Team Of The Year and FIFA World 11 three times, and was named PFA Players' Player Of The Year in 2006 and the FWA Footballer Of The Year in 2009. He is, to date, the only footballer ever to have scored a goal in an FA Cup Final, a League Cup Final, a UEFA Cup Final and a Champions League Final. His performance during Liverpool's epic turnaround AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005 is one of the reasons that has has increased the clubs fans by more than a million.

                                                                              Xavi Hernandez.

The Spanish talisman has changed the game of Football during his prime at Barcelona and is the club's most successful player by winning the Champions League 3 times in 2006, 2009, 2011 and has been in the list of FIFA Balloon d'Or team of the year more than once.

Xavi came through La Masia, the Barcelona youth academy, at the age of 11. He made his first-team debut against RCD Mallorca on 18 August 1998. Since then he has played 700 matches, scored 82 goals and made more than 180 assists for over 50 players. Xavi is the first player in FC Barcelona's history to play 150 international matches. Highly regarded for his humble persona and team ethos, Xavi is viewed as being the embodiment of the tiki-taka passing style of play, and is considered to be one of the greatest central midfielders of all time.

Xavi lifting the World Cup in 2010 is South Africa.

Xavi won the U-20 World Cup for Spain in 1999, and the Olympic Silver Medal at the 2000 Olympics. Since making his senior team debut in 2000, he has been capped 130 times for the Spanish National Team, and has been seen as an influential figure in the team's tremendous success. He played an integral role in Spain's victory at the 2010 World Cup, as well as their successes at both Euro 2008 and Euro 2012. He had a 91% passing success rate at the 2010 World Cup and was named in the World All-Star team. He was named Player of the Tournament by UEFA at Euro 2008. He was also named in the UEFA Euro Team Of The Tournament 2008 as well as 2012. Playing for Barcelona, Xavi won the Man of the Match award in the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final.

Xavi on his last game for Barcelona.

Xavi has won more trophies (25) than any other Spanish player in history. He won the World Soccer Player Of The Year award in 2010. Xavi has received five Balloon d'Or nominations, and finished in third place in 2009, 2010 and 2011. In 2011, he was runner up to Messi for the UEFA Best Player In Europe. He has been awarded the IFFHS World's Best Playmaker award for 4 years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. Xavi has been included in the UEFA Team Of The Year for 5 years (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012), and has been voted into the FIFA World 11 on 6 occasions: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. At Euro 2012, with his 2 assists in the Final, Xavi became the first player to register assists in 2 separate Euro finals, having set up the lone goal in the Final 4 years earlier. He was awarded the Prine Of Asturias  Award for Sports in 2012. After the 2014 World Cup, Xavi announced his retirement from international football.

His career had flourished very well under the management of Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal and his assistant Pep Guardiola who later took over in 2009.

There would be a different way of the game that we're gonna see next season as these men would leave for the USA and Qatar. Definitely, Football is not gonna be the same without these great personalities.

5 players Manchester United should consider buying this summer.

The Stretford Stand

The Red Devils saw an end to the club’s era of Sir Alex Ferguson when the legend manager announced his retirement at the end of the 2012-13 season after 26 years. The club’s administration & board in consultation with Ferguson & Sir Bobby Charlton had then decided to appoint David Moyes as their next man in charge. There were a lot of expectation from the ‘Chosen One’ but the latter could do no good for the team as they had a disastrous season under the new man. The defending champions ended the Premier League season at seventh position. Some of the outraged fans had decided to fly a plane above Old Trafford, the Red Devils’ fortress having a banner saying – Wrong One, Moyes out.

United later announced that Louis van Gaal will take over the club after he finishes his World Cup duty with the Netherlands. The Dutchman had invested over £150 million and recruited six new players in the squad. His motions were clear, build a new squad of experience and youth talents. The most expensive player among the sextuplet was Angel Di Maria – bought on British record signing amount. His Argentine counterpart Marcos Rojo had arrived too after being a World Cup finalist. The other players were Luke Shaw, Daley Blind, Ander Herrera and on loan star striker Radamel Falcao. United were set to flourish with these set of new players but not all could shine. Rather the signings made by former boss Moyes had played a big role in getting United back to Champions League.

Van Gaal had aimed for something big. The Premier League title of course was the first priority but other domestic cups and possibly even the Champions League is in sight. Alongside the boss, even players wanted to achieve something big. Perhaps they all had a similar thinking giving the fans something to cheer about. Therefore to achieve these things the team definitely needs to get in some new players, and that’s what the manager and the club’s Chief Executive have to be busy with during the off season summer transfer period. They secured their first target Memphis Depay comfortably before the season even ended. The Dutchman had impressed van Gaal during his stint at the World Cup and has a great potential. He was also a target for rivals Liverpool but United was the club chosen by Depay as he would get some familiar faces along with him. But who are five other targets Manchester United could be after?

Gareth Bale.

The Welsh international had moved to the Spanish giants Real Madrid for a world deal worth €100m from North London club Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2013. His first season in La Liga was exceptional, with Madrid lifting the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, making the scoreline in the finals of both the competitions. But things have not been the same in the 2014-15 season. He started the league games in a nice manner but was later hit by injuries which kept him out of action for a few games. Even after coming back the player could not find his touch and went goalless in the upcoming games. His form was slowly dipping and the fans had started to boo him on certain occasions. There was also a speculation of him having spats with Galactico’s hero Cristiano Ronaldo. This added fuel to the controversy of his uncertainty at the club. Anyhow, many think United could sign in exchange of goalkeeper David de Gea. The PFA Team of the Year shot stopper was in great form this season and has been a prime target for the Madrid club to replace Iker Casillas. Even if de Gea was not to be exchanged, the English were reportedly interested in Bale last season too. Reports suggest that Bale is unhappy at Real and would possibly leave with a Premier League on his mind.

Ilkay Gundogan.

The Borussia Dortmund and Germany stalwart was also wanted by the Old Trafford club during last summer, and this year’s January window too. He is been targeted as a holding centre midfielder replacement for ageing player Michael Carrick. Many have rated him as a top player and could indeed fit nicely in the kind of football van Gaal wants to implement. The player was offered a contract renewal by Dortmund, which he declined following the club’s poor run in the league. Dortmund, once in the relegation zone of the Bundesliga this season, are still lucky to play Europa League next season. Also, the departure of the club’s manager Jurgen Klopp and key players leaving every year making the team weak to compete in big competitions added to the reasons of him wanting to quit. Gundogan has been a necessary figure for Dortmund and was the only goal scorer for the club in the 2013 Champions League finals against league rivals Bayern Munich at Wembley. Despite Bayern Munich lifting the trophy, Dortmund gained a lot of appreciation from the people which gave them a respectable position in the world of football. Speaking of the current situation of Manchester United, a player of his quality and position is required the most. With no other club to have approached him, United look to be the club most likely to sign him.

Nathaniel Clyne.

The young right back was amazing in the Premier League this season and was in the PFA Team of the Year. Playing for Southampton, he has flourished under the management of both Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman, and has been linked with United as to be a perfect needed right-back. The Red Devils do have Antonio Valencia and Rafael, but need a player who’s consistent in his form unlike their current recruits. Furthermore, Clyne could be an ideal player to be the first choice right back in the England national team – which he can gain with a place in the most followed club in the world. They were also linked with Brazilian star Dani Alves, but a young player would be a much better option.

Harry Kane.

The young forward has been a top sensation in the 2014-15 season with having 19 goals to his name. At the age of 21, his goal scoring ability has been phenomenal which made him a key contender to the PFA Player of the Year while winning the Young Player of the Year award. At a time, it looked like he would pip the likes of Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero to win the Premier League golden boot. He did stay on top for a time after scoring two goals in the 5-3 win over Chelsea, and not included in the squad by former managers Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood, he was the best finisher in the Tottenham camp this year under new boss Mauricio Pochettino. With star loanee Radamel Falcao making his way back to Monaco after a failed season at United, and Van Persie’s future also undecided, Kane should be a good partner alongside skipper Wayne Rooney. While he has confirmed his future remains at White Hart Lane for now, a good wealthy offer might be enough to tempt him to accept United’s deal.

Nicolas Otamendi

The 27-year-old Argentine defender has been in sight for United after top target Mats Hummels denied to leave Dortmund and gave a huge blow to the Red Devils’ transfer plan. Otamendi, who currently plays for Spanish club Valencia wants out according to his agent – and would cost around a staggering £36 million, which may seem too much. Although he’s not who United wanted as a prime target, a strong defence is very much needed if they are to challenge for titles next season.

There may be more players in the wishlist of Louis Van Gaal,these could possibly be their 5 prime targets.

Champions League 2015 - Road To Berlin

     The European Dream

                       Berlin 2015

The UEFA Champions League has come to its 1 last stop -  The Finals. The stage is set at the Olympic Stadium in the German capital of Berlin where the 2 of the 32 qualified teams will fight it all for the elite European crown.

Road To Berlin! These were the words on the mind of the 32 clubs who had a chance of becoming Europe's best. But finally only 1 would successfully claim themselves the Champions League title. It started as a long journey but in the end it has come dow to 2 teams,who'll face each other in the finals at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. The 2 European heavywieghts who could make this far in the competiton came here by defeating some big names in the game of Football. It was definitely not an easy task but they made their way clear and at times turned the things from impossible to unbeatable. Italian champions for 4 times in a row now,Juventus came to their 1st final since 2003. They last played at this stage against their league rivals AC Milan at Old Trafford,where the Milan side had won the slatemate winning their 6th European Cup. The other team alongside Juve are coming to this stage after 5 years who are aiming for their 5th Champions League title. Having won the tournament earlier in 2006,2009 & 2011,this team is on the verge of becoming the most successful club for the last 2 decades.

Barcelona last won the title in 2011  at the Wembley Stadium in London,where they'd beaten the then English champions Manchester United. It was the same fixture that happened in the 2009 finals in Rome and so was the result,Barça won their 3rd title. They started off this season's campaign with having the French champions Paris Saint Germain in their group and luckily topped the group. The 2 teams faced each other again in the quarter finals but Barça emerged as the winners. The semi finals was a tricky phase for them as they were gonna face their former manager who'd won them 2 European Cups,Pep Guardiola now the manager of German knights FC Bayern München. The last time they faced each other in 2013,Barça had Guardiola as their boss and Bayern had just given them their worst nightmare by beating them 7-0 and ultimately won their 5th title and hitory's 1st ever German treble.

The story this time was different as Barcelona took a huge advantage in the 1st leg by beating former manager's side 3-0 with Messi having 2 goals in his name. The return leg at Allianz Arena was a situation where Bayern desperately wanted a revenge. It seemed almost impossible as no team has turned a 3 goal deficit at this stage. Yet some fans believed that their team could reach the finals and prove critics wrong. The home side took an early lead in the 1st half with Benatia heading home a much needed goal. It gave the Bavarian club some confidence but the lead was cut out by Barça's Neymar. It wasn't too long before another goal as Luis Suarez set up Neymar for his 2nd goal. The home felt disappointed as Barcelona were now 4 goals ahead on aggregate. Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez was on top form as he assisted both the goals.

Neymar celebrating after giving Barça the lead

The score at half time was 1-2 for the Spanish giants. As the second half began,Bayern stsrted dominating the game and their efforts now paid off as Robert Lewandowski scored an equaliser for the German club. There was hardly any time for celebration as the players knew more was needed to be done to get back in the game. World Cup winner Thomas Müller scored a goal in the last 10 minutes of the game to give Bayern the lead. It was not enough and they knew it. The final whistle was blown and Barcelona couldn't stop themselves from celebrating. The defeat meant Bayern Munich and manager Pep Guardiola were beaten at this stage for 2 times in a row by Spanish teams. Guardiola could do nothing as his former employers now made way to the finals in Berlin.

Barcelona players celebrating after their win over FC Bayern Munich.

The 2nd fixture of semi finals between defending champions and Real Madrid and Italian giants Juventus had a different story. Although Juve had beaten the Galacticos in the 1st leg,many had hoped for Madrid to reach the finals. After a convincing 2-1 win at home,Juventus were determined to make it to the finals. The finals was all they focused on as they had won the league with a few games to go. The Santiago Bernabeau was packed to the rafters as it was their team's last home game in the competition. 2014 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner Colombian James Rodriguez was brought down in the box in the 1st half,where refree awarded the home side a penalty. Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the spot as Real Madrid were leading the game with 1-0. The score remained the same at the half time but Juventus kept their cool and started the 2nd half more confidently. The Italian side's cool attitude showed off as former Galactico Alvaro Morata scored the equaliser for the visitor's.

The Spanish player didn't celebrate the goal as a mark of repect to Real Madrid,the latter's boyhood and ex-club. The goal left the gigantic Bernabeau silent as the fans were in a state of shock. It made things more complex for the defending champions as they needed 2 more goals to go through. They had more chances in the game later,but all went in vain. The nail biting match came to an end with the score tied at 1-1 giving Juventus a 3-2 aggregate win and their 1st finals in over 12 years

Juventus players celebrating on reaching their 1st finals in 12 years.

This defeat for the Galacticos meant they could win no title this season and questions had started arising if manager Carlo Ancelotti could get the sack. Much was expected from this side,but they did their best and we are yet to see an El Classico in the Champions League finals.

Cristiano Ronaldo's reaction after his team missed out on reaching the finals.

So,its gonna be another cracking fixture at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin for the finals with the both the teams having only 1 thing in sight - The Champions League trophy. Though both the teams have won their respective leagues and are in the domestic cup finals,they're gonna be aiming for a treble. While Barcelona aiming for their 5th,Juvebtus are on their way to the 3rd. So the whole world is now on the 'Road To Berlin'.

Manchester United v Arsenal rivalry preview

Man Utd v Arsenal match preview

The 2 English giants will lock horns for the one last time this season when Manchester United host London rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford this weekend which would be the last rival game of the season in the top 4 of the Premier League.

A lot will be there to look upon both the sides as the winning team will cement the 3rd spot in the table and acquire direct qualification to the Champions Leage next season. Seeing at the current form of the North Londoner's,the club's 3 month unbeaten streak
came to an end at home to Swansea in the last gameweek after losing 0-1 to the Welsh side. Whereas the hosts United came over from their 3 consecutive defeats to Chelsea,Everton & West Brom since winning the big Manchester Derby,by winning 1-2 at Crystal Palace. Even though both the sides have confirmed their ticket to Europe next season,2nd place was in sight which now seems unlikely for the Red Devils. Louis Van Gaal's tactics have worked very well for United as the club's aim for a top4 finish has accomplished and along with the players,fans too have been very supportive to the boss. These 2 sides have met each other twice this season,with the 1st fixture taking place at the Emirates stadium in the Premier League where United won 1-2 with captain Wayne Rooney at the scoreline. The 2nd fixture was at Old Trafford which was the quarter finals of the FA Cup where a mistake by Antonio Valencia gave the ball away to former Red Devil Danny Welbeck scoring the winner and ended the game at 1-2.

Fortunes have turned for the Manchester club since then as they went on to win 6 consecutive matches in Premier League which included big games against opponents like Spurs,Liverpool & finally their local rivals and deffending champions City. Arsenal had maintained their good run so far before the loss against Swansea. That defeat for the Gunners meant they were pushed down to third in table below in form Man City.

Both United & Arsenal would rely on their key players for this big fixture. Fellaini,Young and Mata have been phenomenal for the Red Devils this season are likely to start. Although their main man at holding position Carrick will be out. The pressure would be on United's defence and mainly on their keeper David De Gea. The PFA team of the year Goalkeeper was brilliant in last weekend's 1-2 win over Palace. With captain Rooney's presence to be doubtful,on loan star Radamel Falcao may start for United as he played quiet good last weekend. Left back Luke Shaw is very much required though his fitness can be questioned as he was taken off in the 1st half on stretcher against Palace.

Arsenal are most likely to keep important players like Ozil,Sanchez,Cazorla & Giroud in. Questions about goalkeeper David Ospina have been arising as his mistake cost Swansea the winning goal. With Sky Sports experts Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher saying that the Gunners should sign a star goalkeeper in the transfer window if they were to chase the title next season. Arsene Wenger should really consider this expert advice and give it a brief thinking.

There's gonna be a lot of excitement in and out the arena as 1 of the biggest rivalries in the Premier League history is set to take place. So this fixture has a lot to offer and definitely is gonna be a cracker. So get ready to witness The Battle for 3rd.

Champions League Semi Finals 2nd leg preview

The Champions League is back and is just 1 stop behind the 'Road To Berlin'. The 4 European heavyweights will lock horns for the elite prize - The Champions League title. The 1st leg of semi finals began last week with Juventus beating the defending champs Real Madrid 2-1 and Barcelona beat FC Bayern 3-0 which is now managed by the catalan's former manager Pep Guarduola. Undoubtedly both the clubs that lost would want a revenge in the 2nd leg,but would still be a difficult task. Odds are of a possible El Classico taking place in the finals in Berlin. Whereas FC Bayern fans are quite confident of their club overturning a big 3 goal deficit against an unstoppable trio of Messi,Suarez,Neymar known as the famous MSN. The Bavarian side has already managed to come over 3 goals earlier in the quarter final stage of the competition against Porto. Taking that confidence with them,the advantage of a superb home record,FC Bayern Munich may have a chance of having an upper hand here. Well,whatever the results be,there's going to be a lot of excitement & enjoyment in both the games. After the semi finals the whole world would be looking upon to the finals in Berlin where 1 team of Europe's 32 best will be crowned the European Champions. #UCL




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