A look at the best quotes of Saturday 5th July in football, as Neymar is ruled out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup with injury.
It has been a busy day in the world of football, with the undoubted top story being the fact that Brazilian superstar Neymar will miss the rest of the World Cup with a fractured vertebrae after a challenge by Juan Zuniga in their quarter final win over Colombia.
Zuniga has been in apologetic mood, but claims that he did not mean to cause any injury to the Barcelona player, a view not shared by all in the host nation.
Elsewhere, Argentina made it through to the semi-final of the World Cup with a win over Belgium, but Lionel Messi and company did not impress defeated manager Marc Wilmots.
It has also been a good day for Arsenal fans, who have seen right back Mathieu Debuchy all-but confirm his move to the Emirates Stadium in an interview with the French media.
Neymar ruled out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup
Colombia defender Juan Zuniga has apologised after his tackle on Neymar ruled the Brazilian out of the rest of the World Cup with a serious back injury. However, he also claimed that he meant no harm from the challenge late on in the two teams’ Friday quarter final:
“I deeply regret the sad injury that Neymar suffered during the match between Brazil and Colombia.”
“Although I feel that these situations are a normal part of the game, there was no intent to injure, malice nor negligence on my part.”
“I want to reach out to Neymar, who I admire, respect and consider one of the best players in the world.”
One man who didn’t entirely believe Zuniga was Brazilian legend Ronaldo, however:
“We could see on TV there was intention by the Colombia player to actually cause some harm.”
“I thought it was a highly violent and unlawful move by the Colombia player. We are fearful and sad for the loss of our player.”
The Brazilian team are determined not to let the fate of Neymar distract them from the ultimate goal of lifting the trophy in the Maracana, with captain Thiago Silva determined to do it for their young teammate:
“We have proposed to win the World Cup for Neymar because of the injury he suffered.”
“He hopes and expects a lot from this group, and this could unite us, it could give us more determination to win.”
James Rodriguez sad and angry as Colombia crash out
Colombian playmaker and general star of the 2014 FIFA World Cup James Rodriguez is understandably gutted after his team were narrowly edged by Brazil in Fortaleza:
“We are sad because we wanted to go further in the World Cup. That is what hurts most, but Brazil are a good team.”
The AS Monaco man was, however, disappointed by the refereeing of Carlos Velasco Carballo, feeling that the Spaniard had an undue influence on the game:
“Carlos Velasco Carballo didn’t help a lot.”
“I think the referee influenced the game a lot, but that is how it is and we need to look forward.”
Meanwhile, former Brazil and Real Madrid legend Ronaldo would be happy to see James arrive at his former club for next season:
“We’ll see what happens with James Rodríguez. Everyone is focused on the World Cup right now, but maybe something could happen after the Brazil match. I’m sure he’d be a great signing for Real Madrid, who are the best club in the world in my opinion. They would make a great combination.”
Germany manager Joachim Low happy with boring game
Joachim Low navigated his German side’s safe passage into a semi-final against Brazil, and he sounded delighted with the less-than-exciting nature of their quarter final victory over France:
“There weren’t many goalscoring opportunities, which was part of our plan.”
“We didn’t want to give France chances with the quality of strikers they possess. We closed them down well – and that was the key.”
“France gave everything to try to force the equaliser, but defenders Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng were excellent and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer did well when called upon.”
Mathieu Debuchy confirms imminent Arsenal transfer
Mathieu Debuchy has seemingly confirmed his summer transfer to Arsenal, telling a French reporter at his country’s quarter final defeat to Germany:
“Yes, I will be joining Arsenal for next season.”
Debuchy will fill the problem right back position at the Emirates Stadium, vacated when Bacary Sagna joined Manchester City on a free transfer this summer.
Chelsea youngster Hazard delighted with Monchengladbach opportunity
Young Chelsea midfielder and little brother of Eden, Thorgan Hazard, today joined Borussia Monchengladbach on a season-long loan deal, a situation that the player sounded delighted with:
“First of all I am happy that I can now play for Borussia. I do not know too much about the club, but I hope that I will soon learn more about it.”
“Everything else I will certainly learn in the coming time. I now must also get to know my new team, so it’s perhaps a little too early to talk about it. I’ll try to do my best and to attend as many games as possible. That’s the most important thing for me.”
Hazard is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his sibling at Stamford Bridge, having impressed on loan at Belgian side Zulte Waregem last season.
Diego Poyet seems to confirm West Ham United move on Twitter
Young midfielder Diego Poyet has hugely hinted at an imminent move to West Ham United, tweeting “COYI”, an acronym short for ‘Come on you Irons’. The son of Sunderland manage Gus could be about to join the Hammers from Charlton Athletic.
Marc Wilmots thoroughly impressed by Argentina after Belgium exit
Belgium manager Marc Wilmots seems to be suffering from a slight case of sour grapes after his team exited the World Cup 1-0 against Argentina, after he called the Argentinian “ordinary” in his post-match press conference.
Despite his strong words, however, Belgium never looked likely to exploit the supposed weaknesses within the Argentina team as Lionel Messi and company qualified with some comfort.