We take a look at the best quotes of the day in football.
It’s been a big day for Arsenal fans, with the news that the Gunners have secured the signature of Barcelona and Chile winger Alexis Sanchez on a long-term contract, the club’s first major summer signing.
Whilst the Sanchez news has dominated the day’s headlines, there was also plenty of reaction to Wednesday night’s World Cup semi-final between Argentina and the Netherlands, which Argentina narrowly edged in a tense penalty shoot-out.
Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal explained the reasoning behind centre back Ron Vlaar taking their first penalty, whilst his new assistant boss Ryan Giggs previewed the Dutchman’s imminent arrival at Old Trafford.
Arsenal complete the signing of Alexis Sanchez
Arsenal’s deal for Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez has finally been confirmed today, and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger sounded every bit as delighted as the club’s most fervent supporters:
“As many people have seen during the World Cup this summer, Alexis is a fantastic footballer and we are delighted that he is joining us at Arsenal Football Club.”
“Alexis will add power, creativity and much quality to our squad and we are all looking forward to him joining up with us in a few weeks.”
Wenger also called on the club’s supporters to welcome the former Barcelona and Udinese star:
“He has consistently produced top-quality performances at the highest level for a number of seasons now and we are all excited to see him integrate into the Arsenal squad. I’m sure all Arsenal supporters will join me in welcoming Alexis to our club.”
Alexis Sanchez excited to be joining the Gunners
New Arsenal signing Alexis Sanchez gave his first interview as a Gunner, sounding delighted at his new choice of club:
“I’m so happy to be joining Arsenal, a club which has a great manager, a fantastic squad of players, huge support around the world and a great stadium in London.”
Sanchez’s words were just what Arsenal fans would’ve been hoping to hear from their big money new signing:
“I’m looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to be playing for Arsenal in the Premier League and Champions League. I will give my best to Arsenal and want to make all the supporters happy.”
Giggs: Van Gaal will “relish” Man Utd job
Ryan Giggs has spoken about his new boss at Manchester United, Louis van Gaal, as the Dutchman prepares to start full-time work at Old Trafford after The Netherlands were knocked out of the World Cup:
“Louis has a clear philosophy and he sticks to that philosophy. He won’t be afraid of taking over Manchester United. He’ll relish it.”
“It won’t be easy. It never is. But I was excited about how forthright and how clear he was about what he expects from the staff and the players.”
United midfielder Darren Fletcher suggested that the mood at Carrington was already on the up:
“There’s a real buzz around the place again.”
Netherlands players turned down first penalty
Louis van Gaal has revealed why centre back Ron Vlaar took the Netherlands’ first penalty in their shoot-out defeat to Argentina last night:
“I asked two players to take the first ball before ending up with Vlaar.”
“I thought he was the best player on the pitch so should have confidence.”
Van Gaal, meanwhile, was disappointed to come unstuck against his former player Sergio Romero:
“I taught Romero how to stop penalties, so that hurts. We were the club to bring him to Europe.”
“He was a big talent, and someone who has the qualities to do that.”
Hugo Lloris signs new Tottenham Hotspur contract
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has ended speculation surrounding his future by signing a new long-term contract at White Hart Lane, a decision that the Frenchman was delighted with:
“I spoke with the Chairman and I know the Club is as ambitious as ever.”
“It’s very important to feel at home at a club and for my family to feel well. I enjoy a great relationship with the Club and the fans. The arrival of Mauricio Pochettino is important as well. I have a good feeling with him. He is also ambitious.”
Lloris also suggested that the Spurs players are well aware of the need to improve after a frustrating 2013/14 campaign at the club:
“Last season wasn’t the season we all hoped for but we were still able to finish sixth in the league. We know where we have to improve, the Club also knows and there is a feeling and a confident connection between the Club and the players.”