The best quotes from the day in football.
Another day in football, another huge transfer has been confirmed – with Luis Suarez completing his long-awaited move to Barcelona for a fee reported to be in the region of £75 million.
There has also been more news on yesterday’s big deal, with Alexis Sanchez praising Arsene Wenger after he joined the Gunners from Barcelona.
With the World Cup final just forty eight hours away, Louis van Gaal and Luiz Felipe Scolari have reignited an old feud ahead of their third place play-off, whilst Alejandro Sabella will step down as Argentina manager after the final, according to his agent.
Barcelona announce the signing of Luis Suarez
Barcelona have finally confirmed the signing of striker Luis Suarez from Liverpool, with the Uruguayan sounding delighted to be joining up with the La Liga giants in a letter from his official Twitter account, but also sad to be leaving Anfield:
Suarez is ‘special talent’ – Rodgers
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was understandably disappointed to lose his star man, but also paid tribute to Suarez:
“Luis is a very special talent and I thank him for the role he has played.”
Liverpool legend and form defensive stalwart Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, was also sad to see Suarez go, describing him as the second best player that he played with in a red shirt:
Louis van Gaal reignites feud with Luiz Felipe Scolari
Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has reignited an ongoing feud with his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Felipe Scolari ahead of their third place play-off on Saturday, once again claiming that the hosts are given favourable scheduling:
“The facts are that Brazil started first. And Brazil again has played first again and we played a day later.”
“These are the facts. I am not going to beat around bush. Then you know what the implications are if that is the case.”
The new Manchester United manager seemed to be in a bad mood all round, blasting the idea of a third place play-off full stop:
“This match should never be played. I’ve been saying that for 10 years; it’s unfair.”
“There is only one award that counts and that is becoming world champions.”
Sanchez praises Wenger after Arsenal move
Arsenal completed the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona yesterday in one of the summer’s most significant moves so far, and the new Gunner has heaped praise upon his new boss after signing on at the club:
“Arsenal plays very well, which fits my style. That is why I moved here.”
“Arsene Wenger’s style of play is the sort of style the Chilean national team has, so therefore I am used to it.”
“I know this club has a manager that looks after his players and takes care of them as well. He wants to achieve great things in football and that helped me make the decision to sign for Arsenal.”
Sabella to step down after World Cup final
Argentina manager Alejandro Sabella has the chance to lead his country to a first World Cup triumph for almost 30 years on Sunday, but his agent has claimed that he will step down from his position regardless of the result against Germany in Rio de Janeiro:
“Whatever happens, Alejandro Sabella will not continue in the selection.”
“Alejandro dreamed all his life of this.”
“Sabella gave what he had to give in the selection and it is time to give rise to another.”