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Gary Speed found dead: tributes paid to Wales manager

Tributes pour in for Wales manager who has taken his own life at 42 years old.
Read & Watch On BBC Sports

LONDON -- Gary Speed, who became Wales' soccer coach just 11 months ago after playing for his country a record 85 times, has died. He was 42.

The Football Association of Wales announced Speed's death Sunday without giving the cause. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Speed's death.

Speed is survived by his wife and two children.

"We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family," the FAW said in a statement. "We ask that everyone respects the family's privacy at this very sad time."

Speed, whose 85 caps is a Welsh record for an outfield player, had only become Wales coach in December in a move that had long been predicted by former teammates and commentators. Only goalkeeper Neville Southall, with 92 appearances, played more games for Wales.

Last year, Queen Elizabeth II gave Speed the Member of the British Empire award in her annual Birthday Honors list for his services to soccer.

"Just cannot believe the news regarding Gary Speed. We waved at each other a couple of days ago dropping our kids off at school. I'm numb," Manchester United striker Michael Owen wrote on Twitter. "He has died aged 42. So sad. He lived local to me and we knew his family. He leaves behind 2 sons. Tragic."

Admired for his dedication, fitness and consistency in a 20-year playing career -- as well as a knack for goals -- Speed started out with Leeds and won the English league championship with the club in 1992.

Moving on to Everton and then Newcastle, Speed became the first player to play in 500 Premier League games and held the record with 535 until it was surpassed by goalkeeper David James in 2009. Ryan Giggs has also since passed the mark.

Speed scored in every topflight season in which he played until dropping out of the Premier League in 2008 when he joined Sheffield United.

With injuries finally beginning to affect him, Speed became a coach at Sheffield United and formally retired from playing at the end of the 2009-10 season. He became Blades manager early in the following season but was soon approached by Wales after John Toshack resigned as coach.

Speed led the team to five wins in 10 matches, including a 4-1 victory over Norway two weeks ago, earning praise for Wales' style of play and emphasis on youth.

"We've got talent in abundance and I'm fortunate to be in that position," Speed said after the Nov. 12 win in Cardiff. "We are building for the future. There is still a lot of improving to be done but we are going in the right direction.

Shawn Michaels & His TV Show Nominated For TV Awards

Shawn Michaels and his TV show Shawn Michaels' MacMillan River Adventures are nominated in several "Fan Favorite" categories in the Outdoor Channel's 12th Annual Golden Moose Awards. Michaels is nominated in the "FAN FAVORITE Host/Personality" category, while the show is nominated in the "FAN FAVORITE Hunting Series", "FAN FAVORITE Best Overall" and "FAN FAVORITE New Series in 2011" categories. You can vote for HBK and the show At This Link. Voting will take place until December 26, 2011, and winners will be revealed on January 19, 2012 during the Shooting and Outdoor Industry Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas, NV.
For Vote CLICK HERE
If You are Out of US:
(They Required Phone Number but You Can have from here http://tinyurl.com/bg5ssk )

Kelly Key: In the Night Tour: Mixed Club 2011


UEFA EURO 2012 finals lineup complete

The finals lineup for UEFA EURO 2012 has been settled after Croatia, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Ireland and Portugal came through their respective play-off ties on Tuesday.
The finals lineup for UEFA EURO 2012 has been confirmed after the play-offs concluded on Tuesday.

Croatia, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Ireland and Portugal all completed aggregate victories to book their tickets for Poland and Ukraine. They join the ten teams that reached next summer's tournament from the qualifying group stage, and the two co-hosts.

The 16 teams that will compete for the Henri Delaunay Cup are:
Poland (co-hosts)
Ukraine (co-hosts)
Spain (holders)
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
England
France
Germany
Greece
Italy
Netherlands
Portugal
Republic of Ireland
Russia
Sweden

UEFA will confirm the seedings for the finals draw on Wednesday. The draw takes place in Kyiv on 2 December. The tournament runs between 6 June and 1 July 2012.

Forlán: "Me doy un 9 en mi época en el Atlético"

Diego Forlán Corazo (Montevideo, 1979) vive sus primeros meses en el Inter. Era hora de evaluar 'in situ', en Milán, su recuerdo del Atlético. 'El Cacha' está feliz allí, muy feliz, por más que lleve sólo un gol y esté lesionado hace un mes.

¿Cómo está de la lesión, cuánto le queda?
Bien, por suerte me queda poco. Al menos, esto me ha servido para descansar, lo cual no está mal, pues llevo un año y medio sin vacaciones.

Parece que todavía no ha rendido lo que se esperaba.
Es verdad, pero recién llegué. Es pronto. Se dieron muchas cosas a la vez: no tuve una buena pretemporada por la Copa América, vine con molestias, sin vacaciones, a un equipo nuevo, y no estaba al cien por cien. Esta lesión me va a servir para partir desde cero.

¿Cuál es la mayor diferencia entre Inter y Atlético?
El Inter es un equipo muy grande, con mucha repercusión internacional. Quizás en eso sí hay diferencia, siendo el Atleti también un grande, pero sí hay una ligera diferencia. La gente me trata bien igual. En Italia los hinchas, incluso los de otros equipos, me saludan y felicitan.

¿Por? ¿Aquí le trataba mal la gente del Madrid?
No, para nada. Los madridistas también eran bárbaros conmigo. La hinchada, al final, es muy educada y agradable en Milán, Madrid o Villarreal.

¿Qué se traería del Atlético al Inter?
A algunos compañeros, más por el lado humano: Godín, Juanfran u otros que se fueron. Pero la cosa es como es.

¿Y del Inter al Atleti?
Hay una cosa del Inter que me alucina. Siendo un club tan grande, me parece muy familiar, desde la cúpula, el presidente, hasta los empleados. La cercanía es espectacular. La gente que rodea a los jugadores es genial, algo que también tuve en Madrid, por cierto. El Inter es un poco similar en eso a lo que viví en el Manchester United.

Vayamos con el Atleti. ¿Qué es lo primero que se le viene a la cabeza de esa experiencia?
La gente del club... Ricardo, el de seguridad, los que nos cuidaban, Alberto, Gorka, Esteban, Jesús, Pitillas, el doctor Villalón, el delegado, Pedro Pablo, los utilleros, Ciri y Cristian, Dani... toda esa gente que trabaja allí, el chófer del bus... Gente anónima que hace funcionar el club.

¿Sigue sus resultados?
¡Claro! Quiero que gane siempre. No me gusta que pase lo que le está pasando ahora. Aparte, por amigos como Godín, con quien estoy más en contacto. Y sí, veo todos los partidos que puedo.

Usted se fue, se fueron el Kun y De Gea, pero el Atlético sigue igual, una continua montana rusa.
Sí, es una lástima. Viéndolo ahora desde fuera, uno toma consciencia de que lo que hicimos nosotros tuvo mucho valor. Tres finales, dos títulos, estar en Champions dos años... Uno toma consciencia de todo el tiempo que llevaba el club sin ganar algo. Es una lástima que se haya desmantelado ese plantel en tan poco tiempo, pues apenas hace dos años de aquello.

Visto en la distancia, esos títulos parecen un milagro.
Teníamos un buen equipo por más que sufríeramos momentos duros, como ahora le pasa al actual plantel. Tienen que tener paciencia. Esto recién empieza.

¿Ve lógica la presión que tiene ya Manzano sobre sí?
No, es una pena. Pero es que en el fútbol en general hay mucha impaciencia. Conocí a Manzano y es un buen trabajador, buen tipo y con preparación. Cuando me fui, le dije que era una lástima que no fuéramos a coincidir más tiempo.

¿Cómo se cambia esa histeria que vive el Atlético hace años y que no la sofoca ni los títulos ganados?
No tengo ni idea. Habría que sentar a todos: hinchas, jugadores, Prensa, y hacer un fórum para sacar conclusiones. ¡Yo qué sé! Es muy complejo, porque abarca varias generaciones. Mire, le voy a contar una cosa que nunca conté. Me acuerdo de un partido de Liga justo después de ganar los dos títulos: la Europa League y la Supercopa ante el Inter. Estábamos en el banquillo con Antonio López, Fran Escriba, segundo de Quique, y otros, y de pronto escuchamos al Frente Atlético y parte de la grada cantar la canción ésa de: "Volveremos a ser campeones, como en el 96". ¡Y acabábamos de ser supercampeones de Europa! Yo me volví hacia el banquillo y les dije: "Muchachos, ¿nosotros no acabamos de ganar un título, como es que éstos cantan lo del 96?". Eso te da una idea de cómo está todo. ¡¡¡Ya no se acordaban de nuestros dos títulos en apenas dos meses!!!! ¿No valía nada aquello o qué? La verdad es que me sentó muy mal, y, como profesional, me molestó.

Diego Forlan: I’d rate 9 my performance in Atletico

After the Inter-Lille match Diego Forlan gave an interview to Marca.

How’s your injury?

Well, fortunately, I’ll be okay soon. At least it helped me to get some rest, which is good, since I didn’t have a vacation for a year and a half.

It seems that your expectations in Italy haven’t been met yet.

It’s true, but I’ve only recently arrived here. It’s too early to draw conclusions. A lot of things came together: I haven’t had a good pre-season because of Copa America, I had minor injuries, I didn’t rest, I joined a new team, and I was not 100% fit. This injury will help me start from a scratch.

What is the main difference between Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid?
Inter is a big team with a great international significance. Perhaps this is the main difference, though Atletico is also a well-known team, but still there is a difference. The people over here treat me very well. In Italy, the fans always greet me, even when they cheer for other teams, I am always warmly welcomed.

And in Madrid, people were not treating you good?
 Not at all. The Real Madrid fans have always welcomed me, too. In general, the fans have always been very polite and friendly everywhere: in Milan, in Madrid, in Villareal.

Whom would you take from Atletico to Inter?
Several friends, more for their human qualities: Godin, Juanfran and few others who left Atletico. But the things are the way they are.

And to Atletico from Inter?
One thing about Inter which is truely impressive is that being such a big club, everybody here is very simple, friendly, close to each other, from the president to ordinary employees. This is amazing. People who work in the club are simply great, but in Madrid they were great too, by the way. Inter is a bit like Manchester United in that sense.

Lets get back to Atletico. Whom do you remember from the club?
 All the people in the club are great … (Diego starts counting a whole bunch of people by their names: doctors, security guards, drivers, handymen…) Everybody who works there, all those anonymous people who drive the club forward.

Do you still follow Atletico?
Of course! I always wish them win. I don’t like what’s happening there right now. In addition, I am constantly in contact with some friends of mine, such as Godin. I try to watch their games whenever I can.


You, Kun and De Gea have left, but Atletico is still struggling, the same continuous roller coaster.
Yes, and it’s a pity. Looking back, I realize how valuable was everything that we have done. Three finals, two titles, played two years in the Champions League … And we achieved that after a long period of time when the club stalled and was not winning anything. It’s unfortunate that such a good team disappeared in such a short time, because all the good things happened just two years ago.

Now these titles look like a miracle…
We had a good team, though we had some tough times, like now. But we have to have patience. This is just the beginning.

Do you think the pressure on Manzano is justified?
No, and this is very bad. But generally, in football there is a lot of impatience. Manzano is a very good coach, well-educated, hard-working. When I left, I told him: it’s very unfortunate that we were not able to work together more.

How to change this history of failures in Atletico?
I have no idea. Maybe get together with fans, players, media in a big forum and come to some conclusions. I don’t know! This is a very complex process, since it covers several generations. Look, I’m going to tell you something that I never told before. I remember one game in Spanish La Liga, after we won two titles: the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup. We were on the bench with Antonio Lopez, Quique, and few others, and suddenly we heard the fans of Atletico singing the song that said “Let’s become champions again, like in 1996!” But we’ve just become super champions of Europe! I turned to the bench and said, “Guys, but we’ve just won 2 titles, and they still sing about 1996?!” It gives you an idea ​​how things are. Just in two months they’ve already forgotten the titles that we’ve won! Are these titles worth nothing?! Frankly, I was hurt, and as a professional, very disappointed.

What were your own mistakes in Atletico?
 That I was not a hypocrite. Other people told me that, too. I was honest and did not want to deceive people. Obviously, I was attached to the club, I spent four years there. I hope that people understand that. But at that moment, I said something very unpopular and was misunderstood.

How would you rank your own performance for the club?
(Thinks) High. I would give myself 9. We won two Cups, reached the finals of the King’s Cup, the club achieved its goals, I was a top scorer, won the Golden Boot. I’d give myself 9.

Do you still think about Quique Flores?
No.

Let’s move on from Atletico. How many years do you have left in football?
I have a two-year contract with Inter, with the possibility of renewal for another year, but I don’t look beyond that. I am now at the stage of my career where I really enjoy every game, because it’s heading to an end. I am glad I came here, though in Madrid I had my house, my friends, good atmosphere, good club, but I needed to change something in my life.


Would you ever play in Spain again?
 I don’t know. Frankly, there are other places where I would like to play, for example, in Brazil, where my father played (in Sao Paulo), or in the United States. I would like to try there. But first I want to play a few years in this great club (Inter).

As a striker, you depend on your physical form. When your form starts to decline, would you play in midfield?
Actually, I somewhat play in this position in the Uruguay national team now, with Cavani and Suarez on the edge. I feel comfortable in midfield, but nevertheless I still love being a striker. Please give me a little more time in attack.

Is it more difficult to score goals in Italy?
The statistics say it all. In Italy, there is a lot of great strikers, but they score less goals than in Spain. It’s a fact. Games are more closed, less space, more tactics, and especially for us, forwards: the teams are completely closed behind. I was watching Napoli-Parma the other day, and Parma was all sitting back there, closed and played on the counterattacks. Napoli had all the possession, but there was no open space for the attacks.

So, Messi and Ronaldo wouldn’t score that much in Italy.
I prefer not enter into this debate. And taking advantage of this last question, I’d like to say hello to all my friends in Atletico and Villareal. Greetings from Milan!

Monica Bellucci "Sortilege de Cartier" Collection Launch In Rome,Italy - Arrivals

Monica Bellucci arrives at the new High Jewellery Collection "Sortilege de Cartier" launch at Villa Aurelia on September 17, 2011 in Rome, Italy.

Monica Bellucci & Fan Bingbing

Cristiano Ronaldo: 2011 European Golden Shoe Award Winner

Being rewarded for his hard work on the field, Cristiano Ronaldo was on-hand to receive the 2011 European Golden Shoe Award in Madrid, Spain on Friday (November 4).

The Real Madrid star confidently accepted his honor at the presentation held at the Intercontinental Hotel.

Of the award, Ronaldo said, "I would like to win something bigger at a collective level. I do not think about breaking records, but about Real Madrid. I think our team is more mature and with more trust, and we all have to think the same way to achieve an important goal."

There cheering on her main man, Irina Shayk was among the hundreds of people who came out to show their support for Ronaldo.

Enjoy the pictures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Irina Shayk at the 'Golden Boot' Ceremony in Madrid (November 4).


FIFA: List of 23 nominees for the Ballon d'Or 2011

The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) announced Tuesday the list of the 23 players nominated for the Ballon d'Or 2011. The latter will be awarded Jan. 9 in Zurich, Switzerland.
On the 23 nominees, there are seven Spanish: Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Piqué, David Villa, Xavi Hernandez, Iker Casillas and Xabi Alonso.

Portugal will be represented by Ronaldo and Nani while Italy does not have any player. Germany two players from Bayern Munich, Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller, and Brazil two candidates, Dani Alves and Neymar. Wayne Rooney will be the only English candidate, and the Eto the only African candidate for this prestigious title.

Here are the 23 players nominated for the Golden Ball and the ten coaches nominated for the Coach of the year.

The 23 players nominated:

Eric Abidal (FRA / Barcelona)
Karim Benzema (FRA / Real Madrid),
Sergio Aguero (ARG / Manchester City),
Iker Casillas (SP / Real Madrid),
Cristiano Ronaldo (POR / Real Madrid),
Daniel Alves (BRA / Barcelona)
Samuel Eto'o (CMR / Anji Makachkala)
Cesc Fabregas (SP / FC Barcelona)
Diego Forlan (URU / Inter Milan),
Andres Iniesta (SP / FC Barcelona)
Lionel Messi (ARG / FC Barcelona)
Thomas Müller (GER / Bayern Munich),
Nani (POR / Manchester United),
Neymar (BRA, Santos)
Mesut Ozil (GER / Real Madrid),
Gerard Piqué (ESP / FC Barcelona)
Wayne Rooney (ENG / Manchester United)
Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER / Bayern Munich),
Wesley Sneijder (NED / Inter Milan),
Luis Suarez (URU / Liverpool)
David Villa (SP / FC Barcelona)
Xabi Alonso (SP / Real Madrid),
Xavi Hernandez (SP / FC Barcelona).

The 10 coaches nominated:

Vicente Del Bosque (ESP / Team Spain)
Alex Ferguson (SCO / Manchester United),
Rudi Garcia (FRA / Lille)
Josep Guardiola (SP / FC Barcelona)
Jürgen Klopp (GER / Borussia Dortmund)
Joachim Löw (GER / Team of Germany)
Jose Mourinho (POR / Real Madrid),
Oscar Tabarez (URU / Team Uruguay),
André Villas-Boas (POR / Chelsea),
Arsene Wenger (FRA / Arsenal).

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