Sports

Meanwhile, Gerrard has also called on his other team-mates to raise their game.

Robin van Persie has been reluctant to open negotiations with Arsenal over a new contract.

Japan's Masaaki Toma will take charge of Brentford's first-round match against Basingstoke.

Real Madrid cruised to an emphatic 7-1 win against ten-man Osasuna.

The Portugal international fired home a whopping 40 goals in Spain's La Liga last term.

Bobby Charlton sees Alex Ferguson as football's only unsackable manager.

Atletico Madrid took over top spot in Group I with a 4-0 rout of Udinese.

Inter took a firm stranglehold on Champions League Group B after disposing Lille.

Madrid can secure a place in the knockout stage of the Champions League with a win at Lyon.

Juventus returned to the top of Serie A with a 2-1 victory over Inter at San Siro.

AC Milan managed to edge Roma 2-3 in an intense affair at the Olimpico.

Chris Smalling faces a month on the sidelines after breaking his foot.

"I will not tolerate anyone accusing me of things that I'm not," said Fabregas.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes Mario Balotelli can become as good as Messi and Ronaldo.

Ferguson is relishing Sunday's derby when United take on local rivals Manchester City.

Inter Milan's Thiago Motta believes it is possible that Lionel Messi may play in the Serie A in the future.