Football News
Sneijder criticised for doing a McManaman
Reports in Spain’s AS newspaper claim that Wesley Sneijder will stubbornly resist any attempts from Real Madrid to sell him, despite it being made clear that his first team chances will be limited. The decision by the Dutchman, which has been backed by determined public statements to win back his midfield role, has led critics to suggest he is pulling a ‘Steve McManaman.’ The criticism relates to the choice made by the former Liverpool man to sit on the bench at the Bernabeu between 2002-2003 collecting hefty pay-cheques while several clubs around Europe offered him first team football. Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Inter and AC Milan have all been linked with Sneijder in recent weeks but the 25-year-old has made clear that moving is not on his agenda. Sneijder moved to Spain in 2007 and made a terrific start inheriting the number 23 shirt from David Beckham. He eventually took over the number 10 shirt when Robinho departed for Manchester City but suffered injury problems last term, losing his place in the starting line up to former Portsmouth man Lassana Diarra. With the acquisition of Kaka from Milan and Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United and with the possible signings of Franck Ribery and David Silva still on the agenda, Real’s options in midfield are known to be numerous.