The Bests: Alessandro Costacurta

Alessandro Billy Costacurta was born 24 April 1966. He is an Italian former professional football defender turned manager. Costacurta spent some twenty years at Milan, with a brief period spent in AC Monza on loan. He is best known for his role alongside Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini and Mauro Tassotti, forming one of the greatest defences in the Serie A and European football during the 90s. He is mainly central defender, but also can play on the right flank if necessary. 

On 7 May 2007, at age 41, he announced his retirement, effective at the end of the 2006-07 season. He remained with the club, as a second assistant to coach Carlo Ancelotti for a short time afterwards. He made his final home start in Milan's 3-2 loss to Udinese on 19 May 2007, converting a penalty that marked his first Serie A goal since the 1991-92 season (a left-footed volley against Roma on 3 November 1991), and left the pitch near the end of the match to a standing ovation. After the match ended, his teammates entered the pitch wearing a replica of his jersey as a tribute. 

Costacurta, affectionally known to fans as Billy, won the Scudetto seven times with Milan, and the European Cup/Champions League five times (1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, 2007 - although he did not actually feature in the squad for the 2007 final). He was set to retire from Milan at the end of the 2005-06 season, but later signed a one-year extension at the age of 40. He became the oldest footballer ever to play in the Champions League, in Milan's 1-0 loss to AEK Athens on 21 November 2006, at 40 years and 211 days, topping the previous record held by Belgian goalkeeper Dany Verlinden at 40 years and 116 days. After his retirement, in the 2007-08 season Costacurta was a member of Carlo Ancelotti's coaching staff as a technical assistant, while earning his own coaching badges. 

At the end of the season, he successfully earned his badges and various Italian media reported that he was pursuing a managerial role of his own. However he refused a position at Pisa offered by new club owner Luca Pomponi immediately after the completion of his takeover of the club, citing his need to remain at Milan in order to stay at home and take care of his son, while his wife was on tour with the theater. A mainstay in the Italian national team throughout the 1990s, Costacurta played for his country in 1994 and 1998 World Cups, as well as Euro 96. After missing out on the 1994 Champions League final through suspension, he also missed the 1994 World Cup final loss to Brazil, again due to suspension. He retired from international duty with 59 caps in 1998. 

On 27 October 2008 Costacurta was unveiled as new head coach of Serie B promotion candidates Mantova, following the dismissal of previous boss Giuseppe Brucato. However his time at Mantova proved to be unsuccessful, as he failed to improve Mantova's results and ultimately leading him to tend his resignation from the coaching post following a 1–0 loss to Vicenza that left his club only four points above the relegation zone.

Best Goals Of The Week (Video)

We present you a selection of the best goals of the week according to the version of the popular video feed TVGOLO. 

This time in the top 10 were: 

Philipp Lahm, Germany 

Ousmane Ndoye, Vaslui 

Andrea Pirlo, Italy 

Hyung-Bum Kim, Dedzon Citizen 

David Trezeguet, River Plate 

Sami Khedira, Germany 

Ziang Ning, Gun Czou Evergrande 

Macro Poppa, Chicago Fire 

Romarino, Corinthians 

Mario Balotelli, Italy

Josep Guardiola: “I'm already tired of playing golf with my dad”

Just a few weeks after parting ways with the position of head coach of FC Barcelona Josep Guardiola admitted that he already misses football. 

Recall that the resignation of the Spanish expert became known back in may, after his club was relegated from the League champions. At the same time, it was named successor to Guardiola - they became his assistant Tito Vilanova. 

“I do miss football? Definitely a miss. I'm already tired of playing golf with my dad.” – said Guardiola

Gareth Bale will miss the Olympic Games in London

22-year-old defender Wales National Team and English Tottenham, Gareth Bale will not play for the national team of Great Britain at the summer Olympic Games in London. Football player got injured in training on June 28, thereby aggravating the hip and back injury from last season. A medical examination revealed that Bale will play anytime soon, but will be ready for the first game of the upcoming season, which starts in a week after the Olympics August 13.

Vicente del Bosque: “Spain is ready for the start of the tournament”

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque on the eve of game 1 of the 1st round Euro-2012 with Italy stated that command is configured to avoid a repetition of the situation in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when the Spaniards started the tournament with a defeat. 

“Spain is ready for the start of the tournament. We do not want to repeat the sad experience of the 2010 FIFA World Cup when we lost the first match. This time we want to start well. The skorotečnom group stage is important. 

We have emerged from the starting line-up for the match with Italy, but the players won't know in advance. Of course, it is always very difficult to select 11 players, especially when you are eager to get out on the field. 

Since Cesare Prandelli headed the Italian national team, they changed their style of play and have become very strong. But we are prepared for any eventuality.” – said Vicente.

Zidane's former agent was sentenced's upcoming to five years

Former agent Sports Director Real Madrid Zinedine Zidane, Alain Migliaccio-sentenced to five years imprisonment. 

The investigation established that real incomes from Migliaccio harbored committed transactions. Thus, in 2001, it could be redressed through front companies for moving some of the money from Zidane Juventus to Real Madrid.

Xavi made more than 100 assists in a Euro 2012 against Italy

Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez has made more than 100 assists in a Euro-2012 qualifier against Italy (1: 1). 

Xavi Hernández became the second player in team history, have fulfilled more 100 passes per game for the European Championship. The first was Josep Guardiola.

Fabregas equaliser in the match with Italy (Video)

Spanish midfielder Francesc Fabregas equaliser of the match group stage of Euro-2012 against Italy. Transfer was noted midfielder David Silva.

Marca: Real Madrid is interested in Modric

Real Madrid is considering the acquisition of midfielder Luka Modric Tottenham Hotspur. Initiator of the invitation a Croat became head coach Jose Mourinho, according to Marca. 

It is expected that negotiations between Real and Tottenham could complicate the financial requirements of the London Club. From the sale of Tottenham player to have at least 35 million euros. 

It should be noted that in the current season Modric played in 36 League appearances and scored 4 goals in them.

Cristiano Ronaldo: “I started my speech for Manchester United”

Interview on last season's Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, winning the title and the upcoming Euro-2012… 

“I really want to achieve success at the upcoming European Championships with his national team. All in Madrid and only talk about the Champions League and its importance for OS blancos. Last season we were very close to win this tournament, but we had no luck. Our team is to win the Champions League next season. I'm sure we can”. 

“We have not been able to get to the finals, losing in a penalty shoot-out. You cannot win a series of penalty kicks, without realizing the three attacks. I think we have proved in the first half of the match with Bayern, but the second half is not has gone right for us. Perhaps the reason for this is the complex calendar and moral tension. I understand that this is not justification for our defeat. Bayern was playing in the final with an excellent game. At the helm is a great mentor undone.” 

“I started my speech for Manchester United FC at the age of 18 years, and Sir Alex was for me as a father. He supported me in many ways, and I've learned to have many important things. I can say with confidence that he is a wonderful man. Now, my tutor is José Mourinho, which I consider to be the best coach in the world. It motivates me, and I can improve more and more. I really enjoyed working with him.” 

“I think we had better Barcelona this year. They demonstrated its corporate football, but we managed to beat them and bring the case before the title. To date, we are stronger Barcelona.” 

“Last year, journalists asked me if I beat my record of success, and I replied that I improved with each season. I understand that it would be difficult to score more League goals in 46 years of procedure, but nothing is impossible. I have enough strength and power to beat this result. Also, it would be difficult to beat the record, 100 points for the season, but I think this is real.” 

“Every year I want to improve their level of play. And this is not a competition with Messi, this contest with yourself. People like to compare me with Messi, but it's still that compare "Porsche" and "Ferrari". We are completely different players. We are in different clubs, playing for different national teams. We simply cannot be compared.” 

“I have no right to judge whether I deserve Golden Ball this season or not. Just saying that this year has been fantastic in my career. I first became the champion of Spain, which is very important for me. Now I am completely focused on the game of football, and will try to show the best side to the euro. While I don't want to talk about the Golden Ball.” 

“Mourinho stated in his interview that counts on each player's team and wants to see Higuain remained. Gonzalo should itself take a decision and we will respect his choice. We love him and he's a wonderful player.” 

“I am happy with Madrid and want to be in that Club. I like the stadium, guide, and I like playing in La Liga. However, I do not know what awaits me in the future.” 

“We have been joking about the upcoming game Germany-Portugal. Especially we like to joke with Mesut because it's funnier than Sami Khedira. The more calm and serious man. Sometimes we smeëmsâ together with the Spaniards who intending to win the euro. It's good that we sometimes so podšučivaem stacked on top of each other, it gives cohesion to our team.” 

“I believe that the main favourites for the European Forum are Spain, Germany and the Netherlands. These three countries have the best chance of winning. Portugal never considered a favorite, and this is good, because we don't feel much pressure to others. Our team of good players and a good coach. It was not an easy group, but we have to get out of it. Let's see what will.”