Goran Pandev was a surprise name to depart Italian football just days before the transfer deadline day after he joined Galatasaray. The Napoli striker did not reportedly figure in the plans of manager Rafa Benitez for the upcoming season. He has been sold for £ 3.5 million while Napoli have also received defender Umit Gundogan as part of the deal.

Former Italian national team boss Cesare Prandelli has claimed that Italy striker Mario Balotelli should look at himself for being a major disappointment at the World Cup 2014. Due to the lack of fitness from the likes of Giuseppe Rossi, Balotelli went to the World Cup as the main striker for the Italians.

It has been revealed that French winger Franck Ribery could have taken part in the World Cup 2014 had he accepted to taking a few injections. Ribery recently returned from the World Cup 2014 after injuring himself in the warmup friendly matches. This is seen as the last opportunity for the Frenchman to impress at the World Cup.

France’s hopes of reaching the latter stages of the World Cup have been dealt a major blow with the news that winger Franck Ribery will miss the tournament with a back injury. The Bayern Munich star came into the tournament looking to build on the success he has achieved in recent years.

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery came third in the FIFA Ballon d’Or award rankings this campaign. Many reckon that he should have won the trophy after having helped the German club to 3 major trophies last season. His competitors – Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – did not achieve much success at the team level. Despite this status, Ribery has been out of the rotation policy of the club introduced by manager pep Guardiola.