Benitez hopes for final glory

Rafael Benitez was not a popular choice to become Chelsea manager but he could lead them to a European trophy tonight.

Spurs

The fight for the Champions League

Emmanuel Adebayor slid home a late winner to lift Tottenham back above Arsenal into a Champions League qualifying position.

Live updates

Wembley final will inspire through 'excellence' says William

Duke of Cambridge Prince William is handed a football by UEFA President Michel Platini during the UEFA Congress in Park Lane Credit: EMPICS Sport/EMPICS Sport

The Duke of Cambridge said London's staging of the Champions League final would inspire a generation through its "excellence" as he welcomed delegates to Uefa's 37th annual congress.

William declared himself "first and foremost" a football fan as he gave the opening speech at the annual conference of European football's governing body.

Tomorrow, Wembley Stadium will host the showpiece final of Europe's premier competition between Germany's two leading teams, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

The Duke of Cambridge, who is president of English football's governing body the Football Association (FA), joked about who he thought would win the eagerly anticipated final.

Match at Wembley will inspire through excellence, says William Credit: Adam Davy/PA Wire/Press Association Images

He told delegates: "It is a great honour for us, the English FA, to host not just this prestigious congress, but of course - the real excitement - tomorrow's Champions League final.

My money is on Bayern Munich and two-nil. To host these events during our 150th anniversary year is truly special."

He went onto say: "Events like tomorrow's match are hugely important because they inspire through their excellence.

But what really counts is the work you all do at a grassroots level - investing in facilities; training coaches; and addressing discrimination to make the game open to everyone.

I know some of these issues are on your agenda today, and I welcome Uefa's determination to continue to improve European football for all."

Advertisement

Plans for Andy Carroll signing

Andy Carroll while on loan to West Ham
Andy Carroll while on loan to West Ham Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

West Ham have lined up a deal to sign Andy Carroll, and are making room for him by parting company with Carlton Cole. The Hammers will pay Liverpool £15 million to bring Carroll to Upton Park permanently, after his time on loan with them. It's now up to him to agree to the move.

Cole's contract isn't being renewed and he'll leave this summer. He joined West Ham from Chelsea in July 2006.

Wembley groundsman: secrets of a perfect pitch

The football season may have come to an end, but for one man it's never been busier.

Tony Stones is the grounds manager at Wembley Stadium, and it's his job to make sure it's immaculate for Saturday's Champions League Final.

He then has less than 48 hours before the Championship Play-off Final between Watford and Crystal Palace - and there's an England international two days after that. So, no pressure then. Rags Martel went to find out how he's coping.

Advertisement

Is Mourinho about to leave Real Madrid?

Jose Mourinho has appeared unhappy at Madrid this season. Credit: Reuters

Real Madrid have announced they will hold a press conference this evening where they are expected to announce that their manager Jose Mourinho is leaving. If so, that would leave him free to return to Chelsea when the reign of interim manager Rafael Benitez comes to an end.

Mourinho has found things difficult at Real this season - he was sent to the stands on Friday as Real lost the Spanish cup final - and he mentioned Chelsea in a press conference when he was asked about his future destination.

Spurs manager believes Gareth Bale will stay with club

The Welshman has scored 26 goals for Spurs this season Credit: PA

The Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has said he believes Gareth Bale will still be at White Hart Lane next season.

The Welshman has scored 26 goals for Spurs this season and was voted the Footballer of the Year.

Several big clubs are expected to make bids for him after Tottenham failed to qualify for next season's Champions League. But Villas-Boas said he had been given information that Bale would be staying.

Villas-Boas: Tottenham want to keep Bale

The Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has said they don't want to sell Gareth Bale despite the club failing to qualify for the Champions League. It had been predicted that Bale would move to a bigger club who are in the competition, but Villas-Boas denied Spurs were planning to sell him.

"No, I don't think so. This has been an ongoing question. We have to keep our ambitions high, hold on to our best players. For us to make it better in the future we have to hold on to the best."

– Andre Villas-Boas, Tottenham Manager
Load more updates