Javier Zanetti retired from football last summer after nearly 20 years with Inter Milan. 

Now, his famous No. 4 shirt has been retired too. 

Inter’s club president, Erick Thohir, announced the news in a video tribute to the Argentine, who is now the club’s sporting director. 

Zanetti will step onto the San Siro turf one last time on May 4 when he plays in a special charity match celebrating Milan’s hosting of Expo 2015.

Inter Milan have announced they are retiring Javier Zanetti’s number 4 jersey #ForzaInter http://t.co/IVb6FKhXpT http://ift.tt/1DpzXSJ

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) April 26, 2015

[YouTube: F.C. Internazionale]

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The PFA Awards ceremony is one of the big nights in the football calendar when the Premier League’s leading lights are honoured by their fellow professionals for their achievements over the course of the season.

There are six nominees for the PFA Player of the Year award, and there are also six contenders for the PFA Young Player of the Year prize. Yet, due to the rules concerning eligibility for the Young Player of the Year Award, per the PFA’s official website, four footballers are in contention for both categories.

Eden Hazard, David de Gea, Harry Kane and Philippe Coutinho are the quartet chasing an awards double which, in the past, has been achieved by Andy Gray, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

Diego Costa and Alexis Sanchez are the other two players up for the Player of the Year accolade, while Thibaut Courtois and Raheem Sterling are vying for the Young Player of the Year honour.

Here, we take a look at the contenders for the awards, along with providing details of TV coverage and predictions of who will win:

Date: Sunday, April 26

TV Info: Highlights on BT Sport 1 on Monday, April 27, 8 p.m. (BST)

PFA Player of the Year:

Philippe Coutinho

It is over two years since Coutinho joined Liverpool from Inter Milan and he has consistently proven himself to be a bargain signing for Brendan Rodgers. Capable of operating in a number of attacking positions, Coutinho’s versatility and ability has helped him to shine in whatever formation Rodgers has played this season.

He has scored some important goals, such as the winners against QPR and Manchester City in the Premier League, as well as a stunning strike at Southampton. His goals against Bolton and Blackburn also helped Liverpool through to the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, where he scored in the 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa.

His form and progress was rewarded with a new long-term contract in February, per Mike Whalley of ESPN FC.

Diego Costa

The Spain international enjoyed a blistering start to his Chelsea career following his arrival from Atletico Madrid last summer. He scored seven goals in his first four Premier League appearances, per WhoScored.com, including a hat-trick against Swansea City.

His uncompromising, physical style has been a nuisance for opposition defenders all season and he has complemented that with finesse in front of goal.

He has provided a focal point for Chelsea’s attack to pivot around and has been instrumental in putting his club on the brink of winning the Premier League title.

David de Gea

Peter Shilton was the last goalkeeper to win the PFA Player of the Year Award in 1978, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News. It is an achievement in itself for De Gea to have even been nominated.

In the early months of the season, the Spanish ‘keeper was vital in keeping Manchester United on course for a return to the Champions League as Louis van Gaal’s philosophy was bedding in.

In the majority of games, including wins over Everton, Southampton and Liverpool, United were indebted to De Gea for securing the three points. It is hard to envisage what more a goalkeeper could do, apart from winning the title, to be named PFA Player of the Year.

Eden Hazard

As the quality of Chelsea’s performances has tailed off in recent weeks, Hazard has remained a constant beacon of class and his goal to see off Manchester United also demonstrated he is the man for the big occasion.

He has been a joy to watch throughout the season and gets the vote from the likes of former United midfielder Paul Scholes, who wrote in The Independent:

Had I still a ballot paper in this particular election, my vote would go to Eden Hazard. I prefer the attacking footballers – you wouldn’t expect me to say otherwise – and Hazard has been the best in that regard. Not streets ahead of the likes of Harry Kane, and nothing like the wow-factor of those two big players at Barcelona and Real Madrid. But Hazard has made the difference in big games, like the one against Manchester United.

Harry Kane

Tottenham’s young striker has been the breakthrough player of the year without question and his rise is even more remarkable given that it wasn’t until November that he started to feature regularly in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting line-up in the Premier League.

He has scored for fun and played with a real sense of enjoyment as well. His double to win the north London derby at White Hart Lane was merely another way to endear himself to the Tottenham faithful. Pochettino is in no doubt about who the Player of the Year is, per Liam Corless of the Daily Mirror:

I think that Hazard is a very good player, he’s fantastic, a great player. But the impact that Harry has had on English football is massive. Maybe the impact is bigger than Hazard and his performances. Everyone knew that Hazard is a brilliant player. But I think not too many people expected that Harry Kane would show the performances that he has this season. This is the difference, I believe.

Alexis Sanchez

The exploits and impact of Sanchez for Arsenal since his move from Barcelona last summer have sometimes been overlooked due to the way Hazard has led Chelsea toward the title in recent weeks. Prior to Sunday’s game between Arsenal and Chelsea, Sanchez had scored more goals than Hazard in the Premier League, per WhoScored.com, after scoring 14 times to the Belgian’s 13.

Both players have made eight assists. The Chile international also scored both goals against Reading to send Arsenal into the FA Cup final and it is perhaps telling that Arsenal lost the derby to Tottenham in February when Sanchez was injured.

Prediction: Eden Hazard

Young Player of the Year:

The claims of Coutinho, De Gea, Hazard and Kane have already been discussed, so here we can focus on the other two nominees for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Thibaut Courtois

It is nearly four years since Courtois signed for Chelsea from Genk, but this is his first season playing in the Premier League. His three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid, though, demonstrated he has the makings to be the best goalkeeper in the world.

He has confidently replaced Petr Cech as Chelsea’s first-choice ‘keeper this season and his rivalry with De Gea is going to be something to watch over the coming years.

Raheem Sterling

The Liverpool attacker has already won one prestigious individual prize this season after being named the European Golden Boy in December, per Chris Waugh of the Mail Online.

He has had to shoulder a fair burden at Anfield this season following the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona and the injury troubles which have afflicted Daniel Sturridge. He still has plenty of scope for development and he is a worthy nominee for the award.

Prediction: Harry Kane

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Liverpool have been given a boost in their reported pursuit of PSV Eindhoven youngster Memphis Depay after the Dutchman denied widely rumoured links with Manchester United on Saturday.

The 21-year-old attacker is expected to leave the Eredivisie in the summer, and many reports have suggested he will link up once more with former Dutch national team manager Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, per the Football Oranje (h/t Daily Star‘s Jonathan Green).

However, Depay denied said links, replying “no” when asked if he had spoken to the Red Devils, per the Mirror‘s Ben Burrows: 

He said: “I know nothing myself so I have nothing to say. Otherwise I wouldn’t say this. Of course I’m looking at beautiful leagues. And then it’s always nice if clubs are interested. But I don’t want to say anything about that. We’ll see how things go.”

This is something of a boost for Liverpool, who are also pursuing Depay and reportedly held “secret talks” with the player on Thursday ahead of a mooted £20 million transfer, per David Maddock in the Mirror.

Dutch football expert Elko Born suggested Depay‘s most recent comments be taken with a pinch of salt, but the Reds certainly seem to be in the running to sign the Dutch international:

Depay‘s compatriot and former Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt has encouraged him to move to Anfield, per the Liverpool Echo‘s James Pearce: 

I look through red glasses because I played six years for Liverpool. Only when Memphis does that will be realise just how big Liverpool are. Of course it would be an advantage at Manchester United because he knows the manager. On the other hand it is important at his age that he plays every week. That’s the only way he can develop.

United’s likely qualification for next season’s Champions League—no longer a realistic possibility for Liverpool after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with West Brom—could tip the scales in their favour in the Depay signing.

However, Kuyt does have a valid point that he will likely get more playing time at Liverpool, and the Reds could certainly do with a player of his quality.

One of Kop boss Brendan Rodgers’ major problems this season has been a lack of goals, with Luis Suarez having departed last summer and Daniel Sturridge having spent much of the season out through injury.

Depay could help redress the balance, having bagged 21 league goals so far this season, per WhoScored.com, and inject some potency back into Liverpool’s attack. 

Lucas Leiva Set to Depart

According to Tuttosport (h/t Jamie Anderson in the Daily Star), Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva could be set to depart Anfield this summer as part of a proposed deal to sign Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic. 

Lucas has featured only sparsely so far this season for the Reds—starting 15 times in the Premier League per WhoScored—and he could be used as a makeweight in a deal for Croatian international Kovacic.

The 20-year-old midfielder signed a new five-year contract at the San Siro in January, and as one of Serie A’s best young talents, he is valued at £23 million, per Anderson.

Liverpool are thus hoping to reduce their cash outlay by including Lucas in the deal, although Kovacic‘s agent Nikky Vuksan has denied any chances of a switch for his charge, via Anderson:

It is not going to happen. Mateo extended his contract with Inter in January. Could it be that clubs are negotiating? No, that is not possible without Mateo and me knowing about it. Also, I have a player at Liverpool, Dejan Lovren so I would know about it. Both the English and Italian media speculate and find new clubs that want Kovacic every week. He’ll stay at Inter.

Liverpool need added strength in midfield with Steven Gerrard set for MLS side LA Galaxy in the summer, but a Kovacic transfer does not look likely.

Furthermore, it would potentially be foolish to offload the 28-year-old Lucas who has been a valuable asset at Anfield since his arrival in 2007. 

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Hernanes served notice of his talent with a beautiful left-footed shot to put Inter Milan 1-0 ahead of Roma on Saturday.

The Brazilian shimmied into space, then whipped a shot from outside the penalty area across the goal and into the corner.

[Vine, h/t @Passione_Inter]

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Liverpool are stepping up efforts to beat Manchester United to PSV Eindhoven‘s wide forward Memphis Depay. The Anfield club has reportedly held talks with the Netherlands’ international.

Mirror writer David Maddock claims Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre led a club delegation that met with Depay and his people. The 21-year-old was also left “hugely impressed not only by Liverpool’s determination in pursuing him for more than a year, but also in the vision they presented.”

Depay had been expected to conduct meetings with more than one suitor, including Liverpool’s bitter foe Manchester United and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain. That’s according to Dutch outlet Eindhoven Dagblad (h/t Sport Witness). But a subsequent report from the same outlet (h/t Sport Witness) indicated it was only Liverpool who spoke with Depay.

These are likely the original sources for Maddock’s report.

Yet while Liverpool may have so far had a clear run at Depay, it seems unlikely to last. United are still keen, according to PSV technical director Marcel Brands, who revealed on Dutch television the Red Devils have made contact regarding Depay, per talkSPORT’s Warren Haughton.

During an interview on The Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, (h/t talkSPORT’s Alex Varney), ex-Netherlands international Ronald de Boer cited the obvious connection United have thanks to the presence of Depay’s former national team boss Louis van Gaal.

De Boer also favourably compared Depay to a free-scoring United great:

He has skill compared to a young Cristiano Ronaldo. He Is very lively, technically unbelievable, very skillful, very fast, he has a great goalscoring record, he can shoot from every distance – he has everything.

For me, he is without doubt one of the best talents we have.

I don’t want to say which club is more suitable for him, but if he goes to United he knows there is a Dutch coach there who knows him from the World Cup. That is an advantage.

Depay has qualities suited to both United and Liverpool. Notably, his pace, clever movement and eye for goal would suit the expansive way Kop boss Brendan Rodgers likes his team to attack.

Depay also adds power to his list of forward attributes. He’s a roving attacker very difficult for defenders to track.

His talents have led to 23 goals for PSV this season, per WhoScored.com. Rodgers knows his team misses that kind of scoring threat.

The Liverpool gaffer has pinpointed a lack of goals as a major problem this season and intends to make recruiting a top-notch forward central to his summer transfer plans, according to the Mirror’s David Maddock.

Depay would be a major boost to the forward line at Anfield. But it’s tough seeing Liverpool beat United to his signature.

The Van Gaal factor will be key, as will the lure of UEFA Champions League football. As things stand, the Red Devils are set to participate in Europe’s premier club competition next season, while Liverpool will miss out.

Rodgers to Swap Lucas for Mateo Kovacic

He may need strikers, but Rodgers is still apparently unable to resist another midfield playmaker. In fact, he’s so keen on Inter Milan‘s Mateo Kovacic, Rodgers intends to offer the Serie A side Lucas Leiva, per Italian outlet TuttoSport (h/t the Daily Star‘s Jamie Anderson).

Liverpool’s squad hardly needs another schemer in the middle. Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic are all playmakers possessing similar qualities.

Even though the Reds don’t need Lucas, or at least need an upgrade on the Brazilian anchorman, dealing him away for Kovacic seems a bit of a luxury move. Anderson also pointed out some more obvious problems with any potential deal.

Most notably, he cites Kovacic only agreeing a new contract back in January. He also quotes the player’s agent, Nikky Vuksan, pouring cold water on any Liverpool interest: “Also, I have a player at Liverpool, Dejan Lovren so I would know about it. Both the English and Italian media speculate and find new clubs that want Kovacic every week. He’ll stay at Inter.”

What is clear about 20-year-old Kovacic is that, along with Depay, he fits the bill as a young talent on the rise. Rodgers remain keen to make youth the foundation of winning teams at Anfield, according to the Liverpool Echo’s James Pearce.

Yet Kovacic’s silky skills aren’t what Liverpool really need in midfield for next season. B/R analyst Sam Tighe feels a midfield who “does the dirty work” would be better to replace outgoing skipper Steven Gerrard. He identified AS Roma’s Radja Nainggolan as the ideal target:

The Reds would certainly benefit from a midfield presence who could shield a suspect defence. Yet Rodgers may determine more goals are his priority, making Depay worth the lion’s share of the club’s summer budget. 

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Cristiano Ronaldo wants to head to Los Angeles once his Real Madrid contract expires in 2018, according to Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated.

Wahl first reported Ronaldo’s alleged interest in a switch to Major League Soccer during March. He has revealed extra information, writing, “Ronaldo has now decided the city where he wants to be: Los Angeles.”

Two teams are likely to be situated in the City of Angels by the time CR7’s Bernabeu contract comes to an end, detailed by Wahl:

It could be the Galaxy or LAFC, and while talks have yet to take place between Ronaldo and any MLS teams, L.A. is Ronaldo’s preferred destination. Meanwhile, I’m told it’s looking more likely every day that LAFC won’t start play until 2018. That means we could see Ronaldo debut for a new team in a new stadium that year.

So-called “franchise players” have become commonplace for the MLS’ biggest teams, and indeed, those just entering the league structure.

New York City FC and Orlando City are currently working through their debut seasons with David Villa and Kaka taking the headlines at the respective clubs. Both players are legends of the European game and have the power to pull in a larger global audience.

Los Angeles Galaxy are used to luring high-profile players from across the globe. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will join the team at the end of the Premier League season, while Galaxy skipper Robbie Keane headed to the club after a distinguished career at sides including Inter Milan, Tottenham, Liverpool and Celtic.

David Beckham, one of football’s most famous names, helped pave the way by joining Galaxy in 2007.

Ronaldo’s potential arrival in the U.S. would likely outrank the rest. He’s won every trophy worth winning in Europe and is rightfully considered one of the sport’s best ever. Representing Manchester United and Real Madrid gains great traction abroad, meaning he could be the perfect face of LAFC, when the franchise finally launches.

He remains one of football’s most marketable stars and, with 39 goals in La Liga this season, is still at the top of his game. Like Thierry Henry, who joined New York Red Bulls when his ageing legs began to show, a move to America could keep the Portuguese player scoring goals for a prolonged period of time.

No club, no matter how big, would turn down the chance to sign Ronaldo. The 30-year-old will likely receive a plethora of offers when he next becomes available, so any suitors will need to work extremely hard to convince him of their project.

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Real Madrid and Juventus joined Bayern Munich and Barcelona in the semi-finals of the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, and the final four will know which opponents they’ll face when the draw is made in Switzerland on Friday.

Not that it matters all that much―all four rank among the most historic clubs in football, and both ties should be must-watch TV. Or, as Bleacher Report UK put it:

Tuesday’s action was filled with goals and excitement, and Wednesday’s was the exact opposite. Javier Hernandez scored the only goal in Real’s 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid, while Juventus played out a goalless draw with AS Monaco, successfully defending their 1-0 win in Turin, Italy.

The full results for every Champions League Quarter-Final:

The draw for the semi-finals will be made in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday. The ceremony will start at 10 a.m. GMT/5 a.m. ET and will also include the draw for the next round of the Europa League.

Fans weren’t expecting many goals from the eighth (!) clash between rivals Real and Atletico, and those fears would prove to be well-founded. Like the first leg, the match at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu was filled with fouls, rash tackles and plenty of emotion, but few chances.

Surprisingly, Hernandez was one of the bright spots for the injury-ravaged Blancos, as the Mexico international worked hard and combined well with his team-mates.

His lack of finishing touch was a source for hilarity on social media, but Chicarito got the last laugh. Bleacher Report UK had no qualms with apologising:

Real’s hunt for a goal was aided by Arda Turan’s dismissal late in the second half. The Turkish midfielder was already on a yellow card when he made―minimal―contact with Sergio Ramos, who proceeded to roll around the pitch until the official brandished the red.

Some fans were outraged by the decision of the official, but as shared by DW – Sports, Turan shouldn’t have given the referee the opportunity to make the decision in the first place:

Real were far from their best, but playing against a hated rival and with several star players (Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale) sitting in the stands due to injury, it’s easy to see why Los Blancos were sucked into another physical clash with the Atleti.

They’ll now have several weeks to get healthy again and should look far better in the semi-finals.

Juventus produced a horrendous display against AS Monaco but took full advantage of the hosts’ lack of a true top striker, holding on to a 0-0 draw to secure progression to the next round. The Bianconeri become the first Italian side to reach the semis since Inter Milan won the tournament in 2010.

Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon can’t believe it took so long for his team to advance to this stage of the tournament once again, as shared by Squawka Football:

The Italian champions faced real pressure midway through the first half and at the start of the second, and Buffon had to bail them out a few times during those spells. But outside of those difficult minutes, they once again showed their defensive class, managing yet another clean sheet.

Giorgio Chiellini provided us with perhaps the top highlight of the match in the very first minute, as he was booked for one of the most blatant handballs you’ll ever see. The memes soon followed:

Of the four semi-finalists, the Bianconeri have the least amount of experience at this stage of the competition, but their defensive solidity and ability on the counter will make life hard on whoever they face.

Midfielder Paul Pogba should also return from injury to strengthen a midfield unit that is bursting with talent, and anyone underestimating Juventus could be in for a rude awakening when the semi-finals kick off in a few weeks.

Follow @ReverschPass

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