Sports

Van Persie believes manager David Moyes must be given time to sort out the club's problems after a difficult start to the season.

Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't hide how much it meant to him, finally being voted the world's best soccer player again.

Angerer, the current European player of the year, defeated United States forward Abby Wambach, last year's winner, and five-time champion Marta of Brazil.

Arsenal survived a late scare to regain top spot in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory at Aston Villa on Monday.

Nasri will be out for eight weeks with a left knee injury, robbing the team of one of their most consistent performers for a crucial period of the season.

"This is no longer an issue, neither for us nor for football," the Ballon d'Or favourite from Portugal said ahead of Monday's award ceremony.

Conte termed his side's achievement extraordinary after they beat Cagliari 4-1 in a Serie A match to set a new club winning streak record of 11 matches.

Giroud has not played for title chasing Arsenal since scoring in their 1-0 win at Newcastle United on December 29.

Rayo Vallecano won 1-0 at Getafe's foggy Alfonso Perez Coliseum on Sunday to end a five-game streak without a win in the Spanish league.

Relegation-threatened Bologna held Lazio to a goalless draw in Serie A on Saturday in Davide Ballardini's first match in charge of the home side.

Everton have signed Ireland winger Aiden McGeady from Spartak Moscow on a 4½-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba and John Obi Mikel are in the running for the African player of the year award.

The United manager, under pressure after losing his third consecutive game in all competitions, pointed finger at referee Marriner after losing to Sunderland in League Cup.

Pele says Messi is the player that most reminds him of himself among football's current generation.

The 27-year-old Italian was charged by the Football Association for his angry reaction to Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin being shown a yellow card for a late tackle on Newcastle defender Massadio Haidara on Dec. 14.

Real Madrid are not planning to add to their squad or sell any players in the January transfer window, coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Thursday.