Football news

Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic told reporters he would have 'to call God' before accepting the millions reportedly offered him by Manchester City.

"I don't read the newspapers," Ibrahimovic told Sky Italia after Inter's 1-0 victory against Sampdoria on Sunday night in which the Sweden striker played no part because of suspension.

"These things do not disturb me. They stimulate me."

When asked if he would follow Kaka's example by rejecting Manchester. City's millions, Ibrahimovic said: "I would have to call God and then we would see. But if it's nothing concrete, you don't have to think about it."

Mikel charged with drink-driving

John Obi Mikel has been charged with suspected drink-driving hours before Chelsea's FA Cup match against Ipswich.

The 21-year-old Nigerian midfielder was stopped by police at 5.30 a.m. on Saturday, after being seen driving his Range Rover "erratically" near his club's ground in London's Fulham Road.

Later the same day, Chelsea beat Ipswich 3-1 in the fourth round but Mikel was not part of the squad.

Mikel is due to appear in court on April 3. He faces a year's driving ban or a jail term if the offence is deemed exceptionally serious.

Adriano handed three-match ban

Inter striker Adriano has been banned for three matches after throwing a punch in Sunday's 1-0 win over Sampdoria, the Italian league said yesterday.

The incident involving Samp's Daniele Gastaldello in the penalty area was missed by the referee but a league statement said the decision had been reached using television evidence.

Adriano scored the winner on the stroke of half-time to re-establish Inter's three-point lead at the top of Serie A despite a nervous display.

Mourinho has also been banned for today's game at Catania after being sent from the dugout just before Adriano's goal for arguing with the officials.

Keane not injured, says Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez offered no specific reason for his decision to omit Robbie Keane from Sunday's FA Cup tie with Everton which ended one-all.

After his subdued display in last week's league derby, Keane was not even among the substitutes on Sunday, with teenager David Ngog getting into the squad ahead of the Irish striker.

"Robbie Keane was not selected, we have a very good squad. He was not injured," Benitez said.

"He is working hard and that is the most important thing for me. I have not seen him but it is normal for every player to want to be in the squad.

"They want to be in the 11 starters so I expect him not to be happy."

Panucci asks to quit Roma

Italy defender Christian Panucci has asked to leave Roma after refusing to go on the bench for Sunday's 3-0 win at Napoli.

"I want to leave without any controversy," the 35-year-old told reporters.

"I have understood that there is no longer confidence in me. I don't want to think about retirement. Staying in Italy or going abroad is the same for me, up to now I have heard from no one."

Torino are ready to make an approach for Panucci, according to their new director of sport Rino Foschi.

"Who would not like a player like Panucci?" said Foschi. "He is a player of great quality and of great worth."

Redknapp signs Cudicini, Chimbonda

Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini joined Tottenham Hotspur's relegation fight yesterday, leaving Chelsea on a free transfer after 10 years at Stamford Bridge.

The 35-year-old, once voted the best goalkeeper in England but second choice to Petr Cech for the last five years, could make his debut for Tottenham today at home to Stoke City.

Earlier, France defender Pascal Chimbonda has returned to Tottenham, six months after leaving the club to join Sunderland.

"I'm delighted to have him," Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said. "He can cover right across the back line."

N'Zogbia fancies Villa move

Newcastle United winger Charles N'Zogbia would prefer to join Aston Villa ahead of Arsenal amid reports that the two clubs are looking to sign him.

"I'm still in stand-by waiting for the club to make a decision," the 22-year-old was quoted as saying.

"We did everything to put the clubs that are interested in contact with Newcastle. But it seems that something is frozen on Newcastle's part.

"Arsenal and Aston Villa are top teams in the English league, so I'd be happy to join them. But I have a little preference for Aston Villa.

"They have been improving as a team in the last few years, which proves that they can do well."