Chelsea skipper John Terry has denied claims made in former team-mate Claude Makelele's autobiography that he had a role in Jose Mourinho's September 2007 dismissal.
Terry's lawyers released a statement which read: "It has been claimed that John was in some way involved with the removal of Jose Mourinho as manager. This is categorically untrue and there is no foundation in this allegation."
Makelele has alleged in a new autobiography that Mourinho, whom the Frenchman deemed "untouchable," and Terry clashed over the latter's fitness and that Terry then asked for a transfer.
According to Makelele, the club hierarchy would not countenance Terry leaving with the result that Mourinho had to go instead.
Figo to hang up boots today
Inter midfielder Luis Figo will bring his brilliant career to a close in the Serie A champions' season-ending home game against Atalanta today.
"May 31, 2009 will be my last Sunday as a footballer," he said.
The 36-year-old has won four league titles since joining Inter from Real Madrid in 2005, although he has not been a regular starter in the last two seasons.
There had been reports that Figo might accept one last lucrative deal to play in the Far East but he has instead opted to wind things up this weekend at the San Siro.
"It pleases me that my last Sunday as a footballer will be a day of festival for the fourth consecutive Serie A title for me and for all of us at Inter," he said.
Defoe found guilty of speeding
England striker Jermain Defoe was found guilty of two speeding offences. The Tottenham striker, 26, was also convicted of failing to declare who was driving his Land Rover at the time of the offences.
Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard that the star was caught breaking a 50 miles (80 km) per hour speed limit on the M11 at Chigwell, Essex, in April and June last year.
Deputy District Judge Mark Jabbitt, who adjourned sentencing until next month, described Defoe's defence of the case as a "technical assault" on rules used to enforce speeding regulations.
Santos say Robinho unsatisfied at City
Robinho is unsatisfied at Manchester City and wants to return to Santos where he began his career, the president of the Brazilian club said.
Marcelo Teixeira said he spoke to Robinho for an hour, during which the player asked about the possibility of returning to Pele's former club.
"He expressed an interest in this respect, because of his dissatisfaction at the English club," Teixeira told reporters.
"But, financially, it's very difficult to compete with the European clubs."
Robinho joined Manchester City last September from Real Madrid.
He produced some magical moments and scored 14 goals but also had a number of lacklustre performances, especially away.
Genoa confirm Crespo signing
Genoa have completed the signing of Inter forward Hernan Crespo, the club's president Enrico Preziosi said.
Preziosi met with the 33-year-old Argentine's agent Fernando Hidalgo in the afternoon and afterwards proclaimed Crespo as a Genoa player.
"It's an important signing, we're very happy. Crespo is a great player, a serious lad who we've been following for a long time," said Preziosi.
Hidalgo said his client had also had an offer from Fiorentina but they only wanted to give him a one-year deal.
"We have agreed on a two-year contract and that's an important demonstration of confidence in Hernan," he said.
Barca warn over Iniesta fitness
Midfielder Andres Iniesta has suffered a recurrence of a thigh muscle injury and could be in doubt for Spain in the Confederations Cup, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said.
"All those Barcelona players that have to go to the Confederations Cup will go, but be careful with Iniesta," Guardiola told a news conference.
"In the Champions League final he had a relapse on his injury and it's in a very complicated place. If it's not treated properly it could be difficult for him, for Barcelona and for Spain."
Vicente del Bosque is due to name his squad tomorrow for next month's Confederations Cup in South Africa.
Viduka turns down Aussie offer
Former Australia captain Mark Viduka has turned down the chance to join the Socceroos in their remaining three World Cup qualifiers.
Australia coach Pim Verbeek told Viduka he could join the squad if he was willing to make a full commitment to the side. But the striker, out of contract after Newcastle United were relegated from the Premier League last week, told Verbeek he had decided to skip the qualifiers while he contemplated his future.
"He told me that after a difficult season he needed a break from football to consider his future plans," Verbeek said.
"Mark is currently out of contract and, while he is deciding what to do next, it would be difficult for him to fully concentrate on these important matches for Australia."