Mexicos Olympic team is not coming together as El Tri might have hoped.
Along with Javier Hernandez being denied a chance to compete this summer by Manchester United, star striker Carlos Vela has turned down a call-up to the Olympic team, leaving El Tri shorthanded on star power that was expected to make the team a serious contender during the Olympic tournament.
Vela, 22, is age-eligible and would not have required Mexico to use an overage spot on him, but with the Olympics meaning that there would be little to no time between club seasons and this summer being a crucial one in his club career, Vela has opted to put international soccer on the back burner for the time being.
On loan to Real Socieded from Arsenal, Vela had his best season as a professional, scoring 12 goals. Vela, who has been gone on loan from Arsenal repeatedly, has had his most success Spain, where he has also played for Salamanca and Osasuna. He played on loan for West Brom last season.
Here are a few more stories to keep your Friday rolling:
GATTUSO, INZAGHI CONTINUE MILAN EXODUS
The changing of the guard at AC Milan continues.
After Alessandro Nesta announced his departure from the storied Italian club upon seasons end on Thursday, veterans Gennaro Gattuso and Filippo Inzaghidid the same on Friday.
Gattuso, 34, has been with Milan since 1999. The38-year-old Inzaghi, who wrote a letter to the club and its fans on AC Milans website, has been with the Rossoneri since 2001, scoring 125 goals in that time. Neither player is expected to retire, and Gattuso is reportedly holding a press conference on Saturday to discuss his future plans.
Both players were on Italys 2006 World Cup championship squad, and are out of contract at the end of the season.
SOUNDERS SCOTT SUSPENDED
The MLS Disciplinary Committee has claimed another victim, as Seattle Sounders defender Zach Scott has been suspended a game and fined an undisclosed amount for his tackle on FC Dallas Fabian Castillo Wednesday night. Scott received a yellow card during the game for his scissor challenge from behind, but he will be forced to miss Seattles match against Real Salt Lake Saturday night.
Here is video of Scotts tackle:
http://p.mlssoccer.com/SAu5a/video/978399/league_2012-05-11-113839.640hq.mp4
PARDEW, KOMPANY WIN HONORS
Newcastles Alan Pardew and Manchester Citys Vincent Kompany have been named Premier League Manager and Player of the Year, respectively.
Pardew has guided Newcastle to the brink of an improbable berth in the UEFA Champions League, while Kompany anchored Manchester Citys defense all season and is a big reason why the club is on the verge of its first English title since 1968.
What do you think of Velas decision? How do you see this affecting Mexicos chances at winning a medal this summer? How do you think all of the veteran departures will change Milan? Want to see any the Milan veterans in MLS?Think Scott deserved his suspension? Who would be your choice for Premier League Manager and Player of the Year?
Share your thoughts below.
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