Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea believes his move from Atletico Madrid to Premier League giants Manchester United has helped him evolve into both a better man and a better player.

Spain midfielder Xavi is in a race against time to be fit for the upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Finland and France, as he attempts to recover from a thigh injury, the Spanish federation announced on Tuesday.

Outgoing English Premier League chairman Dave Richards believes his organisation will have to drop its resistance to the idea of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar being played in the European winter.

England manager Roy Hodgson described Michael Owen's goalscoring record for his country as "magnificent" after the striker announced Tuesday his intention to retire at the end of the season.

France striker Karim Benzema on Tuesday pondered his recent barren run in front of goal for France as Les Bleus prepare to face Georgia and Spain in crucial World Cup qualifiers.

Spanish central defender Sergio Ramos was a proud man on Tuesday as he prepared to win his 100th cap for his country in Friday's World Cup qualifier against Finland.

Frank Lampard believes that Rio Ferdinand has not yet played his last game for England, despite the defender having withdrawn from the national squad this week.

Former England striker Michael Owen announced on Tuesday that he will bring down the curtain on his professional career at the end of the current season.

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has been ruled out of England's World Cup qualifier in San Marino on Friday due to injury.

Russia's forthcoming World Cup qualifier with Northern Ireland in Belfast will probably be their toughest test, according to national squad manager Fabio Capello.

Rolf Soerensen, one of Denmark's most successful professional cyclists, admitted Monday to using blood-boosting EPO and cortisone in the 1990s, ending more than a year of denials.

Injuries and a lack of playing time have sidelined key United States players, but coach Jurgen Klinsmann said Monday he is confident a less experienced squad can advance to the 2014 World Cup.

France coach Didier Deschamps on Monday admitted that he could be persuaded to rest players for Friday's World Cup qualifier against Georgia with the following game against Spain in mind.

The 2022 World Cup host Qatar will provide technical and professional assistance to Pakistan to help develop football in the country, an official said Monday.

Ross McCormack, James Forrest and Danny Fox have all withdrawn from Scotland's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Serbia, the Scottish Football Association announced on Monday.

Newcastle right-back Mathieu Debuchy will miss France's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Spain on March 22 and 26 with a left thigh injury, the French Football Federation said Monday, with Rod Fanni deputising.

Croatian officials on Monday pledged to tackle hooliganism with UEFA's help following a recent strong warning of the European football's ruling body over the issue.

Newcastle fullback Mathieu Debuchy will miss France's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Spain on March 22 and 26 with a left thigh injury, the French Football Federation said Monday, with Rod Fanni deputising.

Rio-based Flamengo said Monday they have appointed former Brazil international Jorginho to replace Dorival Junior after the latter refused to accept a pay cut.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has pulled out of the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Montenegro, national team coach Roy Hodgson announced on Monday.