Is Ryan Giggs the new Tiger Woods? Love-rat footballer faces exodus of sponsors like shamed golfer

By JAMES TOZER

United in public: Stacey Giggs has so far stayed with the shamed footballer and the couple are currently out of the country as further revelations come to light


Reebok declines to comment if they are standing by him following claims

Rhodri Giggs could demand paternity test over possibility footballer is son's father

Brothers' aunt describes Ryan as: ‘a dirty dog’ with ‘no morals’

Ryan and Stacey cancel plush Spanish hotel break, opting to stay in private villa


Ryan Giggs could become the ‘new Tiger Woods’ as sponsors abandon him over his

alleged philandering, marketing experts believe.

They predicted that the firms which have helped amass a £34million fortune would react unfavourably to the wrecking of his family-man image.

And they warned that, unlike the golfer who still has a long career ahead of him, 37-year-old Giggs is unlikely to have enough time to rebuild his reputation before he ends his playing days.


More to come: Natasha Giggs is understood to have signed a six-figure tabloid deal following the revelation that she had an eight-year affair with Ryan Giggs, the brother of her husband Rhodri, pictured right


Giggs’s biggest deal, which has earned him £20million, is with the sportswear giant Reebok, but it declined to respond yesterday when asked by the Mail whether it would be standing by him.

The Manchester United star’s downfall came after he was revealed to have taken out an injunction forbidding reporting of an alleged relationship with former Big Brother contestant Imogen Thomas.



Big deal: Giggs' sponsorship with sportswear company Reebok has helped to earn him £20m


Then, at the weekend, his brother Rhodri’s wife Natasha revealed that she and Giggs had an eight-year affair.

She is said to have regularly slept with the £80,000-a-week star until April this year, during which time she and Rhodri had a son who will be five this summer.


Struggle: Marketing experts have said that Giggs will find it extremely difficult to recover his image in the time he has left in his playing career


The alleged affair raises the prospect that Rhodri could now demand a paternity test to examine the possibility that his brother is actually the father of the child.

‘He looks just like Rhodri – but then the two brothers also look very similar,’ a friend was quoted as saying.

The boy was born in August 2006, two months before Ryan and Stacey Giggs’s own son was born.

DNA testing experts confirmed that there would be sufficient markers in samples from brothers who were not genetically identical twins to establish paternity.

Rhodri fled abroad yesterday after apparently telling friends that his marriage is over.

Meanwhile, Ryan was due to stay, with wife Stacey, at their favourite hotel in Spain.

But the couple cancelled their room at the plush Marbella Club and are now believed to have switched to a more private villa.

A source at the exclusive resort told The Sun: 'Their booking was suddenly cancelled. It's a shock to hear of the trouble in their marriage.'


Serial adulterer: Tiger Woods lost several sponsorship deals when his affairs came to light


It was reported at the weekend that 28-year-old Natasha decided to speak out from a sense of betrayal after Giggs took out his ill-fated injunction to keep his alleged affair with Miss Thomas secret.

Marketing experts said firms would now be loth to associate themselves with him.

Along with Reebok, Giggs signed deals to publicise the Swiss watch firms Patek
Philippe and Cyma, car manufacturer Citroen and phone company Saudi Telecom.


Fleeing abroad: A tired looking Rhodri was driven from his £170,000 terrace home yesterday by his best friend, the actor Will Mellor


‘A little like Tiger Woods, he had this untouchable air about him, almost Mr Perfect – he was seen as a model professional and a really good guy.

‘Once that image goes, he’s likely to find his whole unique selling point has gone, too.’


Before the storm: Rhodri Giggs and his wife Natasha enjoy a meal on holiday



The Giggs boys: Rhodri, left, with brother Ryan as children. Rhodri is three years younger than his brother


source: dailymail

Awesome Federer ends Djokovic hot streak to set up French Open final against Nadal

By MIKE DICKSON

The true No 1: Roger Federer celebrates beating Novak Djokovic in the French Open semi-finals


Novak Djokovic's brilliant winning streak met a dramatic, murky end when Roger Federer announced he was far from finished.

At 9.37pm and with an overnight suspension due, the Swiss brought Roland Garros to its feet by becoming the first man to beat Djokovic this year as he inflicted on him a 7-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 defeat.

Federer was the last man to overcome the Serb back in November at the O2 Arena, and now he may have put a stop to his ambitions of becoming world No 1.

If Nadal wins Sunday's final he can retain the position threatened by Djokovic's 41 straight victories, a sequence which is one fewer than John McEnroe's run in 1984.



Mutual respect: Federer embraces Djokovic after an enthralling match of the highest quality


What a sight: The Swiss maestro guides another mesmeric backhand down the line


With the start of play ridiculously put back an hour, they looked like gatecrashing women's finals day when Federer, 30 in August, was twice a break down towards the end of the fourth set.

Yet he broke back both times and in the tiebreak, played through badly fading light, pumped down an 18th ace to clinch it 7-5.

Federer has been desperate to show he is not a spent force at a time when he has been shunted out of the top two and the Nadal-Djokovic rivalry is all the rage. It is a powerful motivating force, as his form all fortnight has demonstrated.


When you're hot, you're hot: Djokovic came into the match on the back of a 43-match winning streak


Tough day at the office: Djokovic feels the strain as he loses the first two sets


The confident Djokovic nonetheless forced two set points at 5-4 in the opener before the Swiss went on to edge the tiebreak 7-5.

Then we saw vintage Federer as, roared on by a crowd who have always adored him, he produced superbly fluent groundstrokes to blast through the second set 6-3 before the inevitable Djokovic comeback.

But Federer reached his first Grand Slam final since beating Andy Murray in Melbourne nearly 18 months ago.

A shattered Djokovic immediately pulled out of next week's Aegon Championships at Queen's.


You said it: Federer fans show their support for the 16-time grand slam champion



Celebrity spotting: Actress Salma Hayek was in the stands to watch Federer's brilliant display


FEDERER VS DJOKOVIC - ROLLAND GARROS 2011 | FULL HIGHLIGHTS | OFFICIAL HD



source: dailymail

Li crushes under-par Sharapova in straight sets to reach first French Open final

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER

Pumped up: Na Li saw off Maria Sharapova in straight sets


Li Na reached her second successive grand slam final with a 6-4 7-5 victory over Maria Sharapova at the French Open.

The sixth seed, who lost to Kim Clijsters at the Australian Open, took advantage of Sharapova's serving struggles to add the Russian to an impressive list of scalps in Paris, including Petra Kvitova and title favourite Victoria Azarenka.

Li had won their last two meetings but the most recent of those came on grass at Edgbaston last year and Sharapova certainly went in as the favourite after thrashing Andrea Petkovic in the quarter-finals.

Both players list clay as their least favourite surface, with the Russian once famously describing her movement on the red stuff as like a cow on ice, but she has grown in confidence this week.

She did almost come a cropper in the second round, though, trailing French teenager Caroline Garcia by a set and 4-1 before mounting one of her trademark comebacks.


A stretch too far: Sharapova had been in fine form coming into the semi-final


The swirling wind had affected Sharapova that day and conditions were very similar here, which was certainly a factor in Li winning the opening three games.

The seventh seed pegged her back to 4-3 and then 5-4 but she could not hold onto her serve, throwing in five double-faults in the set and missing a simple forehand on set point.


New ground: Li Na will contest her second Grand Slam final


Sharapova seemed to have turned things around with an early break in the second set but her serving demons were never far away and a seventh double-fault helped Li to level at 4-4.

The Chinese player was now firmly in the ascendancy and, with Sharapova serving to stay in the match for a second time, Li created two set points, taking the first on Sharapova's 10th double.



Poor service: Sharapova struggled with her serve throughout the semi-final clash

source: dailymail

Don't you know who I am? Corrie's Helen Flanagan refused entry into Scott's Swansea match... despite being a WAG

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER


But I'm a WAG! Helen Flanagan argues with Wembley senior safety supervisors to try and be let back into the Swansea football match


Helen Flanagan might be a premiership WAG now, but staff supervisors at Wembley didn’t recognise the Coronation Street star at her boyfriend’s match yesterday.

The 20-year-old actress went to watch Scott Sinclair play for Swansea in yesterday’s play off against Reading, but was refused entry into the stadium.


She's on Corrie! Fans stepped in to tell security who she is


The star, who plays Rosie Webster in Corrie, left the stadium during the match and when she tried to return, security staff didn’t want to let her back in.

Fans stepped up to defend Sinclair’s girlfriend though and after convincing staff she was who she said she was, they eventually escorted her back in.

Luckily she managed to catch the end of the match, during which her boyfriend scored a hat-trick that has sent Swansea into the Premier League.


Thanks guys! Helen finally talked her way into their good books and was let back into the match


The 22-year-old footballer has been dating 20-year-old Flanagan for 18 months.
They met while the striker was on loan to Wigan from Chelsea and was living in Manchester.

But it seems the WAG hasn’t become as well-known yet as fellow footballer’s girlfriends by stadium staff.


Happy couple: Helen Flanagan and Scott Sinclair on a date in Manchester in April this year


Man of the match: Scott Sinclair of Swansea celebrates after scoring



Co-stars: Helen seen out last week in Manchester with her Corrie co-star Brooke Vincent

source: dailymail

Pippa's Paris freebie: VIP treatment at the tennis tournament for Kate's sister

By REBECCA ENGLISH

VIP treatment: Pippa Middleton receives a book from Xavier Peugeot during her freebie trip to watch the tennis in Paris


Sitting centre stage at the French Open on Monday, she appeared to be having a ball. And no wonder.

For Pippa Middleton was enjoying what those in the business like to call a ‘freebie’, courtesy of leading car firm Peugeot, which sponsors the Paris tennis tournament.

Indeed so excited was the company at its coup that news of the younger Middleton sister’s arrival in the Roland Garros VIP enclosure was plastered over the competition’s official programme yesterday with the headline: ‘Pippa à Roland! Sensation!’


Best seats in the house: Pippa could barely hide her delight as she watched the action through her Gucci sunglasses at Roland Garros


Her host Xavier Peugeot, who is the great, great grandson of one of the original founders of the firm, Armand, ensured the moment was captured for posterity.

Mr Peugeot, who is the family firm’s director of marketing and communications, even presented the new Duke of Cambridge’s sister-in-law with a lavishly bound book charting the 200-year history of the brand.

A coquettish Pippa – who normally drives a BMW Z4 – looked delighted to receive it.

The six-day trip saw Kate’s little (and some would say wildly more ambitious) sister arrive on Eurostar in Paris on Thursday for a few days’ sightseeing, with everything done in the best possible taste.

It will, however, raise questions about whether it is wise for her to be seen ‘cashing in’ on her sister’s new found celebrity.


Swanky: Pippa stayed for part of her holiday at a luxury apartment in the super chic - and eye-wateringly expensive - Rue de Varenne


Her seats at the Roland Garros tournament on Monday were some of the best in the house and Pippa, 27, who is herself a formidable player, couldn’t hide her delight as she watched the on-court action through a pair of tinted Gucci sunglasses.

A Peugeot source said: ‘Pippa was invited to Roland Garros by a friend who was a guest in the Peugeot VIP area hosted by Xavier. Once they realised who she was, she was introduced to a number of influential people. As a high profile and distinguished guest Xavier was keen to give her a gift to mark the firm’s bicentenary.’

The tennis tournament’s organisers were clearly also cock-a-hoop at the publicity Pippa’s visit afforded them, with the event’s daily newsletter picturing her on the front.


source: dailymail

Manchester United vs Barcelona : 1-3 Highlights Goal Video Final Champions League 2011

Barcelona King of Europe, Champions League 2011 Winner. Extraordinary, entertaining and well-deserved as the final. The phrase was not excessive taste for you who watched the match Champions League Final 2010-2011. Barcelona again proved himself as the King of Europe after beat Manchester United 3-1.

Pedro Rodriguez goal to the goalkeeper Van Der Sar in the middle of the first round by Wayne Rooney returned seven minutes later, even in reruns of players who give assists, Ryan Giggs looked in an offside position when receiving the ball.

Lionel Messi solidified itself as the top scorer this season's Champions League and to bring Barca back ahead in the second half before finally closed with a beautifully curled shot by David Villa.

He dismissed rumors Blaugarana as dirty tricks and all the conspiracies that buzzed by rivals. Statistics prove that Barca deserved win in this match.

Barca successfully releasing 22 shots, 12 of which led to Van Der Sar's goal. While United's only released four kicks, and goals scored by Rooney was recorded as the only kick that led to the goal.

Manchester United vs Barcelona : 1-3 Highlights Goal Video :

Barca make 5 times the offense in this match, while Rooney cs perform 16 times of violations. Barca get shot 6 times over, in contrast with United that did not get a chance to corner the Barcelona goalkeeper.

Both teams share the same yellow card in this game, 2 cards for each team. There is only one offside at this match and was carried out by Barca player. Tiki-taka also Barca dominated possession with 68% versus 38% control of the ball with United.

And Van Der Sar could be said to be the busiest goalkeeper in the game. The 40-year goalkeeper berjibaku do rescue as many as 9 times, while Valdes recorded not even do the rescue.

Congratulations to Barcelona, the King of Europe!

Coleen Rooney plays supportive wife as husband Wayne scores Man Utd's only goal as they lose to Barca

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Making a day of it: Coleen Rooney and cousin-in-law Claire (far right) look excited in the stands at Wembley Stadium before kick-off


She'd travelled all the way from Liverpool to London to watch Barcelona beat Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final.

But things weren't so bad for Coleen Rooney as she watched her husband Wayne score the only goal at Wembley Stadium last night.

The WAG, 25, left her son Kai in the care of her parents as she turned the football match in a girls' day out with some of her closest friends.


Taking her seat: Coleen scans the field for a glimpse of her husband as the game is about to kick off


Mrs Rooney, her husband's cousin Claire Rooney and their pal Amy Louise Wilkinson travelled on a Virgin First Class train from Liverpool to Euston to the big game.

Clearly in good spirits ahead of the game, the trio quaffed a bottle of Veuce Cliquot champagne.


Check out the view: Wayne's cousin Claire (right) posted a photo on her Twitter of her and Coleen at the match


And the mother-of-one looked very chic for the terraces in her white blazer, black shirt and jeans after changing out of her train outfit in her hotel.

Despite Barcelona winning 3-1, Coleen proved a diplomatic supporter of her husband's team.


Girls day out: Coleen leads her friends Amy Louise Wilkinson (right) and Claire Rooney (left) through Euston station


She Tweeted: 'Oh no!!! Well done Wayne Rooney!! And congrats Barca, you play brilliant!!! Entertaining match and just great to be here and witness!'

Throughout the 90 minutes and during her journey on the train, Coleen frequently updated her Twitter followers with her thoughts.

At the beginning of the match, she Tweeted: 'Yeh it's brill but never thought I get nervous over a game of footie ha.'


Nervous: Mrs Rooney - wheeling her designer Louis Vuitton luggage behind her - admitted she was nervous ahead of the game


But it wasn't all fun and games - she ended up in a Twitter argument after a follower joked 'is Wayne playing tonight?'.

Coleen wrote: 'Take it you haven't paid your tv licence again!!! beenbuyingpies...
'Who ate all the pies?'


They think it's all over... it is now: Wayne Giggs comforts teammate Wayne Rooney after the final whistle

source :dailymail

Barcelona 3 Manchester United 1: Pedro, Lionel Messi and David Villa crown Barca kings of Europe

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER


Joining the greats: Victor Valdes, Xavi and Eric Abidal toast another memorable night for the kings of Europe


For the second time in three years, brilliant Barcelona denied Manchester United Champions League glory with a sensational performance at Wembley.

Although United could take some small consolation from the knowledge they were more effective than that 2009 letdown in Rome and even managed to level Pedro's first-half strike through Wayne Rooney, once again the better team won.

On the ground where the Catalans lifted their first European Cup, Lionel Messi also laid his personal ghost to rest, scoring his first goal for Barcelona on English soil, belting home what proved to be the winner nine minutes into the second half.


The untouchables: Wayne rooney looks stunned as Barca celebrate at the final whistle


David Villa curled home an equally splendid third with just over 20 minutes to go to set the seal on Barcelona's fourth Champions League win and end all arguments about their right to be regarded among the truly great teams that have ever played the game.


Sealing the deal: David Villa curls in Barcelona's third goal


It was a gut-wrenching night for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who started it by making one of those brave decisions for which he is so renowned. Not even finding a place on the bench for his record signing and top scorer, Dimitar Berbatov, was a big call.

United could not have made a better start either. Park Ji-sung set the tone, nipping in to whip the ball away from Dani Alves.


The Little Maestro strikes: Lionel Messi surprises the United rearguard, firing Barca 2-1 ahead


Just as Jack Wilshere advised, the white shirts got right in Barcelona's faces, pressing them, allowing no room for them to settle.

Unlike two years ago, Ferguson's team did not create a clear-cut chance.

However, former Red Devil Gerard Pique was very fortunate to get away with a back pass to Victor Valdes, when his goalkeeper was much closer than he realised.

With Javier Hernandez closing in, Valdes scrambled the ball away.


Mixed emotions: As Messi wheels away, United get that sinking feeling


It was the template United needed to follow. To have done it for the entire 90 minutes would have required additional lung capacity. And once Barcelona got into their stride, they were relentless.

For once Ryan Giggs looked every one of those 37 years as Xavi and Andres Iniesta flashed around him, holes appearing everywhere.

Pedro prodded wide at the near post. Villa hit exactly the same point in the advertising hoarding with a 20-yard effort that had Edwin van der Sar scrambling.



Magic moment: Wayne Rooney linked up with Ryan Giggs to restore parity with this magnificent strike


If there was one consolation, other than Nemanja Vidic's colossal performance at the heart of their defence, it was that United had prevented Messi running at them from deep.

Unfortunately, he soon started doing it, his close control near-perfect, as was a Vidic lunge to stop the world's best player as he was about to break clean through.

It was just a matter of time. Another hole for Xavi to chase into. He looked. He looked again. He rolled the ball to Pedro, who beat Van der Sar with ease.


Falling behind: Edwin van der Sar looks ruefully at his net after Pedro (unsighted) gave the Catalans the advantage


Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola sat back, sensing United would not be able to respond. His opposite number urged more from his team, particularly Antonio Valencia.

The Ecuador wide man was not at his best. However, it was Rooney who needed a performance on the biggest stage, having failed so miserably at the World Cup.

And it was Rooney who delivered at the end of a move which saw the Premier League champions carve Barcelona open with their own game.


Disappointing evening: Javier Hernandez failed to shine in the Wembley spotlight


A quick pass from Fabio to Rooney, to Michael Carrick, to Rooney, to Giggs, to Rooney, into the corner from 15 yards. Simple.

Football is never that. Not at this level, and not when Messi is involved.

You had to feel sorry for United. Barcelona were back into their rhythm almost immediately after the break, the concentration required to always be in the right place at the right time phenomenal.


Mutual respect: Sir Alex Ferguson congratulates his victorious opponents


After more stoic defending, Iniesta rolled a pass to the Argentinian, a worthy heir to Diego Maradona.

Offered a couple of yards to dart into, he did exactly that, then beat Van der Sar with a 20-yard shot that required barely any back lift, the veteran Dutchman unable to get down to it.

Vidic was on hand to hack away when Van der Sar spilled Messi's next effort, although, playing in his fifth final, the former Ajax man redeemed himself when he brilliantly turned away a Xavi shot that would have ripped away any hope.


Pulling the strings: United had no answer to the brilliance of Xavi, pictured setting up Pedro's opener


By introducing Nani for Fabio and pushing Valencia to full-back, the United boss was attempting to push Barcelona towards their own goal.

Before the strategy could be applied, Nani committed suicide by gifting the ball to Messi by the touchline.



Food for thought: Rooney and Ryan Giggs contemplate another defeat at the hands of Barcelona


In attempting to atone for his error, the winger made it worse.

Sergio Busquets quickly laid the ball off to Villa, who took one touch before curling a sublime shot into the top corner.

From that hammer blow, there was no way back.


source: dailymail

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona kisses the trophy

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona kisses the trophy after victory in UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.




Manchester United's Javier Hernandez walks past the trophy as he receives his medal from UEFA President Michel Platini after Barcelona won the Champions League final soccer match at Wembley Stadium, London, Saturday, May 28, 2011.




Barcelona's Spanish goalkeeper Victor Valdes (L) and Barcelona's French defender Eric Abidal (R) celebrate with the trophy at the end of the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London. Barcelona won 3 to 1.




Barcelona's Lionel Messi lifts the trophy after winning the Champions League final soccer match against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium, London, Saturday, May 28, 2011.



LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona waers the trophy on his head after victory in UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.



LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United (C) shows his dejection as they receive their runners up medals during the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.




Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates with the trophy at the end of the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London. Barcelona won 3 to 1



LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Lionel Messi (C,L) and Daniel Alves (C,R) of Barcelona hold the trophy as the team pose for photographs after victory in the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.




Barcelona's Spanish coach Josep Guardiola is put through in the air in celebration at the end of the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London. Barcelona won 3 to 1.



Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates at the end of the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London. Barcelona won 3 to 1.



LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United shows his dejection after the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.



LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Edwin van der Sar of Manchester United shows his dejection after the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England. Edwin van der Sar will retire after tonights game.




Barcelona's Spanish goalkeeper Victor Valdes celebrates at the end of the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London. Barcelona won 3 to 1.



Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, center, reacts as Barcelona players celebrate winning the Champions League final soccer match at Wembley Stadium, London, Saturday, May 28, 2011.



LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Daniel Alves of FC Barcelona (L) battles for the ball with Ryan Giggs of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.



Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, left, reacts as Barcelona's Lionel Messi, facing, and Pedro Rodriguez Ledesma celebrate winning the Champions League final soccer match at Wembley Stadium, London, Saturday, May 28, 2011.



Manchester United's Paul Scholes, left, in a Barcelona shirt and Manchester United's Ryan Giggs react after being defeated in the Champions League final soccer match by Barcelona at Wembley Stadium, London, Saturday, May 28, 2011.



Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (C) runs past Manchester United's Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic (L) during the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London.



Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi gestures during the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London.



Barcelona's French defender Eric Abidal celebrates with the trophy at the end of the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London. Barcelona won 3 to 1.



Manchester United's goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar waves to supporters after their Champions League final soccer match against Barcelona at Wembley Stadium, London, Saturday, May 28, 2011. Barcelona won the match 3-1.



Barcelona's French defender Eric Abidal (r) celebrates with the trophy at the end of the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London. Barcelona won 3 to 1.



LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Manchester United players congratulate Barcelona players on their way to receive their runners up medals during the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.



Barcelona's players celebrate next to Manchester United's English forward Wayne Rooney (foreground) at the end of the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London. Barcelona won 3 to 1.



LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Victor Valdes of FC Barcelona (L) punches the ball clear from Javier Hernandez of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.



LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United (R) shows his dejection as the Barcelona players celebrate victory after the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.



LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: (L-R) Javier Hernandez, Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick of Manchester United show their dejection during the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.



Barcelona's Spanish goalkeeper Victor Valdes (R) and Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta celebrate at the end of the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London. Barcelona won 3 to 1.



Barcelona's players celebrate at the end of the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London. Barcelona won 3 to 1.



LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Barcelona players celebrate after victory in the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.



Barcelona's players celebrate next to Manchester United's English forward Wayne Rooney (L) at the end of the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London. Barcelona won 3 to 1.




LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United (R) and teammate Javier Hernandez show their dejection as they concede a third goal during the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.




Manchester United's Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar fails to save a goal scored by Barcelona's Spanish forward David Villa (not pictured) during the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London.




Barcelona's David Villa, right, celebrates scoring against Manchester United during their Champions League final soccer match at Wembley Stadium, London, Saturday, May 28, 2011.



Manchester United's Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar fails to save a goal scored by Barcelona's Spanish forward David Villa (not pictured) during the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London.



LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Rio Ferdinand (L) of Manchester United argues with Referee Viktor Kassai as he awards Luis Antonio Valencia of Manchester United (C) a yellow card during the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.



Barcelona's Andres Iniesta, right, and Manchester United's Michael Carrick in action during their Champions League final soccer match at Wembley Stadium, London, Saturday, May 28, 2011.



Barcelona's Andres Iniesta, right, and Manchester United's Michael Carrick in action during their Champions League final soccer match at Wembley Stadium, London, Saturday, May 28, 2011.




Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (hidden) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London.



Supporters from Barcelona F.C react after Barcelona scored as they watch on a big screen the Champions League final soccer match between Manchester United and Barcelona F.C taking place at Wembley Stadium, in Barcelona, Saturday, May 28, 2011.



Barcelona's Spanish forward David Villa (L) kicks the ball to score during the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London.



Manchester United's Javier Hernandez, left, in action with Barcelona's goalkeeper Victor Valdes during their Champions League final soccer match at Wembley Stadium, London, Saturday, May 28, 2011.



Barcelona's French defender Eric Abidal (R) vies with Manchester United's Ecuadorian midfielder Antonio Valencia during the UEFA Champions League final football match FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, on May 28, 2011 at Wembley stadium in London.


LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (L) tangles with Luis Antonio Valencia of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.


FC Barcelona 3-1 Manchester United



source: daylife
photo: AP photo, Gettyimages