Henry: Ronaldo Better Than Messi

There has been an intense rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi - or at least their supporters - of late. The debate raged as to which of them should be given the title of the best player in the world, with Ronaldo claiming the FIFA World Player of the Year award in January for last season's successes, as well as the Ballon d'Or.

What about next time? This term, the Portuguese star has found it hard to repeat such form and many are tipping the Argentina international to dethrone the Manchester United man.

But Thierry Henry, who played for eight years in the Premier League, believes that Ronaldo is the better footballer right now.

"First of all, you have to take into account that Leo [Messi] and Cristiano Ronaldo are different players," he told Record. "For sure they can play on any position from the midfield up, they both have extraordinary technique, but they are different.

"And, if Messi is scoring more goals nowadays, Ronaldo is a player that has scored more and topped the scoring charts last season.

"Then, the greatness of a player is measured by the titles he has helped his team conquer. Therefore, I have to recognise that Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Leo Messi."

Still, Henry praised Messi, whom he considers to be a player who "can make the difference at any moment".

"When Messi is playing well, he can do things that no-one else can.

"I honestly understand why there are those who compare him to Maradona but I repeat: at least right now, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best. In the future... we will see."

Early

Meanwhile, Henry stressed that it is early to judge whether this squad is Barcelona's best ever: "I am not the one to say that. In fact, I believe that, at this moment, no-one can say that.

"You can praise this team how much you want, you can talk about the numbers you want, but the truth is that we have not won anything yet."

The Frenchman also commented on the impact of Pep Guardiola, who was appointed as manager of the club in the summer and has made the club mount serious challenges for La Liga and the Champions League.

"Guardiola came with his ideas and conquered the dressing room. He made us believe that, if we followed him, we would win things. In return, he only asks for us to work."

John Terry: Forget about Mourinho - Chelsea stars want Hiddink

John Terry has thrown his considerable weight behind the permanent appointment of Guus Hiddink.

The Chelsea skipper is adamant that the players are NOT being consulted on who should be their boss.

But with Chelsea taking a 3-1 advantage into their Champions League quarterfinal against Liverpool on Tuesday, he does believe Hiddink's credentials are becoming irresistible.

Terry said: "We'd love Guus Hiddink to stay. He's on at us every day in training, he always wants us to improve and be better. He lets no one get away with anything on the pitch or off the pitch and has done fantastically well.

"We need stability at the club now. The manager's come here and done brilliant, got the lads together and got us playing freely.

"He has a great relationship with the owner, Roman Abramovich, on the field and off it as well." As for talk of an unlikely return for the Special One, now coach at Inter Milan, Terry insisted: "Jose was a great manager and had some great times here. But it's someone else's turn now to kick on.

"Mourinho is a world-class manager, a lot of the players are still in contact with him.

"But you know when you get a good manager come through and you learn a lot from them you want to stay in contact and I'm sure players will be doing that for years on end.

"It's good to have good relationships with good people."

It has been claimed that the Chelsea players have been consulted over the managerial appointment.

But Terry said: "I won't and shouldn't be consulted over the appointment of a manager. Everyone always seems to think myself and Frank Lampard get a say in certain things.

"There are things the players are entitled to have a say on like things that happen around the training ground.

"But for issues like that it's down to the board." The impressive midweek win over Liverpool has given rise to a new sense of Chelsea confidence.

Terry added: "We're doing really well.

"Everyone's speaking about Manchester United and Liverpool at the moment and we would like to keep it like that.

"We're by no means out of the title race and I think they both know that."

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Barcelona Brush Recreativo Aside

Barcelona continue their relentless march towards the Liga title after an easy victory over struggling Recreativo Huelva.

A goal within 42 seconds from Andres Iniesta set the ball rolling for what looked initially like a goal feast, but in the end a relative lack of end product made for a more modest margin of victory.

Indeed, only an own goal was to add to the tally, with Barcelona's Lionel Messi even spurning a penalty opportunity late on.

The game started, though, with that early goal. With the very first attack of the game, Thierry Henry weaved his way down the left before playing the ball across goalmouth, where neither Bojan nor Nef could get to it, allowing Andres Iniesta to fire into an empty net.

Recreativo had a fine chance to equalise soon afterwards as Barber's cross was poorly cleared by Rafael Marquez, giving Nayar a chance to shoot unmarked from close range. However, Victor Valdes' great save kept the score at 1-0.

After that Barcelona were the superior side as they pressed forward, but the likes of Bojan Krkic, despite looking impressive when receiving the ball, were finding cutting-edge hard to come by.

Indeed, when Lamas of Recre threatened with a header that brushed just wide of the post at the other end, it was a reminder that Barcelona needed a second goal to truly kill off the tie.

Thierry Henry and Andres Iniesta in particular were doing their best to make it happen, but a muted evening for Bojan and to a lesser extent Lionel Messi saw this task rendered difficult.

On the half hour mark, though, it should have been 2-0 as Daniel Alves' predatory cross only just missed Eidur Gudjohnsen at the far post.

Corners were a source of disappointment, Barcelona winning several but only one - a Rafael Marquez header that flashed over - seemed set to do any damage.

Two minutes before the break, though, came the best chance for Barcelona since the goal. Henry played it through for Gudjohnsen, whose run was excellent, and amidst the ensuing melee in the box Bojan's shot was cleared off the line amd Messi's was blocked!

Heading into the second period the Blaugrana were still holding the vast bulk of possession, but Recre's five-man midfield was protecting matters well enough.

On the hour mark Xavi and Seydou Keita came on, moments after Victor Valdes had prevented - albeit perhaps with too physical an aspect - a Recre chance, but the second goal was finally to come.

First, though, came one that was ruled out. Iniesta's superb run down the left and cut inside to the box resulted in Theirry Henry easily converting his low cross, but the Frenchman was judged offside.

But Iniesta's work was to reap benefits. Another cross in low from the left saw Nasief Morris slide and attempt to clear the ball, but succeed only in burying it in the back of the net.

The finals tages, though, provided little succour for Barcelona. They seemed likely to get a third as Casado had a penalty given against him for blocking a Dani Alves cross with his arm - a dubious decision - but Lionel Messi rolled the ball low for Asier Riesgo to save.

Then Recre had the ball in the net at the other end, although the two substitutes - Akale and Ersen Martin - correctly had the latter's strike ruled out for offside from the former's cross.

So, 2-0 it ended, and Barcelona did enough to leave the match casualty-free and with another three points en route to the title

Dida's Easter Miracle Sees Milan Past Unlucky Chievo

The Rossoneri had left it late last weekend to see off Lecce, and were hoping for an Easter treat this afternoon against another relegation battler. Carlo Ancelotti's injury list was still long, as Gattuso, Borriello, Nesta, Kaladze, Bonera, Abbiati, Emerson, and Maldini were sidelined. Kaka, Clarence Seedorf and Pato played in behind lone frontman Pippo Inzaghi.Chievo were now looking good to beat the drop after a wonderful run of form that had seen them lose just once in their last 13 games. This included last week's dramatic 3-3 draw at Juventus. The Flying Donkeys were missing the injured Makinwa, Moro, Kerlon, and Frey, as well as Bentivoglio, who was not called-up. Turin hat-trick hero Sergio Pellissier led the attack alongside Erjon Bogdani.\
First Half
There was a minute's silence before kick-off, and all players wore black armbands in memory of the tragic Earthquake victims in Rome.Chievo started brightly, and Pellissier raced past Senderos before firing wide. The same striker tested Dida, while Giampiero Pinzi headed over. Down the other end, Zambrotta forced Stefano Sorrentino into action at his near post.Milan's first real chance arrived on 26 minutes, when Inzaghi made a trademark run to the near post at a corner, but headed wide.Sorrentino had to be alert on Pirlo's 30-yard free kick, and his opposite number Dida also had to be wide awake as Marcolini let fly from distance.Just past the half-hour mark, Pirlo was inches away from giving Milan the lead, as his free kick curled over the wall and missed the post by the smallest of margins.A few minutes later, Chievo went even closer. Andrea Mantovani's left-wing cross was met by the forehead of Pellissier, but his effort thumped off the crossbar. Seconds later Luciano went down under pressure from Dida, but the referee turned away the penalty appeals.Carlo Ancelotti was not happy with what he was seeing, and after a few choice words with the fourth official, he was sent to the stands by the referee.There was more controversy soon after, as Kaka roasted Yepes, and then went down in the area, claiming to have been pushed, but the referee didn't want to know.
SECEOND HALF
Milan started the second half well, and broke the deadlock on 53 minutes. A wonderful team move culminated in Inzaghi nodding Jankulovski's cross back to Seedorf, who lashed a volley past Sorrentino.Chievo tried to hit back, and Pellissier fired over an open goal at the back post, but he was spared the shame by an offside flag.Just past the hour mark, Dida came to Milan's rescue, saving from Colucci following a disastrous mistake by Jankulovski.Chievo had the ball in the back of the net on 65 minutes through Pellissier's deflected free kick, but it was chalked off for offside.The home side were looking dangerous, and Pellissier left Zambrotta for dead, and flashed a fierce shot just over.An equaliser seemed certain, and it would have arrived with 10 minutes to go, were it not for Dida, who performed a seemingly-impossible save with his foot to deny Colucci from six yards. It was a miracle stop from the Brazilian.Milan somehow held on for a barely-deserved win, and they close the gap on second-placed Juventus, who play their game-in-hand tonight against Genoa.TeamsChievo: Sorrentino; Sardo, Morero, Yepes, Mantovani (Esposito 85); Luciano (Colucci 49), Rigoni, Marcolini (Langella 72); Pinzi; Pellissier, BogdaniMilan: Dida; Zambrotta, Senderos, Favalli, Jankulovski; Ambrosini, Pirlo; Seedorf, Kaka (Ronaldinho 75), Pato (Shevchenko 84); Inzaghi (Flamini 59)GoalsSeedorf 53 (M)
There was a minute's silence before kick-off, and all players wore black armbands in memory of the tragic Earthquake victims in Rome.

Chievo started brightly, and Pellissier raced past Senderos before firing wide. The same striker tested Dida, while Giampiero Pinzi headed over. Down the other end, Zambrotta forced Stefano Sorrentino into action at his near post.

Milan's first real chance arrived on 26 minutes, when Inzaghi made a trademark run to the near post at a corner, but headed wide.

Sorrentino had to be alert on Pirlo's 30-yard free kick, and his opposite number Dida also had to be wide awake as Marcolini let fly from distance.

Just past the half-hour mark, Pirlo was inches away from giving Milan the lead, as his free kick curled over the wall and missed the post by the smallest of margins.

A few minutes later, Chievo went even closer. Andrea Mantovani's left-wing cross was met by the forehead of Pellissier, but his effort thumped off the crossbar. Seconds later Luciano went down under pressure from Dida, but the referee turned away the penalty appeals.

Carlo Ancelotti was not happy with what he was seeing, and after a few choice words with the fourth official, he was sent to the stands by the referee.

There was more controversy soon after, as Kaka roasted Yepes, and then went down in the area, claiming to have been pushed, but the referee didn't want to know.

Second Half

Milan started the second half well, and broke the deadlock on 53 minutes. A wonderful team move culminated in Inzaghi nodding Jankulovski's cross back to Seedorf, who lashed a volley past Sorrentino.

Chievo tried to hit back, and Pellissier fired over an open goal at the back post, but he was spared the shame by an offside flag.

Just past the hour mark, Dida came to Milan's rescue, saving from Colucci following a disastrous mistake by Jankulovski.

Chievo had the ball in the back of the net on 65 minutes through Pellissier's deflected free kick, but it was chalked off for offside.

The home side were looking dangerous, and Pellissier left Zambrotta for dead, and flashed a fierce shot just over.

An equaliser seemed certain, and it would have arrived with 10 minutes to go, were it not for Dida, who performed a seemingly-impossible save with his foot to deny Colucci from six yards. It was a miracle stop from the Brazilian.

Milan somehow held on for a barely-deserved win, and they close the gap on second-placed Juventus, who play their game-in-hand tonight against Genoa.

Teams

Chievo: Sorrentino; Sardo, Morero, Yepes, Mantovani (Esposito 85); Luciano (Colucci 49), Rigoni, Marcolini (Langella 72); Pinzi; Pellissier, Bogdani

Milan: Dida; Zambrotta, Senderos, Favalli, Jankulovski; Ambrosini, Pirlo; Seedorf, Kaka (Ronaldinho 75), Pato (Shevchenko 84); Inzaghi (Flamini 59)

Goals

Seedorf 53 (M)

The Italian Milan Clubs Association rewarded Andrea Pirlo with 286 votes, as best player of last season. In its sixth edition, the award was given to the Rossoneri's midfielder after the result of votes made by members of the Association itself.

David Beckham Tops Football Rich-List Of High Earners

Forbes magazine has released its list of the top 20 football earners on the planet for the year 2008.

Predictably, David Beckham leads the pack, while Ronaldo's time at AC Milan sees him join Becks, Ronaldinho and Kaka in the top 20, along with on-loan striker Andriy Shevchenko.

With parent clubs and leagues (as opposed to on-loan clubs) being measured, the most populous league in this top 20 is the English Premier League, with fully nine of the 20 players.

Serie A comes next with five (six if Beckham is included), La Liga of Spain is next with four, and the Brasileiro, Serie A and MLS have one apiece.

As for individual clubs, AC Milan currently have four players on their books - including three of the top four. However, two of these are currently on loan at San Siro.

One of these, Andriy Shevchenko, is owned by Chelsea, along with four more of the top 20. Chief amongst these is Frank Lampard, who is apparently also attempting to make a name for himself in the lucrative American advertising market.

The top England-based player in the rankings is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, while Thierry Henry of Barcelona is an overall third, largely due to a series of high-profile endorsements.

These figures, while open to debate, were gathered by Forbes from numerous sources.

In their words, "We looked through team filings and spoke with talent agencies and soccer experts in the U.S. and Europe. All earnings are for 2008 and are in U.S. dollars. We include soccer salaries and incentives but exclude transfer fees."

The figures, then, are as much a measure of a player's marketability as they are their talent.

Over two thirds - $66 million from $95 million - of David Beckham's income over the past two years has been from endorsements such as Motorola and Adidas.

At the other extreme, Lionel Messi has made just $7 million per year from advertising and product deals.

The full list, according to Forbes, is below. Current clubs are given, which may differ from 2008 teams. In the case of a player being on loan, the side for whom he currently is registered is given first.

Rank
Player
Income
Team
League

1
David Beckham
$46m
AC Milan/LA Galaxy
Serie A/MLS

2
Ronaldinho
$33m
AC Milan
Serie A
3
Thierry Henry
$28m
Barcelona La Liga

4
Kaka
$22m
AC Milan Serie A
5
Cristiano Ronaldo
$21m
Manchester Utd
Premier League

6
Lionel Messi
$18m
Barcelona
La Liga

7
Frank Lampard
$18m
Chelsea
Premier League
8
Wayne Rooney
$18m Manchester Utd
Premier League
9
John Terry
$18m Chelsea
Premier League
10
Steven Gerrard
$18m Liverpool
Premier League
11
Michael Ballack
$15m Chelsea Premier League
12
Ronaldo
$15m Corinthians
Brasileiro

13
Fabio Cannavaro
$15m Real Madrid
La Liga

14
Francesco Totti
$15m Roma
Serie A

15
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
$14m Internazionale
Serie A
16
Andriy Shevchenko
$14m AC Milan/Chelsea Serie A/PL

17
Rio Ferdinand
$14m Manchester Utd
Premier League
18
Didier Drogba
$12m Chelsea Premier League
19
Raul
$12m Real Madrid
La Liga

20
Alessandro Del Piero
$11m Juventus
Serie A

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