Hamilton ignores Maldonado issue

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Lewis Hamilton has dismissed his latest unsavoury accident with Pastor Maldonado as "a blip in what can be a great year".

For the third time in the past 13 months, Hamilton and Maldonado were involved in an incident, with the McLaren star shunted into a wall by the Venezuelan in his Williams on the penultimate lap of Sunday's European Grand Prix in Valencia.
Hamilton had been attempting to hold on to third place at the time, but on badly-worn rear tyres found himself a sitting duck.
It could be argued Hamilton should not have tried so desperately to have fended off Maldonado, and instead banked the 12 points for fourth place which he almost certainly would have earned.
Hamilton admitted at the time such an act is not in his nature, but it proved costly as he now trails Ferrari's Fernando Alonso by 23 points in the drivers' standings.
As far as the 27-year-old is concerned, what transpired has now been forgotten as he looks ahead to his home race next weekend, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
"I'm not going to reflect on it, I'm just going to move forward," said Hamilton.
"It's in the past, it doesn't really matter now. Sometimes you have to accept when things don't go your way in racing.
"Obviously it was frustrating to lose out so close to the finish. It wasn't good.
"I definitely didn't get out of the car smiling, but these things happen, this is what motor racing is about, it's what competition is about. You go through these kinds of experiences
"As far as I'm concerned I'm still in the battle for the title, and there's still a long, long way to go.
"I've been massively consistent all the way up to this point, and in terms of my preparation and my approach I will continue to do the same.
"It's not as if I drove into the wall on my own. I didn't make a mistake on my own.
"So I will just continue to do what I'm doing, try and stay out of trouble more.
"It doesn't really alter the way I go racing because I race to win, and that's what I'll be doing, especially at my home grand prix.
"And we can still compete for the championship. I feel what happened is just a blip in what can be a great year."
The crash with Maldonado overshadowed yet another pitstop error this season from McLaren as a new front-jack system proved faulty when Hamilton took on fresh tyres at the safety car period.
It cost him an additional 10 seconds in time, as well as position on track at that stage, and but for that he would undoubtedly have avoided his penultimate-lap exit.
Asked whether the ongoing pitlane problems were a concern, he said: "They're always a concern because it's been a problem every race so far.
"But after each race you put it behind you, you go to the next race with the mindset that there's not going to be any problems.
"Last weekend our first pitstop was the fastest of all time (2.3secs), so I'm told.
"If we can try and maintain that, or even if we just slow up a little but we're still quicker than other people and we have consistency, then we're in good shape."
With the McLaren seemingly well suited to the high-speed nature of Silverstone, there is belief within the team Hamilton and team-mate Jenson Button can thrill a sell-out crowd.
With Hamilton determined to triumph again after doing so in 2008, he said: "To me, winning at Silverstone is right up there with winning at Monaco.
"Standing on the top step of the podium in 2008 was among the sweetest moments of my career.
"We're going to give it everything we've got to put on a great show.
"This is an incredible summer of sport for Britain and I want to play my small part in bringing some joy to the fans.
"I will be doing everything possible to get a win for my country on home soil."

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Federer pulls off great escape at SW19

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Roger Federer avoided following Rafael Nadal out of Wimbledon by coming from two sets down to beat Julien Benneteau.

Second seed Nadal's exit to unheralded Czech Lukas Rosol last night was one of the greatest grand slam shocks in recent memory.
Although a loss for Federer against the French 29th seed would not have been as great a surprise, it would still been a remarkable upset.
Six-time champion Federer last failed to reach the fourth round of a grand slam in 2004.
There was trouble against Benneteau when he fell two sets behind, spurning three set points in the process, but he found his rhythm and eventually dragged himself back from the brink.
He was helped by Benneteau visibly wilting as the match went on. A one-time quarter-finalist at Roland Garros, he rather rolled over in the third set and, despite taking the fourth to a tie-break, meekly conceded the fifth as well, with  Federer winning 4-6 6-7 (7/3) 6-2 7-6 (8/6) 6-1.
"It was a tough match, it was brutal and I had a bit of luck on my side," Federer said.
"I knew it would be a difficult match and he played amazing.
"When I was down, I tried to stay calm. People can freak out, people are worried for you, you don't have many lives left. You try to take it point by point."
It had looked as though five sets would not be needed when Benneteau pulled ahead, taking the opener when he broke in the ninth - Federer netting a backhand.
The Swiss responded by taking his opponent's serve at the start of the second but uncharacteristically failed to cement the break, losing his own serve in the very next game.
Displaying a brilliant range of winners on both sides, Benneteau was creating the better chances and he had break opportunities in both the seventh and ninth games, Federer getting himself out of trouble with his serve.
The Frenchman was the next to rely on his serve to swerve danger, seeing off three set points in the 12th game and, no doubt buoyed by his escape, rushed to a tie-break win, never looking back after Federer's long forehand offered up a mini break on the first point.

Out of keeping with the match at that point, the third set was a brisk affair, Federer breaking twice early on to take it, but the fourth returned to form, with both men holding through to a tie-break.
Benneteau did have to save three break points in the fifth game but was untroubled apart from that and, at 30-15 on Federer's serve in 12th, had half an opening. Victory, in theory, was two points away.
He could not seize the chance however, and after saving one set point in the breaker he netted on the next and the match was levelled.
That was the green light Federer needed to reach the finish line first, breaking to love in the fourth game of the decider with a forehand around the net and again in the next Benneteau service game to see it out.

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Balotelli double ends Germany dream

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A first-half double from Mario Balotelli sealed Italy's 2-1 win semifinal over Germany sealed a spot in the Euro 2012 final against Spain for the Azzurri.

Yap: Myopic German machine falls apart
Schmeichel: Pirlo display a piece of art
Low deflated but optimistic of future
Balotelli scored to make mum proud
Prandelli wanted more goals
The Manchester City man rose to power home Antonio Cassano's 20th-minute cross to put the underdogs in front.
Then he smashed an unstoppable shot past Manuel Neuer to double Italy's lead and take him joint-top of the Golden Boot standings.
Mesut Ozil's last-minute penalty was not enough to prevent Germany's suffering their first defeat in a competitive game since their World Cup semi-final loss to Spain two years ago.
Indeed, it was their third semi-final loss in their past four tournaments, one of which, in the 2006 World Cup, came against tonight's opponents, who have still never lost to Germany in a competitive game, and now face Spain in Kiev on Sunday.
Germany had started the match as favourites, mainly thanks to their world record run of 15 successive victories.
Having seen how hard England had found it to subdue Andrea Pirlo, it was anticipated they would deal with him much better.
Instead, it was worse.
Sitting deep on the halfway line, Germany allowed Pirlo the time to pick out returning full-back Giorgio Chiellini with a brilliant pass to the touchline.
From there, it went downhill rapidly for Joachim Low's side.
Chiellini nudged the ball onto Cassano, who swivelled past Mats Hummels with the minimum of fuss.
Balotelli immediately got himself some space behind Holger Badstuber and when the cross came, he rose to power the ball home from six yards.
If that was efficient in its execution, Balotelli's second was brutal.
Advancing from deep inside his own half, Riccardo Montolivo could scarcely believe the room he was given.
Twice he looked up to see if anything was on.
On the second occasion he spotted Balotelli making his run, exploiting Philipp Lahm's failure to maintain the offside line.
It took Balotelli a bit of time to get himself into a shooting position.

However, as the ball sat up nicely, he smashed it past Manuel Neuer.
The Germany keeper had set himself to make a save. In the end, there was nothing he could do but stick out a limp hand and fall to the ground, powerless to do anything to prevent his goal being breached a second time.
Balotelli was booked for removing his shirt as he attempted to celebrate with a moody pose.
He could not keep it up though and broke into a broad smile as he was engulfed by ecstatic team-mates.
It was a performance that put English efforts - and Ireland's for that matter - into some kind of perspective.
Germany though were a shadow of their normal selves.
Twice in the opening stages Gianluigi Buffon had fumbled close to his own line but they could not take advantage.
Sami Khedira did launch a volley towards goal in between Balotelli's brace, but on that occasion Buffon was able to make the save.
Low took decisive action at the interval, introducing Miroslav Klose and Marco Reus for Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski, whose fitful contribution cannot have impressed watching Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
The change brought some much-needed life into German ranks.
However, their efforts at hauling themselves back into the contest were repeatedly thwarted.
Lahm failed to hit the target after running onto Toni Kroos' return pass before Buffon pushed Reus' free-kick against his own bar and away to safety.
A disappointing Ozil surged to the by-line but, with hardly any room, Khedira needed to react far quicker than he did to the near-post cut-back.
Balotelli's exit with cramp meant he was denied the opportunity to become the first player to score a semi-final hat-trick since Gerd Muller did it in 1976.
His replacement, Antonio Di Natale, should have wrapped up victory when he found himself in acres of space inside the box, but dragged his effort wide of the far post, much to Balotelli's frustration.
Federico Balzaretti's handball in the final minute did provide a few nerves for Italy as Ozil fired home from the spot.
But Prandelli's men were able to reach the final whistle and celebrate their triumph.

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Nadal laments defeat to "inspired" foe

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Rafael Nadal called for a sense of perspective but his conqueror Lukas Rosol hailed a "miracle" after one of the most startling Wimbledon upsets.

Two-time champion and second seed Nadal had been expected to easily deal with the world number 100 from the Czech Republic, but instead found himself knocked out in round two under the Centre Court roof.
He was beaten in five sets by the man from Brno, never managing to show the form that has earned him 11 grand slam titles and over £32 million in prize money - £31.5 million more than Rosol has pocketed over his career.
To add to the gaping chasm between the two, Nadal had reached eight of the last nine grand slam finals and Rosol has now reached the third round of a slam for just the second time in his largely nomadic career.
"It is a miracle for me - I never expected this," Rosol said.
Nadal was phlegmatic afterwards, despite slumping to his worst grand slam return since a second-round Wimbledon defeat to Gilles Muller seven years ago.
"I am very disappointed, sure. It's painful because it's always tough to lose," he said.
"But you play against an inspired opponent and you are out. That's all. It is not a tragedy, only a tennis match. At the end, that's life. There is much more important things. Sure, I wanted to win, but I lost. That's it."
A clearly frustrated Nadal, a winner at Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010, had looked ill at ease all match.
He complained to the umpire about Rosol's movement when preparing to receive serve, claiming it was "not fair", while he was also animated when the players were asked to leave the court to allow the roof to be closed at the end of the fourth set.

The Majorcan was unwilling to offer excuses in the aftermath, though, only adding that he was unhappy with the amount of time - nearly 45 minutes - that it took to close the roof.
He said: "I was surprised. My feeling is that it is a completely new stadium with a new roof. The normal thing is to cover the roof in five or 10 minutes. That was my thought.
"It's too simple to say he was too good. In the fifth set he played more than unbelievable, but the bad thing of this is anything that I will say now will sound against me. Now is not the right moment to say what happened out there because it's going to sound like an excuse.
"I never want to put an excuse out after a match like today. But the umpire said a few things that weren't right."
Nadal also gave a nod towards needing rest, with Wimbledon coming after a gruelling clay-court season that saw him win a record seventh French Open title just 18 days ago.
He carefully ruled Rosol out of challenging for the title, though, asking: "How old is he? Twenty-six. He didn't in the past."
Rosol's reward is a third-round meeting with Philipp Kohlschreiber.
The Czech is a relative unknown on the professional circuit and this is the first year he has qualified for the men's draw at Wimbledon.
It did not show as he displayed nerves of steel to plant a string of winners beyond Nadal, before he crowned the win with a near-perfect service game that included three aces.
"In the fifth set I didn't feel anything," he said.
"I was just so concentrated on myself. I still cannot find the words. This is like a dream for me.
"Everyone can beat everyone. We are all human, but this is the highest win of my career."

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Portugal pay the penalty as Spain win

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Cesc Fabregas converted the decisive spot-kick as Spain reached the final of Euro 2012 after a penalty shoot-out victory over Portugal in Donetsk.

The game had finished goalless after normal time and extra-time.
Fabregas fired his shot in off the post to send Spain through 4-2 in the shoot-out after Bruno Alves had hit the bar for Portugal.
Earlier, Cristiano Ronaldo had missed a good chance to put Portugal through in the last minute of normal time while Portugal keeper Rui Patricio made superb saves to deny Jesus Navas and Andres Iniesta in extra-time.
The Spaniards had started better, and ought to have gone ahead from their first chance in the ninth minute when Manuel Negredo pulled the ball back for Alvaro Arbeloa to fire over the bar from the edge of the box.
Andres Iniesta blazed over from long range a minute later, but Portugal threatened in the 13th minute through Ronaldo, who beat Gerard Pique down the left before crossing towards Nani, with Iker Casillas jumping to make a crucial interception.
Paulo Bento's men had clearly wrested the upper hand, suffocating the Spanish midfield and worrying their opponents through the persistent threat of Ronaldo and Nani up front.
But Spain still almost contrived the grab the lead against the run of play in the 29th minute, when Xavi's clever ball found Iniesta on the edge of the box, who rolled the ball onto his right foot before floating a shot inches over Rui Patricio's goal.
Within two minutes, Portugal had responded with an even better chance, Joao Moutinho's persistence paying off on the edge of the box as he set free Ronaldo to drill a low shot just wide of Casillas left hand post.
Portugal's control continued into the second half, with Nani almost picking out the head of Hugo Almeida from a dangerous right wing cross, and it proved enough for Vicente Del Bosque, who replaced Negredo with Fabregas up front.
Almeida wasted a good chance in the 58th minute when he fired ambitiously over the Spanish bar instead of picking out Ronaldo or Nani, who were unmarked to his left and right respectively.
Belatedly, Spain started to show signs of stirring, Xabi drilling a shot straight at Patricio from long range, but despite beginning to edge possession, chances continued to be few and far between.
Ronaldo, still terrorising the Spanish defenders at every opportunity, fired a free-kick just over from 30 yards, but a game that had started brightly drifted into a dull spell in which neither side could serve up much of a threat.
Then came a glorious chance for Ronaldo in the last minute of normal time, when a Portuguese counter-attack saw Raul Meireles feed the Real Madrid man who fired over the bar from the left side of the box.
The introduction of Pedro lent some urgency to the Spanish attack in extra-time, and his run set up a chance for Iniesta in the seventh minute of the extra half hour, but his low shot was blocked in the box.
The Portuguese were plainly tiring, and Spain had an even better chance in the 104th minute, when Jordi Alba's cross found Iniesta in front of goal but Patricio managed to flap his shot wide from six yards.
Sergio Ramos slammed a long-range free-kick just over the bar before the end of the first period of extra-time, and Ramos was soon in critical action at the other end when cutting out a Fabio Coentrao ball meant for Ronaldo.
Substitute Jesus Navas was next to get the chance to break the deadlock in the 22nd minute of extra-time, picking up a ball from Arbeloa in the box and hitting a shot which Patricio did well to save down low.
As Spain kept pressing, Pedro briefly burst clear before being caught by Fabio Coentrao, but by then there was a certain inevitability about a match that promised much but offered little heading to penalties.
Alonso had the first spot-kick saved by Patricio but Casillas evened things up by saving the first Portuguese penalty from Moutinho.
Iniesta, Pepe, Pique, Nani and Sergio Ramos all put away their penalties before Alves - who had inadvertently stepped up for the previous penalty which was eventually converted by Nani - hit the bar, leaving Fabregas to put Spain through.

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Federer puts on a show in Fognini win

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Roger Federer put on a show fit for royalty as he raced into the third round of Wimbledon with an utterly dominant victory over Italy's Fabio Fognini.

The pair bowed to Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in the Royal Box as they arrived on court, but from there Federer hogged the limelight in a 6-1 6-3 6-2 victory.
Fognini, a flamboyant and flashy Italian, reached the third round here in 2010 but has no real pedigree on grass and he quickly looked out of his depth.
Federer looked supremely confident, striking the ball extremely well off both forehand and backhand wings, and he has lost only nine games in two matches.
His statistics for the third seed were very impressive, with 35 winners and only eight unforced errors, while he hit 13 aces and lost just four points on his first serve.
Federer felt he did not give Fognini many opportunities, saying: "Obviously on grass courts, it's hard to get into the match when you're down.
"I was serving well. You're not going to get many chances throughout a set maybe against me when I'm serving well like that and able to vary with my serve.
"He was down in the score quickly. After that things get a bit complicated. I didn't think it was that easy a match maybe. I really tried to focus hard and made sure I played a clean match, which I was able to do again today [Wednesday]."
Federer, who is again looking to equal Pete Sampras' tally of seven Wimbledon titles, next faces either America's Michael Russell or French 29th seed Julien Benneteau.
The 30-year-old, meanwhile, revealed he deliberately tries not to take too much time between points because he believes it is better for the fans.

Federer's rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have been singled out for criticism in some quarters because of their slow play.
"I think it's nice to speed it up a bit and not go to the end of the 20 or 25 seconds that we are allowed to use," said Federer.
"And also the same between first and second serves, going to towels, picking up balls, all these things, it's a bit of a waste sometimes I find. I try to speed up as much as I can without losing focus."

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Chhan: Arsenal Gunning For Change

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Change is a word Arsenal finally seem to be embracing - and this could mean good things for the coming season.

By Marcus Chhan
The arrival of Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud at Arsenal brings up many interesting points to consider for Gunners' fans next season.
First, a bit about the France international who turns 26 this September. Giroud scored 21 league goals for Montpellier last season to lead them to the Ligue 1 title - his tally included two hat-tricks and was matched only by Paris Saint-Germain's Nene.
Giroud is a ‘fox-in-the-box' type striker which, depending on how long you have been supporting Arsenal, is cause for dread or optimism. The last time Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger signed a player described by the media in such a way was in 2001 when he shelled out £8million for Francis Jeffers who eventually left the club three years later having scored a measly four goals. But rest assured Gunners fans, Giroud is much more of a finished article than Jeffers was when he signed for the club.
The only issue we need to think about right now is where Giroud is going to fit into Wenger's team given the arrival of Lukas Podolski, and assuming for the sake of argument that Robin van Persie stays.
Changing the formula
Arsenal play mainly in a 4-3-3 formation with Van Persie as the key striker flanked by two pacey wingers. But now that he has splashed the cash to bring in Podolski and Giroud -both are international calibre forwards - does this signal an end or at least a modification to Wenger's existing system?
One option Wenger has is to revert back to 4-4-2 which has served him well in the past. Arsenal were ‘immortal' in 2003/04 when Wenger deployed a 4-4-2 system which saw Dennis Bergkamp play just behind Thierry Henry, with Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg attacking from the flanks while the solid Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva anchored the midfield.
Could an Arsenal system today with Van Persie tucked in behind Giroud and flanked by Theo Walcott and Podolski (who can play wide) with Alex Song and Jack Wilshere in central midfield work?
I am not so sure it could or even if Wenger would try it.
Modern football tactics - most notably at the bigger clubs - seem to have moved on from 4-4-2, and even Manchester United who favoured it heavily in the past use it less and less these days.
The problem with 4-4-2 is - and England found this out against Italy at Euro 2012 - it can give your opponents the opportunity to outnumber you in the middle of the pitch, especially if they play primarily through the middle.
Therefore, Wenger may opt for a more fluid 4-5-1 approach. Wenger has adopted this system in games last season but never with two strikers in the line-up - Van Persie was usually left to create and finish off chances on his own.
It's important not to get too hung up on the classification of the system (4-3-3 vs 4-5-1), the key is that Arsenal will be playing with two strikers.
To begin with, Wenger could favour a starting XI which has Van Persie as the main striker supported by Podolski while Giroud will likely begin life as a Gunner from the bench.
This isn't such an inconceivable idea because while Giroud is currently part of Laurent Blanc's France squad, his record at international level pales in comparison to Podolski and as a result the German will probably need less time to adjust to the Barclays Premier League.
Also, Podolski is unlikely to be too happy with a permanent place on the flank - even though he is comfortable playing out wide - which would have to do should Arsenal opt to play Van Persie and Giroud together.
Additionally, Arsenal severely lacked striking options from the bench last season so having a proven goal-scorer as an option would be a definite improvement for them.
The other option with the 4-5-1 is that Wenger could play Van Persie behind Giroud, but this does not seem likely for two reasons (1) Podolski's unhappiness at being primarily converted to a winger and (2) Van Persie's success playing as the main striker last season.
The repercussion of the 4-5-1 theory would almost certainly mean the end of Nicklas Bendtner's time at Arsenal - given that he once proclaimed himself to be "one of the best strikers in the world" he is unlikely to accept falling further down the pecking order at the Emirates for the coming campaign.
This would leave Morocco international Marouane Chamakh as the main emergency back-up striker although his future is far from clear. Chamakh joined Arsenal in the summer of 2010 but has struggled badly despite a productive start to life in England. The striker insists he remains happy at Arsenal even though he is no longer in Wenger's first team plans.
Another potential effect on the team this model could have has to do with Theo Walcott's happiness at the club. Walcott has often spoken of his desire to play as a forward rather than the flying winger mould Wenger has cast him in.
The arrivals of Podolski and Giroud will obviously greatly hinder his chances of ever developing into this type of player at Arsenal - and perhaps indirectly reveals Wenger's lack of belief in Walcott fulfilling this role.
However, with the 4-5-1 system, Wenger should make Walcott his starter on the right wing next season joining Song and Jack Wilshere in central midfield. Assuming Walcott is first choice on the right wing, this would leave Gervinho and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain to fight it out for the remaining spot on the left.
Both players are unlikely to be regular starters in this left winger position - Gervinho is inconsistent while Wenger continues to treat AOC, who is still only 18-years-old, with caution - so you may see the pair rotate and share more games between them next season.
It would be great to see ‘The Ox' get more game time. He can play on the left because he is so good at cutting in off the line which suits Arsenal's style just fine when they have an attack-minded left-back in Kieran Gibbs available to provide the width.
Aaron Ramsey and Andrei Arshavin do not get too much of a mention here because they're likely to play bit-part roles, if that, for Arsenal in the new campaign.
Change is good
Arsenal have gone without a trophy for seven years now, so it's good to see the wheels of change starting to turn at the club before the new season starts.
New players are coming in which as discussed here could possibly lead to tweaks to the playing system. But change has also come at the back end. Former player Steve Bould has been promoted to assistant manager, replacing the long serving Pat Rice.
Rice had a 44 year association with the Gunners dating back to his playing days in the 60s and 70s so you can only have admiration for him. It's not a slight on his abilities to say though that the time was probably right for him to leave his post as assistant manager.
The role of being No.2 calls for someone to be able to work closely with the manager, but it also requires that the individual be able to bounce ideas and create principles for the club to move forward on. With Wenger and Rice having spent so much time together, it is possible the ideas may have become a little stale.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has had seven different assistants in his time at the club and they have managed to sustain success in the Premier League better than anyone else.
Wenger is sure to have a plan as well. He wouldn't have sanctioned the purchases of Podolski and Giroud otherwise. Whether it involves sticking with the 4-3-3 system or modifying it to a 4-5-1 remains to be seen.
A lot will depend on his captain Van Persie's willingness to stay, although even if does leave, Wenger is likely to have a contingency plan already in place for this.
Would the signings of Podolski and Giroud be good enough to fill the gap left by a Van Persie departure?
Food for thought.
Olivier Giroud - A French Fox in the Box?
• Born in Chambery, he made a discreet start to his career in Ligue 2 with Grenoble Foot 38 and was subsequently despatched on loan to third-tier FC Istres, where he scored 14 goals in 33 league games.
• Left Grenoble in 2008 for Tours FC, also a Ligue 2 club, where he struck nine goals in his debut season before becoming the club's top scorer in 2009/10 with 21 in 38 games.
• Recruited by Montpellier in summer 2010, he scored the winning goal on his debut, a UEFA Europa League qualifier away to Hungarian club Gyori ETO FC.
• Made his Ligue 1 bow on 8 August 2010 in a 1-0 win against FC Girondins de Bordeaux and scored his first goal three weeks later at Valenciennes FC; he would end the campaign as the club's top scorer, with 12 goals.
• Propelled Montpellier to the Ligue 1 crown in 2011/12 with a joint league best 21 goals, a total which included two hat-tricks and was matched by Nene of title rivals Paris Saint-Germain FC.
• Opened the scoring against Germany on his first start for France, a 2-1 friendly victory in Bremen on 29 February 2012.
UEFA.com.

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Giroud: I have the "weapons" needed

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New Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is convinced the Gunners can win something next season - and maintains he has the "weapons" to help deliver a long-overdue trophy.

The Barclays Premier League club confirmed on Tuesday that Giroud, part of France's Euro 2012 squad which was knocked out by Spain in the quarter-finals, had penned a "long-term contract" after joining for an undisclosed fee from Montpellier, which is believed to be £13 million.
The 25-year-old netted 21 goals in 36 league appearances as Montpellier claimed their first Ligue 1 title last season, and will now aim to make an impact as the Gunners look to deliver a first trophy since 2005 and progress again in Europe.
"There is a good spirit here, and that is another reason why I chose this club," said Giroud, whose deal with Arsenal will officially commence on July 1.
"I am confident in the potential of the group and I am convinced that in the future, hopefully next season, we can win something.
"It is difficult in England because there are so many big teams, but that is what gives it its charm, what makes it beautiful.
"It is the hardest league and it won't be easy to impose myself, but I am confident."
Giroud added in an interview with Arsenal Player: "I have the weapons to do well here.
"I will need some time to adapt of course, but I am not worried about that. I think I will adapt well.
"I am a player who likes to play, who likes to participate in the game. That is why I think the way Arsenal play will suit me.
"I like scoring goals and Arsenal create a lot of chances, so if I do well, then we will do well.
"Of course, there are big strikers here, it is a big club and there will be a lot of competition for places, but it is up to me to win my place."
Giroud jetted into London earlier this week and the finer details of his transfer, which Arsenal maintain is "now just the subject of formal processes", were completed on Monday night after the player agreed personal terms and underwent a medical.
There were plenty of other options for the France international, but Giroud revealed it was the chance to work with Arsene Wenger which played a big part in his decision to opt for Emirates Stadium.
"The manager has always been about developing and I hope he can continue to do that with me too," said Giroud, who spent the early part of his career in the lower French domestic leagues, which included a spell in the same Tours side as current Gunners centre-half Laurent Koscielny.
"I am happy with my choice, and I think that he brings a lot to the French players that are in the team."
Giroud continued: "I can see what happened to me until now and I hope to continue to progress and show that I can impose myself at the top level.
"It has been great, right now I want to live it to the full, and I will savour this chance."
Wenger feels Giroud will bring another "dimension" to his squad, which has already been bolstered by the arrival of Germany forward Lukas Podolski.
"Olivier has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air, with a great work ethic," Wenger said.
"We are excited about Olivier joining us and he will add an additional dimension to our attacking options next season.
"He has proved that he is capable of performing at the top level with club and country, and we saw what a big influence he was in Montpellier's championship-winning side last season."
Arsenal may have moved to bring in fresh faces, but there is still work to be done to convince captain Robin van Persie to extend his contract past the end of next season - with champions Manchester City said to be ready to put down a £20 million offer for the Holland striker, who is now away on holiday following a disappointing Euro 2012.
The Gunners are also likely to now move to offload some of their fringe players, especially in attack, where Morocco international Marouane Chamakh, Mexico forward Carlos Vela and Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner - who spent last season on loan at Sunderland and is now attracting "global interest", according to his representative - all appear surplus to requirements.

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Federer begins Wimbledon in style

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Roger Federer began his latest quest to match Pete Sampras' record of seven Wimbledon titles with the easiest of victories.

He barged past Spain's Albert Ramos to reach the second round with a 6-1 6-1 6-1 success and said the match had gone "perfectly".
The draw looks to have been kind to Federer this year, although he refuses to admit as much, and the once-dominant figure in the men's game was clearly satisfied to make an impressive start.
Federer breezed through each set and from beginning to end the contest lasted just one hour and 19 minutes.
It was hardly a surprise that Ramos struggled to compete.
The world number 43 and clay-court specialist's only previous match on grass came in the first round of Wimbledon qualifying two years ago when he lost to Britain's Josh Goodall in straight sets.
"I thought I played a great match," Federer said.
"Maybe Albert Ramos is not the most experienced grass-court player out there, that's for sure, but I was able to take advantage of it and I played a very clean match from start to finish.
"It's always nice to save energy, if you want to look further into the draw.
"It gives you good confidence as well, being able to close out matches easy.

"I fought hard to get as many breaks as I could and try to focus on my own service game and things worked out perfectly today [Monday]."
"It was a good match for me. I felt very good out there," said the 30-year-old, who experimented with a tactic of serving and volleying more than usual.
"I was able to do that a bit more than I thought I could."
Six-time champion Federer's only slip in the first set came on his own serve which he dropped in the fifth game, but otherwise it was a stroll for the third seed.
Federer last won the Wimbledon title in 2009, the year Rafael Nadal was absent through injury, and the latest of his 16 grand slams came at the Australian Open in 2010. Nadal and Novak Djokovic have split the nine majors played since then between them.
It was clear from the early stages there was no hope for Ramos, who could not match Federer in any department and certainly lacked the variation in the 30-year-old Swiss' game.
The second and third sets raced by, Federer exerting total control.
Ramos claimed his standard single game per set. In the third set it came after he had fallen 5-0 behind.
But Federer finished with a love game and an ace down the centre on match point was apt, Ramos having been unable to get anywhere close to his opponent.

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Montpellier: Giroud heading to Arsenal

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Montpellier president Louis Nicollin claims Arsenal have completed the signing of France forward Olivier Giroud.

Giroud, part of Laurent Blanc's Euro 2012 squad which was knocked out by Spain in the quarter-finals on Saturday, is thought to command a transfer fee in the region of £13million.
The 25-year-old scored 25 goals for his club last season to help Montpellier win the Ligue 1 title, igniting the interest of several top clubs.
Last week, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger revealed a deal was "90%" complete as he looked to add the promising Frenchman to his squad, which has already been bolstered by the arrival of Germany marksman Lukas Podolski.
Speaking to French newspaper Midi Libre, Montpellier president Nicollin confirmed the transfer had now been completed after Arsenal met the player's release clause.
Nicollin said: "I wish him well."
Arsenal have not yet made any official comment, but journalists understand an announcement by the Barclays Premier League club is imminent.
Once the transfer for Giroud is formally complete, Arsenal could then look to offload some of their fringe players, including Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner and Morocco international Marouane Chamakh as well as Mexico forward Carlos Vela and Brazilian midfielder Denilson.
However, Nicollin maintained a move to take Chamakh in the opposite direction back to France was not part of the Giroud deal.
Wenger, who is at the European Championship working as a media pundit, is convinced Giroud can be a big hit at Arsenal.
"I think he has exceptional potential and will integrate very well in our collective and our way of playing," he said last week.
"He is a real team player and knows how to combine with other players and I'm sure he will do well with us."
Bendtner, meanwhile, spent last season on loan at Sunderland.
The 24-year-old played for Denmark at Euro 2012, scoring twice in the 3-2 defeat by Portugal.
The player's agent maintains there is "global" interest in his client.
Speaking to Denmark newspaper bold.dk, Bendtner's representative Jesper Lynghus said: "The interest is overwhelming, just as it should be after the way Nicklas performed at Euro 2012.
"We are getting closer day by day.
"We are not commenting on individual deals at the moment, but it is fair to say the interest in Nicklas is global."
Fulham, meanwhile, are reported to be ready to step up their interest in a £5million move for Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey following the departure of their captain Danny Murphy to Blackburn.

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Rooney laments 'horrible' Euro exit

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Wayne Rooney admitted "it was a horrible way to go out" after England suffered yet more penalty heartache in Kiev.

For the sixth time, England bowed out on penalties, losing 4-2 to Italy after their Euro 2012 quarter-final had finished goalless.
This time, they even managed to get their noses in front before Ashley Young and Ashley Cole failed with successive kicks to leave Alessandro Diamanti to belt home the winner.
"It was a horrible way to go out," said Rooney.
"We are all gutted.
"It was a tough game and we all worked hard, so to lose on penalties is a horrible feeling for everyone."
But he added: "We can hold our heads up high. There are a lot of young players in the squad and that will help them in next tournament."
Although manager Roy Hodgson was understandably disappointed at his team's plight, he could have few complaints.
Other than one Glen Johnson effort in the opening stages, England created barely a chance of note.
In contrast, Italy peppered the England goal at regular intervals and, in Andrea Pirlo, had the game's outstanding player.
"It's a sad moment," said Hodgson.
"It is always difficult after a defeat, but the support we received today [Sunday] was really quite incredible, from the first minute to the 120th.
"The mood back at home and the feeling we have being supported back here has made the defeat even harder.
"We so much wanted to stay on and give the fans a reward for the support they've given us.
"I couldn't ask any more than the players gave tonight. They gave their all.
"We have to accept we weren't quite good enough to win it over the 120 minutes and, in the shootout, we went down the same road we've been so many times before."
England were like walking wounded at the end, with Scott Parker's Achilles problem forcing him off during extra-time and Steven Gerrard battling to overcome cramp from before the end of the 90 minutes.

"We tried our best," said Hodgson.
"We worked as hard as we could and survived the cramps and the physical problems that one or two players suffered.
"We weren't playing for penalties but our defending was very resolute and we did very well, especially during the strong spell of pressure in the second half, to hold out and give ourselves a chance.
"Unfortunately it was a chance we couldn't take."
And so Hodgson was left to lament a lack of the composure from the spot so obviously shown by Pirlo, who chipped his effort in the calmest manner possible.
"It has become an obsession for us in English football," he said.
"They'd all done extremely well in practice.
"But you can't reproduce the tension, the occasion, the nervousness.
"This sort of cool, calculated way that Pirlo had to have the confidence to chip the goalkeeper - you either have that as a player or you don't, and no amount of coaching or training will help produce that."
Winger Theo Walcott could only express his sorrow after seeing his team-mates finish the evening in such sad circumstances.
"It's a very cruel way to go out in any competition but someone was going to go out and luck did not go our way," he said.
"The two Ashleys are strong enough lads to come back from this and the lads will be with them.
"They are two of the most experienced players in that dressing room and they will bounce back from this even better players.
"I do not worry about that at all.
"We have got to look forward to the future. It is going to be bright, I am sure of that.
"The World Cup qualifiers are going to be tough. We have to learn some lessons from tonight as that is important for the young players - me being one of them."
Pirlo could not disguise his happiness, though, as he looked ahead to Thursday's semi-final with Germany in Warsaw.
"I'm very happy to get the man-of-the-match award, but the most important thing is the side have gone through to the semi-finals," he said.
"We deserved to do so.
"Now we have a semi against Germany to come, and we're all hopeful of getting through right to the end of the tournament."

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Djokovic ready for Wimbledon defence

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Novak Djokovic will begin the defence of his Wimbledon title without any lingering disappointment at failing to win a fourth consecutive grand slam at the French Open.

The world number one had beaten Rafael Nadal in the finals of Wimbledon, the US Open and the Australian Open but the Spaniard stopped the rot at Roland Garros to win a record seventh French Open title.
Not since Rod Laver in 1969 has a man held all four titles at the same time, with Roger Federer, Nadal and now Djokovic all missing the chance in recent years.
The Serb said: "It's behind me now. Yes, I was so close, and there was a slight disappointment after the match because I was aware of the chance that I had at Roland Garros.
"But the day after I felt good about my tournament, about my achievement in Paris. It was the first time I had been in the finals of Roland Garros.
"That's a step further from all these years that I've been playing in Paris. That's something that made me satisfied. I'm still only 25, so I believe that I have a lot more years and a lot more chances to win Roland Garros."
Djokovic had a dream weekend in London last July, securing the world number one ranking and his first Wimbledon title, which he celebrated by eating a bit of Centre Court grass.
"It gives me a lot of confidence, that's for sure," he said.
"I'm playing with more self-belief on this surface, which is the rarest surface we have now in sport. I realised my dreams last year. I played a perfect tournament."
The top seed, who will open proceedings on Centre Court against Spanish veteran Juan Carlos Ferrero, has not played a warm-up event on grass, instead choosing to play only an exhibition.
The option of extending the gap between the French Open and Wimbledon from two weeks to three is being considered, and Djokovic would be an enthusiastic supporter.
He said: "There have been talks. The bottom line is that we are all trying to work for the good of the sport. The players, the officials, tournaments, everybody who is involved in tennis, we all love this sport and all try to make it better for everybody.

"We've had this schedule forever, I think. My personal opinion is that it is too short. We need an extra week, because it would give especially the top players a little bit more time to get used to the surface."
Nadal would also approve of extending the grass-court season, saying: "I always say it is great to play more and more on clay and grass because those surfaces are historic in the world of tennis."
The rivalry between Nadal and Djokovic is now the most compelling in tennis, usurping the Nadal-Federer duopoly that dominated the sport for so long.
The Spaniard feels privileged to have been a part of both, and believes his tennis has kept improving because of the intense competition.
Nadal said: "All the classic matches are because you played a lot of matches in very important circumstances between each other.
"That happens a lot of times with Roger, a lot of grand slam finals, a lot of Masters 1000s, competing for very important tournaments in our careers.
"But with Novak we start to have all of this, too. It's great. I feel very lucky to be part of these two rivalries. I think it is something that brings special motivation to the game, to keep improving my tennis.
"Because if you are not able to improve your level of tennis, you are dead in this very competitive world of tennis. That's what I've tried all my life."
Joining Djokovic in first round action is Federer, who takes on Spain's Albert Ramos on Court One, while sixth seed and former finalist Tomas Berdych faces unpredictable Latvian Ernests Gulbis on Centre.
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on David Nalbandian after his disqualification in the Queen's final when he meets eighth seed Janko Tipsarevic first up on Court One.

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Spain go through with easy France win

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Xabi Alonso celebrated his 100th international cap with both goals as Spain saw off France 2-0 to set up an Iberian derby against Portugal in the semi-finals of Euro 2012.

Alonso's rare headed goal put Spain in control after 19 minutes and the former Liverpool midfielder wrapped up the victory with a last-minute penalty.
France were distinctly off colour all night and barely tested Spain, who will put their European crown on the line against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in Donetsk on Wednesday night.
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque reverted to his strikerless starting formation, replacing Fernando Torres with Cesc Fabregas in his only change from the win against Croatia.
France made four changes and started with two right-backs in Anthony Reveillere and Mathieu Debuchy, although neither could prevent Jordi Alba supplying Alonso with a telling cross.
Spain set out their stall early, with Xavi and Andres Iniesta combining magnificently in midfield and they almost succeeded in picking out Fabregas.
France were struggling to keep possession, which is not a problem Spain's midfield artists suffer from too often and certainly not on Saturday night.
The French formation was affording Alvaro Arbeloa and David Silva plenty of space in which to attack down the Spanish right - but the opening after 19 minutes came down their left flank.
Iniesta burst forward and while left-back Alba got the better of Debuchy, Alonso had escaped the attentions of Florent Malouda wide on the right.
When Debuchy stood up his cross at the far post, Alonso came racing in unmarked to beat Hugo Lloris with a downward header directed back across goal.
Silva twisted his way into the box, ran at Manchester City team-mate Gael Clichy and almost picked out Fabregas when he cut the ball back.
France had barely tested the Spanish defence and Karim Benzema wasted a 25-yard free-kick by lofting it so high over the bar that Yohan Cabaye took over for the next one.
The Newcastle midfielder did much better, forcing Iker Casillas into a smart one-handed save just under his crossbar.
Casillas caused just a brief moment of panic in the Spanish defence when he dropped the subsequent corner but the Real Madrid goalkeeper recovered quickly.
Meanwhile, Spain continued trying to pick Les Bleus apart and Laurent Koscielny had to be alert to intercept Fabregas' delightful lofted pass towards Iniesta.
France inexplicably left Gerard Pique unmarked in their own box from a corner and were fortunate the Barcelona defender missed the target with his header.
There was greater energy and urgency about France after the interval, with Benzema almost finding Debuchy in the Spanish box.
Debuchy was then picked out by Ribery but planted his firm header over the bar and Benzema then ran at the Spanish defence before unleashing a shot even worse than his earlier free-kick.
Clichy and Ribery combined neatly down the French left but the ball would not come down for Malouda and Pique cleared Spain's lines.
Spain broke with Xavi trying to release Fabregas but Lloris read the pass well and raced out to the edge of his box to smother the danger in a well-timed challenge.
While France sent on Samir Nasri and Jeremy Menez, Spain introduced Pedro and Torres, who would have combined to double the lead after another beautifully-crafted attack had Koscielny not been on hand with another timely interception.
France were finding some joy down the left flank and Ribery worked his way to the byline before driving a low cross towards Menez, which Casillas just about dealt with.
But a Spanish victory never seemed in doubt from the moment Alonso opened the scoring and it was confirmed in the last minute.
Pedro's quick feet got him into the box, he went down under pressure from Anthony Reveillere and Alonso despatched the spot-kick.

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Ferguson: Kagawa suited to United

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Shinji Kagawa is ideally suited to life at Old Trafford.

Kagawa completed his move from German double winners Borussia Dortmund on Friday after passing a medical.
The Japan midfielder has signed a four-year contract and is expected to accompany United on their pre-season tour of South Africa and China after it was confirmed he would not be selected for Olympic duty.
And, after missing out on Lille's Eden Hazard, the United boss is delighted to have got his man.
"Shinji is an exciting young midfielder with great skill, vision and a good eye for goal," said Ferguson.
"I am delighted he has chosen to come to United.
"I believe he will make an impact upon the team very quickly as he is suited to United's style of play.
"We are all looking forward to working with him."
Kagawa is United's second capture of the summer, following the arrival of England Under-19 international Nick Powell from Crewe.
Ferguson has been under pressure to strengthen his midfield for two years now, with many fans believing it lacks quality compared to a number of United's rivals.
Paul Scholes did abandon his retirement in the middle of last season and, together with Ryan Giggs, has signed on for a further year with the Red Devils.
However, with question marks over the fitness of Anderson and Darren Fletcher, who is still to attempt a comeback after it was revealed he was suffering a bowel complaint, Ferguson had to make a move.
Reports that Luka Modric will demand a summer move away from Tottenham are bound to be of interest to Ferguson, although he would face stiff competition from Real Madrid for the Croatia star.
Kagawa does bring some impressive statistics to United, though, as he looks to help the Red Devils reclaim the Premier League title.
He helped Dortmund land successive German titles and scored 17 times in addition to claiming 13 assists as they also went on to complete the double last term.
For that reason alone, he should also avoid claims of being little more than a signing to sell shirts, a label that was attached to Park Ji-sung for so long.
"This is a challenge I am really looking forward to," said Kagawa.
"The Premier League is the best league in the world and Manchester United is such a massive club.
"This is a really exciting time for me. I can't wait to meet the team and start playing."

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Parker: England have Chelsea spirit

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England's players are increasingly confident they can 'do a Chelsea' at the European Championship, according to Scott Parker.

Comparisons were drawn between Roy Hodgson's men and the Champions League winners even before they set out for Poland and Ukraine, with both having been written off after being forced to parachute in new managers.
But the fairytale turnaround masterminded by Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo is seemingly being mirrored by Hodgson at Euro 2012 after England defied the odds to top their group and set up Sunday's quarter-final against Italy.
Tottenham midfielder Parker said: "I think we have a real togetherness and commitment in the squad and, ultimately, that can get you a long way.
"We've seen that last season with Chelsea and other teams.
"Fundamentally, they are the main key ingredients of why we can go and progress further.
"It's going to be a very tough game against an Italian side that are very well prepared and organised, with individual qualities.
"If we carry on doing what we are doing, we can maybe upset them."
Di Matteo made an art form out of causing upsets in one of the most astonishing European Cup triumphs ever.
That was largely down to the incredible team spirit he fostered, something which had been lost under sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas.
England's players have been queueing up to hail the togetherness Hodgson had engendered in their camp, with Parker admitting the more relaxed approach had been well received.
As when Chelsea staged their remarkable fightback to beat Napoli in the Champions League last 16, England could hold their heads up high if reaching the knockout stage proved the limit at Euro 2012.
But, like the Blues, they are not going to be satisfied with simply saving face in Poland and Ukraine.
"We want to go further than the quarter-finals," Parker said.
"We have the belief in the squad to go and get a victory at the weekend and progress.
"We'd be really disappointed if we went out of the competition on Sunday."
That disappointment arguably would have been less had England finished runners-up in Group D and drawn Spain.
"I don't think I am being disrespectful by saying we'd rather play Italy than Spain," Parker said.
"Spain are the reigning world champions and European champions."
Sunday's game in Kiev could see Parker come up against Mario Balotelli for the first time since the Manchester City striker was banned for stamping on his head during a Barclays Premier League game in January.
"Whether Balotelli meant to do what he did or not, I don't know," Parker said.
"He got punished for it and obviously has served his punishment.
"I am not holding any grudges."
Parker is well aware of Balotelli's firebrand reputation but refused to be drawn on whether the Italian was in danger of wasting his talent.
But the Spurs star was under no illusions what effect that talent could have when channelled in the right direction.
"Of course, he's a threat," Parker said. "We have all seen his quality.
"I can only really comment on his footballing ability. He is one of many in their team that we will have to take a tough line on."
Penalties have been a huge talking point in the build-up to England's first knockout game but Parker's name may not be the first on the list to take them.
"I have not taken many penalties in my career - I think I have only taken one," he said.
"I did score, yeah. I think it was in the cup for Charlton.
"It's not something I am familiar with.
"At the same time, with the preparation and planning that goes into it before the weekend, I'm sure if needs be, I'll step up."
England were expected to practise penalties during today's training session, which saw all 23 players take part.
That included Ashley Young, who suffered a knock to the shin in Tuesday's Group D win over Ukraine, and Jermain Defoe, who is back with the squad after flying home to attend his father's funeral.
It was impossible to glean England's likely starting line-up from a practice exercise between those wearing bibs and those not during the open part of the session, with players who started against Ukraine scattered among the two teams.

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Miami Heat sew up NBA title

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LeBron James led the way with a triple-double as the Miami Heat completed a 4-1 series win over the Oklahoma City Thunder to secure the NBA title.

The forward racked up 26 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds as he collected the first title of his illustrious career.
The Heat won 121-106 on the night to wrap up the best-of-seven series with two games to spare.
Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and Mike Miller also scored 20 points or more, with Miller hitting seven of eight three-point attempts on his way to a 23-point tally.
Kevin Durant led the beaten Thunder with 32 points, James Harden and Russell Westbrook adding 19 apiece, but the home side were always in control in Florida.
They led 31-26 after the first quarter and pulled out to 59-49 by half-time.
They were more dominant still after half-time, a 16-0 run in the third quarter taking them 25 points ahead at 88-63. It was 95-71 by the end of the quarter and the fourth was almost a lap of honour for Miami, with James leading the celebrations on the sidelines as the Heat second string played out the closing seconds.
James was a unanimous choice as series MVP, completing a journey of redemption after he was widely criticised following the Heat's loss to the Dallas Mavericks last year.
"It means everything," he told ESPN.
"This is a dream come true for me, I've been through a lot the last two years but this is definitely the way that it pays off.
"Losing in the finals last year put me back in place. It humbled me a lot and I was able to go back to the basics.
"I just looked at myself in the mirror and said 'you need to be better'. Both on and off the floor, and I'm happy I was able to put myself and our team in a position to win it."
Speaking in the post-game presentation, he added: "The only thing that bothered me is that a lot of people said I was a selfish person and a selfish basketball player.
"I strive on being a team player, doing whatever it takes to help this team win - but at the same time, I used it as motivation.
"I never had to prove anything to anybody, and last year I tried to prove something to everybody. I played with a lot of hate and that's not the way I play the game. I play it with a lot of love and passion, and that's what I got back to this year."
It was a second title for both Wade, series MVP in the 2006 win as a 20-year-old, and coach Erik Spoelstra, who was an assistant coach on that occasion and stepped up on Thursday to win his first as head coach.
"There's a lot more pressure, more grey hairs, but this one was so gratifying," he said.
"We remember last year, we wanted to make up for it.
"We had confidence in what we could do but (we knew) it would be a tough road to get back here and finally get those four wins."
Wade added: "Winning the championship in 2006 was amazing but I hadn't been through anything yet. Now, six years after that, I've been through a lot in my personal life and my professional life and this means so much more.
"We made a decision two years ago to become a team. LeBron, Chris (Bosh) and myself, and the other guys, decided to come together.
"I had a role to play, it might have changed a little bit, but at the end of the day we all had one common goal, and that was to become the champions."
Franchise president Pat Riley said: "We believe we've built a team that's going to be around for a while, and our goal is to hopefully come back every year.
"You become a team, become a contender, and then one day you might become something special, and that's what we're shooting for."
He added: "I want to congratulate OKC (Oklahoma), we hope to see them again and I'm sure that we will."
Thunder coach Scott Brooks was proud of his team's efforts and is confident of further improvement over the off-season.
"When you play against the best, you learn," he said.
"You get here because you're good but we definitely have room to improve. That's what the summers are for."

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Rooney: United England can beat Italy

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Wayne Rooney believes England's belief and togetherness can inspire Roy Hodgson's team to victory over Italy in their Euro 2012 quarter-final on Sunday.

The striker previously claimed the game was "50-50", but appeared more bullish over England's chances this morning when he said they could "do a job" on Italy.
He told Talksport: "We're more organised than ever. The lads have all been fighting for each other, we want to do this together, so I think we've got a great chance. We feel good, we've prepared well and we're really looking forward to it.
"It's important that we believe in ourselves. We've got a great group of players and we're confident.
"It's not going to be an easy game, but we've got the players, we've got the belief and the togetherness to do a job on them. Once you get to this stage of the competition anything can happen."
Rooney marked his first appearance of the competition with the only goal of the game as England beat Ukraine last time out to book their place in the knockout stage.
And, after missing the first two games through suspension, he feels that will stand him in good stead against Italy.
He added: "Maybe a few years ago I would have run round trying to do everything in the first 20 minutes, but you've got to try and feel your way into the game.
"I tried to do that - I didn't always do it as well as I wanted to, but that was always going to be the case I think. As the game went on I felt stronger and that will help us for Sunday."

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Moratti: Take Balotelli as he is

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Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti believes Italy international Mario Balotelli should be accepted the way he is.

The Manchester City forward is playing in his first major international competition at the European Championship.
The temperamental 21-year-old has been making headlines in Poland and Ukraine and not just for his talent, something that also happened when he was an Inter player.
"I am always ready to forgive everything," Moratti said to Italian newspaper Il Giorno. "I have an idea of what he (Balotelli) is like because I know Mario since he was a boy.
"He has a wonderful family, who adore him and protect him and he repays that affection.
"But there is something in him that makes him distrustful of everyone, even those that appreciate him, as is the case of (Italy coach Cesare) Prandelli, who called him up to the national team."
Balotelli had an angry outburst after scoring in Monday's 2-0 triumph over the Republic of Ireland.
Prandelli did not start Balotelli in that game but he came off the bench and scored his first goal in the tournament.
However, rather than celebrate, he looked into the direction of the Italian bench and shouted a few words before team-mate Leonardo Bonucci put his hand over the striker's mouth.
"You only have to look at the goal against Ireland," Moratti said. "You need a lot of interior strength to repress that joy that you naturally get when you do such an important act (to score for your country).
"Balotelli is like that.
"You have to take him as he is without pretending to want to change him."
Moratti does not regret selling Balotelli in the summer of 2010 to City.
"His transfer? It was the thing to do at the time, even for his own interest," Moratti said.
Balotelli came under heavy criticism from Inter fans after he publicly wore an AC Milan jersey on an Italian television show, leading to an apology on the club's website.
The Italian forward has nevertheless been linked in recent months with a return to Inter.
However, Moratti, whose club made a 21 million euros profit on Balotelli's transfer to City, believes that even if Inter wanted him back, they could not afford him.
"To bring him (Balotelli) back? We are constructing a young squad," Moratti said.
"With the (financial) problems we have in Italy, there are certain investments that you simply cannot make."
Much has been made in the build-up to Sunday's quarter-final about England's three City stars knowing which buttons to press to ensure Italy striker Balotelli does not wreck their Euro 2012 dream.
But Joe Hart said: "I don't think it's particularly on-field people who push his buttons.
"If anything were to happen, it's usually the situations around it."
The 21-year-old has found himself on the front pages of newspapers as often as the back, both in England and his native Italy, and it has become increasingly difficult to determine where the truth ends and the legend begins.
"He's quite an extravagant guy," Hart said.
"I think Mario accepts, with the way he is, that sometimes he's going to bring attention to himself.
"But he has got broad shoulders and whatever's written about him will not affect him and I know that, I know that personally.
"People can keep writing. He wasn't bothered that things were made up about him because he lets things just kind of slide off."
Hart added: "He is what he is, Mario.
"I think you just come to love the guy because of what he is.
"There's no acting with him. He just does as he does. And when he's on form football-wise, he's a great player."
Sunday's match has been billed by the Italian media as the battle of the bad boys, with Balotelli squaring off against England star Wayne Rooney.
Hart said: "A lot gets made of their off-the-field activities.
"But I think if the media took an interest in any one of our lives like they did theirs then they'd find interesting things about anyone.
"They just happen to be the people that people pick on.
"Wayne's a fantastic footballer and, obviously, I've worked closely with Mario and I think he's an exceptional footballer, too.
"It will be good for everyone to watch those two players doing their thing on Sunday."
However, while Rooney looks certain to start for England, Balotelli's role is unclear after he was dropped for Italy's final Group C game against Republic of Ireland, only to come off the bench and score a typically impudent goal.
Hart said: "He could be a great threat. He's a great player but, as well as me knowing him, more importantly Joleon [Lescott] knows him, who he'll probably come up against if he plays.
"I've seen them battle out in training many times.
"I've never actually played against the guy but it'll be a lot of fun and it'll be interesting to see what he brings to the table."
And Hart warned Balotelli he would not be scared to go toe-to-toe with the striker.
"We don't fear anyone," he said.
"We've not come here to fear anyone or be inferior.
"We are a good team and we're here to do well."

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Drogba confirms Shanghai move

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Didider Drogba has confirmed on his website that he will be joining former Chelsea teammate Nicolas Anelka at Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.

The 34-year-old, who confirmed his intention to leave Stamford Bridge following Chelsea's Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich, has signed a two-and-a-half year deal reportedly worth £200,000 a week with the Chinese Super League side.
He will link up with Anelka, who joined the club in January.
Drogba spent eight years at Chelsea, scoring 157 goals in 341 appearances, and helped the Blues win 10 titles.
Drogba has been linked with Shanghai for several months after contract talks with Chelsea stalled over the length of a new deal.
The Barclays Premier League club had said they hoped to keep the Ivorian after he scored the all-important equaliser and then the winning penalty in the Champions League triumph in Munich last month.
Drogba said in a statement released by his agents on Wednesday: "I have considered all the offers I have received in the past few weeks, but feel that Shanghai Shenhua FC is the right move for me at this time.
"I am looking forward to a new challenge, to experiencing a new culture, and excited about the new developments in the Chinese Super League. When Chelsea went to China last year, we had a great time and I met some amazing fans.
"I hope to help promote Chinese football around the world and further improve the links between China and Africa."
Drogba scored 157 goals in all competitions for Chelsea, finishing with 100 in 226 league appearances since signing from Marseille for £24million in 2004, one of Jose Mourinho's first major signings for the club.
He had an exceptional record in cup finals, scoring nine goals in nine different finals, including one in this year's 5-1 FA Cup final victory over Liverpool.
However, he failed to gel with Fernando Torres and began to find himself rotated at Stamford Bridge, despite the huge struggles of the Spaniard following his £50 million switch from Liverpool, making it likely he would leave this summer.
Shanghai owner Zhu Jun said: "We have been wanting to sign Didier for a while, and are very happy that it has finally happened. He is an incredible player, who has won so many trophies in his career, we feel that his experience and ability will be a very valuable asset to our squad.
"Shanghai is one of the most influential cities in the world, and we are very excited to welcome Didier here."
Shanghai's new manager Sergio Batista said: "Drogba is a very good soccer player, his outstanding skills and amazing experience will give us motivation to improve our games.
"It is my honour to invite him to join in our team. At last I have to say that the club owner Zhu Jun did his utmost to bring Drogba to Shenhua."

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Rosell: Ronaldo is world's 12th-best

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Barcelona's Sandro Rosell scoffed at Cristiano Ronaldo's claim to be crowned World Player of the Year by claiming the he is not even in the world's top 10 players.

Ronaldo claimed a fortnight ago that he deserved the award after guiding Real Madrid past Barca to the Spanish title this season and his case was further strengthen by a match-winnning performance as Portugal qualified for the quarter-finals of the European Championship with a 2-1 win over Holland.
However, speaking at a round table evening in honour of the Quimica de Sarria institute in the Catalan capital, Rosell insisted that there should be no doubt over whether Lionel Messi will pick up his fourth consecutive Balon d'Or at the end of the year.
Rossell said: "Cristiano Ronaldo isn't the second best player in the world, he is the 12th. The first 11 are Barca players.
"Outside of Spain everyone is clear that Messi ought to win the Balon d'Or but not here."
The former Nike executive also had a dig at Ronaldo's club coach Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese manager and Barca's Tito Vilanova will both now be able to take charge of their respective sides for the Spanish Super Cup clash between the two at the start of the season after touchline bans resulting from an altercation between the two, in which Mourinho poked Vilanova in the eye, were waived by Spanish FA President Jose Maria Villar.
"I would not accept a manager who wants to win at any cost," said Rosell.
"I would ask for forgiveness if the manager of this club put their finger in anyone's eye."
Meanwhile, Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has extended his contract with the Catalan club till 2014.
The former Spain international's contract was due to expire in 2013 with the new deal also including an option to extend it a further two years until 2016.
Zubizarreta, who played over 300 times for the club between 1986-94, joined Barca in his current role in 2010 and played a vital role in the appointment of Vilanova as Pep Guardiola's successor as manager last month.

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Heat clap Thunder for series lead

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The Heat have taken a 2-1 lead in their NBA Finals series with the Oklahoma City Thunder following a 91-85 win in Miami.

By Marcus Chhan
It is the second straight win for the Heat in the best-of-seven series with Game Four set for Miami on Tuesday.
LeBron James was immense for the home side, pouring in 29 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
James hit two clutch free-throws previously in Miami's narrow win at Oklahoma in Game Two, and he repeated the feat in Miami on Sunday. His free throw with 16.2 seconds left in Game Three made it a two-possession game; the Thunder wilted under this pressure and immediately turned the ball over on the next play.
Dwyane Wade, who had 25 points in the game, added two more from the charity stripe to seal the six point margin of victory.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook impressed for the Thunder with 25 points and 19 points respectively but the visitors will rue a poor shooting performance from the foul line where they were just 15-for-24 during Sunday's loss.
Durant also suffered from foul trouble in the contest, picking up his fourth foul in the third quarter meaning he could only watch from the sidelines as the Heat rallied from a 10-point second-half deficit to defeat the Thunder.
"It's all about chemistry," James said on NBA.com.
"We understand where we like to get the ball, what we like to do in close situations, and it's good to see us execute down the stretch. But more importantly it was great to see we were able to get stops. That's where the game is won and we did that."
Chris Bosh chipped in with 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Heat, who are now just two games away from winning the NBA Championship.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma fans will be hoping the Heat suffer a relapse of last season's NBA Finals which saw Miami blow a 2-1 lead in the series to hand the title to the Dallas Mavericks.

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