Paper Talk: Neymar, Wenger, Super Mario

Cup tied ... Mario Balotelli and Fanny Nguesha enjoy AC Milan's triumph. Source: Alberto Lingria / AFP

The transfer window might be closed but that doesn't stop the rumour mill and the world of football scuttlebutt from remaining in overdrive.

Paper Talk brings you a taste of some of the best yarns and video clips doing the rounds this week.

THE WORST TACKLE EVER?

Is this is the worst tackle you've ever seen? Words cannot describe it. Okay ... maybe some words ... Watch it at the top of the page. You will regret it! 

CITY WANT NEYMAR, PELE FUMES

Manchester City are readying to make a £55million ($A82m) bid in the off-season for the 21-year-old Santos star, according to The Daily Mail, but the sought-after youngster remains loyal to his club in Brazil.

However, Pele has not only advised him to snub the Barclays Premier League for La Liga’s Barcelona – but told him to pull his head in.

"We think that he is the best in the world, but he is more concerned about appearing in the media than playing for the team," Pele said. 

"Neymar has a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders. Right now his major concerns are fashion and his haircut."

Speaking of Brazilians and attitudes, have you seen Ronaldinho's latest set-play called "ask the keeper for a drink?" Check it out here. 

ARSENAL WILL BACK ARSENE 

The Daily Mail reports that Arsene Wenger will remain at the helm at Emirates Stadium, to be confirmed at a board meeting.

The club's American owner, Stan Kroenke, was in London for the UEFA Champions League defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich, but is believed to be ready to stick solid with their beleaguered French boss.

Arsenal’s season is now reduced to salvaging a UCL berth for next season by finishing in the top-four - assuming the 3-1 deficit against Bayern is insurmountable.

Support has also arrived from Wenger from his players. 

Skipper Thomas Vermaelen said: "I am shocked people are questioning the manager. Everyone in football looks too short term. It doesn’t mean that because it’s not going well at the moment we don’t stand behind him. He is the right man and we are behind him. We have to show it on the pitch as well."

MOYES HEDGING HIS BESTS

For years we’ve lauded David Moyes for his overachieving Everton side – but after years of appearing utterly devoted to the cause at Goodison Park, Moyes has put off contract talks until the European summer.

That has sent the rumour mill into overdrive. Moyes, aiming to finally test himself at a bigger club, making himself available at a time that Chelsea, Manchester City (and Arsenal - if you don't believe the previous report) could all rid themselves of their incumbents.

The 49-year-old Moyes, on the cusp of his 11-year anniversary at Everton, has said he will wait out the season before committing anywhere. The Telegraph reports that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is a fan and could consider him for the Stamford Bridge post.

DI MARIA FOR SALE

Anyone that watched the Real Madrid-Manchester United clash would have thought that Angel Di Maria looked pretty lively.

But The Daily Mirror reports that the Argentina international is being shopped around, with Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain two possible destinations. 

SUMPTUOUS BACK-HEEL

A quick detour to Serie A. No need for words, just watch the magic. 

MARIO AND HIS HARLEM SHAKES

Those disappointed not to see Mario Balotelli on the pitch at San Siro on Thursday morning (EDT) need not be disappointed.

Super Mario didn’t stray too far from the photographers’ lens, watching the game alongside Fanny Robert Neguesha.

And as people need to do at the moment, his crew broke into the Harlem Shake. Fanny doesn't look best pleased! 

TERRY & BENITEZ, NO WORRIES

Chelsea captain John Terry had to deny he had a falling out with Rafael Benitez over being left on the substitutes bench after his knee problems.

The centre-back says he has no problem with not being selected - so long as the team is winning! 

The Daily Mail reports that the two were seen very chummy at training this week ahead of their clash at home against Sparta Prague.

WHAT NOW FOR RAFA?

Terry defended the 'Fat Controller's' unpopular tenure - while defending the fans's right to boo him - but Benitez's comments during the week about Real Madrid raised eyebrows, forcing the Chelsea boss to insist he was "misinterpreted".

Benitez was quoted telling Radio Nacional de Espana that Madrid were his "sweetheart" - a sure sign of grovelling for the post should he depart Stamford Bridge and Jose Mourinho head for the Santiago Bernebeu exit doors.

The Spaniard used his website to douse those rumours.

"I have a contract with Chelsea until the end of the season and I am going to do everything possible so that this club has the best of success," he wrote.

"Madrid have, as of today, a coach with a continuing contract and that deserves respect. As a coach, you always have your 'corazoncito'.

"I have a connection with the fans where I have been treated well. I arrived at Madrid aged 13 and I am from Madrid, but I do not want to enter into speculation because my words are not always properly interpreted. Of course I follow the Spanish league, but what I want now is to win many games with Chelsea. As many as possible."

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