Gray skies in Manchester after Champs League exits (AP)
LONDON (AP)—The mood in Manchester was as miserable as the gray skies over the postindustrial city landscape on Thursday morning. Wednesday’s elimination of defending Premier League champion Manchester United and resurgent rival Manchester City from the Champions League has left thousands of football fans in northwest England with little to smile about. Local pride was further dented by the progress of London clubs Chelsea and Arsenal, and the Manchester teams now must confine their rivalry to domestic competition and the much-maligned Europa League
Baseball notes: Mark Buehrle latest free-agent catch for Marlins
DALLAS — The Miami Marlins snagged another free-agent prize Wednesday, reaching a deal with four-time All-Star left-hander Mark Buehrle for $58 million over four years. Manager Ozzie Guillen praised Buehrle at the winter meetings.
Japan’s Darvish says he plans to head to majors (AP)
TOKYO – Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish ended months of speculation Thursday by saying he intends to make a move to Major League Baseball. The 25-year-old right-hander, considered the best pitcher in the Japanese professional leagues, wrote on his blog that he had decided to use the posting system, which allows MLB teams to bid for the negotiating rights to Japanese players who have yet to become free agents.
Dinamo coach fired after Champions League debacle (AP)
ZAGREB, Croatia (AP)—Dinamo Zagreb coach Krunoslav Jurcic has been fired after a 7-1 thrashing by Lyon in the Champions League. The defeat Wednesday is the worst outside domestic competitions for the Croatian champions. Dinamo’s goal difference of 3-22 after six consecutive group-stage defeats is the worst in the history of the Champions League
Wayne Rooney appeals at UEFA against Euro 2012 ban (AP)
NYON, Switzerland (AP)—Wayne Rooney is asking UEFA to repeal the three-match ban that excludes him from England’s 2012 European Championship group-stage matches. Rooney did not speak with reporters on arriving with England coach Fabio Capello to help present his case before a three-member appeal panel. Wearing a Manchester United blazer and tie, Rooney’s hearing began just 10 hours after his club was eliminated from the group stage of the Champions League by FC Basel
Oregon State: Football player Fred Thompson dies (AP)
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State says freshman football player Fred Thompson has died.
Villa lose Jenas for six months with Achilles injury (Reuters)
LONDON, Dec 8 (Reuters) – Aston Villa midfielder Jermaine Jenas will be out of action for the rest of the season after surgery on his left Achilles tendon, the Premier League club said on Thursday.
Korea FA says coach fired to make World Cup (AP)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)—The Korean Football Association says it decided to fire national team coach Cho Kwang-rae to ensure the underperforming squad qualifies for the 2014 World Cup.
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba: I have at least a couple more years left in me (Goal.com)
Chelsea’s Didier Drogba has said that he is feeling good and enjoying his soccer at the moment, suggesting that he has at least two more years left in his career. The Ivorian international has not been a regular for Andre Villas-Boas this season. However, the 33-year-old scored a brace in the 3-0 win over Valencia on Tuesday, a result that sent the Blues through to the Champions League knockout stages.
Buehrle joins free-agent migration to Miami (AP)
DALLAS – Mark Buehrle joined Heath Bell and Jose Reyes in baseball’s Miami migration as the Marlins got tired of waiting for Albert Pujols and pulled their offer. Dominating the market under art dealer-owner Jeffrey Loria, the Marlins increased their spending spree to $191 million in less than a week, agreeing Wednesday to a $58 million, four-year contract with Buehrle just hours after completing a deal with All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes. “Now how about three more?” new manager Ozzie Guillen said