Soccer Shorts:Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro was named European Footballer of the Year yesterday, beating international team-mate Gianluigi Buffon and France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry into second and third.
"Of course I will bring this trophy back to Madrid, but I would also love to bring it to Turin," said Cannavaro, who joined Real Madrid from Juventus in July. "My season at Juventus was just outstanding. I played 37 matches and scored four goals, all decisive."
The 33-year-old defender, who proudly captained Italy in their triumphant World Cup campaign, won the vote by 52 journalists organised by France Football magazine.
Cannavaro became the third defender to win the award after Germans Franz Beckenbauer (1972, 1976) and Matthias Sammer in 1996.
The centre back, who succeeds Brazil and Barcelona's Ronaldinho as the winner, had 173 points. Italy goalkeeper Buffon came second with 124 with Henry third on 121.
Doyle promises more
Kevin Doyle has vowed there is more to come from him after his seventh goal of the season gave Reading the spoils at Fulham.
The Wexford man has now scored four in four games - for both Reading and the Republic of Ireland.
"You're never fully adapted and you're always learning," Doyle said. "Personally, I haven't played my best stuff at all - and there's a lot more to come.
"Everyone is up for it and doing really well, and we hope when the second half of the season comes there isn't that initial buzz that we got at the start of the Premiership."
John hoping for deal
Trinidad & Tobago international Avery John is hoping to win a permanent deal with Leeds. The 31-year-old defender is currently on trial at Thorp Arch. The left back spent five years in Ireland with Bohemians, Shelbourne and Longford Town, but recently left US A-League side New England Revolution in a bid to win a contract in England.
'Lo siento', says Tevez
Carlos Tevez has apologised to West Ham for storming out of Upton Park in response to his substitution during the 1-0 victory over Sheffield United.
Tevez was replaced by Teddy Sheringham in the 67th minute of Saturday's Premiership match and reacted by stalking down the tunnel and leaving the ground before the final whistle, in a clear breach of club discipline. Hammers boss Alan Pardew was furious with Tevez's display of petulance, and the Argentina striker responded by apologising to the manager and his team-mates yesterday.
"I would just like to say that I left the ground in anger on Saturday," said Tevez. "It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, which I regretted almost straightaway. I know I did very wrong in going and I have made it clear to the manager and my team-mates that I in no way meant to disrespect them."
Pardew has accepted the apology and will allow Tevez's team-mates to decide on the size of his fine.
