Ferguson praises Nani ahead of Benfica

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Nani’s contribution this season.

As his side prepare to welcome Benfica to Old Trafford in the UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday, Ferguson praised Nani’s playmaking ability and his role in creating chances for United.

The Portuguese midfielder has four assists in the Premier League so far this season.

“I think he’s always had that potential,” Ferguson said.

“I think whenever someone comes to the club from abroad some take to it quickly, and some gradually grow into the club. I think Nani is one of those.”

“Even Christano (Ronaldo) took two or three years just to get the maturity in his game. That’s what we’re seeing in Nani now.”

If you look at the stats, his goals have been fine, but his assists are very high. So he’s progressing really well.”

Benfica share a historical tie with United. They were United’s opponents when the Red Devils won their first European Cup, the predecessor to the Champions League, at Wembley in 1968.

Nani also has added motivation to beat Benfica. He played for their great rivals Sporting for two seasons before joining United in 2007.

United and Benfica are tied at the top of group C on eight points, and a win for either team on Tuesday would put them in a strong position with one group game remaining.

“You hope you do finish top,” Ferguson said.

“You mentioned several big teams we would avoid, but the main thing is having the second leg back at Old Trafford. Which is a big advantage.”

“So it’s always been our aim to finish top. It’s not always been the case, we’ve finished second several times.”

“The quality of the teams at that stage doesn’t make a big difference, but it can make a little difference. I think the main advantage in my mind is to have the second leg at Old Trafford.”

Ferguson did not underestimate the ability of their Portuguese rivals.

“It’s a big game tomorrow, it’s a real European game considering the history of Benfica themselves.”

“We’ve had a number of great games in the past that I can remember. One that I remember is the game with them which we lost 2-1 in Portugal.”

“The performance in the first game I thought we did really well, possession-wise it was good, we deserved the result until the last 15 minutes when they threatened quite a bit.”

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Tottenham Tell Fans To Stop Racist Chanting Ahead Of Real Madrid Visit

Tottenham Hotspur have warned their supporters not to repeat the offensive chants aimed towards Real Madrid striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

The Manchester City-owned hit-man scored a brace as Madrid thrashed Spurs 4-0 in the Champions League quarter-final first-leg.

The Galacticos head to White Hart Lane for the second-leg on Wednesday.

But Adebayor’s claims he was racially abused by chants coming from the Tottenham supporters.

There is plenty of ill-feeling towards the Togo international following his three-years at neighbours Arsenal.

The chant labels Adebayor’s mother a prostitute, while saying his dad washes elephants.

Tottenham accept the song is offensive but not racist, while anti-racism group Kick It Out condemned the chant, saying it has racial undertones.

The club have issued a statemtent saying any offensive chanting is forbidden and urged individuals to point out any tyroublemakers.

“We do not tolerate discrimination of any sort at the club, on the pitch or in the stands,” a statement on the club website read.

“We have a fantastic atmosphere at the Lane and by working together we can prevent the small minority ruining it for everyone.

“You do not have to put up with mindless supporters who are intent on ruining your day, so use the system, report the individuals and let us take it from there.”

Fans are urged to report any discrimination by text on 07766 553 225 or by email at safety

Valencia hope La Liga matches go ahead

Valencia defender Angel Dealbert said training this week has continued as normal despite the threat of postponed fixtures in La Liga.

Football clubs in Spain are at odds with the national government because of a dispute over television revenue.Dealbert, 28, explained that the club has maintained the status quo as they prepare for Sunday’s trip to Getafe, which they hope will go ahead.”We are going to train for the weekend, and I hope that we play,” Dealbert said.”It is not us who decide, and we just have to train, wait and see. We aren’t talking about it at all in the dressing room. We want to play.”"We are training for this, and the process is getting drawn out, but it we haven’t spoken once about not playing. There is uncertainty, but we are training this week for the weekend.”Dealbert has featured in just eight La Liga appearances this season but said he wanted to remain at the Mestalla beyond this season.”I want to stay at Valencia, but I only have a year and one month left on my contract,” he said.”I hope to stay here, and I will fight next year to do so. It depends on the club. If they decided that they don’t believe in me or want to loan me out, then I will take that alternative.”"You never know what will happen in the future. The manager has treated me well. My intention is to continue at Valencia next year.”

Mon 28 March, 2011

Allegri cautious ahead of Palermo trip

AC Milan’s Massimiliano Allegri will be not underestimate Palermo when he takes his Serie A leaders to the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

Allegri’s team top the Italian top-flight table by five points ahead of defending champions and cross-city rivals Inter Milan.

They could only draw 1-1 at home to Bari in their last match, but should have little trouble dispensing with a Palermo team that have lost five consecutive matches.

Nevertheless, Allegri and his players must leave nothing to chance as they seek to capture their first Scudetto since 2004.

“(Palermo manager) Serse Cosmi is a prepared coach who knows how to manage his team,” Allegri said.

“It will be difficult because Palermo are coming off five straight defeats. They are playing at home and are a team in possession of undeniable technical qualities in midfield and in attack.”

“We’ll find an opponent who can create a lot of difficulties for us. We know that they don’t joke in attack.”

“Yes, the numbers says that on a defensive level they concede something, but every game is different. Milan will need to give a great technical performance.”

“Palermo have players who can make the difference like Pastore, Miccoli and Pinilla, but I wouldn’t like to forget that we have Nesta, Thiago Silva, Pato and Seedorf.”

“The team is good and if we manage to stay calm and collected at the Barbera we will give a great performance.”

Fri 18 March, 2011

Allegri cautious ahead of Palermo trip

AC Milan’s Massimiliano Allegri will be not underestimate Palermo when he takes his Serie A leaders to the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

Allegri’s team top the Italian top-flight table by five points ahead of defending champions and cross-city rivals Inter Milan.

They could only draw 1-1 at home to Bari in their last match, but should have little trouble dispensing with a Palermo team that have lost five consecutive matches.

Nevertheless, Allegri and his players must leave nothing to chance as they seek to capture their first Scudetto since 2004.

“(Palermo manager) Serse Cosmi is a prepared coach who knows how to manage his team,” Allegri said.

“It will be difficult because Palermo are coming off five straight defeats. They are playing at home and are a team in possession of undeniable technical qualities in midfield and in attack.”

“We’ll find an opponent who can create a lot of difficulties for us. We know that they don’t joke in attack.”

“Yes, the numbers says that on a defensive level they concede something, but every game is different. Milan will need to give a great technical performance.”

“Palermo have players who can make the difference like Pastore, Miccoli and Pinilla, but I wouldn’t like to forget that we have Nesta, Thiago Silva, Pato and Seedorf.”

“The team is good and if we manage to stay calm and collected at the Barbera we will give a great performance.”

Fri 18 March, 2011

Europa League preview: Porto flying high ahead of Russia trip

FC Porto travel to CSKA Moscow on Thursday armed with one of the strongest attacks in the Europa League.

Porto, 11 points clear of second-placed Benfica, are running away with the Liga Sagres and on course to collect their 25th title.

They topped their Europa League group ahead of Besiktas and accounted for La Liga side Sevilla in the second round.

After a 2-1 victory in Spain and a 1-0 loss in the return at home, Porto needed the away goals rule to get past Sevilla.

But knocking out the experienced Champions League campaigners remains an impressive achievement.

Porto can boast two of the best strikers outside of the major European leagues in Brazilian Hulk and Colombian Radamel Falcao, ably assisted by Portuguese midfielder Silvestre Varela.

The team is coached by 33-year-old prodigy Andre Villas Boas, who served as Porto assistant under Jose Mourinho and is tipped by many to replicate the master tactician’s impressive achievements.

Standing in their way are CSKA, who won the competition as the UEFA Cup in 2005.

They reached the Champions League quarter-finals last season, losing 2-0 on aggregate to eventual winners Inter Milan.

CSKA are part of a strong Russian presence in this season’s competition.

Russian Premier League leaders Zenit St Petersburg – who won the UEFA Cup in 2008 – are away to FC Twente, while Spartak Moscow are also in the Netherlands to meet Ajax Amsterdam.

All of the Eredivisie’s three representatives are at home, with league leaders PSV Eindhoven playing host to Scottish Premier League side Glasgow Rangers.

In other matches, Portuguese side Braga – who edged out Porto to achieve Champions League qualification last season – are at home to English club Liverpool.

Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Manchester City also have an away match – they make the long flight to take on Dynamo Kiev of the Ukraine.

Villarreal, fourth in La Liga, travel to Germany to play Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, while French club Paris Saint-Germain are in Portugal to meet Benfica.

Wed 9 March, 2011

Europa League preview: Porto flying high ahead of Russia trip

FC Porto travel to CSKA Moscow on Thursday armed with one of the strongest attacks in the Europa League.

Porto, 11 points clear of second-placed Benfica, are running away with the Liga Sagres and on course to collect their 25th title.

They topped their Europa League group ahead of Besiktas and accounted for La Liga side Sevilla in the second round.

After a 2-1 victory in Spain and a 1-0 loss in the return at home, Porto needed the away goals rule to get past Sevilla.

But knocking out the experienced Champions League campaigners remains an impressive achievement.

Porto can boast two of the best strikers outside of the major European leagues in Brazilian Hulk and Colombian Radamel Falcao, ably assisted by Portuguese midfielder Silvestre Varela.

The team is coached by 33-year-old prodigy Andre Villas Boas, who served as Porto assistant under Jose Mourinho and is tipped by many to replicate the master tactician’s impressive achievements.

Standing in their way are CSKA, who won the competition as the UEFA Cup in 2005.

They reached the Champions League quarter-finals last season, losing 2-0 on aggregate to eventual winners Inter Milan.

CSKA are part of a strong Russian presence in this season’s competition.

Russian Premier League leaders Zenit St Petersburg – who won the UEFA Cup in 2008 – are away to FC Twente, while Spartak Moscow are also in the Netherlands to meet Ajax Amsterdam.

All of the Eredivisie’s three representatives are at home, with league leaders PSV Eindhoven playing host to Scottish Premier League side Glasgow Rangers.

In other matches, Portuguese side Braga – who edged out Porto to achieve Champions League qualification last season – are at home to English club Liverpool.

Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Manchester City also have an away match – they make the long flight to take on Dynamo Kiev of the Ukraine.

Villarreal, fourth in La Liga, travel to Germany to play Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, while French club Paris Saint-Germain are in Portugal to meet Benfica.

Wed 9 March, 2011

Primus announce new album ahead of summer tour

no comments by Ticket Guru on March 8th, 2011

Primus have confirmed that they will release their new album in late spring /early summer.

Injuries plague City ahead of Europa tie

Manchester City face Aris Salonika for a place in the Europa League last 16 without a full squad for the clash.

City secured a 0-0 draw against Aris in Greece a week ago, but have just 16 players available for the home leg because of an ever-lengthening injury list.

The latest player to be ruled out is goalkeeper Shay Given, who could miss the rest of the season with a shoulder problem.

And manager Roberto Mancini admits his squad are struggling to cope with such a high number of games.

“The injury situation is not good this morning,” Mancini groaned.

“James Milner is not available for tomorrow, Micah Richards is not available. And I think we have 16 players available but Mario Balotelli is OK.”

“This is a problem. We play every three days but we don’t have the players – they’re all injured. Micah played three days ago and then trained on Tuesday but now he’s injured. He has a calf problem.”

Speculation linking captain and top scorer Carlos Tevez with a move away from the club has continued this week with Brazilian side Corinthians now understood to be interested.

But Mancini refused to talk about the striker’s future.

“I am happy for Carlos scoring 50 goals for Man City,” he said. “I hope he can continue to score. But it’s impossible to know what will happen in the future and I hope he can continue to play here.

“In this moment I am worried only about the game, the league and the FA Cup.At the moment Carlos is here, playing and scoring for Manchester City.”

“He’s important for us but in the squad there are 22, 23 players and they are all important.”

After a 0-0 draw in Greece, any win will do for Manchester City.

But midfielder Gareth Barry has warned the side that Aris will arrive with nothing to prove.

“It’s good to know that if we win the game, we qualify,” Barry said.

“But their players will know there is not a lot of pressure on them. They are coming here to enjoy the game. It’s always an easier task for them but our job is to focus on ourselves and win the game.”

Wed 23 February, 2011

Injuries plague City ahead of Europa tie

Manchester City face Aris Salonika for a place in the Europa League last 16 without a full squad for the clash.

City secured a 0-0 draw against Aris in Greece a week ago, but have just 16 players available for the home leg because of an ever-lengthening injury list.

The latest player to be ruled out is goalkeeper Shay Given, who could miss the rest of the season with a shoulder problem.

And manager Roberto Mancini admits his squad are struggling to cope with such a high number of games.

“The injury situation is not good this morning,” Mancini groaned.

“James Milner is not available for tomorrow, Micah Richards is not available. And I think we have 16 players available but Mario Balotelli is OK.”

“This is a problem. We play every three days but we don’t have the players – they’re all injured. Micah played three days ago and then trained on Tuesday but now he’s injured. He has a calf problem.”

Speculation linking captain and top scorer Carlos Tevez with a move away from the club has continued this week with Brazilian side Corinthians now understood to be interested.

But Mancini refused to talk about the striker’s future.

“I am happy for Carlos scoring 50 goals for Man City,” he said. “I hope he can continue to score. But it’s impossible to know what will happen in the future and I hope he can continue to play here.

“In this moment I am worried only about the game, the league and the FA Cup.At the moment Carlos is here, playing and scoring for Manchester City.”

“He’s important for us but in the squad there are 22, 23 players and they are all important.”

After a 0-0 draw in Greece, any win will do for Manchester City.

But midfielder Gareth Barry has warned the side that Aris will arrive with nothing to prove.

“It’s good to know that if we win the game, we qualify,” Barry said.

“But their players will know there is not a lot of pressure on them. They are coming here to enjoy the game. It’s always an easier task for them but our job is to focus on ourselves and win the game.”

Wed 23 February, 2011

Comment on Bleak times ahead for England by Brad

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Comment on Bleak times ahead for England by jon

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Comment on Bleak times ahead for England by Bacon310

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Comment on Bleak times ahead for England by Graham Fisher

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Comment on Bleak times ahead for England by wayne higgins

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Comment on Bleak times ahead for England by Vishnu Raj

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Liverpool to Sell Flop Pair for £12m Ahead of Fresh £19m Luis Suarez Bid

41 comments by Mr Comfort on January 25th, 2011

Anfield Director of Football Damien Comolli planning last ditch moves to help swing successful move to sign Ajax striker.

Liverpool Tickets Available from Tixdaq.com

Balotelli getting ahead of himself

By: Shaun | January 18th, 2011
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We know what an extraordinary talent City have on their hands in Mr Balotelli. He is however, guilty of making the headlines on the front pages as often, if not more than, on the back pages. He has come out and proclaimed their new front line of himself, Tevez and Dzeko as better than that of Barcelona’s and Real’s. Madrid have a super thin front line at this moment (Ronaldo the solo act), so that’s probably true.

However, to then proclaim that the City front 3 are more potent than a frontline of Messi, Villa and Pedro/Bojan, is up for dispute. This is a team that scores for fun and has already netted 61 goals in 19 La Liga games this season.

Mario, you guys haven’t won anything yet. Maybe you should save the boasting for when/if City pick up a title. At least then, you’ll have something to back up that talk.

Some Related Man United Posts:Ahead of the Everton game…Anti climatic affair (vs City)More post Arsenal game thoughtsNot again?!?! (v West Brom)Another 2 points dropped (v Sunderland)
Category: English Premier League, Players Comments Tags: Balotelli, Barcelona, English Premier League, Manchester City, Players Comments
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Manchester United to Sign Real Madrid Star Kaka On Loan Ahead of £50m Move?

32 comments by Mr Comfort on January 2nd, 2011

Old Trafford could be about to nab Brazilian international, at least that is what the Daily Star thinks.

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Looking Ahead To A Clash with Old Rivals

By: Sairax | December 11th, 2010

A weekend without Arsenal just isn’t as much fun is it? It already feels like Monday can’t come soon enough. It’s a big match, first place v second place, and one that has a history of being intense and full of drama. That’s why recent comments from Patrice Evra can still get us all fired up before a game, it’s all part of that age-old rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal. Need to refresh your memory?

Now if that doesn’t get you pumped up for the match, I don’t know what will. Martin has already written a great post about previous big clashes between our two clubs, you should check it out. With the title race being so wide open this season, we could really make a statement by beating ManUtd on Monday. They also have a match against Chelsea 6 days later, while Chelsea have a game against the Spuds this weekend, so it’s going to be a big week for the top of the table.

You might also notice that currently Manchester United are unbeaten in the league. The only reason they don’t have more points is that they have racked up too many draws. You may recall that Arsenal once had their own unbeaten record. In fact, we went a whole season unbeaten in the league. Then came the day where we were set to extend our run to 50 games unbeaten in the league. It was away at Old Trafford:

They ended our unbeaten run that day with that disgraceful display you can watch above. And now we have a chance to really take hold of the league and end their unbeaten run at the same time. Just a thought.

A quick news round up for you all. In the build up to the game on Monday, Fergie has asked the ManUtd supporters to stop chanting vile abuse at Wenger. I commend him for speaking out, though I’m not sure that will do much if those fans are not dealt with by security on the grounds.

In injury news, Gibbs is expected to be out 3 weeks with an ankle sprain, which is unfortunate. He can’t seem to catch a break with injuries these days. Djourou and Clichy are expected to be fit for the clash, and Fabregas is still a question mark. He’s trying his best to be fit for the clash, but he might only be ready for the bench from the looks of things. They will probably leave it until the last second to decide whether he’ll play, so we’re keeping our eyes on the situation.

In the world of transfers and the like, Wenger has stated that Almunia will not be sold in January even though his agent has come out and said Almunia wants to leave. In fact, Wenger says Almunia has no agent, so how could said agent have talked to the press? This is all very bizarre indeed, but I think that there is still a very good chance that Almunia could be gone in the next transfer window, especially with reports that Malaga are interested in taking him. With regards to other transfers, it seems our little Brazilian wunderkind Wellington Silva was denied a work permit and will not be able to join the team in January. The plan now is to send him on loan and most probably appeal the decision on the permit. It’s all a bit complicated, but you can get all the best information on the situation from Young Guns Blog who is following the story. It’s unfortunate for Wellington since everyone was so excited to see him join up with us, but hopefully a good loan spell will be sorted out for him and he can come back to Arsenal within a reasonable amount of time.

Finally, some random links: Marcel Desailly talks about Samir Nasri being the surprise package in this year’s Premier League season; a closer look at Arsenal’s WAGs teaming up to help orphans in Zambia; and Tony Adams talks about his experiences in Azerbaijian. It’s a really interesting read and of course TA mentions that if he were to ever manage a team in England, it would be the Arsenal. Martin Keown also weighs in on his mate’s decision to go so far away to become a coach in a league most people have never heard of.

That’s it for today. Martin will be back tomorrow with an epic preview of our game on Monday. Make sure you also check out our contest where you can win a Dennis Bergkamp shirt! You have until kickoff on Monday to get your answers in, so hurry up and enter and good luck!

Some Related Stories:JET in Talks to Go to QPR on Loan; Vermaelen Injury Now “Long Term;” Cesc, Rosicky Talk Ahead of Man City ClashArsenal Win Emirates Cup; Wilshere, Frimpong to Stay; Wenger Confirms “Not Close” to Signing AnyoneArsenal Draw Ipswich for CC Semi & A Look to the Month AheadNew Gunner Ryo Miyaichi could lead the way for Arsenal to take over JapanSpecial 1 TV Returns; Rooney to Leave United in January?; Eastmond Arrested; Brum Highlights Video
Category: Arsenal News, Cesc Fabregas, Injury Report, Kieran Gibbs, Manchester United, Manuel Almunia, Randoms, Transfer News and Player Movement, Video Tags: Arsenal News, Cesc Fabregas, Injury Report, Kieran Gibbs, Manchester United, Manuel Almunia, Martin Keown, Randoms, Tony Adams, Transfer News and Player Movement, Video
« Score a Bergkamp Shirt From Arsenal Offside! | Home | JGHonestly, if we lose on Sunday, a clear loss not a Riley-like freakshow, I will lose all hope of this Arsenal team winning anything past the domestic Cups. I still remember Evra's "men vs. boys" comment after our 1-3 loss to them at home in the UCL a couple of years ago. And then, last year we lost at home to them by the same scoreline! I hurt me so much. It's time to take our well-deserved revenge on these narcissistic douchebags. Come on ARSENAL!!Darren_VIt will hurt to lose, no doubt. But I don't think it has THAT big a bearing on the entire season, as you suggest.JGStatistically you are right, it's one loss out of 38 matches. But mentally, if Evra's words, if the history of the game, now that most of our squad is fit, i mean the conditions are perfect for a big win. if they fail to take hold of it, who says they will be able to respond to chelsea and whoever we get in the UCL?Darren_VWhat's worse mentally... losing to the unbeaten team, a team noone outrightly expects you to win, or losing to WBA and Newcastle, games you are completely expecting to win and walk over your opponents?
I'd say its worse mentally to lose to the minnows over the big guys. But that's just me.SairaxYes....I've gotten everyone riled up....eeeeeeexcellent *taps fingers*Gigi_manmore pressure nw, MANcity even with points with us...
nerves, nerves, frnakly I dont expect much, visitors at Old Trafford is intense, but we have to give a fight, fight, fight, fight, thats all I ask fellas.RedCapedWonderCity are second, United play Chelsea next week, not us. we play Stoke, then Chelsea.Wolffywe got completely screwed in the game. We better reign down on these bastards this monday. Riley you can rot in hell.RedandDreadForgot how they fookin' cheated us out of that game. And as for that prick Riley, I had forgotten what a "homer", he was. Geez that was disgusting. Believe this was the end of Jose Antonio-I also forgot what a good player he was and how he could have ebcome a great with us.MartinYeah, that game was awful, awful -- what a travesty of a way to end a 49-match unbeaten run.Darren_VI love how the press NEVER mention that Rooney dive when they discuss them.Darren_VI was just wondering/thinking, that with Wellington needing to go off on loan for a few years now, how much that impacts JET. We have been hearing rumors of him going out on loan for awhile now. Maybe he sticks around as insurance for the first team?
Or am I off my rocker?MartinWell, a couple of things:

(1) I'm not convinced that Wellington will necessarily be off on loan for a couple of years. I think Arsenal can still appeal, and yesterday Wellington was tweeting that he had calmed down, and would be back where he belonged "next year." Which leads me to believe that Arsenal are planning on appealing over the summer and are confident of winning the appeal. But regardless, we won't see him this season.

(2) I don't think JET will stick around as insurance unless there are a couple of injuries between now and the end of January. As it is, Bendtner and Vela can barely get a game, Rosicky doesn't get to play much, and it's unclear how van Persie and Chamakh can play at the same time. For once, we have the luxury of trying to find playing time for too many fit first-team players, and JET just doesn't really fit in this season, so I think a loan is very likely for him.Darren_VWell, my thoughts were just geared to the rest of this year, not beyond. Arsenal have stated they are going to loan him for the rest of this season so to my the question can still be relevant.
I ask the question because I was thinking that if Wenger really wanted him loaned out, the logical answer would've been that he should've been sent out already. I remember reading (not sure where) that Arsenal was thinking of loaning him in January as that was when Wellington would be available. If the playing time was the issue for JET, why hasn't he gone off already?MartinI think Wenger just likes to keep some of the really advanced players around during the season so they can train and practice with the first team, get to know their teammates and coaches, and get as settled in as possible in London. Same thing he did with Jack Wilshere last season.ladyarseGreat round-up as always :)blog comments powered by Disqus
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