There’s drama in England, there’s drama in Italy. Can we just get on with the game, this is getting ridiculous!

England: Wayne Bridge says he won’t play any role in this summer’s World Cup

Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge has announced he does not wish to be chosen by Fabio Capello to play in the World Cup, despite many pundits labeling him as the next option at left-back due to Ashley Cole’s ankle injury. Bridge’s lawyers said that his position in the national team squad had become “untenable and potentially divisive.”

Personally, I am disappointed in Wayne Bridge. Not to the extent that I am disappointed with John Terry, who was rightfully stripped of his England captaincy a few weeks ago, but I’m still disappointed in the ex-Chelsea man. I believe that if you have a value to your country, and your country needs you, then there really should be a good reason in your decision to not to do your bit. Fabio Capello has always emphasized the importance of professionalism in his squads over the years, and I believe that the Italian could have managed to get the best out of Bridge, if England needed to call on him.

Bridge’s statement also read: “I feel for the sake of the team and in order to avoid what will be inevitable distractions, I have decided not to put myself forward for selection.

"I have today informed the management of this decision. I wish the team all the very best in South Africa.” [Source: BBC]

Jose implies that AC Milan are getting decisions from referees! I love this guy.

Inter’s charismatic gaffer Jose Mourinho decided to speak to the press after the Nerazzuri’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea about his thoughts that AC Milan, who have been on a recent run of good form despite losing to Manchester United, may be getting a little more than their fair share of favourable decisions from the Italian referees this Serie A campaign.

Referring specifically to a penalty not awarded to Fiorentina’s Riccardo Montolivo against the Milanese towards the end of a match, Jose said:

“I did not see [the penalty], but someone told me that it was no different than the one [we were awarded] against Bari.”

“During my time in Italy, I have learned several new words and phrases. One of them is ’abbassare i toni’, which means to be quiet.

"Some time ago, Italian football had the Calciopoli saga. From a Portuguese point of view, it was a shame for me and my family.

"I let my family eat with the money earned from football at the time. I came to Italy as an honest man, and I will leave Italy as one.

If speaking your opinion is honest, then Jose will certainly leave Italy an honest man. In fact he admitted that "tonight, Chelsea deserved a penalty.” I think the Special One still has a bit of compassion for his Blues. [Source: Goal.com]