Bebe hopes to copy Ronaldo

Copy Ronaldo

New Manchester United signing Bebe is hoping to emulate compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo's achievements at Old Trafford. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson snapped up the little-known 20-year-old striker from Vitoria Guimaraes last week for a reported fee of £7million. Ferguson admitted Bebe is the first player he has signed without either first seeing him in action or watching videos of his performances following interest from Real Madrid and a number of top clubs in Portugal. However, the player himself has no doubts about his ability to make the grade in the Premier League. "To come to a team like Manchester United is a dream come true for any player," he declared. "The Portuguese factor at Old Trafford was a motivation for me. "You have very big names like Cristiano Ronaldo who has played here and is a very big player now. Nani and Anderson are still at the club. "I want to become like them and I will work hard to become a top quality player." Speaking about the swift transfer deal, Ferguson explained: "You've got to trust your staff at times and our scout in Portugal was adamant we must do something quickly. "So were one or two other clubs and that's where you have to make quick decisions in life and I'm not too bad about that. I also spoke to (former assistant and now Portugal coach) Carlos Queiroz about him. "Sometimes you have to go on an instinct, you look at material. You look at their age and whether they're bringing pace, balance, desire to play and things like that."

(source:sportbox.tv)

Western Europe storms

Storms have dashed parts of Portugal, Spain and France, about 45 people have been killed. Winds of about 87mph, moving from Portugal up through the Biscay Bay caused destruction.

The areas of Germany and Belgium have been put on high alert for heavy rain and high winds. Regions on Western coast of France like Charente- Mritime and Vendee are drastically affected.

President Nicolas Sarkozy will make a visit to the storm stricken areas today and stated that the flood prevention measures would be strengthened.

Xynthia, the storm system has put five French departments on red alert. More than millions have lost electricity and it would take several days to restore the power.

The French Meteorological service stated that Spain’s Canary Islands , mainly, La Palma and Gran Canaria were also hit by storm but without causing any great damage. Officials have declared the devastation a National Disaster.

Source:24masti.com

Madeira flood rescuers search streets and houses

Rescue workers are searching mud-filled streets and houses on the Portuguese island of Madeira after flash floods left at least 40 people dead.

More than 120 others were injured and an unknown number are missing, raising fears that the death toll could rise.

Heavy rains brought tonnes of mud and stones down the slopes of the island, flooding the streets of the regional capital, Funchal, and other towns.

Water, power and telecommunications were cut in some areas.
The weather improved on Sunday following Saturday's rains, making it easier for rescue workers.

But regional social services spokesman Francisco Ramos said there were "great difficulties" in communications and that the death toll "will likely increase, given the circumstances of this flood".

Prime Minister Jose Socrates, on the island, said he was "profoundly shocked" by the severity of the floods, and promised that his government would help Madeira recover as quickly as possible.

The Portuguese military has sent specialist rescue and medical teams to the island.

The Spanish government has offered its help with the rescue effort.

Madeira, which is located about 900km (560miles) from the Portuguese mainland, is popular with foreign tourists.

The Foreign Office in London said it was "urgently investigating" reports that a British national was missing after the floods.

It also said a small number of Britons were in hospital on Madeira.

The world's most famous Madeiran, Real Madrid football star Cristiano Ronaldo, said he was "shocked and dismayed" by the floods.

"Nobody can remain indifferent to the disaster," he said. "I want to express my willingness to, as far as I can, help agencies and authorities to overcome the effects of this devastation."

The BBC Weather Centre says the severe weather was due to a low pressure system, and that while Madeira can expect further rain with heavy downpours on Sunday, there is no danger of a repeat of the flash floods.

Source:news.bbc.co.uk/

Portugal Raises Madeira Death Toll To 40

Portuguese authorities say the toll from flash floods and landslides on the island of Madeira has risen to 40 dead -- with more than 100 missing or injured.

Lisbon has sent relief planes and a naval ship equipped with helicopters, to conduct search and rescue missions and deliver much-needed emergency supplies.

The floods were triggered by days of heavy winds and rains.

Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates said he was "deeply troubled" by the deaths and damage and said he planned to visit the island, while Interior Minister Rui Pereira said officials were studying the possibility of declaring a state of emergency and seeking help from the European Union.

The resort island of Madeira is located about 900 kilometers from the Portuguese mainland and is popular with foreign tourists.

Source:rferl.org/

Portugal Sends Aid To Island Hit By Landslides

Portuguese authorities say they are flying out emergency aid to the island of Madeira where at least 32 people have been killed and dozens injured after heavy rain caused flooding and mudslides.
The civil protection agency says a medical team backed up by divers and rescue experts will fly to the tourist destination in the Atlantic Ocean aboard a C-130 transport plane.
The statement says the plane is scheduled to fly out 0900 GMT (4 a.m. EST) Sunday and will also carry telecommunications equipment to help repair damage. Phones lines were knocked out.
Authorities say the storm that hit the island Saturday has also displaced 250 people. Authorities says the storm was the worst to hit the island since 1993.

Source:npr.org/

Portugal flies out aid to Madeira flood victims

MADRID (AP) - Portuguese authorities say they are flying out aid to the island of Madeira where at least 32 people have died after heavy rain caused flooding and mudslides.

The national authority for civil protection said in a statement that a medical team backed up by divers and rescue experts is set to fly to the popular tourist destination archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean aboard a C-130 transport.

According to the statement, the plane is scheduled to fly out 09:00 GMT Sunday and is to also carry telecommunications equipment to help repair damage.

Authorities say the storm that hit the island Saturday has left at least 32 dead and 68 injured with around 250 persons displaced.

The statement said the storm was the worst to hit the island since 1993.

Source:todayonline.com/