Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/313770
45 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 18 MAY 2014 Sport FOOTBALL SPORTTODAY Inter legend Cambiasso to leave Inter at end of season Inter have confirmed Esteban Cambiasso and Diego Milito will leave after declining to offer the pair new contracts THESE two stars of the 2010 treble cam- paign will be free agents next month, as their current deals expire on June 30. "I speak to Cambiasso every day in an in- formal manner, as he is a friend," director of sport Piero Ausilio announced in a press conference. "Today there was a difficult moment be- tween him and I, as we talked about the future. Due to reasons of strategy, renewal and an Inter for young players, he will not be confirmed in the squad. "We will not propose a new contract. He understood this and sooner or later will re- turn to us." Cambiasso had hinted as much in a recent meeting with the Inter fan club, noting "you need two signatures on a contract." The 33-year-old Argentine arrived in July 2004, so ends a decade of service with the Nerazzurri. Javier Zanetti is retiring – though he too had not been offered a contract renewal – while Milito is also walking away for a re- turn to Argentina. "We said to each other it was preferable to change, he knows that," added Ausilio. "Milito does not represent a problem for us, as he is a professional who loves our club colours. "I would like to win tomorrow with him as a protagonist. It would be great closure. "When saying goodbye to such important players who built great success, it's clearly disappointing and some might also be wor- ried. Inter take responsibility for these de- cisions, even if they could be unpopular and difficult. "We are a club looking to the future and want to open a new era." Inter legend Cambiasso to leave club, Milito set to follow Atletico stun Barcelona to win La Liga title Atletico Madrid broke the Spanish duopoly as they came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw with Barcelona at Camp Nou that made them La Liga champions THE point was enough to see Di- ego Simeone's men clinch the title ahead of Barca and Real Madrid, something that had been previously unthinkable. Atletico were made to do it the hard way, with both Diego Costa and Arda Turan withdrawn through injury early in the first half. And Barcelona looked completely in charge as Alexis Sanchez scored a rocket in the 33rd minute after a fizzing near-post strike. But Diego Godin equalised four minutes after half-time, giving Atletico hope of claiming the point they needed to break the Barcelo- na-Real Madrid stranglehold on the Spanish title. And Diego Simeone's men clung on - despite a tireless second-half onslaught from Barca - to give Atletico their first title since 1996. It marks the end of a nine-year strangehold that Spain's big two have held on the title, and is almost certain to spell the end of Tata Martino's spell as Barca manager as the side finished trophyless for the first time since 2008. As for Atletico, they will turn their attention to the Champions League final against Real Madrid next week, which will give them a chance to prove themselves not just the best team in Spain, but the best in Europe. Tata Martino left Jordi Alba, Xavi and Neymar out of his start- ing lineup, favouring a front three of Pedro, Alexis and Lionel Messi. Simeone selected a full strength side, with Costa partnering David Villa up front. The Catalans started the better of the two sides, dominating posses- sion with their high-tempo style of play. But Atletico grew into the con- test, despite an early injury blow to Costa. The Brazilian-born striker is now a doubt for the Champions League final having aggravated a hamstring injury. Barca took the lead after 33 min- utes in dramatic fashion. There appeared to be little on for Alexis when the ball dropped to him 10 yards out from goal, yet the Chilean lashed a shot into the net at the near post to make it 1-0. But Simeone fired up his side for the start of the second half, and they found an equaliser barely three minutes after the break. Go- din jumped highest to meet a cor- ner kick, powering a header into the net. Messi was enduring a quiet after- noon, but thought he had put his side back in front after smashing a shot high into the net from close range. But the f lag was rightfully raised to indicate offside, and the goal was chalked off. Barca piled forward in search of the goal that would have changed the picture at the top of La Liga but despite a couple of hopeful penalty claims and long range shots, they couldn't find a breakthrough. Diego Godin celebrates after scoring the goal that ultimately secured Atletico Madrid the title Diego Simeone is hoisted into the air