Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed his interest in Arsenal's Robin Van Persie but believes the prolific Dutch striker will ultimately extend his contract with the Gunners.

Van Persie's contract with Arsenal expires in 2013 and a number of clubs have been alerted to the possibility of a shock summer move because he has ruled out discussing his future until then.

Darting down the bumpy streets of Gaza wearing a cheap pair of sneakers, Palestinian runner Bahaa al-Farra dodges potholes and traffic as he trains to compete against the world's best athletes at the London Olympics.

Although an Olympic medal is a near impossibility, the 400-meter runner takes to the city streets for about three hours a day, speeding down crowded avenues in the morning before hitting the gym in the afternoon.

Juventus maintained their unbeaten run this season, but fell behind AC Milan in the Serie A title race following a 1-1 draw at Bologna on Wednesday.

The Old Lady of Turin failed to make the most of their game in hand on the champions and now trail Milan by two points with 12 matches left.

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said he was delighted to return to full training on Wednesday as he kicked a football again for the first time since tearing ankle ligaments.

The 27-year-old began running again last week and was allowed to train with a football at Bayern's training ground on Wednesday, although he says he does not know when he will be able to play for the Bavarian giants again.

Manchester City and Manchester United will Thursday put aside their fight for the Premier League when both try to propel themselves towards the Europa League quarterfinals.

Deprived of involvement in the business end of the Champions League after underwhelming group-stage campaigns, both are using the continent's bridesmaid tournament as a chance to retain their profile beyond the domestic game - even if supremacy at home is the main target.

APOEL became the first Cypriot side to reach the Champions League quarter-finals Wednesday when they beat Lyon 4-3 on penalties after their last 16 tie was level 1-1 on aggregate following extra time.

Goalkeeper Dionisis Chiotis was the hero of the night after saving penalties from Alexandre Lacazette and Michel Bastos.

Lionel Messi's record five-goal haul in the 7-1 Champions League rout of Bayer Leverkusen prompted Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola to hail the Argentine master the game's greatest talent.

Guardiola was not alone in his admiration after the defending champions sailed into the quarterfinals on a 10-2 aggregate.

Tony Parker scored 32 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 118-105 NBA victory over New York on Wednesday, dealing the Knicks their third straight defeat.

Tim Duncan added 17 points for the Spurs, who also got 17 from Manu Ginobili in the Argentine's second game back after a fortnight out with an abdominal strain.

Chelsea caretaker manager Roberto di Matteo said a top-four Premier League finish was his priority after ducking questions about a long-term managerial role at Stamford Bridge.

Di Matteo steered the London club to the FA Cup quarterfinals after his first match in charge following Andre Villas-Boas's sacking ended in a 2-0 win away to Birmingham City at St Andrew's here on Tuesday.

LeBron James scored 21 points and Chris Bosh added 20 to lead the host Miami Heat past the New Jersey Nets 108-78 on Tuesday while the Detroit Pistons edged the Los Angeles Lakers 88-85 in over-time.

Miami snapped a two-game losing streak in overwhelming fashion. Bosh scored 16 points in the first half while James added 10 and Dwyane Wade scored all 13 of his points in the first half.