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A Japanese jeweller has created a pure gold sculpture of Lionel Messi's foot, but is unable to sell it in Japan.

Ginza Tanaka has produced a 3.5 million-pound gold sculpture of Messi's left foot in tribute to the Argentine forward's four-consecutive FIFA Ballon d'Or awards as the best player in the world.

But Naoto Mizuki of Ginza Tanaka has conceded it has been hard to find a buyer for the golden replica of the source of so many of Messi's goals.

"As you can see, this is an exact replica of Mr Lionel Messi's left foot," Mizuki said. 

"We call it the golden foot and it will cost you 5.25 million US Dollars. 

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is expected to be fit to face Tottenham on Sunday, according to assistant manager Colin Pascoe.

The former Chelsea forward has struggled with hamstring and thigh injuries since his January arrival, and missed the 3-0 win over Wigan last time out.

However, Sturridge returned to first-team training on Thursday and is likely to feature against third-placed Tottenham in the English Premier League.

Pascoe told the club's official website: "He's looking good. It was his first day training today and he has trained well. He will be available for Sunday.

"Everyone seems fit and raring to go and we can't wait for Sunday."

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says he is unsure whether Kolo Toure will be offered a new deal with the club.

The 31-year-old's contract with the English Premier League champions expires at the end of the season.

The Ivory Coast international has provided effective cover during Vincent Kompany's absence through injury, and was praised by Mancini for his display against Chelsea on February 24.

When asked whether the defender will be leaving at the end of the season, Mancini said: "I am also leaving in the summer - on holiday."

Real Madrid legend Ronaldo has hit back at comments made by Sir Alex Ferguson, claiming his former side have 'shut his mouth for me'.

The Scot described Ronaldo as the 'old and fat one' when asked to compare the 36-year-old to his namesake Cristano ahead of the Spanish giants' visit to Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Although Ferguson stressed that his words were meant 'affectionately', Ronaldo was disappointed to hear the remarks at the time, and believes Real's 3-2 aggregate triumph in the Champions League tie was a suitable way to silence the 71-year-old.

"Real Madrid shut his mouth for me," he told reporters in Brazil.

Asmir Begovic insisted his 'only concern' at this point is success with current club Stoke, despite reported interest from Manchester United.

The Bosnian international moved to the Britannia Stadium in January 2010 from Portsmouth in a deal worth 3.25 million pounds, and has since displaced Thomas Sorensen as the club's first-choice custodian.

But his impressive performances have reportedly attracted admiring glances from the Premier League leaders, while the January signing of Jack Butland suggests boss Tony Pulis is planning for life after him.

Despite the speculation, however, the 25-year-old insisted he is focused solely on performing at the highest level for his present employers.

Roma starlet Erik Lamela insisted he is enjoying his football at the club, and has not given up hopes of a top-three finish this season.

The Argentina striker has been a major positive in an inconsistent campaign for the Italian capital club, with 11 goals in 22 Serie A appearances. 

The 20-year-old's form has caught the attention of a number of clubs across Europe, with Manchester City thought to be particularly interested after Roberto Mancini watched him against Sampdoria.

Crystal Palace loanee Kevin Phillips said Ryan Giggs making it to 1000 appearances is an 'awesome achievement', one he uses for inspiration.

The 39-year-old, who is four months older than the Manchester United man, has played over 600 career matches but is still a fair few games short of the winger's total, with the Red Devils midfielder also recently signing a one-year contract.

However, while Phillips acknowledged Giggs' feat, he is hoping that he can carry on for a while yet and maintain his place as the oldest outfield player in the country.

He was quoted by the Daily Mirror: "Ryan making his 1000th appearance that is just an awesome achievement.