Prepare for a Lindsay Lohan Comeback Heading Your Way!

Someone give Lindsay Lohan some butter, because our girl is on a roll!

And no. We don't mean parole. At least not this time.

We mean, totally on track for a comeback, and we made our decision: We're definitely on board with this new, successful LiLo! It all started with a positive probation report—her judge even said she was in the "homestretch"—and now Lindsay is gearing up for a full-fledged, televised comeback. And, oh, did we mention that this is all happening live?!

Lindsay will be doing a bunch of interviews in New York, almost as if it were a promotional tour. Obviously with her lack of professional projects recently, you might be asking what it is that she is promoting…Well, nothing. Unless you count a comeback and a total-180 ‘tude as something to show off—and we totally do!

She'll kick off the tour on Today this Thursday, where she will sit down with Matt Lauer for a no-holds-barred interview. That evening, she'll join Jimmy Fallon for Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. Finally, she'll host Saturday Night Live this Saturday:

"I was on the set with her today and there was a lot of great energy," her rep Steve Honig exclusively told press men, "and she is extremely excited about working with the writers, cast and crew."

Happy to hear, Camp Lilo! Especially since Linds has hosted SNL three times before (the first when she was only 17), but this time it'll be different, as a source on the set revealed the opening is "hilarious" and appropriately "self-depricating." Ratings gold in the making! We couldn't be more excited to see Lindsay put herself completely out there—although this time we mean it in a less literal sense than last month's Playboy shoot.  

And just when you thought you were sick of Lindsay, let us remind you: She just got cast in the Elizabeth Taylor biopic, which—as we already told you—is kinda, sorta perfect! 

Now there's just one more mess we're going to need Lindsay to clean up. Someone, get her back to her roots. In case you weren't sure, we mean her damn hair. Nothing could be more refreshing than to see Lindsay back to her old self, and we think that going back to her natural auburn color would be gorgeous—not to mention perfect for this comeback thing she's got going.

What about you, Awful readers? Do you think Lindsay's ready for this next big move?

EXCLUSIVE: City plan £35m Benfica swoop

Manchester City are ready to make a £35million bid for Benfica star Nicolas Gaitan.
The Argentina international is also on Manchester United's radar, but City are hoping to beat their local - and title - rivals to his signature by simply out-bidding them.
City officials are understood to have contacted their Benfica counterparts this week and made clear their desire to sign the 23-year-old attacking midfielder.
Gaitan is viewed as one of the most exciting and dynamic young players in the world, and impressed in Benfica's Champions League encounters with United earlier this season.
City had him watched in a recent Portuguese League Cup game against Maritimo, and football administrator Brian Marwood is understood to have begun the process of trying to formalise a deal with Benfica.
United have been keeping tabs on Gaitan for the past year and had their scouts assess him last month, having also had him watched in games against Naval and Sporting Lisbon earlier this season.
But with manager Sir Alex Ferguson understood to have been set a spending limit of around £30m to spend in the summer, Gaitan looks to be out of reach - unless he raises additional funds through player sales.
Gaitan has a release clause of around £35m written into his contract and City are said to be willing to meet that figure in order to get their man.
United may instead switch their attention to Gaitan's team-mate Javi Garcia, a more defensive-minded midfielder who also impressed in those Champions League games against the Reds.

United defender Vidic hoping to return before end of the season

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a knee injury and could even be ready to play by the end of the season.
Vidic had surgery on his right cruciate ligament after suffering the injury in United's Champions League defeat at Basle in early December, and it was originally feared he could be out for as long as 12 months.

However, Sportsmail understands the former Serbia centre half is making rapid progress as he works on his fitness and is putting significant weight back on his knee during his rehabilitation sessions.
Vidic has been aiming to be fit by the time United head to Asia on a pre-season tour in July and that remains the target set by United's medical staff.
However, there is now an outside chance that the 30-year-old could be ready to play before the end of the season.

Speaking last month, Vidic said: 'Everything is going well. It's progressing in the right way. I have the motivation to work hard and I want to be back as soon as possible.'
Vidic suffered the injury on a night to forget for United, where they crashed out of the Champions League.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson said afterwards: 'It is bad news. He will be a loss.
'I thought [the injury] was a bad one when I saw it.'

Ferguson and his medical staff will be mindful of rushing the player back too early. United supporters will likely recall Vidic being brought back from injury when clearly not being fully fit for a Champions League semi-final clash with AC Milan in 2007.
If he is to return for the season's final weeks, the defender could possibly feature in a Manchester derby showdown with City on April 28.
The defensive crisis has been so serious at Old Trafford this season, with Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones also having spells on the sidelines, that midfielder Michael Carrick has had to play at the back. 
 Since joining the Reds in 2006, Vidic has become one of the most important players at the club.
He has helped United to win four league titles, and the European Cup in 2008.

Zlat: Quit Arsenal, Robin

 

ARSENAL captain Robin Van Persie has been urged to quit the club.

AC Milan superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who destroyed the Gunners in midweek, says RVP must go to become a 'champion'.
He told SunSport: "When you don't win anything for years, people understand why you leave like Cesc Fabregas.
"Football is all about winning. If you don't win you want to go. I don't know Robin personally but I remember him from Holland and what a talent he was — now he is complete.
"I don't know what he is thinking but I know what I would do.
"I have made a lot of moves in my life — I take it as a challenge, an adventure.
"And I have won eight titles in eight years with different clubs in different countries.
"But if you stay in one place all your life it is easy to play football.
"You are at home, you are in the comfort zone.
"But if you move to five different places it is a real test. If you succeed that's when you become a real champion, that's when you get more respect."
Manchester City and Barcelona target Van Persie will have one year left at the Emirates come the summer and he could move for a cut-price fee then.

Even Eden Hazard can't solve Arsenal's issues, says Emmanuel Petit

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has said the current Gunners team is at the 'end of a cycle' - and even signing Belgian wonderkid Eden Hazard is unlikely to improve

them because they need multiple players, and experience.

The 41-year-old was highly critical of his former team, following their humiliating 4-0 Champions League defeat to AC Milan.
Arsene Wenger's men conceded two goals in the first half at the San Siro, with Kevin Prince Boateng and Robinho finding the net.

Milan punished the north London team further in the second half when Robinho scored another and Zlatan Ibrahimovic converted a penalty.
And Petit did not hold back when he spoke to So Foot about the game, calling the match 'a disgrace'.
'I agree with Wenger that it is surely the worst performance of the club in the European Cup,' he said.

'I wondered what had become of the team I knew. It's worse than I thought, It is an abyss that keeps happening weekend after weekend.
'And what is perhaps the most worrying thing is to say that the club will not do anything this summer to stop it.
'They will not return to the transfer market because of the current escalation, and I think they are right.'

The ex-Barcelona and Chelsea player said Arsenal needed a few experienced players - and only signing Lille attacker Hazard, who has been linked with a host of English clubs, would not help.
He added: ‘Signing Eden Hazard would be useful, but what has he done at the top level? In The Champions League? I haven’t seen it.
‘Arsenal need five or six players between 27 and 30, not more youngsters.
'Players with a strong character, who refuse to accept defeat, and are technically good. At the moment, in the middle, there is nothing.’

Petit also questioned the current squad and why Wenger had confidence in players like Andrei Arshavin, Tomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott.
'Arsenal haven't recovered from the departures of Cesc Fabregas [to Barcelona] and Samir Nasri [to Manchester City],' he continued.
'You have to send out a strong signal. You have to say to Arshavin, and to Rosicky: 'Gentlemen, thank you, but goodbye'. And soon.
'Walcott - somehow he's going to have to reach the next stage. It's been years that he's been at the same level.'

Guus Hiddink named Anzhi Makhachkala manager

Ex-Chelsea caretaker manager Guus Hiddink been appointed manager of Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

The 65-year-old former Russia boss has agreed a contract until the end of the 2012-13 season with the big-spending club who had been linked with ex-England boss Fabio Capello.
His predecessor, Yury Krasnozhan, resigned on Monday after less than two months in charge at Anzhi.
"I'm glad to accept such an opportunity," the Dutchman said.
Hiddink guided Chelsea to FA Cup success in 2009 during his caretaker tenure, having agreed a short-term deal when Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked in February 2009.
Most recently, he managed Turkey but left that post when they failed to qualify for Euro 2012.
As well as being appointed chief coach, Hiddink will also serve as vice-president for development, the Russian club announced.

Hiddink, who returns to Russia nearly two years after his term as national coach ended, said: "At the end of last year, we had long discussions on Anzhi and that's why now I made a prompt decision.

"The most significant thing for me is that the club is building plans on football development in the republic. It's as much important as the sports result of the first team and I'm going to pay special attention to this direction.
"We spoke much with [owner] Suleyman Kerimov about this after which I realized what a huge project I was invited to."
The club, based in Russia's Dagestan republic which borders Georgia and Azerbaijan, was founded in 1991 and enjoyed little success until the arrival of billionaire Kerimov in January 2011.
Since then, Anzhi have signed players such as Brazil World Cup 2002 winner Roberto Carlos, Chelsea full-back Yuri Zhirkov and Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o.
The team's players live and train in Moscow due to security problems in Makhachkala and travel nearly 1,250 miles for home matches.
Anzhi are currently in seventh place in the Russian Premier League. Hiddink's first league fixture in charge is on 5 March against Dynamo Moscow when the season recommences after the winter break.

Didier Drogba did not give Chelsea team talk - Andre Villas-Boas

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has reacted angrily to suggestions that influential forward Didier Drogba gave a half-time team talk in their dismal home FA Cup draw against Birmingham.

Daniel Sturridge's second-half goal earned Chelsea a fifth-round replay.
But Villas-Boas dismissed speculation that second-half substitute Drogba was behind their improvement.
"This is ridiculous," said Villas-Boas. "I have nothing to say on that because it makes no sense at all," he added.
"We had opportunities to win the game, but it's never good when you draw at home to a Championship team. It's a poor result."
The 1-1 draw stretches Chelsea's winless run to five matches, bringing more talk of dressing room unrest in what has been a miserable two weeks for the club.

Owner Roman Abramovich has been a regular visitor to the Cobham training ground amid increasing rumours that Villas Boas will be sacked if Chelsea fail to progress past Napoli in their two-legged Champions League tie.

An increasingly disenchanted home support booed as Chelsea left the pitch at the end, venting their displeasure at the Portuguese's decision to take off Juan Mata, who had missed a first-half penalty, and there seemed to be sections of fans singing the name of former manager Jose Mourinho.
Villas-Boas, whose side are fifth in the Premier League, admitted that confidence was low at Stamford Bridge.
"It is normal," he said. "We need an extra mental push to feel the confidence. That comes with results and, until you get out of the cycle, it perpetuates. We don't have enough good results at the moment.
"We are still in two competitions. The game on Tuesday against Napoli is the first leg and we have a wait for the second leg at Stamford Bridge, and regarding the FA Cup we are still in it.
"We have a difficult game against Napoli but we have a chance for sure."
Villas-Boas admitted that 'levels of anxiety suffered' after Birmingham's 20th-minute opener but praised his Chelsea side's reaction following Sturridge's 62nd minute equaliser.
"The team commitment was there straight after the setback," added the Chelsea manager. "And the response was there. If the penalty goes in we have more time to find the winner.
"But, with the game 1-0, we didn't have too much time to then go on and score the winner. We managed to create some good opportunities but not enough to win.
"The first half was a little bit too much feet to feet and less into space.
"We were much more direct in the second half. We wanted to up the tempo and made the decision to use Didier as a target man."
On his injured duo, captain John Terry and fellow defender Ashley Cole, Villas-Boas is still hopeful that both might yet play a part in Tuesday night's Champions League last 16 first-leg clash in Naples.
"Both are in with a bigger chance," he said. "Hopefully, Ashley will be training tomorrow.
"John Terry is very doubtful but we will take him and see if he can make it."
The Cup replay against Birmingham at St Andrew's will not take place until Tuesday, 6 March (1945 GMT).

Hugh Hefner hints at another Lindsay Lohan Playboy spread

Lindsay Lohan may not be entertaining high-profile movie deals like she once was, but it seems the troubled actress may have found her niche: naked on the pages of Playboy.

Lohan, 25, channeled her icon Marilyn Monroe for the cover of the men’s magazine last December, and while the highly-anticipated issue was leaked online and thus forced to hit newsstands earlier than anticipated, it was apparently still quite the moneymaker. 

According to multiple reports, retailers across the country were forced to re-order the issue several times over, and the “Mean Girls” star’s presence prompted a spike in subscriptions.

The Playboy founder himself, Hugh Hefner, tweeted that the “The Lindsay Lohan January-February Double Issue is breaking sales records.”

“It was huge,” Hef told the press with regards to the Lohan issue at the pre-Grammy Music Cares dinner honoring Sir Paul McCartney last week.

So with the issue's success, Lohan may very well bare her body in the adults-only magazine again.

Hefner said Lohan will “quite possibly” do another shoot.

Where Are They Now? O.J. Simpson friends and family almost two decades later

Eighteen years after starring in the most watched murder trial of the 20th Century, O.J. Simpson and those involved in the media circus surrounding the murder of his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, have receded from the headlines. 

The press tracked down the main players to see what has become of them today, almost two decades since they were the most famous people in the country, for all the wrong reasons.

The break-out star of the Simpson trial was house guest and star witness Kato Kaelin, whose Fabio-like locks and stunning inability to remember key details of the night of Nicole Brown’s murder made him a punch line for late night hosts throughout the trial.

Since the trial, Kaelin has traded on his notoriety and made numerous attempts to reinvent himself as a reality television star, first with a program called "House Guest" where he planned to live in the homes of famous people (hopefully ones without murderous intentions). He posed for Playgirl magazine shortly after the trial, and parlayed that move into a spot on  National Lampoon’s Strip Poker pay-per-view programs where he interviewed nude Playboy bunnies defeated at the poker table in something called “Kato’s Guesthouse.”

In 2008, he appeared on the FOX program “Gimme My Reality Show” where contestants like Bobby Trendy, Traci Bingham and Adrianne Curry competed to get their own, even sadder, show. In 2010 Kaelin parodied himself on “Real Time with Bill Maher.”

Kaelin tells Fox411 he is currently hosting a sports show called “Tailgating With Kato” which streams live on FilmOn.com. He recently had Lenny Dykstra on the show, and will host “Saved by the Bell” alum Dennis Haskins next. He also just filmed a comedy pilot with Dave Coulier and Jodie Sweeten from “Full House” called “Don’t Get Arrested.”

Even though the Simpson trial gave him a modicum of fame, Kaelin says he is pleased it is all over.

“Thank God there haven’t been any more murders,” Kaelin told Fox411.com.

Denise Brown, the sister of murder victim Nicole Brown Simpson, became active in domestic violence advocacy following the death of her sister. She makes appearances across the country to raise funds for women’s shelters nationwide and lobbied on behalf of Arlen Spector’s Violence Against Women Act.

“Nicole's legacy will carry on not just through me, but all through the VAWA (Violence Against Women Act). After Nicole's murder then Senator Joe Biden asked me to come to DC because the VAWA was stalled in Senate Appropriation, after that it was passed,” Brown told Fox411.

Today Brown is a co-host of the D-Talks Internet Radio show which raises awareness of women’s issues and empowerment. She told us her father, Lou Brown, was too ill to be interviewed.

“He worked so hard helping domestic violence organizations and lobbying for change, but he hasn't been involved in years," Brown said. "He's 88 years old and still with us."

Brown said her sister’s two children with O.J., Sydney and Justin, both of whom are in their 20s and were raised by their father, have both moved on from their mother's murder and father's trial. Justin lives in Florida and Sydney is working in catering in Atlanta.

“The kids are doing great. This isn't just a standard remark, they really are doing great,” Brown told us.

Fred Goldman, the father of Ronald Goldman, did not return emails. After winning the proceeds, copyright and media rights to O.J. Simpson’s 2007 biography, “If I Did It,” Goldman has intermittently weighed in on court cases, including the Casey Anthony murder trial, for various news outlets.

One player from the Simpson fiasco has faded into total obscurity. Al Cowlings, O.J.’s boyhood friend who drove the infamous white Bronco, was reportedly working as a handbag sales representative in Los Angeles and facing bankruptcy when journalists checked in with him on the 10-year anniversary of his joy ride. His last public sighting was by TMZ outside Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills in 2007.

And O.J.? After being found not guilty in his criminal trial, Simpson was found guilty of the wrongful deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman in a civil trial, and ordered to pay their families $33.5 million. Simpson is now serving up to 33 years in prison for armed robbery and kidnapping stemming from a memorabilia deal gone sour. He will be eligible for parole in 2017.

Simpson, who is now 64, is also facing foreclosure on his Miami, Florida home. According to reports, Simpson hasn’t made a payment on his mortgage since 2010, perhaps due to the fact that he has been locked up in the Lovelock Correctional Facility in Nevada.

Entertainment Corey Booker: 'God is in heaven, and with him is one of our angels, Whitney Houston

The funeral for music legend Whitney Houston got under way Saturday in her hometown of Newark, NJ.

After a rousing performance by the choir of the New Hope Baptist Church, A. Curtis Pharaoh, the church’s minister of music, introduced Newark Mayor Corey Booker.

“We are here to mourn our loss, but to celebrate her life,” Booker said. “God is in heaven, and with him is one of our angels, Whitney Houston.”

After several inspirational musical numbers and scripture readings from the church members, Houston's aunt, the singer Dionne Warwick, thanked those gathered for attending, and introduced actor and producer Tyler Perry.

Perry recounted a dinner he had with Houston in Atlanta years ago where he first became aware of Houston's spiritual side.

"It was at that moment I knew I would do all I can to stand with her," he said. "There was a grace that carried her from heaven down through Miss Cissy Houston ... A grace that carried her to the top of the charts. The other thing I know for sure ... Whitney Houston loved the Lord."

Gospel star Bebe Winans was the first of several scheduled gospel and pop stars to perform.

"What I'm going to miss, is crazy Whitney," Winans said before singing, recounting a story of how Houston, at the top of her fame, said she wanted to open for him and his wife Cece, "Because you're broke, right?" that had the church laughing uproariously.

Several more music and entertainment stars were also there to say good-bye to their friend, including her ‘My Bodyguard’ co-star Kevin Costner, talk show titan Oprah Winfrey, singer Mariah Carey, and actor Forest Whitaker.

Houston’s much-maligned ex-husband, Bobby Brown, and their daughter, Bobbi Kristina were in attendance as well. Brown was scheduled to perform with his band in Connecticut later Saturday evening.

Aretha Franklin, whom Houston lovingly called "Aunt Ree," had been expected to sing at the service, but fell ill.

"Regretfully, I am so sorry that I was unable to be with you at Whitney's service today," Frankin said in a statement. "I had every intention of being there. But unfortunately I had terrible leg spasms and locked leg muscles until 4:00 a.m. this morning following my concert last night, which I've been having for the last few days."

The service marked exactly one week after the 48-year-old Houston -- one of music's all-time biggest stars -- was found dead in a Beverly Hills hotel in California. A cause of death has yet to be determined.

Houston's death at the age of 48 marked the final chapter for the superstar whose fall from grace while shocking was years in the making. Houston had her first No. 1 hit by the time she was 22, followed by a flurry of No. 1 songs and multi-platinum records.

Over her career, she sold more than 50 million records in the United States alone. Her voice, an ideal blend of power, grace and beauty, made classics out of songs like "Saving All My Love For You," `'I Will Always Love You," `'The Greatest Love of All" and "I'm Every Woman." Her six Grammys were only a fraction of her many awards.

But amid the fame, a turbulent marriage to Brown and her addiction to drugs tarnished her image. She became a woman falling apart in front of the world.

Her last album, "I Look To You," debuted on the top of the charts when it was released in 2009 with strong sales, but didn't have the staying power of her previous records. A tour the next year was doomed by cancellations because of illness and sub-par performances.

Still, a comeback was ahead: She was to star in the remake of the movie "Sparkle" and was working on new music. Her family, friends and hard-core fans were hopeful.

Houston is to be buried next to her father, John Houston, in nearby Westfield, N.J.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Whitney Houston Funeral on now

Family, friends, and a host of celebs are expected to be in attendance today's "home going" of Whitney Houston.

We're live outside the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ where around 1,500 invited guests will pay their last respects.

Among those expected to be in attendance today ... Kevin Costner, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Revs. Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton, and several more.

Whitney Houston: Funeral Scheduled Speakers List

A list of people scheduled to speak during the "home going service" for Whitney Houston was just shown to the media outside the church ... but one famous name listed will be a no-show.

Aretha Franklin will not be at the service today, CNN is reporting, due to illness.

Tyler Perry, Kevin Costner, Clive Davis and Dionne Warwick are among those scheduled to speak.

The service is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM ET/9:00 AM PT and we'll have it for you live.

Whitney Houston: Funeral Bobby Brown Already Left

Whitney Houston's funeral has only just begun ... but Bobby Brown has already left the church.

It is unclear if Bobby left on his own accord or if he was asked to leave.

As the press first reported, after some opposition from some family members ... Bobby was officially invited to the funeral today.

Story developing ...

Michael Jackson's Ex-Manager: The Estate Is Screwing Me

Michael Jackson's former manager has filed a lawsuit against the MJ Estate, claiming he saved Michael Jackson after the molestation trial and in return he's been stiffed to the tune of millions of dollars.

Tohme Tohme says he was Michael's Manager from 2008 until shortly before his death.  Tohme claims he rehabilitated MJ both financially and personally after the trial, by coordinating media releases and shooting down false and malicious news stories about Michael.

Tohme says he saved Neverland by arranging refinancing, for which he was entitled to $2.3 million.

But the big thing -- Tohme takes credit for suggesting that MJ's final tour would be called, "This Is It."   According to the suit, during a discussion with Michael and AEG, Tohme chimed in that Michael selling the name, "This Is It" in a "high-spirited tone" would be a smash.

In addition to the $2.3 mil, Tohme wants 15% of the money Michael made from July, 2008 until the present. 

The Estate has already rejected Tohme's claim and even filed legal docs today, claiming Tohme took advantage of Michael and did nothing for him.

Britney Spears: Agrees to Pay Beauty Company To End Lawsuit

Britney Spears is coughing up some dough to settle a lawsuit in which she's accused of being a perfume traitor.

Britney was sued by Brand Sense Partners -- a beauty company that hooked her up with Elizabeth Arden to front her Radiance perfume.  Under the deal, Brand Sense was supposed to get 35% of Brit's profits.

But according to the suit, Britney and daddy Jamie entered into a secret deal with Elizabeth Arden and cut Brand Sense out of the deal.

The financial terms of the settlement are redacted, but the docs make it clear -- Britney paid Brand Sense commissions for a period of years, in addition to a lump sum.

Victoria Beckham Takes Hold of David's Package

While in town for New York Fashion Week, Victoria Beckham proved she had a sense of humor and posed under husband David Beckham's new underwear billboard and raised her hand as if she was grabbing his family jewels in NYC yesterday.

David actually posted the pic on his Facebook with the comment, "So proud of my wife taking #NYFW by the balls."

Coddle it like Beckham.

Chris Brown's Girlfriend Oh, By the Way ... We're Happy Together!

Lost in all the Chris Brown/Rihanna possible reunion madness is the fact that CB has a serious girlfriend -- and sources close to her tell TMZ the two of them are doing quite well in their relationship .... thank you very much!

Sources close to Karrueche Tran tell the press she is unfazed by the recent rash of RiRi rumors. In fact, we're told CB and KT are now actually living together.

As for CB showing up to Rihanna's birthday party, we're told that didn't bother Karrueche either ... because he came home to her that night and whisked her to Miami the next day to celebrate Valentine's Day.

According to our sources, Chris professes his love to Karrueche daily and he has no plans to leave her for Rihanna.

Almost makes you say, "Awwww" ... until you remember ...

Robin Thicke Popped for Pot Possession

Robin Thicke has been arrested for marijuana possession in New York City ... this according to law enforcement.

According to law enforcement, 34-year-old Thicke was busted this afternoon in Manhattan near Madison Square Park -- after police claim they saw the singer lighting up a joint inside a black SUV.

Sources tell SOA, Robin was extremely cooperative -- and even signed a couple autographs.

Thicke was given a desk appearance ticket and released soon after. A rep for Robin Thicke had no comment.

Fun fact: Robin is the son of actor Alan Thicke, who played Jason Seaver on "Growing Pains."

‘Affectionate’ Mancini wants bad boy Balotelli to ‘behave’ himself for rest of season

 Manchester City Roberto Mancini has told troublemaker Mario Balotelli to behave himself for the rest of the season. Balotelli faces another test of his suspect temperament as Cuneyt Cakir takes charge of the clash with Porto The Turkish referee is the same person who gave the Italian ace a red card against Dynamo Kiev in this competition in March last year.

                   Mancini has told Balotelli that he wants him for the final third of the season. "I spoke to Mario two weeks ago. I said ''Please, we have 13 games to play in the Premier League plus Europa League matches''," Mancini was quoted, as saying by The Sun. "I said to him ''Try to have good behaviour on the pitch and think only about football.''

                          Mario is an important player for us, he has good quality," he said. He expressed hope that Balotelli will be fine for the coming two months. "I think if his head will be OK in the next two months, he will be an important player for us," he added. Balotelli, 21, has picked up 17 yellow cards in 49 games for City as well as three reds and the retrospective four-match ban for his stamp on Scott Parker. 

Zambia moves to fourth position in African football

Zambia, the 2012 African champions, have shot up from 16th to fourthposition in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rankings as they also break into the top 50 in the world for the first time in 
11 years after winning the Africa Cup of Nations.

Zambia moved 28 places in the FIFA world rankings, from 71st last month to 43rd after shocking many football pundits with superb football at Africa's soccer showpiece football event co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon from Jan 21 to Feb 12.

On their way to be crowned African champions, Zambia beat Senegal 2-1, drew 2-2 with Libya and beat Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in the group stages before humbling Sudan 3-0 in the quarter-finals. They edged Ghana 1-0 in the semi-finals before beating a star-studded Cote d'Ivoire 8-7 on penalties in the final after a goalless draw in regulation time.

"Zambia has touched the sky of Africa. But Zambia has to touch the stars. It is a fantastic moment for Zambia. I am very proud to be with you at this time. But we have to be humble," Herve Renard, the Zambian coach was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

Cote d'Ivoire, despite losing the finals are number one in Africa, followed by Ghana and Algeria.