FOOTBALL

WOODSON JOINS FAVRE IN GREEN BAY The Green Bay Packers made their first major splash in the free-agent market this off-season, agreeing to terms with defensive back Charles Woodson yesterday. Woodson’s agent, Kevin Poston, said the Packers agreed to a seven-year deal for $52.7 million, including $10.5 million in the first year of the contract.

Woodson’s signing comes a day after Brett Favre told the team he would return to play the 2006 season. Favre previously urged the team to make a “statement” in free agency, similar to the signing of Reggie White in 1993.The team lost out on its pursuit of kicker Adam Vinatieri and linebacker LaVar Arrington before finally landing Woodson.

Woodson, a four-time Pro Bowler, has played eight seasons for the Oakland Raiders, intercepting 17 passes in 106 games. He hasn’t played a full season since 2001, and broke his right leg October 23 against Buffalo. The Raiders declined to use their franchise tag on Woodson in February, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Favre announced late Tuesday night that he would return to the Packers for his 16th NFL season. As the Packers’ season slid toward a 4-12 finish – the team’s only losing season under Favre – the three-time NFL MVP said repeatedly that he wasn’t sure if he would come back to play. The 36-year-old Favre, who threw a career-high 29 interceptions in 2005 while playing for a team depleted by injuries and free-agency losses, said he wasn’t sure he wanted to be part of what he saw as a possible long-term rebuilding effort.

SOCCER

BARCELONA JOINS ARSENAL IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL FC Barcelona used a 0-0 tie with AC Milan yesterday to advance to the Champions League final against Arsenal. The Spanish team won the series 1-0 thanks to a victory at Milan in the first leg last week. Ludovic Giuly’s goal at San Siro last week was decisive. Barcelona will play Arsenal at the Stade de France outside Paris on May 17.

– Associated Press