"This is a great club and I was shown a great deal of compassion and support during a difficult time in December and January for which I am extremely grateful, " said Van der Sar, whose wife, Annemarie, suffered a brain haemorrhage before Christmas.

BBC: Manchester United's Edwin Van der Sar extends contract

Unfortunately, I am anticipating a difficult 2013, in large part driven by political uncertainty here and abroad.

FORBES: Top 10 (or 12) 2013 Predictions

And if you will join us in what is sure to be a difficult fight in the months and years ahead, I am confident that all of America is going to be pulling in one direction to make sure that we are the energy leader that we need to be.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Pushes Clean Energy

Why am I having a difficult time finding Trump amusing, interesting or in the least bit tolerable these days?

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"I am in an extremely sensitive and difficult position and I conveyed as much in a recent newspaper interview, " he wrote at the time.

BBC: Rory McIlroy

If I am correct, a choppy market this month this will make it difficult for those who invest in index-based products while stock pickers who concentrate on entry levels and risk should do much better.

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