الجمعة، 30 يونيو 2017

PHOTOS: FC Barcelona Ace Lionel Messi Marries Antonella Roccuzzo

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WATCH: Ronaldinho dazzles for Barcelona legends against Manchester United

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The Brazilian showed off his sublime skills once again

Ronaldinho was back at the Camp Nou once again on Friday evening, and dazzled the crowd as part of a legends game with Barcelona taking on Manchester United.

While the result may not have gone Barca's way, with the Reds Devils winning 3-1, there was no doubting who was the star of the show.

Perhaps the highlight of the game was Ronaldinho leaving Jesper Blomqvist in a heap after a superb backheel nutmeg.

Ronaldinho also got the chance to link up with Rivaldo in a star-studded lineup that also included Edgar Davids and Gaizka Mendieta.

Goals from Blomqvist, Karel Poborsky and Dwight Yorke gave the visitors the win, with Frederic Dehu grabbing a late consolation.

Barca will be out for revenge in the return leg which is due to take play at Old Trafford on September 2nd.

Barcelona: Angoy (Guzman); Belletti (Dehu), Nadal (Andersson), Edmilson (Amor), Goikoetxea (Juan Carlos); Giuly (Kluivert), Davids (Estebaranz), Mendieta (Popescu), Simao (Ezquerro (Salinas)); Rivaldo (Carreras), Ronaldinho.

Man Utd: Van der Gouw (Pilkington); Brown, Johnsen (Martin), Silvestre; Poborsky (Thornley), Park, Smith, Djordjic (Beardsmore), Blomqvist (Blackmore); Yorke, Saha (Webber).



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OFFICIAL: Barcelona agree €4m deal with Real Betis for Cristian Tello

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The winger is on his way to pastures new

Barcelona have confirmed they have agreed a €4 million deal with Real Betis for Cristian Tello.

The winger will now head to the club for a medical and to sign his contract ahead of an official presentation.

"FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompié have reached an agreement for the transfer of Cristian Tello to the Andalucian side for four million euros with a potential one million more to come," the club said in a statement on their official website.

"FC Barcelona reserves the right to participate in the future sale of the player."

The 25-year-old joined Barcelona B in 2010 and although he did manage to break into the first team, he failed to become a regular at Camp.

It's little surprise to see Tello move on, after spending the last couple of seasons on loan at Porto and Fiorentina, and we wish him all the best for the future.



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Barcelona Ready to Pip Real Madrid for Betis’s Dani Ceballos?

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Should Barça even try to sign him?

Dani Ceballos is lighting up the UEFA Under-21 Championship, drawing strong interest from Real Madrid. And now, Barcelona want to swoop in before the Real Betis player goes to the capital, according to MARCA.

That report might not come true, of course, because, well... MARCA. But there’s also the players’ anti-Catalan tweets from a few years ago.

"Be quiet, Gerard Pique, and don't give your opinion about Andalusia, you s**t Catalan," he wrote when he was 16.

"I find the whistling of the national anthem a disgrace,” another tweet said. "A bomb needs to fall on the stands and kill all the Catalan and Bizcayan dogs."

Another sent to Pique and Cesc Fabregas said: "don't you feel ashamed taking a picture with the Catalan flag? Get out of the country, Catalans." Another one simply said: "I'm disgusted by Catalans, all of them should die already."

He did have some positive things to say about Barcelona, one time writing: "This Barcelona isn't normal, with the way Lionel Messi receives the ball in the middle of the pitch, does a PlayStation move to Jordi Alba, and then it's a goal from Xavi,"

He also wrote derogatory comments about former Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas and his wife Sara Carbonero. On another day he wrote: "Ronaldo and Mourinho have no shame, disgusted by Madrid."

The list of inappropriate and/or shameful tweets goes on. In any case, should Barcelona want this young star despite his previous attacks on the likes of Pique and Catalans in general?

Or should we just recognize that kids say stupid things...? After all, he was just 16, and everyone says things they later regret. The difference is most of us didn’t write it on Twitter and later become famous footballers.

On the other hand, Barcelona has shown they take these kinds of tweets seriously. Sergi Guardiola’s Barcelona B contract was cancelled the same day it was signed after tweets were uncovered in which he praised Real Madrid and cursed at Catalonia.



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OFFICIAL: Barcelona activate buy-back clause, re-sign Gerard Deulofeu

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The Academy product is returning to the club for the next two years

One of the most rumored Barcelona signings of the summer transfer window is now official: Gerard Deulofeu is coming back.

According to the club's statement, Barça have decided to exercise their buy-back clause on the player and will now move on into the final details of negotiations with Everton and Deulofeu himself. Once everything is finalized, the player will stay at the club until the end of his current deal, which ends in the summer of 2019.

There is a reported clause on the buy-back clause that obligates Barça to keep Deulofeu for one season after exercising their right to sign him back, which means he can't be sold or loaned out during the next year. Deulofeu will be in the squad and will hope to prove his worth to new manager Ernesto Valverde.

Valverde is reportedly a big fan of Deulofeu and sees a lot of potential on the player as a dangerous winger with individual skills and scoring ability. A similar player to Deulofeu, Iñaki Williams, thrived at Athletic Bilbao under Valverde, and the new Barça coach hopes that Deulofeu can replicate the same success Iñaki had at the Basque Country.



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FC Barcelona News: 30 June 2017; Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s Germany Reach Final, Legends Return to Camp Nou

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Ter Stegen's Germany into the final of the Confederations Cup | FC Barcelona
Ter Stegen will play in the Confederations Cup final against Chile this Sunday with the German national team after beating Mexico 4-1 in the semi-finals. The goalkeeper will play in his first final with his country and they secured their place with confidence. By the eighth minute of the game, Goretzka's brace had given Germany a two-goal lead. Werner added a third in the second half before Mexico responded with a stunning strike and Germany re-established their three goal cushion at the end.

Transfer Rumour: Hector Bellerin to push for Arsenal exit in favour of Barcelona move this summer | TheHardTackle
According to a report in Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the 22-year-old will begin discussing a move away from the Emirates with the club’s hierarchy, once he returns from the European Championships with Spain’s U21 side from Poland next week.

Barca join race for Mere | Football Espana
According to El Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana are considering activating Mere’s €15m release clause at El Molinon after he followed up an impressive personal campaign in La Liga with a strong showing in the Under 21 European Championships for Spain.

Barcelona Midfield Target Is NOT For Sale | Vital Football
It was even suggested that a budget had been set aside to bring the 27-year-old to the Camp Nou. However, one English news vehicle, the Independent, is suggesting that any moves to bring the Spanish international midfielder to the Camp Nou would be in vain.

Lionel Messi's bride Antonella Roccuzzo, 'first lady of football' | The Statesman
Celebrity magazines have dubbed brunette mother-of-two Antonella Roccuzzo "the first lady of football" -- as her man, Lionel Messi, is widely considered the best player on the planet. Showbiz and football stars will attend their wedding on Friday in the couple's hometown of Rosario, Argentina.

No changes to Barça B, U19A and U19B head coaches | FC Barcelona
It has been announced on Friday that Gerard López, Gabri García and Quique Álvarez will all be staying on as coaches of the Barça B, U19A and U19B teams. López has coached the reserves since the 2015/16 season and oversaw their promotion to the second tier of Spanish football for the forthcoming campaign.

Barça Legends are ready to make us dream again | FC Barcelona
The Barça Legends manager, José Mari Bakero, has encouraged the fans to come to the Camp Nou on 30 June. They will have the chance to see “players from different generations who have had the opportunity to play for FC Barcelona” take on the Manchester United Legends.

The Inside View of the Legends' return to the Camp Nou | FC Barcelona
The Barça Legends are in town and they have been getting ready for their match against the Manchester United Legends at 7.00pm CET on Friday 30 June. Make sure you watch this exclusive video of the squad being put through its paces ahead of the Legends' first ever match at the Camp Nou.



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Does Fabinho hold the key to Barcelona signing Verratti?

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There's no stopping the transfer merry-go-round

The Marco Verratti to Barcelona saga has gone more than a little cold this week, but good old L’Equipe have provided an update, as we head towards July, and pre-season.

According to the French newspaper, Paris Saint-Germain are set to ramp up their efforts to land the Monaco midfielder.

Antero Henrique has reportedly resumed talks with the Brazilian and his representatives, as he aims to bring him to Parc des Princes this summer in a deal worth around €50m.

Now clearly, should PSG manage to bring in Fabinho, it could make them far more willing to allow Verratti to leave.

But it’s not quite as easy as all that, as PSG are quite possibly the last team on the planet Monaco would want to sell the midfielder to.

There’s also reported interest in Fabinho from Manchester United and, interestingly, Atletico Madrid, although of course that would be hugely complicated by the club’s transfer ban.

Another potential problem is that are Monaco will surely not want to sell all of their players this summer.

Bernardo Silva has already gone, Tiemoué Bakayoko appears to be going, and Kylian Mbappe and Thomas Lemar are rarely out of the headlines too.

PSG may indeed want Fabinho, but at the moment that deals looks as difficult to pull off as Barcelona’s bid for Verratti.



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الخميس، 29 يونيو 2017

Barcelona join race for Thomas Lemar – report

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Barcelona rumors: Bellerin to force move, Kondogbia eyed, Keita keen & Morey stays

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More rumors than you can possibly know what to do with

Bellerin to force Barca move

Hector Bellerin is determined to play for Barcelona next season and will head back to Arsenal, after his international commitments are over, to tell the Gunners the good news, report Mundo Deportivo.

The right-back knows it will be a difficult deal, with Arsenal reluctant to sell, but will argue they should listen to the Catalans as they stand to make a huge profit if they allow him to leave.

Kondogbia is Barca’s Plan C

Should Barcelona fail to land Marco Verratti and Paulinho, they will turn their attentions to none other than Geoffrey Kondogbia, so say Goal.

Apparently Barca have already made contact with the Inter man, although the rest of the report does not seem convinced a deal could actually happen. Curious.

Morey staying at Barca

Only yesterday we were hearing how Mateo Morey was to be the latest starlet whisked away from Barcelona, but wait what’s this? Bayern Munich have changed their minds?

They certainly have, according to Sport, who say the German giants were not keen on the transfer being leaked, oh and also that, Barcelona belatedly intervened to stop the deal going ahead.

Keita keen on Barca

RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita has said that he sees himself playing for “one of the biggest clubs” in the world in the future, citing Barcelona as a prime example.

However, no matter how Sport try to spin the article, he also mentions Real Madrid and Manchester City, so we can take that one with a giant pinch of salt.

Tello to have Betis medical

Cristian Tello’s move to Real Betis appears to be inching ever closer, with all parties now close to an agreement, according to Marca, after further talks.

Negotiations will continue on Thursday, with the 25-year-old also set for a medical as he closes in on a permanent departure from Camp Nou.

Rafinha: Future is uncertain

Rafinha has been a regular in our rumor round-ups and he features yet again after admitting he is unsure of his future.

The midfielder, who is still recovering from his knee injury, told Marca: "My future is open and only God knows what will happen.”



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FC Barcelona News: 29 June 2017; Joan Gamper Trophy Game Announced, Lucas Lima Denies Barcelona Deal

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Joan Gamper Trophy to be held on August 7th versus Chapecoense | FC Barcelona
The 52nd edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy will be held at Camp Nou on August 7th, 2017, FC Barcelona has announced. This year’s invitees are Chapecoense, the Brazilian club that was involved in a tragic plane accident last fall while on its wat to the Copa Sudamericana final in Colombia. The Joan Gamper game traditionally serves as the official unveiling of the team each season in front of the home fans.

First friendly between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid since 1991 | FC Barcelona
As anyone who has ever seen al El Clásico knows, matches between Futbol Club Barcelona and Real Madrid aren’t often described as friendly encounters. The two giants, which are world football’s biggest rivals, are known for their oft-heated matches and opposing styles, not to mention the colors of their shirts, which are the modern, deeply engrained versions of full-body war paint.

Lucas Lima: No deal in place for move from Santos to Barcelona | ESPN
Lucas Lima has denied that an agreement is in place to join Barcelona when his deal with Santos expires at the end of the year. Sources told ESPN Brasil last week that the Brazil international has agreed a five-year contract worth €4 million per season with the La Liga club, including €5m in bonus payments.

How Paulinho went from Tottenham reject to Barcelona target - via the Chinese Super League | Sky Sports
Sky sources understand Barcelona are in talks to sign Paulinho from Guangzhou Evergrande, though the Catalan giants are reportedly unwilling to spend the £35m release clause for the 28-year-old. Interest from one of Europe's elite clubs caps off a remarkable return to form for Paulinho, who has also forced his way back into international reckoning with Brazil.

Juventus join AC Milan in race for on Barcelona-bound winger | Calciomercato
Juventus are reported to be interested in signing Barcelona-bound winger Gerard Deulofeu. The Spanish winger spent the last six months on loan at AC Milan but he made return to Everton at the end of the season.

This is the new second strip for the 2017/18 season | FC Barcelona
This Thursday, and one month after the new FC Barcelona strip for the 2017/18 season was launched, the new away kit has been revealed ready for sale from July 1 at Nike.com/FCB, and official club stores and distributors. The new second strip features a palette of blue and red, fusing Aeroswift technology for cutting edge performance, replete with contemporary detailing.

Lionel Messi is getting married! Here's what you need to know about the day | ESPN
It's been a big month for Lionel Messi. The Barcelona star turned 30 last weekend and on Friday, taking advantage of the fact he's not involved in an international tournament this summer, he will marry longtime partner Antonella Roccuzzo in Argentina.



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Barcelona unveil official 2017/18 away kit

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And it's a tidy little number

Barcelona have officially launched their new away kit for the 2017/18 season, a bright blue offering which will be available to buy from July 1st.

As we have already seen from previous links, the kit is all blue, with a kinda cool Blaugrana stripe down the sides of the shirt and the shorts.

There is also some detail inside the shirt, with the words “Força” on the inner right sleeve and “Barça” on the left.

The kit is completed by matching blue socks, which have "Barca" on the front and a graphic on the back.

What do we think people? Like the new away kit? Better than the home kit? And let's not even talk about the leaked pictures of third kit we've seen right?! Let us know!



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الأربعاء، 28 يونيو 2017

As Portugal Loses in the Confederations Cup, Questions Asked of Barcelona’s Andre Gomes

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He wasn’t exactly lighting the world on fire.

Ronaldo’s Portugal went the way Lionel Messi’s Argentina have gone every time they’ve faced Chile in a knockout: trophyless after losing on penalties.

Former FC Barcelona keeper Claudio Bravo was once again immense, stopping all three penalties he faced, proving that as long as he’s not in a Manchester City shirt, he’s a monster. Meanwhile, Ronaldo once again took the rather strange decision to wait until the fifth kick to shoot... something which is never assured. Just as it happened in a shootout against Spain in Euro 2012, he didn’t even get a chance to shoot as Portugal lost the shootout before the fifth kick.

The focus for FC Barcelona, though, should be on Andre Gomes. Gomes started 3 of the 4 matches Portugal have played at the tournament, only missing out on the one against New Zealand, in which many players were rested. He played the full 90 in all three starts, although he was withdrawn in the last few minutes of extra time against Chile.

Despite being a trusted part of the lineup, he didn’t exactly draw rave reviews for his performances. His shooting and passing were particularly savaged in that semifinal loss against Chile.

Reports have circled that Barcelona turned down offers to sell Gomes on for 35 million euros. If true, the question of whether they have made the right call after a mediocre season at Barcelona is once again in focus.

On the positive side, Gomes seemed to improve as the season went on. He’s young and should be more comfortable at Barcelona next season. But still, his matches for his national team have not exactly silenced critics.



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Barcelona’s Strategic Blunders Encapsulated in Real Madrid-Sandro Link

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Symbolically there cannot be a more clear indictment

Real Madrid are set to sign former FC Barcelona striker Sandro Ramirez, who played last season at Malaga.

According to the Spanish radio station Onda Cero, Everton are set to lose out on the forward, who will sign with the Spanish champions.

Sandro was brought up through Barcelona B and into the first team by Luis Enrique. Despite some encouraging performances in his first season, he had a less successful sophomore year under Lucho, where he was always behind Munir El-Haddadi in the pecking order. Finally, Sandro was let go for free last year as Barcelona opted to sign Paco Alcacer from Valencia for a hefty fee.

At Malaga he proved a revelation, netting 11 league goals. Notably, he effectively ended Barcelona’s title challenge with a goal in a 2-0 victory.

Now, if Madrid do snatch him up, Barcelona’s failure to adequately manage youth will be exposed. There are many cases over the past years, with blame being cast upon club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, technical director Robert Fernandez, and Luis Enrique himself, but this one perhaps would be the most emblematic.

Real Madrid’s attention to youth has resulted in Los Blancos snatching up talents such as Marco Asensio, and now Sandro, without necessarily having an academy that develops them.

They’ve managed to keep players such as Alvaro Morata and Dani Carvajal with the team through loans and buyback clauses, even if there wasn’t space at the moment in the starting XI.

And when selling off academy players such as Jose Callejon, they’ve managed to obtain fair prices.

The Catalans have not brought up players quickly enough and instead opted to sell them at reduced prices. The costlier replacements such as Alcacer have not brought enough of an improvement to justify the cost of the switch.

Even players who have stayed linked to the club when moving to other teams have been mismanaged, with the likes of Adama Traore, Sergi Samper, and Alen Halilovic not going to teams with optimal situations for their development. Sure, some blame is with the players themselves, but has the team given them proper backing?

Jordi Mboula’s recent departure to Monaco suggests this is a problem that’s not going away. What will it take for Barcelona’s board to take notice?



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A Fan’s Perspective: Barça should go green

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A Fan’s Perspective: Barça should go green

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WATCH: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez & Other Barcelona Stars On Where They Came From

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You can also win flights and tickets in a related contest.

Where did Lionel Messi get his start? What about Luis Suarez? In this latest video released by FC Barcelona, players talk about the pitches they first graced, on their path to becoming names known worldwide.

So, want to see pictures of the pitches in which Messi, Suarez, Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Ivan Rakitic, Arda Turan and Gerard Pique got their start? Here you go!

This video is being produced because one of the team’s sponsors, Beko, is holding a raffle. To enter, take a picture of where you play, upload it to Twitter or Instagram, and tag @Beko and #Place2Play.



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FC Barcelona News: 28 June 2017; Carles Aleñà signs new deal, Two more Barça youth stars set to leave

By  7:12 ص  No comments

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and transfer rumors

Carles Aleñá agrees new FC Barcelona contract - FC Barcelona
The talented Barça B youngster will sign for the next seasons which will increase by a further two if he joins the first team

Beko discovers the first pitches where the first team players played - FC Barcelona
Share a photo of the place where you play football on Twitter or Instagram and enter the Beko draw to come and watch Barça at the Camp Nou

VIDEO: Éric Abidal on life before, during and after his time as a Barça player - FC Barcelona
Ten years after signing for the Catalan giants brought a lifelong dream true, the new ambassador of FC Barcelona reveals new details in this fascinating interview

Bellerin silent on Arsenal future | Football Espana
Arsenal full back Hector Bellerin refused to comment on his future in the midst of media speculation linking him with a return to Barcelona.

Barca's Morey joins Bayern | Football Espana
La Masia youth player Mateu Morey is the latest young player to leave Barcelona and is set to join Bayern Munich in a €3m deal, say reports in Spain.

Saul rules out departing Atleti | Football Espana
Saul Niguez has ruled out the possibility he will leave Atletico Madrid this summer despite speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona.

City to sign Barca's Garcia | Football Espana
Highly-rated Barcelona defender Eric Garcia has decided to leave the club to join Manchester City, according to reports in Spain.



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Rumors: Soares eyed, Verratti deadline & Deulofeu does not want Barcelona return

By  7:07 ص  No comments

Barca looking at yet another right-back option

Soares is Barcelona’s new back-up

First it was Nelson Semedo, and now Cedric Soares has emerged as Barcelona’s latest back-up plan, should they fail to land Hector Bellerin this summer.

Sport claim Bellerin remains Robert Fernandez’s first choice but he could turn to Soares.

However, the club will face competition from Tottenham who will need to replace Manchester City-bound Kyle Walker.

Deulofeu does not fancy Barca return

Gerard Deulofeu’s future should become much clearer this week, with his buy-back clause due to expire on Friday.

However, ahead of that Mundo Deportivo are reporting that the winger does not much fancy coming back to Camp Nou and Barcelona are well aware of his stance.

July 4 deadline day for Verratti

July 4th is set to be a crucial date in Barcelona’s hunt of Marco Verratti, so say Sport, with the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder due back to Unai Emery’s side for pre-season training.

The Italian is believed to want a move to Barcelona and if he fails to show for training, Barcelona will be handed a boost in their hunt for his signature.

No buyers for Vermaelen

Quite amazingly Barcelona are struggling to find a buyer for Thomas Vermaelen and are resigning themselves to the possibility he may well stay with the club next season.

According to Sport, Torino, Watford and Southampton have all been linked, but clubs have been put off by his lack of playing time over the last three seasons.

Barca youngsters on the move

Barcelona’s starlets continue to be targeted with Marca reporting Mateo Morey will head to Bayern Munich, after the German giants paid his €3m release clause.

Morey will be followed out of the exit door, say Marca again, by Eric Garcia who is heading to Manchester City to link up with Pep Guardiola for just €1.5m



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Carles Aleñá signs new three-year Barcelona deal

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Yes! Finally some great transfer news!

Barcelona have confirmed that highly-rated young midfielder Carles Aleñá will remain with the club after signing a new three-year deal.

There had been speculation the 19-year-old could be tempted away with rumours of interest from Tottenham this week, but that can now be safely put to bed.

Alena has put pen to paper on a new deal, which also has the option of two further years, with a release clause of €75 million.

The news makes it a good week for Alena, who was part of the Barcelona B side that achieved promotion to the Segunda Division on Sunday.

His perfomances have also seen him called up to the senior side, with Alena featuring in the Copa del Rey victory over Hercules, where he scored a stunning goal.

Alena will now be hoping for further first-team chances next season under Ernesto Valverde, with the club's midfield options under huge scrutiny, amid talk of moves for Marco Verratti and Paulinho.

The midfielder's renewal is also a boost for the club, who have see their youngsters targeted by other clubs this summer.

Jordi Mboula has already signed for Monaco while Eric Garcia is being linked with a move to Manchester City and Bayern Munich are reportedly set to sign Mateu Morey.

Alena, however, is staying and hopefully has a bright future ahead of him at Camp Nou.



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الثلاثاء، 27 يونيو 2017

Forget Verratti - Barcelona better call Saul

By  2:16 م  No comments

The midfield hit a sublime hat-trick for the Under-21s

Marco Verratti has hogged the headlines with regards a move to Barcelona this summer, but Saul Niguez has surely just made the Blaugrana sit up and take notice.

The Atletico Madrid midfielder has been linked with a move to Barca as a "back-up", should the club fail to land the Paris Saint-Germain star, but was in truly stunning form for the Spain Under-21s in their victory against Italy on Tuesday night.

His first goal was clinical, the second an absolute thunderbolt and the third a cute first-time finish that left the goalkeeper absolutely no chance.

The goalkeeper by the way? Oh that would just have been AC Milan's Gianluigi Donnarumma, arguably the most promising young stopper on the planet.

Saul's hat-trick ensured Spain will meet Germany in the final and means the 22-year-old has now scored in each of his last five games for the Under-21s (thanks Opta).

The Spaniard is also now the competition's top scorer and is just the third Spanish player ever to score a hat-trick at the U21 Euros.

He's also younger than Verratti, and quite possibly cheaper, but like the PSG man, luring him away from his club will prove no easy task.

Ahead of the game it was Marco Asensio who had been the star of the show, leaving many Barca fans wondering what might have been, and casting envious looks at the Real Madrid starlet.

Tonight it's all about Saul, are you watching Barca?



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WATCH: Barcelona Players Compete Scoring Goals Against Jasper Cillessen in Training

By  12:41 م  No comments

Denis Suarez, Paco Alcacer, Lucas Digne and Javier Mascherano compete

FC Barcelona is releasing videos from last season’s training sessions, and here’s another fun one.

Denis Suarez, Paco Alcacer, Lucas Digne and Javier Mascherano take turns trying to see who can beat Jasper Cillessen with shots from outside the area the most.

Who wins? Watch here:

Done watching? Spoiler alert. despite scoring only one goal in his long Barcelona career, Javier Mascherano wins this one. And despite being the only striker, Alcacer only nets one goal.



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France Football: Paris Saint-Germain Should Sell Marco Verratti and Buy Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic

By  10:51 ص  No comments

Interesting proposal

France Football magazine is advising Paris Saint-Germain to sell Marco Verratti to Barcelona and buy Barcelona’s own Ivan Rakitic.

Their newest cover reads: "Why Paris Should Sell Verratti," and argues that selling their star midfielder is the right way forward. They say keeping a disgruntled player is a bad idea, and PSG should focus on the profit they will make after buying him for a mere 12 million euro from Pescara five years ago

The magazine also recommends Rakitic as a possible replacement. The Croatian played in Sevilla, where he was very successful under Unai Emery, PSG’s current coach. PSG would be able to buy Rakitic and keep a lot of leftover money from Verratti’s sale.

The other possible signings recommended by France Football are: Radja Nainggolan (AS Roma), Ever Banega (Inter Milan), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), and Fabinho (AS Monaco), who is already being linked with a move to Paris.



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“Ghost Goal” Referee Who Denied Barcelona Victory Over Betis Named La Liga’s Best Referee

By  7:31 ص  No comments

Barça fans aren’t happy with Alejandro Hernandez

The referee who denied Barcelona a victory over Real Betis after failing to call a goal when the ball had clearly crossed the line has been named La Liga’s best referee. Jose Hernandez Hernandez has topped the referee’s committee’s list despite the controversy.

Barcelona were drawing 1-1 with Betis late in the match when the incident occurred. After a scramble, the ball bounced towards goal. A Betis player cleared the ball, but not before it had crossed the line. In fact, it was blatantly past the line, and still Hernandez did not call it.

The referee's committee gives scores to every referee and ranks them each season, with Hernandez coming in first with a score of 9.58. Carlos del Cerro Grande (9.54) and Jesús Gil Manzano (9.46) came in second and third, respectively.

Meanwhile, Clos Gomez (10th, 9.33), one of Spain’s most well known referees, is retiring. He refereed Barcelona’s win in the Copa del Rey final over Deportivo Alaves this season.



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Are Barcelona really serious about Paulinho?

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The clock is ticking for Barcelona as they chase Deulofeu, Bellerin & Paulinho

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FC Barcelona News: 27 June 2017; Hector Bellerin Transfer Given Deadline, Saul Niguez Also on Barcelona Radar

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Barça's goals against Manchester United in the US | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona and Manchester United are set to face each other once again in the summer United States tour. The pair have met frequently in past US tours: In Washington in 2011, the Red Devils came out on top in a 2-1 win for the English side, despite Thiago Alcántara's strike.

#L30Messi: The highlights of his 30th birthday | FC Barcelona
A look at all the stories from the Argentine star's birthday, from a quiz on his past to wishes from teammates and colleagues.

Barcelona set 10-day deadline for top target, both parties want transfer | CaughtOffside
However, having spent eight years at Barcelona as a youth team player, and we’ve seen it before with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, it’s seemingly difficult for him to turn down an opportunity to return to the Catalan giants. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca have put in place a 10-day deadline to resolve the matter and to try and take Bellerin back to the Nou Camp.

Barcelona identify Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez as Marco Verratti alternative | TheHardTackle
Spanish publication AS have reported that Barcelona are identifying alternatives as their pursuit of Marco Verratti starts to get complicated. The Catalan club are set to turn their attention towards Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez if they fail to land the PSG superstar. Saul Niguez is regarded as one of the most promising young players in Europe for some time now.

Barcelona seek shock summer move for Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic | TheHardTackle
Spanish publication Don Balon have sensationally claimed that Barcelona are looking for a shock move to sign Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian is being viewed by Ernesto Valverde & co. as an alternate option to Marco Verratti, who remains the prime target for the Catalan giants.

B team's promotion to second tier offers peek at future for Barcelona | ESPN
The football season finally came to an end in Barcelona on Sunday when the B team clinched promotion to the second tier of Spanish football. Gerard Lopez's young side sealed their place in Segunda A with a 4-1 aggregate win against Racing Santander.

All of the U12s' goals in LaLiga Promises Tournament in New York | FC Barcelona
The FC Barcelona U12s claimed the International LaLiga Promises tournament trophy in New York. Íker Bravo scored in the last minute of the final against Madrid to claim the trophy (3-2) which will live long in the memories of the youngsters.



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الاثنين، 26 يونيو 2017

RAC1: Deulofeu announcement in the next few hours

By  9:46 ص  No comments

The prodigal son returns?

Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu looks set to be returning to the Camp Nou with Barcelona willing to exercise their option to buy him back for a fee of €12 million, according to RAC1.

According to the report, the club is looking to sign the player as soon as possible, and an announcement could be due in the next few hours.

The winger has been in demand ever since his exploits in Italy with AC Milan. While the player initially wished to stay at the San Siro, a move looked unlikely with Barça reigniting their interest in the Spaniard.

Deulofeu was shipped out to Everton on loan in 2013 making 25 appearances. He followed his stint in England with another loan to Sevilla in 2014 where he saw reduced playing time under Unai Emery on the grounds of his poor attitude. With Luis Enrique not impressed, the player was swiftly moved along to Everton on a permanent transfer in 2015 where he looked to link up with former Blaugrana legend Ronald Koeman. The Dutchman, however, grew impatient with the winger and shipped him off on another loan to AC Milan last January; it was here that he truly stood out.

In a team full of upcoming stars, Deulofeu managed to do enough to garner attention from Europe and with his stock rising, Barcelona seems to have promptly returned to cash in.

The club has been linked to a number of wingers this summer with names like Riyadh Mahrez and Ousmane Dembele constantly in the news. However, the club appears to have dropped any interest in the duo with Deulofeu now primed for a return.

Deulofeu’s buy-back clause expires on 30 June 2017.



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Barcelona rumor round-up: Kovacic wanted, Dembele to PSG, Spurs want Alena & more

By  6:16 ص  No comments

There are some real eye-openers around this week

PSG to rival Barca for Dembele

Paris Saint-Germain are doing their best to keep Marco Verratti away from Barcelona and are also ready to frustrate the Blaugrana further by joining the race to sign Ousmane Dembele, so say L'Equipe.

The French newspaper claims club officials have already contacted the Borussia Dortmund player’s representatives, but may struggle to tempt him away from the Bundesliga side.

Valverde asks for Kovacic

Good old Don Balon are never shy of an outrageous transfer rumor or two and they have come up with another cracker by claiming Barcelona want Real Madrid’s Mateo Kovacic.

Apparently Ernesto Valverde has asked the club to sign the midfielder, although the report then seems to backtrack completely by suggesting this move is a non-starter. Utter nonsense.

Coutinho move on hold

Barcelona have all but given hope of landing Philippe Coutinho this summer, after a meeting with the player’s agents in Brazil last week, report Sport.

Although the Brazilian is keen on a move, Barca need to address other areas in their squad first, making a move for the Liverpool man difficult and on hold, for now at least.

Mahrez gives up on Barcelona

With Coutinho on ice, that also means Riyad Mahrez will not be arriving at Camp Nou any time soon, and the Leicester City winger has decided to give up on his dream of joining the Catalan side.

According to Sport, instead, Mahrez will now hope to seal a move Arsenal, having already received a four-year deal which he is currently mulling over.

Tottenham want Carles Alena

Fresh from helping Barcelona B achieve promotion, Carles Alena is being linked with a move to the Premier League and Tottenham, so say AS.

The midfielder’s current deal expires at the end of this month, which is no doubt behind the rumor.

However, it's worth pointing out that after victory last night, Alena was widely quoted as claiming he had no intention of leaving the club - another one for the bin.

Lee Seung-woo considering leaving Barca

Alena is not the only young player getting the rumor treatment, so too is Lee Seung-woo, who is due to meet Barcelona for talks over his future, so say Marca.

The teenager has reportedly hinted at a move away with Borussia Dortmund believed to be keen to add him to the ranks.

Lee is contracted until 2019 but apparently needs to sign a new deal by the end of August, in order to play for Barcelona B, as he will not longer be eligible for the Under-19s.



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FC Barcelona News: 26 June 2017; Barca Trio Reach Confederations Cup Semi-Final, Barcelona B Promoted

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Barça trio through to international semi-finals | FC Barcelona
Ter Stegen helped Germany secure a place in the last four of the Confederations Cup, playing the full 90 minutes in both a 1-1 draw against Chile and a 3-1 win over Cameroon. He and his teammates will battle it out with Mexico for a place in the final. André Gomes also played 180 minutes in total, first in a 2-2 draw against Mexico, followed by a 1-0 win over host nation Russia. Portugal now face Chile in the other semi-final.

Ten years since the arrival of Thierry Henry at FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona
During his spell, the iconic no.14 scored 49 goals in 121 official matches and helped the team to seven trophies, all of which came under Guardiola's reign as manager. Henry won the treble in the 2008/09 season, and will forever be remembered for his two goals in the 6-2 win at the Santiago Bernabéu, as well as his contribution to the Copa del Rey and Champions League titles.

Vermaelen to return to Italy? | Football Espana
Torino are hopeful of a loan deal for Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen but a move will only go through should the Catalans cover his wages, say reports. According to Sky Sport Italia, the Belgian international – who spent last season on loan at Serie A rivals Roma – is wanted by the Turin-based club, although they would struggle to cover his annual wage bill €2.5m.

FC Barcelona B v Real Racing Club: Promotion to Division 2A! (0-0) | FC Barcelona
Barça B are in Division 2A. Gerard López’s side drew 0-0 with Racing in the return leg of the play-off final and this meant that their 4-1 victory at El Sardinero secured promotion to Spain’s second division. Barça’s second team are back in the highest league they can be in after a fabulous season in which they were league champions of Group III in Division 2B.

Barça B's sixth promotion to Division 2A | FC Barcelona
Victory over Racing de Santander in the play-off final means Barça B have secured promotion to Division 2A for the sixth time in their history. The most recent one prior to Sunday's success was in 2009/2010 with Luis Enrique as coach and the first team’s Sergi Roberto in the side. Next season will be the 23rd time Barça’s second team will play in the second highest division in Spain.

Champions of the III Torneo Internacional LaLiga Promises | FC Barcelona
There have been three editions of the Torneo Internacional de LaLiga Promises and FC Barcelona have won all three of them. The U12A side defeated Valencia 2-0 in the semi-finals and then won 3-2 against Real Madrid in a close final. A Jan Molina goal and a double from Iker Bravo ensured the trophy returned to Barcelona a second after winning the Torneo Nacional de LaLiga Promises in Villareal.



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Paulinho contemplates Barça offer; Guangzhou not interested

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Scolari relies on the Brazilian midfielder

Brazilian midfielder Paulinho has been subject to interest from Barcelona, much to the surprise of the entire footballing community.

The former Tottenham flop has rejuvenated his career in China with Guangzhou under Luiz Felipe Scolari. Having confirmed that he received an offer from Barcelona, the player said he is yet to make a decision on whether or not he wants to leave.

“(Barcelona) contacted my agent. There is an offer, but in life and also in my career I find myself at a very happy stage now. When you are at such a stage, it's difficult to make a decision”

—Paulinho

Coach Scolari, however, insisted that the midfielder remains a key figure in his side and also mentioned how the €40m release clause is the only figure at which the Chinese will negotiate.

"His release clause is 40 million euros and none of the Chinese clubs will let their key players go because it would be difficult and expensive to find a replacement due to the new rules."

—Luiz Felipe Scolari

While Paulinho indeed has shown good form in the Chinese Super League, €40m is still a very high price to pay for an inconsistent midfielder who failed to keep up with the pace of the Premier League; La Liga is quicker and more technical.

Hopefully, Scolari’s stance will force Barça to look elsewhere.

(Source: Sport)



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WATCH: Barcelona score late winner to beat Real Madrid & win LaLiga Promises

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The kids are alright

Barcelona's youngsters are celebrating more success after winning the LaLiga promises tournament in New Jersey, beating Real Madrid 3-2 in the final.

The Alevin A side tasted victory only last weekend, beating Villarreal, in the national tournament, with a stunning goal from Gerard.

The under-12 team have now followed that up at the international tournament in the United States where they won all six of their games to lift the trophy.

Goals from Jan Molina and a double from Iker Bravo, including a late winner, saw the Blaugrana crowned champions.

Bravo, meanwhile, finished as the tournament's top scorer with five goals as Barcelona enjoyed a fine competition.

It's more good news for the club, following confirmation yesterday that Barcelona B had been promoted back to the Segunda Division.

Great work guys!



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الأحد، 25 يونيو 2017

Barcelona B see off Racing Santander to clinch promotion

By  1:21 م  No comments

Gerard Lopez's side finish the season on a high

Barcelona B are celebrating promotion to Segunda Division A after a 0-0 draw against Racing Santander at the Mini Estadi confirmed a 4-1 aggregate win.

Gerard Lopez’s side did most of the hard work last weekend, winning 4-1 away from home, and finished the job off with a goalless draw on Sunday evening.

The win means Barca return to the Segunda Division after a two-year absence and the result will be a huge boost to the whole club.

Sergi Palencia captained the side to victory with Lopez's team featuring a host of players who have been tipped to make the breakthrough into the senior set-up.

Marlon Santos, who made the step up at the end of last season, featured at centre-back with Marc Cucurella, who has been linked with a host of clubs recently, at left-back.

Meanwhile, in midfield Carles Alena impressed again, and amid all the talk of midfielders at the moment, might he be handed a chance to impress next season?

Barcelona B line-up: Suárez: Palencia, Marlon, Martínez (Ruiz), Cucurella: Aleñá, Ferran, Gumbau: Alfaro, Romera (Xemi), Cardona (Borja).



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Real Betis want Cristian Tello

By  9:26 ص  No comments

The winger finally has some suitors...

Barça loanee Cristian Tello could soon be making a return to Spain with Real Betis contacting the Blaugrana and agreeing to a deal for the winger, according to Marca.

The speedy winger has impressed on loan for Serie A side Fiorentina, but the Italians have refused to activate their option to buy which sits at a steep €8 million—well above their valuation of the player.

While there is concrete interest from Betis, the player seems to be unconvinced of the wages being offered by the Seville side.

According to the report, there is interest from Valencia and Zenit Saint Petersburg as well, which likely means that Barcelona still stands a chance of making some money from the versatile winger.

Having made 22 appearances for Fiorentina all season including 14 substitute appearances, Tello managed a decent turn-out of 4 goals and 4 assists in Serie A.

While the move is yet to materialise, it would be good for the club if competition for Tello’s signature could force his price to go higher. However, with only a year left on his contract, there is still a chance that the Spanish international walks away on a free transfer—this move needs to happen now.



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Verratti or Saúl—What does Valverde want?

By  5:51 ص  No comments

Is Barça going to tweak their midfield structure this season under their new coach?

Saúl Ñíguez is Barcelona’s backup option if the move for Marco Verratti falls through, according to AS.

There has been plenty of talk regarding Verratti and his future with current employers Paris Saint-Germain, forcing the midfielder to issue a public statement debunking an interview published in Italian media.

With Paulinho and Lucas Lima being the only other players in the discussion for a midfield transfer, it seemed for quite a while that Barcelona was ready to go all-in for Verratti. This new report from AS comes as a major relief, therefore, suggesting that Barcelona is weighing their options carefully in order to avoid going bust on deadline day.

However, there’s very little to compare the two players considering their polarising profiles—while Verratti is a quintessential central midfielder, Saúl is a little more diverse in his style of play.

Verratti averages a mammoth 99.88 passes per 90 minutes in comparison to the Atletico de Madrid man who manages a paltry number of 42.21 in the same metric.

The Italian also averages more key passes compared to Saúl (MV: 1.47, SN: 0.78), creates more chances (MV: 1.68, SN: 0.88) and boasts a greater pass completion rate (MV:97%, SN: 85%) while making more forward passes per 90 (MV: 66.34, SN: 26.83).

Although Saúl falls behind in some key possession battles, his production off the ball is what makes him an option, besting Verratti in interceptions (SN: 2.16, MV: 0.92), blocks (SN: 0.25, MV: 0.17), clearances (SN: 2.16, MV: 0.63) and aerial duels won (SN: 84%, MV: 49%).

Saúl is also an incredibly versatile player, capable of playing all over the middle of the park. His lone appearance as a left-back this season ended with him getting a massive rating on WhoScored (8.66)—while the rating itself is disputable, it certainly underlines the Spaniard’s ability in a more defensive role.

Between Verratti and Saúl, the choice is obvious; there is only one man who can fill the void in Barcelona’s midfield and he plays for PSG. With Valverde’s appointment, however, the demands may have slightly changed which begs the question, what does the new Barça coach want?

Yes, he’s told everyone about his insistence to build through the middle and bring back the glory days with a strong & dominant midfield—but what does that mean for the kind of personnel he will deploy?

There are too many questions with very few answers at the moment, but at least we’re spared from the horror of discussing Paulinho and Lima for now, which can only be a good thing.

(All statistics from Squawka and WhoScored)



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FC Barcelona News: 25 June 2017; Denis Suarez Confirms Barcelona Stay, Paulinho Confirms Transfer Talks

By  3:11 ص  No comments

Messi at 30: 30 things you may or may not know about Barca's famous No.10 | ESPN
Lionel Messi turned 30 Saturday. So here are 30 things about the Argentina and Barcelona legend.

QUIZ: How much do you really know about Lionel Messi? | FC Barcelona
You might know everything about the player's exploits at Barça - but what about the more personal side of the Argentinian superstar? Let's find out!

The sports world congratulates Leo Messi | FC Barcelona
Various famous figures wish the Barça star a happy birthday as he turns 30.

Brazil star Paulinho says he has an offer to move to Barcelona | ESPN
Brazil midfielder Paulinho has revealed that his agent is in talks with Barcelona over a potential move to the Catalan club. Barca are looking to make signings in a number of positions this summer as they look to strengthen new coach Ernesto Valverde's hand, with midfield one area they're keen to improve.

Barcelona star confirms he's staying | Sportskeeda
Barcelona and Spanish midfielder Denis Suarez has confirmed that he is staying at the club, despite the speculation of uncertainty about his future. After the Under-21 playoff match against Serbia, which the Spaniards won thanks to Suarez’s goal, he told Marca, ”I am 100 percent staying at Barcelona for next year.

Marco Verratti refutes giving interview about his future at Paris Saint-Germain | ESPN
Marco Verratti has denied giving an interview in which he was quoted as saying his future at Paris Saint-Germain depends on the club bringing in players in the transfer market this summer.

U12A team through to LaLiga Promises Internacional semi-finals | FC Barcelona
Supported all the way by children from the Barça Academy NY, the day started with the Catalans winning 1-0 (yet again!) against Benfica in the final game of the group stage. Iker Bravo scored the only goal of the game in the very first minute – the fastest goal of the tournament.



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السبت، 24 يونيو 2017

Verratti: Stop talking about me!

By  2:29 م  No comments
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A Fan’s Tribute: Shine on you crazy diamond!

By  10:39 ص  No comments

Happy Birthday, Leo!

I’m waiting.

I’m waiting for the day when there’s some appreciation—the day when people finally see the truth that’s hauntingly lingered before them for so long.

I sit and wait but there’s so little of the truth out there, that it can be hard to comprehend it in its entirety.

There have been some truly great footballers in the past—stories that change you as a person and make you believe; if you work hard enough, the world will bow down before you and chant your name in a transcendental chorus that will hauntingly echo through history.

Football never ceases to amaze me and in all my time as a fan, if someone asked me for the one person who changed it all, it’ll be Messi.

I am still trying to understand how one man can be so limitless. How is it possible for one person to change the course of history so significantly, names in record books once untouched have been scratched on and written over to the point where no matter where you look, all you see is his name in glaring bold?

The way he moves, the way he gets away from those chasing his ghost, the way he puts all those around him to shame with a flick as easy as the smile on his face... Is it all real, or just manufactured reality? An existence produced to bring us joy from that which we cannot ever fully understand?

30 years of life, and there’s still more joy to come from the pot of gold that won’t stop giving.

I want to try and do justice to the man for he has rarely been treated with the love and admiration he deserves from those witnessing his magic.

From humble beginnings, a man rose above everyone else to shine.

Stadiums are filled with thousands of people every week to watch men play with a ball full of air. Football is arguably the most insignificant sport from a cynic’s eyes—90 minutes of men trying to find the back of the net; a short-lived claim to fame. It is redundant, and yet we love it. It is pointless, and yet millions across the world swear by it. The answer is simple—when that stadium fills, it is a celebration; a celebration of what we humans can do. Football is a celebration of the simplest things like balancing a ball and controlling it with our feet. It is a celebration of humanity in its purest form, and there is no greater reason to be happy.

Messi is the epitome of everything that is football, and by extension, humanity.

In the future, many will wonder if the stories are true and even more will try to mimic him, for they would have already discovered his legend amongst those that came before him. Those of us who grew up watching him become a man from a little boy will reminisce with a smile on our faces, while those who didn’t will try to recollect if he was really that good—maybe there was another who was just as good, if not better?

The truth, however, is that there will only ever be one Messi and if we don’t appreciate him enough today, we might just live to regret it.

Happy Birthday, Leo.

Well you wore out your welcome with random precision

Rode on the steel breeze

Come on you raver, you seer of visions

Come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine!



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A Fan’s Tribute: Shine on you crazy diamond!

By  9:59 ص  No comments

Happy Birthday, Leo!

I’m waiting.

I’m waiting for the day when there’s some appreciation—the day when people finally see the truth that’s hauntingly lingered before them for so long.

I sit and wait but there’s so little of the truth out there, that it can be hard to comprehend it in its entirety.

There have been some truly great footballers in the past—stories that change you as a person and make you believe; if you work hard enough, the world will bow down before you and chant your name in a transcendental chorus that will hauntingly echo through history.

Football never ceases to amaze me and in all my time as a fan, if someone asked me for the one person who changed it all, it’ll be Messi.

I am still trying to understand how one man can be so limitless. How is it possible for one person to change the course of history so significantly, names in record books once untouched have been scratched on and written over to the point where no matter where you look, all you see is his name in glaring bold?

The way he moves, the way he gets away from those chasing his ghost, the way he puts all those around him to shame with a flick as easy as the smile on his face... Is it all real, or just manufactured reality? An existence produced to bring us joy from that which we cannot ever fully understand?

30 years of life, and there’s still more joy to come from the pot of gold that won’t stop giving.

I want to try and do justice to the man for he has rarely been treated with the love and admiration he deserves from those witnessing his magic.

From humble beginnings, a man rose above everyone else to shine.

Stadiums are filled with thousands of people every week to watch men play with a ball full of air. Football is arguably the most insignificant sport from a cynic’s eyes—90 minutes of men trying to find the back of the net; a short-lived claim to fame. It is redundant, and yet we love it. It is pointless, and yet millions across the world swear by it. The answer is simple—when that stadium fills, it is a celebration; a celebration of what we humans can do. Football is a celebration of the simplest things like balancing a ball and controlling it with our feet. It is a celebration of humanity in its purest form, and there is no greater reason to be happy.

Messi is the epitome of everything that is football, and by extension, humanity.

In the future, many will wonder if the stories are true and even more will try to mimic him, for they would have already discovered his legend amongst those that came before him. Those of us who grew up watching him become a man from a little boy will reminisce with a smile on our faces, while those who didn’t will try to recollect if he was really that good—maybe there was another who was just as good, if not better?

The truth, however, is that there will only ever be one Messi and if we don’t appreciate him enough today, we might just live to regret it.

Happy Birthday, Leo.

Well you wore out your welcome with random precision

Rode on the steel breeze

Come on you raver, you seer of visions

Come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine!



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Former Tottenham Midfielder Paulinho Says He Has an Offer From FC Barcelona

By  9:01 ص  No comments

...oh.

Brazilian international Paulinho has told Globo that he has an offer from FC Barcelona. The midfielder, formerly of Tottenham Hotspur and now of Guangzhou Evergrande, said he’s not sure whether to join or not:“I’m very happy in my life and my career, and it’s difficult to decide.”

Paulinho reported being happy living in China, but he was “happy that a big club like Barcelona were interested in him,” calling it “priceless.”

Meanwhile, Diario SPORT report Barcelona are negotiating with Paulinho. The report says the club likes his performances for the Brazilian national team and think that, at 28, he’s at the prime of his career and ready to challenge for a starting spot.

This rumor is picking up steam.

Personally, I don’t understand the chase for him or Lucas Lima, another middling Brazilian midfielder. The truth is, Barcelona already has a ton of decent or OK midfielders. What the team really needs is a star. That’s clearly Marco Verratti, but failing that, the Catalans should look for someone a tier below, not several tiers below.

Unless, that is, Ernesto Valverde has some secret plan for those kinds of signings that’s not apparent yet... but I don’t see it.



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The best tributes to Lionel Messi on his 30th birthday

By  8:24 ص  No comments

Happy Birthday Leo!

Lionel Messi celebrates his 30th birthday today and it's fair to say this has not gone unnoticed in the land of social media, with people queuing up to wish him all the best.

Here's a quick look at some of the best tributes to the great man...

Want to wish Leo a Happy Birthday? Leave a message in the comments below!



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The best tributes to Lionel Messi on his 30th birthday

By  8:09 ص  No comments

Happy Birthday Leo!

Lionel Messi celebrates his 30th birthday today and it's fair to say this has not gone unnoticed in the land of social media, with people queuing up to wish him all the best.

Here's a quick look at some of the best tributes to the great man...

Want to wish Leo a Happy Birthday? Leave a message in the comments below!



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FC Barcelona News: 24 June 2017; Lionel Messi celebrates 30th birthday, Verratti discusses future

By  6:49 ص  No comments

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and transfer rumors

Verratti: PSG must buy champions | Football Espana
Barcelona target Marco Verratti has reportedly rejected Paris Saint-Germain’s offer of a €12m salary but challenged the club to buy “champions”.

Leo Messi: 30 years old, 30 records - FC Barcelona
Happy birthday to Leo Messi! Celebrate the Argentinian superstar's 30th by taking a look at thirty of the most impressive records he has set during his prodigious career!

The squad define Messi with Emojis - FC Barcelona
Discover which emojis his teammates choose to describe Leo Messi on his thirtieth birthday

QUIZ: How much do you really know about Lionel Messi? - FC Barcelona
You might know everything about the player's exploits at Barça - but what about the more personal side of the Argentinian superstar? Let's find out!

VIDEO: The origins of Samuel Umtiti - FC Barcelona
A wonderful short film produced by Barça TV that traces the French defender's history from local club Menival, to Olympique Lyon and to the Camp Nou (subtitles in English)



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What's Verratti up to now?

By  5:19 ص  No comments
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Verratti opens up on Paris Saint-Germain future amid huge Barcelona speculation

By  1:49 ص  No comments

The midfielder has revealed what it will take to keep him in France

Marco Verratti has spoken out about his future after days of huge speculation that he will sign for Barcelona in a massive deal this summer.

The latest speculation has claimed the Italian has told Paris Saint-Germain he wants to leave, although the Ligue 1 side remain determined to keep hold of him.

Barca are reportedly ready to spend big on the midfielder, who could cost somewhere in the region of €100 million.

However, Verratti has now given his take on the situation, and it's not great news for Barca, with the 24-year-old claiming he could stay in the French capital.

"Given that I do not have to leave at all costs. I want to see if this time they are going to make a really great team. In this case, I would be happy to stay," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Every year they say they are going to make a great team, and we see the results. Promises are not enough.

"If [Antero] Henrique keeps his promises, I would be happy to stay. No one forces me to leave."

So there we have it, fairly scathing from Verratti in truth, who has put pressure on his club to spend big and strengthen the team this summer.

Over to you PSG...



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الجمعة، 23 يونيو 2017

WATCH: Denis Suarez nets for Spain Under-21s

By  12:54 م  No comments

The Barca star finished a great move with a lovely finish

Denis Suarez was on target for Spain Under-21s as they took on Serbia at the European Championship in Poland.

The Barcelona star finished a great move superbly after 38 minutes, smashing home first time after good work from Alvaro Odriozola.

The evening got even better for Spain just minutes later as captain Djurdjevic was sent off for a second yellow, after elbowing Merino.

Wins over Macedonia and Portugal mean Spain have already sealed their qualification from the group and on current form, will take some stopping.



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Off-the-radar: The militarist who terrorized defenses - Salva Ballesta

By  10:19 ص  No comments

Sarthak Kumar talks more about the striker with controversial political views off the pitch and a knack for goals on it.

In light of Barcelona B's promotion playoff game against Racing Santander, this is the story of a player who won the Pichichi with the club.


Politics plays a huge role in football. Sometimes it's subtle, hidden, almost innate. Other times, it's laid bare, in the open, for everyone to see.

In February 2013, Salva Ballesta was on his way to Vigo - Celta were rumored to have struck a deal with him to become Abel Resino's assistant, and Salva have just reached Madrid when his phone rang.

It was Celta Vigo's president, with some bad news.

Celta's notoriously left-wing base, who greeted him with threats and insults upon his arrival at the Balaídos stadium three years before, had pressured the club to not go forward with the deal.


"I've never spoken about politics, I've always said that I feel Spanish."

 Salva Ballesta once said that he was apolitical. And maybe he is right - maybe it isn't political to be nationalistic. Maybe it isn't political to be Spanish.

Maybe it is Spanish of Salva, born to a military family, to say that he would be the first to serve in the Iraq War if conscripted by then prime minister José María Aznar. Or to be a patron of his hometown's military helicopter school. Or even to have your idols be Francoist fighter pilot Joaquín García Morato, Luftwaffe aviator Hans-Ulrich Rudel and Antonio Tejero, leader of the failed "23-F" right-wing coup. Or to say that he wouldn't even consider playing for an autonomous community team.

But is it really Spanish to suggest sending the armed forces into the Basque Country to deal with the ETA? Or, when sent off for Málaga, to shout "¡Que viva España, hijos de puta!" (Long live Spain, sons of bitches!), to Osasuna fans who support Basque independence - something which prompted fans of even bitter rivals Real Sociedad to support Osasuna and display a banner reading "Salva, muérete" (Salva, die) when he visited their Anoeta Stadium? Or to say that "to be anti-madridista makes you a less intelligent person"? Or to say that he had more respect for "dog crap" than for outspoken left-winger and Barcelona defender Oleguer Presas?

Maybe it is - maybe it isn't. Nevetheless, Salva made very few friends for what many, contrary to his claims, perceived to be far-right politics.

But one thing was abundantly clear - whatever his politics, his controversy off the pitch was in stark contrast to his performances on the pitch. For 90 minutes each week, media frenzy was replaced by media appreciation.

To put it simply - he was unstoppable.



It was the 1999-00 season, and Real Madrid were under pressure. Michel Salgado and Iván Helguera arrived to supposedly bolster an embarrassingly leaky defense, and the signings of Steve McManaman and Geremi were overshadowed by that of Nicolas Anelka, the hottest young striker in Europe, who looked set to provide genuine competition for Raúl and Fernando Morientes up front. But a horrific start to the season meant that Real Madrid were at one point relegation contenders. On the 14th matchday, Real Zaragoza had come to the Bernabéu and demolished Real Madrid 5-1 - the biggest away win all season - leaving Real Madrid in 17th place in the league.

Towards the end of the season, Real Madrid appeared to have sorted their defensive problems out at last and had been on an 11-match unbeaten run in the league while progressing to the Champions League semi-finals with victory over holders Manchester United.

But then relegation-threatened Racing Santander came to the Bernabéu. And two strikes from Salva, resulting in a 4-2 win, ended Real Madrid's title hopes for good.

Salva finished the season with 27 goals - winning the Pichichi.



Salva was born in Zaragoza, but rose through Sevilla's youth ranks. His first full season with the club was the 1996-97 season, in which he scored 12 goals but the club was relegated - he stayed on for another season before moving to Racing Santander.

That historic season prompted rumors - big moves to the Premier League or the Serie A were widely touted. However, he resigned an almost certain big-money move for a move to second division Atlético Madrid. Recently relegated, the club desperately wanted - and needed - a return to the elite. And while Atlético marginally failed to reach the promotion places, Salva won his second consecutive Pichichi, scoring 21 goals in the 2000-01 season.

His story thereafter is short of Pichichi's but isn't short of success - a La Liga title with Valencia in the 2001-02 season, 18 goals with Málaga in the 2003-04 season - including a hat-trick in a 5-1 league home crushing of Barcelona, and helping Málaga return to La Liga in 2008.


 They are linked to the ultra-right movement of Málaga 1487 - an anti-immigrant group whose name commemorates the year in which the Catholic Kings expelled the Muslims from the city. They have repeatedly physically attacked many members of left-wing ultra groups, especially Sevilla's Biris Norte. They celebrated their 20th anniversary with a Nazi rock concert. They are, unsurprisingly, right-wing ultras.

 And they, the Frente Bokerón, chanted his name. He was their unofficial representative - and they made him feel at home.

In the summer of 2007, when Málaga were going through bankruptcy and his high salary was proving to be a deterrent, Salva was faced with a choice - either leave, or stay and reduce his wages. The previous six months, he had chosen to leave by playing for Levante on loan. And he had to choose again.

This time, he chose to stay. His salary of €1.2 million was slashed to almost half (€650,000), and Málaga were promoted that year. After Salva retired in 2010 with Segunda outfit Albacete, it was Málaga - who hadn't forgotten his service and what he'd done for the club - who offered him a position as a youth coach, alongside former teammate Francesc Arnau.

And in the summer of 2013, when he was refused the Celta job, he was appointed as the new manager of Málaga's reserves Atlético Malagueño in the Tercera División. His dream is to manage Málaga one day - the club that made the Zaragoza native feel at home.

One day...


This article is reproduced from a series on the faces of Spanish football. You can read it here.



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