Lionel Messi admits he was not fit against Colombia

Lionel Messi admitted that he was not fit to play in Argentina's goalless draw with Colombia in their World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Monumental.

Messi, who had not played since May 12 due to a thigh injury, was introduced by Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella in the 55th minute Thursday, reports Xinhua.

"I'm not well. Today I could play a little but I wasn't sure how my leg was going to respond," Messi said after the match.

"We spoke about it before the match with the coach and decided that it would be best to come on for a while in the second half."

The Barcelona striker criticized the decision to rule out Sergio Aguero's 72nd-minute striker for off side, which came after Messi was deemed to have interfered from an illegal position.

"I didn't make my run too early and nor did I threaten to do so. It wasn't offside. I told the referee (Marlon Escalante) but he said he had already allowed the goal."

The 25-year-old admitted he wasn't sure if he would be fit to play in Argentina's next South America zone qualifier against Ecuador in Quito Tuesday.

"I don't know, I haven't played for a long time," he said. "Playing at altitude takes a lot out of you. Even if I don't play, the team will be going out to win."
Lionel Messi admitted that he was not fit to play in Argentina's goalless draw with Colombia in their World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Monumental.

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Abidal 'annoyed' with Barca

Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal says he is ‘annoyed’ with the club after not being offered a new contract.

The 33-year-old, who successfully fought back from a liver transplant to return to playing during his time at the Camp Nou, says he cannot understand why he was released.

“I don’t understand it. I fought for them and am in great shape. The doctor was surprised at my recovery. I feel better than I did two years ago. They didn’t give me any reason and said it was a professional decision,” he told a programme hosted by former French international Luis Fernandez on Radio Montecarlo.

Abidal admitted he must accept Barcelona’s decision but said he felt annoyed that it raised doubts about his physical fitness.

“Inevitably, it calls into question my ability to continue playing football. I am the first person to judge my fitness and I’m not going to put my life at stake.

“That is why I am a little annoyed with the club’s decision. Either way, that’s football,” he lamented.

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Puyol : Villa will leave Barcelona

Carles Puyol Brazilian journalist confessed that David Villa will leave Barcelona

'Tarzan' was caught by a reporter who posed as swells. "Surely it will, but still do not know which club," he said.

Brazilian journalist, Josep Capdevila, he managed to get a secret to Carles Puyol , who had already been cited in recent days of the League: the output of David Villa of Barcelona.

While vacationing in New York, was approached by Capdevila Puyol, who only appeared as a fan of Barcelona . Both were entertained in a conversation that ended with the confession of the Catalan defender and which also discussed the recent signing Barza star.

" Neymar will play ered in the left, with Pedro Rodriguez and Alexis Sanchez in the right. " And Villa is going?, He questions the assumption amateur. "Yes, probably yes but do not know where to go," said 'Tarzan'.

With the information obtained, the journalist did not hesitate to publish it on your twitter account and had no qualms to recognize who posed as a fan and made him a "looting information" the unwary FC Barcelona player.

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‘Neymar can be better than Messi’

Pele termed neymar better than messi

Pele has clarified statements made last year to explain that he believes Barcelona new boy Neymar could become better than Lionel Messi.

The Brazilian legend commented in August that the 21-year-old then-Santos star was a better player than Barca’s No 10.
In reflecting today in the wake of Neymar’s move to the Camp Nou where he will line up alongside the Argentine, Pele looked to make clear his belief in his young compatriot.
“I never think that [Neymar is better], although when people ask me about the comparisons and who is the best, I'll say, ‘If you see Neymar, he doesn't have the same experience as Messi after 10 years at a club’,” the 72-year-old told Goal.com this week.
“Neymar has really gone up the last two years. He can use both feet good and get up in the air.
“The difference that I try to explain to the people is that both are really good. I love Messi, I love the player.
“But to make the comparison, I think Neymar has the capabilities to play better than Messi...or maybe not.”
Pele was asked if Neymar’s €57m transfer this summer was a good move.
“I'm not happy, because Santos lost a good player (laughs). But, seriously, I think it’s good for him, because Neymar was no doubt the best player in Brazil and then he gets the experience to play also abroad.
“To play in Europe is a little different than to play in South America. Football in Europe is a little more tough, while South America is a little more laid back and technical.”
Expectations are on Neymar to inspire Brazil next summer as the country host the 2014 World Cup.
“I think Brazil has an excellent opportunity to do well," Pele said. "To win [in the World Cup] is very hard in football, but the team has the players. The team had almost three years with Mano Menezes. Unfortunately, we didn't have a base.
“Now, one month with Felipe and [technical director Carlos Alberto] Parreira, they are excellent Coaches.
“Favourites? If you had to select now, one year before the World Cup, I think Germany would be a good surprise, they have a good team and good players, and Spain no doubt. Then Brazil.”

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David Villa " I’ve always said that I’m very happy here. "

David villa to stay at Barcelona

David Villa has dealt Arsenal and Tottenham a blow by saying that he is likely to stay in Spain next season despite the arrival of Neymar.'I have a contract with Barca,' Villa said. 'And I’ve always said that I’m very happy here.'Villa has been regularly linked with a move away from the Nou Camp in recent months and several Barclays Premier League clubs have picked him Spain's record goalscorer as a potential signing.

At home: Barcelona striker David Villa says he wants to stay in Spain next season
The 31-year-old, who has been in and out of Barca’s starting line-up this season after returning from a broken leg, admits he has plenty to ponder regarding his club future but is putting everything on the backburner while he concentrates on international duty.Villa is part of Spain’s 23-man squad for the Confederations Cup, which runs from June 15-30.He said in the Spanish press: 'I always try to think of the present. I will go to the Confederations Cup and try to play a good role there.'We’ll need to analyse many things during the summer and then we’ll see. Right now I’m not thinking about anything else than playing football.'
Benched? With the arrival of Neymar, Villa may not have as much game time as before

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Mourinho To CHELSEA its now officiaLLY CONFIRMED!!

The Europa League holders have confirmed the appointment of the Portuguese for his second spell in charge at Stamford Bridge following a six-year absence

Jose Mourinho has been appointed Chelsea manager on a four-year deal.

The Portuguese coach succeeds Rafael Benitez, who has joined Napoli following his six-month interim spell at Stamford Bridge, in the Blues hot-seat.

Mourinho returns to west London for his second spell as Chelsea manager. Since he left the club less than six years ago, the Blues have been through eight managers when caretakers are included.

Ron Gourlay, Chelsea chief executive, welcomed the 50-year-old back to the club, saying: "I am delighted to welcome Jose back to Chelsea. His continued success, drive and ambition made him the outstanding candidate.

"It is our aim to keep the club moving forward to achieve greater success in the future and Jose is our number one choice as we believe he is the right manager to do just that."

Mourinho was Roman Abramovich's first managerial appointment following his 2003 takeover and his most successful to date. In three seasons at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho delivered two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups but did not win the Champions League.

He will hope to rectify that upon his return after the most difficult period of his career at Real Madrid.

Mourinho won the 2011-12 Liga title, ending Barcelona's run of dominance in Spain, but could not progress beyond the semi-finals of the Champions League and conceded the Spanish championship back to Tito Vilanova's team last season.

Abramovich has invested heavily at Chelsea in recent seasons as the team Mourinho helped to construct has aged, and the future looks bright for the two-time Champions League winner's return.

Frank Lampard, John Terry and Petr Cech remain of the key cogs of Mourinho's previous Blues team but the likes of Juan Mata, David Luiz and Eden Hazard lead this side now.

The spending, too, looks set to continue this summer. Goal exclusively revealed that Vitesse midfielder Marco van Ginkel is set to become the first signing of Mourinho's second spell in charge and Andre Schurrle, of Bayer Leverkusen, has been heavily linked with the Blues, while the Europa Legue winners have also entered into negotiations with Roma for their Italy international midfielder Daniele De Rossi.

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Preview: FC Barcelona vs Malaga (game 38 liga 2012/13)

The 2012/13 season comes to an end tomorrow evening as champions Barça take on Malaga at Camp Nou. The game in itself means very little to the two teams though Barça do have the chance to equal the record points total of 100 set by Real Madrid last season. However, the occasion will no doubt be extremely emotional as it will be the last occasion to see Eric Abidal as a Barça player.

Besides Abidal there are other players who could also be making their final appearance for the club tomorrow. While there is still no official news it seems highly unlikely that David Villa will continue next season. Villa played a vital role in the successes of the 2010/11 season when the MVP forward line became our standard. He continued to perform well until his injury at the Club World Cup in December 2011 and many would say that his absence was one of the main reasons that Barça failed to win either La Liga or the Champions League last season. Having recovered from his injury Villa seemed to be finding his form at the start of this season when his goals per minute ratio was very impressive. However, it seems the lack of opportunities began to frustrate him and despite a couple of excellent games against AC Milan and Rayo Vallecano his form over the last few months has been disappointing. A new challenge at a new club will probably be the best move for him though for Barça it will mean losing not just the best Spanish goalscorer of his generation but also a genuinely top bloke.

we love you abi....

The other name on everybody’s leaving list is Victor Valdés. Since his announcement in January that he did not intend to extend his current contract which expires in 2014 there have been all kinds of speculation about his future and possible replacements. This morning Valdés broke his silence by giving a press conference where he made it clear that he is sticking by his decision. There was no confirmation of an intention to leave this summer as he stated he would continue to defend Barça’s colours until the end. However, he stated that he is open to any solution that is beneficial to the club and to him so the possibility of a sale this summer is obviously still very high. Unless the club can secure a top replacement then I feel we would be foolish to let him go this summer. Personally, I like Ter Stegen more and more but I would be very disappointed if we sign Pepe Reina.

So with sale of neither Villa nor Valdés officially confirmed it seems the only official goodbye at tomorrow’s game will be from Abidal. Following his emotional press conference yesterday (watch the translated version in English here) it seems quite likely there will be a tear or two shed again.

Talking of shedding tears, I’d just like to say how sad I was to see that Leo Messi has been using his time to do embarrassing modelling shots for a well known fashion company. Leo! you do not need to do this. You don’t need the money and you certainly don’t need tarnish you image in this way. Please leave this type of thing to the Beckhams and Cristianos.

Possible starting XIs:

Barça: Valdés; Alves, Piqué, Abidal, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Alexis, Fabregas, Villa.

Malaga: Caballero; Gámez, Lugano, Weligton, Eliseu; Camacho Toulalan; Joaquín, Isco, Baptista; Saviola.

Prediction: Barça 3 Malaga 1

Date: Saturday 1 June 2013. Kick off: 7 pm local time.

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SUAREZ: Madrid's offer would be hard to turn down

Madrid on £40m bid to SUAREZ .......

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has admitted he would find it hard to turn down a move to Real Madrid, insisting he was not prepared to put up with the criticism he has faced in England any longer.

Sorely tempted: a Real Madrid offer would be hard for Luis Suarez to resist 

The Uruguayan said the criticism he faced from sections of the English media was a major reason behind his willingness to quit Merseyside.

Although suggestions Suárez could leave if a buy-out clause of €35 million (£30 million) was activated is incorrect, it is believed a £40 million bid from the Bernabéu could force his sale.

Suárez has given no guarantees he will stay at Anfield since he was banned for 10 games for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic and had given hints that he might be willing to talk to clubs playing in theChampions League next season.

The South American said on Uruguayan radio last night: “I have a contract with Liverpool but would find it difficult to say ‘no’ to Real Madrid.”

Suárez has felt victimised by the media since he was banned for eight matches for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra in 2011. He has also been criticised for allegedly diving too often and for his controversial “handball goal” against Mansfield Town in this season’s FA Cup.

Last night he said: “I’ve worked hard since childhood to get where I am and I keep getting constant criticism from the English press. It makes me tired. Liverpool want me to stay, but do not know what will happen.”

Suarez said Liverpool had treated him well and he had “only words of thanks for the fans”. He added: “So far I have not received any official offer from Madrid.”

Liverpool insist they will not sell Suárez unless he asks for a transfer and the club’s valuation is met. However, there appears to be a growing momentum behind the 26-year-old leaving.

While the struggle to retain Suárez continues, Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas is due on Merseyside for a medical next week. The 25-year-old Spaniard will become the second recruit of the summer following the arrival of Kolo Touré on a free transfer.

Aspas is seen as a versatile frontman who can play in numerous roles either as a central striker or out wide, ideal for Rodgers’ favoured 4-3-3 formation.

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina has also said he would find it difficult to resist ending his eight-year Anfield career should Barcelona make their anticipated bid for his services.

The expected departure of Victor Valdés to Monaco has raised the possibility of Reina returning to the Nou Camp, where he started his career, and Liverpool will now press their player about his intentions.

“It’s hard to say no to Barca,” Reina said on Wednesday night. “Rumours are always there but I am calm and I have contract. I am very happy at Liverpool.”

Liverpool have received no offer from Barcelona, nor any suggestion from their goalkeeper he wants to leave. However, there is a belief within the club the interest from the La Liga champions is real, and an understanding that if a bid of about £10 million materialises it would be difficult to prevent Reina’s departure.

Not only would the player wish – understandably – to head back to Spain so he could play Champions League football, Liverpool would rate such a fee for a 30-year-old a fair price.

There is every possibility Reina could exit amicably, most at Anfield recognising he has remained at the club during a difficult period, but a fourth season without Champions League football is tough for a goalkeeper of his calibre – especially with such a lucrative suitor.

Equally, by his own admission, Reina has only recently rediscovered his best form after a couple of indifferent seasons and his loss would not be seen as setback it might have been two years ago.

Reina is among the top earners at Anfield, and Rodgers may feel he could reallocate funds and wages on a younger goalkeeper without unduly weakening his squad.

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2013 Copa Catalunya Final: FC Barcelona 1 Espanyol 1 (Barça win 4-2 on penalties)

Barça beat Espanyol on penalties tonight at the Camp d’Esports de Lleida to win the 24th edition of the Copa Catalunya. Six years on since Barça last triumph in the competition it seemed that Simao Sabrosa’s 20th minute goal would again earn Espanyol the trophy as they had done on the last two finals between the two clubs in 2010 and 2011. However, a 90th minute equalizer from Cesc Fabregas took the game to penalties with Barça won 4-2 with converted kicks from Fabregas, Gerard Piqué, Alexis Sanchez and David Villa.

It was good to see a healthy mix of Barça B players starting alongside first teamers Adriano, Busquets, Dos Santos and Pedro. The early game was completely dominated by Barça’s possession game though there was a clear lack of a killer ball as Espanyol soaked up the pressure.Then in the 20th minute Barça keeper Oier Olazábal rolled the ball out to Adriano who was robbed by Wakaso, the ball came inside to Cristian Gomez who knocked a simple ball between Patric and Sergi Gomez, and Simao ran through to slip the ball past Oier and put Espanyol ahead.

Barça responded timidly after the goal. Sergi Roberto had the first decent chance after a neat flick from Rafinha but his low shot was pushed past the post by Espanyol keeper Kiko Casilla. Gerard Deulofeu was quiet early on but he came to life after switching to the left at the end of the first half and sending in a couple of decent shots. He might also have won a penalty after getting blocked by Mattioni’s arm on one run.

The second half was more intense as Barça brought on Mascherano, Song, Espinosa and Alexis. Deulofeu was back on the right but looking more active though he did make one shameful dive that didn’t fool the referee. He made up for this with one excellent low cross that Casilla could only palm out. The ball hit Rafinha and then the post and Rafinha then sent a delightful back heel to the overlapping Patric but Casilla saved again.

Midway through the second half Vilanova demonstrated his desire to win by bring on Xavi, Fabregas, Villa, Piqué and Alba. Fabregas was then rather stupidly booked for a foul about five seconds after coming on. The game was becoming more intense with the referee showing several yellow cards. Barça continued to push for a goal with Villa and Alexis both denied by man-of-the-match Casilla.

Time was running out. Then in the 89th minute Patric sent in a splendid cross from the right which gave Fabregas a great chance with a header but Casilla again made the save that looked to have earned his team the victory. However, with 89 minutes 30 seconds on the clock Alex Song played a fine ball into the area for Fabregas to run on to and slip left-footed under the diving Casilla.

Tempers boiled over in injury time with Stuani and Song both getting red carded for a spot of handbags. Then despite Casilla saving the first penalty from Xavi Barça went on to win due to misses from Colotto and Joan Verdu.

Barça: Oier; Patric, Sergi Gomez (Piqué m70), Adriano Mascherano m45), Balliu (Alba m70); Sergi Roberto (Espinosa m45), Busquets (Song m45), Johnathan dos Santos (Xavi m66); Deulofeu (Villa m66), Rafinha (Fabregas m67), Pedro (Alexis m45).

Espanyol: Casilla; Mattioni (Javi Lopez m88), Raul Rodriguez, Forlin, Clerc (Capdevila mm72); Victor Sanchez (Colotto m45), Baena (Sergio Garcia m93); C. Alfonso (Stuani m45), C. Gomez (Verdu m71), Simao (Petrov m45); Wakaso.

Goals: m21 Simao 0-1, m90 Fabregas 1-1.

Penalties: Xavi (saved) 0-0, Wakaso (goal) 0-1, Fabregas (goal) 1-1, Petrov (goal) 1-2, Piqué (goal) 2-2, Colotto (bar) 2-2, Alexis (goal) 3-2, Verdu (over) 3-2, Villa (goal) 4-2.

Sent off: Stuani m93, Song m93.

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Tottenham Hotspur close to securing David Villa?

Tottenham are already planning for next season. And David Villa seems to be the man at the top of Andre Vilas-Boas’ wishlist.

The Spanish star has just one year left on his contract at Barcelona, with the 31-year-old striker looking for a fresh challenge after a frustrating last few seasons at Barcelona.

A bad leg break and loss of form have hampered Villa’s appearances since the 2011-12 season, but he would be a steal at $15-18 million, as is rumored to be the price tag around his neck.

But do Spurs really need a striker? Oh yes.

For most of last season Gareth Bale was their one and only option for goals. He managed 21 in the league from a deep-lying position on the wing or in midfield.

Think how well Spurs could’ve done if they had a 15-20 goal striker to add to Bale’s dominance? That is scary. Only Everton from the EPL’s top seven scored less than Spurs’ 66 goals last season.

AVB knows he’s not too far away from building a side that can compete with the top two. Spurs just need an extra spark up front if they’re going to get to that next level.

Can Villa provide that? Perhaps. He is a quality finisher, has won just about every trophy in the land and a change of scenery and new challenge could be the making of him. Here is a little visual reminder of what the former Valencia star can do. Enjoy.

If you look at Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor this season, Tottenham’s two main strikers, they scored 16 league goals between them. If you are challenging for a top four spot, you should be expecting 16 goals from each of your main strikers.

That proved to be the difference for Spurs as they narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification to North London rivals Arsenal on the final day of the season.

Sorry for the painful reminder, Spurs fans.

So Villa could be the answer. If not, AVB knows he needs to strengthen going forward. But with Clint Dempsey injured for vast swathes of the 2012-13 season, maybe he can provide the answer to boost Tottenham’s goalscoring prowess?

Just throwing that out there. Regardless, it would be great to see Villa suit up in the EPL.

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