Messi congratulates Cassano

Lionel Messi has reportedly congratulated Antonio Cassano on the birth of his second child and thanked him for the choice of name.
Inter forward Cassano revealed earlier this week that his second son had been named Lionel, after the Barcelona forward.
Messi has since reportedly contacted Cassano in response to send him a text message thanking him and congratulating him.
Argentina and Inter player Javier Zanetti is believed to have acted as intermediary between the pair.

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PSG players reaction after a draw against FCBarcelona

Paris saint german team was all in one room sighing towards TV screen the brodcast of UEFA QF draws ,,,and howlzzz when the anchor drawn them with FCBarcelona some walked out holding heads and some sighing deep breaths ....... HERE IS A VEDIO CLIP OF THE SCENARIO --

HAAAAHAAHAHA  lolizzzz

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Ranking Europe's best 20 football clubs

 

The scales of power are forever changing in the European spectrum, and it’s important we keep on top of just who is the continent’s best and brightest clubs.
Taking into account any recent domestic success, participation in European competition as well as an assortment of other criteria, the next 20 slides consider just who’s in front of whom right now.
This season’s exploits obviously take greatest priority in how teams are graded, but some clubs might have the fortune of surviving on success from the previous campaign.
Offence will be taken. Controversy will be made. Here are my European power rankings as things stand.

20. Inter

Following the slight capitulation that was the 2011-12 campaign, Inter have stepped away from the old guard, forming a fresh outfit under Andrea Strammacioni that’s been revitalised massively with a youthful influx.
Although the Nerazzurri currently find themselves sitting in seventh spot of Serie A, it’s clear that the San Siro residents are making some fine moves toward re-establishing their name as a top Italian and perhaps even European side.
As things stand, Inter are seven points away from Champions League qualification with a game in hand and very much remain in the running to rejoin Europe’s elite next season just three years after topping the pile under Jose Mourinho.

19. Tottenham Hotspur

Currently balancing their Europa League campaign with a Premier League season that sees them fighting for Champions League qualification, Gareth Bale has shined in what has been a fine first season for Tottenham under Andre Villas-Boas.
The former Chelsea flop took his time in getting up to speed at White Hart Lane but has now established some consistency in North London, more akin to the form that first made him such a hit with Porto.
Spurs’ most recent highlight came in their Europa League second-leg fixture against Inter, where the English representatives managed to squeeze past their Italian counterparts with an added-time away goal, pushing them through to the quarter-finals of the competition.
Having spent some time in Premier League mediocrity, Tottenham now rank as having one of the broadest squads in the English top flight and are driving for their second Champions League berth in three years.

David Ramos/Getty Images

18. Benfica

Capitalising on some sluggish Porto form, Benfica have opened up a four-point gap on their closest Liga Primeira rivals and are just seven games away from securing domestic bragging rights for at least one more season.
The Eagles are also closing in on a place in the Taca de Portgual final and were unfortunate not to proceed past the group stage of this season’s Champions League, earning 0-0 draws at Barcelona and at Celtic.
The next big test on the club’s calendar is a Europa League quarterfinal against Newcastle United, a tie Jorge Jesus’ side might be confident of edging thanks to their dominance when going forward.
Having not failed to score in a league fixture this season and averaging more than 2.6 goals per game, Benfica’s front line is one for any club to be afraid of and Oscar Cardozo’s frightening tally of 27 goals across all competition is just the tip of the iceberg.
Yet to lose a Liga Primeira match this campaign, Benfica are still on track for an unbeaten season but have a make-or-break away game against Porto that could single-handedly decide who is Portugal’s strongest asset right now.

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

17. Porto

Having endured three draws in their last six league outings as well as a Champions League exit at the hands of Málaga, it’s fair to say that Porto’s season isn’t going through its finest patch of late.
That being said, the Portuguese outfit are only going through the natural repercussions of a campaign made that much more difficult by the demands of European competition.
Vitor Pereira’s men remain within four points of fierce rivals Benfica and will have renewed vigour for their domestic commitments after ending their run through European competition.
Managing to keep clean sheets in 65 percent of their league games this season, Porto’s defence has uncharacteristically become their strong suit of late, with just 11 goals conceded after 23 Liga Primeira outings.
While that might be the case, it doesn’t detract from the considerable talents of stars at the Estadio Dragao such as Joao Moutinho, Jackson Martinez and James Rodriguez, all of whom have established themselves as continental marvels in recent months.

Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images

16. Napoli

Were it not for a pretty miserable run of form over the last month or so, Napoli may well have found themselves sitting atop the Serie A table right now.
However, as it is, the Naples club have dropped 11 points in their last six league games and now lie nine points off the pace, which is unsurprisingly being set by Juventus.
With Edinson Cavani once again leading their scoring with 29 to his name this season, it’s actually the club’s defence that’s showing big improvement this season and is, again, second only to Juve.
Having exited the Coppa Italia in the first round, Walter Mazzarri’s men now have little other than league matters to worry about now after they were shown the Europa League exit by Viktoria Plzen in February.
If the Azzurri could manage to string together some consistency, Champions League football might be all but assured next season but Napoli continue to fight for their top-three finish.

Lars Baron/Getty Images

15. Galatasaray

In what is officially his third stint as manager of the club, Fatih Terim is showing that Galatasaray harbour ambitions to be regarded as a giant outside of their native Turkey.
The Yellow and Reds have earned their quarter-final berth against Real Madrid in this season’s Champions League and rightly so after some brave outings against Manchester United, Schalke and Braga.
Having signed some landmark players in Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba, who was a Champions League winner last season, Gala have added some truly respectable talent to their ranks of late and are obviously serious about broadening their horizons of success.
With Burak Yilmaz leading the club’s scoring this season, notching 24 goals across all competitions, the Süper Lig leaders are having a successful season in every understanding and are looking likely to retain their domestic title.

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

14. Arsenal

A regular statistic opponents like to throw in the face of Arsenal is that Arsene Wenger’s side have failed to win any silverware in what could soon be eight seasons.
However, having qualified for the Champions League for the last 13 seasons on the trot, the Gunners risk losing one of their more positive streaks unless they can wrap up fourth place in the Premier League this season.
The North London outfit currently lie in fifth and are four points away from bitter rivals Tottenham but have a game in hand as well as a significantly superior goal difference to Andre Villas-Boas’ side.
While many a Gooner would undoubtedly be unhappy with the relative lack of success Arsenal have seen in recent years, qualifying for Europe’s biggest competition 13 years in a row is no mean feat and the accompanying money is even more of a reason to be impressed.
Although the club might have fallen from grace slightly over the last decade, Arsenal’s 2-0 over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena earlier this month was a small glimpse of the kind of football the side are capable of playing—if only they could do so on a more frequent basis.
Currently the third-best attack and fourth-best defence in England’s top flight, Arsenal’s numbers certainly point to a European giant on paper, but a substantial lack in depth seems to prevent the Gunners from going that extra mile.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

13. Manchester City

Compared with the maiden Premier League triumph of 2011-12, this season might be looked upon as a disappointing one for some Manchester City fans, but the club are still growing as a force to be reckoned with.
Despite having one of the most expensive squads in the world, Roberto Mancini’s side were unable to register even one victory in the Champions League group stages this season and were instead shown up in the tournament’s “group of death.”
While their early ejection from the competition meant Manchester City didn’t even make it to the Europa League, the Citizens have done well not to fall out of Premier League contention entirely this season, regardless of how over the title race might be.
Now awaiting either Manchester United or Chelsea in their FA Cup semi-final, the club continue to fare better domestically than in European competition, preventing some from really valuing them as a continental giant.
However, while their previous two campaigns amongst Europe’s best and brightest has failed to see them go past the group stage, Manchester City nevertheless remain a giant, showcased in this season’s draws with Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

12. Málaga

Having taken over the club when they were in 17th place in La Liga, teetering on the brink of turmoil, Manuel Pellegrini has taken Málaga to unprecedented heights considering their recent history.
Despite competing against a financial crisis, the Chilean boss has managed the Anchovies to a highly respectable platform and is preparing to lead his side out for their first Champions League quarter-final, where they will face Borussia Dortmund.
However, balancing a European campaign with domestic commitments can often prove difficult, and the Andalusia outfit are currently fighting for fourth spot in the Spanish top flight.
While talismanic targets such as Santi Cazorla and Salomon Rondon may have jumped ship over the summer, others like Isco, Vitorino Antunes and Ignacio Camacho have stepped up to take their place in the Málaga limelight. 

Steve Bardens/Getty Images

11. Chelsea

There’s not much higher a club can go after winning the Champions League, but Chelsea might not have expected to drop off the pace quite so dramatically this season.
After seeing off a Bayern Munich challenge in last season’s final, the West Londoners face a challenge to actually be involved in the Champions League at all next season and are tussling for a top-four finish in the English top flight.
With Arsenal and Tottenham the other most likely suitors for fourth place, Rafa Benitez has found the campaign difficult at times in his interim role, posing the question as to whether Roberto Di Matteo was right to be dismissed from the club at all.
That being said, the Blues have recently earned an FA Cup semi-final replay against Manchester United and will meet Rubin Kazan in their Europa League quarter-final.
Roman Abramovich is known to be a keen admirer of success in Europe, and the likes of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar have shown they may be better suited to a continental style of play.
The reigning European champions are still in a state of transition until they appoint another permanent manager, and were it not for a drop in form of late, they could already have clawed second place back from Manchester City in the Premier League standings.

10. Shakhtar Donetsk

Having established themselves as one of several Eastern European hubs for Brazilian talent, Shakhtar Donetsk’s rise as a continental power continues to enjoy an upward trajectory this season.
Top of the Ukrainian Premier League with a lead of 16 points and a goal difference of plus-50, the Miners look certain to win their fourth consecutive division title as the former dominance of Dynamo Kyiv now seems hard to imagine.
However, dominating a league not of the highest pedigree only earns so much in terms of bragging rights and the club needs European competition to truly prove itself.
Having drawn at the Donbass Arena, Shakhtar lost their Champions League round of 16 second-leg tie against Borussia Dortmund and exited the tournament. While a 5-2 aggregate scoreline is anything but flattering, Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently one of the continent’s in-form sides and one that any club would find difficult to compete with.
Before that however, Mircea Lucescu’s men put in some resilient performances against Juventus and Chelsea, showing their potential to tug it out with some of Europe’s finest in the process.

9. Paris Saint-Germain

With the hundreds of millions that have come as a result of their Qatari ownership, it’s only natural that Paris Saint-Germain form a squad capable of challenging for major silverware.
And this season, that squad will face perhaps the biggest test possible for a side hoping to establish themselves as a European giant, after they drew Barcelona for their Champions league quarter-final tie (see above).
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading from the front and Thiago Silva shoring things up at the back, PSG have the best defence and attack in Ligue 1 and are on target to win their first division title since 1994.
Still involved in three competitions, the star-studded Parisian side boasting talents such as David Beckham, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Lucas Moura are now establishing their reputation as a global brand, but might not find the same success under Financial Fair Play rulings once they come into effect next year.

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

8. Atletico Madrid

For the last four years, Real Madrid and Barcelona have taken it in turns exchanging La Liga dominance between them but 2012-13 has seen Atletico Madrid genuinely make their mark on the pair’s private club, once again opening up the Spanish Primera to others.
While the capital club might not be challenging for title honours in their current state, the Rojiblancos have the best defensive record in Spain’s top flight, conceding on average just 0.86 goals per game.
Atletico’s season got off to the brightest of starts in August when Diego Simeone’s outfit embarrassed a full-strength Chelsea 4-1 in the UEFA Super Cup.
Although such European form didn’t consistently carry into the Europa League—where they were recently beaten out by Rubin Kazan—the Spanish side look set to be back for more in the next campaign.
Just one point off Real Madrid in third and 13 points ahead of Real Sociedad in fourth, Atletico are also set to go head to head with Real in the Copa del Rey finale, presenting a very apt deciding fixture of the campaign between the two Madrid giants.

 

Dino Panato/Getty Images

7. AC Milan

Much like Inter, AC Milan are battling to return to their former greatness but appear to be handling the task substantially better than their San Siro rivals at the moment.
Eleven points away from Juventus in first place, the Rossoneri aren’t exactly ready to make their charge towards another Scudetto trophy quite yet, but that fate might not be far off if their 2013 form is anything to go by.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side are yet to lose a league fixture this calendar year, making the substantial jump from seventh to third in the space of three months.
After earning a 2-0 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of their Round of 16 matchup, Milan ultimately fell victim to the Blaugrana back at the Camp Nou, despite putting up a valiant fight against the Spaniards.
With Mario Balotelli now amongst their ranks, the Milanese outfit look all the more threatening going forward and may soon challenge Juventus—the side who ended their Coppa Italia hopes this season—for Serie A honours.

6. Borussia Dortmund

Having famously topped this season’s Champions League “group of death” and swatting away the challenges of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Ajax, Borussia Dortmund have once again improved their image on the European stage.
Still yet to lose a game in this edition of Europe’s biggest competition, the Black and Yellows will meet Málaga in their quarter-final, hoping to secure their first semi-final berth for 15 years.
Playing some of the most attractive football in the tournament, Jurgen Klopp’s men also managed to overcome Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk and can look at their European exploits as a nice distraction from their domestic form.
Struggling to adapt to the kind of depth needed for such an examination, Borussia Dortmund are now a staggering 20 points off league leaders Bayern Munich and would appear to have surrendered their Bundesliga title.
With just three wins in their last six league games, Signal Iduna Park isn’t the same fortress it’s proven to be in the last two campaigns, but the reigning DFB Pokal champions remain a force to be reckoned with when at full strength.

Claudio Villa/Getty Images

5. Juventus

Some way off the unbeaten Serie A season of 2011-12, Juventus’ 2013 form isn’t quite of the standard the club have come to expect in the last year or so, but then that’s a considerable comparison, isn’t it?
While the Turin outfit remain top of the Italian top flight by nine points, Antonio Conte’s side risk losing their hold on league matters unless they can revive some form from the previous term.
While that might be the case, Juve have still managed to hold a high level of consistency this season and their unbeaten Champions League run will come up against a massive test in their quarter-final fixture against last season’s finalists, Bayern Munich.
Unsurprisingly for an elite Italian side, defence has been the Bianconeri’s main asset this season, with an average of just 0.62 goals conceded per game and clean sheets kept in roughly half of the club’s outings.
Considering it was just two seasons ago that Juventus finished their Serie A campaign in seventh, the Serie A giants have made massive leaps in once again establishing their authority on the continental level.

4. Manchester United

Although the Red Devils are no longer involved in European matters, Manchester United were always going to feature highly on a rundown such as this, following the fashion in which their Premier League campaign has taken shape.
Sir Alex Ferguson has done terrifically to launch a successful assault against title-holders, Manchester City, and a 15 point-gap between the pair would suggest that United have the trophy all but back within their reach.
Manchester United’s exit from this season’s Champions League didn’t come without controversy, and one might argue that the English giants would have booked a quarter-final spot were Nani not sent off for an apparent high challenge.
However, such things shouldn’t be dwelt on, and the club can nevertheless be pleased with the way in which they performed while still in the running.
With Robin van Persie at the helm of attacking responsibilities, Manchester United’s attacking line is once again one of the finest Europe has to offer and Fergie’s men might rank higher in a future episode of this countdown should the defence continue its dramatic improvements.

3. Real Madrid

Any side capable of beating Manchester United across two legs is certainly a strong one by any understanding of the word and while it didn’t come as cleanly as the Merengues might have liked, Real Madrid are once again one of Europe’s in-form clubs.

One would have to comb the history books to find a time where Real were last considered anything but one of Europe’s best clubs, and La Liga’s reigning champions have shown precisely why in the last six weeks.
Currently enjoying an eight-match unbeaten run, Jose Mourinho’s outfit will continue to press Barcelona, the current Primera Division leaders, despite being 13 points behind the Catalan giants in second.
With a Spanish Supercup already under their belts, the capital club will face off against Galatasaray in this season’s Champions League quarter-finals and will also meet bitter rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
Any club with Cristiano Ronaldo amongst their roster would find it hard not to challenge for some silverware, and while some will say the race for La Liga silverware is over, Real’s hitman continues to lead them across numerous avenues this season.

 

David Ramos/Getty Images

2. Barcelona

Once again looking likely to prise the Spanish title away from Real Madrid’s mitts, a Tito Vilanova-led Barcelona have been far from their confident best at times this season.
However, even a slightly nervy Barcelona is still a Barcelona side to be frightened of and the Blaugrana’s attack remains one of, if not, the most fearsome in all of Europe.
Averaging 3.14 goals per game and scoring in every La Liga fixture thus far, Barca’s lead of 13 points over second-place Real Madrid is an almighty advantage to let drop at this stage of the season, making it highly likely the club will wrap up their 22nd Spanish top-tier trophy.
With Jordi Roura at their helm in the absence of an ill Vilanova, Barcelona will come up against Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League quarter-final this season in a battle between growth and green.
With 53 goals already across all competitions, Lionel Messi is having the kind of season the world has come to expect of the pint-sized poacher and his club are reaping the benefits of his sensational exploits.
Some will undoubtedly argue that Barca still deserve to be considered the world’s best side right now, but that honour has been reserved for another.

1. Bayern Munich

After spending a few seasons away from Bundesliga dominance, Bayern Munich are once again on their way to becoming the titans of German football that they once were.
For a while there, Borussia Dortmund had stepped in to wake the sleeping giants from their slumber, but the Bavarians are now wide awake and seem considerable irked by the cheek of the Black and Yellows.
It might only be March but Jupp Heynckes’ side have a jaw-dropping 20-point lead over Jurgen Klopp’s counterparts and a record 23rd title seems all but delivered to the Allianz Arena.
Although Arsenal’s second-leg win in Bavaria might have muddied Bayern’s round of 16 victory over the Gunners, the German league leaders were still tremendously confident in their progression, breezing past the North Londoners 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Having made last season’s finale, Heynckes’ men will now play Juventus as they strive to right the wrongs of the last campaign by this time going the whole way and winning the competition.
With one of the deepest squads in Europe, it says a lot that players such as Mario Gomez, Arjen Robben and Xherdan Shaqiri are not automatically considered as starters for the Bundesliga club.
Sacrificing only nine points in their league season, progressing to the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal and already having won the DFL Supercup, one couldn’t really expect much more of Bayern Munich in the current campaign.
Oh, and they’re also posting pretty substantial profits too, a feat being made harder and harder to achieve at this standard.
Remarkable.

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Barcelona B : Gerard Deulofeu amazing solo goal

Gerard Deulofeu: Barcelona 'B' vs Xerez

The next big thing coming out of Barcelona's La Masia WILL be Gerard Deulofeu, and he shows what he's all about with a fine solo goal against Xerez.



AN aMAZING SOLO goal by him --

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Jose mourinho was once assisstant coach at FC Barcelona

HE WAS ASSISTANT COACH WHEN GUARDIOLA PLAYED AT BARCELONA ^{,,,i was too shocked reading it on wikipedia}

 source wikipedia
Switching to FC Barcelona in 1996, where he learnt Catalan for the new challenge. Mourinho and his family moved to Barcelona and he gradually became a prominent figure of Barcelona's staff by translating at press conferences, planning practice sessions, and helping players through tactical advice and analyses of the opposition. Robson and Mourinho's styles complemented each other: the Englishman favoured an attacking style, while Mourinho covered defensive options, and the Portuguese's love of planning and training combined with Robson's direct man-management. The partnership was fruitful and Barcelona finished the season with the European Cup Winners' Cup. Robson moved club the following season but this time Mourinho did not follow as Barcelona were keen to retain him as assistant manager.The two remained good friends and Mourinho later reflected on the effect Robson had had upon him:

One of the most important things I learnt from Bobby Robson is that when you win, you shouldn't assume you are the team, and when you lose, you shouldn't think you are rubbish.

He began working with Robson's successor, Louis van Gaal, and he learnt much from the Dutchman's conscientious style. Both assistant and head coach combined their studious approach to the game and Barcelona won La Liga twice in van Gaal's first two years as coach. Van Gaal saw that his number two had the promise to be more than a skilled assistant. He let Mourinho develop his own independent coaching style and entrusted him with the coaching duties of FC Barcelona B.Van Gaal also let Mourinho take charge of the first team (acting as Mourinho's assistant himself) for certain trophies, like the Copa Catalunya, which Mourinho won in 2000.

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Bayern Munich 'want Cavani'

 
Bayern Munich are thinking about a summer bid for Napoli hitman Edinson Cavani, claims FIFA agent Pasquale Gallo.
This week Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis took to Twitter to confirm they were “willing to listen if a madman turned up with €70m.”
FIFA agent Gallo spoke to Radio Crc and gave some insider news on the rumours going round in Europe, though he does not represent Cavani.
“I don’t know if Cavani will go to Bayern Munich, but the German club has definitely thought about him, because he is among the top three strikers in Europe right now.
“Bayern are a virtuous club. It is not off the mark to say Bayern are looking at Cavani for the next transfer session.
“I will add that Mario Gomez is not the same player he was since the injury and the club needs reinforcements in attack.
“De Laurentiis talks about €70m for Cavani, but I think Napoli would buckle under an offer of €50m. Bayern have money and are ambitious, so they can invest.”

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Cassano names son after Messi

Inter’s Antonio Cassano has named his newborn son Lionel in honour of Barcelona and Argentina ace Lionel Messi.

“This is the second biggest joy in my life after the birth of my first son,” the forward told TV show Undici.
“I named him Lionel because I’m a massive fan of the best player in history. My wife wasn’t keen, but I then convinced her.
“In my opinion Messi is the most important player in history. I’m in love with him on a footballing level.”
Lionel was born at 20.10 local time last night and weighed in at 3.3kg.
Mum Carolina and baby are doing fine. The couple named their first son Christopher.

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David Villa: Arguments for and Against Him Staying at Barcelona

David Ramos/Getty Images

David Villa has been a perfect fit at Barcelona since joining the Catalan club in 2010. But after suffering a broken leg in Japan last season, his time at Barca has come into question.
There are arguments for and against the Spanish striker remaining at his current club. But with his contract set to expire in 2014, his future must be decided in the next few months.
In this article, we will look at both the arguments for and against David Villa remaining in the Blaugrana jersey next season. The reasons will be based on the club’s needs but also what is best for the player.

For: His Place in the Spanish National Team

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

El Guaje is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Spanish national team. With such a title to uphold, it is no secret that the striker wants to continue to contribute to the famous squad he is a part of.
If Villa remains at Barcelona, it would be his best chance to continue with the national team.
Thom Drake of the Daily Mail has argued that staying in Spain may be best for Villa to compete for a place in the national team squad. Barcelona and Real Madrid are notorious for monopolizing the Spanish lineup and Villa could use that to his advantage.
The striker will certainly need first-team football if he wants to continue with La Roja. Despite his difficult start to the season, El Guaje has started five straight games for Barcelona and is stamping his name in Vicente Del Bosque’s team sheet.

Against: His Age

David Ramos/Getty Images

One argument against Barcelona retaining the services of David Villa would definitely be his age. The striker is currently 31 years old, and if history tells us anything, his production will only decease with time.
If the Catalan club decides to sell Villa this summer, it could be their last chance to cash in on the star. Once his age increases further, his price will severely drop, leaving Barca with little to gain.
But his age plays more of a part than just affecting his production and price value.
This season has seen El Guaje suffer more than his fair share of minor injuries. Barcelona will have to understand that if they keep Villa around, the possibility of him missing significant time is very likely.

 

For: His Current Return to Form

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

In the last few weeks, David Villa has shown the form that made him famous. Barcelona has definitely noticed, and that could be his biggest argument for remaining at the club.
Based his current form, the Spaniard has solidified a starting spot in the Catalan lineup.
After scoring a very crucial goal against AC Milan, as well as a goal and two assists during the weekend, it is clear that Villa is very vital to Barcelona’s success.
The Catalan club would not be wise to let such an important player leave Barcelona. Tito Vilanova would be hard-pressed to replace the striker, but, more importantly, would simply miss his contribution to the team.

 

Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Against: His Past Unhappiness

Earlier in the season, the world of football was shocked to see a clash between David Villa and Lionel Messi on the pitch. Though Messi denied any problem between the two, the media did not seem to buy it (via Metro).
The results of the dispute began to lead to many speculations about Villa’s feelings toward the club, including a report from The Daily Mail which claimed that he wanted to leave.
Arsenal was a major player in January who was trying to pry Villa away from Barcelona, but the move never materialized (via Metro).
Things change and players have changes of heart, but no one really knows how Villa feels at this point. El Guaje could still want out of Barcelona, and if that is the case, the club must let him go

For: His Present (Apparent) Happiness

Though Villa has spent the better part of the season unhappy, his recent rise to form has also seemed to bring about a new joy.
El Guaje was seen in very high spirits in recent games and had a big smile on his face. If David Villa is looking to make the best decision for himself, the striker may look to remain at Barcelona based solely on his personal happiness.
The Spaniard knows that he stands the best chance of winning trophies at Barcelona, but that is not always a deciding factor for players.
If Villa truly is happy again at Barcelona, he will most likely choose to remain there to win at a club where he is loved and can win major trophies.

For: He Is the Perfect Fit for Barcelona

When David Villa was brought to Barcelona in 2010, fans immediately fell in love with his immediate impact on the club. El Guaje has fit Barcelona like a glove, and the club would find it near impossible to replace such a performer.
The Spaniard plays a perfect supporting role to Lionel Messi.
Villa is able to interchange positions with the Argentine, but, more importantly, he creates space for his partner. The 31-year-old is also very understanding of the Tiki-Taka style which is difficult for any new player to adapt to.
La Blaugrana may opt to retain their striker based on the pure importance that he plays.
Without many options to take Villa’s place, Vilanova must attempt to keep the striker by all means. His role at Barcelona cannot be understated, which means fans should expect an extended stay for El Guaje.

Answering the Real Question

Despite the countless arguments for each side of Villa’s future, the real question remains whether or not he will leave. Had this been just a few weeks ago, everyone would have expected the striker to leave. But looking at recent news, it appears as though David Villa will remain in Barcelona.
The Daily Mail has recently reported that Barcelona has offered David Villa a new contract.
It appears as though the Catalan club sees the importance of keeping El Guaje in the squad. Barcelona is aware that they must extend Villa’s contract now or else sell him this summer.
The final decision will ultimately lie with David Villa.
The 31-year-old will be offered a contract, but he is only one can that choose to sign or not. If Villa does not sign, it will be clear that he wants to leave the club. But if El Guaje puts pen to paper, his future will be decided.
It may be some time before a decision is made. But based on recent form and the appearance of happiness with La Blaugrana, fans should expect David Villa to remain at the Catalan club.

Should Barcelona keep David Villa? Will El Guaje ultimately decide to stay or leave? Don’t forget to leave your thoughts and comments below.

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Barcelona's La Masia Academy: Ranking the Top 10 Graduates

Inside the first 15 minutes, Dani Alves limped off with an injury. He was replaced by Martin Montoya—it proved irrelevant as Barcelona went onto beat Levante 4-0 in Valencia.
But that wasn't the story. 
The story was that when Montoya replaced the Brazilian, Barca had 11 graduates of the famed La Masia on the pitch.
No less than an old little farmhouse, it has produced some of the current generations finest players—although since 2011 the next crop are no longer based in the original setting (pictured).
In 2010 it boasted the top three in the Ballon d'Or.
In recent years, it has certainly risen to more prominence, and this list will reflect that.
So read on for the top 10 graduates from La Masia...

10. Gerard Pique

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Pique actually deserted Barcelona for England, staying with Manchester United for four years.
He returned to Catalunya in 2008 and has enjoyed unprecedented success since, both internationally and domestically.
The 6'4" central defender is the Grandson of a former vice-president of Barca, and aged just 26 has plenty of scope to move up this list.

 

9. Sergi Barjuan

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Brought into the Barca first team at the beginning of the 1993-94 season, Barjuan was just too young to enjoy the formative years of Johan Cruyff's Dream Team.
He was there for that final season though as the regular left-back and was part of the team that lost 4-0 to Milan in the 1994 European Cup final.
Three La Ligas, two Copa del Reys, a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and a UEFA Super Cup were won during his days wearing a La Blaugrana shirt.

 

8. Albert Ferrer

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The right-back was a mainstay in the Barca team of Cruyff which dominated Spanish football at the beginning of the '90's.
Ferrer and his teammates won four consecutive league titles and one European Cup before being thrashed famously in the 1994 European Cup final.
In almost eight years at Camp Nou he made close to 300 appearances and won a lot of silverware.

 

7. Sergio Busquets

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Josep Guardiola had Sergio Busquets on his Barcelona B team and promoted him to the first team when he got the managers job after Frank Rijkaard's departure.
It's hard to believe he's still only 24 when you look back on the success he has enjoyed with his club, and his country, since 2008.
His Father—Carles Busquets—was a goalkeeper who also came through La Masia.

 

 

6. Guillermo Amor

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Guillermo Amor made his debut for Barcelona in 1988 and went on to become one of the key men in the Dream Team of the early '90s.
A ever-present midfielder, Amor won 12 domestic trophies with Barca and a further five in Europe.
Although, he missed out on playing in the 1992 European Cup final win against Sampdoria.

 

 

5. Carles Puyol

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Probably one of the players to graduate from La Masia with the least technical ability—but what a heart, what a defender.
Carles Puyol has been putting the frighteners on La Liga defenders since 1999 and with over 400 games racked up, he shows no signs of retiring.
He's been extremely successful at Barca too—a host of La Liga triumphs and Champions League wins lining his medal cabinet.

 

 

4. Josep Guardiola

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The story goes that Josep Guardiola was playing as a skinny right midfielder for the B team when Johan Cruyff asked for him to be played centrally.
The Dutch coach liked what he saw, promoted him to the first team and the rest, as they say, is history—at least in Barcelona.
Guardiola became a key element of the Dream Team, spent over 10 years with the club as a player and returned to deliver unequivocal success as a manager.

 

 

3. Andres Iniesta

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Sports journalist Guillem Balague recently sparked a mass debate on Twitter after comparing Andres Iniesta's talents with those of Zinedine Zidane.
And, when you think about, it is not such a ridiculous argument. 
Since his debut in 2002, Iniesta has been one of the fundamental cogs in both Barcelona and Spain's successes—a beautiful player to watch.

 

 

2. Xavi Hernandez

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If anyone can typify the tiki-taka fever which has gripped World football these last five years it is Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez.
Central to everything and key to Barca's passing, he rarely drops below 100 passes per game and his success rate is always close to 95 percent.
In an era when strong, athletic, box-to-box players are threatening to run riot, Xavi has restored faith in small, technical players.

 

 

1. Lionel Messi

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Who else could possibly occupy the No.1 spot?
Records continue to tumble week after week for the four time Ballon d'Or winner, even this week his goals against Rayo Vallecano carried his scoring streak to 18 consecutive La Liga games.
It's easy to forget he's still just 25. Already he's scored over 300 goals while adorning the Barcelona shirt, and he's not set to slow down any time soon.

 

 

 

 

 

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Former Liverpool Star Michael Owen Announces Will Retire After Season

Michael Owen, who starred with Liverpool and the England national team, announced on his official site that he will retire at season's end. It will mark the end of a career that began nearly two decades ago and seen him play for some of the top clubs in Europe.

"It is with an immense amount of pride that I am announcing my intention to retire from professional football at the end of this season."

The 33-year-old striker, who currently plays for Stoke City but has only made six Premier League appearances this season, made his debut with the Reds at age 17. He proceeded to play nearly 300 matches in a Liverpool uniform before leaving in 2004.
He went on to play for Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and now the Potters. He was never able to match the success he achieved at Anfield, however. At least not while playing at the club level.

Owen did have a successful international career. He appeared in 89 games for the Three Lions, scoring 40 goals. He scored at least one goal for the national team in 10 straight years starting in 1998. His late one came against Russia in 2007.
The Chester native has no shortage of accomplishments on his résumé. He won a Premier League title with the Red Devils during the 2010-11 season and captured several Cups with Liverpool during the early portion of the last decade.
On a personal level, he won the Ballon d'Or, awarded to the top player in Europe, in 2001. He also won the Premier League Golden Boot twice and received various top player honors for his play for club and country in the late 1990s.
His production levels and playing time dipped in recent seasons, likely leading to his decision to walk away after the season. But his accomplishments ensure he won't be forgotten anytime soon.

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