Barcelona Sign Alexis Sanchez

Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Udinese, the Catalan giants had been in pursuit of the Chilean for a while and have finally got their man after weeks of negiotations.

Sanchez has agreed personal terms and signed a five-year contract, Barcelona will pay an €26million with an additional €11.5million in add-ons.

Barcelona will officially unveil the player at the Nou Camp this weekend.
Could Barcelona now be set to up their chase for Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas now they have signed Sanchez?

Fergie Understands Berbatov Frustration

Image Credit Flickr User SocialBedia

Alex Ferguson says he would fully understand if Dimitar Berbatov decided to leave Old Trafford this summer. The Bulgarian found life difficult last season at Manchester United after making most of his appearnces as a substitute although finishing joint top-scorer in the Premier League.

Berbatov’s biggest blow came in May when he did not even make the bench for United's UEFA Champions League final meeting with Barcelona at Wembley. Due to the blistering form of the Mexican striker, Ferguson was forced to keep Chicharito in the starting eleven.

With United having six strikers for next season, competition for places will be strong.

The Scot has also insisted that his strikers need to get used to playing in squad rotation system as United look to retain their Premier League crown and Fergie feels this might not be enough to keep hold of Berbatov.

He said: "I'd understand that (if he wanted to leave) but you could say that about them all.

"I don't pick the same team every week do I? I've only done that once in the last three years.

"So they all understand it's the squad that wins the games, wins the cups and I've got a good squad that will be used in exactly the same way.

"They've got to understand that now and they all do."

Ferguson admits he had little choice but to start with striker Hernandez last season after the Mexican burst into United's first-team in outstanding form.

He added: "The situation was straightforward. Chicharito hit such good form that you had to put him in every game, because he added so much in terms of threatening defenders all the time.

"It was just unfortunate for Berbatov. It didn't make him a bad player; he was just an unlucky player in that this lad came in. But that's football.

"But Dimitar, he's been brilliant, first class. His training has been terrific and he's a good type of person. A nice guy."

Image Credit Flickr User Gordon Marino

Guti Slams Cristiano Ronaldo

Former Real Madrid player Guti has labelled Cristiano Ronaldo a bottler, the midfielder insists that the Portuguese winger goes missing in big games and is unable to stamp his authority of major games like Lionel Messi does for Barcelona.

Guti played alongside Ronaldo during his first season when the winger signed from Manchester United; He said that while he admired Ronaldo as a player, his failure to produce on the biggest stage means he is not in the same class as Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

"Cristiano is a great player. He's decisive in many games, but in the big games he isn't up to the task, unlike Messi, who has shown he is," Guti told Spanish TV.

"The very best players are the ones who work in the highest-level matches."

Barca: Arsenal Fabregas Demands To High

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has claimed the club will not pay over the odds for Cesc Fabregas; the Nou Camp giants had hoped to bring the Spaniard back to Barcelona but will not pay an extortionate fee for the midfielder.

Fabregas has again been linked with a return to his boyhood club this summer after Arsenal refused to sell the midfielder to Barca 12 months ago, Arsenal Chairman Peter Hill-Wood revealed over the weekend that the Catalan giants had been in contact regarding Cesc.

"He (Cesc) is doing everything he can to come (here)," Rosell told Catalan station TV3 on Monday night.
"Guardiola knows the values of players and Cesc's is less than €40million. Barcelona will offer less and if they (Arsenal) don't accept, then he won't come. Pep knows the club is not well-off in terms of money."

Elsewhere Barca were expected to be closing in of the signing of highly rated forward Alexis Sanchez, but Rosell said; "There is nothing closed with Alexis.”

It was also revealed that Eric Abidal has rejected a new deal at Barcelona and is expected to leave the Champions League winners, Rosell also claimed that his relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez were "on standby" after their failure to act against doping allegations aimed at Barca last season by radio station Cadena COPE.

"I haven't spoken to Florentino Perez since the last game (against Madrid)," he said.

"My relationship with him is on standby because there are wounds that are still not closed and that need to scar."

Giuseppe Rossi To Remain At Villarreal

Giuseppe Rossi’s agent has claimed that he doesn’t expect his client to be a Barcelona player next season and claims he could spend another season at Villarreal, it was thought that the Italian could join the Catalan giants this summer after media speculation suggested the could move-on.

It appears that Barcelona have now turned their attention to Udinese forward Alexis Sanchez instead after transfer negotiations broke down.

"Barca have never offered €30million for Rossi," the player's agent, Federico Pastorello, told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"They have offered less and Villarreal demanded more.

"In the end, they (Barca) have gone for Sanchez, who will join them for around €40million.
"For the time being there are no negotiations in place."

Pastorello added: "Rossi wanted to move to Barcelona but now I don't exclude that he will remain at Villarreal for another year."

The 24-year-old had also been linked with a move back to Italy with Serie A side Juventus, but the player’s agent has played down this move.

"It's a very remote prospect. At this time there has been no contact," he said.

"There are no ongoing negotiations but, with Sanchez going to Barcelona, I think other clubs will begin to move (for Rossi)."

Barcelona Enquire About Fabregas

Barcelona have made contract with Arsenal regarding Cesc Fabregas, the Catalans have always expressed their desire to bring the Spaniard back home But no bid made yet from Spanish giants for Arsenal midfielder.

Fabregas has been linked with a move back to the Nou Camp for the last two seasons and after the Gunners failure to win any silverware, could the midfielder be tempted to go back to the club he joined as a youngster.

The Spanish giants remain keen to sign Fabregas and are ready to make a new move this summer, although Hill-Wood insists they have yet to make a bid for the 24-year-old.

"Yes, they have spoken to us about Cesc," said Peter Hill-Wood.

Arsenal’s chairman also added; "They have been in touch. But so far they have not made a bid and we do not want to let him go.

"But he comes from Barcelona so it is understandable if he wanted to go back. However, they have not made an offer so far."

Arsenal are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer and Hill-Wood insists Arsene Wenger will have funds to spend.

"There is money for the manager," added Hill-Wood.

Will the Gunners ace head back home?

Giuseppe Rossi Barcelona Dream

Giuseppe Rossi agent has claimed that it is the striker's dream to play for Barcelona, the Italian has spoken before of his desire to join the Catalan giants.

Rossi currently plays for Villarreal and the former Manchester United player would jump at the chance to join the Nou Camp side.

Rossi shone for Villarreal last season; hitting 32 goals in the process, helping the club to a fourth place finish in La Liga and clinching a spot in next season's Champions League.

Rossi’s agent Federico Pastorello has revealed interest from a number of European clubs including Champions League winners Barcelona.

Pastorello speaking to Premium Calcio added; "A week before the Champions League final we were told that Rossi was one of three players who they [Barcelona] were thinking about in order to strengthen the side. But things haven't got moving yet and there are no concrete facts at this moment in time,"

He also said; "A lot of European sides are paying attention to Giuseppe and that includes some Italian ones.
"It would be important if there was some sort of signal from Barcelona at a club level to Villarreal. With an official approach I think the deal can be done.

"His dream is to certainly wear the Barcelona shirt, as that represents a winning model."

Johan Cruyff Urges Barcelona To Sign Fabregas

Dutch and Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff has insisted that Barcelona should pull out all the stops to sign Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas, for sometime the Catalans have been unsuccessful in persuading the Spaniard to return the club.

The Catalans are eager to add to their ranks this summer and have been linked with players such as Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi and Udinese attacker Alexis Sanchez.

Cruyff believes signing the Gunners star, 24, would mean midfield stars Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Xavi can be kept fresher during the season.

Johan Cruyff said; "If Cesc signs there will be four players for three places, which means all of them can share out a lot of games.

"There comes a stage in the season when everything is at stake but the team is out of gas.
"As good as the Barca players are - and they are good - there comes a time where they've played too many games.

"You need players not only to strengthen competition but also to move things around without upsetting the team's rhythm."

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Xavi Hails Barcelona As The Greatest Team For 20 Years

Barcelona playmaker Xavi has insisted that the European Champions are the best team of the last 20 years and hailed Lionel Messi as the best player of all time.

"There have been some great teams in history, Pele's Brazil, (Johan) Cruyff's Ajax, (Arrigo) Sacchi's Milan but in the past 20 years this Barcelona team is the best," he told Bild.

On Messi, he added: "He is the best player of all time - better than Pele, Maradona or Cruyff. We have to protect him as he is crucial.

"Without him we would not be what we are."

Barcelona has swept away every team that have come up against this season, including the dismantling of Manchester United in the Champions League final.

Xavi, though, was critical of the approach adopted by Jose Mourinho's men throughout the season.
He said: "Madrid were the hardest opponents but not because they played football but because they wanted to destroy the game.

"I like Manchester United's approach a thousand times better. It would be interesting to see what would happen if Real did play."

Speculation prior to the Wembley showpiece suggested coach Pep Guardiola was on the verge of standing down but Xavi hopes the former Barcelona midfielder "stays forever".

He added: "He (Guardiola) is very intelligent, very enthusiastic and very 'Barcelona-ish'.

"He is a great coach and I hope he stays forever, if not as coach then as sporting director or president."

Sergio Ramos Calls On Players To Unite

Spanish defender Sergio Ramos has called on Spanish players from both Barcelona and Real Madrid to forget recent rivalries for the good of the national side, After the bitter recent 'El Clasico' clashes between the two club sides.

There has been speculation whether the animosity from previous encounters at club level would disrupt the harmony in the national camp after many heated encounters this season between to two clubs.

He said: "Instead of thinking about fights from these games we should think about what we have achieved together, something we have never achieved before, winning Euro 2008 and the World Cup.

"We have experienced some very important moments together to be able to overcome these types of problems.
"It is clear to us and to them...they were only clashes and rivalry on the field of play.

"We have a good team spirit and we have to forget it all for the good of the national team."

Paul Scholes Retires

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has today confirmed that he will be retiring from the game with immediate effect; Scholes was part of the squad that lost the Champions League final against Barcelona on Saturday and has now called time on his colourful career.

The 36-year-old helped his club to a record-breaking 19th league title this season, but his last appearance was in the UEFA Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.

Scholes will now remain at Old Trafford as a member of Sir Alex Ferguson's coaching staff from the beginning of next season.

But Ferguson was full of admiration for Scholes, as he told United's official website: "What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven't said before.

The Scot also went on to add; We are going to miss a truly unbelievable player. Paul has always been fully committed to this club and I am delighted he will be joining the coaching staff from next season.

"Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role."

Scholes said: "I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour.

"This was not a decision that I have taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing.

"To have been part of the team that helped the Club reach that 19th title is a great privilege."

Pep Commits To Barcelona

Pep Guardiola has insisted that he intends to honour his contract at Barcelona, after watching his side take Manchester United apart in yesterday's 3-1 victory in the Champions League final.

The Spaniard feels that his side are untouchable after watching his young side show the world how the game should be played.

It was suggested that Pep could leave the Catalans this summer after Johan Cryuff hinted that Guardiola had been worn down by the psychological strain of managing the Catalan giants, but last night Guardiola said;

"I have one year of the contract, yes."

The Barcelona boss believed his side had put in one of their best performances to lift the trophy for the second time in three years.

"It is one of the best performances because sometimes you make for performances in important games but not important games like this one," he said.

Guardiola also added; "So we are so happy to win, of course, but we are so, so happy to show to the world our way to play, to keep the ball, to try to attack in front of absolutely one of the best teams of the world," he said.

Lionel Messi Wins Ballon d'or Award

Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has won the Fifa Ballon d'Or trophy at a ceremony in Zurich tonight.

Messi, 23, won the prize - a combined trophy of the Fifa Player of the Year prize and Ballon d'Or, Messi beat his Barca team-mates Andres Iniesta and Xav to win the award.

"I'm surprised to win but pleased to be here with my friends," said Messi, who won the two separate awards last year.

Jose Mourinho, who won an unprecedented Treble with Inter Milan in 2010, was named the Coach of the Year.

Messi added: "To win it makes it even more special. I want to share it with all of my friends, my family, all the Barcelonistas and the Argentinians."

Thierry Henry Training With Arsenal

Former striker Thierry Henry has begun training the Gunners during the MLS off-season, in which saw David Beckham do the same with Spurs. Henry, who plays for the New York Red Bulls in MLS, is a fans favourite with Gunners fans after scoring 226 goals in a highly successful spell with the club between 1999 and 2007.

A statement on Arsenal's official website read: "Thierry Henry is back at Arsenal.

"The Gunners legend returned to London Colney on Monday to train with Arsene Wenger's squad. The short-term arrangement will help Henry maintain his fitness ahead of the new MLS campaign, which begins in March.

"Henry joined the New York Red Bulls last year and helped them reach the play-offs, where they lost on aggregate to San Jose Earthquakes in November."

Cesc Fabregas Clarifies His Future

Arsenal Captain Cesc Fabregas has again reiterated that he wants to remain at the Emirates at least until he has helped the club win silverware. The Spaniard was at the centre of speculation after last year’s World Cup when reports suggested that he could head home to play for a Spanish side.

"Why would I want to leave? It is fantastic here," Fabregas said. "It would be a dream to lift trophies for Arsenal. It has always been my wish.

"Afterwards you can always be attracted by something else, like a new objective, or new challenges because, for me, life is all about challenges.

"But my real challenge as captain of Arsenal is to bring this football club success. This is the biggest dream I can have. I want to end these five years without a trophy and, hopefully, I can do it this season."

Fabregas was accused of not pulling his weight earlier in the season after the Gunners refused to let him go to Barca last summer.

But the 23-year-old skipper said; "It hurt me a lot to be injured and then hear some things, that my head was not here and my heart was somewhere else.

"I often played when I wasn't 100 per cent and it is painful to hear that kind of thing when you have worked so hard for this club and when you give everything for them."

Ronaldinho linked with Liverpool move

Ronaldinho heading to the Premiership?

Could Ronaldinho be heading to Liverpool, reports in Italy have suggested that the Brazilian could be heading to Anfield. Ronaldinho has failed to live up to expectation with AC Milan and could leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Fellow countryman and Liverpool player Lucas Leiva says that the former World Player of the Year would be welcome with open arms at Anfield should he decide to join.

"I am not aware of anything in terms of Ronaldinho signing but I would be very happy if this was to happen," Lucas told Globoesporte.

"We started a friendship when we played in the Olympics and for Brazil. It would be nice to play with him at Liverpool.

"Everyone knows Ronaldinho and they know what he can do."

Could Ancelotti be next to leave Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti's future looks glum

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has laughed off reports that Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola could be in line to replace the Italian at Stamford Bridge; Speculation had been mounting since the weekend that current Blues owner Roman Abramovich wanted the Spaniard to succeed Ancelotti at Stamford Bridge following a low point of Chelsea’s season

Ray Wilkins was axed as Ancelotti's assistant earlier this month and, on Saturday, the club confirmed Frank Arnesen would be leaving his position as sporting director at the end of the season.

Speaking after Sunday's 1-1 dismal draw at Newcastle United, Ancelotti refused to drawn in answering questions over his future.

"I have heard of Pep Guardiola, to be frank," said Ancelotti, whose Premier League champions lost top spot to Manchester United at the weekend.

"But you don't have to ask me - the coach is always the last to know. Don't ask me.

"We are not interested. We focus on our training and our matches."

Ancelotti also laughed off the claims that Chelsea are aiming to appoint Beguiristain as Arnesen's successor in West London.

The Italian joked: "I don't know this name. I think there was a player at Barcelona, but I don't know what job he is doing now."

Gareth Bale Unfazed by Speculation

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has insisted that Welsh Wizard Gareth Bale is an integral part of the squad and it would take a massive offer to tempt him away from White Hart Lane, a whole host of top European clubs have been looking at Gareth ever since his trouncing of Brazilian full-back Maicon in the two Champions League encounters with Inter Milan.

The likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid being linked to the Spurs star, but Gareth will not be distracted according to the Spurs boss.

"If someone comes in and offers something crazy you never know do you?"

"But he is certainly not a player we want to sell. We are looking to build a team and he is a massive part of that."

"No, I wouldn't have to do that with him because nothing would turn his head because he is such a level-headed, down-to-earth kid it wouldn't change him at all."  

Wenger keen to sign new deal

Arsene Wenger in mulling over a new deal offered to him by Arsenal, the 60 year old embarks on a new campaign starting at Liverpool this weekend is looking for their first trophy since 2005 and first Premier League title for seven seasons has stated he has a commitment to the Gunners and will be sorting out the finer details before signing. Wenger who successfully managed to keep hold of his captain Cesc Fabregas this summer who was subjected to numerous offers from Barcelona is looking to commit long term.

Wenger has announced before that he would like to finish his career off at Arsenal and now having been offered a longer deal, Arsene looks set to sign the contract within the next few weeks. Wenger also wouldn't be drawn in on whether he will make another offer for Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, having his initial bid being rejected by the Cottagers.

FOOTBALL: Cesc Fabregas commits to Arsenal

Cesc Fabregas has today confirmed that he will be staying at Arsenal this season, after much speculation surrounding Cesc's future and Arsenal have already rejected two offers from Barcelona for their captain. The Catalans launched a last-ditch bid of forty two million pounds.

Manager Arsene Wenger had been desperate in recent days for Fabregas to commit himself to Arsenal before the season and Cesc has today issued a statement saying,

"Firstly I would like to apologise to all the Arsenal fans for not speaking sooner about my future but I have not known what I was going to do until this moment.

"I cannot deny that joining a club like Barcelona was not an attractive move for me.

"This was the club where I learnt my football, it is my home town where my friends and family are and a club where I have always dreamed of playing.

"There are not many players in the world who would not want to play for Barcelona.

"I have had many conversations with Arsene Wenger both in person and over the phone over the last few months and although the content of those conversations will remain private, the conclusion is that Barcelona have had two formal offers rejected by Arsenal.

"I am a professional and I fully understand that it is Arsenal's prerogative not to sell me.

"I owe a lot to the club, manager and the fans and I will respect their decision and will now concentrate on the new season ahead with Arsenal.

"I can assure all the fans that now the negotiations have ended I will be 100 per cent focused on playing for Arsenal.

"I am an Arsenal player and as soon as I step out on to the pitch, that is the only club I will be thinking about.

"I am looking forward to the start of the season and putting this speculation behind me."