Former Barcelona Star Eidur Gudjohnsen: I Moved To Monaco To Work Hard

intends to prove his worth to the Monaco fans following his move from Barcelona towards the end of the transfer window.The Icelandic international made the switch after three seasons at the Camp Nou, and was on the periphery of the side for the for the majority of last season as Pep Guardiola’s men clinched their now famous Triplete.The 31-year old has made...

Player Ratings: Barcelona 5-2 Atletico Madrid

BarcelonaVictor Valdes - 6: Couldn't do much about the two goals, but had a few calamitous moments, including one where he was lucky not to be punished for being stranded well outside the area.Daniel Alves - 8: Was a constant menace down the right. Scored a sublime free-kick, and played a huge part in the fifth.Gerard Pique - 8: The best of the back-line, another...

Barcelona 5-2 Atletico Madrid: Colchoneros Blown Away By Superb Barca

Barcelona crushed Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou with a stunning first half performance to return to the top of the table. Although the visitors found a brace of goals from Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan, the Blaugrana were always in control of the match thanks to goals by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi, Dani Alves and Seydou Keita.Both sides were at full...

Dmytro Chygrynskiy Can't Wait To Make Camp Nou Bow For Barcelona

With Barcelona's packed fixture list over the next few weeks, Pep Guardiola will need to rotate his squad as much as possible.It has previously been reported that Dmytro Chygrynskiy is set to start the next three Primera Division games, due to his ineligibility for the Champions League.The Ukrainian has now admitted his excitement about making his first appearance...

I Want To Finish My Career At Barcelona - Lionel Messi

After signing a lucrative new contract with Barcelona, Lionel Messi has expressed his delight at being able to extend his deal and has declared that, if he could, he would sign away the rest of his career with the Blaugrana."I would like to finish here in Barcelona. [I want] to play my whole career here, if it's possible," the 22-year-old told Barca TV on Friday...

Official: Lionel Messi Signs Bumper Contract Extension With Barcelona

Lionel Messi has signed a two-year contract extension to stay with Barcelona until 2016 in a deal that takes him back to being the club's top earner.A statement on Barcelona's official website, www.fcbarcelona.cat, reads that Messi has "extended and improved" his contract with the club, which contains a minimum fee release clause of €250 million.Reports from...

Sylvinho Ready To Use Barcelona Tips To Help Manchester City Beat United

Sylvinho says he has been passing on some of the tips and secrets that helped lead Barcelona to a unique treble, after being quizzed by his new Manchester City team-mates.The Citizens have spent big to rebuild their squad but the Brazilian arrived on a free transfer when he left the Blaugrana at the end of last season and his advice could be invaluable.With...

Barcelona's Lionel Messi Should Win World Player Award - Pele

Brazil legend Pele says that Barcelona forward Lionel Messi should be crowned FIFA World Player of the Year.The Argentinian was the key figure for Pep Guardiola's side this year as they won an unprecedented five trophies, picking up the European Club Footballer of the Year award along the way and now Pele says it's time Messi was recognised as the best in the...

La Liga Preview: Barcelona - Atletico Madrid

Could Lightning Strike Twice?In this fixture last season Barcelona obliterated Atletico Madrid with a 6-1 scoreline and were three goals to the good before the game was even ten minutes old.This will be Barca's second home game of the season and the home support will expect to see goals. They managed three last time round against Sporting Gijon, which is consistent...

Player Ratings: Inter 0-0 Barcelona

INTER (4-3-1-2)Julio Cesar: 6.5 - Despite Barca's dominance for long stretches of the game, did not have too many saves to make. A couple of smart stops from Messi.Maicon: 6 - Was pushed back by Henry, and couldn't make too many of his trademark bursts down the right flank.Samuel: 8 - Lived up to his nickname as 'The Wall' with a no-nonsense performance at the back. How does Samuel not get into the Argentina 'defence'?Lucio: 6.5 - Struggled...

My Contract Renewal At Barcelona Is Not A Priority - Carles Puyol

After Barcelona technical secretary Txiki Begiristain announced that the Blaugrana are loathe to lose Carles Puyol, the captain has responded by saying that he doesn't want to worry about renewing his current deal."It's not a priority - it doesn't worry me," the 31-year-old explained to Sport."I won't stop committing myself in games because of it. I'm really...

Barcelona Midfielder Xavi Surprised By Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Attitude

Xavi has admitted that he is surprised by Zlatan Ibrahimovic's upbeat attitude, as he had been told that the Swede was a serious character.The Barcelona playmaker is pleased that the club's new striker enjoys a joke and has fitted in well with Pep Guardiola's squad after joining from Inter in the summer.Ibrahimovic has made controversial statements in the past...

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi Hoping To Be Back To His Best

Lionel Messi thinks that he can bounce back to his best when he returns to action for Barcelona in midweek against Inter, but admits another treble could be difficult.The Argentine was criticised in his homeland for not doing enough to prevent the Albiceleste from losing both their recent World Cup qualifiers.That may have affected Messi temporarily, but now...

Ibrahimovic: Playing With Barcelona's Great Squad Is Easy

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored in both of Barca's league games, and he credits his team-mates for his success.'Ibra' opened the scoring against Getafe, before setting up Lionel Messi for the second. Speaking to Sport after the match, he said, "I am very pleased to have scored two goals, but the most important thing is to reach the rhythm.""I am not at a hundred...

Chygrynskiy Delighted With Barcelona Debut

After making his debut for Barcelona, Dmytro Chygrynskiy has offered his first thoughts on the experience.The Ukrainian centre-back was thrown straight into the starting line-up against Getafe, and he put in a commanding performance. Speaking to Sport after the game, he said, "I want to thank my team-mates and coaches, because they gave me confidence, which...

Getafe 0-2 Barcelona: Ibrahimovic & Messi Score As Blaugrana Down Hosts

Getafe 0-2 Barcelona Lineup/StatsLa Liga Fixtures, ResultsThe match started at a slow pace, with neither side able to stamp their authority on the game in the opening few minutes. Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes had a scare on seven minutes, when Puyol played a pass back for Pique, who slipped inside the area, forcing the keeper to leave his post to clear the...

Rafael Marquez Omitted From Barcelona Squad To Face Getafe - Report

While Andres Iniesta has been passed fit by the Barcelona medical team and could play some part against Getafe tomorrow, 30-year-old defender Rafael Marquez has been overlooked by Pep Guardiola.Sport are reporting that although the Mexican has been cleared to play by the Blaugrana medical staff, Guardiola has decided not to select him for tomorrow's clash.Marquez...

La Liga Preview: Getafe - Barcelona

No FearGetafe stayed in the Primera Division by the skin of their teeth last season and have since seen Michel replace Victor Munoz as manager so one would be forgiven for thinking that Barcelona will come and take the three points without much of a fight.However the Azulones have a history of giving Barcelona a run for their money in recent seasons and have...

Barcelona Starlet Thiago Out For Two Months

Barcelona starlet Thiago Alcantara has been told he will be out for at least two months following an operation just as he was breaking into the first team squad.The 18-year-old, who is the son of Brazilian World Cup winner Mazinho, is set to become another of the Blaugrana's homegrown talents and made his debut in la Primera against Real Mallorca in May.Coach...

Joan Laporta: Barcelona Will Boost Lionel Messi's Confidence

Joan Laporta is confident that Barcelona's players will help Lionel Messi recover from a tough week away with Argentina.The Blaugrana president has recognised that his star player will have been deflated by defeats against Brazil and Paraguay that saw him criticised by the media and fans.Claims that Messi does not play as well for the Albiceleste as he does...

Francesco Totti: I Snubbed Real Madrid & Barcelona To Stay At Roma

Roma striker Francesco Totti has claimed he deserves his contract extension because he snubbed big money from Real Madrid and Barcelona earlier in his career.'Er Pupone' is about to be rewarded with a new five-year deal worth around €5 million-per-season. Some critics have slammed the move, but the player believes he is worthy of the new terms."I think I have...

San Siro Sold Out For Inter - Barcelona Champions League Showdown

Fans hoping to get a last-minute ticket for the Champions League showdown between Inter and Barcelona next week will be left disappointed as the club have announced they have sold every ticket.The two giants of European football will tussle on Matchday 1 as they attempt to take a stronghold on Group F. Inter have confirmed they have shifted the last remaining...

Barcelona Doctor Hopeful About Gaby Milito Comeback

Gabriel Milito is on course to play before the end of the current year as he enters the last stage of his long road back from a serious knee injury, according to Barcelona's club doctor.The Argentinian defender suffered ligament damage during the Blaugrana's Champions League semi-final with Manchester United at Old Trafford in April 2008 and has been out ever...

Playing Champions League Final Was A Risk - Barcelona Star Andres Iniesta

Having now returned to full fitness Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has admitted that he knew playing in last season's UEFA Champions League Final win over Manchester United was a risky decision.Iniesta suffered a hamstring injury in a Primera Liga game against Villarreal at the back-end of last season and was in a race against the clock to try and make...

Dmytro Chygrynskiy Trains With Barcelona For The First Time

New signing Dmytro Chygrynskiy trained with his new Barcelona team-mates for the first time today since making his €25 million move from Shakhtar Donetsk.Chygrynskiy watched the Blaugrana's opening Primera Division game from the stands at Camp Nou as they defeated Sporting Gijon 3-0 and afterwards linked up with the Ukraine for their World Cup qualifiers against...

Barcelona Star Andres Iniesta 'Feeling Good' Ahead Of Getafe Clash

Andres Iniesta was declared fit by the Barcelona medical staff yesterday, and the midfielder has now announced himself that he is healthy and raring to go.The 25-year-old has missed the start of this season due to a thigh injury that he picked up at the end of last season, and played through the pain to help his team win the Champions League against Manchester...

Barcelona Defender Gabriel Milito Not Setting Comeback Date

Gabriel Milito insists that he is not setting any date for his return from a knee injury that has kept him out since April 2007, but instead is taking great care over his recovery programme."I don't want to set deadlines for my return," he explained to Barcelona's official website."I am focused on day-to-day life and overcoming this injury."The 29-year-old has...

Everyone Wants To Play Like Barcelona - Getafe Coach Michel

Getafe coach Michel has unashamedly admitted that he wishes he could be as successful a coach as Pep Guardiola has been.The 46-year-old coach added that the Barcelona tactician has revolutionised modern football in the same way that Arrigo Sacchi's Milan team did during the late 1980s and early 1990s."[In a way not seen] since Sacchi's time, the arrival of Pep...

Spanish Inquisition: The Towering Pique Of Barcelona

While it was Pep Guardiola who may have been the mastermind behind today’s dominant Barcelona side and Dani Alves who, as the most expensive right-back in football, may have been the missing link in completing a dynamic offence positioned well into the opposition’s half of the pitch, there was one player added during the off-season last summer who was integral...

Inter Defender Marco Materazzi Snipes Back At Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Inter centre-back Marco Materazzi has reacted strongly to Barcelona star Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s comments, which suggested the Swede was the main reason behind the Nerazzurri’s recent dominance in Italy.‘Ibra’ was certainly instrumental in Inter securing three straight titles following his move from Juventus in 2006, but Materazzi thinks his former team-mate is...

Barcelona Forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic Deserves Inter’s Respect - Agent

Zlatan Ibrahimovic deserves respect from Inter after everything that he did for the club and should not be resented for leaving to join one of the world's biggest teams, his agent has claimed. The Swede has been promised a heated reception when he returns to his former club in the Champions League next week. Mino Raiola thinks that it will be unfair on Ibrahimovic,...

Barcelona Defender Maxwell Wary Of Inter Threat

European champions Barcelona travel to Italy next week to face Italian giants Inter in a much-anticipated Champions League clash, in which the ‘ex-factor’ will take centre stage.Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Maxwell will come face-to-face with their former team-mates for the first time after their summer moves to the Catalans, and though the Swedish striker is doing...

Inter Winger Mancini Slams Barcelona Star Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will come face to face with his former Inter team-mates next Wednesday as Barcelona travel to Milan to kick off the defence of their Champions League crown.And Ibrahimovic should brace himself for a hostile reception after claiming earlier this week that the Nerazzurri should be thankful for his time in Milan as “they had won...

Inter Duo Samuel Eto'o And Diego Milito Will Hurt Barcelona - Maurizio Ganz

Barcelona need no introduction to Samuel Eto'o or Jose Mourinho, but former Inter striker Maurizio Ganz has warned Pep Guardiola's men what to expect.The two giants will battle a 90 minute conflict in the Champions League next Wednesday as they aim to take a stronghold on Group F.Ganz, who played for Inter between 1995 and 1997, believes Samuel Eto'o will pose...

Maxwell Hails Andres Iniesta's Return For Barcelona

Maxwell believes that the return to full fitness of Andres Iniesta will give Barcelona a huge boost, and he was not slow to heap praise on the talented midfielder.The Brazilian full-back has yet to play with the Blaugrana star as the Spaniard has only just overcome a muscle injury that kept him out for three months.Now Maxwell is looking forward to playing with...

Barcelona Livewire Andres Iniesta Declared Fit After 100 Days

Andres Iniesta has been given the green light to return to action after spending the entire summer recuperating from an injury.Barcelona medics told the midfielder that he was fully fit after a round of tests on Wednesday morning saw him come through without any problems.On May 10, Iniesta suffered a small tear in his thigh but he played through the pain to...

Barcelona Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic Mooting International Retirement

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will consider retiring from international football after the World Cup finals next summer in order to focus on playing for Barcelona.The 27-year-old is mooting the idea of making the tournament in South Africa his swansong for his country after playing more than 50 times and scoring over 20 goals.Sweden are not yet assured of a place in the...

Valencia’s Juan Mata Puts Barcelona Link Behind Him

Juan Mata has intimated that he is happy at Valencia, despite Barcelona enquiring about his availability in the summer.The Spain international was targeted by the Blaugrana as they sought a player to compete with Thierry Henry on the left side of their favoured front three.Valencia were reported to have placed a hefty price tag on the Real Madrid youth team...

Thiago Motta: Inter Are Ready For Barcelona

Inter midfielder Thiago Motta has sent a warning shot to former employers Barcelona ahead of their Champions League showdown next week.The Nerazzurri welcome the European champions to the San Siro next Wednesday, but a party is unlikely. Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return to his former home, while both Motta and Samuel Eto'o face their old colleagues. The midfielder...

Maradona Should Go And Sell Newspapers - Keita

Mali international Seydou Keita believes that Diego Maradona would do a better job selling newspapers than being head coach of Argentina, after their defeat at the weekend to Brazil.The Barcelona star was riled by comments from the Catalan club's former star that Lionel Messi should become a man and took his chance to let the trainer know he is not a fan.Argentina...

Guardiola's Future At Barcelona Still Not Known

Pep Guardiola's protracted contract talks at Barcelona look set to continue with his friend and club director of external communications Manel Estiarte quoted by Sport as saying that Guardiola doesn't know if he will continue as coach.However, Estiarte stated that Guardiola is happy in his role and is hopeful of continuing at the helm at Barca."Pep is very happy...

Daniel Alves Delighted To Return To Salvador With Brazil

Barcelona and Brazil left-back Daniel Alves has spoken of his delight at returning to Salvador de Bahia with the Selecao, having begun his career at Esporte Clube Bahia in 2001.Brazil take on second place Chile in their World Cup qualifier on Wednesday knowing that they have already secured qualification for the competition in South Africa next year.The Canarinha...

Iniesta And Marquez In Barcelona Squad For Getafe Trip

Andres Iniesta and Rafael Marquez are set to be given the all-clear by Barcelona medical staff on Thursday and will be included in the squad for Saturday's Primera Division tie against Getafe, according to Sport.Both players have failed to feature for Barcelona so far this season and a lack of match fitness means they will start from the substitutes bench at...

Cesc Fabregas Denies Link To Barcelona Presidential Candidate Rossell

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has denied any connection to the potential presidential candidacy of Sandro Rosell at Barcelona.Rosell is believed to be one of a number of possible candidates set to challenge current club president Joan Laporta in next year's elections, but Fabregas insists he is not involved."I have not spoken to anyone at the moment, there is...

Xavi: Spain Play The Barcelona Way

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez, at a press conference, has claimed that the national side share the same football philosophy as his club."The philosophy is almost the same, dominate, keep possession of the ball and pass," Xavi said.The 29-year-old midfielder is an ever-present member of Vicente Del Bosque's side and Xavi declared that it is a...