Viktoria Plzeň 4-0 FC Barcelona (Matchday 4 Group Stage UEFA Champions League 2011/2012)

Lionel Messi netted his 200th goal for Barcelona during a 4-0 win over Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Messi's landmark strike was his first goal in a hat-trick scored at the home of the Czech champions.

The Argentine's goals helped his side move two points clear at the top of Group H, as second-placed AC Milan could only draw 1-1 with BATE Borisov.

Plzen started the match full of running and tried to take the game to their illustrious opposition at the Synot Tip Arena.

Milan Petrzela burst through a static Barca back line only to be thwarted by goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who produced a strong left-handed save to stop the hosts from taking a surprise early lead.

Daniel Kolar then wasted another chance, blazing a half-volley high and wide after being found in space inside the box.

But Plzen's encouraging start came to nothing, and they found themselves behind after 10 minutes when Messi had his legs taken away from him by Marian Cisovsky inside the box.

The livewire forward picked himself up to score from the spot, and Cisovsky was shown a red card for the foul.

The away side began to toy with their opponents, exploiting the gaps created by Cisovsky's dismissal.

Two minutes into first-half injury time, Messi played a delightful one-two with Adriano before sliding his finish past Roman Pavlik in the Plzen goal.

Cesc Fabregas made it 3-0 on 71 minutes with a headed effort, getting on the end of Isaac Cuenca's perfectly-weighted cross.

Messi then completed his hat-trick, adding gloss to the score-line with a well-taken finish after rounding Pavlik in stoppage time.

Also on Tuesday, AC Milan gave up the lead to draw 1-1 away to Belarusian side BATE.

Milan opened the scoring 22 minutes into the match at the Horodskiy Stadium.

Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic disposed defender Marko Simic and played the ball to strike-partner Robinho, before receiving the return pass and finding the back of the net.

Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati was forced into two good saves from BATE forward Maksim Skavysh following swift counter-attacks by the home side.

Robinho should have extended the lead when he hit the post just before the break, and the Serie A champions were left to rue that missed opportunity when Ignazio Abate fouled Artyom Kontsevoi inside the box 10 minutes into the second half.

Renan Bressan scored from the spot to make it 1-1.

Kevin-Prince Boateng had a chance to snatch victory late on for Milan but BATE survived, claiming a credible point against their heavyweight visitors.

Valencia 2-2 FC Barcelona (Matchday 4 La Liga 2011/2012)

Cesc Fàbregas maintained his record of scoring in every Liga game since joining FC Barcelona as the champions halted Valencia CF's perfect start to the campaign with a 2-2 Mestalla draw.

Cesc Fàbregas continued his free-scoring start to his FC Barcelona career with a second-half equaliser as the champions twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Valencia CF.

An Éric Abidal own goal edged the Liga leaders ahead but the visitors swiftly levelled when Pedro Rodríguez rifled in Lionel Messi's assist. Pablo Hernández's strike looked like it would extend Valencia's 100% opening to the campaign until Fàbregas (77) nonchalantly struck his fourth goal in as many top-flight games.

José Mourinho made six changes – including giving a Real Madrid CF debut to Raphael Varane – from the team that lost 1-0 at Levante UD on Sunday, but the Merengues were unable to breach Real Racing Club's defence in Santander. The 0-0 draw means Madrid have failed to score in successive Liga matches for the first time since January/February 2007.

Club Atlético de Madrid are having no such trouble. The Rojiblancos followed up Sunday's 4-0 defeat of Racing with a repeat scoreline against Real Sporting de Gijón in Madrid, with Falcao adding to his weekend hat-trick with a double.

Levante made it two victories in five days with a 2-1 triumph at Rayo Vallecano, while Santi Cazorla got the only goal against visiting Athletic Club as Málaga CF won for the third straight game without conceding.

FC Barcelona 8-0 CA Osasuna (Matchday 3 La Liga 2011/2012)

Barcelona put recent disappointments well and truly behind them as they resumed normal service with a sensational 8-0 win at home to Osasuna in the Primera Division on Saturday evening.

Pep Guardiola's side had disappointingly drawn their last two matches against Real Sociedad and AC Milan, having been pegged back after taking a two-goal lead against the Basque outfit and then conceding a last-gasp header to Thiago Silva in their Champions League opener on Tuesday.

Those 2-2 draws highlighted the need for a leader at the back in the absence of injured duo Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol, who had come on as a late substitute against the Italians.

Puyol was back in the side for his first appearance since April, having finally recovered from a knee injury, allowing Sergio Busquets - poor in each of the last two games as a makeshift centre-back - to return to his habitual role in central midfield.

Puyol began in a three-man back-line, alongside Javier Mascherano and Eric Abidal, with Dani Alves pushed forward in an advanced role as an extra midfielder.

And the new system paid dividends early on as both Busquets and Alves played a key part in Lionel Messi's fifth-minute opener.

Busquets picked out Alves' run down the right with a precise lofted pass and the Brazilian headed across the area for Messi, who stretched out his right foot to scramble the ball home at the far post.

Seven minutes later, Fabregas made it two after he was set up by Messi's lobbed pass and blasted a fine volley past Osasuna keeper Andres Fernandez.

Barca had been two up at Real Sociedad after 12 minutes last weekend, but ended up with only a point following the Basques' second-half comeback at Anoeta.

However, there appeared no chance of a repeat here as the Catalans remained rampant, with both Abidal and Messi heading against the woodwork before David Villa made it 3-0 after 33 minutes.

The Spain striker latched onto Abidal's clever through ball, rounded Fernandez and slotted into the empty net to make it look so easy for the home side.

And it was, but Osasuna played their part in their own downfall as well, particularly as Barca went four up six minutes before the interval.

Abidal's long pass from his own half freed Villa, totally unmarked, and although the striker's shot was saved by Fernandez, Roversio could only direct the rebound into his own net.

Moments later, four became five in what looked like a simple training ground exercise, with Xavi threading the ball to Cesc, and the former Arsenal captain turning to set up Messi, who slotted a low shot into the corner to give the hosts an unassailable lead at the break.

Messi then came desperately close to a hat-trick five minutes into the second half as he chipped a delightful effort onto the crossbar, but the Argentine turned provider shortly afterwards as he curled a wonderful pass to Xavi to lob Fernandez for an exquisite sixth of the evening.

Puyol had already departed by then and he was followed off shortly afterwards by Xavi, as Guardiola sought to protect two of his leading lights.

Six goals to the good, Barca's intensity inevitably dropped and Nino came close at the other end, while Osasuna also saw an Ibrahima header ruled out for offside.

The hosts had further chances, though, and Villa curled a rasping effort just over the bar with 20 minutes left.

Six minutes later, Villa did score again as the Osasuna defence gifted the ball to Cesc in the area and the summer signing squared unselfishly for his team-mate to slot into the empty net.

Messi then made it eight as he completed his hat-trick, playing a clever one-two with the brilliant Fabregas and running through the Osasuna defence to slide a routine finish into the corner after some mesmerising build-up play around the visitors' area.

Osasuna will have been happy to have avoided double fugures in the end as they managed to negotiate the final 12 minutes withoug further damage.

The northerners, like Barca, had taken four points from their first two games and are now provisionally in eighth place.

Guardiola's side, meanwhile, move up to second, where they sit two points adrift of Valencia, but the Catalans could also be overtaken by Real Betis and title rivals Real Madrid, who face Levante on Sunday.

Real Sociedad 2-2 FC Barcelona (Matchday 2 La Liga 2011/2012)

Two points dropped (2-2)

Jordi Clos

Barça have drawn at Real Sociedad in a game that seemed under control after Xavi and Cesc had scored early goals. However, the Catalans lost control of things in the second half, and allowed the home to score twice in a minute.

Once again Barça have struggled in a match played immediately after an international break. The starting line-up raised a few eyebrows, with Busquets and Fontàs as the centre backs and Leo Messi among the players on the bench. Pep Guardiola also switched back to a traditional 4-3-3. Everything was going to plan when, in the 9th and 11th minutes, Barça had already put the ball in Bravo’s net twice. But despite dominating the possession, there were no further goals and Real Sociedad salvaged a point with two back-to-back goals shortly after the restart.

Early lead

Barça looked a little unsteady early on, but soon found the way to beat Phillipe Montanier’s strategy – getting behind the Real defensive line, which was taking risks by pushing so far forward. That is how both of the visitors’ goals were scored, the first when Cesc provided a delightful pass to Alexis who then found Xavi, who tapped the ball home. The game had barely resumed before Cesc was in action again, this time supplying Pedro, whose shot was parried away by the keeper, and the former Arsenal man was there to convert the rebound.

Alexis injured

The defending champions could afford to relax now that they had secured a two-goal cushion, and concentrated instead on holding onto possession, frustrating Real as they patiently waited the chance to add to their tally. The game was totally in Barça’s control, who played serious but effective football, and the only sour note of an excellent first half display was the loss of Alexis Sánchez to injury on the half hour. His place was taken by Villa.

Real pull back

Few predicted anything other than more of the same in the second half. Agirretxe did provide a warning when a 57th minute effort narrowly skimmed wide of the post, but worse was to come moments later when the same player pulled a goal back for the Basque side with a tremendous header. Just two minutes later Agirretxe was at it again, this time intercepting a careless back-pass by Villa and chipping the ball over Valdés. Busquets turned the ball onto the crossbar, but Griezman pounced on the rebound to score the equaliser. Guardiola immediately responded by sending on Messi and Iniesta and opting for a 3-4-3 system for the rest of the game.

Barça now found themselves desperately needing a third goal, and upped the ante with a far more aggressive and ambitious approach. Villa, Pedro and Messi all had chances, but the home side had grown enormously in confidence, and buoyed by a vociferous Anoeta managed to hang on to come out of this game with an unexpected point.

FC Barcelona 5-0 Villarreal (Matchday 1 La Liga 2011/2012)

Barcelona opened up their La Liga campaign with a festival of goals, dominating a sorry Villarreal side 5-0 at Camp Nou.

Two goals by Lionel Messi and a goal apiece from Thiago Alcantara, Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez saw the champions exit the pitch to a standing ovation as Pep Guardiola's men successfully trialled a 3-4-3 formation.

Barca's Spanish starlet Thiago put his side a goal up with a fantastic solo effort on 25 minutes.

The youth team product made a fantastic run towards goal after receiving the ball from Fabregas, and homed in on the area before slowing down to send the ball into the right corner of the goal.

Just as the first half was set to end, Fabregas doubled the lead with a finish inside the box after a wonderful through ball from Messi.

Things only got worse for Villarreal after the interval as Sanchez added his side's third goal with a classy finish two minutes into the half.

Darting down the right wing on the break, the former Udinese star touched the ball into the box, set his sight on goal and placed a careful effort into the left side of the net as the floodgates opened.

Messi got on the scoresheet with a goal similar to that of Fabregas, latching onto Andres Iniesta's pass, skipping by Lopez with his left foot before finishing with his right into the open goal.

The diminutive frontman bagged his second, and his side's fifth, 15 minutes from time with a finish in front of goal after a combination with Thiago ended with Messi slotting home from close range.

Barca earned all three points with ease and next travel to face Real Sociedad on September 11 in their next league fixture, while Villarreal will host Sevilla on the same day.

Goals

Thiago Alcântara 25' (assist by Fàbregas)	1 - 0
Fàbregas 45' (assist by L. Messi)	2 - 0
A. Sánchez 47' (assist by Thiago Alcântara)	3 - 0
L. Messi 52' (assist by Iniesta)	4 - 0
L. Messi 75' (assist by Thiago Alcântara)	5 - 0

Lineups

1	Valdés
22	E. Abidal
14	J. Mascherano	34'
4	Fàbregas	35' 45'
8	Iniesta
15	S. Keita
16	Busquets
11	Thiago Alcântara	25'
10	L. Messi	52' 75'
9	A. Sánchez	47' 48'
17	Pedro
Coach: Josep Guardiola

13	Diego López
5	Marchena	88'
2	G. Rodríguez
12	C. Zapata	21'
4	M. Musacchio
3	Joan Oriol
10	Cani
20	Borja Valero
21	Soriano
22	G. Rossi
7	Nilmar
Coach: Juan Garrido

Substitutes

6	Xavi for Iniesta 56'
7	Villa for Pedro 67'
28	J. Dos Santos for Fàbregas 70'
32	Bartra
13	Pinto
30	Sergi Roberto
24	Fontàs

17	Camuñas for Borja Valero 50'
19	Senna for Nilmar 56'
18	W. Mubarak for Cani 59'	84'
9	M. Rubén
31	Diego Marino
11	H. Pérez
15	Catalá

Additional info

Referee:

J. Turienzo Álvarez

Assistants:

S. Castañer
Luis Marco Martínez

Fourth official:

Óscar Marín Álvarez

FC Barcelona as Winner UEFA Super Cup 2011

FC Barcelona 2-0 FC Porto
The Spanish champions claimed the trophy for the fourth time thanks to goals from Lionel Messi and Cesc Fàbregas against nine-man Porto.

Lionel Messi and Cesc Fàbregas scored late in either half as FC Barcelona defeated nine-man FC Porto at Stade Louis II to win the UEFA Super Cup for the second time in three editions and a fourth overall.

Fresh from becoming the first recipient of the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, Messi was the epitome of coolness on a sweltering night in Monaco as he seized upon Fredy Guarín's back pass, jinked his way past Helton and rolled in the 39th-minute opener.

The Portuguese champions were still in the contest until the 86th minute, when Rolando collected a second yellow card and Porto's first red. Barça wasted little time capitalising, substitute Fàbregas finishing delightfully before Guarín was dismissed in the final minute for a sliding challenge on Javier Mascherano.

Both coaches had talked up the fixture and chances came and went during a lively opening spell. Hulk had already curled a free-kick over from a promising position when Víctor Valdés dived to his left to tip behind an angled shot from João Moutinho.

The first true opportunity fell to Pedro Rodríguez in the tenth minute. So clinical when scoring a delightful goal in the UEFA Champions League final, the Spanish international could only loft an effort on to the roof of the Porto net when free in the area after an Andrés Iniesta pass had been deflected into his path via the heel of Jorge Fucile.

Hulk was the next to flash a shot across goal − earning due applause for a series of speedy step-overs in the build-up − and Helton then took no chances with a rising Xavi Hernández shot from outside the box.

As the half wore on, so did Barcelona's influence, the pressure telling when Guarín, boxed in in his own half, prodded a hopeful ball backwards that was gratefully collected by the unmarked Messi. The rest was inevitable.

Porto had little choice but to come out and attack after the break, yet save for a deflected João Moutinho effort and a fierce long-range shot from Guarín, rarely troubled a Barça defence shorn of regular centre-backs Carles Puyol and Gerard Piqué. Instead, there was more space for Josep Guardiola's side to expolit on the counter and from one end-to-end foray David Villa could have made the game safe but his low shot lacked punch and Helton smothered at his near post.

Two minutes later, as the hour approached, the goalkeeper charged off his line to deny Pedro as the striker attempted to bring a Messi pass, which had dissected the Dragons' defence, under control. The real drama was saved for the closing stages, Fàbregas − eight minutes after replacing Pedro − keeping his cool as Porto lost theirs to control a Messi chip on his chest and fire emphatically into the net with a first-time volley.

It would have been 3-0 had Helton not denied man of the match Iniesta in added time, leaving Porto to ponder a third UEFA Super Cup defeat since 2003.

Cesc Making Jersey FC Barcelona After Celebrating FIFA World Cup 2010

Cesc Making Jersey FC Barcelona
After Celebrating FIFA World Cup 2010

Guardiola preferring silence in Cesc transfer saga

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has preferred to remain silent over the Catalan club's interest in Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

The Gunners captain, who has been the subject of intense speculation this summer over his future, has been hotly pursued by the Catalan giants.

Fabregas is currently on international duty with Spain at the World Cup in South Africa, where the midfielder has seen little action despite his status as one of the most sought-after talents in the game.

The Gunners have rejected Barcelona's bid to sign the 23-year-old despite the Spanish champions' very public interest, but Guardiola, who is in South Africa currently, refused to be drawn on the speculation when asked by the English press about the subject.

"It's not my business, it's not my job. I'm sorry," said Guardiola.

"He's a player for Arsenal, so Wenger has the say. You have to ask them.

"You know him better than me (the British media), you see him each weekend, he's a good player, that's why he is here with the Spanish team and not on his holidays."

Transfer Block 'Stresses' Fabregas

The Gunners rejected an approach for their star midfielder on Wednesday after the Catalan giants earlier revealed they had submitted a written offer for the 23-year-old's signature.

And reports have now emerged that the Spain international is so upset that he could enact a Fifa clause known as the 'Webster ruling' which would allow him to buy out his contract.

A statement from Arsenal clearly stated their intentions to keep hold of the talented midfielder at all costs.

The statement read: "Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is under contract with the club until the summer of 2015. He is a highly valued member of the team and part of our future plans.

"However, [on Tuesday evening] we received an offer from Barcelona for Cesc and in response, we immediately and resolutely told them once again that we have no intention of selling our captain.

"We will not make any kind of counterproposal or enter into any discussion. Barcelona have publicly stated that they will respect our position and we expect that they will keep their word."

Barcelona director Rafael Yuste however declared that the Gunners' rejection of their first offer would not put them off further attempts to snap up their man, fuelling fire to the speculation that this tug-of-war will continue to rumble on.

"We won't be hasty but nor will we let up," said Yuste. "The ball is in Arsenal's court now and as we have an exceptional relationship with them I am optimistic."

Arsenal Reject Barca's Fabregas Bid

Gunners turn down official Barcelona offer as the tug-of-war over the Spain star looks set to rumble on throughout SA2010

Arsenal have rejected an approach throught to be in the region of 30 million euros from the Catalan giants for star midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

La Liga champions Barcelona early revealed that they were in formal discussions with the London club over Fabregas' signature, having submitted a written offer.

Barca director general Joan Oliver said: "Any deal must go through them and June 1 was the beginning of the period of official negotiations. Until earlier there were informal conversations, but since yesterday these are formal - and the usual mechanism is to present a formal and concrete offer."

The Gunners captain has already stated that he does not want any distractions as he prepares to try and help Spain win their first ever World Cup title this summer in South Africa and Barcelona Technical secretary Txiki Begiristain echoed the player's sentiments saying he hoped a deal could be reached soon.

Begiristain said: "I'm hopeful he can sign for the club as soon as possible. I'm optimistic and it is clear that he, his family, the players and the entire environment would give a very warm welcome."

It is understood that Barcelona are not willing to match Arsenal's 60 million euros valuation for a player they feel they nurtured and developed, sparking fears the negotiations could rumble on throughout the tournament in South Africa.

The player's father Francesc Fabregas hinted the deal could turn into a long-running transfer saga: "The negotiations between Arsenal and Barcelona are going to be very long. Both parties are going to have to sit down several times because the matter is complicated."

Barcelona Make Fabregas Offer

Barcelona have confirmed they have submitted a written offer to Arsenal for midfielder Cesc Fabregas and are now in "formal" discussions.

The 23-year-old has long been linked with a return to Barca, the club where he plied his trade as a youngster before moving to the Gunners seven years ago.

He is under contract with the north London outfit until June 2014 but last month expressed his desire to head back to the Nou Camp at a promotional event in the Catalan capital.

That wish could have moved a step closer to reality over the past two days.

Barça director general Joan Oliver told club website said: "Everyone knows that Cesc wants to play for this club and everyone knows that we also want this. But there is a third major player, which is Arsenal.

"Any deal must go through them and June 1 was the beginning of the period of official negotiations. Until earlier there were informal conversations, but since yesterday these are formal - and the usual mechanism is to present a formal and concrete offer. So yesterday afternoon, we submitted a written bid to Arsenal."

Txiki Begiristain will carry out the talks with Arsenal, and vice-president Rafael Yuste is keen to see a positive resolution in the near future.

He said: "I'm hopeful he can sign for the club as soon as possible. I'm optimistic and it is clear that he, his family, the players and the entire environment would give a very warm welcome.

"So we will not do anything to thwart his signing. We will not be in any kind of hurry, but we will not pause either. Now the ball is in Arsenal's court and, as we have an exceptional relationship with them, I am optimistic."

"I think I would like to go to Barcelona. Whether or not they want me is another thing."Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal midfielder.

Barca last month splashed out €40million to Valencia to make Spain striker David Villa their first summer signing and the Primera Division champions' hopes of adding Villa's international colleague to their ranks received a boost when Fabregas spoke out.

He said: "You see your [Spanish] team-mates succeeding here [in Barcelona] and it is exciting because you have worked alongside them for so long. I think I would like to go to Barcelona. Whether or not they want me is another thing."

Barça were not slow to express their reciprocal interest, although they vowed to do everything by the book and to show Arsenal "respect".

His father Francesc Fabregas, who is also Cesc's agent, believes talks between the clubs could be protracted but feels in the end that Arsenal could give the green light for their captain to leave.

"The negotiations between Arsenal and Barcelona are going to be very long," he told Radio Marca last month. "Both parties are going to have to sit down several times because the matter is complicated."

Fabregas: I'm 100 per cent focused

Cesc Fabregas has insisted his thoughts are focused solely on recovering from injury and playing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, not on transfer speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona. The Catalan giants are keen to bring the 23-year-old back to Spain and confirmed this week they have made initial contact with Arsenal regarding the midfielder, although without yet making an offer.

Fabregas, who was on Barcelona's books as a youngster before moving to London seven years ago, has also revealed his desire to return to the club. However, an imminent resolution to the situation seems unlikely, and the player has stated that his mind is now set on international matters and not where he will be playing his club football next season.

"A World Cup is too important to think about other things. I'm 100 per cent focused. I will give everything to help Spain be champions." Cesc Fabregas

"I'm very calm," Fabregas said. "A World Cup is too important to think about other things. I'm 100 per cent focused and recovering from the injury, the only important thing is to form part of this team and play in the World Cup. When I play it's always to win and help my team-mates. I will give everything to help Spain be champions."

Fabregas missed the end of the Premier League season after suffering a cracked bone in his fibula during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Barça on 31 March.

However, he said of his recovery: "The feelings couldn't be better after training three days normally. Now it's as if I'm in pre-season, I have heavy legs which is normal at the start."

Fabregas revealed how a valuable discussion with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has allowed him to join the Spain squad with no pressure on his shoulders. The playmaker is waiting for developments, if they transpire, but will not let the issue of his future trouble him.

"I talked with Arsene," Fabregas said. "It was probably the greatest conversation I have had with someone in my life. I respect him so much. I don't want to say too much about this.

"I talked with Arsene. He told me to concentrate on the World Cup, he told me to leave it in his hands and he will deal with whatever happens in my future."Cesc Fabregas on a conversation with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

"He told me to concentrate on my football, he told me to concentrate on the World Cup, he told me to leave it in his hands and he will deal with whatever happens in my future. And that's what I'm doing, just concentrating on football.

"It's not up to me anymore. It's just now about Arsenal and whoever it has to be, and that's it. I don't want to say anything else. I just want to be focused for the World Cup because it's the most important thing. The rest, the future, I'm not interested in the future."

Puyol : Wants Fabregas to return

MADRID (AFP) - Barcelona captain Carles Puyol said Tuesday he would like to see Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas return to the club, saying the defender would be "perfect" for the Spanish champions.

"I would love it if he came to Barcelona but there is a club, a coach and fans to respect," he told a news conference at the Spanish national team's pre-World Cup training camp near Madrid.

"Cesc is a perfect player for us and it would be sensational to have him back here next season.

"I have spoken to him a lot about it while we have been away with Spain and he knows how many people in the Barca dressing room want him to come. The people here want Cesc back at Barca, especially with the World Cup this summer. He is very popular here because he is a true Catalan."

Barcelona's technical director, Txiki Begiristain, said Friday that the Catalan club was ready to negotiate with Arsenal over Fabregas.

But Cesc?s father, Francesc Fabregas, warned Monday that any negotiations between the two clubs "are going to be very long".

"Both parties are going to have to sit down several times because the matter is complicated. For now he has a contract with Arsenal. I have the impression that the English club do no want to sell him but they will end up giving in."

Spanish news radio Cadena Ser reported that Arsenal are unhappy with Barcelona's moves for Fabregas and are asking for 70 million euros for the 23-year-old.

Fabregas began his career in Barca's youth academy before joining Arsenal aged 16.

But it is thought the Spain midfielder has grown tired of Arsenal's failure to win a single major trophy over the last five seasons and would relish the opportunity to link up with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Xavi: Villa is a ten-star signing

(GSM) - Barcelona midfielder Xavi is delighted his side managed to sign Valencia star David Villa.

Barca's playmaker hopes to win the World Cup this summer with his new teammate.

"Villa is here to make a difference, it is a pleasure to have Villa in any team," said Xavi. "This is fantastic news. He is a great player and a great goal scorer.

"This is a ten out of ten signing by Barcelona.

"You could say he has similar characteristics to Samuel Eto'o."

On Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, he added: "Villa and Cesc, if he comes too, are welcome and will continue the football that characterizes us and they'll help us achieve further success."

Barcelona confirm Fabregas keen to return

BARCELONA (AFP) - Barcelona on Friday confirmed that Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas is keen to move back to his boyhood club, as long as the Gunners will let him.

"If the player wants to come and the club (Arsenal) is ready to talk, then let's talk," said Barca's technical director, Txiki Begiristain.

But "we always say the same thing, 'be careful, you have a contract with Arsenal and it must give its approval,' We always respect contracts, just as we do the wishes of the players."

He was speaking at a news conference called to present new star David Villa, signed from Valencia for 40 million euros.

The British press on Wednesday reported Fabregas has told Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger that he wants to leave the Premier League club and return to Spanish champions Barca.

But Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has reportedly insisted he is not for sale.

Fabregas began his career in Barca's youth academy before joining Arsenal aged 16.

But it is thought the Spain midfielder has grown tired of Arsenal's failure to win a single major trophy over the last five seasons and would relish the opportunity to link up with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.