FC Barcelona News: 8 February 2011; Villa Receives Awards, Thiago Not For Sale and More

Villa picks up World Cup Awards | FCBarcelona
The Spain and Barça striker was one of the big success stories at the 2010 World Cup, getting a winners medal and being chosen as the third best player of the tournament in which he ended as the joint highest goal scorer. Villa received the awards at the Spanish Federation installations in Las Rozas this morning.

Villa warns of Arsenal threat | FCBarcelona
Last year’s stunning win and the Gunners’ calamitous draw against Newcastle on Saturday when they lost a 0-4 lead haven’t given any sense of overconfidence to the Barça squad and in an interview with Betfair, Villa insisted: "we are confident of playing a good tie and we could get through, but it won’t be easy as they are a good team with some great players. I’m sure they’ll make things very tough for us".

Barca snub Thiago offers | Sky Sports
The 19-year-old Thiago, who was born in Italy but is now a Spanish national, is the latest starlet to come off through the fabled Barcelona youth academy and his appearances in the first team have not gone unnoticed by rivals.

Valdés beating personal records | FCBarcelona
Valdes was 29 in January and in the seven years since he first made the number 1 jersey his own, he has consistently put in some great stats, but never as good as this year: he’s conceded two less goals than at the same stage last season and seven less than in the 2005/06 and 06/07 campaigns.

Lionel Messi Is The Diamond Of The Barcelona Team - UEFA President Michel Platini | Goal
UEFA president Michel Platini has lavished praise on 2010 Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, labelling the Barcelona star “the diamond of a wonderful team”. The Argentine superstar collected FIFA’s prestigious award for the second year in succession last month, fending off Spanish World Cup-winning duo Andres Iniesta and Xavi to land the prize.

Alves wants Barca stay | Sky Sports
"It is very difficult to find a big club like Barcelona. I'm experiencing things I never thought I would, I love this club," he told Barca TV. "That's why I will fight with all my strength to stay here because it is my dream.

First session without Adriano | FCBarcelona
Due to international matches, only Pinto, Keita and Maxwell have trained today. Adriano, who is having a tooth extracted, was also missing, while eight reserve team players featured. Pep Guardiola had to make do without 14 players that have been called up for international duty.

Laureus awards for Nadal and Spain team | FCBarcelona
Iniesta though, was able to celebrate his Spanish team winning the Team of the Year award after their exploits in South Africa. Iniesta got the winning goal in the final and was part of the Spanish squad that included Valdés, Puyol, Piqué, Busquets, Xavi, Pedro and Villa.

Racing Santander sack coach | Eurosport
"Real Racing Club have reached an agreement with Miguel Angel Portugal on the cancellation of his contract," Racing said in a statement on their website.

Real Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho: Clasico Defeat To Barcelona Must Not Be Forgotten | Goal
Los Blancos suffered the joint-heaviest losing margin in Clasico history in November, but speaking to the media yesterday, the Portuguese stressed that the result must never be forgotten in order to improve for their further clashes later this season.

Real Madrid Always Attempt To Achieve The Maximum - President Florentino Perez | Goal
AS reports that he remarked, "I congratulate the players and the coaching staff for having reached the final of the Copa del Rey after eliminating two teams, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, who hosted last season’s final. "This club always aims to be at its maximum, despite how difficult it may seem."

Season over for Asenjo | Sky Sports
Medical tests have now been carried out and Malaga have confirmed that the youngster has suffered a ligament tear. Asenjo is set to undergo surgery later in the week, but will not figure again until the 2011/12 season gets underway.

Atletico Madrid Full-Back Filipe Luis To Miss Valencia Clash | Goal
An MRI scan on the problem has confirmed a strain of the hamstring in his left thigh, and he is now set to miss the match against Los Che, with a longer period of recuperation also a possibility.

Torres - Real won't get Aguero | Sky Sports
"It is normal that a team would be interested in a player such as Kun (Aguero), however, I don't think he will leave (for Real Madrid)," Torres said at Spain's training camp in Las Rozas, Madrid. "It would be strange (for him to join Real) but it his decision.

Arsenal To Make Approach For Villarreal Shot-Stopper Diego Lopez At End Of Season - Report | Goal
Wenger’s scouts continue to provide glowing recommendations for Lopez, and although the Madrigal club are unlikely to show any desire to lose their experienced glovesman, the Londoners  remain confident of concluding a deal.

Athletic confirm Herrera deal | ESPN
"Real Zaragoza and Athletic Club had entered into an agreement for the transfer of the rights of Ander Herrera effective from July 1, 2011," a club statement said. "For his part, the player has entered into a contract with Athletic club from the 2011-12 season until the 2015-16 season inclusive, with a buyout clause of 36million euros for the first three seasons and €40 million for the last two."