FC Barcelona News: 23 May 2012; David Villa Ruled Out of EURO 2012, Mourinho Extends Contract

David Villa to miss UEFA's EURO 2012 | FC Barcelona
David Villa has been ruled out of the Spain’s national team for the upcoming 2012 EURO Championship. Spain manager Vicente del Bosque will make his 23-man squad public on Sunday, May 27. Villa communicated his decision to the Spanish Football Federation and FC Barcelona this Tuesday.

Barca seek winning end to Guardiola era - Yahoo! Eurosport
Barcelona have the chance to end the Pep Guardiola era in precisely the same way it began, with a Copa del Rey final win over Athletic Bilbao. A drained Guardiola is to step aside and hand over the reins to his close friend and assistant Tito Vilanova for next season, but will hope to walk away with a 14th trophy from his glittering four-year spell in charge.

Piqué as excited as in 2009 | FC Barcelona
Gerard Piqué is about to feature in his third Copa del Rey Final, and reckons he is looking forward to it as much he was in 2008/09. "I am just as excited as I was when I had just arrived back here. The cup final is always a huge motivator. There are things that make it a bit more special, but just because it’s a final we give it special treatment… It’s a great day of football both for the fans and the players".

Cesc Fabregas hopes Robin van Persie stays at Arsenal - ESPN Soccernet
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is reported to have held talks with the Dutchman this month, but it has been claimed no resolution over a new contract was agreed. Fabregas opted to leave Arsenal last summer as he sealed a transfer to Barcelona, but the Spaniard is keen to see his former team-mate stay in North London.

Mourinho signs new Real deal - Yahoo! Eurosport
"I've loved the professional experience I've had of working for different clubs in different countries and cultures," the Portuguese said. "It's different for me now because I'm thinking about a club long-term. (Real) has been more demanding and has forced me to do my absolute best due to the difficulties I have had to face.

Modest Ronaldo gives self 10/10 - Yahoo! Eurosport
Cristiano Ronaldo was typically modest when rating Real Madrid’s performance this season, giving himself a perfect 10 out of 10. The Portuguese forward - who recently declared he was a better player than Lionel Messi - was asked to assess his team’s campaign, which saw them finally break Barcelona’s domestic dominance but exit the Champions League at the semi-finals stage.

Galatasaray keen on Real Madrid's Altintop - report - Goal.com
The midfielder joined Los Blancos on a free transfer from Bayern Munich last summer but has struggled to break into the first team, making just 12 appearances in all competitions this season. With no guarantees of regular match action forthcoming, Altintop is keen to move on and it is speculated that he already has an agreement in place with Galatasaray.

Kone stays at Levante - Yahoo! Eurosport
Levante striker Arouna Kone has signed a new contract after his goals fired them into the upper regions of La Liga. The Ivorian, 28, hit 15 goals this season and has been rewarded by the Valencia-based minnows with a one year deal that contains the option for another season.year

Sevilla sign keeper Lopez from relegated Villarreal - Yahoo! Eurosport
Sevilla have agreed to sign goalkeeper Diego Lopez from relegated Villarreal on a five-year contract, the two Spanish clubs confirmed on Tuesday. The 30-year-old former understudy to Iker Casillas at Real Madrid, has been at Villarreal for the last five seasons and helped them finish second in La Liga in 2008.

Roque Santa Cruz hopeful of Real Betis stay - ESPN Soccernet
"I'm fine here and I want to stay and there will be talks, hopefully in the coming weeks, with my agent,'' Santa Cruz said. "It is important to see them (City) face negotiations with a smile on their face. The club has made a major investment in me and is entitled to see something in exchange.

Michu waits on offers | Sky Sports
Rayo Vallecano attacker Michu insists he has not received an offer from the Premier League, but is aware he could be sold this summer. Michu enjoyed an impressive debut season with Vallecano in La Liga following his arrival from Celta Vigo and has a further year to run on his contract.