FC Barcelona News: 6 May 2012; Lionel Messi Sets New Records, Pep Guardiola Sent Off in Style

Messi hits four to make it 50 in La Liga - Yahoo! Eurosport
The forward, who has now scored 210 goals in 217 games under Guardiola, scored two penalties as Barcelona humbled their Catalan rivals. The records continue to tumble for the Argentine, who now has 72 goals in all competitions in what has been a phenomenal campaign.

"See you soon!" | FC Barcelona
"Life has given me this present. For five years I have been able to have you close to me and enjoy the great show that these boys have given us during that time. I’ve been no different than you - I’ve been equally privileged. A little closer to the pitch maybe, but I’ll take this privilege with me. You can’t imagine the happiness and pleasure I’ll take with me".

Guardiola: "It’s not easy to leave these players" | FC Barcelona
Josep Guardiola was given an emotional farewell this Saturday after his last match as FC Barcelona's manager at the Camp Nou. After saying that he’s "very pleased and grateful," the manager noted the importance of recognising the work "of the people that have been at the Club." Guardiola said that "this is a bond that lasts forever," just before thanking the institution "for everything.

If, by chance, you missed the ceremony at the end of the game, or if you need a reason to shed some more tears, you can find the video of Pep's final moments at the Camp Nou here.

Emotional Guardiola says goodbye - Yahoo! Eurosport
Before the match, Camp Nou paid tribute to Guardiola's four-year, 13-trophy reign with a video montage and the unfurling of an enormous banner emblazoned with the words "T'estimem Pep" - "We love you Pep". And after the match it was the turn of Guardiola to dole out the plaudits as he addressed the thousands of fans who had stayed long after the final whistle.

Thanks, Pep! The lights go out for Guardiola at Camp Nou, but his legend will live on - Goal.com
But ever since 2008, there has been an added attraction: the finest football this city has even seen. A place graced by Salvador Dali, Andoni Gaudi, Pablo Picasso and numerous other illustrious individuals in times gone by has more recently been touched by a team. Not Johan Cruyff's Dream Team, but Guardiola's great group - the Pep Team.

Guardiola enjoys one last walk around Camp Nou with his family - Goal.com
Outgoing Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola afforded himself one final stroll around Camp Nou with his family after Saturday night's Liga clash with Espanyol. The 41-year-old coach bid an emotional farewell to Blaugrana supporters just after the full-time whistle but then returned an hour later, after the crowd had dispersed, to take some photos with his family.

Guardiola bows out in style - Soccerway
Departing Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has applauded the support fans have given him in his four-year stay at the club. Guardiola presided over his last match at the Camp Nou on Saturday night as his side sent him out in style, Lionel Messi leading the charge by scoring all the goals in a 4-0 rout of local rivals Espanyol.

The players show their gratitude to Guardiola | FC Barcelona
Pedro Rodríguez praised Guardiola for his confidence in the youth system. "He gave me the chance to be here, to win titles," said the Spanish striker. Pedro said that he didn’t know Guardiola’s decision to stay or leave until last week’s press conference: "I honestly thought he was going to stay. He worked the same way. It’s a pity that he’s decided to leave, but we have to understand [his decision]."

Laporta blames Barcelona board for Guardiola exit - Goal.com
Joan Laporta has attacked Barcelona for planting the seeds that eventually led to the departure of coach Pep Guardiola. "I get the feeling Pep felt increasingly isolated," Laporta told Radio Catalunya. "They have been destroying everything we created. Cruyff and Txiki bet on it and have exceeded expectations."

Pellegrino to replace Emery as Valencia boss - report - Goal.com
Mauricio Pellegrino will reportedly be confirmed as Unai Emery's replacement as Valencia boss in the coming days. According to Cadena COPE, an agreement is already in place with the Argentine, who spent six years at Mestalla as a player between 1999 and 2005.

Real nick fiery clash - ESPN Soccernet
Having wrapped up their 32nd championship in midweek, the capital club appeared to still be in celebration mode when Franco Jara put Granada ahead with five minutes gone. That was taking them clear of relegation for the season, only for their situation to be turned on its head in a dramatic final 10 minutes. First, Cristiano Ronaldo won and converted an equalising penalty, before David Cortes put Karim Benzema`s injury-time cross into his own goal.