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FC Barcelona News: 19 April 2013; Lionel Messi Joins Group in Training, Friendly Game in Thailand Confirmed

David Ramos

Messi back in training for Barcelona - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
"The big novelty of this Thursday's training session was Leo Messi," Barca said in a statement on their website. The Argentine World Player of the Year damaged the muscle during Barca's quarter-final first leg at Paris St Germain on April 2. He sat out their 5-0 La Liga victory at home to Real Mallorca four days later but came on for the final half an hour at the Nou Camp last Wednesday

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell will stand for re-election in 2016 | Sky Sports
Rosell became president of the Catalans in 2010 replacing Joan Laporta and, despite having three years of his current term still to run, the former vice-president has already announced his intention to throw his hat back in the ring. He told the club's Senate: "I intend to stand for re-election. I ask you to continue to give me confidence to finish the challenges that we have started."

Barcelona willing to let Valdes run contract down - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
"[President Sandro] Rosell has had contact with Valdes to make it clear that we have to leave the doors open [on him changing his mind]," Bartomeu told Catalunya Radio today. "As we prioritise sporting aspects, we prefer to run out the contract until June 2014 rather than sell him this summer.

Marc Bartra: "If they trust in me to play in Munich, I won’t disappoint" | FC Barcelona
With his first season as a first team member drawing to a close, Marc Bartra spoke to the press today about his ambitions for the future. "I feel very comfortable with my team-mates. I’m getting better, I’m more into my rhythm" said a man who is very much looking forward to the potential challenge of playing in a Champions League semi final.

Barça to play Thai national team in Bangkok on August 7 | FC Barcelona
Barça’s second opponent on their Asian Tour will be the Thailand national team, as announced today Friday at an official presentation in Bangkok. FCB’s director general, Antoni Rossich, was in the Thai capital to help reveal the details of a game that will be played on August 7 in the national stadium.

Legendary goals: Patrick Kluivert (part II) | FC Barcelona
Barça TV looks back at some of the Barça striker’s best goals between 1998 and 2004. This time, the episode focuses on the goals he scored between the 2001/02 and 2003/04 seasons. The former Dutch international netted some truly beautiful efforts.

Ovation on retirement of Salva Bertomeu, the first team driver | FC Barcelona
There was a very special guest at Thursday’s training session. He may not be internationally famous, but he is a man very dear to the hearts of the first team. Salva Bertomeu drives the first team bus, and on occasion of his retirement, the first team players and coaches wanted to give him a big send-off.

Ernesto Valverde plays down off-field troubles at Valencia - ESPN FC
"We are Valencia, the XI who take to the field," Valverde said. "That is what everyone is going to watch. The fans do not come to Mestalla to see if the directors fight among themselves, or if there are more or less sponsors. They come to see if one of their players can get past an opponent in a one-on-one on the pitch."

Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz is close to joining Botafogo | Sky Sports
Santa Cruz, who is currently on loan at Malaga, does not figure in City's long-term plans and will leave when his contract expires this summer. The Paraguayan forward's agent, Robson Lima, claims the player is keen on a move to Brazilian side Botafogo and that the deal could be agreed by the end of the week.

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