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Injured Messi called up to Argentina squad - Goal.com
Messi is among the star Argentines to be called up, though it remains unclear whether he will pull out due to fitness concerns as he continues to nurse a hamstring problem which has seen him miss much of May's action and might not see him return in time for Barca's final Liga game against Malaga.
Xavi: "Footballing respect is what’s important" | FC Barcelona
On a Thursday morning in which fair play was at the centre of attention, Xavi Hernadez referred to the guard of honour that Espanyol will be giving Barça on Sunday in recognition of their league title: "I understand their fans’ reaction, as long as the players don’t turn their backs on us, but (the Espanyol keeper) Casilla said this Wednesday that the players would give us the guard of honour.
In the Neymar soap opera, who blinks first? - ESPN FC
Brazilians woke up on Thursday to the news that its superstar, Neymar, has never been so close to making his way to the airport. Four years after taking the nation's imagination by storm, the striker seems now poised to join Messi and Co. at the Camp Nou. The only stumbling block appears to be the amount of money Barcelona have reportedly offered Santos FC.
Adriano, talent and versatility at the service of the whole team | FC Barcelona
Adriano Correia, who has extended his contract until 2017, is the perfect versatility player for FC Barcelona. That versatility has seen him play in five different positions- and always at the highest level. Adriano has played as both left and right back, centre half, in the middle and as a winger.
Adriano and Alves work with the rest of the group | FC Barcelona
After a well deserved three-day break, the squad were back in training this morning ahead of Sunday’s trip across town to face Espanyol. With Tito Vilanova in New York receiving treatment until Friday, Jordi Roura led the session.
Montoya, Bartra, Tello, Muniesa and Thiago in Spanish under 21 squad for Euros | FC Barcelona
Montoya, Bartra, Tello and Thiago will all miss Barça’s final league game against Malaga, as they will have to report to the Spanish camp at Las Rozas next Monday to prepare for the tournament. Barça B’s Marc Muniesa will alos miss his team’s last two games against Villarreal and Jerez.
Barca ‘turned down Kondogbia’ | Football Espana
Barcelona are also said to be tracking the Frenchman, but only after having reportedly turned down a previous opportunity to sign the player, back in November 2011. Then, Mundo Deportivo allege that Dani Alves’ former agent Joaquin Macanas offered Kondogbia to Barca at a ‘bargain price’, only for the Catalans to reject the signing.
Cornellà-El Prat, a complicated stadium for FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona
This Sunday, FC Barcelona will play at Cornellà-El Prat for the forth time since the stadium opened in 2009. Currently, Barça’s record away to Espanyol is one victory (1-5, 2010/12 season) and two draws (0-0 in 2009/10 and 1-1 in 2011/12). Historically, the matches away to Espnayol have always been intense and complicated for the Blaugrana.
Fabio Coentrao eyes Real Madrid exit this summer | Sky Sports
Speaking to Ojogo in his homeland, Coentrao said: "From the first day I do not think I was wanted here. "Today it seems that everyone wants me to leave the club. I do not know what I have done wrong. "We must find a solution that is good for both the club and myself, so that no one will lose out."
Valencia’s Puchades passes away - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Puchades spent his entire professional career with Valencia, making over 300 appearances and scoring six goals from 1946 through to 1958. Capped 23 times in a five-year stint with the national team, the former defensive midfielder was announced on Friday morning to have passed away at the age of 87.
Milan sign Villarreal's Zapata - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
The Colombian international had been on loan at the Italian side for the entirety of last season, and the club have today confirmed that the 26-year-old will remain at San Siro until 2016. The centre-back spent just one season at the Yellow Submarine, playing in their relegation campaign in 2011/12.