An unidentified Russian club triggered the Argentinian wizard’s automatic release clause and would pay him £24m a year after tax, according to a Spanish report. The astronomical offer, which would have more than doubled the current world record transfer fee, triggered Messi’s automatic release clause – meaning Barca were contractually obliged to accept it. However, […]
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Málaga teach Real Madrid a lesson but cannot fathom Uefa’s punishment
There is disbelief at the decision to ban the club from Europe next season because of ‘significant overdue budget balances’ Manuel Pellegrini told his players he would see them back in work on 2 January, wished them a Happy Christmas and left the Rosaleda carrying a suit and wheeling his case behind him. It wasn’t […]
Christmas Crackers – the View from Spain
So the apocalypse failed to show on cue. It has a habit of doing that. It was also supposed to take place on December 12 (12.12.12 and all that), but it finally made an appearance on the evening of December 22, when the backside of Saint Iker Casillas was announced by Chendo, an ex-player and […]
The 100 Best Footballers in the World
The Guardian’s 11-strong international panel of experts set about ranking the best footballers in the world, and end up with their top 100. #99 Diego Forlan Age: 33 Nationality: Uruguayan Team: Internacional The striker became the most capped Uruguayan of all time at the 2011 Copa América and is also the country’s record scorer. That seemed implausible when […]
Continuity amid Vilanova adversity could push Barcelona to greater heights
The coach will undergo an operation on Thursday, but the Catalans’ philosophy will remain intact thanks to a capable stand-in and a group of players familiar with pulling through Life without Tito Vilanova begins away to Valladolid in the Primera Division on Saturday, but the road to recovery starts at home for both coach and […]
Blurring the lines between defenders and midfielders
A recent tactical trend is to field midfielders at centre-back, an approach favoured by Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova, who have refused to buy a “traditional” central defender despite needing back-up for Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique. Instead, they’ve converted Javier Mascherano, Alex Song and Sergio Busquets into defenders, with varying levels of regularity […]
Champions League Draw Results
TKTG brings all the best reports on the Champions League draw for the Knockout phase. The draws are: Galatasaray vs FC Schalke Celtic vs Juventus Arsenal vs Bayern Munich AC Milan vs Barcelona Real Madrid vs Manchester United Valencia vs Paris St Germain FC Porto vs Malaga Shakthar Donetsk v Borussia Dortmund ESPNFC: Ronaldo Returns […]
Barcelona’s greatest spine secure
Almost an entire life at just one club. Carles Puyol, Xavi and Lionel Messi have agreed new contracts with Barcelona and their stay at Camp Nou means the side’s spine is now secure for many years to come. Club captain Puyol extends his current contract to 2016, while midfielder Xavi has agreed a two-year prolongation […]
Inside Barca – Villa to stay and Sanchez’s future
DAVID VILLA IS SET TO STAY – AT LEAST UNTIL THE SUMMER It had been thought by some that David Villa could be packing his bags this winter and moving away from Camp Nou, but the Asturian striker has no intention of leaving Barcelona at this stage and will definitely not be departing in the […]
Team of the Season so far – La Liga
La Liga has almost reached its halfway point and there is one team well and truly on top as the winter break approaches – Barcelona. The Catalans lead the Primera Division by nine points from Atletico Madrid, with rivals Real a further four back in third. … In goal we find Betis’ Adrian, who has proved […]
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