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Tag: Barcelona

  • Barcelona set to hand Messi fresh £175million deal

     

    Can Barcelona ever dream of allowing Lionel Messi out of the club?  The big answer certainly is No!

    Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu has revealed the club has drawn up proposals to hand Messi a fresh long term deal that will see him remain in the club for the remainder of his career.  The new contract extension is worth£175million (about N82billion)

    The 31-year-old, who graduated from Barcelona’s youth system, is already tied down until 2021 but is expected to sign an extension in the near future.

    Messi is already taking home around £500,000-a-week but could earn even more should he agree to the new terms.

    The Argentine star would pocket £130m over a suspected five-year deal and is also likely to earn a further £45m in bonuses the sum he was reportedly awarded from his last extension.

    Bartomeu hopes to come to an agreement with Messi soon and has made it one of his priorities.

    He told ESPN: ‘We want him to have a really long career so we can keep on enjoying him ‘Lionel’s managed to break down borders. Everyone admires him and he’s applauded at other stadiums by rival fans.

    ‘We would like to renew his contract, that’s the idea. He is young – you can see that [in his performances] – and he still has two years on his deal.

    ‘He’s always improving, always innovating. I believe he still has many years in front of him and in the coming months we will sit down with him so that he has many more years at Barcelona.

    ‘Messi is a one-club man. It’s more than what he does on the pitch – his relationship with Barca will last forever. I use the example of Pele, who was always at Santos.

    ‘We want Messi to always be at Barca, whether that’s playing or linked to the club [when he’s retired].’ The implication of this new deal is that the five- time Ballon d’Or winner is not for sale to any club no matter the level of bid placed on the table.

     

     

  • Late Messi brace win Catalan derby

    Lionel Messi scored twice to earn Barcelona a 2-0 derby win over Espanyol and send them 13 points clear at the top of La Liga on Saturday.

    With second-placed Atletico Madrid travelling to Alaves later in the day, the champions took advantage of the chance to extend their lead.

    A dull match was decided by Barcelona’s No. 10, who lofted home a free kick after 71 minutes and slotted in from substitute Malcom’s cross towards the end.

    Read also: Wasteful Bayern stumble in title race as Dortmund win late

    Messi, who now has 40 goals in all competitions this season, suffered criticism in his native Argentina after withdrawing from a friendly against Morocco because of a groin problem, but was hailed by Barcelona fans after taking them one step closer to retaining the title.

    “The important thing is that [Messi’s] on our side, he scored a great free kick and without doubt having him is always an advantage for us,” said midfielder Sergio Busquets.

    “Espanyol were ultra-defensive and it made it hard to find spaces. We had opportunities but they didn’t go in.

    “We had to work for it but in the end, we took our chances and the result was justice for what happened in the game.”

    Ernesto Valverde started Messi along with Luis Suarez, who had recovered from an ankle sprain.

    But the duo and Philippe Coutinho were kept quiet in a tight first half, with Espanyol’s five-man defence not giving the South American trio any space.

    With Malcom’s introduction in the final half hour, the game began to open up.

    The Brazilian winger had a cross-shot tipped wide by Diego Lopez, with Coutinho firing over the bar as Barcelona pushed for a winner.

    The Catalans were short on inspiration until Messi produced a cheeky dinked free kick, which midfielder Victor Sanchez could not keep out on the goal-line, before tucking home his second on the break.

    Barcelona were far below their fluid best but two moments of skill from talisman Messi secured three points from an otherwise forgettable game.

    “I advise you to enjoy Messi while he’s here, he’s such a unique player,” Espanyol coach Rubi said.

    “When he’s not there, you really notice it. He’s very good and that’s that. I had the luck to see him for a year in training (in 2013 at Barca under Tito Vilanova).”

  • Fans battle Odion Ighalo over Barcelona move comment

     

    Super Eagles and Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua forward Odion Ighalo, may have stirred up a hornet’s nest following his recent claim that he snubbed La liga giants Barcelona preferring a return to China.

    Ighalo who finished the 2018 season as the CSL’s second-top scorer with 21 goals said Barcelona were considering  a loan deal for him during the January transfer window which he said he turned down.

    He told BBC sport that he had no intention of going to the Nou Camp to warm the Barca bench, describing rejection of the offer as one of the easiest decisions he has made.

    ‘It was meant to be a six-month loan and strictly as a back-up striker. It was nice to hear that Barcelona were interested and any footballer would be more than happy to take it.

    ‘With due respect I had just finished as the second top scorer in China with 21 goals, I deserve better and didn’t want to be a short-term player somewhere.

    ‘We rejected it, it was an easy decision to make and I chose to stay in China by joining Shanghai Shenhua on a longer contract” he had said

    The former Watford star that left Vicarage Road in 2017 leaving an impressive record of 36 goals in 90 premier league games may have however failed to impress quiet a number of fans with the comment which some say they are struggling to believe.

    One of those who reacted to the issue as tomothfc actually laughed it off saying “Deserve better then Barcelona hahahaha”

    Another who nolito; appears to doubt the reason given by the Nigerian international said “I am sure the money has nothing to do with it” and yet another apparently not in the mood to join issue simply said “stop embarrassing yourself”

    But an angrier fellow Meddlerr; who from his submission appears to be a media man said “Still waiting for this guy to do something terrible so I can sell the headline ODIOUS IGHALO to the tabloids”

    It was however not a matter of disdain galore as some also hailed Ighalo’s contribution and decision, Bili; said Great decision my broda…keep shining and being a first team player is everything a striker needs while jaychikwado reacting from Ghana said

    “For us who are privileged to know Odion a bit closer, I can tell he’s a good guy with good heart. He built school for the poor and a charity home as well. May God continue to bless him”

    Ighalo who was impressive in Super Eagles qualification for the Nations cup in Egypt will return to club assignment on Sunday when Shanghai Shenhua face Henan Jianye away.

  • Oshoala relishes photo outing with Barca legend Lionel Messi

     

    Super Falcons and Barcelona forward Assiat Oshoala was all smiles as she finally got an opportunity to pose for a photo with Argentina international Lionel Messi easily one of the most talked about footballer in the world.

    Oshoala who joined the Barcelona ladies recently became an instant hit grabbing goals in her appearances for the side so far.

    Both players were seen beaming with smiles in club jersey apparently happy with the club on one hand and their contributions on the other.

    An elated Oshoala added to the picture “We had to do this for the culture ��������. The three- time African Woman footballer of the year is one player Super Falcons Coach Thomas Dennerby is banking on to help him deliver at this year’s Women’s World Cup in France.

    Oshoala was not the only one that relished the chance of posing for the photo with her club mate as some of her fans did not hesitate to give the move thumbs up.

    Messi who has made over 444 appearances for Barcelona with over 412 goals to his credit boasts of fans across the globe  who are not only  tickled by his pattern of play but the ease with which he displaces opponents in his quest for more goals.

  • ‘Messi, Casemiro, Three Others May Decide El Clasico’

    The duo of Barcelona ace Lionel Messi and Real Madrid Casemiro jhave been spotted among the five players who could prove to be crucial in determining the fate of tomorrow’s El clasico.

    Real Madrid would take on arch-rivals Barcelona in an important La Liga match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Saturday. Barcelona beat Real 3-0 in the second leg of the Copa Del Rey semifinal on Wednesday to continue their dominance over the Los Blancos in their own backyard.

    Barcelona have now won 10 of their last 17 matches against Real at the Bernabeu. However, if Real manage to get the better of the Blaugrana tomorrow, they could still have an outside chance of winning the LaLiga. Madrid now have 48 points from 24 matches, while Barca have 57 from 25.

    It is not going to be easy for Real to beat Barca, as the latter hold the psychological edge over them. Real have conceded 9 goals in 3 matches against their arch-rivals in the ongoing season, and will have to put up a much better display if they are to reverse the trend.

     

    SEE The FIVE PLAYERS WHO COULD DECIDE EL CLASICO BELOW

    Lionel Messi

    We couldn’t start anywhere else. The Argentine is this fixture’s all-time top scorer, with 26 goals to his name. He’s come up big time and time again and while Barcelona were able to comfortably win the first El Clasico of the season 5-1 back in October, Barça’s number 10 has a habit of being the difference maker at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he’s netted 15 of his 26 El Clasico goals.

    Karim Benzema

    Karim Benzema has emerged as Real Madrid’s main goal threat this season and has proven over the years that he is capable of netting in this rivalry. He already has nine El Clasico goals to his name and is having one of his best-ever seasons in front of goal, so Barcelona’s centre-back pairing will need to keep a close eye on him.

    Marc-André ter Stegen

    The Barcelona goalkeeper has been in excellent form this season and will have to be once again as he faces up to a determined Real Madrid attack, one which will be spurred on by the home crowd. The German has already made the difference in a number of LaLiga Santander fixtures this season and is second only to Atleti’s Jan Oblak in clean sheets (10). If Barça can come away with a win he’ll have a lot to do with it.

    Casemiro

    As Real Madrid’s main defensive midfielder, Casemiro is a busy man during El Clásico. The Brazilian is tasked with winning back the ball, with effectively breaking up counter attacks and with dealing with Lionel Messi. If he can provide extra protection to his back line, then Los Blancos will have an excellent chance. The 27-year-old also has the potential for a goal in his boots, with four to his name already this season.

    Sergi Roberto

    There’s something about Sergi Roberto and big games. The man who scored the winner in the comeback triumph over PSG in 2017 rises to the occasion and there is no bigger occasion than El Clásico away from home. His forward burst through the middle led to Barça’s last-gasp winner in this fixture two seasons ago, while he also had an assist in the 3-0 win in the capital last campaign. In fact, the youth graduate has five assists against Real Madrid in his career, more than against any other club. Talk about a player made for the big stage.

     

  • This Weekend El Clasico Live on World Of Champions

    Multichoice said this weekend rivalry El Clasico match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, in Round 26 of the 2018/19 La Liga season will air live on DStv and Gotv.

    The satellite television service provider made this known in a media statement made available on Thursday in Lagos.

    The 240th competitive match between Real and Barca is set to be a key factor in the La Liga title race this season: a win for Los Blancos will bring them back into the battle for Spain’s top honour, while the Blaugrana will feel that a victory at the Santiago Bernabeu will remove one of their last major hurdles on the path to glory.

    Both teams enjoyed victories in the previous round of La Liga: Real claimed a controversial 2-1 away win away to Leganes (thanks to two penalties), while Lionel Messi was in ominous form for Barca as they won 4-2 away to Sevilla. The Argentine master netted a hat-trick at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan to move further clear at the top of the Spanish top-flight scoring charts.

    READ ALSO: Why Oshoala picked FC Barcelona

    Second-placed Atletico Madrid will be hoping their derby rivals can beat Barca at home on Saturday night, which would then give them the chance to close the gap at the top to just four points with a win away to Real Sociedad at Estadio Municipal de Anoeta on Sunday.

    Atletico continued their good form with a 2-0 home win over Villarreal this past weekend (featuring goals from Alvaro Morata, his first since joining on loan from Chelsea, and Saul) and Diego Simeone will be highly motivated should the chance to put pressure on leaders Barcelona arise.

    Elsewhere in Spain, DStv and GOtv viewers can also look forward to Valencia hosting Athletic Bilbao at Estadio Mestalla on Sunday night. Both teams are in good form (Los Che are unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions ahead of a Copa del Rey match on Thursday, while Bilbao racked up a second successive win when they beat Eibar 1-0 this past weekend) and chasing a place in next season’s UEFA Europa League.

    Other games for DStv and GOtv viewers to watch out for include the round’s opening game on Friday night, which is a relegation six points between Rayo Vallecano and Girona at the Estadio de Vallecas; Villarreal will be desperate for a victory when they host high-flying Deportivo Alaves; and Real Betis could bring themselves into Champions League contention with a win at home to fourth-placed Getafe on Sunday.

    Key match stats

    Real Madrid v Barcelona – Head-to-head, all competitions

    Matches played 239

    Madrid wins 95

    Barcelona wins 93

    Draws 51

    Saturday 2 March

    8:45pm: Real Madrid v Barcelona – LIVE on SS7 & SelGo4

  • Oshoala connects with Barcelona fans in new video

     

    Three time African footballer of the year Assisat Oshoala who recently joined Barcelona ladies on loan from Chinese super League, Dalian Quanjian F.C, has extended hands of friendship to Barcelona fans as she prepares to get cracking with her new teammates.

    Although considered a short sojourn till end of the season the former Liverpool and Arsenal ladies ace appears determined to make the stay a worthwhile.

    The 2017 Chinese Women’s Super League Top scorer was seen in a video uploaded by the new club on twitter, informing the fans that a Falcon has indeed landed in the midst!

    The three time African women Championship winner and 2015 BBC women footballer of the year looks set to make a debut for the FC Barcelona Femení as the Barcelona ladies are called when they take on Albacete on Sunday. 

    Barcelona ladies occupy the second position on the 16-team Primera Division Femenina with 48 points in 18 games played so far just three points below log leaders Athletico Madrid.

    Barcelona ladies have won the local league four times 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15 while winning the Copa Catalunya a record nine times since it was floated in 2005.

    Oshoala is not the only Falcon that has pitched tent with new club just after the AWCON triumph in Ghana,  Rashidate Ajibade had just before the end of the tourney joined Norwegian side Avaldsnes Idrettslag on a two year deal.

  • Neymar in secret talks with Barca over Nou camp return

     

    Barcelona are taking steps towards luring Neymar back to the Nou Camp in a shock return from PSG.

    The Brazilian left the Catalan club to join the Parisians back in 2017 for the staggering world-record fee of £198million.

    But his father met with Barcelona representative Andre Cury in Brazil over the winter break to discuss a potential move, according to Catalunya Radio.

    This is not the first time these preliminary discussions have taken place and Neymar’s father also sat down with Cury in London last November.

    Cury is a respected intermediary and was integral to Neymar’s move from Santos to Barcelona back in 2013.

    Catalunya Radio also report that Israeli agent Pini Zahavi was present for the meetings.

    Zahavi assisted in arranging the world-record move from Barcelona and was in the room with Alvaro Costa, whose father Pepe is Barcelona’s liaison officer.

    Neymar has formed part of the lethal attacking triumvirate with Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe for PSG but his stay in the French capital has often been called into question.

    He is still well liked by Lionel Messi and those within the Barcelona dressing room and would be welcomed back by Ernesto Valverde, who has led the club to the summit of La Liga and into the Champions League knockout stages.

    No doubt PSG would be desperate to hold onto Neymar but the Ligue 1 leaders are currently being investigated by UEFA over their transfer dealings in relation to Financial Fair Play.

    It has been suggested that they could sell Neymar or Mbappe to avoid any sanctions but those claims have been roundly denied by the club.

     

     

     

     

  • Suarez, Messi rekindling magic as favoured victims Celta await

    It took Barcelona forwards Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez time to adjust to the loss of their third musketeer Neymar.

    But they have since forged on as a fearsome double act more prolific than the combined efforts of most other teams in La Liga.

    With Messi the top-scorer in Spain’s top flight with 14 goals and Suarez joint-second on 11, only Sevilla, Levante and next opponents Celta Vigo have managed to score more than the deadly South American duo.

    Messi has come into his own in his last two outings, putting on an exhibition of free kick taking against Espanyol and ripping Levante apart in last week’s 5-0 thrashing, with a hat-trick and two assists.

    Suarez, who endured a long goal drought last season since after the departure of Neymar, has rediscovered the sharpness which led to him scoring a remarkable 40 league goals in the 2015/16 campaign.

    He broke the deadlock against Levante by volleying in a Messi cross and also struck against Espanyol, two of seven goals he has scored in his last six league outings, including a hat-trick against Real Madrid.

    “Luis and Leo are the best strike partnership in the world right now,” said Barca’s Gerard Pique last week.

    Read Also: Messi tips Neymar,Mbappe and Suarez for Ballon d’Or

    Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates with Luis Suarez after scoring their fourth goal. Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge/File Photo

    “Luis has goals in his veins and we’ve already said everything about Leo. We have a lot of firepower up front,” said Pique.

    The strikers’ combined 25 goals, more than half of Barca’s haul this season, have helped lift the Catalans three points clear of Sevilla and Atletico Madrid at the top of the standings and five ahead of Real Madrid.

    Ernesto Valverde’s side will expect to preserve that gap after Saturday’s game with Celta, typically tough opponents at their Balaidos stadium but, who usually bring the best out of Barca, and particularly Messi and Suarez, at the Nou Camp.

    It was against Celta when Messi audaciously passed to Suarez to score from a penalty in a 6-1 thumping in 2016 in which the Uruguayan scored a hat-trick, while Messi struck twice in 5-0 thrashings of the Galicians in the league and Copa del Rey in the last two years.

    Even when Celta managed to hold Barca to a 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp last December, Messi and Suarez both scored.

    Celta sacked manager Antonio Mohamed earlier this season and have shown signs of improvement under Miguel Cardoso, rising to ninth in the standings.

    Second-placed Sevilla visit Leganes on Sunday, while Atletico Madrid, rocked by reports that Bayern Munich have paid the release clause of their World Cup winning defender Lucas Hernandez, host Espanyol on Saturday.

    Real Madrid could lose ground as they are playing Al Ain in the final of FIFA’s Club World Cup on Saturday.

  • Barcelona coaches for Oshoala School Girls Football Clinic

    Coaches from FC Barcelona Lagos Academy will be on ground to train participants at the Oshoala School Girls Football Clinic organised by current CAF Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala from 17th to 20th December at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos.

    Technical Director, FC BESCOLA Bernet Villa will lead other coaching officials to the intensive 3-day coaching clinic for aspiring women footballers, from which exceptional talents will stand a chance of playing in China and the UK as well as further their education.

    About 5,000 girls from different secondary schools in Lagos are expected to take part in the clinic with balls, pair of boots, jerseys, school bags and other educational and sports equipment to be distributed to all participants.

    The clinic is endorsed by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF and the Lagos State Football Association, LSFA and supported by Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi, the General Overseer of the Love of Christ Generation Church, United Kingdom and promoter of Esther Ajayi Foundation.

    The 2018 African Women’s Cup of Nations winner had hosted over 2,500 girls at her #Football4Girls Seminar on girl child education and sports held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium Lagos, last Friday.

    The seminar had speakers including Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode ably represented by Mrs Modupe Ogunleye; Nigerian media entrepreneur, talk show host, speaker, TV presenter and philanthropist, Agatha Amata;  Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi; President-General, Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Rafiu Ladipo and Lagos Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Dolapo Badmus.

    “It’s all about the girl child education and sports , that’s the motto of my foundation and it’s part of my plans to give back to the society which raised me to let everyone know that they can be their own star.

    “For me I will tell every girl child, be yourself, make sure you make good friends, go out with right people, make good choices at every point in time. Make sure you don’t do what will go against your ambition,” Oshoala told NationSport.