FC Barcelona on Tuesday have released a statement after police raided the offices of the club while carrying several arrests, including former Barca president Josep Bartomeu on Monday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-barcelona-president-josep-bartomeu-arrested-over-barcagate-scandal-against-lionel-messi-co-367176" hreflang="en">Ex Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu arrested over 'Barcagate' scandal against Lionel Messi &amp; Co</a>

The statement read: "Regarding the entry and search by the Catalan Police force this morning at the Camp Nou offices by order of the Instructing Court number 13 in Barcelona, which is in charge of the case relating to the contacting of monitoring services on social networks, FC Barcelona have offered up their full collaboration to the legal and police authorities to help make clear facts which are subject to investigation."

"The information and documentation requested by the judicial police force relate strictly to the facts relative to this case."

"FC Barcelona express its utmost respect for the judicial process in place and for the principle of presumed innocence for the people affected within the remit of this investigation."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/solskjaer-rages-at-penalty-talk-as-man-utd-draw-another-blank-at-chelsea-367038" hreflang="en">Solskjaer rages at penalty talk as Man Utd draw another blank at Chelsea</a>

Along with Bartomeu, chief executive Oscar Grau and legal head Roman Ponti were also arrested or their role in the much-talked-about BarcaGate scandal, where the Spanish club reportedly hired and overpaid a company to smear some of the club's footballers, including Lionel Messi, and political opponents.

In 2020, it was claimed that the Spanish giants had paid a whopping sum to a social media company in a bid to carry online criticism of important club figures in what turned out to be a scandalous 'Barcagate'.

Allegedly, the likes of Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola, Xavi and Gerard Pique were among those targeted by I3 Ventures in a three-year smear campaign'. The reason behind the attacks included Messi's reluctance to pen a new deal at the Camp Nou while iconic defender Pique was attacked for his project to revamp the Davis Cup.

However, Barcelona's then-president Bartomeu had denied the accusations. However, eight Barcelona members decided to launch an official police complaint which resulted in an investigation.&nbsp;

Emili Rousaud, who resigned as Barcelona vice president in March last year, said in an interview with RAC1: "If the auditors tell us the cost of these services is 100,000 euros and we have paid one million, it means someone has had their hand in the till." The club took legal action against him.

Rousaud was among six Barca executives to leave their posts, with a joint letter citing the controversy as a key issue needing to be resolved.

Bartomeu said the company had been hired only to monitor posts on social media and announced an internal audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers, which cleared the club of financial corruption in July.

FC Barcelona on Tuesday have released a statement after police raided the offices of the club while carrying several arrests, including former Barca president Josep Bartomeu on Monday.

FC Barcelona on Tuesday have released a statement after police raided the offices of the club while carrying several arrests, including former Barca president Josep Bartomeu on Monday. ALSO READ: Ex Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu arrested over 'Barcagate' scandal against Lionel Messi & Co The statement read: "Regarding the entry and search by the Catalan Police force this morning at the Camp Nou offices by order of the Instructing Court number 13 in Barcelona, which is in charge of the case relating to the contacting of monitoring services on social networks, FC Barcelona have offered up their full collaboration to the legal and police authorities to help make clear facts which are subject to investigation." "The information and documentation requested by the judicial police force relate strictly to the facts relative to this case." "FC Barcelona express its utmost respect for the judicial process in place and for the principle of presumed innocence for the people affected within the remit of this investigation." ALSO READ: Solskjaer rages at penalty talk as Man Utd draw another blank at Chelsea Along with Bartomeu, chief executive Oscar Grau and legal head Roman Ponti were also arrested or their role in the much-talked-about BarcaGate scandal, where the Spanish club reportedly hired and overpaid a company to smear some of the club's footballers, including Lionel Messi, and political opponents. In 2020, it was claimed that the Spanish giants had paid a whopping sum to a social media company in a bid to carry online criticism of important club figures in what turned out to be a scandalous 'Barcagate'. Allegedly, the likes of Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola, Xavi and Gerard Pique were among those targeted by I3 Ventures in a three-year smear campaign'. The reason behind the attacks included Messi's reluctance to pen a new deal at the Camp Nou while iconic defender Pique was attacked for his project to revamp the Davis Cup. However, Barcelona's then-president Bartomeu had denied the accusations. However, eight Barcelona members decided to launch an official police complaint which resulted in an investigation. Emili Rousaud, who resigned as Barcelona vice president in March last year, said in an interview with RAC1: "If the auditors tell us the cost of these services is 100,000 euros and we have paid one million, it means someone has had their hand in the till." The club took legal action against him. Rousaud was among six Barca executives to leave their posts, with a joint letter citing the controversy as a key issue needing to be resolved. Bartomeu said the company had been hired only to monitor posts on social media and announced an internal audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers, which cleared the club of financial corruption in July.

FC Barcelona release statement after Josep Bartomeu's arrest over 'Barcagate' scandal

Barcelona's annual financial report has revealed that the Spanish giant have a mammoth debt due to the coronavirus pandemic and some big-money transfers in recent seasons.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-zlatan-ibrahimovic-romelu-lukaku-involved-in-heated-war-of-words-during-milan-derby-359696" hreflang="en">Watch: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Romelu Lukaku involved in heated war of words during Milan Derby</a>

According to the Barcelona's financial reports released on Wednesday, the club revealed debt reaching $1.5 billion, along with the short-term debt of roughly $886 million. As per the release, Barcelona's biggest area of spending is its wage bill, an area of spending that represents 74 per cent of the club's income.

The release also revealed that club owes around $153 million to other clubs for the transfer deals that took place in recent years. The Catalan giants owe $35 million to Liverpool for the signing of Philippe Coutinho, $19million to Ajax for Frenkie de Jong and nearly $12 million to Bordeaux for Malcolm, with each requiring payments by June 30. The club also owes money to Gremio and Bayern Munich for the purchases of Arthur and Arturo Vidal, who are no more a part of the club.

Club's revenue from match tickets has been null since fans have not been allowed in the stadium due to coronavirus pandemic for almost a year now. The club was set to earn $68 million in the ongoing season with the return of the fans but the surge in cases has put the plan on hold, keeping the stadium empty.&nbsp;

The only way the club can survive the current crisis is by letting their star forward Lionel Messi go. Messi's wages have been taking the club's financial situation from bad to worse, and if the Argentine decides to stay in the club, he will have to undergo a cut in salary.&nbsp;

Barcelona's annual financial report has revealed that the Spanish giant have a mammoth debt due to the coronavirus pandemic and some big-money transfers in recent seasons.

Barcelona's annual financial report has revealed that the Spanish giant have a mammoth debt due to the coronavirus pandemic and some big-money transfers in recent seasons. ALSO READ: Watch: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Romelu Lukaku involved in heated war of words during Milan Derby According to the Barcelona's financial reports released on Wednesday, the club revealed debt reaching $1.5 billion, along with the short-term debt of roughly $886 million. As per the release, Barcelona's biggest area of spending is its wage bill, an area of spending that represents 74 per cent of the club's income. The release also revealed that club owes around $153 million to other clubs for the transfer deals that took place in recent years. The Catalan giants owe $35 million to Liverpool for the signing of Philippe Coutinho, $19million to Ajax for Frenkie de Jong and nearly $12 million to Bordeaux for Malcolm, with each requiring payments by June 30. The club also owes money to Gremio and Bayern Munich for the purchases of Arthur and Arturo Vidal, who are no more a part of the club. Club's revenue from match tickets has been null since fans have not been allowed in the stadium due to coronavirus pandemic for almost a year now. The club was set to earn $68 million in the ongoing season with the return of the fans but the surge in cases has put the plan on hold, keeping the stadium empty. The only way the club can survive the current crisis is by letting their star forward Lionel Messi go. Messi's wages have been taking the club's financial situation from bad to worse, and if the Argentine decides to stay in the club, he will have to undergo a cut in salary.

Barcelona gets hit by major financial turmoil as club's debt nears $1.5 billion

Lionel Messi has become frustrated and tired of being blamed for all problems at Barcelona after Antoine Griezmann's former agent and uncle accused the Argentine of making life difficult for the French striker at the La Liga club.

Lionel Messi has become frustrated and tired of being blamed for all problems at Barcelona after Antoine Griezmann's former agent and uncle accused the Argentine of making life difficult for the French striker at the La Liga club. Also read: Belgium, Italy into Nations League finals as Foden stars in England win According to Griezemann's former agent, Eric Ohlats, Messi of having too much control at the club. He went on to say that his "reign of terror" had made life difficult for Griezmann to adapt since his arrival last year. Messi returned to Barcelona after playing international fixtures with Argentina. Upon his return, he was accosted by reporters at the airport. "The truth is that I'm a little tired of always being the problem for everything at the club," Messi was quoted as saying by Spanish media. "On top of that, after a 15-hour flight, I had the tax authorities waiting for me. It's madness." Messi has just one year left in his contract before he leaves the club for free. The club has witnessed chaos after a disturbing loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals last season. FC Barcelona's president Bartomeu resigned ahead of a vote of no confidence. Lionel Messi has also faced some trouble by Spain's tax authorities. In 2016, Lionel Messi was handed a 21-month prison sentence and ordered to pay a fine of two million euros ($2.37 million) for defrauding the Spanish government of 4.2 million euros over income earned from image rights. However, the 33-year-old did not serve any jail time after exchanging his sentence for a 250,000 euros fine, as in Spain defendants without a previous conviction are permitted to serve any sentence of under two years on probation. (Inputs from Reuters)

'It's madness': Lionel Messi on being blamed for all problems at Barcelona

Barcelona have decided to sue PSG star Neymar for nearly $12 million, which is the same amount they believe they overpaid the Brazilian during his time in Spain, according to a report in El Mundo on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/injury-plagued-brazil-suffer-big-blow-as-neymar-ruled-out-of-world-cup-qualifiers-342885" hreflang="en">Injury-plagued Brazil suffer big blow as Neymar ruled out of World Cup qualifiers</a>

Neymar Jr. had a successful spell for Barcelona from 2013 to 2017, before the Brazilian decided to join French club Paris Saint-Germain on a record transfer fee of 222 million euros ($262 million).

However, as per Spanish newspaper El Mundo, an inspection from the tax office in Spain showed Barcelona "did not make the appropriate reductions when paying Neymar’s taxes, according to an inspection carried out on Barcelona which lasted until 2015".

According to the Spanish tax office's calculation, Neymar benefitted from "unfair enrichment". A source close to Barcelona told AFP that the club will now seek to reclaim the amount they are owed.

As per an official document released in September, the Brazilian striker has more unpaid tax with the Spanish authorities than any other person, with debts of 34.6 million euros.&nbsp;

Barcelona have decided to sue PSG star Neymar for nearly $12 million, which is the same amount they believe they overpaid the Brazilian during his time in Spain, according to a report in El Mundo on Wednesday.

Barcelona have decided to sue PSG star Neymar for nearly $12 million, which is the same amount they believe they overpaid the Brazilian during his time in Spain, according to a report in El Mundo on Wednesday. Also read: Injury-plagued Brazil suffer big blow as Neymar ruled out of World Cup qualifiers Neymar Jr. had a successful spell for Barcelona from 2013 to 2017, before the Brazilian decided to join French club Paris Saint-Germain on a record transfer fee of 222 million euros ($262 million). However, as per Spanish newspaper El Mundo, an inspection from the tax office in Spain showed Barcelona "did not make the appropriate reductions when paying Neymar’s taxes, according to an inspection carried out on Barcelona which lasted until 2015". According to the Spanish tax office's calculation, Neymar benefitted from "unfair enrichment". A source close to Barcelona told AFP that the club will now seek to reclaim the amount they are owed. As per an official document released in September, the Brazilian striker has more unpaid tax with the Spanish authorities than any other person, with debts of 34.6 million euros.

Barcelona to sue Neymar for $12 million after allegedly overpaying player: report

Lionel Messi has been a star in Barcelona for more than a decade. The Argentine has donned the iconic No. 10 jersey under the colours of Blaugrana.

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When Messi began his first-team career at Barcelona. He scored his first senior goal for the club wearing the No.30. The player soon switched to No.19 after establishing himself as a regular in the side.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/stay-or-go-messi-in-legal-tangle-with-barcelona-over-leaving-club-323132" hreflang="en">Stay or go? Messi in legal tangle with Barcelona over leaving club</a>

Lionel Messi succeeded his former team-mate Ronaldinho and inherited the No.10 shirt after the Brazilian left the club at the end of the 2007-08 season.

Lionel Messi has always been vocal about his predecessor Ronaldinho and thanked him for guiding in on transitioning into the senior side.

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“He (Ronaldinho) was a great help,” Messi told the Barcelona official website in 2013. “It’s never easy to go into a changing room at the age of 16, especially with my character.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whats-next-for-lionel-messi-a-record-breaking-career-in-pictures-323230" hreflang="en">What's next for Lionel Messi? A record breaking career in pictures</a>

"Before leaving the club (Ronaldinho) was coming off a few months where he was thinking about things.

"He had it in his mind that he was leaving and he told me to have his number. I took it without looking at what he had done with the shirt. If I did, I would not have taken it."

Brazilian legend Ronaldinho said that the club should not allow any player to wear the number if Messi leaves the club.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lionel-messis-next-team-clubs-who-can-really-afford-to-sign-the-argentine-323423" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi's next team: Clubs who can really afford to sign the Argentine</a>

"When Messi retires, which I hope will be a long time from now, they should leave the No.10 there so that nobody can touch it again," he told the Sun in 2018.

Lionel Messi has been a star in Barcelona for more than a decade. The Argentine has donned the iconic No. 10 jersey under the colours of Blaugrana. Also read: Netizens puzzled after Barcelona launch 'Stadium' kit featuring Lionel Messi When Messi began his first-team career at Barcelona.

Lionel Messi has been a star in Barcelona for more than a decade. The Argentine has donned the iconic No. 10 jersey under the colours of Blaugrana. Also read: Netizens puzzled after Barcelona launch 'Stadium' kit featuring Lionel Messi When Messi began his first-team career at Barcelona. He scored his first senior goal for the club wearing the No.30. The player soon switched to No.19 after establishing himself as a regular in the side. In pics: Stay or go? Messi in legal tangle with Barcelona over leaving club Lionel Messi succeeded his former team-mate Ronaldinho and inherited the No.10 shirt after the Brazilian left the club at the end of the 2007-08 season. Lionel Messi has always been vocal about his predecessor Ronaldinho and thanked him for guiding in on transitioning into the senior side. “He (Ronaldinho) was a great help,” Messi told the Barcelona official website in 2013. “It’s never easy to go into a changing room at the age of 16, especially with my character. In pics: What's next for Lionel Messi? A record breaking career in pictures "Before leaving the club (Ronaldinho) was coming off a few months where he was thinking about things. "He had it in his mind that he was leaving and he told me to have his number. I took it without looking at what he had done with the shirt. If I did, I would not have taken it." Brazilian legend Ronaldinho said that the club should not allow any player to wear the number if Messi leaves the club. In pics: Lionel Messi's next team: Clubs who can really afford to sign the Argentine "When Messi retires, which I hope will be a long time from now, they should leave the No.10 there so that nobody can touch it again," he told the Sun in 2018.

Lionel Messi's journey from jersey no. 19 to 10 in FC Barcelona

Lionel Messi has added another feather to his cap after becoming the first player in the Spanish League to score 20 assists and goals in the same season. He achieved this feat after assisting Arturo Vidal during the match against Real Valladolid.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-held-at-anfield-by-burnley-norwich-relegated-312611" hreflang="en">Premier League: Liverpool held at Anfield by Burnley, Norwich relegated</a>

He is the first player to score 20 assists in a season since Xavi who did it during 2008-09 season. But no player has scored 20 goals alongside in the Spanish top-flight until now.

Messi is the second player to achieve this feat in Europe's top five leagues. Theirry Henry was the first to do it during 2002-03 Premier League season and had scored 24 goals and contributed 20 assists for Arsenal.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mourinho-eyes-third-europa-league-title-with-tottenham-hotspurs-313000" hreflang="en">Mourinho eyes third Europa League title with Tottenham Hotspurs</a>

Messi tops the goal-scoring list in La Liga with 22 goals, second to him is Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, who has 18 goals in the tally.&nbsp;

Earlier, some reports suggest that Lionel Messi is set to leave his childhood club after he called off contract renewal talks Barcelona. The Catalonia giant could bid farewell to their all-time top scorer at the end of next season if Messi does not renew his contract.

According to Cadena SER, Lionel Messi is frustrated with the team's performance and furious with the top management of the club. The reports suggest that he will not be continuing after 2021.&nbsp;

Sports news website ESPN has said that "sources have confirmed" Messi was angry at the reports that were leaked to media saying that he was responsible for club's problems.

Lionel Messi has added another feather to his cap after becoming the first player in the Spanish League to score 20 assists and goals in the same season. He achieved this feat after assisting Arturo Vidal during the match against Real Valladolid.

Lionel Messi has added another feather to his cap after becoming the first player in the Spanish League to score 20 assists and goals in the same season. He achieved this feat after assisting Arturo Vidal during the match against Real Valladolid. Also read: Premier League: Liverpool held at Anfield by Burnley, Norwich relegated He is the first player to score 20 assists in a season since Xavi who did it during 2008-09 season. But no player has scored 20 goals alongside in the Spanish top-flight until now. Messi is the second player to achieve this feat in Europe's top five leagues. Theirry Henry was the first to do it during 2002-03 Premier League season and had scored 24 goals and contributed 20 assists for Arsenal. Also read: Mourinho eyes third Europa League title with Tottenham Hotspurs Messi tops the goal-scoring list in La Liga with 22 goals, second to him is Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, who has 18 goals in the tally. Earlier, some reports suggest that Lionel Messi is set to leave his childhood club after he called off contract renewal talks Barcelona. The Catalonia giant could bid farewell to their all-time top scorer at the end of next season if Messi does not renew his contract. According to Cadena SER, Lionel Messi is frustrated with the team's performance and furious with the top management of the club. The reports suggest that he will not be continuing after 2021. Sports news website ESPN has said that "sources have confirmed" Messi was angry at the reports that were leaked to media saying that he was responsible for club's problems.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi becomes first player in La Liga to score 20 assists and 20 goals

Ernesto Valverde has been sacked by FC Barcelona after underperforming&nbsp;in the matches recently. Quique Setien fills in the position for the table-toppers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/xavi-says-would-be-dream-to-coach-barca-as-pressure-mounts-on-valverde-273721">Xavi says would be 'dream' to coach Barca as pressure mounts on Valverde</a>

This decision came in after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../spanish-super-cup-atletico-madrid-beat-fc- barcelona-exciting-game-play-ends-with-nail-biting-finish-273311">Barcelona</a> crashed out of Spanish Super Cup after a disappointing match against Atletico Madrid. Despite being on the top of the La Liga table, and being safely through to the Champions League Round of 16, where are set to face Napoli. Barca have not yet managed to secure a win in 2020.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-beat-atletico-on-penalties-to-win-11th-spanish-super-cup-273840">Real Madrid defeat Atletico Madrid on penalties to lift 11th Spanish Super Cup</a>

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Agreement between FC Barcelona and Ernesto Valverde to end his contract as manager of the first team. Thank you for everything, Ernesto. Best of luck in the future. <a href="https://t.co/zrIgB1sW2e">pic.twitter.com/zrIgB1sW2e</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1216846220578230273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Speculations of Valverde being sacked were making rounds for quite a long time. Barcelona played a 2-2 draw against LaLiga's bottom club Espanyol which helped their arch-rivals Real Madrid close in to topple the table toppers.&nbsp;

At the moment Barcelona and Real Madrid are the top 2 on the points table. They share the same points (40 points), but the Catalans (Barcelona) are ahead because of the goal difference.

Barcelona have not managed to win the Champions League for four years. The last time they won was against Juventus 3-1 in the year 2015.&nbsp;

In 2017 Valverde did pull of a double when Barcelona won the league (La Liga) and the Spanish Super Cup.&nbsp;

Former Real Betis boss Setien, is a well-known fan of the Johan Cruyff-inspired Barcá brand of football. On Tuesday, Bartomeu and Abidal are to call a press conference to unveil Setien as the new Barcelona head coach.

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Quique Setién will be the new manager of FC Barcelona. Welcome! 
 
➕ INFO <a href="https://t.co/EOP9MSFFJ1">https://t.co/EOP9MSFFJ1</a> <a href="https://t.co/IkhzFGyxHf">pic.twitter.com/IkhzFGyxHf</a>
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FC Barcelona legend, Xavi Hernandez was rumoured to be the official successor, in-fact Barcelona were in talks with him for the role. But the Spaniard declined the offer.&nbsp;

He expressed his desire to coach his former team but has decided to put the plans on hold for at least a season.

The 61-year-old is set to face his first challenge as Barcelona will be playing against Granada on January 20. 
&nbsp;

Ernesto Valverde has been sacked by FC Barcelona after underperforming in the matches recently. Quique Setien fills in the position for the table-toppers. Also read: Xavi says would be 'dream' to coach Barca as pressure mounts on Valverde This decision came in after Barcelona crashed out of Spanish Super Cup after a disappointing match against Atletico Madrid.

Ernesto Valverde has been sacked by FC Barcelona after underperforming in the matches recently. Quique Setien fills in the position for the table-toppers. Also read: Xavi says would be 'dream' to coach Barca as pressure mounts on Valverde This decision came in after Barcelona crashed out of Spanish Super Cup after a disappointing match against Atletico Madrid. Despite being on the top of the La Liga table, and being safely through to the Champions League Round of 16, where are set to face Napoli. Barca have not yet managed to secure a win in 2020. Also read: Real Madrid defeat Atletico Madrid on penalties to lift 11th Spanish Super Cup Agreement between FC Barcelona and Ernesto Valverde to end his contract as manager of the first team. Thank you for everything, Ernesto. Best of luck in the future. pic.twitter.com/zrIgB1sW2e — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 13, 2020 × Speculations of Valverde being sacked were making rounds for quite a long time. Barcelona played a 2-2 draw against LaLiga's bottom club Espanyol which helped their arch-rivals Real Madrid close in to topple the table toppers. At the moment Barcelona and Real Madrid are the top 2 on the points table. They share the same points (40 points), but the Catalans (Barcelona) are ahead because of the goal difference. Barcelona have not managed to win the Champions League for four years. The last time they won was against Juventus 3-1 in the year 2015. In 2017 Valverde did pull of a double when Barcelona won the league (La Liga) and the Spanish Super Cup. Former Real Betis boss Setien, is a well-known fan of the Johan Cruyff-inspired Barcá brand of football. On Tuesday, Bartomeu and Abidal are to call a press conference to unveil Setien as the new Barcelona head coach. Quique Setién will be the new manager of FC Barcelona. Welcome! ➕ INFO https://t.co/EOP9MSFFJ1 pic.twitter.com/IkhzFGyxHf — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 13, 2020 × FC Barcelona legend, Xavi Hernandez was rumoured to be the official successor, in-fact Barcelona were in talks with him for the role. But the Spaniard declined the offer. He expressed his desire to coach his former team but has decided to put the plans on hold for at least a season. The 61-year-old is set to face his first challenge as Barcelona will be playing against Granada on January 20.

Barcelona sack manager Valverde, Setien to step in for the role

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../champions-league-last-16-fixtures-liverpool-to- clash-with-atletico-madrid-city-to-face-real-madrid-268559">Atletico Madrid</a>&nbsp;edged&nbsp;FC Barcelona in a nail-biting finish after Messi's Argentina teammate&nbsp;Angel Correa struck in the 86th minute&nbsp;in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup held in King Abdullah Stadium in Saudi Arabia. The scorelines stood 3-2.

Despite being an exciting play since the start, teams went goal-less by the end of the first half.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spanish-super-cups-format-relocation-to-saudi-arabia-due-to-footballs-desire-for-money-says-valverde-273188">Spanish Super Cup's format, relocation to Saudi Arabia due to football's desire for money says Valverde</a>

But after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../we-certainly-know-the-city-better-now- barcelona-team-bus-lost-in-saudi-arabia-273092">FC Barcelona</a>'s slouchy start Atletico got the edge after Koke scored after just seconds after coming onto the pitch in the 47th minute. After being assisted by A. Correa His one-touch goal got the best of Neto and scored in the bottom left corner. &nbsp;Scoreline: Barca 0 - 1 Atletico

But this did not last long, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../lionel-messi-claims-sixth-ballon-dor-megan- rapinoe-wins-womens-award-265902">Lionel Messi</a> stepped in and scored after dribbling his way past to defenders in the 51st minute. &nbsp;Scoreline: Barca 1 - 1 Atletico.

Antoine Griezmann was playing against his former club, he was seen to be the most active player on the pitch. He helped Barcelona get the lead in 62nd minute after he heads the ball into the net. Scoreline: Barca 2 - 1 Atletico

In the 81st minute, Neto was fouled after his challenge against Vitolo, it was given as a penalty to Atletico Madrid and Alvaro Morata stood up to the occasion and scored. This helped Atletico level scores with Barca. &nbsp;Scoreline: Barca 2 - 2 Atletico

The final minutes of the game, before it could have been taken into extra time, Angel Correa,&nbsp; managed to get past Neto and get past the Goal line before it was cleared by Rakitic. This goal was scored in the 86th minute. &nbsp;

The match had a lot of disallowed goals, fights mishaps and fouls. Each side got four yellow cards each. The folks out there were treated with exciting gameplay.

Possession- FC Barcelona: 73%, Atletico Madrid: 27%

Shots (Shots on target)- FC Barcelona: 16 (9), Atletico Madrid 6 (6)

Atletico Madrid edged FC Barcelona in a nail-biting finish after Messi's Argentina teammate Angel Correa struck in the 86th minute in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup held in King Abdullah Stadium in Saudi Arabia.

Atletico Madrid edged FC Barcelona in a nail-biting finish after Messi's Argentina teammate Angel Correa struck in the 86th minute in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup held in King Abdullah Stadium in Saudi Arabia. The scorelines stood 3-2. Despite being an exciting play since the start, teams went goal-less by the end of the first half. Also Read:Spanish Super Cup's format, relocation to Saudi Arabia due to football's desire for money says Valverde But after FC Barcelona's slouchy start Atletico got the edge after Koke scored after just seconds after coming onto the pitch in the 47th minute. After being assisted by A. Correa His one-touch goal got the best of Neto and scored in the bottom left corner. Scoreline: Barca 0 - 1 Atletico But this did not last long, Lionel Messi stepped in and scored after dribbling his way past to defenders in the 51st minute. Scoreline: Barca 1 - 1 Atletico. Antoine Griezmann was playing against his former club, he was seen to be the most active player on the pitch. He helped Barcelona get the lead in 62nd minute after he heads the ball into the net. Scoreline: Barca 2 - 1 Atletico In the 81st minute, Neto was fouled after his challenge against Vitolo, it was given as a penalty to Atletico Madrid and Alvaro Morata stood up to the occasion and scored. This helped Atletico level scores with Barca. Scoreline: Barca 2 - 2 Atletico The final minutes of the game, before it could have been taken into extra time, Angel Correa, managed to get past Neto and get past the Goal line before it was cleared by Rakitic. This goal was scored in the 86th minute. The match had a lot of disallowed goals, fights mishaps and fouls. Each side got four yellow cards each. The folks out there were treated with exciting gameplay. Possession- FC Barcelona: 73%, Atletico Madrid: 27% Shots (Shots on target)- FC Barcelona: 16 (9), Atletico Madrid 6 (6)

Spanish Super Cup: Atletico Madrid's Correa late strike topples Messi's Barcelona

The Spanish Super Cup is taking place this season in the Kingdom of Supercup. Four teams have qualified to compete with one another in the tournament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/supercopa-quick-thinking-kroos-helps-real-to-final-273097">Real Madrid and Valencia</a> played their match last night at the&nbsp;King Abdullah Sports City Stadium just outside of Jeddah, where Real beat Valencia in an easy game ending 3-1. The match saw a spectacular goal from the corner by Toni Kroos early in the game.

Real Madrid&nbsp;will face the winners of Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona were headed to Al-Ittihad Sports City, located within the city of Jeddah.

However, a goof-up by the team bus driver led to a phenomenal delay in the team's schedule. Instead of the Al-Ittihad sports complex in Jeddah, the driver drove on towards the King Abdullah Stadium. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../vidals-lawsuit-against-barca-wont-affect-status- in-team-says-valverde-272090">Barcelona</a> coach Ernesto Valverde was to host a presser at 5:45 PM local time, before the training session at Al-Ittihad. 
 
The goof-up meant that the press conference had to be delayed until after the training session was complete. 
 
"We certainly know the city a bit better now," said coach Valverde, when asked about the incident that caused the delay. 
 
&nbsp;

The Spanish Super Cup is taking place this season in the Kingdom of Supercup. Four teams have qualified to compete with one another in the tournament. Real Madrid and Valencia played their match last night at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium just outside of Jeddah, where Real beat Valencia in an easy game ending 3-1.

The Spanish Super Cup is taking place this season in the Kingdom of Supercup. Four teams have qualified to compete with one another in the tournament. Real Madrid and Valencia played their match last night at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium just outside of Jeddah, where Real beat Valencia in an easy game ending 3-1. The match saw a spectacular goal from the corner by Toni Kroos early in the game. Real Madrid will face the winners of Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid. Barcelona were headed to Al-Ittihad Sports City, located within the city of Jeddah. However, a goof-up by the team bus driver led to a phenomenal delay in the team's schedule. Instead of the Al-Ittihad sports complex in Jeddah, the driver drove on towards the King Abdullah Stadium. Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde was to host a presser at 5:45 PM local time, before the training session at Al-Ittihad. The goof-up meant that the press conference had to be delayed until after the training session was complete. "We certainly know the city a bit better now," said coach Valverde, when asked about the incident that caused the delay.

'We certainly know the city better now': Barcelona team bus lost in Saudi Arabia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/postponed-el-clasico-to-be-played-on-december-18-spanish-football-federation-257705">Barcelona and Real Madrid</a> could not be separated on Wednesday in a Clasico that was overshadowed by violent clashes between Catalan independence protestors and police outside Camp Nou.

After being postponed in October, there were renewed fears of unrest around Spain's most famous fixture and while the match was only briefly interrupted by yellow beach balls were thrown onto the pitch, outside the stadium, chaos ensued.

Masked protesters had set bins on fire and thrown rocks and glass bottles at police, who responded by firing foam bullets.

Forty-six people were lightly injured in the clashes, including eight who needed to be taken to a medical centre for extra care, local emergency services said.&nbsp;

Five people were arrested, according to a police spokesman.

The protesters, many of them carrying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-protests-in-spain-over-catalan-sentence-256141">Catalan separatist </a>flags, began setting up barricades in the middle of the street which they then burned after police arrived in dozens of police vans.

Inside the stadium, the match passed largely undisturbed, save for a brief pause early in the second half as dozens of yellow beach balls had to be removed by stewards.

"There was tension in the game and I noticed when some yellow balls fell down," said Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde.&nbsp;

"But nothing more. We tried to give a sense of normality."

"Everyone wanted to see a good football match," said Real coach Zinedine Zidane. "In that sense, I think we can be happy."

The game was less eventful than expected, with neither Barcelona nor Real ever really at their best and both, perhaps in the end, happier not to win than to lose.&nbsp;

A goalless draw means <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-crash-to-defeat-at-levante-after-second-half-collapse-259630">Barcelona</a> stay top of La Liga, ahead of Real on goal difference while the historic score in league meetings between the two rivals remains 72 victories apiece.&nbsp;

"More than a Clasico", read the front page of Barcelona daily Mundo Deportivo on Wednesday morning ahead of a fixture that while always politically charged, had assumed even greater significance than usual.&nbsp;

The game was originally due to be played on October 26 but was postponed due to violent protests breaking out across Catalonia, following the sentencing of nine independence leaders to prison.

In the 53 days since, expectations swelled around what Democratic Tsunami, the Catalan independence protest group, might do to disrupt the most-watched club football match in the world.&nbsp;

Bale 'goal' ruled out&nbsp;

But in truth, there was less than expected during the 90 minutes.&nbsp;

Early in the second half, yellow beachballs were thrown onto the field while blue banners bearing the slogan of Democratic Tsunami: 'Spain, sit and talk', were also held up.&nbsp;

Four hours before kick-off, thousands had gathered at all four corners of the stadium to hold the same blue banners and wave Catalan flags, while some blocked traffic too.&nbsp;

But the demonstrations were peaceful, in stark contrast to the ugly scenes that would come a few hours later.

Both teams had departed from the same hotel and aside from whistles and insults directed at the Madrid team bus, each arrived without incident. Club president Florentino Perez gave a thumbs-up as he walked in.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gareth-bale-has-never-asked-to-leave-real-madrid-says-agent-266604">Gareth Bale</a> was last to get off, by which time he might have known he was starting for the first time in four matches. Ramos played in his 43rd Clasico, a record for any player in history.&nbsp;

For Barcelona, Sergio Busquets was included in the line-up first announced before he was swapped out for Ivan Rakitic. Barca claimed it had been a communication error.&nbsp;

If it was, it was not the first mistake of the night, with a frantic first half full of them.&nbsp;

Real were the better side in the opening half an hour although Luis Suarez might have scored early had he controlled Jordi Alba's cross at the back post.&nbsp;

There was a goalline clearance at both ends as Casemiro's header bounced up and had to be hooked away by Gerard Pique before Thibaut Courtois punched out to Messi but his shot was blocked by Ramos.&nbsp;

Shortly after the interval, stewards ran on to collect the beach balls and then Barcelona twice should have scored, only for Lionel Messi and Suarez both to fluff finishes in quick succession.&nbsp;

Bale scored with 15 minutes left but his provider Ferland Mendy was a fraction offside. Neither team wanted to go for broke in the latter stages.&nbsp;

Barcelona and Real Madrid could not be separated on Wednesday in a Clasico that was overshadowed by violent clashes between Catalan independence protestors and police outside Camp Nou.

Barcelona and Real Madrid could not be separated on Wednesday in a Clasico that was overshadowed by violent clashes between Catalan independence protestors and police outside Camp Nou. After being postponed in October, there were renewed fears of unrest around Spain's most famous fixture and while the match was only briefly interrupted by yellow beach balls were thrown onto the pitch, outside the stadium, chaos ensued. Masked protesters had set bins on fire and thrown rocks and glass bottles at police, who responded by firing foam bullets. Forty-six people were lightly injured in the clashes, including eight who needed to be taken to a medical centre for extra care, local emergency services said. Five people were arrested, according to a police spokesman. The protesters, many of them carrying Catalan separatist flags, began setting up barricades in the middle of the street which they then burned after police arrived in dozens of police vans. Inside the stadium, the match passed largely undisturbed, save for a brief pause early in the second half as dozens of yellow beach balls had to be removed by stewards. "There was tension in the game and I noticed when some yellow balls fell down," said Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde. "But nothing more. We tried to give a sense of normality." "Everyone wanted to see a good football match," said Real coach Zinedine Zidane. "In that sense, I think we can be happy." The game was less eventful than expected, with neither Barcelona nor Real ever really at their best and both, perhaps in the end, happier not to win than to lose. A goalless draw means Barcelona stay top of La Liga, ahead of Real on goal difference while the historic score in league meetings between the two rivals remains 72 victories apiece. "More than a Clasico", read the front page of Barcelona daily Mundo Deportivo on Wednesday morning ahead of a fixture that while always politically charged, had assumed even greater significance than usual. The game was originally due to be played on October 26 but was postponed due to violent protests breaking out across Catalonia, following the sentencing of nine independence leaders to prison. In the 53 days since, expectations swelled around what Democratic Tsunami, the Catalan independence protest group, might do to disrupt the most-watched club football match in the world. Bale 'goal' ruled out But in truth, there was less than expected during the 90 minutes. Early in the second half, yellow beachballs were thrown onto the field while blue banners bearing the slogan of Democratic Tsunami: 'Spain, sit and talk', were also held up. Four hours before kick-off, thousands had gathered at all four corners of the stadium to hold the same blue banners and wave Catalan flags, while some blocked traffic too. But the demonstrations were peaceful, in stark contrast to the ugly scenes that would come a few hours later. Both teams had departed from the same hotel and aside from whistles and insults directed at the Madrid team bus, each arrived without incident. Club president Florentino Perez gave a thumbs-up as he walked in. Gareth Bale was last to get off, by which time he might have known he was starting for the first time in four matches. Ramos played in his 43rd Clasico, a record for any player in history. For Barcelona, Sergio Busquets was included in the line-up first announced before he was swapped out for Ivan Rakitic. Barca claimed it had been a communication error. If it was, it was not the first mistake of the night, with a frantic first half full of them. Real were the better side in the opening half an hour although Luis Suarez might have scored early had he controlled Jordi Alba's cross at the back post. There was a goalline clearance at both ends as Casemiro's header bounced up and had to be hooked away by Gerard Pique before Thibaut Courtois punched out to Messi but his shot was blocked by Ramos. Shortly after the interval, stewards ran on to collect the beach balls and then Barcelona twice should have scored, only for Lionel Messi and Suarez both to fluff finishes in quick succession. Bale scored with 15 minutes left but his provider Ferland Mendy was a fraction offside. Neither team wanted to go for broke in the latter stages.

Barcelona, Real Madrid draw as Clasico marred by violence

Barcelona were booed off the pitch by their supporters as their patchy form continued with a 0-0 draw at home to Slavia Prague in their Champions League Group F game on Tuesday.

Ernesto Valverde's side had fallen to a 3-1<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-crash-to-defeat-at-levante-after-second-half-collapse-259630"> defeat at Levante</a> in La Liga on the weekend and could not give the rousing response they craved, failing to break down a diligent and bold Slavia side.

With Luis Suarez injured, Barca lacked a cutting edge and visiting goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar produced an admirable display to shut out the Catalans, thwarting Lionel Messi and Sergi Roberto from close range in the second half.

Messi also struck the top of the post in the first period following a thrilling solo charge from his own half and then teed up Arturo Vidal for a tap-in late in the game but the effort was ruled out for offside against the Argentine.

"Playing like this it's difficult to see us winning the Champions League," said Barca defender Gerard Pique.

"We had chances to score but the ball wouldn't go in. Results aren't going our way in these last two games, and when you go two games without winning at Barca the fans expect more because expectations are so high."

Barca lead the group on eight points after four games, while Slavia are bottom with two.

The Czechs, who were unfortunate to lose 2-1 at home to Barcelona two weeks ago, made a bright start and nearly took an early lead with a heavily-deflected shot which was repelled by the Catalans' goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

They did manage to find the net at the end of the first half but the goal was disallowed for a clear offside.

The visitors had bright spells in the second half although they did not manage to test Ter Stegen further, and angry boos and whistles rang out around the Camp Nou at fulltime.

"It's a difficult moment for us but the fans have the right to express how they feel and it's up to us to deal with it," said Barca defender Clement Lenglet.

"We knew Slavia were a dangerous opponent who had quality and we were not taken by surprise by them. We suffered at various stages of the game.

"We don't have any time to sit around and get worried, we have to keep working and play every three days. We're going to turn this around."

There was more bad news for Barca after the game, with the club revealing first-choice left back Jordi Alba had injured his hamstring.

The club's statement did not say how long the Spaniard would be out for but Spanish media reports said he could be missing for three weeks.

Barcelona were booed off the pitch by their supporters as their patchy form continued with a 0-0 draw at home to Slavia Prague in their Champions League Group F game on Tuesday.

Barcelona were booed off the pitch by their supporters as their patchy form continued with a 0-0 draw at home to Slavia Prague in their Champions League Group F game on Tuesday. Ernesto Valverde's side had fallen to a 3-1 defeat at Levante in La Liga on the weekend and could not give the rousing response they craved, failing to break down a diligent and bold Slavia side. With Luis Suarez injured, Barca lacked a cutting edge and visiting goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar produced an admirable display to shut out the Catalans, thwarting Lionel Messi and Sergi Roberto from close range in the second half. Messi also struck the top of the post in the first period following a thrilling solo charge from his own half and then teed up Arturo Vidal for a tap-in late in the game but the effort was ruled out for offside against the Argentine. "Playing like this it's difficult to see us winning the Champions League," said Barca defender Gerard Pique. "We had chances to score but the ball wouldn't go in. Results aren't going our way in these last two games, and when you go two games without winning at Barca the fans expect more because expectations are so high." Barca lead the group on eight points after four games, while Slavia are bottom with two. The Czechs, who were unfortunate to lose 2-1 at home to Barcelona two weeks ago, made a bright start and nearly took an early lead with a heavily-deflected shot which was repelled by the Catalans' goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. They did manage to find the net at the end of the first half but the goal was disallowed for a clear offside. The visitors had bright spells in the second half although they did not manage to test Ter Stegen further, and angry boos and whistles rang out around the Camp Nou at fulltime. "It's a difficult moment for us but the fans have the right to express how they feel and it's up to us to deal with it," said Barca defender Clement Lenglet. "We knew Slavia were a dangerous opponent who had quality and we were not taken by surprise by them. We suffered at various stages of the game. "We don't have any time to sit around and get worried, we have to keep working and play every three days. We're going to turn this around." There was more bad news for Barca after the game, with the club revealing first-choice left back Jordi Alba had injured his hamstring. The club's statement did not say how long the Spaniard would be out for but Spanish media reports said he could be missing for three weeks.

Champions League: Camp Nou turns on toothless Barca after draw with Slavia

Barcelona were so keen to bring Neymar back from Paris St Germain that the players were ready to accept delays to salary payments in order for the club to afford the Brazilian, defender Gerard Pique has revealed.

Barca spent the bulk of the last transfer window trying to lure Neymar back from PSG, two years after he left the Catalans for a world record transfer fee of 222 million euros.

But the two clubs failed to reach an agreement before September's transfer deadline.

The Catalans, who had already signed French forward Antoine Griezmann for 120 million euros and Frenkie de Jong for 75 million, were constricted in their pursuit for Neymar by UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations.

The rules, designed to prevent the sport’s richest owners from crushing their rivals, oblige clubs to be transparent about revenues and broadly balance them against expenditure. They also include a limit on the losses clubs can incur.

"We told (club president Josep Maria) Bartomeu that if it was necessary to delay payments in our contracts to meet Financial Fair Play regulations and sign Neymar we would do it," Pique told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser on Thursday.

"We were ready to adjust our contracts. We weren't going to contribute money, but we were going to make things easier by allowing some payments to be made in the second or third year instead of the first."

The Brazilian sat out the start of the season while he waited for the transfer saga to end but returned to the team in September, scoring four goals in five Ligue 1 appearances.

He is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/injured-neymar-sidelined-for-four-weeks-paris-st-germain-256001">currently sidelined </a>with a groin injury sustained on international duty with Brazil.

Barcelona were so keen to bring Neymar back from Paris St Germain that the players were ready to accept delays to salary payments in order for the club to afford the Brazilian, defender Gerard Pique has revealed.

Barcelona were so keen to bring Neymar back from Paris St Germain that the players were ready to accept delays to salary payments in order for the club to afford the Brazilian, defender Gerard Pique has revealed. Barca spent the bulk of the last transfer window trying to lure Neymar back from PSG, two years after he left the Catalans for a world record transfer fee of 222 million euros. But the two clubs failed to reach an agreement before September's transfer deadline. The Catalans, who had already signed French forward Antoine Griezmann for 120 million euros and Frenkie de Jong for 75 million, were constricted in their pursuit for Neymar by UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations. The rules, designed to prevent the sport’s richest owners from crushing their rivals, oblige clubs to be transparent about revenues and broadly balance them against expenditure. They also include a limit on the losses clubs can incur. "We told (club president Josep Maria) Bartomeu that if it was necessary to delay payments in our contracts to meet Financial Fair Play regulations and sign Neymar we would do it," Pique told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser on Thursday. "We were ready to adjust our contracts. We weren't going to contribute money, but we were going to make things easier by allowing some payments to be made in the second or third year instead of the first." The Brazilian sat out the start of the season while he waited for the transfer saga to end but returned to the team in September, scoring four goals in five Ligue 1 appearances. He is currently sidelined with a groin injury sustained on international duty with Brazil.

Football: Barcelona offered to restructure salaries to pay for Neymar return

When Barcelona made a stuttering start to the season criticism predictably rained down on coach Ernesto Valverde and questions were asked about whether the team was reaching the end of its winning cycle, yet one crucial factor was forgotten.

That was the injury struggles of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-sends-barcelona-top-in-valladolid-rout-258733">Lionel Messi</a>, who has helped propel Barca to a barnstorming run of seven straight wins since making his first start of the campaign and is primed to extend that streak when his side visit Levante in La Liga on Saturday.

Before the Argentine made that first start, against Villarreal in September, Barca had won two of their first six games, losing two and drawing two.

Since returning, he has notched five goals and five assists, guiding Barca back to the top of the table with a mesmeric display in Tuesday's 5-1 thrashing of Real Valladolid which saw him score two goals, provide two more and nutmeg two opponents.

"He feels better, with more minutes in his legs, and it shows," said teammate Clement Lenglet.

"When he's like this it's much harder for the opposition to contain him."

Levante know all about meeting Messi when he is on the form: Barca's captain struck an irresistible hat-trick in a 5-0 thrashing in last season's fixture and has scored 21 times against the Valencia side across his career.

The Catalans lead the standings on 22 points after 10 games although third-placed Granada could take their spot at the summit if they beat Getafe on Thursday.

Real Madrid are second on 21 after recording their biggest win of the season by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-benzema-stars-as-real-madrid-put-five-past-limp-leganes-258930">thrashing Leganes</a> 5-0 on Wednesday and will be looking for more of the same when they play Real Betis at home on Saturday.

Real are still likely to be without Gareth Bale due to injury but have another exciting winger to call upon in 18-year-old Brazilian Rodrygo Goes, who scored his second goal for the club in the thrashing of Leganes.

Fellow Brazilian Casemiro, however, warned against putting too much responsibility on the teenager's shoulders.

"We can't forget that he's 18, we can't put so much pressure on him, he's a young lad and we have to be patient with him," Casemiro said.

"He's too young and he's demonstrating that he has a lot of quality, he's a very important player for the squad."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-atletico-madrid-held-at-alaves-after-perez-thunderbolt-258742">Atletico Madrid </a>meanwhile face a daunting trip to Sevilla, reeling from being held to a fifth draw in eight league games after Alaves netted a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday.

When Barcelona made a stuttering start to the season criticism predictably rained down on coach Ernesto Valverde and questions were asked about whether the team was reaching the end of its winning cycle, yet one crucial factor was forgotten.

When Barcelona made a stuttering start to the season criticism predictably rained down on coach Ernesto Valverde and questions were asked about whether the team was reaching the end of its winning cycle, yet one crucial factor was forgotten. That was the injury struggles of Lionel Messi, who has helped propel Barca to a barnstorming run of seven straight wins since making his first start of the campaign and is primed to extend that streak when his side visit Levante in La Liga on Saturday. Before the Argentine made that first start, against Villarreal in September, Barca had won two of their first six games, losing two and drawing two. Since returning, he has notched five goals and five assists, guiding Barca back to the top of the table with a mesmeric display in Tuesday's 5-1 thrashing of Real Valladolid which saw him score two goals, provide two more and nutmeg two opponents. "He feels better, with more minutes in his legs, and it shows," said teammate Clement Lenglet. "When he's like this it's much harder for the opposition to contain him." Levante know all about meeting Messi when he is on the form: Barca's captain struck an irresistible hat-trick in a 5-0 thrashing in last season's fixture and has scored 21 times against the Valencia side across his career. The Catalans lead the standings on 22 points after 10 games although third-placed Granada could take their spot at the summit if they beat Getafe on Thursday. Real Madrid are second on 21 after recording their biggest win of the season by thrashing Leganes 5-0 on Wednesday and will be looking for more of the same when they play Real Betis at home on Saturday. Real are still likely to be without Gareth Bale due to injury but have another exciting winger to call upon in 18-year-old Brazilian Rodrygo Goes, who scored his second goal for the club in the thrashing of Leganes. Fellow Brazilian Casemiro, however, warned against putting too much responsibility on the teenager's shoulders. "We can't forget that he's 18, we can't put so much pressure on him, he's a young lad and we have to be patient with him," Casemiro said. "He's too young and he's demonstrating that he has a lot of quality, he's a very important player for the squad." Atletico Madrid meanwhile face a daunting trip to Sevilla, reeling from being held to a fifth draw in eight league games after Alaves netted a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday.

La Liga: Unleashed by Messi, Barcelona look to continue winning surge

Barcelona's October&nbsp;26 La Liga soccer match at home to Real Madrid has been postponed over security concerns amid violent political <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/catalonia-protests-take-a-violent-turn-256414">demonstrations in Catalonia</a>, the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) said in on Friday.

Following huge demonstrations over the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-jails-nine-catalan-leaders-up-to-13-years-for-sedition-255792"> jailing of nine Catalan </a>separatist leaders, the league's organising body made an official request to the RFEF this week for the game to be rearranged.

The federation approved that request on Friday.

Regional police said 16 people had been arrested across Catalonia, while health officials said medical aid was provided to 42 people.

On a fifth day of protests, hundreds of thousands of people waving pro-independence flags and chanting "Freedom for political prisoners" took part in marches across Catalonia on Friday, set to reach Barcelona, the regional capital, later in the day.

The RFEF's competition committee said it was up to the two clubs to arrange a new date for the game before a deadline of Oct. 21. Failing that, the committee would determine the new date.

Barcelona town hall said 400 garbage containers were set ablaze during protests on Wednesday and estimated that the city had suffered damage totaling more than 1 million euros in two days.

Barcelona's October 26 La Liga soccer match at home to Real Madrid has been postponed over security concerns amid violent political demonstrations in Catalonia, the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) said in on Friday.

Barcelona's October 26 La Liga soccer match at home to Real Madrid has been postponed over security concerns amid violent political demonstrations in Catalonia, the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) said in on Friday. Following huge demonstrations over the jailing of nine Catalan separatist leaders, the league's organising body made an official request to the RFEF this week for the game to be rearranged. The federation approved that request on Friday. Regional police said 16 people had been arrested across Catalonia, while health officials said medical aid was provided to 42 people. On a fifth day of protests, hundreds of thousands of people waving pro-independence flags and chanting "Freedom for political prisoners" took part in marches across Catalonia on Friday, set to reach Barcelona, the regional capital, later in the day. The RFEF's competition committee said it was up to the two clubs to arrange a new date for the game before a deadline of Oct. 21. Failing that, the committee would determine the new date. Barcelona town hall said 400 garbage containers were set ablaze during protests on Wednesday and estimated that the city had suffered damage totaling more than 1 million euros in two days.

El Clásico between Barcelona, Real Madrid postponed amid Catalan crisis

FC Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has said he considered leaving the club when he was investigated for tax fraud in 2013, saying he felt "badly treated" by Spain.

Messi, who has been at Barcelona since he was 13 and is their all-time top scorer, was found guilty in 2016 along with his father Jorge of defrauding the Spanish government of 4.2 million euros&nbsp;between 2007 and 2009 over income earned from image rights.

The Argentina international was handed a prison sentence of 21 months and ordered to pay a fine of 2 million euros.

He did not serve any jail time after exchanging his sentence for a fine of 250,000 euros, as in Spain defendants without a previous conviction are permitted to serve any sentence of under two years on probation.

He was first investigated in 2013, beginning a spate of tax fraud cases against top footballers in Spain including Cristiano Ronaldo, Javier Mascherano, and Marcelo.

"Sincerely, at that time, I thought about leaving," Messi told Barcelona-based radio station RAC1 in an interview broadcast on Wednesday.

"Not because of Barcelona but because I wanted to leave Spain, I felt very badly treated and I didn't want to stay here any longer.

"I had my doors open to many clubs but I never got an official offer because everyone knew I really wanted to stay. This situation went way beyond my feelings for Barca."

Messi added that he felt he was made an example of by the Spanish tax authorities, who stepped up their efforts against tax fraud after Spain's deep economic crisis hit.

"I was the first and that's why they came down so hard on me. They made an example of me and showed that it was going to be like this for everyone. It was tough because of everything that was happening at that time," he said.

FC Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has said he considered leaving the club when he was investigated for tax fraud in 2013, saying he felt "badly treated" by Spain.

FC Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has said he considered leaving the club when he was investigated for tax fraud in 2013, saying he felt "badly treated" by Spain. Messi, who has been at Barcelona since he was 13 and is their all-time top scorer, was found guilty in 2016 along with his father Jorge of defrauding the Spanish government of 4.2 million euros between 2007 and 2009 over income earned from image rights. The Argentina international was handed a prison sentence of 21 months and ordered to pay a fine of 2 million euros. He did not serve any jail time after exchanging his sentence for a fine of 250,000 euros, as in Spain defendants without a previous conviction are permitted to serve any sentence of under two years on probation. He was first investigated in 2013, beginning a spate of tax fraud cases against top footballers in Spain including Cristiano Ronaldo, Javier Mascherano, and Marcelo. "Sincerely, at that time, I thought about leaving," Messi told Barcelona-based radio station RAC1 in an interview broadcast on Wednesday. "Not because of Barcelona but because I wanted to leave Spain, I felt very badly treated and I didn't want to stay here any longer. "I had my doors open to many clubs but I never got an official offer because everyone knew I really wanted to stay. This situation went way beyond my feelings for Barca." Messi added that he felt he was made an example of by the Spanish tax authorities, who stepped up their efforts against tax fraud after Spain's deep economic crisis hit. "I was the first and that's why they came down so hard on me. They made an example of me and showed that it was going to be like this for everyone. It was tough because of everything that was happening at that time," he said.

Messi wanted to leave Barca during tax investigation

Barcelona&nbsp;threw on their stars of the present and the future on Saturday but neither Lionel Messi nor Ansu Fati could save them from a dismal 2-0 defeat away at Granada.&nbsp;

Messi was still not deemed fit enough to start at Los Carmenes while Fati, the 16-year-old who has lit up La Liga in recent weeks, also began the game on the bench.&nbsp;

But while both came on at half-time with Barca trailing to Ramon Azeez's opener, it was Granada that scored again, Alvaro Vadillo converting a penalty after Arturo Vidal was found guilty of a handball.&nbsp;

Barcelona&nbsp;have now won only two of their opening five league games and none away from Camp Nou, this their second loss already, just one fewer than the three they suffered during the entirety of last season.&nbsp;

With seven points on the board, this is their worst start to a season since 1994.

"Obviously I am worried," said coach Ernesto Valverde. "Because we are not getting good results and when that happens in two or three games, it means we are not playing well."

Instead, Granada go top of the table after capitalising on Atletico Madrid's goalless draw at home to Celta Vigo a few hours before.&nbsp;

They will stay there until Sunday, when Sevilla, Real Madrid or Athletic Bilbao could overtake them.&nbsp;

Barcelona&nbsp;are sixth, grasping onto the consolation of Messi's second substitute appearance in five days that now suggests he has finally recovered from the niggling calf injury sustained at the start of August.&nbsp;

Their problems though are unlikely to be solved simply by their captain's return.&nbsp;

Junior Firpo's error two minutes into his first start for the club gifted Granada their opening goal and set the tone for a chaotic night in defence.&nbsp;

And up front, Antoine Griezmann was quiet again, with little in any of the combinations to suggest Ernesto Valverde has yet worked out who will form his best attacking trio and in what positions.

"In the end, the coach is responsible and I feel responsible," Valverde said. "I always think you can win or lose but at least you have to deserve to win when you lose, and today it hasn't been like that."

Firpo's mistake came early, as he shaped to play a long ball over the top back to his goalkeeper. Instead, the lively Roberto Soldado stole possession and slipped in Antonio Puertas.&nbsp;

Messi impact limited

With Firpo on the floor, Gerard Pique scrambled across but Puertas' shot only looped up off the defender to the back post where Azeez headed in.&nbsp;

Granada seemed hungrier than Barca and their dominance persuaded Valverde to make two changes at half-time, Messi and Fati replacing Carles Perez and Firpo.&nbsp;

Messi won a free-kick 30 yards out but hit it straight at the wall while Marc-Andre ter Stegen fumbled a cross and had to react quickly to claw it back off his own line.&nbsp;

Any hopes of a Barca comeback were dashed in the 66th minute as Vidal handballed at the end of a scramble in the box and Vadillo made no mistake with the spot-kick.&nbsp;

One break saw Messi supply Fati but the teenager took too long and then Messi tried himself but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper. In the end, Granada were comfortable winners.&nbsp;

Atletico could have returned to the top of La Liga but were frustrated by a determined Celta Vigo.&nbsp;

After coming from two goals down to salvage a point against Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday, Atletico failed to sustain the momentum in a match of few chances at the Wanda Metropolitano.&nbsp;

Diego Simeone's side won their opening three league games but are now two without a victory, following last weekend's shock defeat away at Real Sociedad.&nbsp;

This latest setback leaves Simeone with familiar questions to answer about his side's attacking threat.&nbsp;

Summer signing Joao Felix started before being replaced by Alvaro Morata in the second half, the Spanish striker available again after recovering from a knee injury.&nbsp;

But neither Felix nor Morata, or their partner Diego Costa, could conjur up the decisive opening, with full-backs Renan Lodi and Kieran Trippier by far the team's most creative outlets.

Atletico drop to third in the table while Celta climb to 14th.

Barcelona threw on their stars of the present and the future on Saturday but neither Lionel Messi nor Ansu Fati could save them from a dismal 2-0 defeat away at Granada.

Barcelona threw on their stars of the present and the future on Saturday but neither Lionel Messi nor Ansu Fati could save them from a dismal 2-0 defeat away at Granada. Messi was still not deemed fit enough to start at Los Carmenes while Fati, the 16-year-old who has lit up La Liga in recent weeks, also began the game on the bench. But while both came on at half-time with Barca trailing to Ramon Azeez's opener, it was Granada that scored again, Alvaro Vadillo converting a penalty after Arturo Vidal was found guilty of a handball. Barcelona have now won only two of their opening five league games and none away from Camp Nou, this their second loss already, just one fewer than the three they suffered during the entirety of last season. With seven points on the board, this is their worst start to a season since 1994. "Obviously I am worried," said coach Ernesto Valverde. "Because we are not getting good results and when that happens in two or three games, it means we are not playing well." Instead, Granada go top of the table after capitalising on Atletico Madrid's goalless draw at home to Celta Vigo a few hours before. They will stay there until Sunday, when Sevilla, Real Madrid or Athletic Bilbao could overtake them. Barcelona are sixth, grasping onto the consolation of Messi's second substitute appearance in five days that now suggests he has finally recovered from the niggling calf injury sustained at the start of August. Their problems though are unlikely to be solved simply by their captain's return. Junior Firpo's error two minutes into his first start for the club gifted Granada their opening goal and set the tone for a chaotic night in defence. And up front, Antoine Griezmann was quiet again, with little in any of the combinations to suggest Ernesto Valverde has yet worked out who will form his best attacking trio and in what positions. "In the end, the coach is responsible and I feel responsible," Valverde said. "I always think you can win or lose but at least you have to deserve to win when you lose, and today it hasn't been like that." Firpo's mistake came early, as he shaped to play a long ball over the top back to his goalkeeper. Instead, the lively Roberto Soldado stole possession and slipped in Antonio Puertas. Messi impact limited With Firpo on the floor, Gerard Pique scrambled across but Puertas' shot only looped up off the defender to the back post where Azeez headed in. Granada seemed hungrier than Barca and their dominance persuaded Valverde to make two changes at half-time, Messi and Fati replacing Carles Perez and Firpo. Messi won a free-kick 30 yards out but hit it straight at the wall while Marc-Andre ter Stegen fumbled a cross and had to react quickly to claw it back off his own line. Any hopes of a Barca comeback were dashed in the 66th minute as Vidal handballed at the end of a scramble in the box and Vadillo made no mistake with the spot-kick. One break saw Messi supply Fati but the teenager took too long and then Messi tried himself but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper. In the end, Granada were comfortable winners. Atletico could have returned to the top of La Liga but were frustrated by a determined Celta Vigo. After coming from two goals down to salvage a point against Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday, Atletico failed to sustain the momentum in a match of few chances at the Wanda Metropolitano. Diego Simeone's side won their opening three league games but are now two without a victory, following last weekend's shock defeat away at Real Sociedad. This latest setback leaves Simeone with familiar questions to answer about his side's attacking threat. Summer signing Joao Felix started before being replaced by Alvaro Morata in the second half, the Spanish striker available again after recovering from a knee injury. But neither Felix nor Morata, or their partner Diego Costa, could conjur up the decisive opening, with full-backs Renan Lodi and Kieran Trippier by far the team's most creative outlets. Atletico drop to third in the table while Celta climb to 14th.

Barcelona's poor start continues with surprise defeat by Granada

La Liga champions Barcelona said they will become the first sports club to generate revenue exceeding €1 billion ($1.10 billion) this season.

A statement from the club on Thursday said they had made record turnover of €990 million last season and projected an increase to €1.047 billion for the 2019/20 campaign.

"This figure represents a new record in the world of sport, and means the surpassing of internal forecasts, since the Strategic Plan approved by the Board of Directors expected profits to reach the figure of €1 billion in 2021," added Barca.

The club, which is owned by its fans, forecast a relatively modest profit of €11 million after tax in the current season, and said it had a debt of €217.2 million.

The Catalan club invested €255 million on players in the close season, the bulk of which was spent prising Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid for €120 million and recruiting Frenkie de Jong from Ajax Amsterdam for 75 million.

Barca CEO Oscar Grau said they also tried to sign Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt, who joined Juventus, adding that they wanted to sign Neymar back from Paris St Germain but did not want to compromise the club's financial stability.

"We made a very big effort to get Neymar, we did everything possible. We made two offers, one including players and one without them but we got the feeling PSG never wanted to sell him," he told reporters.

"We are not going to lose control when it comes to players. We want the best team around but we also want to be sustainable."

Barca's accounts also revealed they expect to spend €1.007 billion this season, an increase of €34 million,&nbsp;but stated they will reduce their wage bill by 18 million from last season, a 3 per cent&nbsp;reduction. ($1 = 0.9052 euros)

La Liga champions Barcelona said they will become the first sports club to generate revenue exceeding €1 billion ($1.10 billion) this season. A statement from the club on Thursday said they had made record turnover of €990 million last season and projected an increase to €1.

La Liga champions Barcelona said they will become the first sports club to generate revenue exceeding €1 billion ($1.10 billion) this season. A statement from the club on Thursday said they had made record turnover of €990 million last season and projected an increase to €1.047 billion for the 2019/20 campaign. "This figure represents a new record in the world of sport, and means the surpassing of internal forecasts, since the Strategic Plan approved by the Board of Directors expected profits to reach the figure of €1 billion in 2021," added Barca. The club, which is owned by its fans, forecast a relatively modest profit of €11 million after tax in the current season, and said it had a debt of €217.2 million. The Catalan club invested €255 million on players in the close season, the bulk of which was spent prising Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid for €120 million and recruiting Frenkie de Jong from Ajax Amsterdam for 75 million. Barca CEO Oscar Grau said they also tried to sign Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt, who joined Juventus, adding that they wanted to sign Neymar back from Paris St Germain but did not want to compromise the club's financial stability. "We made a very big effort to get Neymar, we did everything possible. We made two offers, one including players and one without them but we got the feeling PSG never wanted to sell him," he told reporters. "We are not going to lose control when it comes to players. We want the best team around but we also want to be sustainable." Barca's accounts also revealed they expect to spend €1.007 billion this season, an increase of €34 million, but stated they will reduce their wage bill by 18 million from last season, a 3 per cent reduction. ($1 = 0.9052 euros)

Barcelona income to break the billion euro barrier

Barcelona’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu says the club are working on a plan for when their talismanic forward Lionel Messi finally hangs up his boots.

Barcelona have been very active in the transfer market in recent years, with Bartomeu completing three of the top six most expensive transfers ever.

French forward Antoine Griezmann's move from Atletico Madrid was the most recent of those and Bartomeu says the deals are part of the club’s planning for when Messi, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, finally retires.

Although there is no suggestion the 32-year-old wants to walk away anytime soon, Barcelona are determined they will be able to continue their success once the Argentine is gone.

“We think it is our obligation to work on the post-Messi era,” Bartomeu told Reuters in Kobe on Friday.

"We are thinking about a post-Messi era because we are bringing in new players...

"We have to think about this changing era when Messi will give up playing football but, as president, I hope that he is going to be (have) very large years playing with us still.”

Messi is not in Japan with Barca, having been given an extended break following the Copa America, but he will link up with the rest of the squad for the second half of their pre-season in the United States next month.

Bartomeu also dismissed Atletico Madrid's allegation that the Catalan club have not paid enough to trigger forward Griezmann's release clause, following the Frenchman's move earlier this month.

La Liga President Javier Tebas said on Wednesday that Atletico had asked the league to block Griezmann’s move following a dispute surrounding the transfer fee.

Griezmann fee

Spanish champions Barcelona announced the signing of Griezmann for €120 million ($133 million).

Bartomeu said Atletico have no case.

“A few days ago, they asked me the same question in Barcelona and I said 'it is nothing, it is something that is normal',” Bartomeu said.

“Normally when a player changes club, the club that doesn’t want to lose a player, then they don’t like it. Like we don’t like it sometimes when a player leaves and we want him to stay.

"But, there is nothing, this is something that happens in the football industry, something that happens between clubs and for me, no it isn’t a problem at all.”

Griezmann is on tour in Japan and is expected to make his second appearance in a Barca shirt against Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Saturday.

Bartomeu said Griezmann’s transfer had been in the works a long time.

“We were looking for him already two years ago,” said Bartomeu, who has also added Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong to the Barcelona ranks this summer.

“It is not easy sometimes to move players like him. He is probably one of the best five, six top players in the world so to move from one team to another is not easily normally.”

Another player who has been linked in the media with a return to Barcelona is their former forward Neymar, whom the club sold to Paris St Germain for €222 million ($247 million)&nbsp;in 2017.

Bartomeu, however, refused to discuss a potential move for the Brazilian.

“In the summer I am reading a lot of newspapers about Neymar, but in the end, you know as a club we have a lot of respect for Paris St Germain and Neymar is a player for Paris St Germain and there is nothing else to talk,” stressed the Barca president.

Barcelona’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu says the club are working on a plan for when their talismanic forward Lionel Messi finally hangs up his boots. Barcelona have been very active in the transfer market in recent years, with Bartomeu completing three of the top six most expensive transfers ever.

Barcelona’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu says the club are working on a plan for when their talismanic forward Lionel Messi finally hangs up his boots. Barcelona have been very active in the transfer market in recent years, with Bartomeu completing three of the top six most expensive transfers ever. French forward Antoine Griezmann's move from Atletico Madrid was the most recent of those and Bartomeu says the deals are part of the club’s planning for when Messi, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, finally retires. Although there is no suggestion the 32-year-old wants to walk away anytime soon, Barcelona are determined they will be able to continue their success once the Argentine is gone. “We think it is our obligation to work on the post-Messi era,” Bartomeu told Reuters in Kobe on Friday. "We are thinking about a post-Messi era because we are bringing in new players... "We have to think about this changing era when Messi will give up playing football but, as president, I hope that he is going to be (have) very large years playing with us still.” Messi is not in Japan with Barca, having been given an extended break following the Copa America, but he will link up with the rest of the squad for the second half of their pre-season in the United States next month. Bartomeu also dismissed Atletico Madrid's allegation that the Catalan club have not paid enough to trigger forward Griezmann's release clause, following the Frenchman's move earlier this month. La Liga President Javier Tebas said on Wednesday that Atletico had asked the league to block Griezmann’s move following a dispute surrounding the transfer fee. Griezmann fee Spanish champions Barcelona announced the signing of Griezmann for €120 million ($133 million). Bartomeu said Atletico have no case. “A few days ago, they asked me the same question in Barcelona and I said 'it is nothing, it is something that is normal',” Bartomeu said. “Normally when a player changes club, the club that doesn’t want to lose a player, then they don’t like it. Like we don’t like it sometimes when a player leaves and we want him to stay. "But, there is nothing, this is something that happens in the football industry, something that happens between clubs and for me, no it isn’t a problem at all.” Griezmann is on tour in Japan and is expected to make his second appearance in a Barca shirt against Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Saturday. Bartomeu said Griezmann’s transfer had been in the works a long time. “We were looking for him already two years ago,” said Bartomeu, who has also added Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong to the Barcelona ranks this summer. “It is not easy sometimes to move players like him. He is probably one of the best five, six top players in the world so to move from one team to another is not easily normally.” Another player who has been linked in the media with a return to Barcelona is their former forward Neymar, whom the club sold to Paris St Germain for €222 million ($247 million) in 2017. Bartomeu, however, refused to discuss a potential move for the Brazilian. “In the summer I am reading a lot of newspapers about Neymar, but in the end, you know as a club we have a lot of respect for Paris St Germain and Neymar is a player for Paris St Germain and there is nothing else to talk,” stressed the Barca president.

Barcelona planning for post-Messi era, says club president

Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta is looking forward to taking on his former teammates when his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-will-be-weird-to-play-against-andres-iniesta-says-ivan-rakitic-237923">Vissel Kobe meets Barcelona</a> this weekend for a friendly, saying Friday the face-off will be "an honour."

The match Saturday in the Japanese city of Kobe will be a reunion of sorts, with Barcelona's current line-up facing ex-teammates Iniesta, David Villa and Sergi Samper, all now Vissel players.

It will be the first time Iniesta has met his former team on the pitch.

"We all feel that it is such an honour to play Barca," Iniesta told reporters through a Japanese translator.

"The team, Barcelona, is special... It will be a very important match for us," he said.

World Cup-winning Iniesta, who lifted 32 major trophies with Barcelona, signed for Kobe last May in a historic J-League deal worth a reported $30 million a year. The 34-year-old was appointed the team's captain in April.

The friendly is Barca's last match in Japan before they head home, and midfielder Sergio Busquets said the chance to meet Iniesta on the pitch "means a lot" to the players.

"Now he is in Japan and having new experiences. But it does not change the fact that he is a very important friend still," Busquets said.

"Now I am giving him these kind words, but tomorrow on the pitch I won't be able to be like this. We will fight with full strength."

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🇯🇵 MATCH PREVIEW: Kobe’s searing heat 🔥 and a warm 🔵🔴 reunion with <a href="https://twitter.com/andresiniesta8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andresiniesta8</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Guaje7Villa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@guaje7villa</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SergiSamper?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SergiSamper</a>! 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/Bo644LO4o9">pic.twitter.com/Bo644LO4o9</a>
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The match comes after Chelsea defeated Barcelona 2-1 in their friendly in Saitama north of Tokyo earlier this week in a game that saw the unofficial debuts of World Cup-winning French striker Antoine Griezmann and former Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Manager Ernesto Valverde said he wanted to see the new arrivals getting used to playing with the team and hoped for a better result for Saturday's match.

"I'm sure you saw the game the other day, in which they both played. I want them to play better than that with other players," he said.

Defender Gerard Pique will not play on Saturday as a precaution due to discomfort in his left thigh, Valverde said.

Iniesta's signing was viewed as a timely boost to the J-League, which once attracted luminaries such as Brazilian great Zico and former England striker Gary Lineker when it began in 1993 but has struggled to tempt marquee players in recent years.

Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta is looking forward to taking on his former teammates when his Vissel Kobe meets Barcelona this weekend for a friendly, saying Friday the face-off will be "an honour.

Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta is looking forward to taking on his former teammates when his Vissel Kobe meets Barcelona this weekend for a friendly, saying Friday the face-off will be "an honour." The match Saturday in the Japanese city of Kobe will be a reunion of sorts, with Barcelona's current line-up facing ex-teammates Iniesta, David Villa and Sergi Samper, all now Vissel players. It will be the first time Iniesta has met his former team on the pitch. "We all feel that it is such an honour to play Barca," Iniesta told reporters through a Japanese translator. "The team, Barcelona, is special... It will be a very important match for us," he said. World Cup-winning Iniesta, who lifted 32 major trophies with Barcelona, signed for Kobe last May in a historic J-League deal worth a reported $30 million a year. The 34-year-old was appointed the team's captain in April. The friendly is Barca's last match in Japan before they head home, and midfielder Sergio Busquets said the chance to meet Iniesta on the pitch "means a lot" to the players. "Now he is in Japan and having new experiences. But it does not change the fact that he is a very important friend still," Busquets said. "Now I am giving him these kind words, but tomorrow on the pitch I won't be able to be like this. We will fight with full strength." 🇯🇵 MATCH PREVIEW: Kobe’s searing heat 🔥 and a warm 🔵🔴 reunion with @andresiniesta8, @guaje7villa and @SergiSamper! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Bo644LO4o9 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 26, 2019 × The match comes after Chelsea defeated Barcelona 2-1 in their friendly in Saitama north of Tokyo earlier this week in a game that saw the unofficial debuts of World Cup-winning French striker Antoine Griezmann and former Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong. Manager Ernesto Valverde said he wanted to see the new arrivals getting used to playing with the team and hoped for a better result for Saturday's match. "I'm sure you saw the game the other day, in which they both played. I want them to play better than that with other players," he said. Defender Gerard Pique will not play on Saturday as a precaution due to discomfort in his left thigh, Valverde said. Iniesta's signing was viewed as a timely boost to the J-League, which once attracted luminaries such as Brazilian great Zico and former England striker Gary Lineker when it began in 1993 but has struggled to tempt marquee players in recent years.

Andres Iniesta ready for face-off against ex-team Barcelona

Antoine Griezmann on Monday said he couldn't wait&nbsp;to make his Barcelona debut and that his heart was with the team as he tries to move on from a sour exit from Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid.

Griezmann's ‎€120 million ($135 million) transfer was contested by Atletico, who insisted Barcelona should have paid a higher price for the World Cup-winning French striker.

But he told media in Tokyo,&nbsp;"I am very happy about the outcome of my transfer. I am very eager to play as soon as possible."

"I wish Atletico players all the best of luck. I am focused on giving my all so that Barca will deliver good results," he said in Spanish through a translator.

Barcelona's offer triggered Griezmann's release clause but Atletico said the Catalan club negotiated the deal before the buy-out price dropped from ‎€200 million at the start of July.

Atletico are reportedly planning to take their case to FIFA.

Griezmann voiced his appreciation for his time at Atletico and his strong relationship with their coach, Diego Simeone.

But the Frenchman said he was now committed to Barca.

"I am focused on fitting in among the Barcelona players. My heart is here with them," he said.

The Spanish giants will play a friendly against Chelsea on Tuesday, and on Saturday they face Japan's Vissel Kobe, who feature ex-Barca players Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Sergi Samper.

Antoine Griezmann on Monday said he couldn't wait to make his Barcelona debut and that his heart was with the team as he tries to move on from a sour exit from Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid.

Antoine Griezmann on Monday said he couldn't wait to make his Barcelona debut and that his heart was with the team as he tries to move on from a sour exit from Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid. Griezmann's ‎€120 million ($135 million) transfer was contested by Atletico, who insisted Barcelona should have paid a higher price for the World Cup-winning French striker. But he told media in Tokyo, "I am very happy about the outcome of my transfer. I am very eager to play as soon as possible." "I wish Atletico players all the best of luck. I am focused on giving my all so that Barca will deliver good results," he said in Spanish through a translator. Barcelona's offer triggered Griezmann's release clause but Atletico said the Catalan club negotiated the deal before the buy-out price dropped from ‎€200 million at the start of July. Atletico are reportedly planning to take their case to FIFA. Griezmann voiced his appreciation for his time at Atletico and his strong relationship with their coach, Diego Simeone. But the Frenchman said he was now committed to Barca. "I am focused on fitting in among the Barcelona players. My heart is here with them," he said. The Spanish giants will play a friendly against Chelsea on Tuesday, and on Saturday they face Japan's Vissel Kobe, who feature ex-Barca players Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Sergi Samper.

Antoine Griezmann says heart with Barca after ugly Atletico exit

Antoine Griezmann admitted on Sunday that he was moved to tears of happiness when his big-money move to Barcelona finally came through after a controversial exit from former club Atletico Madrid.

The World Cup winner is in Tokyo with Barca ahead of a clash with Chelsea on Tuesday after the La Liga giants shelled out 120 million euros ($135 million) to match his release clause amid a blistering row between the player and the two clubs.

"I called my father and I started crying with joy because the transfer was all done, it all was over," Griezmann said in an interview with sports daily Marca.

"I was with my friends, with my wife, with my children and it was an incredible moment."

The 28-year-old added he was targeting European glory with Barcelona after two humiliating exits for the Catalans from the Champions League in the last two years -- to Roma and Liverpool -- after throwing away commanding first-leg leads.

"If you ask the fans, they will tell you (they want to win) all three titles (La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey), and that goes for the players and the leaders too, and me too," he said.

"We have a team to win everything. It's difficult but we will have to work for it."

Shortly after Barca had announced the signing of Griezmann, Atletico complained they and the Frenchman had negotiated the deal before the buy-out price dropped from 200 million euros at the start of July, adding that they had already "begun appropriate procedures" to defend their "rights and legitimate interests".

Spanish media claim that Atletico will go to FIFA to argue that Barca owe them more than the fee they eventually paid earlier this month.

Griezmann almost signed with Barcelona a year ago but instead opted in June 2018 to sign a new five-year deal at the Wanda Metropolitano.

But in May this year he announced he would be leaving at the end of the season, with Atletico claiming he told them of a deal with Barca before a 3-0 defeat to Juventus which dumped them out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage.

Griezmann scored 133 goals in 257 appearances for Atletico since he joined them in 2014 from Basque club Real Sociedad, who scouted the attacker when he was just 14.

He helped Atletico lift the Europa League in 2018 and won the World Cup with France last year. He was top scorer at Euro 2016 despite hosts France losing in the final to Portugal.

Antoine Griezmann admitted on Sunday that he was moved to tears of happiness when his big-money move to Barcelona finally came through after a controversial exit from former club Atletico Madrid.

Antoine Griezmann admitted on Sunday that he was moved to tears of happiness when his big-money move to Barcelona finally came through after a controversial exit from former club Atletico Madrid. The World Cup winner is in Tokyo with Barca ahead of a clash with Chelsea on Tuesday after the La Liga giants shelled out 120 million euros ($135 million) to match his release clause amid a blistering row between the player and the two clubs. "I called my father and I started crying with joy because the transfer was all done, it all was over," Griezmann said in an interview with sports daily Marca. "I was with my friends, with my wife, with my children and it was an incredible moment." The 28-year-old added he was targeting European glory with Barcelona after two humiliating exits for the Catalans from the Champions League in the last two years -- to Roma and Liverpool -- after throwing away commanding first-leg leads. "If you ask the fans, they will tell you (they want to win) all three titles (La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey), and that goes for the players and the leaders too, and me too," he said. "We have a team to win everything. It's difficult but we will have to work for it." Shortly after Barca had announced the signing of Griezmann, Atletico complained they and the Frenchman had negotiated the deal before the buy-out price dropped from 200 million euros at the start of July, adding that they had already "begun appropriate procedures" to defend their "rights and legitimate interests". Spanish media claim that Atletico will go to FIFA to argue that Barca owe them more than the fee they eventually paid earlier this month. Griezmann almost signed with Barcelona a year ago but instead opted in June 2018 to sign a new five-year deal at the Wanda Metropolitano. But in May this year he announced he would be leaving at the end of the season, with Atletico claiming he told them of a deal with Barca before a 3-0 defeat to Juventus which dumped them out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage. Griezmann scored 133 goals in 257 appearances for Atletico since he joined them in 2014 from Basque club Real Sociedad, who scouted the attacker when he was just 14. He helped Atletico lift the Europa League in 2018 and won the World Cup with France last year. He was top scorer at Euro 2016 despite hosts France losing in the final to Portugal.

Antoine Griezmann 'cried with joy' at Barca move

Barcelona&nbsp;announced the signing of Antoine Griezmann on Friday for €120 million ($135 million), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-threaten-legal-action-as-barcelona-announce-antoine-griezmann-signing-235501">sparking a furious reaction from Atletico Madrid</a> over the amount the La Liga champions paid for the World Cup winner.

In a statement, Barca revealed they had paid the €120 million to activate the Frenchman's release clause, adding he would sign a five-year deal that included a "buyout clause of €800 million".

Griezmann almost signed for Barca 12 months ago, but instead opted to remain at Atletico, announcing his choice to stay in a documentary called "The Decision".

"When I was a boy, my dad taught me that trains don't come around just once," Griezmann said in a video posted on the&nbsp;Barcelona&nbsp;website on Friday.

"Now it's time to take on the challenge of a new destination.

"Finally, our paths cross. I'll defend the Barca colours with all my determination and commitment. It's our time. This is our path."

However, within minutes of&nbsp;Barcelona's announcement, Atletico said they believed "the amount paid is insufficient to meet the release clause as it is obvious that the agreement between the player and&nbsp;Barcelona&nbsp;had been concluded before the release clause dropped from €200 million&nbsp;to €120 million" at the start of the month.

They said Griezmann had gone to the headquarters of Spanish Football League (LFP) to "unilaterally" break his contract after Barca met the release clause, and added they had already "begun appropriate procedures" to defend their "rights and legitimate interests".

The announcement was the latest episode in a spat between the two clubs and Griezmann after the 28-year-old failed to show up for Atletico's pre-season gathering on Sunday following his announcement in May he would be leaving for an unnamed destination -- long-suspected to be&nbsp;Barcelona.

Last week Atletico accused&nbsp;Barcelona&nbsp;and Griezmann of a "lack of respect" after&nbsp;Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed the two clubs had held talks about the former Real Sociedad forward.

Replacement already signed

Atletico then claimed Griezmann had told the club he had struck a deal with&nbsp;Barcelona&nbsp;in March, just days before the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Juventus, which saw them dumped out by a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick after winning the first leg 2-0 in Madrid.

Griezmann joined Atletico in 2014 and has scored 133 goals in 257 appearances, lifting the Europa League in 2018.

He won the Golden Boot at Euro 2016 when France were beaten in the final on home soil by Portugal before helping to guide his country to World Cup glory in Russia last year.

The sale of Griezmann comes after Atletico stumped up a whopping €126 million to sign rising star Joao Felix from Benfica last week, making the 19-year-old one of the five most expensive players in history.

The fee was a record paid by the capital city club and the highest ever received by a Portuguese outfit, and the sale of Griezmann helps finance such a huge transfer for a young player.

Felix burst onto the scene last season, scoring 20 times and making 11 assists in all competitions for Benfica as they won the Primeira Liga and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

On Friday Atletico also unveiled Felix's former Benfica teammate Ivan Saponjic with the 20-year-old Serbian forward having signed a three-year deal with the Spanish club.

Barcelona announced the signing of Antoine Griezmann on Friday for €120 million ($135 million), sparking a furious reaction from Atletico Madrid over the amount the La Liga champions paid for the World Cup winner.

Barcelona announced the signing of Antoine Griezmann on Friday for €120 million ($135 million), sparking a furious reaction from Atletico Madrid over the amount the La Liga champions paid for the World Cup winner. In a statement, Barca revealed they had paid the €120 million to activate the Frenchman's release clause, adding he would sign a five-year deal that included a "buyout clause of €800 million". Griezmann almost signed for Barca 12 months ago, but instead opted to remain at Atletico, announcing his choice to stay in a documentary called "The Decision". "When I was a boy, my dad taught me that trains don't come around just once," Griezmann said in a video posted on the Barcelona website on Friday. "Now it's time to take on the challenge of a new destination. "Finally, our paths cross. I'll defend the Barca colours with all my determination and commitment. It's our time. This is our path." However, within minutes of Barcelona's announcement, Atletico said they believed "the amount paid is insufficient to meet the release clause as it is obvious that the agreement between the player and Barcelona had been concluded before the release clause dropped from €200 million to €120 million" at the start of the month. They said Griezmann had gone to the headquarters of Spanish Football League (LFP) to "unilaterally" break his contract after Barca met the release clause, and added they had already "begun appropriate procedures" to defend their "rights and legitimate interests". The announcement was the latest episode in a spat between the two clubs and Griezmann after the 28-year-old failed to show up for Atletico's pre-season gathering on Sunday following his announcement in May he would be leaving for an unnamed destination -- long-suspected to be Barcelona. Last week Atletico accused Barcelona and Griezmann of a "lack of respect" after Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed the two clubs had held talks about the former Real Sociedad forward. Replacement already signed Atletico then claimed Griezmann had told the club he had struck a deal with Barcelona in March, just days before the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Juventus, which saw them dumped out by a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick after winning the first leg 2-0 in Madrid. Griezmann joined Atletico in 2014 and has scored 133 goals in 257 appearances, lifting the Europa League in 2018. He won the Golden Boot at Euro 2016 when France were beaten in the final on home soil by Portugal before helping to guide his country to World Cup glory in Russia last year. The sale of Griezmann comes after Atletico stumped up a whopping €126 million to sign rising star Joao Felix from Benfica last week, making the 19-year-old one of the five most expensive players in history. The fee was a record paid by the capital city club and the highest ever received by a Portuguese outfit, and the sale of Griezmann helps finance such a huge transfer for a young player. Felix burst onto the scene last season, scoring 20 times and making 11 assists in all competitions for Benfica as they won the Primeira Liga and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League. On Friday Atletico also unveiled Felix's former Benfica teammate Ivan Saponjic with the 20-year-old Serbian forward having signed a three-year deal with the Spanish club.

Barcelona get Antoine Griezmann but Atletico contest €120 million fee

Neymar posted a video featuring himself in a Barcelona shirt on social media on Saturday, raising more speculation that the Paris St Germain forward might return to his former club, but his public relations company said he would show up in Paris on Monday.

The injured Neymar has been in his native Brazil supporting their victory over Peru in the Copa America final, missing pre-season training with PSG.

He joined PSG from Barcelona on a five-year deal for a world-record transfer fee of €222 million ($250.17 million) in 2017, but there has been recent talk of him returning to the Spanish club.

The 27-year-old prompted more speculation with a brief Instagram video, showing a black-and-white image of himself in a shirt with the badge of Barcelona and a quote from the Bible, which was widely reproduced on news websites.

The post led to much speculation about his intended message, with French newspaper L'Equipe saying: "Everyone will see in this ambiguous message a hidden announcement by the PSG striker of his return to his old club."

But his public relations company, in a statement carried on Brazilian websites, said, "After these events he will show up normally on July 15 as PSG had been informed weeks ago."

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu earlier this month confirmed reports that Neymar wanted to leave Parc des Princes, while admitting the Ligue 1 champions did not want to sell him, according to media reports.

PSG responded by saying they would sanction the Brazilian for missing the start of pre-season training last Monday, even though the player's father said Neymar's delayed return had been agreed in advance so he could be present for Brazil's victory in the Copa America.

Neymar's video also contained a Biblical passage in Portuguese, from the Book of Isaiah, that was apparently aimed at his critics.

It began: "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn."

Neymar posted a video featuring himself in a Barcelona shirt on social media on Saturday, raising more speculation that the Paris St Germain forward might return to his former club, but his public relations company said he would show up in Paris on Monday.

Neymar posted a video featuring himself in a Barcelona shirt on social media on Saturday, raising more speculation that the Paris St Germain forward might return to his former club, but his public relations company said he would show up in Paris on Monday. The injured Neymar has been in his native Brazil supporting their victory over Peru in the Copa America final, missing pre-season training with PSG. He joined PSG from Barcelona on a five-year deal for a world-record transfer fee of €222 million ($250.17 million) in 2017, but there has been recent talk of him returning to the Spanish club. The 27-year-old prompted more speculation with a brief Instagram video, showing a black-and-white image of himself in a shirt with the badge of Barcelona and a quote from the Bible, which was widely reproduced on news websites. The post led to much speculation about his intended message, with French newspaper L'Equipe saying: "Everyone will see in this ambiguous message a hidden announcement by the PSG striker of his return to his old club." But his public relations company, in a statement carried on Brazilian websites, said, "After these events he will show up normally on July 15 as PSG had been informed weeks ago." Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu earlier this month confirmed reports that Neymar wanted to leave Parc des Princes, while admitting the Ligue 1 champions did not want to sell him, according to media reports. PSG responded by saying they would sanction the Brazilian for missing the start of pre-season training last Monday, even though the player's father said Neymar's delayed return had been agreed in advance so he could be present for Brazil's victory in the Copa America. Neymar's video also contained a Biblical passage in Portuguese, from the Book of Isaiah, that was apparently aimed at his critics. It began: "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn."

Neymar raises new speculation about Barca with social media post

Spanish champions Barcelona announced the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-bag-griezmann-after-stumping-up-120-million-euros-235368">signing of striker&nbsp;Antoine&nbsp;Griezmann</a>&nbsp;on Friday for €120 million ($135 million) from a fuming Atletico Madrid, who said the Catalan club had not paid enough to trigger the player's release clause.

France forward&nbsp;Griezmann, 28, rejected a move to Barcelona last year but announced in May that he was leaving Atletico, where he has spent the last five seasons since signing from Real Sociedad in 2014.

Barca have been trying to lure&nbsp;Griezmann&nbsp;to the Nou Camp since November 2017, but the forward signed a new five-year deal with Atletico in June 2018 that had a €200 million buy-out clause, which dropped to €120 million on July 1 this year.

Atletico said that&nbsp;Griezmann's May 14 announcement that he was leaving the club is proof a deal had already been struck between the player and Barcelona before his buy-out clause dropped.

"Atletico Madrid considers that the deposited amount is insufficient to cover (Griezmann's) buyout clause, since it is obvious that the agreement between the player and FC Barcelona was closed before the clause was reduced from 200 million euros to 120 million euros," the club said in a statement.

"It was also prior to the date on which the clause was modified the communication that the player made on May 14 announcing his disassociation from the club.

"Atletico Madrid believes the termination of the contract happened before the end of the last season due to facts, acts and demonstrations made by the player, and therefore has already initiated procedures it has deemed appropriate to protect their rights and lawful interests."

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Barca's long-running pursuit of the Frenchman, who scored 133 goals in all competitions for Atletico, has been the worst-kept secret in Spanish football.

The champions announced his signing in a statement earlier on Friday, in which they revealed his new five-season contract included an €800 million buyout clause.

"FC Barcelona has paid the €120 million buyout clause to release&nbsp;Antoine&nbsp;Griezmann&nbsp;from Atletico Madrid," Barcelona said.

The capture of the France striker adds further firepower to a Barca strikeforce already containing Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez and could yet be bolstered further by the return of Neymar Jr.

Spanish media reports say the Brazil forward is keen to return to Barca and regrets leaving the club for Paris St Germain in 2017 for a world record €222 million.

Spanish champions Barcelona announced the signing of striker Antoine Griezmann on Friday for €120 million ($135 million) from a fuming Atletico Madrid, who said the Catalan club had not paid enough to trigger the player's release clause.

Spanish champions Barcelona announced the signing of striker Antoine Griezmann on Friday for €120 million ($135 million) from a fuming Atletico Madrid, who said the Catalan club had not paid enough to trigger the player's release clause. France forward Griezmann, 28, rejected a move to Barcelona last year but announced in May that he was leaving Atletico, where he has spent the last five seasons since signing from Real Sociedad in 2014. Barca have been trying to lure Griezmann to the Nou Camp since November 2017, but the forward signed a new five-year deal with Atletico in June 2018 that had a €200 million buy-out clause, which dropped to €120 million on July 1 this year. Atletico said that Griezmann's May 14 announcement that he was leaving the club is proof a deal had already been struck between the player and Barcelona before his buy-out clause dropped. "Atletico Madrid considers that the deposited amount is insufficient to cover (Griezmann's) buyout clause, since it is obvious that the agreement between the player and FC Barcelona was closed before the clause was reduced from 200 million euros to 120 million euros," the club said in a statement. "It was also prior to the date on which the clause was modified the communication that the player made on May 14 announcing his disassociation from the club. "Atletico Madrid believes the termination of the contract happened before the end of the last season due to facts, acts and demonstrations made by the player, and therefore has already initiated procedures it has deemed appropriate to protect their rights and lawful interests." ✌️ Life is all about second chances. pic.twitter.com/5ArFiaP2ht — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 12, 2019 × Welcome, @AntoGriezmann 🤙 See you on the other side 😉 pic.twitter.com/UFYWwCJ2hx — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 12, 2019 × Barca's long-running pursuit of the Frenchman, who scored 133 goals in all competitions for Atletico, has been the worst-kept secret in Spanish football. The champions announced his signing in a statement earlier on Friday, in which they revealed his new five-season contract included an €800 million buyout clause. "FC Barcelona has paid the €120 million buyout clause to release Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid," Barcelona said. The capture of the France striker adds further firepower to a Barca strikeforce already containing Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez and could yet be bolstered further by the return of Neymar Jr. Spanish media reports say the Brazil forward is keen to return to Barca and regrets leaving the club for Paris St Germain in 2017 for a world record €222 million.

Atletico threaten legal action as Barcelona announce Antoine Griezmann signing

Brazilian superstar Neymar wants to return to Barcelona two years after quitting the club to join Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona's vice-president said Thursday.

"What is correct, at the current time, what I have read, what I have heard, which seems exact, is that Neymar wants to come back to Barcelona," Jordi Cardoner told a press conference at the Camp Nou.

But he stressed that Barcelona had made no contact so far with the world's most expensive footballer who joined the French champions for €222 million.

For the moment the club acknowledged Neymar's interest in returning to Barcelona but said there was no recruitment effort on their part to resign him.

"To say that Barca is working on recruiting Neymar, that is something I cannot agree with," Cardoner said.

"For the moment all that is happening -- and not only with Neymar -- is that a number of players would like to play for a great club like Barcelona. We will see what happens in timely fashion."&nbsp;

"We are currently working on the phase of deciding which players we will not be keeping on next season," said Cardoner.

"We are recruiting no-one at the moment, especially not this player (Neymar) with whom we have had no contact."&nbsp;

However, media reports indicated that intermediaries between PSG and Barca had hammered out the terms of the deal which would free the Brazilian star to return to Barcelona this summer.

According to other Spanish media reports this week, Neymar has offered to take a pay cut of €12 million a year to return to the club and Barca have reached a 'verbal agreement' to take him back.

The 27-year-old spent four years at Camp Nou, winning the Champions League in 2015 and two La Liga titles in a potent attacking trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Any return for Neymar would likely require Barca to raise funds through sales. Antoine Griezmann is expected to join from Atletico Madrid for €120 million while Frenkie de Jong has already signed for 75 million euros from Ajax.

The pay cut would see Neymar's salary clipped from around €36 million at PSG to the €24 million he received at Barca prior to his departure in 2017, according to the reports.&nbsp;

Brazilian superstar Neymar wants to return to Barcelona two years after quitting the club to join Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona's vice-president said Thursday. "What is correct, at the current time, what I have read, what I have heard, which seems exact, is that Neymar wants to come back to Barcelona," Jordi Cardoner told a press conference at the Camp Nou.

Brazilian superstar Neymar wants to return to Barcelona two years after quitting the club to join Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona's vice-president said Thursday. "What is correct, at the current time, what I have read, what I have heard, which seems exact, is that Neymar wants to come back to Barcelona," Jordi Cardoner told a press conference at the Camp Nou. But he stressed that Barcelona had made no contact so far with the world's most expensive footballer who joined the French champions for €222 million. For the moment the club acknowledged Neymar's interest in returning to Barcelona but said there was no recruitment effort on their part to resign him. "To say that Barca is working on recruiting Neymar, that is something I cannot agree with," Cardoner said. "For the moment all that is happening -- and not only with Neymar -- is that a number of players would like to play for a great club like Barcelona. We will see what happens in timely fashion." "We are currently working on the phase of deciding which players we will not be keeping on next season," said Cardoner. "We are recruiting no-one at the moment, especially not this player (Neymar) with whom we have had no contact." However, media reports indicated that intermediaries between PSG and Barca had hammered out the terms of the deal which would free the Brazilian star to return to Barcelona this summer. According to other Spanish media reports this week, Neymar has offered to take a pay cut of €12 million a year to return to the club and Barca have reached a 'verbal agreement' to take him back. The 27-year-old spent four years at Camp Nou, winning the Champions League in 2015 and two La Liga titles in a potent attacking trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Any return for Neymar would likely require Barca to raise funds through sales. Antoine Griezmann is expected to join from Atletico Madrid for €120 million while Frenkie de Jong has already signed for 75 million euros from Ajax. The pay cut would see Neymar's salary clipped from around €36 million at PSG to the €24 million he received at Barca prior to his departure in 2017, according to the reports.

Neymar wants Barcelona return, says club's vice-president

Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez has been named as the new manager of Al Sadd on a two-year deal, the Qatar Stars League champions announced on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Xavi, 39, made a record 767 appearances for Barca and 133 for Spain in his illustrious playing career before moving to the Qatari club in 2015 ahead of his transition into coaching.&nbsp;

He replaces Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira, who left Al Sadd after leading them to a 14th league title.&nbsp;

Coming through Barcelona's academy in 1998, Xavi soon became the heartbeat of the team's midfield, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns before joining Al Sadd.&nbsp;

Al Sadd confirmed Xavi will take charge of the pre-season training camp in Girona from July 14-29.&nbsp;

Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez has been named as the new manager of Al Sadd on a two-year deal, the Qatar Stars League champions announced on Tuesday.

Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez has been named as the new manager of Al Sadd on a two-year deal, the Qatar Stars League champions announced on Tuesday. Xavi, 39, made a record 767 appearances for Barca and 133 for Spain in his illustrious playing career before moving to the Qatari club in 2015 ahead of his transition into coaching. He replaces Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira, who left Al Sadd after leading them to a 14th league title. Coming through Barcelona's academy in 1998, Xavi soon became the heartbeat of the team's midfield, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns before joining Al Sadd. Al Sadd confirmed Xavi will take charge of the pre-season training camp in Girona from July 14-29.

Xavi Hernandez begins managerial career with Al Sadd

Lionel Messi has become the first player to win Europe's Golden Shoe award for three straight years after his nearest challenger Kylian Mbappe failed to score the four goals he needed in Paris St Germain's final league match of the season on Friday.

Messi earned the honour, which goes to the leading scorer in league matches in Europe's top divisions, for a record-extending sixth time after finding the net 36 times for Barcelona, while Mbappe ended the campaign on 33 goals after scoring PSG's only goal in a 3-1 loss at Stade de Reims.

While Messi's goal haul helped his side clinch the La Liga title last month the 31-year-old Argentine said earlier on Friday that he was not giving the Golden Shoe race much thought with the side still coming to terms with their Champions League semi-final elimination to Liverpool.

"I haven't been thinking about that prize at all, we are still coping with what happened against Liverpool and I'm not thinking about personal awards," Messi told a news conference ahead of Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Valencia.

Lionel Messi has become the first player to win Europe's Golden Shoe award for three straight years after his nearest challenger Kylian Mbappe failed to score the four goals he needed in Paris St Germain's final league match of the season on Friday.

Lionel Messi has become the first player to win Europe's Golden Shoe award for three straight years after his nearest challenger Kylian Mbappe failed to score the four goals he needed in Paris St Germain's final league match of the season on Friday. Messi earned the honour, which goes to the leading scorer in league matches in Europe's top divisions, for a record-extending sixth time after finding the net 36 times for Barcelona, while Mbappe ended the campaign on 33 goals after scoring PSG's only goal in a 3-1 loss at Stade de Reims. While Messi's goal haul helped his side clinch the La Liga title last month the 31-year-old Argentine said earlier on Friday that he was not giving the Golden Shoe race much thought with the side still coming to terms with their Champions League semi-final elimination to Liverpool. "I haven't been thinking about that prize at all, we are still coping with what happened against Liverpool and I'm not thinking about personal awards," Messi told a news conference ahead of Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Valencia.

Lionel Messi finishes Europe's top scorer for third straight year

Barcelona suffered from a mental block during the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool which knocked them out of the Champions League, having been scarred by the memory of a similar collapse to AS Roma last year, defender Gerard Pique has said.

Pique, who has won Europe's elite competition with Barca three times but not since 2015, described the semi-final second leg defeat which wiped out his side's 3-0 first-leg win as "a nightmare", saying it would take years to get over.

"You could see that the team just wasn't functioning, they were putting us under pressure and what had happened last year(against Roma) was very present in our minds," Pique said in an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais published on Friday.

"I'm sure it was a mental block, but we also didn't play good football. We lacked everything. They pressed us very high, they were very intense, and Anfield also played its role. We just couldn't cope, sometimes it happens."

Barca have romped to a second La Liga title in a row and could complete another successive double when they play Valencia in Saturday's Copa del Rey final.

But just as last season's 3-0 defeat at Roma after a 4-1 home win threatened to overshadow their campaign, Barca's failure to win what Lionel Messi called "that beautiful and desired trophy" has also had a terrible impact on the team.

Pique said his teammates had a sense of deja vu during the game at Anfield, which unfolded in a remarkably similar way to events at the Stadio Olimpico last year.

"I think on a mental level some of us were affected by what had happened in Rome, it was so recent. The first goal came very quickly, and suddenly the image of Rome appeared," Pique said, recalling Sadio Mane's goal in the 15th minute at Anfield.

"Then they scored two more goals in quick succession and it starts to look too similar to what happened a year ago. It was very tough, it has been very difficult to pull ourselves back up because the days go by and you can't forget this defeat.

"It's a slip up which is going to last a long time, but we need to take a step forward," Pique added.

"We cannot keep torturing ourselves. It was a nightmare and we have to deal with it because it could happen again.

"But we have to understand why it happened and let it help us in the future because we want to lift the Champions League again."

Barcelona suffered from a mental block during the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool which knocked them out of the Champions League, having been scarred by the memory of a similar collapse to AS Roma last year, defender Gerard Pique has said.

Barcelona suffered from a mental block during the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool which knocked them out of the Champions League, having been scarred by the memory of a similar collapse to AS Roma last year, defender Gerard Pique has said. Pique, who has won Europe's elite competition with Barca three times but not since 2015, described the semi-final second leg defeat which wiped out his side's 3-0 first-leg win as "a nightmare", saying it would take years to get over. "You could see that the team just wasn't functioning, they were putting us under pressure and what had happened last year(against Roma) was very present in our minds," Pique said in an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais published on Friday. "I'm sure it was a mental block, but we also didn't play good football. We lacked everything. They pressed us very high, they were very intense, and Anfield also played its role. We just couldn't cope, sometimes it happens." Barca have romped to a second La Liga title in a row and could complete another successive double when they play Valencia in Saturday's Copa del Rey final. But just as last season's 3-0 defeat at Roma after a 4-1 home win threatened to overshadow their campaign, Barca's failure to win what Lionel Messi called "that beautiful and desired trophy" has also had a terrible impact on the team. Pique said his teammates had a sense of deja vu during the game at Anfield, which unfolded in a remarkably similar way to events at the Stadio Olimpico last year. "I think on a mental level some of us were affected by what had happened in Rome, it was so recent. The first goal came very quickly, and suddenly the image of Rome appeared," Pique said, recalling Sadio Mane's goal in the 15th minute at Anfield. "Then they scored two more goals in quick succession and it starts to look too similar to what happened a year ago. It was very tough, it has been very difficult to pull ourselves back up because the days go by and you can't forget this defeat. "It's a slip up which is going to last a long time, but we need to take a step forward," Pique added. "We cannot keep torturing ourselves. It was a nightmare and we have to deal with it because it could happen again. "But we have to understand why it happened and let it help us in the future because we want to lift the Champions League again."

Barca haunted by ghosts of Rome in 'nightmare' loss to Liverpool: Gerard Pique

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been ruled out of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-enters-copa-del-rey-final-coutinho-scores-opener-32261&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjr54-4n7HiAhVQiHAKHXO0C4MQFjADegQIDRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2bP5vswHELvzRAu46tL1rb">Copa del Rey final</a> as he 'has discomfort in his right knee'&nbsp;and will continue to receive treatment.

"FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen still has discomfort in his right knee and will continue receiving treatment during the coming weeks and, thus, has been ruled out for the Saturday's Copa del Rey final," club's official website said in a statement.

In this season, the 27-year old has played in 49 games, including both legs of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Real Madrid.

Ter Stegen displayed a scintillating performance in the Copa del Rey's second leg semi-final as in he managed to maintain a clean sheet in the match.

Moreover, he played in 11 Champions League clashes and the Spanish Super Cup against Sevilla.

However, he missed three La Liga games as he featured in 35 games out of 38 La Liga games.

Barcelona will face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on May 26.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been ruled out of the Copa del Rey final as he 'has discomfort in his right knee' and will continue to receive treatment.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been ruled out of the Copa del Rey final as he 'has discomfort in his right knee' and will continue to receive treatment. "FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen still has discomfort in his right knee and will continue receiving treatment during the coming weeks and, thus, has been ruled out for the Saturday's Copa del Rey final," club's official website said in a statement. In this season, the 27-year old has played in 49 games, including both legs of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Real Madrid. Ter Stegen displayed a scintillating performance in the Copa del Rey's second leg semi-final as in he managed to maintain a clean sheet in the match. Moreover, he played in 11 Champions League clashes and the Spanish Super Cup against Sevilla. However, he missed three La Liga games as he featured in 35 games out of 38 La Liga games. Barcelona will face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on May 26.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to miss Copa del Rey final

France striker Antoine Griezmann will leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, the player said in a video released on the club's official Twitter account on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old did not reveal where he would be playing next but widespread reports in the Spanish media said he would be joining Barcelona, who he famously rejected last year before penning a new contract with Atletico until 2023.

World Cup winner Griezmann, who signed a new five-year contract last June, said he had told Atletico coach Diego Simeone and chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin of his decision and addressed the supporters in the video message.

"After speaking to Simeone and Miguel Angel and the club hierarchy I wanted to immediately tell you, the Atletico fans who have always given me a lot of love that I have taken the decision to leave, to see other things, to have other challenges," he said.

"The truth is it has been difficult to arrive to this point but I feel it's what I need to do, I want to thank you for all the support you have given me in these five years, where I won my first trophies",&nbsp;Griezmann said.

Griezmann rejected an offer from Barca last June, documenting his internal struggles about whether to make the move in a landmark documentary called 'The Decision', produced by Barcelona defender Gerard Pique's Kosmos production company.

The last contract he signed initially raised his release clause to 200 million euros ($224.06 million) but several media reports say that figure will drop to 120 million on July 1.&nbsp;

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. <a href="https://twitter.com/AntoGriezmann?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AntoGriezmann</a>: "These five years have been incredible. Thank you very much for everything, I carry you in my heart." <a href="https://t.co/uz1jwQj1Sg">pic.twitter.com/uz1jwQj1Sg</a>
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) <a href="https://twitter.com/atletienglish/status/1128405481809162241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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TOP SCORER

Griezmann, who joined Atletico from Real Sociedad for a reported 30 million euros in 2014, has been the team's top scorer in each of the five seasons he has been at the club.

He was Atletico's inspirational figure when they won the 2018 Europa League, scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Olympique Marseilles in the final, before helping them win the UEFA Super Cup. Griezmann also lifted the Spanish Super Cup in 2014.

He played in the 2016 Champions League final, which Atletico lost on penalties to Real Madrid, and was named as the third best player in the world at that year`s FIFA Ballon d`Or awards.

"I've had some incredible moments which I`ll always remember, I`ll always hold Atletico fans in my heart, it`s never easy to make a decision like this," added Griezmann.

"Many thanks for everything, I have really enjoyed myself in the last five years, I`ve given everything on the pitch and I`ve always tried to be a good person. I have tried to give lots of joy to the fans at the Wanda Metropolitano and to our fans at away games, many thanks from my heart and until next time",&nbsp;Griezmann said.

Griezmann is the latest high profile player to announce that he is leaving Atletico at the end of the season.&nbsp;

France defender Lucas Hernandez agreed to join Bayern Munich when they paid his 80-million euro release clause and long-serving captain Diego Godin`s contract is coming to an end.

France striker Antoine Griezmann will leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, the player said in a video released on the club's official Twitter account on Tuesday.

France striker Antoine Griezmann will leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, the player said in a video released on the club's official Twitter account on Tuesday. The 28-year-old did not reveal where he would be playing next but widespread reports in the Spanish media said he would be joining Barcelona, who he famously rejected last year before penning a new contract with Atletico until 2023. World Cup winner Griezmann, who signed a new five-year contract last June, said he had told Atletico coach Diego Simeone and chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin of his decision and addressed the supporters in the video message. "After speaking to Simeone and Miguel Angel and the club hierarchy I wanted to immediately tell you, the Atletico fans who have always given me a lot of love that I have taken the decision to leave, to see other things, to have other challenges," he said. "The truth is it has been difficult to arrive to this point but I feel it's what I need to do, I want to thank you for all the support you have given me in these five years, where I won my first trophies", Griezmann said. Griezmann rejected an offer from Barca last June, documenting his internal struggles about whether to make the move in a landmark documentary called 'The Decision', produced by Barcelona defender Gerard Pique's Kosmos production company. The last contract he signed initially raised his release clause to 200 million euros ($224.06 million) but several media reports say that figure will drop to 120 million on July 1. . @AntoGriezmann: "These five years have been incredible. Thank you very much for everything, I carry you in my heart." pic.twitter.com/uz1jwQj1Sg — Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 14, 2019 × TOP SCORER Griezmann, who joined Atletico from Real Sociedad for a reported 30 million euros in 2014, has been the team's top scorer in each of the five seasons he has been at the club. He was Atletico's inspirational figure when they won the 2018 Europa League, scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Olympique Marseilles in the final, before helping them win the UEFA Super Cup. Griezmann also lifted the Spanish Super Cup in 2014. He played in the 2016 Champions League final, which Atletico lost on penalties to Real Madrid, and was named as the third best player in the world at that year`s FIFA Ballon d`Or awards. "I've had some incredible moments which I`ll always remember, I`ll always hold Atletico fans in my heart, it`s never easy to make a decision like this," added Griezmann. "Many thanks for everything, I have really enjoyed myself in the last five years, I`ve given everything on the pitch and I`ve always tried to be a good person. I have tried to give lots of joy to the fans at the Wanda Metropolitano and to our fans at away games, many thanks from my heart and until next time", Griezmann said. Griezmann is the latest high profile player to announce that he is leaving Atletico at the end of the season. France defender Lucas Hernandez agreed to join Bayern Munich when they paid his 80-million euro release clause and long-serving captain Diego Godin`s contract is coming to an end.

Antoine Griezmann announces departure from Atletico Madrid at end of the season

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/over-reliance-on-messi-or-over-confidence-what-went-wrong-for-barcelona-against-liverpool-217025">Barcelona</a> president Josep Maria Bartomeu says coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ernesto-valverde-never-thought-about-resigning-218447">Ernesto Valverde</a> remains the right man to lead the club next season despite overseeing successive calamitous Champions League exits.

Valverde has signed a new contract with Barca until 2020 with the option of another season and has won back-to-back La Liga titles with the Catalans as well as taking his side to the Copa del Rey final, where they will face Valencia on May 25.

His position has come under scrutiny though after his side spurned a 3-0 lead over Liverpool by losing 4-0 at Anfield in a semi-final second leg.

The result felt even more painful after they threw away a three-goal lead over AS Roma to exit last year's competition.

"Valverde said it the other day, he has the support of the president and the board. He is the coach we want," Bartomeu told reporters at a book promotion on Thursday.

"This is a long-term project, he has a contract and we are very happy with him. We're already planning for next season, we've signed some players and after the final we'll have more discussions."

Bartomeu said the club was still reeling from the painful Champions League elimination but he emphasised the importance of winning the league title and urged the players to focus on beating Valencia in the Copa del Rey final.

"The first objective is always to win La Liga and then the Cup and Champions League. It has been a great season, we won the league with games to spare but we all want more," he added.

"Next up we have the Copa del Rey final and we go into after a very painful defeat, but now is the time to come to terms with it and get our spirit back."

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says coach Ernesto Valverde remains the right man to lead the club next season despite overseeing successive calamitous Champions League exits.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says coach Ernesto Valverde remains the right man to lead the club next season despite overseeing successive calamitous Champions League exits. Valverde has signed a new contract with Barca until 2020 with the option of another season and has won back-to-back La Liga titles with the Catalans as well as taking his side to the Copa del Rey final, where they will face Valencia on May 25. His position has come under scrutiny though after his side spurned a 3-0 lead over Liverpool by losing 4-0 at Anfield in a semi-final second leg. The result felt even more painful after they threw away a three-goal lead over AS Roma to exit last year's competition. "Valverde said it the other day, he has the support of the president and the board. He is the coach we want," Bartomeu told reporters at a book promotion on Thursday. "This is a long-term project, he has a contract and we are very happy with him. We're already planning for next season, we've signed some players and after the final we'll have more discussions." Bartomeu said the club was still reeling from the painful Champions League elimination but he emphasised the importance of winning the league title and urged the players to focus on beating Valencia in the Copa del Rey final. "The first objective is always to win La Liga and then the Cup and Champions League. It has been a great season, we won the league with games to spare but we all want more," he added. "Next up we have the Copa del Rey final and we go into after a very painful defeat, but now is the time to come to terms with it and get our spirit back."

Ernesto Valverde is the coach we want, says Barcelona president

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