Messi: Ronaldo deserved Ballon d'Or

Lionel Messi said injuries had not helped his bid for the 2013 Ballon d'Or award but felt that Cristiano Ronaldo had been a deserving winner of the prize. Messi had won every edition of the FIFA Ballon d'Or since its 2010 foundation before Ronaldo ended his run on Monday, but the Barcelona star told AS that he had no complaints over the Real Madrid man's triumph. "I want to congratulate Cristiano because he was the winner and deserved it," Messi, who also claimed the original Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2009, said. Human touch Cristiano Ronaldo was reduced to tears after winning the Ballon d'Or © Getty Images Let football celebrate not just Cristiano Ronaldo the player, but Cristiano Ronaldo the person for his firmly deserved Ballon d'Or win, writes Rob Train. Read the full piece here Ronaldo cried on stage after finishing ahead of Messi and Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, and Messi said: "[His tears] were normal, it is a very emotional moment. "I have nothing to say. I believe it was a good year for the three players, and that is why we were the three who were there. I have nothing to complain about, nor any excuses to make. It is a pleasure [just] to be here for a seventh consecutive year. It is very nice." Asked if the result might have been different had he not been hampered by thigh muscle injuries for most of 2013, Messi said: "I do not know if it would have been different without the injuries. "I was a long time out, that is true. I did not arrive in good condition for the semi-finals of the Champions League, and this season I was injured as soon as the season began, but that has nothing to do with it. Cristiano deserved to win. "It was a difficult year. Not just for the injuries, but for the things said about me and my family. I hope I can enjoy my football in 2014." Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/273787.html#Ewx3JS7otGIvg2io.99

‘We feel better with Messi’

NEWS Tuesday January 7 2014 Delicious Digg StumbleUpon Reddit Facebook Twitter Google Yahoo Buzz Up! LinkedIn ‘We feel better with Messi’ By Football Espana staff Barcelona Coach Gerardo Martino has welcomed the return to fitness of Lionel Messi ahead of facing Getafe in the Copa del Rey. Messi hasn’t played since November 10 after tearing his hamstring against Real Betis, and Martino told a Press conference that having him back available is a boost to everyone at the club. “We are happy for him,” Martino commented today. “And I am particularly happy because we have all the players fit and they're all good. “I have spoken to Leo and he says he’s ready to play. “He’s done his training and now what he has to do is play a match. “But with injuries, you first have to get over them physically, and then you have to get over them mentally”. Martino went on to deny that the return of Messi poses problems for his team selection after the good form of Alexis Sanchez and Pedro. “Imagine the problem for the other Coaches who don’t have these players. “We all feel better, more in the mood, with Messi. “It would have been worse if we were desperate for him to return. He can now be reinstated without too much pressure.” Nevertheless Martino conceded that he would be delighted for Messi to score a repeat of his famous Maradona-esque goal against Getafe in the same competition. “Messi scores great goals in every game. I hope he does another one like that.” Martino also warned against taking Getafe lightly, pointing to the team’s experience earlier in the season against the same opposition. The Madrid side took a two-goal lead before Barca rallied with five in reply. “We have to focus on this match. There is no room for error in the Copa del Rey. We want to stay in the cup and so we have to win.We still have Thursday and Friday to worry about Atletico Madrid “We play the game like the last 70 minutes at Getafe and avoid those first 20. It was an isolated incident. “ Martino confirmed Jose Pinto will continue in goal but is missing a trio of players - Marc Bartra, Xavi Hernandez and Dani Alves. “Bartra got hurt but tests didn’t detect anything wrong, but it’s best not to risk things. “Instinct tells me that we should be cautious. It’s a similar thing with Xavi, with the soleus trouble he’s been having since last season. “I haven’t spoken to Alves, but he hasn’t looked right to me since he came back with flu. He needs a few more training sessions.” Play the world's most challenging Fantasy Football Game by building your Team from Europe's best 5 leagues. Pick your favourite stars including Luis Suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to compete against friends.

Messi News

Messi Latest News Bleacher Report - Real Madrid Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms He Will Attend Ballon d'Or Ceremony 07/01/2014 07:46 Latest News on One News Page - Top Headlines Lionel Messi Cleared To Play After 2 Months Out 07/01/2014 06:44 Sport news, comment and results | theguardian.com Lionel Messi given all-clear by medics and included in Barcelona squad 07/01/2014 06:34 Latest News on One News Page - Top Headlines Lionel Messi cleared to play after 2 months 07/01/2014 06:04 BBC Sport - Football Messi in line for Barcelona comeback 07/01/2014 05:33 Goal.com News - English - India Messi makes Barcelona squad for Getafe clash, confirms Martino 07/01/2014 05:23 FIFA.com - Latest News Messi set for Barça return against Getafe 07/01/2014 05:13 FIFA.com - Latest News Messi set for Barça return against Elche 07/01/2014 05:13 Sport news, comment and results | theguardian.com Real Madrid 3-0 Celta Vigo | La Liga match report 06/01/2014 14:18 Sport news, comment and results | theguardian.com Cristiano Ronaldo starts new year with 400th goal in Real Madrid win 06/01/2014 14:18 Sport news, comment and results | theguardian.com Valencia's Juan Antonio Pizzi brings intensity as billionaire waits in wings | Sid Lowe 06/01/2014 08:38 Bleacher Report - Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo Must Lead by Example as Real Madrid Resume Title Challenge 06/01/2014 07:01 Goal.com News - English - India Tata's test: Which Barcelona star makes way for Messi? 06/01/2014 02:00 Tribal Football - Football & Soccer News, Scores & Results PSG, Man City in frame as boffin claims mystery club "willing to pay €400M for Messi" 06/01/2014 00:45 FIFA.com - Latest News Martino not prepared to rush Messi back 05/01/2014 18:22 FIFA.com - Latest News Martino not prepared to rush Messi return 05/01/2014 18:22 Sport news, comment and results | theguardian.com Barcelona 4-0 Elche | La Liga match report 05/01/2014 14:47 Goal.com News - English - India Messi may miss Atletico clash, says Martino 05/01/2014 13:39 Goal.com News - English - India Messi may return for Atletico clash, says Martino 05/01/2014 12:09 Goal.com News - English - India Alexis: I will not challenge Messi over free kicks 05/01/2014 11:37 Latest News on One News Page - Top Headlines Lionel Messi's transfer value estimated at whopping 331 million pounds 05/01/2014 10:04 Goal.com News - English - India Barcelona 4-0 Elche: Alexis treble secures emphatic win 05/01/2014 09:52 BBC Sport - Football Barcelona v Elche 04/01/2014 12:08 Sport news, comment and results | theguardian.com London Irish 22-9 Worcester Warriors | Aviva Premiership match report 04/01/2014 11:08 Lionel-Messi.co.uk: The Number 1 Messi Fansite Preview of FC Barcelona v Elche 04/01/2014 10:18 Goal.com News - English - India Martino: Messi has the look of a killer 04/01/2014 05:34 FIFA.com - Latest News Iniesta: Messi's return is great news 04/01/2014 03:00 Goal.com News - English - India Barcelona-Elche Preview: Messi omitted, Valdes returns for Catalans 04/01/2014 02:00 Goal.com News - English - India Barcelona-Elche Preview: Messi ready to return for Liga leaders 04/01/2014 02:00 Goal.com News - English - India Alves: Ballon d'Or or not, Messi is the best 03/01/2014 20:30 Goal.com News - English - India Fit-again Messi: I feel great 03/01/2014 15:28 Latest News on One News Page - Top Headlines Tomb of ancient Egyptian beer brewer unearthed 03/01/2014 13:04 Goal.com News - English - India Barcelona can't rely on Messi, says Fabregas 03/01/2014 11:15 Sport news, comment and results | theguardian.com Giuseppe Rossi, the pint-sized package England have reason to fear | Richard Williams 03/01/2014 10:12 Goal.com News - English - India Three-goal Messi wows 12,000 fans in training return 03/01/2014 07:28 Goal.com News - English - India Four-goal Messi wows 12,000 fans in training return 03/01/2014 07:28 Bleacher Report - Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo Awarded Major Honour as 'Worldwide Symbol of Portugal' 03/01/2014 06:35 Goal.com News - English - India Maradona: Do not blame Messi if Argentina do not win World Cup 03/01/2014 03:35 Latest News on One News Page - Top Headlines Paris-Saint Germain planning £210m bid for Barcelona star Lionel Messi 02/01/2014 23:04 Lionel-Messi.co.uk: The Number 1 Lionel Messi Fansite Lionel Messi's Best Ever Team Mates 02/01/2014 17:05 Lionel-Messi.co.uk: The Number 1 Messi Fansite Lionel Messi’s Best Ever Team Mates 02/01/2014 17:05 Goal.com News - English - India Messi back in training with Barcelona 02/01/2014 13:19 Sport news, comment and results | theguardian.com Lionel Messi has flown back to Barcelona before match with Elche 02/01/2014 08:29 Sport news, comment and results | theguardian.com Solskjaer appointed as new manager of Cardiff City 02/01/2014 05:45 Goal.com News - English - India Messi to come back like a bull, says Fabregas 02/01/2014 05:33 Goal.com News - English - India Barcelona's success frustrates Real Madrid, claims Pique 02/01/2014 05:00 Sport news, comment and results | theguardian.com Lionel Messi has flown back to Barcelona ahead of match with Elche 02/01/2014 04:23 - Football RSS Feed Lionel Messi will be 'like a bull' when he returns for Barcelona, says Cesc Fabregas 02/01/2014 02:58 Lionel-Messi.co.uk: The Number 1 Messi Fansite Competition: Win A Barcelona Football 01/01/2014 12:04 Lionel-Messi.co.uk: The Number 1 Messi Fansite Video: Messi Scores From BEHIND The Goal 01/01/2014 07:01

Ozil: I do not fear Bale competition

The Germany international is confident that he will continue to be a key player at Santiago Bernabeu after the Welshman's arrival Ozil: I do not fear Bale competitionOzil has insisted that he does not have any problems with the imminent arrival of Gareth Bale at Real Madrid and is relishing the competition for places. Madrid are expected to complete the signing of the 24-year-old Tottenham star for a world record transfer fee of €100 million shortly and Ozil has made it clear that he will welcome the Welshman with open arms. "At Real Madrid, we are happy with every player who strengthens the team. That's why I do not have any problems with the signing of Bale," the Germany international was quoted as saying by Bild. "There's always competition for places when you play at a big club like Real Madrid. I know how to deal with it. I will never leave a club due to the stiff competition for places. "This is my fourth season at the club and I have always been a regular. I know exactly what I'm capable of. I feel the coach's faith and I have no doubt that I will be a regular again." Ozil, 24, then went on to discuss his long-term future at Madrid and stressed that he will at least stay at the Liga giants until the end of his current deal. "I can guarantee that I will fulfil my contract until 2016 here," he said. "Obviously, I don't know what will happen after that."

Juventus can trouble any team in Europe, says Pepe

The 30-year-old has little doubt that the Serie A champions can make an impact on the continent this season and has praised summer signing Carlos Tevez Simone Pepe is eagerly anticipating Thursday's Champions League draw in Monaco and believes that Juventus have what it takes to cause any team problems this season. The Serie A champions made it to the quarter-finals of the competition last year, where they were beaten by eventual winners Bayern Munich, and Pepe is hopeful of doing even better in 2013-14. "We’ve got the strength to give it a good go against anybody, even though there are clearly top teams such as Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid who have that little bit extra," Pepe told Juventus TV. "It will be tough against whoever we play in the Champions League." The midfielder then went on to discuss the signing of Carlos Tevez this summer and had nothing but praise for the Argentine. "He’s an extraordinary, complete player who can perform very well in any system. He’s immediately settled into the group." Tevez scored the only goal of the game in Juventus' Serie A opener against Sampdoria at the weekend. The draw for the Champions League group stage takes place in Monaco on Thursday at 17:45CET.

Víctor Valdés

Víctor Valdés i Arribas (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈbiktor βalˈdes aˈriβas]; born 14 January 1982) is a Spanish football goalkeeper who currently plays for FC Barcelona in La Liga. He is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Barcelona's history, having won a total of 19 trophies including five La Liga titles, three Champions League titles, and two Copa del Rey titles. He also has won the Zamora Trophy a record five times. He currently holds the club records as goalkeeper with most appearances in the league and in official competition, breaking Andoni Zubizarreta's records during the 2011–12 season. Before joining the full team in 2002–03 season, Valdés played for the youth teams and FC Barcelona B. Contents [hide] 1 Early career 2 Barcelona 3 International career 4 Career statistics 4.1 Club 4.2 International 5 Honours 5.1 Barcelona 5.2 Barcelona 5.3 Spain 5.4 Individual 5.5 Decorations 6 Personal life 7 See also 8 References 9 External links Early career[edit source | editbeta] Born in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, to José Manuel Valdés and Águeda Arribas and has two brothers, elder Ricardo and younger Álvaro, Valdés started his career with FC Barcelona's youth team when he joined from Peña Cinco Copas on 1 July 1992. But in September, he moved with his family to Tenerife and had to leave the club, rejoining only three years later. After returning, he made quick progress through the youth teams. Barcelona[edit source | editbeta] The early part of the 2002–03 season saw him play deputy to Argentine international Roberto Bonano. The arrival of Radomir Antić as the new manager saw regular first team opportunities for him. In the 2003–04 season, he emerged as first-choice goalkeeper, and in the 2004–05 season, he played in almost all of Barcelona's matches helping Barcelona to their first league title in six years. He also won the Zamora Trophy for the best goalkeeper in Spain. "For me, Valdes is the best in the world. When Barca need calm, he transmits that. He also has great capacity and handling." José Luis Chilavert, February 2012[1] In the 2005–06 season, he helped Barça to the double. He played a big part in Barça's 2005–06 title and in the final against Arsenal, he denied Thierry Henry twice from point-blank range. His efforts saw him singled out for praise from Frank Rijkaard. The "Zamora" title, however, eluded him as Valdés came third after Santiago Cañizares and the winner, José Manuel Pinto. Valdés playing for Barcelona during a match against Mallorca, 2007. On 17 June 2007, the last round in La Liga, Valdés matched a goalkeeping record held by Barcelona legend Andoni Zubizarreta; a record of starting, and never being substituted, in all 38 matches of the La Liga season.[2] Valdés set the Barcelona club record for not conceding a goal in European competition with a clean sheet against Rangers on 7 November 2007, which saw him re-write the Barça record books after not conceding a goal for 466 minutes. Valdés was beaten twice by Olympique Lyonnais' captain Juninho through a 45-yard free kick and a late penalty at the Stade de Gerland, ending his streak.[3] In the 2006–07 and 2007–08 seasons, however, Barça failed to win a major trophy. On 1 April 2008, Valdés made his 250th appearance for Barcelona. On 27 May 2009, Barcelona beat Manchester United 2–0 in the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final to complete an unprecedented Treble of La Liga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey. In the match, Valdés made two crucial saves from attempts by Cristiano Ronaldo in both halves. In the first half, he saved a long-range free kick, and in the second half, he saved the other from Ronaldo, coming from a tight angle following a low cross from Dimitar Berbatov. On 16 May 2010, Valdés won his fourth title as Barcelona clinched a second successive Spanish league title with Pep Guardiola's side, ending the season with 99 points.[4] "For me, the three best goalkeepers in the world are Casillas, Buffon, and Valdes." Bodo Illgner, February 2013[5] On 29 August 2011, Valdés played his 410th match with Barcelona and equaled Andoni Zubizarreta's record as Barcelona's goalkeeper with the most appearances.[6] On 31 May 2013, Valdés announced that he would not renew his contract, which expires at the end of the next summer, with Barcelona.[7] International career[edit source | editbeta] Valdés was a member of Spain's squad at both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012. On 16 August 2005, Valdés was called up for a friendly game against Uruguay, but he did not make a debut.[8] On 20 May 2010, he was included in Spain's final 23-man squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as the third-choice goalkeeper behind Iker Casillas and Pepe Reina respectively, wearing the No. 12 shirt.[9] On 3 June 2010, Valdés earned his first cap by starting in a friendly match between Spain and South Korea at Tivoli-Neu in Innsbruck, Austria. Coincidentally it was 10 years to the day since compatriot Iker Casillas made his debut for the national team.[10] In July 2010, he won the 2010 World Cup with Spain. He won his second cap in Spain's 1–1 draw against Mexico, coming on as a second-half substitute for Iker Casillas. Career statistics[edit source | editbeta] Club[edit source | editbeta] As of 28 August 2013.[11][12][13][14] Club Season League Cup Europe Other[15] Total Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Barcelona B 2000–01 14 — — — — — — — 14 — 2001–02[16] 43 — — — — — — — 43 — 2002–03 20 — — — — — — — 20 — Total 77 — — — — — — — 77 — Barcelona 2002–03 14 0 0 0 6 0 — — 20 0 2003–04 33 0 6 0 5 0 — — 44 0 2004–05 35 0 0 0 8 0 — — 43 0 2005–06 35 0 0 0 12 0 2 0 49 0 2006–07 38 0 0 0 8 0 4 0 50 0 2007–08 35 0 6 0 11 0 — — 52 0 2008–09 35 0 0 0 14 0 — — 49 0 2009–10 38 0 0 0 12 0 5 0 55 0 2010–11 32 0 0 0 11 0 1 0 44 0 2011–12 35 0 0 0 11 0 5 0 51 0 2012–13 31 0 0 0 11 0 2 0 44 0 2013–14 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 4 0 Total 363 0 12 0 109 0 21 0 505 0 Career totals 440 0 12 0 109 0 21 0 582 0 International[edit source | editbeta] [17] Spain national team Year Apps Goals 2010 3 0 2011 4 0 2012 3 0 2013 4 0 Total 14 0 Honours[edit source | editbeta] Barcelona[edit source | editbeta] Valdés celebrating with Barcelona teammates after winning the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup. Barcelona[edit source | editbeta] La Liga: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13 Copa del Rey: 2008–09, 2011–12; Runner-up 2010–11 Supercopa de España: 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013; Runner-up 2012 UEFA Champions League: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11 UEFA Super Cup: 2009, 2011; Runner-up 2006 FIFA Club World Cup: 2009, 2011; Runner-up 2006 Spain[edit source | editbeta] FIFA World Cup: 2010 UEFA European Football Championship: 2012 Individual[edit source | editbeta] Zamora Trophy: 2004–05, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12 ESM Team of the Year: 2010–11 La Liga Goalkeeper of the Year: 2010–11 Decorations[edit source | editbeta] Prince of Asturias Awards: 2010 Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit: 2011[18] Personal life[edit source | editbeta] Valdés has a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Yolanda Cardona. In 20 August 2009 Cardona gave birth to the couple's first child, son Dylan Valdés Cardona in Barcelona. His second child, Kai Valdés Cardona was born on 16 November 2012. See also[edit source | editbeta] List of one-club men References[edit source | editbeta] ^ [1] Público; 25 February 12; Accessed 25 February 2012 (Spanish) ^ "The long shadow of Zamora". FIFA. 13 September 2007. Retrieved 2 July 2009. ^ /futbol/temporada07-08/11/n071107102115.html "Valdés breaks European unbeaten record". FC Barcelona. 7 November 2007. Retrieved 23 December 2010. ^ "Barça clinch La Liga league title". BBC Sport. 16 May 2010. Retrieved 20 May 2010. ^ [2] Público; 14 February 13; Accessed 14 February 2013 (Spanish) ^ "Victor Valdes 'very proud' to equal Andoni Zubizarreta's record as goalkeeper with most Barcelona appearances". Goal.com. 30 August 2011. Retrieved 18 March 2012. ^ "Barcelona Goalkeeper Victor Valdes Says He Won’t Renew Contract". Bloomberg. 31 May 2013. Retrieved 31 May 2013. ^ Juan Ávila (16 de agosto de 2005). "Reina y Valdés cruzan sus caminos". ABC. ^ "Spain omit Marcos Senna from 2010 World Cup squad". BBC Sport. 20 May 2010. Retrieved 20 May 2010. ^ "Valdés debuts with Spain vs Korea Republic". Marca. 3 June 2010. Retrieved 3 June 2010. ^ Official site statistics ^ Transfermarkt player statistics ^ Historical issues of Mundo Deportivo ^ Statistical data ^ Includes other competitive competitions, including the Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup ^ Including the 2002 Segunda División B play-offs (6 caps) ^ "Víctor Valdés". National Football Teams. Retrieved 23 December 2010. ^ "Royal Order of Sporting Merit 2011".