BARCA the best! Man U sorrow!

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I updated my blog and had anything to say on the happenings in the world of the beautiful game.

Yesterday was historic moment in the history of "the Blaugrana", as FC Barcelona defeated Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome to emphatically become the first Spanish side to ever win the treble, having won the La Liga and the Copa del Rey earlier in the season and the Champions League a day ago.

I'm sure all Barca fans were thoroughly pleased with the team's performance as they dominated last year's previous winners Manchester United, who were tactically outplayed. They simply had no answer to Barcelona's midfield magicians, Iniesta and Xavi.The latter of whom was crowned man of the match. This game was definitely won in the midfield.

As a Barca supporter I embraced their philosophy as a fan and remained humble before the match yet confident in my team's ability to do damage to arrogant Manchester United and their fans. Before the game I heard a lot of boasting but after the result shear silence and disbelief from the Manchester faithful, it just goes to show that he who laughs best, laughs last!

Messi and Eto'o showed their class and all in all it was a pretty comfortable victory for the Catalans. I am a proud Barca supporter and I have to say yet again, FORCA BARCA!!!!! Champions of Spain and Europe 08-09.

Senna Named La Liga's Finest

One of the top sports magazines in Spain, Don Balón, has crowned Marcos Senna of Villarreal, La Liga's best player due to his performances last season.

This award is handed out to the best player of the season annually, since 1976 based on ratings given by journalist throughout the season.

The top ten players of the Liga for the 2007/2008 season are as follows:

1) Marcos Senna (Villarreal): 6.76
2) Agüero (Atlético): 6.75
3) Ibagaza (Mallorca): 6.75
4) Iniesta (Barcelona): 6.71
5) Daniel Alves (Sevilla): 6.68
6) Iker Casillas (Real Madrid): 6.68
7) Güiza (Mallorca): 6.57
8) Messi (Barcelona): 6.57
9) Coloccini (Deportivo): 6.53
10) Diego López (Villarreal): 6.50

Barca Targets Three, Robinho Makes Intentions Clear

With the transfer season winding down Barca are set to complete Pep Guardiola's squad with one last signing. A left-sided striker as a direct replacement for Ronaldinho.

The three names shortlisted are Robin Van Persie of Arsenal, Andrei Arshavin of Zenit St. Petersburg and Rodrigo Palacio of Boca Juniors.

Of the three Palacio's name has been mentioned quite often in the last couple of seasons even before Ronaldinho left the club. In the case of Arshavin, Tottenham Hotspur has left the race to sign him, as a deal collapsed due to Zenit's high price tag. Barca could now swoop for the talented Russian but it will cost them. Robin Van Persie is the least likely to arrive at the Nou Camp as he is one of Arsene Wenger's key players.

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In other reports Robinho has made his intentions clear about where he wants to play this coming season.

In an interview with EFE news agency, Robinho said,

"I dream of playing in the Premier League. Chelsea have a great squad, a great team, and they've made an offer that's great for both me and Real Madrid.

"I have nothing against my current team, to whom I'm very grateful, but at this point my goal is to leave here and I hope that everything will be resolved as soon as possible."

I have to say, I really don't blame Robinho for his comments, I know he said he has nothing against his current club but really and truly I believe he wants to leave due to Madrid's treatment of him over the summer, with the whole Cristino Ronaldo saga.

I don't understand how Real Madrid could not have their key player on the top of their priority list. Any wise team would secure the services of their best and then seek to sign others, but Madrid is a club who constantly makes stupid mistakes and they will pay for it this season, especially if Robinho leaves Madrid.

With all this said I tip Barca to win the Liga due to Madrid's incompetence over the summer and also because of Barca's wonderful overhaul. FORCA BARCA!!!!

If Robinho does go to Chelsea, I predict Chelsea to win the Premier League title, HANDS DOWN!!!

Zenit Drops Arshavin Price

Russian club Zenit St Petersburg has dropped the price of their talisman Andrei Arshavin.

Zenit were initially asking around 26 million euros for the player, but after both Barca and Tottenham dropped interest because of the high price tag, the club has now decided to drop the price. However the price is thought to be dropped primarily because of Arshavin going on strike and Zenit's poor performance in the league thus far.

Zenit has played 17 league games this season and sits in seventh place, 11 points behind league leaders Rubin Kazin. Club coach Dick Advocaat has indicated that Arshavin's case is affecting the performances of the team.

Arshavin himself expects everything to be settled this week and has stated that where he will move depends on one million dollars.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has stated that Arshavin is just one of the options considered as a replacement for Ronaldinho on the left side of attack, while Tottenham Hotspur coach, Juande Ramos, has been interested in the player throughout the transfer season and sees the player as the replacement for Robbie Keane who recently transfered to Liverpool.

Where will Arshavin go? Only time will tell.

Eto'o Set To Stay, As Guardiola Will Most Likely Name Him In Champions League Qualifier Against Wisla Krakow

Having been named in the list of players set to leave along with Deco and Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o looks set to stay at Barcelona.

Pep Guardiola has apparently made a complete turnaround in his view of the Cameroon international due to performances in the pre-season, where Eto'o finished top scorer in the team with 5 goals. As a result Pep is likely to name him in the Champions League qualifier against Wisla Krakow, thus securing his place in the squad.

Despite this news Eto'o is apparently unhappy with the situation and wants answers regarding his treatment over the summer. Hopefully the air is cleared and everything gets sorted out regarding this situation.

I have to say at the beginning of the transfer season when Pep made the announcement that Ronaldinho, Deco and Eto'o were no longer needed at the club, I was hoping that at least one of the three stayed. I'm happy to know that my wish looks likely to come through due to Eto'o still being at the club.