**Official Football (Soccer) Thread"
- Thread starter ArsenalCannon357
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Here's a pretty good write up on that topic:
A word of caution, though: Although 21-year-old Neymar has scored 122 goals in his last 171 matches for Santos, and 19 in 31 matches for Brazil, he is likely to need a fair amount of time to adapt not only to the different demands of European football but also to the complex formation mechanisms at Barcelona.
Sure, great players eventually should be able to work together to enhance each other’s games, but such a process can take variable time according to the skills and willingness of the different individuals.
Inevitably, Cules would start comparing Neymar to other legendary Brazilians such as Ronaldinho, Romario or Rivaldo from the moment he signed a Barca contract – but I feel their situations were completely different because they had all been successful in Europe before arriving at the Camp Nou.
Patience would be a necessary virtue because insanely high expectations wouldn't help anybody. If, as predicted, El Mohicano ends up joining the Catalan giants, his main priority should be adapting to the team rather than trying to change already-successful routines in order to become the main attacking reference.
At Barcelona, most of the attacking play runs through a certain Lionel Messi. The need for an alternative up front has become increasingly obvious, and I couldn't be happier that the board seems prepared to invest heavily to fix the problem.
Unsurprisingly, some haters have already tried to argue that Messi isn't prepared to give up his goalscoring records to accommodate any newcomers, as though he has become some sort of mini-dictator in recent times. Those same 'experts' have also tried to tell the public that Neymar won't stand playing second fiddle to anybody.
Rubbish. Speaking to the media after losing the Club World Cup 4-0 to Barcelona, Neymar said: "Messi is the best player in the world. He is just incomparable, nobody can match him."
And the four-time Ballon d'Or winner returned the compliment recently, saying: "Neymar is an incredible player, full of dynamism and capable of unbalancing games. His arrival at Barcelona would be very important for us."
I’m looking forward to welcoming Neymar to the Camp Nou and witnessing the team improve as a result of his arrival.
http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/barcelona/id/1432?cc=5901
FC Barcelona @FCBarcelona 36m
.@Njr92, welcome to FC Barcelona!
Retweeted by Neymar Júnior
https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona
https://twitter.com/Njr92
This move has been hyped for a minute. It better work out or someones head will roll for this.
I know it takes time for players to transition too so with that being said Alexis Sanchez better start getting healthy and playing better.
i dont think he really fits in barca, he is more a real players. plus i dont necessary see why they would need neymar what barca needs is a strong striker with length in front. but you never know.
They had that with Zlatan but with Messi occupying the striker position and refusing to let go of it (TBF he has a case), such a striker or any other pure striker won't work at Barca.
Neymar is a talent but I also don't feel he fits with Barca. It will be interesting to see if Tito can instill in him Barca's 'virtues' while letting him be an individual and also will Neymar be able to curb his natural instincts, also how long will Neymar be prepared to play 2nd fiddle to Messi.
All of that won't matter on Fifa 14 though
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Gonna miss having him on the squad 
, but they better have a good idea what they plan to do with this defense because it needs work badly.
Eric Abidal to leave Barca
BARCELONA, Spain -- After coming back from a liver transplant to play again, Eric Abidal said goodbye to Barcelona on Thursday after six trophy-filled seasons.
Abidal, who will turn 34 in July, has one match left with the Spanish league champions but would have liked more.
"Football for me is a passion since I was a child," Abidal said at Camp Nou. "I don't see myself quitting now. I have made all this effort to come back to play football. My health is better now. When my body tells me to stop I will hang up the boots."
"I would have liked to keep on playing here," he added. "But the club sees it differently and I have to respect that."
Barcelona President Sandro Rosell said the door is open for Abidal to join the club's staff when he finishes his playing career.
"I am going, but I am sure that I will be back," Abidal said. "I have a very interesting offer from the club that I will have to think about."
Abidal thanked his family, teammates, coaches, and the team doctors and physical therapists that helped him through his medical issues. He battled back to play for Barcelona in April after a liver transplant last year following a bout with cancer in 2011.
He called his time with Barcelona the "most intense years of his life." He showed some tears during a video tribute the club dedicated to him. He then embraced and kissed the cheek of each of his teammates, coaches, doctors, staff and club board members before leaving the room.
Abidal said he wants to keep playing as long as his health allows, but that he had not received any offers from other clubs. He will wait until he finishes his contract until considering his next move.
Neither Rosell nor sports director Andoni Zubizarreta offered a clear explanation on why Abidal had not been offered a new contract. Zubizarreta even said that Abidal's recovery following the transplant of a piece of his cousin's liver had exceeded expectations. But with Barcelona's back line aging, it appears the club may be looking to overhaul its defense.
Abidal helped key Barcelona's most successful run in club history, winning 15 titles in his six seasons. The former France defender joined Barcelona from Lyon for the 2007-08 season. After going through a transition and adapting to Barcelona's passing style -- which requires its defenders to handle the ball under pressure -- he slowly became a top player and fan favorite.
Starting as a left back, Abidal ended his stint with Barcelona at center back and as one of its most reliable defenders and veteran leaders.
"A great player, teammate and above all an example to follow! I wish you all the best my friend!" Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who was present with the rest of the team, wrote on Twitter.
Besides two Champions League and four Spanish league titles, Abidal also helped the Catalan club win two Copa del Rey titles, two Club World Cups, two European Super Cups, and three Spanish Super Cups.
Abidal's last game is Saturday when Barcelona concludes league play against Malaga with the chance to equal a record of 100 points with a victory.
"The most important thing right now is my last game," Abidal said. "Let's see if my coach plays me and I can have some minutes
Abidal battled back to play for Barcelona in April after having a liver transplant last year following a bout with cancer in 2011.
The former France defender formed a key part in Barcelona's most successful run in club history, winning 15 titles in his six seasons at Camp Nou.
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1463978/barcelona-renew-eric-abidal-contract?cc=5901
, but they better have a good idea what they plan to do with this defense because it needs work badly.Eric Abidal to leave Barca
BARCELONA, Spain -- After coming back from a liver transplant to play again, Eric Abidal said goodbye to Barcelona on Thursday after six trophy-filled seasons.
Abidal, who will turn 34 in July, has one match left with the Spanish league champions but would have liked more.
"Football for me is a passion since I was a child," Abidal said at Camp Nou. "I don't see myself quitting now. I have made all this effort to come back to play football. My health is better now. When my body tells me to stop I will hang up the boots."
"I would have liked to keep on playing here," he added. "But the club sees it differently and I have to respect that."
Barcelona President Sandro Rosell said the door is open for Abidal to join the club's staff when he finishes his playing career.
"I am going, but I am sure that I will be back," Abidal said. "I have a very interesting offer from the club that I will have to think about."
Abidal thanked his family, teammates, coaches, and the team doctors and physical therapists that helped him through his medical issues. He battled back to play for Barcelona in April after a liver transplant last year following a bout with cancer in 2011.
He called his time with Barcelona the "most intense years of his life." He showed some tears during a video tribute the club dedicated to him. He then embraced and kissed the cheek of each of his teammates, coaches, doctors, staff and club board members before leaving the room.
Abidal said he wants to keep playing as long as his health allows, but that he had not received any offers from other clubs. He will wait until he finishes his contract until considering his next move.
Neither Rosell nor sports director Andoni Zubizarreta offered a clear explanation on why Abidal had not been offered a new contract. Zubizarreta even said that Abidal's recovery following the transplant of a piece of his cousin's liver had exceeded expectations. But with Barcelona's back line aging, it appears the club may be looking to overhaul its defense.
Abidal helped key Barcelona's most successful run in club history, winning 15 titles in his six seasons. The former France defender joined Barcelona from Lyon for the 2007-08 season. After going through a transition and adapting to Barcelona's passing style -- which requires its defenders to handle the ball under pressure -- he slowly became a top player and fan favorite.
Starting as a left back, Abidal ended his stint with Barcelona at center back and as one of its most reliable defenders and veteran leaders.
"A great player, teammate and above all an example to follow! I wish you all the best my friend!" Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who was present with the rest of the team, wrote on Twitter.
Besides two Champions League and four Spanish league titles, Abidal also helped the Catalan club win two Copa del Rey titles, two Club World Cups, two European Super Cups, and three Spanish Super Cups.
Abidal's last game is Saturday when Barcelona concludes league play against Malaga with the chance to equal a record of 100 points with a victory.
"The most important thing right now is my last game," Abidal said. "Let's see if my coach plays me and I can have some minutes
Abidal battled back to play for Barcelona in April after having a liver transplant last year following a bout with cancer in 2011.
The former France defender formed a key part in Barcelona's most successful run in club history, winning 15 titles in his six seasons at Camp Nou.
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1463978/barcelona-renew-eric-abidal-contract?cc=5901
No Abidal, no Keita = Barca will continue to struggle as the brunt of the defensive pressure falls consistently on the 2 CBs.
Mourinho 'signs' Chelsea deal
Jose Mourinho has signed a deal to become the new Chelsea manager, according to a report in the Sun.
Mourinho and Chelsea have appeared destined to reunite for some time, with the Portuguese repeatedly tantalising the media with comments about his future.
The already raging fire was fuelled when it was confirmed Mourinho would be leaving Real Madrid, since when he has gone somewhat quiet.
Mourinho was seen at Wembley watching the Championship play-off final between Crystal Palace and Watford on Monday and the Sun is claiming that during his recent visit to London he signed a contract to take charge of the Blues.
The report claims Mourinho has put his name to a four-year contract worth £40 million, with 'a senior Blues source' quoted as saying: "It's official Jose is a Chelsea man again!
"Everyone is delighted he's coming back - the club, the players and the fans.
"We are already looking forward to next season; we are sure it's going to be very exciting."
It is being claimed that Chelsea will unveil Mourinho as their new manager next week, following Madrid's final game of the season against Osasuna this weekend.
Chelsea fans will hope for similar success to when Mourinho was previously in charge of the Blues. He won six trophies between 2004 and 2007.
When contacted, Chelsea declined to comment on the report.
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/209678.html#WUI2iEvGmf8WoSJF.99
Jose Mourinho has signed a deal to become the new Chelsea manager, according to a report in the Sun.
Mourinho and Chelsea have appeared destined to reunite for some time, with the Portuguese repeatedly tantalising the media with comments about his future.
The already raging fire was fuelled when it was confirmed Mourinho would be leaving Real Madrid, since when he has gone somewhat quiet.
Mourinho was seen at Wembley watching the Championship play-off final between Crystal Palace and Watford on Monday and the Sun is claiming that during his recent visit to London he signed a contract to take charge of the Blues.
The report claims Mourinho has put his name to a four-year contract worth £40 million, with 'a senior Blues source' quoted as saying: "It's official Jose is a Chelsea man again!
"Everyone is delighted he's coming back - the club, the players and the fans.
"We are already looking forward to next season; we are sure it's going to be very exciting."
It is being claimed that Chelsea will unveil Mourinho as their new manager next week, following Madrid's final game of the season against Osasuna this weekend.
Chelsea fans will hope for similar success to when Mourinho was previously in charge of the Blues. He won six trophies between 2004 and 2007.
When contacted, Chelsea declined to comment on the report.
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/209678.html#WUI2iEvGmf8WoSJF.99
Man AVB and Mourinho are like a crazy ass marriage. Either way I am getting excited for next year.
On a side note the US got wrecked by Belgium. I wonder if it is time for Jurgen to be on the hot seat. I just don't see them improving that much. Interested to see if Stu Holden has something in him wish him the best.
I want to see more of Adu and Holden. Those two, alongside a fit Donovan would be able to create for Jozy.
As for the other night, our back line was atrocious. I'm a Maryland homer but even I couldn't defend Gonzalez's performance. Just flat out bad. The difference of quality was definitely on display. Hope he learns from it.
They had that with Zlatan but with Messi occupying the striker position and refusing to let go of it (TBF he has a case), such a striker or any other pure striker won't work at Barca.
Neymar is a talent but I also don't feel he fits with Barca. It will be interesting to see if Tito can instill in him Barca's 'virtues' while letting him be an individual and also will Neymar be able to curb his natural instincts, also how long will Neymar be prepared to play 2nd fiddle to Messi.
All of that won't matter on Fifa 14 though
or eto'o. thing is the striker can be a pinch sitter . when things dont go their way. the match against celtic was prove that they need a strier thats good in the air.
Monaco signs Radamel Falcao
PARIS -- Monaco's spending spree moved up a gear when it agreed to sign Colombian striker Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid on a five-year deal on Friday, establishing Monaco as a major challenger to French champion Paris Saint-Germain next season and a potential force in Europe.
The club announced the agreement on its website. No financial details were given by either club, but the cost of the transfer is estimated at 50 million euros to 60 million euros ($65 million to $78 million), with an annual salary of 14 million euros ($18.2 million) -- putting the 27-year-old level on wages with Paris Saint-Germain star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Last week, Monaco signed Portugal midfielder Joao Moutinho and Colombia international James Rodriguez from FC Porto for a combined 70 million euros ($91.2 million).
"We are very happy that Radamel Falcao has chosen the challenge with Monaco for the future," Monaco president and billionaire owner Dmitry Rybolovlev said. "It's an honor to be able to count one of the best players in the world" in our team.
Falcao has scored 52 league goals in the past two seasons for Atletico. He recently helped the club win the Copa del Rey, beating Real Madrid 2-1 on its crosstown rival's home soil.
"I'm eager to start this challenge! I count on you support!" Falcao said on his Twitter account.
Monaco was promoted to the top flight in France after winning the second division this season. Falcao has already made his mark at Monaco's Stade Louis II stadium -- a hat trick in a 4-1 win against Chelsea in the European Supercup.
Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho has also joined from Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Monaco sporting director Vadim Vasilyev said Thursday that there is no clause to sell Falcao to Real Madrid after one season, despite media reports claiming such a deal is in place.
"Is there are a clause with Real Madrid? No, if we signed Falcao for a year, it would serve no purpose," Vasilyev said on RMC radio. "There is no clause (agreement) with Real Madrid, I can confirm that."
PSG, which is owned by Qatari backers QSI, has spent nearly 260 million euros ($338.8 million) on players in the past two seasons -- but Monaco's spending power combined with lucrative tax breaks makes the club a massive lure to players.
Left back Eric Abidal has also been linked with a move to Monaco. He announced on Thursday that he is leaving Barcelona.
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1465175/monaco-atletico-madrid-strike-deal-radamel-falcao?cc=5901
Monaco signs Radamel Falcao
PARIS -- Monaco's spending spree moved up a gear when it agreed to sign Colombian striker Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid on a five-year deal on Friday, establishing Monaco as a major challenger to French champion Paris Saint-Germain next season and a potential force in Europe.
The club announced the agreement on its website. No financial details were given by either club, but the cost of the transfer is estimated at 50 million euros to 60 million euros ($65 million to $78 million), with an annual salary of 14 million euros ($18.2 million) -- putting the 27-year-old level on wages with Paris Saint-Germain star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Last week, Monaco signed Portugal midfielder Joao Moutinho and Colombia international James Rodriguez from FC Porto for a combined 70 million euros ($91.2 million).
"We are very happy that Radamel Falcao has chosen the challenge with Monaco for the future," Monaco president and billionaire owner Dmitry Rybolovlev said. "It's an honor to be able to count one of the best players in the world" in our team.
Falcao has scored 52 league goals in the past two seasons for Atletico. He recently helped the club win the Copa del Rey, beating Real Madrid 2-1 on its crosstown rival's home soil.
"I'm eager to start this challenge! I count on you support!" Falcao said on his Twitter account.
Monaco was promoted to the top flight in France after winning the second division this season. Falcao has already made his mark at Monaco's Stade Louis II stadium -- a hat trick in a 4-1 win against Chelsea in the European Supercup.
Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho has also joined from Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Monaco sporting director Vadim Vasilyev said Thursday that there is no clause to sell Falcao to Real Madrid after one season, despite media reports claiming such a deal is in place.
"Is there are a clause with Real Madrid? No, if we signed Falcao for a year, it would serve no purpose," Vasilyev said on RMC radio. "There is no clause (agreement) with Real Madrid, I can confirm that."
PSG, which is owned by Qatari backers QSI, has spent nearly 260 million euros ($338.8 million) on players in the past two seasons -- but Monaco's spending power combined with lucrative tax breaks makes the club a massive lure to players.
Left back Eric Abidal has also been linked with a move to Monaco. He announced on Thursday that he is leaving Barcelona.
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1465175/monaco-atletico-madrid-strike-deal-radamel-falcao?cc=5901
Best news of the day! Keep his ass away from Chelsea and Shitty.
lol we dont need him we got lukaku. if he gets the chance that is. lol at shitty
Classy sendoff. Nicely done, Barca!
So mad I missed that match. Thought they were playing on Sunday instead of Saturday and my phone didn't even indicate me that the game was going on yesterday. Then I see the score line and was pissed....wanted to see his send off.
But yes it was nicely done and he deserved. He was purly a class player.
Have to search for a video of the post-match festivities later
But yes it was nicely done and he deserved. He was purly a class player.
Have to search for a video of the post-match festivities later
The U.S. nearly blew a 3 goal lead against Germany.
It wasn't a great advert for his talent
What is? He's had excuses made for him left, right and sideways. Eventually he's gonna have to show something.
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They gonna be fun to play with in FIFA and everyone in there mom will use them on there. However, I think that Defense needs to get shored up.
yea.. they must improve defensively if they want a shot at a Champions League title. Pique needs help!
Monaco signs Radamel Falcao
PARIS -- Monaco's spending spree moved up a gear when it agreed to sign Colombian striker Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid on a five-year deal on Friday, establishing Monaco as a major challenger to French champion Paris Saint-Germain next season and a potential force in Europe.
The club announced the agreement on its website. No financial details were given by either club, but the cost of the transfer is estimated at 50 million euros to 60 million euros ($65 million to $78 million), with an annual salary of 14 million euros ($18.2 million) -- putting the 27-year-old level on wages with Paris Saint-Germain star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Last week, Monaco signed Portugal midfielder Joao Moutinho and Colombia international James Rodriguez from FC Porto for a combined 70 million euros ($91.2 million).
"We are very happy that Radamel Falcao has chosen the challenge with Monaco for the future," Monaco president and billionaire owner Dmitry Rybolovlev said. "It's an honor to be able to count one of the best players in the world" in our team.
Falcao has scored 52 league goals in the past two seasons for Atletico. He recently helped the club win the Copa del Rey, beating Real Madrid 2-1 on its crosstown rival's home soil.
"I'm eager to start this challenge! I count on you support!" Falcao said on his Twitter account.
Monaco was promoted to the top flight in France after winning the second division this season. Falcao has already made his mark at Monaco's Stade Louis II stadium -- a hat trick in a 4-1 win against Chelsea in the European Supercup.
Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho has also joined from Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Monaco sporting director Vadim Vasilyev said Thursday that there is no clause to sell Falcao to Real Madrid after one season, despite media reports claiming such a deal is in place.
"Is there are a clause with Real Madrid? No, if we signed Falcao for a year, it would serve no purpose," Vasilyev said on RMC radio. "There is no clause (agreement) with Real Madrid, I can confirm that."
PSG, which is owned by Qatari backers QSI, has spent nearly 260 million euros ($338.8 million) on players in the past two seasons -- but Monaco's spending power combined with lucrative tax breaks makes the club a massive lure to players.
Left back Eric Abidal has also been linked with a move to Monaco. He announced on Thursday that he is leaving Barcelona.
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1465175/monaco-atletico-madrid-strike-deal-radamel-falcao?cc=5901
Monaco is stacking their team. I'm an Arsenal fan but I like what they are doing
chelsea for me still. i think neymar is just a player like messi good at the club but wack if he plays for his country
Marca is reporting that Mourinho is open to getting rid of Mata.
nah what he needs to do is find a RB AND A LB and train lukaku to become the next drogba. we also need good DM
nah what he needs to do is find a RB AND A LB and train lukaku to become the next drogba. we also need good DM
Torres as well, but that really didn't need mentioning, Lol.
lol u notice i didnt mention that wack ass fool. he needs to go asap. man what i do hate bout chelsea is they playing around too much. they have de bruyne but they still want to sell him he is a good player. chelsea dont like giving the youth chances. lukaku is good i hope the give him a chance
Messi could face prison time, says lawyer
http://nl.soccerway.com/news/2013/June/13/messi-could-face-prison-time-says-lawyer/n232312/
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