..::Football III::..

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Lucas extends PSG deal

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Lucas Moura has extended his contract with the club until the summer of 2019.

The Brazil international moved to the French capital in January 2013 and, after a slow season, has become a key figure in Laurent Blanc's side.After scoring eight goals in PSG's domestic treble-winning season, the club have moved to tie him down for another four years.

"I am very happy! For me, playing here is a source of great pride. I hope to continue helping my team win more and more trophies.

"My dream is to become a part of the club's history. I hope that we keep on winning and that, next season, we win the Champions League. That's the main aim now.

"This season has been magnificent, incredible. We have achieved something extraordinary, and I will never forget it. I am very proud to play for Paris Saint-Germain."

Club president Nasser Al Khelaifi added: "I think extending Lucas Moura's contract is a very significant moment. He is a forward whose technique and speed have thrilled our supporters since he joined us from Sao Paulo.

"Young players are very important for our project. Lucas has become a crowd favourite thanks to his talent and also his personality.

"I am very proud that this, with such a huge potential, will be sporting the club's colours in France and in Europe for a long time to come."

 

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Blind: Depay can be Man United's game-changer

Manchester United midfielder Daley Blind believes his Netherlands team-mate Memphis Depay will be a game-changer when he arrives at Old Trafford.

United agreed a €27.5 million deal with PSV to bring the winger to the Premier League this summer after he finished the campaign as Eredivisie's top scorer with 22 goals.

And Blind feels the 21-year-old has all the attributes to be a success with United due to his work rate as well as his ability on the field.

"He is a player who can change games,” he told United's official website.

"He has a great free-kick, a great dribble, a great shot.

"He’s young, talented and always wants to work hard. He always wants to better himself on the training pitch, that’s how I know him.

"I think he is quiet, but if he has something to say he will, if you know what I mean. Yes, he is very confident, but he is a good guy."

 

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Bartomeu: Winning the Champions League would be an honour

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says that the club's fifth Champions League title would be an honour for him.

The Catalans have already won La Liga and the Copa del Rey this season and can seal their second treble in just six years in Saturday's European final when they take on Juventus.Bartomeu is delighted with the progress Luis Enrique's side have made this season but is determined to add the final title in Berlin.

"Football is not easy and that's why I tell everyone that the double is spectacular," he told Cadena Ser."We've done a great job but the Champions League would be an honour.

"In 2011 I was vice-president and it was a final that everyone in the world will remember but this year, we have a slightly different team and I have the responsibility of being president."I want to see some of the best players in the world lifting the trophy."

Barca face a presidential election this summer but Bartomeu is refusing to name a date for the vote."There is no date for the elections. I don't want to talk about it until we finish the season. I don't fix the date."

The Camp Nou side meet Juve at 20.45CET on Saturday.

 

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The only way to stop Messi is to foul him and pray, says Materazzi

Former Italy defender Marco Materazzi has told Juventus that the only way to stop Lionel Messi in Saturday's Champions League final against Barcelona is to foul him.

The Argentine forward has been in supreme form since the turn of the year and scored a spectacular goal in the 3-1 Copa del Rey win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

And Materazzi, now coach of Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC, has come up with a novel way to prevent him from being devestating in the upcoming match in Berlin.

"In my opinion, you should pray and then commit a foul to stop him!" he told Goal.
"Messi makes the difference more than any other player. If Juventus are able to limit his actions then they have every chance."In any case, we are speaking about a final, a one-off game, so anything can happen."

Juve skipper Gianluigi Buffon has never won the European Cup but Materazzi feels that he does not need to add the trophy to his CV.

The World Cup winner added: "Buffon will forever remain one of the biggest names and all of his awards speak for themselves."

 

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Tuchel: I'll take Dortmund back to the top

Thomas Tuchel says he wants to build upon the foundations laid by Jurgen Klopp's during his spell at Borussia Dortmund and take the team back to the top of the Bundesliga.

The 47-year-old stood aside following a successful seven-year stint at the Westfalenstadion and was replaced by his fellow former Mainz boss
Tuchel has praised the coach who led BVB to two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final and feels that all the ingredients for a memorable period in the club's history are in place.

"Jurgen Klopp had seven unbelievably successful seasons here. We will now try to create a new chapter at a high level," he said at his unveiling."Klopp created a great foundation. We must build on that. I have a great desire to build and create my own image here.

"I'm overjoyed to be officially presented as Dortmund coach. I wanted to coach a top, traditional Bundesliga club."Dortmund are at the forefront of the German game but we have some ground to make up on the other teams and that is a challenge.

"It's extremely important that we rise to the challenge of making up that ground. It's about hard work, courage and tenacity. The top four need to constantly feel our presence "I want an atmosphere that is characterised by hard work, dedication and free of egoism. I know I can rely on and trust this club. That was an important factor in why I came here.

"There is a style of football here which is based on attacking and dominating play. I'm looking forward to seeing that."

 

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Benitez: I'm back home & I want trophies

New Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez broke down in tears after sealing a return to his "home".The former Napoli and Liverpool boss began his coaching career with Madrid's youth sides, before coaching a variety of teams in Spain and around Europe.

Following the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti, president Florentino Perez moved to bring him back to the Santiago Bernabeu and the 55-year-old is hoping to make a positive impact.

"It's an exciting day because I'm back home again," he said at his official unveiling.
"I hope to win titles and play well. This is the hardest part, when you have to speak but don't know what to say.

"It's a very exciting day for me. I promise to work with dedication. I hope we can repay the confidence placed in us."

Perez added: "The requirement in Madrid is always high and our new coach will make us stronger in our objectives, which are the dreams of Real Madrid."Rafa breathes football and Real Madrid. He works with passion for this sport. He is known for his brilliant preparation for matches and his great track record."

Blancos stars such as Pepe and Sergio Ramos have come to the defence of Ancelotti's record at the club and Benitez completely understands why the coach's former charges support him, while refusing to compare his planned style to the Italian's or Jose Mourinho's.

"Players should show their love for Carlo after what they've been through together," he added. "I talked with Ancelotti and I wished him the best.

"Mourinho's Madrid, or Ancelotti's Madrid? I like a Real Madrid that wins and plays well. I shouldn't try to be like other coaches, I'm thinking about the future."

 

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Terry backs Loftus-Cheek to bounce back

Chelsea captain John Terry has backed Ruben Loftus-Cheek to bounce back after the youngster was singled out for criticism by manager Jose Mourinho.

The 19-year-old midfielder claimed to have a back injury during the Blues' friendly victory over Sydney FC, but Mourinho felt the player was only struggling when the opposition had possession.

The Chelsea boss believes his relationship with Loftus-Cheek has taken "one step back", but Terry feels his team-mate can learn from the incident and kick on when he returns for pre-season.

"He's a young boy and he needs to take it on the chin," he told reporters. "If you want to get into this team you need to be very good and, secondly, you need to be mentally strong.

"The manager picks his times when he digs people out; that's part of his learning curve and he's got the off-season to think about that now.

"He's played a couple of games, come on a couple of times and started a couple of games late in the season, but for him to make that next step and become a regular, it doesn't happen easily. It's going to be hard work for him.

"We've all been there as players and you look for the people or friends around you, but more importantly it has to come from within him.

"He's a great boy, he's got unbelievable talent and he just needs to kick on now. I'm sure he will, but as captain I'll have a quiet word for sure."

 

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Bale set for Tottenham reunion as Real Madrid meet Spurs in Audi Cup

Tottenham will face Real Madrid before taking on either Bayern Munich or AC Milan after being confirmed as taking part in the summer's Audi Cup.

The competition takes place every two years at Bayern's Allianz Arena, with Manchester City reaching the final the last time it was played in 2013.

Spurs will begin their campaign with a semi-final against Real Madrid on August 4, with Gareth Bale set to come face-to-face with his former club for the first time.

Mauricio Pochettino's side will then take on either Bayern or Milan the following day, with the semi-final losers playing in a third-place play-off while the winners contest the final.

And Pochettino is excited at the prospect of taking on some of Europe's finest sides in the week leading up to the start of the Premier League season.

"The Audi Cup will provide us with a great opportunity to take on top-class opposition in a fantastic stadium," he told the club's official website.

"It will be a good test for our squad and I am sure our fans will enjoy this experience too.

"This competition will also form an important part of the final stages of our preparations with the Premier League season beginning just a few days later."

 

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Second place not good enough for Real Madrid, says Benitez

Rafael Benitez has promised that Real Madrid will not settle for second place any longer as his reign as head coach kicked off with his unveiling on Wednesday.
The Blancos have won La Liga just once in the past seven seasons, with Barcelona taking five titles and Atletico Madrid triumphing once in the other six campaigns.

Benitez - who has not been a particularly popular replacement for the well-liked, ousted Carlo Ancelotti - has every intention of changing their recent record to add to their 32 Liga titles after signing a three-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"The only thing that counts at this club is coming first - second is not good enough," he told reporters at his first press conference.

"At a big club, first is possible. At Napoli it was a different squad but we still managed to compete in three different competitions. Here, the next game is always the most important game.

"Real Madrid are expected to win every game and that will be our mindset."
When asked about the futures of Iker Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, Benitez repeatedly stressed he "didn't want to talk about individuals" on his first day.

However, the tactician did drop a hint that the likes of Ronaldo and other regular starters may have to settle for more matches on the bench while he is in charge of the playing squad."You have a spine to a side, but also you need to rest players sometimes," Benitez added. "What you have to do is use your players in the right way.

"This is the best squad I have ever coached. We will train to work with the ball 80 per cent of the time and without the ball 20%. Comparing the way I've coached at previous clubs is irrelevant.

"All of the players are great professionals, but our goal is to win with individual and collective quality; at the moment the focus is heavy on individual quality. One has to decide who plays depending on the match."

 

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Premier League return would 'delight' Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov admits he would be open to a return to the Premier League.

The 34-year-old is currently a free agent after being released by Monaco earlier this week, having joined in January 2014 and making over 50 appearances for the club.

Berbatov spent eight years in England with spells at Tottenham, Manchester United and Fulham and the striker, who has won the Premier League twice, insists he would welcome the opportunity to come back.

"It'll be a pleasure [to return to England]," Berbatov told reporters.

"I spent a long time in England and I keep very good memories. Everyone is watching the Premier League, and I'll be delighted to return.

"I feel good and I think I still have a lot to give to football."

Newly-promoted Bournemouth have been amongst the clubs linked with a move for the Bulgarian in recent weeks.

 

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Arsenal star Wilshere charged by FA over Tottenham 's***' taunts

Jack Wilshere has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association for foul-mouthed chants aimed at Tottenham during Arsenal's FA Cup celebrations on Sunday.

The England midfielder caused controversy as Arsenal toured north London in an open-top bus following their 4-0 win over Aston Villa in the final at Wembley.

Wilshere grabbed a microphone and addressed fans with the question: "What do you we think of Tottenham?"

The supporters responded with "s***", before Wilshere asked: "What do we think of s***?"

Fans replied with "Tottenham".

Wilshere received criticism for his actions but later apologised in a post on Twitter.

An FA statement read: "Jack Wilshere has been charged with misconduct in relation to Arsenal's FA Cup celebrations on Sunday 31 May 2015.

"It is alleged his conduct in making and/or inciting certain comments during the club's open bus trophy tour was improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.

"The player has until 6pm on 10 June 2015 to respond to the charge."

 

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Neymar: Dani Alves would have a new deal if I was Barcelona president

Neymar has claimed he would have given Dani Alves a new contract by now if he was Barcelona's president.

The right-back, 32, and the Catalans are engaged in what Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has called “a game” as the player awaits a proposal he likes from his current club.

Neymar, who has been team-mates at Camp Nou with Alves for two years and also played alongside the defender with Brazil, has given his backing to the player described by Lionel Messi as the best full-back on the planet.

"I hope that Dani Alves stays," the 23-year-old told Sky Sport. "If I was the president I would have renewed his contract already."

Ahead of Saturday's season climax in the Champions League final, Neymar has acknowledged the threat Juventus will pose "We know Juventus, we know they are a top team and they have not qualified for the final by chance," he continued. "It will be a difficult game and we will try to give the best version of ourselves."I think this will be the most difficult game of the whole season, but we want to make history and we are close to doing so.

"Head coach Luis Enrique has dedicated several days to studying our opponent and we are preparing for it in the best way possible.”He added: "If we win the Champions League, I will die my hair blonde!"

Neymar has scored 38 goals in 50 games for Luis Enrique's side this season, contributing to a new Spanish league record with his team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, leading to suggestions they are the best attacking trio of all-time.
"I don't know if with Messi and Luis Suarez we are the best trident, but we have entered into the history books and for me it is a great honour to be part of it," he said.

 

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'Benitez? Good luck to Madrid fans' - Materazzi

Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi has wished Real Madrid fans the best of luck with new coach Rafael Benitez.

The deposed European champions sacked Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season and the Napoli boss was confirmed as his successor on Wednesday, despite leading the San Paolo club to fifth in Serie A this term.

Materazzi, now coaching Chennaiyin FC in India, worked with the ex-Liverpool manager briefly at San Siro after the Spaniard replaced Jose Mourinho at Inter, and does not hold much optimism for his time at the Bernabeu."I expected Napoli to have an ordinary season," he told Goal.

"I was saying that even when it seemed that things were going well. He's going to Madrid, so good luck to him, but above all, good luck to Real Madrid supporters."

 

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Ozil honoured for charity work

Mesut Ozil has been named as a German Football Ambassador for his charity work.

The Public Prize is decided by a vote from fans and awarded by the German Foreign Ministry, who also recognised United States boss Jurgen Klinsmann and former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger.

"In my job, I can really make a difference in a few ways," Ozil told Deutsche Welle. "We are very privileged. People who know me will tell you: my goal is to help kids as much as possible.

"I've already talked to my team of helpers and we are going to use the prize money to help young burn victims in Africa. We've already set up a plan of how to do it."

It is not the first time Ozil's charity work has been recognised, with the Arsenal man presented with the Laureus Sport for Good award in November, 2014, for donations made after the World Cup.

The midfielder used his prize money from Germany's triumph last summer to help 23 Brazilian youngsters undergo surgery and Ozil remains committed to starting his own charity, named the Mesut Ozil Foundation.

He added: "I have been planning for a while to start a charity. I have helped children before with projects. Because I now have a good network I can help a lot more of them, faster.

"The main aim is that you give children a positive future. There are lots of kids out there who really can barely enjoy life. Our goal is just to make their lives a little nicer."

 

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Fellaini: My Man Utd future is to be a defensive midfielder


Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini insists his best position is as a defensive midfielder despite his impressive form this season in an attacking role.

Fellaini had a key role to play at United this season, making 26 Premier League appearances and scoring six goals to help Louis van Gaal's side to a top four finish.

The Belgian played mainly as an attacking midfielder under Van Gaal after he struggled to adapt in his first campaign following his €32 million transfer from Everton in 2013.

"Yes I see myself as a defensive midfielder, I feel comfortable playing there and if the manager decides he wants to play me there, I will," Fellaini told Goal on the set of a New Balance Football shoot.

"At the moment I play more up front, so it’s good for me.

"I score goals so in football it's important. I’m happy to play there and win some important games."

Fellaini, 27, was a regular starter in a United side that started slowly in Van Gaal's first season and picked up just 13 points from their first 10 league games of the campaign.

But the club managed to achieve their main target of a return to the Champions League next season, and Fellaini believes the players have now adapted to Van Gaal's methods.

"Now we know how we work, his philosophy, how we have to play, how we have to think. So that's why we won a lot of games in the last few months." Fellaini added.

 

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Defensive Midfielder role 1ka hodai Fellaini ta​

 

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Reus: I have no regrets over Borussia Dortmund renewal

Marco Reus has insisted that he has no regrets over his decision to sign a new contract with Borussia Dortmund earlier this season.

The 26-year-old was heavily linked with a transfer at the end of the 2014-15 campaign before he agreed a new deal until June 2019 back in February to end speculation about his future.

Reus has since been hit with the news that head coach Jurgen Klopp will not stay at the club, though, while influential midfielder Ilkay Gundogan will also move on.

Additionally, Dortmund failed to qualify for next term's Champions League after a disappointing season, but the versatile attacker is still confident he made the right call to sign the contract."I do not have any regrets," the former Borussia Monchengladbach star told Sport Bild.

"Why would I regret my decision to sign a new deal? I thought about it for a long time before I signed a new deal. I still feel exactly the same about it."

Reus netted seven goals in 20 Bundesliga appearances this term to help them to seventh place in the table, while also guiding BVB to the DFB-Pokal final, which they lost 3-1 to Wolfsburg.

 

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Pogba can define an era at Juventus, says Trezeguet

Former Juventus striker David Trezeguez says Paul Pogba should stay at the club and become a defining figure in their modern history.

The France international has been linked with a mega-money summer move to a number of Europe's top clubs, including Juve's Champions League final opponents Barcelona.

Trezeguet, however, believes the Serie A champions will construct a team around the midfielder for the coming years and thinks the 22-year-old would be best served staying put."Paul Pogba, in relation to his age, is impressive. He has technical qualities, speed and he is very well placed on the pitch. He has an exceptional level," he told RMC.

"In a short time, he showed his qualities. He became the most important player of the club. He also gained confidence. He is appreciated a lot by his team-mates. He is aware that he is at a club that protects him a lot and he can mark the club's history. The arrival of Patrice Evra helped him a lot through the advice he's given.
"I have not spoken to him about his future. We [Trezeguet and Juve directors] tried to leave him alone so he could heal after his injury. Now, he finds himself in the final of the Champions League. Things will be put in place after that.

"But he's aware that he's with a top-level club with great ambition, and we'll continue to progress from last season. We want to become the club we were before."My advice to him is to stay. He could mark the history of Juventus. The club can build around him and we are already working on it. He knows all that."

Trezeguet acknowledges Barcelona are favourites for Saturday's clash in Berlin but has backed Massimiliano Allegri to exploit the weaknesses within the Liga champions' set-up.

"We are aware that we're facing 'the team to beat', but we are also aware that we've shown our qualities during this season," said the former France striker.
"It'll be a tough game, but we know we will play hard to try to win the treble. Barca are favourites but, historically, we've often put Spanish teams in difficulty.

"We know that, against [Lionel] Messi and others, it will be very difficult. But we have a coach who works on all the details and we will try to take advantage of their weaknesses. There are not many, but they are there."Meanwhile, Barca transfer chief Ariedo Braida has refused to comment on any potential signings given that the clash is just three days away.

"I can't say anything right now, especially on the doorstep of the Champions League final," he told Sportalia. "It would be bad professionalism if I started talking now about transfers and players from an opponent."

 

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Icardi signs new Inter contract

Inter have announced that Mauro Icardi has signed a new contract with the club.
The 22-year-old has been in lethal form for the Nerazzurri this season and finished joint-top scorer in Serie A with Luca Toni on 22 goals.

Icardi had caught the attention of a number of sides across Europe following his displays, with Chelsea among those linked with a potential summer bid.Inter, however, had always been confident of securing a new long-term deal for the Argentine and have now confirmed he has agreed to new terms until 2019.

Head coach Roberto Mancini had expressed his eagerness to see Icardi commit his future to the club following his improvements in the past year."He's improved week after week," Mancini said after the 4-3 win against Empoli last weekend. "I would like him to stay and start afresh for next year."

Inter have also announced that goalkeeper Tommaso Berni has extended his stay with the club by another 12 months and will remain at San Siro until the end of June next year.

Roberto Mancini's men endured a frustrating campaign in 2014-15, failing to break into the top seven and secure a place in Europe next season.

 

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Xavi's goodbye to Barcelona: The full statement

Xavi has bid goodbye to Barcelona in an emotional farewell speech in which he thanked all of those who have helped him throughout his glittering career at Camp Nou.

The central midfielder, 35, will leave the Catalans after 24 years on the club's books following Saturday's Champions League final against Juventus in Berlin.
On Wednesday, Barca honoured him with a special goodbye and below is the full speech that Xavi gave flanked by president Josep Maria Bartomeu and long-time team-mate Andres Iniesta..."Many thanks to you all for being here," Xavi began.

"Firstly, I'd like to thank every single socio and fan of Barcelona, and everyone who has given me their affection lately. I am very grateful to everyone who has asked me to stay, to those who have chanted my name at Camp Nou, and to all of those who have thanked me, but the person who's really grateful is me.

"Thanks to Barcelona. I've been here for nearly 25 years since I was 11 years old, from Terrassa, as a child dreaming of being a footballer. Not in my wildest of my dreams could I have imagined what I have lived through here at Barcelona. I have been and I am immensely happy.

"I only have words of thanks to all the coaches that I had in the youth teams. From the first, like Asensi or Manolo Lobo, to the last that I had in Barca B, Josep Maria Gonzalvo.

"I was lucky to be here with Joan Vila. Joan, I am who I am thanks to you. Thanks so much. I can never give back to you what you have done for me. You were the key person in my development. You taught me everything, changed the way I play, and helped me understand the game. Before training with you, I enjoyed it and had a good time, but you taught me all the concepts I have now.

"Here I became a footballer, but a person as well. The titles and acknowledgements are nothing compared to the smiles and friends, they are the most beautiful thing that I will take from these years.

"I grew up in the Quinta del Troya, with bermudo, David Prats, Piveti, Antoni Hidalgo and Toni Lobo. With them I shared my youth and 20 years later, we're all still friends.

"And to all the presidents I have had. Nunez, Gaspart, Laporta, Rosell, and Bartomeu, you have always been good with me and I can say I have had a good relationship with all of them.

"As well, with my coaches, including those who were here only briefly, like Radomir Antic, Serra Ferrer, Carles Rexach and Tata Martino. I want to give thanks to Louis van Gaal for his confidence in me. To Frank Rijkaard, who told me that I had to become an idol. To Pep Guardiola, an idol for me when I was a player and later as a coach. Thanks to Tito Vilanova, you were like a footballing father for me. I will always carry you in my heart.

"Thanks too to Luis Enrique and Andoni Zubizarreta, who convinced me not to leave last year. It's lucky I didn't do it, because now I would be tearing my hair out.

"I have lived half a life in Camp Nou and I have been lucky to share it with the greatest sportsmen and the greatest people. I could spend hours giving thanks to all my team-mates with whom I have shared a dressing room, starting with my current team-mates, and following with the great friends I have made.

"As well I have to thank other people, like Angel Mur, Txema Corbella, Alejandro Echevarria, Pepe Costa, Doctor Pruna, and many others. Everyone in the dressing room are cracks.

"Although I have already said goodbye to the national team, I would also like to have a special thought for the people from la Roja where I grew up and revelled from a small child. A special mention for the memory of Luis Aragones. Sir, wherever you are, you know I can never thank you enough all you did for me. It changed everything.

"Finally, those of mine who I have unconditional love for. Those who have given everything for me. In the good moments and the bad ones. Ivan Corretja, my friends in Terrassa, thanks for always being by my side. Thanks to the S'Agaro group, and my in-laws."To my brothers, you are my life. If I'm here now, it's because of you. Many thanks.

"Thanks father for your advice. I don't know what I could have done without it.Thanks mother, without you I would have left Barcelona many years ago and we would not be here. Thanks for believing in me, always.

"Finally, thanks to Nuria [his wife], the most important person in my life. The two of us go to Qatar, but soon we will be three. Although we don't know the name yet, or the baby's socio number, we know we will be three Cules in Qatar.

"And to return to the start. Thanks to Barcelona. I will be eternally grateful for all you have given me. Before I go, I hope to lift another cup this Saturday in Berlin. I hope this will not be a goodbye, but a see you soon.
"Visca Barca and visca Catalunya!"