Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has denied reports that Chelsea had approached him about a move to west London. The Madrid string-puller's contract was into its final six months, but he has ended speculation by signing a new contract that will keep the 32 year old at the Bernabeu for at least another two years. Alonso signed from Liverpool in 2009 for a fee of £30m and has since become a regular in a central midfied position, despite stiff competition. He has made 140 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring four goals in the process. His true value, however, lies in his ability to break up … [Read more...]
Lionel Messi: “I’m Barcelona For Life”
Lionel Messi gave Barcelona fans a late Epiphany present by saying that he intends to spend the rest of his career at the club. The global superstar returned from injury in spectacular style on Wednesday night, jumping off the bench to score two goals in a four-nil Copa del Rey win over Getafe. Speaking at a press conference yesterday the mini maestro said: “I want to retire here. While people want me I want to spend my whole career at FC Barcelona.” This is music to the ears of the Barcelonistas. It seems incredible but there had been talk of a rift between the club and their star player, … [Read more...]
Morata Close To Signing For Arsenal
Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Real Madrid's exciting young striker Alvaro Morata – but only until the end of the season. Morata is a 21 year old with huge potential. He has found his chances limited at the Bernabeu, scoring four goals in twenty-four appearances, but he has shone in is his appearances for the Spanish under 21 team – netting twelve goals in eleven outings for his country. Carlo Ancelotti had earlier rebuffed interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool, insisting that the youngster was not for sale at any price, but Morata has been pushing for a move. He expected to be … [Read more...]
Pepe Mel Takes Charge At West Bromwich Albion
Former Real Betis manager Pepe Mel has today become the new head coach of Premier League strugglers West Bromwich Albion. Steve Clarke had performed wonders with Albion on a limited budget before being sacked on December 14th following a barren start to the season. This is remarkably similar to Mel's record who was himself sacked by Betis in December after eight games without a win despite performing miracles to win them promotion and then gaining them Europa League football. Mel was tipped for the job from the very start but in a strange twist WBA had announced in late December that they … [Read more...]
Copa Del Rey Round-Up
There were four matches in the Copa del Rey last night and La Liga Blog, your first stop for all the latest Spanish football news, brings you the details here. AD Alcorcon 1-0 Espanyol The Madrid based minnows Alcorcon made light of their Segunda Division form, they are currently in a lowly sixteenth position, by taking a one nil victory over Espanyol in the first leg of this round of 16 match. The goal was scored by second half substitute Dani Pacheco, once of Liverpool, but they will have it all to do on their return leg in Barcelona next week. Real Betis 1-0 Athletic Bilbao Real Betis, at … [Read more...]