Regular readers will know how much I dislike the international breaks, not only do I miss my fix of Barça this weekend, there is also very little news to write about. The sportspapers here in Spain fill up there pages with drivel about who said what about this and that, but quite frankly I don’t see this blog as a place to just translate directly from these papers. Whether Real Madrid’s Cannavaro believes Leo Messi should be named World Player Of The Year or not is quite frankly a big yawn to me.
The papers of course are full of Messi and quite rightly so. The most interesting fact I read this week is that since his hat-trick against Madrid in March he has scored 21 goals in 22 games, quite remarkable. The list of people, from Kaiser Franz Beckenbauer to Maradona, who have been quoted to say Messi is great is fine by me, I just hope Messi doesn’t let it go to his head. To be honest I think Messi is unaffected by it all, which is quite remarkable for a young man who has just turned 20. I’m sure if it was me in his position I’d get carried away with all the praise, and just think of all the possible distractions that must be available for him, sex, drugs, rock’n'roll, etc.
There are still the stories of who Chelsea and Milan want for next season, but after last season’s stories about Eto’o, Ronaldinho and Deco, I am totally unimpressed to hear that Chelsea want Rijkaard to be their manager. One thing I’ve learnt since I started this blog is that stories in the English tabloids of which Barça players will be moving to England are generally full of crap. The same could be said of the Sport and Mundo Deportivo stories on who Barça want to sign, but I have to admit they were right about Henry when I didn’t believe it for a minute.
Anyway, that’s all for tonight, I hope there is something good to report tomorrow, not injuries of course, perhaps a miraculous recovery for Samuel Eto’o. Wouldn’t that be nice?
4 responses so far ↓
Blaugrana // Oct 12, 2007 at 11:45
Hey nic here’s something to write about can u explain the dispute of a player called fransico merida between arsenal and barça. And by the way can u speak catalan?
Nic // Oct 12, 2007 at 17:32
Thanks Blaugrana. The Fran Merida story is pretty similar to what happened with Cesc Fabregas. Basically Merida was brought through the junior ranks at Barça, but he was approached by Arsenal when he was still fifteen (or possibly earlier), he then abandoned Barça, some say he just disappeared, then he moved with his family to London and joined Arsenal on a professional contract when he was 16, which meant there was no transfer deal involved. A court in Spain have ruled that Arsenal will have to pay 3.2 million euros to Barça and Uefa president Michel Platini has said he agrees as young players should be protected and allowed to develop at their club of origin. A lot of Arsenal fans seem annoyed at Barça for poaching Thierry Henry. I think they should have a look at what their club is doing. Everyone says what a great lot of youngsters Wenger has developed, but how many home grown players do Arsenal have in their first team? I believe the answer is none. Arsenal haven’t had one since Ashley Cole that I remember.
As for my Catalan it’s better you don’t ask. I do understand it but speaking is another matter.
joan amenos // Oct 13, 2007 at 12:21
Hi Nic and blaugrana. I like this web in english. It’s a part of its attractiveness. We need know the ideas about Barça and Catalunya, but in english and from english people. On the other hand, I meet Nic and I know his support for Barça and Catalunya.
Messi has just turned 20 and he seems unaffected. That’s a mistery and a merit. My son is seventeen years old. I see him in my home and I think silently “If you had half money of Messi, perhaps you would be without control…”
I dislike the week without football, too. But I send my congratulations about articles written in these terrible days. Your news and the stories don’t lose interest. For instance, I think that the consequences of the judgement about Merida are enormous. The position of the club who is owning a football school is now more protected. We should follow the future influence of that decision.
Speeka // Oct 15, 2007 at 11:32
Just wanted to thank you for a nice Barca blog. Like Joan says, its nice to get story’s about La liga in English, as i cant seem to find many.(the ones i do find seem only to copy & paste others)
Keep up the good work.
I would also like to mention that as a long time Barca fan, this is the best side ive ever seen in Blaugrana shirt & i too long for the weekends to see my beloved club play. The heart of the Beautiful game live’s in Spain & its pulse can be felt strongest in the camp nou.
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