SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAM EURO 2012 SHIRT NUMBERS

The "Spanish Football Federation" has made official the team shirts with the corresponding numbers that each member of the SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM will wear during the upcoming EURO 2012 tournament.

Spanish Football Team

Some novelties, like Pedro, who takes over the number 7 of the absent David Villa, with newcomer Juanfran taking the No 5 shirt from the injuried Carles Puyol. Fernando Torres retains his Number 9 which is traditionally the number of the Centre Forward.

Here is the full list of numbers & the corresponding players:

1-. Iker Casillas
2-. Raúl Albiol
3-. Gerard Piqué
4-. Javi Martínez
5-. Juanfran Torres
6-. Andrés Iniesta
7-. Pedro Rodríguez
8-. Xavi Hernández
9-. Fernando Torres
10-. Cesc Fábregas
11-. Álvaro Negredo
12-. Víctor Valdés
13-. Juan Mata
14-. Xabi Alonso
15-. Sergio Ramos
16-. Sergio Busquets
17-. Álvaro Arbeloa
18-. Jordi Alba
19-. Fernando Llorente
20-. Santi Cazorla
21-. David Silva
22-. Jesús Navas
23-. Pepe Reina

SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAM | RAMOS - PIQUE "THE ODD COUPLE"

Today SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL Coach Vicente Del Bosque talked about something that is well known in Spanish Football circles. That the probable two Central Defenders, SERGIO RAMOS & GERARD PIQUE, do not get along off the field.

Del Bosque said "...Pique & Ramos do have their differences, but there will not be any problems, they will have to get along".

Ramos - Pique

We do not doubt the professionalism of both players & that they will do their best to keep off the field what they think of each other outside the field. Both have contrasting personalities & cultural identities that cause a "space" between them, a "space" which grew light years apart after the continuous head to head clashes the previous seasons with the Liga teams. The multiple "Clasico" encounters, with each defending their own colours, caused physical & psychological frictions that are still today warm.

They are the Spanish Team "Odd Couple", destined to at least understand each other for the good of the team, the group, the whole & the Nation. I believe the below video is very appropriate & could well be their theme:

SPAIN 4 SOUTH KOREA 1 | INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY RESULT

The SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAM played an International Friendly against SOUTH KOREA tonight winning 4 - 1. The match is part of the pre-Euro 2012 preparation schedule & the last for the players that will be giving way to the called up FC Barcelona & At. Bilbao players which will incorporate themselves to the "Spanish Camp" tomorrow.

The starting 11 was:
Reina; Arbeloa, Albiol, Ramos, Monreal; Xabi Alonso, Beñat; Cazorla, Silva, Mata & Torres.

with subs coming on the 2º half : Negredo, Adrian, Soldado, Bruno , Casillas & Dominguez

Xabi - Torres

The first half saw a dominant Spanish National Team which was using the occasion to fine-tune themselves with possession Football. Spain created many chances & FERNANDO TORRES opened things in the 11 th min with a flick-on header from a Beñat pass. Spain continued dominating & South Korea equalized "against the grain" via an excellent shot from DO-HEON in the 43rd min.

Mata

The second half Spanish Coach Del Bosque used the 45 mins to give the "left out players" a run. As well it was an all Spanish half with goals from XABI ALONSO in the 52nd min via a penalty, CARZOLA via a free-lick in the 55th min & NEGREDO in the 79th min.

Spain has another Friendly International next Sunday against China.

REAL MADRID TRANSFERS | ALTINTOP TO GALATASARAY

Current 29 year old REAL MADRID player HAMIT ALTINTOP has commented to Turkish press that next season he will playing with GALATASARAY , although it is not official between Clubs. This obviously indicates that the Turkish International will be one of the first to move out & leave the Spanish Football Club.

Altintop

The player came to Real Madrid last season free of transfer from Bayern Munich & although with lots of promise, he has had a personal "horror season". Altintop has struggled with annoying injuries & has not found a regular spot in the current Real Madrid playing squad. His official matches have been a handfull & when he did manage a full match ( eg Clasico vs Barça ) his performance was criticised.

Without playing opportunities the best option for the player was to find his chance elsewhere & that palce will be apparently in Turkish Football.

LATEST: Altintop says he has´nt signed for any Club. Perhaps the man opened his mouth too soon before Clubs have an agreement.

SPANISH FOOTBALL - LIGA - 2012-2013 DATES

The 2012-2013 Spanish League - Liga - season will start the weekend of the 18th & 19th of August 2012, according to today's agreement by the Heads of the 1º st & 2º nd Division Spanish Football Professionals (LFP).

The season will come to an end on Saturday June the 1st 2013 for La Liga. With this schedule the only day on a Wednesday will be Round 37 - May the 29 st, 2013 - & that will be except if a Spanish team reaches the final of the Champions League which is scheduled for Saturday the 25th of May. In such a case the mentioned Round will pass onto Sunday the 26th of May.

The Spanish 2º Division starts with La Liga but will end on the 9th of June.

Spanish Super Cup ( Real Madrid vs Fc Barcelona ) down for 22nd & 29th of August ( home/away).

Spanish Cup Final ( Copa del Rey ) down for the 8th of May, with an alternative still in the air of the the 18th of May.

NOTE: The AFP (Players Union) rejects the 18/19th of August dates & wishes 25/26th of August dates. Lets remember that the Spanish League had a players strike the opening Round of last season.

Stay tune!

ATLETICO DE MADRID HAS AGREEMENT WITH EMRE BELOZOGLU

SPANISH FOOTBALL Club ATLETICO DE MADRID has announced that they have come to an agreement to sign 31 year old Turkish International & FENERBAHE midfielder EMRE BELOZOGLU.

Emre Belozoglu

The player has agreed to sign for the next two years with Atletico. Emre is obvious entering the twilight of his career after playing in Italy & England, but offers Atletico contrasted experience in the midfield with 71 International caps under his belt. Erme joins follow country-mate Arda Turan at the Club whom will be important for the adaptation period.

Welcome to Spanish Football Emre & all the best.

SPANISH TRANSFER NEWS | GUARDADO SIGNS FOR VALENCIA CF

The Mexican International helped return DEPORTIVO A CORUÑA back into the Spanish Football 1º st Division, that is something admirable, as talented ANDRES GUARDADO decided to stick out the season in a lower catagory. The player has been prized with the signing for next season to a new Club, none other than VALENCIA CF.

Guardado

The Mexican will play Champions League next season & signs for four seasons. Now thats what I call a Football promotion. From 2º Division to Champions League.

Nice to see this talent back in La Liga.

SPANISH U-19 FOOTBALL TEAM | SPAIN 2 BELGIUM 1

SPANISH FOOTBALL U-19 TEAM has defended BELGIUM 2 - 1 & thus finish on top of their Group to go straight into the up coming EUROPEAN U-19 CHAMPIONSHIPS to be held in Estonia between the 3 rd & 15 th of July.

Gerard Deulofeu

Match details ( line-ups & goalscorers)

Spain 2: 13-Kepa Arrizabalaga, 2-Iván López, 3-Jonathan Castro, 4-Jonás Ramalho, 5- Pablo Insua , 6-José Campaña(c) (67´Jesús Fernández Suso), 8-José Antonio Delgado"Nono" (Saul Ñíguez), 16-Oliver Torres 18- Denis Suárez , 15-Gerard Deulofeu ( 78´Juan Miguel Jiménez "Juanmi"),9-Paco Alcácer.

Begium 1: 1-Salvatore Crimi, 2-Jordan Feltesse, 3-Dino Arslanagic, 4-Jonathan Vervoort, 5-Jordan Lukaku (80´Jonas Heymans), 7- Massimo Bruno, 8- Hannes Van Der Bruggen (c)(66´Dolly Menga), 15-Wannes Van Tricht, 16- Dennis Praet ,18-Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco & 10- Thorgan Hazard.

Goals: (0-1 Gerard Deulofeu 10´); (0-2 Denis Suárez 66´); (1-2 Bruno 86')

ATLETICO DE MADRID SIGNS CRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ OF OPORTO

SPANISH FOOTBALL Club ATLETICO DE MADRID has announced via its Web that the Club has signed 26 year old Uruguayan International & OPORTO forward/winger CRISTIANO RODRIGUEZ.

Cristian Rodriguez

The player comes with an Italian passport & what is more important , free of transfer fee as his contract with Oporto ends this season. Rodriguez will sign a contract for the next four seasons after his duties with the Uruguayan squad are done. Uruguay has World Cup 2014 qualifiers against Venezuela & Peru.

Welcome to Spanish Football Mr. Rodriguez.

SPANISH FOOTBALL | DEPORTIVO A CORUÑA RETURNS TO LA LIGA

Three Spanish 2º Division Football Clubs will win a place in LA LIGA ( Spanish 1º Division ) for next season . The first two placed on the classification table go in automatically while 3rd to 6th placed Clubs participate in a "play-off" for the last remaining place.

Deportivo celebrate

This afternoon the goals from RIKI ( 40th min ) & XISCO ( 70th min) gave DEPORTIVO A CORUÑA a 2 - 1 victory over HUESCA & 88 points that makes them mathematically 2 º Division Champs & promotes them into the Spanish League with a match still left to play. Deportivo A Coruña return a year later after being relegated last season with tears while tonight there are tears of joy.

The remaining automatic promotion place is being fought out between CELTA DE VIGO ( which won tonight 1 - 2 Tarragona ) & VALLADOLID ( which drew 2 -2 with Alcorcon). The draw by Valladolid stopped Celta mathematically claiming the promotion & thus needs to win or draw next week to join Deportivo. On the otherhand if Valladolid wins & Celta loses the former will be promoted.

Until then there is still plenty of emotion left in the 2 º Division & the City of A Coruña is tonight a massive party of street celebrations.

SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAM LIST | FINAL 23 PLAYERS FOR EURO 2012

SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM Coach & Selector Vicente Del Bosque has handed in his final list of 23 players that will make up the 2012 EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP squad.

The National Selector had to make some harsh & difficult decisions as he incorporated the absent FC Barcelona & Athletic Club Bilbao Internationals which obviously could only come into the squad with departures. Some of the youngsters like De Gea & Isco returned home to incorporate themselves in the Spanish U-21 squad, but others will directly begin their holidays & watch the Euro 2012 competition at home.

The big surprise was the NO inclusion of ADRIAN who starred yesterday against Serbia, & the absences of Roberto Soldado, both will be bitterly disappointed. In their place Del Bosque called up PEDRO ( FC Barcelona ) who put in a "blinder" in the Spanish Cup Final with two goals, plus FERNANDO TORRES remains which - in my case - baffles me as his season as been weak & is substitute with Chelsea FC.

The new "kid" in the squad is JUANFRAN ( Atletico de Madrid) who comes in after Iroala ( At.Bilbao) has a injury cloud over him which caused doubts. CESC FABREGAS is called up as well even though he is injured but with doctors optimistic of a speedy recovery.

Having said this, the decision of Del Bosque has to be respected & he not be saved from criticism as it is the "Spanish Sport" to criticise & remember today's decisions tomorrow if things go badly. It is clear that Del Bosque has put importance in the GROUP over individual talents & places faith in players that contributed to win European & World Cup titles.

Vicente del Bosque

The list of 23 players are as follows:

Goalkeepers: Casillas, Valdes & Reina

Defenders: Arbeloa, Juanfran, Ramos, Pique, Albiol, Javi Martínez & Jordi Alba

Midfielders: Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, Cazorla, Mata, Silva & Cesc

Forwards: Navas, Pedro, Llorente, Torres & Negredo.

TRANSFER RUMOURS | REAL MADRID LOOKS AT LUCAS MOURA

REAL MADRID CF Coach Jose Mourinho was spotted tonight watching the Denmark - Brazil match played in Hamburg (Germany). That is, he flew from Turkey to watch specifically this game, or his player Marcelo. This would be the obvious reason, but others have interpreted this for another Brazilian player that is said to interest Real Madrid.

Jose Mourinho

Neymar is old news as it all points that he will end up at FC Barcelona. The player that now interests Real Madrid is SAO PAULO 19 year old midfielder LUCAS MOURA. The player has been sounding for months & the price tag put on the player is high, a cool 50M€. The Spanish Football Club is working to bring that figure in line with real "expectations", there expectations of course, but more affordable.

Stay tuned!

EURO 2012 WARM-UP | SPAIN 2 SERBIA 0

The SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM began its warm-up games before starting its Euro 2012 campaign with a 2 - 0 victory over SERBIA.

The Spanish starting line-up looked unfamiliar as the FC Barcelona & Athletic Bilbao players were missing due to their participation in yesterdays Spanish Cup Final. The line-up today was:

Casillas; Juanfran, Ramos, Albiol, Alba; Bruno, Xabi Alonso, Navas, Cazorla; Soldado & Negredo.

Debut for Juanfran of Atletico de Madrid who played the full 90 mins.

Adrian scores for Spain

The first half saw a clear dominate Spainish team which was foiled by the Serbian keeper. There was a momentary scare when Serbs put the ball into the Spanish net , but the play was called off-side. That was the most they basically did all match as they looked defensive & on the watch.

Juanfran debut match

The second half saw chances to the Spanish Team & more debuts:

David Silva (for Negredo), Adrian (Soldado), Beñat (Xabi Alonso) & Dominguez (Ramos)

later in the match:
Monreal (for Alba) Javi Garcia (for Bruno)

David Silva gave Spain more flow & more attacking push along with an active Cazorla & Jesus Navas. It was the latter who crossed to find ADRIAN who scored in the 64th min & later Adrian caused a penalty which CAZORLA scored in the 74th min.

Good game from Juanfran who was solid & sent a message to selector Del Bosque who will hand in the final list of players to make up the definite Euro 2012 Spanish Football Team squad tomorrow. No doubt Del Bosque will call up all the Barça & Bilbao Internationals & some now present will have to travel back home, but some or two will stay. Here will be the news.

Spain continues with warm-up games next week with their next match against South Korea on Wednesday

FC BARCELONA | THE END OF THE SUCCESS CYCLE ?

The image of today is the one below of FC BARCELONA with the SPANISH CUP ( Copa del Rey ) Trophy after defeating Athletic Club Bilbao 0 - 3 in the 2012 Final.

FC Barcelona 2012

However, perhaps the more emotional & longer standing image is of now ex-Coach JOSEP GUARDIOLA.

Guardiola

Last nights game was his last as Barça Coach & in the best fashion the man leaves with another title. An incredible & perhaps difficult to repeat again feat with 14 titles out of 19 possible since arriving at "Camp Barça" back in 2008. This is his list of achievements:

3 Spanish League - Liga - titles
3 Spanish Super Cups
2 Champions League titles
2 UEFA Super Cups
2 FIFA World Clubs Champions
2 Spanish Cups ( Copa del Rey )

Some insiders & observers speculate that we may have witnessed the end of a cycle at Barcelona as many believe that the real talent of Coach Guardiola was keeping together the squad structure from cracking apart. The exit of Guardiola indicates that his continual efforts to motivate & control multiple dressing room "egos" had come to its end energy wise & that it was better to leave now on top than to fall back to earth as a mortal.

The newly named Coach Villanova ( previously assistant ) has a very difficult role ahead that also casts doubts. No one believes that Tito Villanova has the character or personality to keep in line star players & balance the pressures from a difficult Club Directive structure, external needs (marketing) & forever hungry fanbase.

Villanova is destined to have the long shadow of Guardiola´s past hoovering over his figure & if the results do not come early next season there is little doubt that he will be quickly substituted. The man enters into the Coaching position precisely when the eternal rival is possibly about to enter their own cycle of successes & that could be the knock-out "stick" for Villanova if he does not manage to crush more juice out of the Barça model which has a series of vital veteran players entering their twilight. Barcelona will soon enter the rejuvenating phase & that may cost the Club some years to find again the streak of titles they enjoyed under the "Guardiola Era".

Smart man Pep, knows when to exactly leave & that is the most difficult thing to know & to do.

SPANISH CUP FINAL RESULT | AT BILBAO 0 FC BARCELONA 3

FC BARCELONA has won this seasons SPANISH CUP FINAL ( Copa Del Rey ) with a 0 - 3 result over ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO. FC Barcelona Coach Josep Guardiola leaves the Club in the very best manner possible with another title under his belt & adding more to his legend status at the Club.

Excellent atmosphere tonight which bought the 2011-2012 Spanish Football season to an end.

Pedro

FC Barcelona started in a "Blitzkrieg" fashion catching a nervous young Athletic on a wrong foot continuously. The pace & intensity put in by Barcelona was too much for the Bilbao defence as Messi, Pedro & company gave signs early with near misses that they meant business.

The business came in the 3rd min when PEDRO, who wished to send a message to Spanish International selector Del Bosque, opened the flood gates with his 3rd min opener. LIONEL MESSI then found the back of the net from a precision Iniesta pass in the 20th min & PEDRO put in a third ( his second ) in the 24th min that KOed Bilbao.

Possible penalty

As with all finals there was a controversial moment when a Pique grab on Llorente in the penalty square was not called in the 26th min, an opportunity for Bilbao if called that we will never know if it would have changed anything at all.

Lionel Messi

In the second half we saw Bilbao make some changes ( in I. Perez & A.Herrera ) in the midfield & they put a "marker" on the dangerous Messi whiched calmed Barça somewhat as Bilbao played more with pride than with head. Barcelona with a comfortable 3 goals played with calm & allowed Bilbao to play more the ball but without causing any real danger. The end result was that Barça cancelled out all the attacks & managed in the end to win the SPANISH CUP 2011-2012. Deservedly & overwhelmingly superior was Barcelona which now has 26 Spanish Cup titles & Guardiola leaves with his 14th overall title since at Barça as Coach.

Sad for Bilbao which losses its second final in a row this season but this will serve to give experience to their young team which I am sure will be back fighting for titles in coming seasons.

Congratulations to Barcelona!

U-19 | SPAIN 2 ITALY 1

The Spanish National U-19 Football Team is a game away from securing its qualification for the next U-19 European Championships after defeating Armenia 2 - 1 earlier in the week & today 2 - 1 over Italy.

The Spaniards suffred in this game & had to make a comeback to pull back two goals ( Campaña 71 st min & Jese Rodriguez in the 83rd min).

Comeback victory over Italy

The "Euro XI Elite" mini-tournament is being current played in Italy & group winners manage to get a place in the upcoming Euros.

Brief match info:

Spain (2): 13-Kepa Arrizabalaga,3- Jonathan Castro,4-Jonás Ramalho (60´José Campaña), 12-Derik Osede, 14-Alejandro Grimaldo, , 17-Saul Ñíguez, 16-Oliver Torres (70´José Antonio Delgado "Nono"),10-Jesús Fernández "Suso", 18-Denis Suárez(45´Paco Alcacer), 7- Juan Miguel Jiménez "Juanmi"(c),11- Jesé Rodríguez [Selector: Julen Lopetegui]

Italy (1): 12-Mirko Pigliacelli, 2-Federico Barba, 4-Matteo Liviero, 5-Gianluca Rubin, 7-Francesco Zampano, 8-Massimiliano Busellato (63´Riccardo Fiamozzi) , 10-Andrea Schiavone(c),11- Valerio Verre,13- Elio De Silvestro (56´Matteo Politano), 14-Riccardo Improta,16- Andrea Belotti (66´Stefano Beltrame) [Selector: Alberigo Evani]

Goals: (0-1 Improta 10´); (1-1 Campaña 71´); (2-1 Jesé Rodríguez 83´)

SPANISH CUP FINAL | ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO - FC BARCELONA | THE DAY BEFORE

The city of Madrid is about to be visited by 1000s of ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO & FC BARCELONA followers as both are to play the Final of the SPANISH CUP ( Copa del Rey ) tomorrow at the "Vicente Calderon Stadium" (Home of Atletico de Madrid).

At.Bilbao - FC Barcelona.

A huge game to officially close the Spanish Football season with plenty of angles & stories in play:

At.Bilbao looks to overcome their Europa League Final loss
It will be FC Barcelona Coach Josep Guardiola last match
Bilbao Coach Bielsa looks to crown his great season with a title
Barcelona will be without Alves, Puyol & Abidal, thus needs a re-make of the defense
The Bilbao youngsters - Muniain, De Oscar, Susaeta, Ander Herrera - look to consolidate themselves as players in the true sense with a mayor title
Barça wishes to give Guardiola a goodbye title & send a message that their "winning cycle" has not yet ended.

Both teams have kept their cards close to their chest & are not giving hints as to what the line-ups will be.

What is clear that it will be a match not to be missed & promises to be very intense, exciting & a hard fought affair. May the better team win & good luck to both Clubs.

FRIDAY - 25th of MAY:
Official Starting line-ups of both teams:

Athletic Club Bilbao: Iraizoz; Iraola, Ekiza, Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe; Javi Martinez, De Marcos, Muniain; Susaeta, Llorente & Ibai Gómez.

FC Barcelona: Pinto; Montoya, Mascherano, Piqué, Adriano; Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Alexis, Pedro & Messi

SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAM | EXCESS OF FORWARDS

The SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM Selector Vicente del Bosque has a dilemma, a glorious problem that most National squads would enjoy having , an excess of top class forwards. Del Bosque only wishes to take 3 forwards that will be finally named in the upcoming final definite EURO 2012 list.

Apart, the announcement by DAVID VILLA that he has failed to get to his playing peak physically after breaking his tibia bone, opens the door to a lucky player, but also puts a strain on Del Bosque & Spain which loses a vital element of the squad.

In a nutshell, SPAIN has an excess of forwards & candidates eligible be part of the SPANISH FOOTBALL Team for the upcoming EURO NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIPS:

Fernando Llorente ( Athletic Bilbao ) - not in the below photo, but looks a certain for one of the spots
Pedro (FC Barcelona ) - World Champ in South Africa but will need a "blinder" performance in this Fridays Spanish Cup Final. Slim.
Fernando Torres (Chelsea FC) - surprisingly called up after winning his Champions League medal.
Roberto Soldado ( Valencia FC ) - started strong in the Liga but went to less as the season came to its end. Scored 4 goals for Spain in his debut & last friendly International match.
Alvaro Negredo ( Sevilla FC ) - in form but an unknown element.
Adrian ( At.Madrid) - top season with Atletico, full Spanish International in lower ranks, is well placed.
Muniain ( At.Bilbao) - young promise who has been called up for the U/21 Squad which may indicate not this time.

Spanish Football Players

In any case, May the 27th is "D-Day" when Del Bosque gives his definite & final list. Some players will be disappointed, thats what occurs when a Football Nation like Spain is lucky & blessed to have so much current talent.

Stay tuned!

LIONEL MESSI | EUROPEAN GOLDEN BOOT 2011- 2012

LIONEL MESSI of FC BARCELONA with his 50 Spanish League goals not only creates an all-time Liga & European record but also wins this seasons EUROPEAN GOLDEN BOOT AWARD. The second placed is Real Madrid player ( last years winner) CRISTIANO RONALDO with also impressive & records numbers of 46 goals ( 92 pts ).

Lionel Messi

TOP 10 European Golden Boot Award places season 2011-2012:

1. Lionel Messi..........FC Barcelona.. 50 goals x 2 pts.= 100
2. Cristiano............ R. Madrid........46 goals x 2 = 92
3. Van Persie......... Arsenal............30 goals x 2 = 60
4. Huntelaar............Schalke...........29 goals x 2 = 58
5. Ibrahimovic..........Milan...............28 goals x 2 = 56
6. Rooney................Man. Utd.........27 goals x 2 = 54
7. Mario Gómez.......Bayern............26 goals x 2 = 52
8. Bas Dost.............Heerenveen.....32 goals x 1,5 = 48
9. Falcao.................Atletico Madrid.............24 goals x 2 = 48
10 Diego Milito .........Inter..................24 goals x 2 = 48

REAL MADRID | MOURINHO - HIGUAIN NEWS

REAL MADRID CF Coach JOSE MOURINHO grabs today's Spanish Football Sports papers headlines even in the off-season. The Portuguese Coach has renewed his contract with Real Madrid another two more years, that is, until 2016.

The Liga title has lifted his spirits & he sees a real chance to consolidate his squad & again go after next seasons LIGA title & the cherished Champions League title so important for Real Madrid. Mourinho sees it all as a stimulating challenge & one can read in between the lines that he has gained even more power within the Club organizational structure.

José Mourinho

The other related news is that the Father & representative of Real Madrid player GONZALO HIGUAIN has had a meeting with Mourinho & Club Directives at the Clubs Head Quarters at the "Santiago Bernabeu Stadium". The news is that Real Madrid & the player have significantly shortened ground in their tussle on whether Higuain leaves or not next season.

Mourinho - Higuain

Coach Mourinho let known that the Argentine International is an important part of next seasons squad & Clubs plans & desires that Higuain stay. Other local news source have gone further & communicated that Mourinho has finally convinced the player not to leave.

If this is the case, it gives weight to the persistent idea that the "threat" of leaving by Higuain is an orchestrated strategy by his Father to seek a salary increase for his son. Gonzalo Higuain has always wished to stay at Madrid but his Father believes that the Club does not truly value his worth. This has traditionally been a dangerous strategy to play & we want to believe that it will not finally back-fire as there is plenty of time still until the start of the new season & many other names are sounding for the Higuain position.

Stay tuned!

SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM PHOTO

The SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL squad began training today in Madrid without the Athletic Club Bilbao & FC Barcelona Internationals which play the Final of the Spanish Cup this Friday.

The National team selector Del Bosque called up today Chelsea Fc players Juan Mata & Fernando Torres to join the squad as it prepares for upcoming International warm-up games against Serbia, Korea & China before the Euro 2012 tournament kicks off for Spain against Italy in their Group match.

The final & definite Euro 2012 list will be handed in on the 27th of May by Del Bosque.

Spanish National Football Team

Until then I thought you may enjoying having a SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM photo. Found this one which corresponds to the last Spain vs Chile International friendly.

Top: L to R : Casillas, Negredo, Sergio Ramos, Javi Martinez, Albiol & Busquets
Bottom: L to R: Silva, Arbeloa, Villa, Alonso & Xavi

RAFAEL NADAL WINS HIS SIXTH ROMA MASTERS 1000 TITLE

Playing on a Monday at 12.00 makes it difficult for the working folk ( myself included ) to watch a great Final of Tennis. That was the case for the ROMA MASTERS 1000 Mens Final between NOVAK DJOKOVIC & Spaniard RAFAEL NADAL as it was delayed from Sunday due to the bad weather.

Rafael Nadal wins his sixth Roma Masters 1000

Spanish Sports & Tennis got a great boost with the news that Nadal shook off the "Djokovic Finals Boogy" & managed to defeat the Serb in 2 hours & 21 mins with a 7-5 6-3 final score. Yes, Djokovic had a bad day & made plenty of mistakes but Nadal managed to get the psychological edge, played great & of course was playing on his favourite surface which is clay .

The victory gives Nadal his sixth Roma title & puts him back into the Nº2 World Ranking position, plus it gives the Spaniard a boost for the upcoming Roland Garros Tournament.

Congratulations Champ!

ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO SPANISH CUP VIDEO

"All together. Go for the Cup". That is the name - "war cry" - of ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO in this video that the Club has just posted up on all the social media channels.

The motive is to warm-up the Bilbao followers & build up the atmosphere for this Fridays SPANISH CUP FINAL ( Copa del Rey Final ) against FC BARCELONA at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid.

Nice touch from the Club to subtitle the video in English for all the non-Spanish/Basque speaking fans. I am supporting Athletic this Friday , I think the team deserves a title for their wonderful season.

"GO FOR THE CUP"!!

FERNANDO TORRES INTERVIEW | NOT COMFORTABLE AT CHELSEA FC

Spanish Football player & CHELSEA FC newly crowned European Champion FERNANDO TORRES has given a very interesting interview to Spanish Sports daily "AS" that will hit the stands in the morning. The paper has already given extracts of the interview were Torres talks about his "horror" year & the immediate future.

Fernando Torres

The interview is fresh after winning with his Club their first ever Champions League Final against Bayern Munich & although Torres speaks well about his team, team-mates & his part in the success, he does give some insights that may cause talk back at London.

I will attampt to literally translate from Spanish to English in order to not lose much in the translation. The main title is:

"I am not comfortable & I will evaluate my future".

The other higlights are:

"It was a big disappointment when I saw the lineup for the Champions League Final, perhaps the greatest of my life" (reference to not starting) ...he then adds that he is happy for the title & that he could finally contribute in the end.

"This season I have felt things I have not felt before. I felt that I was treated in a way that I did not expect, not the way they (Chelsea FC) talked when they signed me." "At the end of the season we'll talk and see what happens with my future because what I've experienced this year is not the role for me, not the role I would have thought when I came, I'm not comfortable "

"...I've had really bad moments. The worst of my career. And I never want to pass it again".

As I mentioned the interview is from a more personal perspective & at no moment does Torres charge against his Club or team-mates, he is happy for the titles & just contemplates his future.

The player is also on "edge" about whether he will make the final-cut of the Spanish Football National Team for the upcoming Euro 2012 Championship.

LATEST ( Monday 17th of May): Spanish selector Vicente del Bosque has called up Juan Mata & FERNANDO TORRES for the upcoming International Friendly games. On the 27th of May Del Bosque will give his definite list.

TRANSFER RUMOURS | MANCHESTER CITY TALKS TO FERNANDO LLORENTE ?

MANCHESTER CITY representatives have been said to have met up with the brother of ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO & Spanish International forward FERNANDO LLORENTE , "Chus" who is also the players rep. The meeting was to express the clear interest of the English Premier League Champions to get the player over to England. That was back 27th of Abril & since then Real Madrid , FC Barcelona & others have sounded their sirens & music at Llorente.

Fernando Llorente

The rumour puts the offer at around 36M€. But if the player puts in a grand Euro 2012 performance that figure - for any Club interested - may well lift & put some Clubs off-side.

Stay tuned!

REAL MADRID TRANSFER RUMOURS | SERGIO AGUERO - RAMIRES

The rumour comes out of England & precisely from the daily newspaper "Sunday Mirror". The source is want it is but the rumour is not new at all especially here in Spain when it comes to Argentine International forward SERGIO AGUERO.

Sergio Aguero

The interest of REAL MADRID for the MANCHESTER CITY forward comes from the past as they failed - or backed out - to sign the Argentine last season when Atletico de Madrid pressured to avoid the transfer at all costs. The theory of a "bridge" period in English Football has always been solid here as Real Madrid wished to wait while things calmed down at their neighbours home.

The news from England is that Real Madrid is preparing a 60M€ offer for Aguero, BUT everything will depend on whether Gonzalo Higuain finally decides to take one of the many offers from Juventus, PSG, Chelsea ...etc.

Ramires

The other player said to interest Real Madrid & Coach Mourinho is 25 year old midfielder RAMIRES of CHELSEA FC according to the "Sunday Express". Mourinho sees the player as the "man" for the midfield to accompany Xabi Alonso & substitute him if Alonso falls injured etc.

Lets remember that another Chelsea FC player is also said to be on the "Mourinho Agenda", the defender IVANOVIC.

Stay tuned!

ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO TEAM PHOTO 2012

Spanish Football Club ATHLETIC CLUB BILBAO has captivated Spanish & European Football observers alike this season with their Football under the hands of Argentine Coach Bielsa. The Club has found a mix of experience & youth that now plays touch Football over the long kick up-front method.

The team lost the Europa League Final to Spanish Club Atletico de Madrid but has a chance to win a title in the Spanish Cup Final coming up against FC Barcelona.

Athletic Club Bilbao 2012 - Europa League Final

Thought that the readers may wish a team photo of this excellent squad as I have already posted Real Madrid, FC Barcelona & Atletico de Madrid team pics.

PARIS ST GERMAIN TO OFFER 25M€ FOR KAKA

The man is currently enjoying his holidays in Brazil. REAL MADRID CF player KAKA has said that he wishes to remain at the Spanish Club & thinks he still has plenty to give at Real Madrid.

Kaká

However, French Club PARIS SAINT GERMAIN thinks that Kaká can definitely give plenty of Football to their Club & has an offer for the player to entice the Brazilian over to Paris. Apart from the fact that his ex AC Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti is at PSG, the French Club offer to keep Kaká on the same salary level as in Real Madrid, a cool 9M€ per season.

PSG, according to French Sports media, L´Equipe, will soon send over to Real Madrid an offer of 25M€. The Spanish Football Club will study offers, but I think that the price will need to be raised a bit more if Real is to sell.

What is a certain is that the Barzilian has his days counted at Madrid even if he wishes to stay. It´s leave & play more or stay & play less, & 9M€ a season is a lot of money to spend sitting on a bench.

Stay tuned!

ATLETICO DE MADRID TEAM PHOTO 2012 | EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL

The last few days I have posted up this seasons team photos of Real Madrid & FC Barcelona. Today I managed to find the team photo of the ATLETICO DE MADRID starting 11 that won the EUROPA LEAGUE 2012 a week ago.

Hopefully the many overseas Atletico fans will enjoy this historical pic.

Atletico de Madrid 2012 Europa League Final

Top: L to R: Courtois, Luis Felipe, Mario, Gaby, Miranda & Godin.
Bottom: L to R: Falcao, Ardan, Juanfran, Diego & Adrian.

AUPA ATLETI!

THE SPANISH SUPER CUP 2013 IN CHINA ?

Firstly, a big hello to all the Chinese Spanish Football Sports readers. Secondly, you maybe in good luck as Chinese Sports Authority Li Yingchuan has let known in a public act that they are in close negotiations with the Spanish Football Authorities to play the Spanish Super Cup Final in Pekin in 2013.

Puyol with Spanish SuperCup

This means the winner of the Spanish League Championship against the winner of the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey). Its a trend started by Italian Clubs who have already celebrated their Super Cup Final twice ( 2009 & 2011 ) in Pekin.

The final decision is down for the 29th of May.

Stay tuned!

SPANISH FOOTBALL TRANSFER RUMOURS | YAYA TOURE - REAL MADRID FLIRTING?

I actually enjoy this period of the end of the Football season & summer time. Apart from the warmer weather & longer sunny days, the numerous Football transfer rumours that one wakes up to everyday.

Toure

The latest Spanish Football transfer rumour is the apparent interest ( denied by the Club involved ) shown by MANCHESTER CITY midfielder & ex FC Barcelona player YAYA TOURE towards REAL MADRID for next season. I say player interest because Spanish Sports daily "AS" mentions that Toure has approached Real Madrid, while other local media sources mention the opposite that Mourinho sees the possible benefit of Toure joining as a positive squad asset. The fact is that Real Madrid denies any contact or interest at all, which is natural at this stage of possible negotiations if they are really true.

The player himself has only said that if he was to play at Real Madrid, there would be many unhappy - angry people at Barcelona. What can the man say.

Stay tuned!

THE INTERNET READERS BEST 11 SPANISH LIGA PLAYERS FOR 2011-2012

More than 73.000 people voted on Spanish Sports online channel "marca.com" for what they believed to be the "Best 11 Players" of the Spanish Football League season 2011-2012.

Marca - Best 11 season 2011-2012

As you can see the list is dominanted by Real Madrid & FC Barcelona players, with the exceptions being Javi Martinez (At.Bilbao) & Falcao (At.Madrid). A list that does not depart to much from reality as all the voted players have indeed put in a grand season.

DIDIER DROGBA OFFERS HIS SERVICES TO FC BARCELONA ?

According to Spanish Sports paper "Sport", based in Barcelona, the representative François Gallardo (a FIFA agent) of CHELSEA FC forward DIDIER DROGBA has offered the player to FC BARCELONA for next season.

Drogba

The 35 year old Ivory Coast International desires to finish off his career in a top level Club & the Spanish League - LA LIGA motivates the player. Drogba is said to realize that a possible arrival at Barça would be to "help out" & that his role would be more secondary than in the front-line.

New Barça Coach Tito Villanova is said to see the proposition as interesting & worth of study as a player with the experience & strenght of Drogba could give Barça more alternatives upfront as rival Clubs have figured out the way & tactics to halt the winning ways of Barça.

Rumours have it that talks could being after the Spanish Cup Final , while other Clubs are also interested like AC Milan.

Stay tuned. I think its a no-option, but Football does surprise.

FRIENDLY GAME | KUWAIT 0 REAL MADRID 2

With the SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE title in one pocket REAL MADRID travelled to the Middle-East to fill the other pocket with 3M€ with a "Friendly-Exhibition" game against the KUWAIT National Football Team.

CR7

The Spanish Club took 22 players & all 22 played during the 90th mins with 2 distinct line-ups in each half. It was during the first 45 mins that the goals arrived under DI MARIA in the 26th min & CRISTIANO RONALDO in the 30th min. A Cristiano Ronaldo that worn the Captains arms-ban while Casillas was on the bench & awaiting his turn in the 2º half.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The rest of the game was a "sparring match" which was as mentioned more of an exhibition than an intense encounter. The final result ended 0 - 2 with Real Madrid winning, entertaining, filling the bag & leaving.

FC BARCELONA TEAM PHOTO 2012

The other day I posted up on this blog a team picture of Real Madrid for all the global readers & fans. I thought that it would be appreciated seeing the Club had just managed to win the Spanish League title. Thinking as always on all the Spanish Football Sports Blog readers & the various Clubs they may follow, in this case, the FC BARCELONA readers, I looked around for a team photo that was recent & managed to find the one below.

FC Barcelona 2012

The photo members are:

Top - left to right: Cuenca, Thiago, Keita, Pique & Valdes
Bottom - left to right: Messi, Alves, Adriano, Alexis, Xavi & Puyol

Hope all the Barça readers enjoy the team photo!

SPANISH FOOTBALL NATIONAL TEAM LIST FOR UPCOMING EURO 2012 WARM-UPS

SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAM Selector & Coach Vicente del Bosque has handed in his "second last" list of 21 players to make up the Spanish National Team for the upcoming Friendly Internationales between SERBIA (26th of May) & SOUTH KOREA (30th of May) to be played in Switzerland. Both are warm-up games for the upcoming EUROPEAN NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIPS.

The Spanish National selector has left out deliberately players from FC Barcelona, Athletic Club Bilbao & Chelsea FC, which have Spanish Cup Final & Champions League Final duties. Although this fact fills today's given list with new faces it is to be expected that the "missing" names will be called up in the FINAL & definite list of players for the EURO 2012 tournament which will be handed in on the 27 th of May.

Del Bosque has taken the opportunity to reward a hand full of players for their outstanding LIGA performance this season & to keep the National side guaranteed with "fresh blood" for the future.

Vicente del Bosque

This is the full list of 21 players:

Goalkeepers: Casillas, Reina & De Gea.
Defenders: Albiol, Jordi Alba, Arbeloa, Domínguez, Monreal, Sergio Ramos & Juanfran
Midfielders: Isco, Xabi Alonso, Cazorla, Beñat, Javi García, Bruno Soriano.
Forwards: Adrián , David Silva, Jesús Navas, Negredo & Soldado.

Novelties are: De Gea (Man Utd.), Dominguez (At Madrid), Juanfran (At.Madrid), Isco (Malaga FC), Beñat (Real Betis), Javi Garcia (Benfica), Soriano (Villareal) & Adrian (At Madrid)

Many of the novelties will be discarded with the definite & final list on the 27th of May. However, players like Adrain, Dominguez, Isco, De Gea ...etc will ( if not called into final senior list ) go into the Spanish Olympic Football Team squad.

"I am not comfortable & I will evaluate my future".

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