Zambrotta Returns to Italy

There is no news about this in Barcelona site; but A C Milan has posted on their site that they have officially signed the player. Zambrotta was keen to move to Italy and there was more than usual interest when A C MIlan approached him. Barcelona might be taking their time to announce the signing as there is no positive news about Dani Alves signing. Now with Zambrotta leaving Barcelona may have to buy-out Alves from Sevilla. Zambrotta has been a great player for Barcelona scoring three goals from 80 odd games. But for me his best performance was in Champions League semi finals against Manchester United particularly against Ronaldo. It is rumoured that Barcelona has signed a three year deal in which Milan paid 8.5 million euros to Barcelona. The move to Milan effectively means Zambrotta will miss next season Champions League. Anyway wishing him all the best in his endeavour.

But another rather strange rumour which is spreading is due to the apparent failure for Deco and Ronaldinho to find a suitable club. This may result in both staying in Barcelona to try to get their careers back on track. For all the initial rumours and linking with all the players, Barcelona now look desperate. They may not have raised any good money from Transfers in order to go after Alves, Banezema etc. This is a seriously tricky situation.

Barcelona Reportedly Unhappy about Messi Decision

It is strongly rumoured that Barcelona board is reportedly unhappy about Messi's decision to represent his country in Beijing Olympics. Barcelona after finishing third has to play the qualifying rounds of Champions League precisely at the same time of Olympics. Barcelona directors wants their start player, Messi to stay with the club rather than go to Beijing. Now this has become a Country versus Club battle. I have wrote about this growing conflict between clubs and country after the formation of European Clubs Association. Messi has categorically stated that he would prefer to go to Beijing and represent his country. It is also rumoured that Lionel Messi’s father has met with Barcelona director Txiki Begiristain to talk about the player’s possible involvement in this summer's Olympics. Does Barcelona really require the presence of Lionel Messi to see them through the Champions League qualification? They have enough star power to see them through regardless of the opponents. But this look like Club is keen is excising its clout to prevent him from going to Beijing. They should remember that if Messi is vital in Barcelona's plans, then it's the same with Argentina. Argentina has the right to call upon their sons to represent their country in the greatest sporting spectacle.

Now coming to the rumours section, Deco has expressed his wish to move away from Cam Nou. Everyone expected him to move to Inter to join his old manager Mourinho, but it looks like he is not in Mourinho's scheme of things. Now he has to find another destination. Villareal has rejected Barcelona's offer for Martin Caceres. Barcelona is keen to sign him but looks like has to cough up the whol 20 million euros as stipulated by the players buy-out clause. Another issue for Barcelona is signing of Alves. Dani Alves has again reitered that he wants to move towards Barcelona. But Sevilla looks like not interested, which should result in Barcelona being forced to buy him out.

Pique Comes Back To Barca - Is This Necessary?

Gerrard Pique Bernabeu signed a four year deal with Barcelona which sees him back in the club where he started his youth career. It’s rumoured that Barcelona has to pay a fee of 6 million Euros in order to sign the defender. Gerard Pique has traditionally played in the centre back but can be used as a Left Back or a Defensive Midfielder. His height should give him superiority in the air, which Barcelona is lacking for some time. Pique is the grandson of former Barcelona director Amador Bernabeu. His surname did confuse me because of the similarity with former Madrid president Santiago Bernabeu. Pique was a member of the Barcelona youth team and grew up along with Messi and Fabregas. In 2004 Barcelona was reportedly unhappy and furious with Manchester United snatching him from their hands. Pique dismissed Barcelona's frustration saying that he was ill treated by the club after he decided to move away from Barcelona. Has anybody assured him about a better treatment this time needs to know :-)?

Gerard Pique went after the money when he decided to sign for Manchester United. He actually was convinced by Ferguson to sign up for ManU ahead of Arsenal. In the next season he was loaned out to Zaragoza and stayed back in ManU getting a little bit of first team action. Ferguson considered him as a good back up for his defenders and Pep also has to use him the same way. There was huge debate among Barcelona fans circle about Barcelona not getting anything from Pique's signing with Manchester United. But now Barcelona has to cough up 6 million to get him back. Barcelona still has to sign a quality defender as a back up for injured Milito. I don't think Pique could fill in his boots. But he could be a good back up player. His buyout clause is set at 50 million baffles me, is he that good player? Anyway as far as Manchester United is considered he was a good business, they made money from him while loaning him out and now selling him to Barcelona. Is this a good trend, I don't Know?