Josep Guardiola has refused to be drawn on speculation linking Barcelona with Premier League stars Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Adebayor.

Reports claim the Nou Camp boss is interested in both Chelsea's Drogba and Arsenal striker Adebayor in a bid to strengthen his side further ahead of his first campaign in the hotseat.

But Guardiola was remaining tight-lipped after watching Barca cruise to a 6-0 friendly win over Hibernian at Murrayfield in his first game in charge on Thursday night.

"I'm not here to speak about them," he said.

"I have many excellent players and I am working with them. All good players are interesting and those players are interesting but there are many, many good players, in England, Germany, everywhere."

Asked whether he was preparing to make a bid, Guardiola added: "I don't know. The sporting director can talk about that better than me."

Eidur Gudjohnsen helped himself to a double and Lionel Messi, Pedro, Bojan and Yaya Toure all claimed a goal apiece in a game where Messi stole the show in the 45 minutes he was on the park.

Guardiola is now seeking a quick resolution over the Argentinian's participation in the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer - a move Barcelona are opposed to.

He said: "(FIFA president Sepp) Blatter has to make a decision because we have been waiting a long time for the decision.

"If he has to go according to the law, he goes. If he is to stay according to the law, he stays."

"But a decision had to be made as quickly as possible."

Efforts by FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta for club compensation is finally bearing fruit.


Uefa president Michel Platini has announced that clubs will benefit from a package being put together, which will allow compensation to be paid out to clubs whose players honour internal matches. The clubs are often denied of the chance to use their star players, who such clubs paid handsome figures to acquire and who often come back injured and dumped on the club for treatment by their respective national associations. The total outlay of 174 million Euros will be disbursed over the next four years.


FIFA President, Sepp Blatter coming out to openly suggest that the timing of the African Nations Cup be changed from January-February to July-August, when most clubs worldwide especially in Europe will be on break and when other similar competitions like the European Championship and Copa America are played.

FC Barcelona's troubled super star is relaxing in Brazil and trying to get his life back together before the break is over.


Caught up by the press while in the South American continent, Ronaldinho expressed his admiration for talented clubmate, Lionel Messi who was second best player in the world for 2007, behind Kaka of AC Milan. Ronnie was happy that magical Messi had at long last, been officially recognized by the world of football for his outstanding skills. Ronaldinho, who himself has won the best player award twice in the past, was happy for Barca superstar Messi:

I always wish he best for Messi. Before the world player of the year event, I wished him luck, and to tell him to enjoy such a special moment. Then I congratulated him for the prize that he'd won. I always say that Lionel is like a younger brother.

Ronaldinho spoke on the dilemma he was in during the selction for the FIFA 2007 world player of the year award, which had two of his great friends among the top three nominees. FC Barcelona clubmate, Lionel Messi and Brazilian national teammate, Kaka.

Kaka is a great friend and excellent player. I was wanting both to do well. In addition to their sporting qualities, they're both friends. My heart was equally divided on who to support.

Casting his mind back on his first appearance in the newspaper, Ronaldinho reflects with nostalgia:

I was just 13 years old, and I'd scored 23 goals in one game. I have it because my sister Daisy keeps everything that's been published about me. I think only of playing football - that's what makes me happy, be it in Brazil, Barcelona, or San Luis.

FC Barcelona youthful star Messi shines at world stage.


Although AC Milan's Kaka won the 2007 FIFA World Player of The Year Award, the Brazilian was praised along with Argentine and Barca marvel, Lionel Messi and third placed Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United. Kaka polled 1,047 votes ahead of Messi's 504 votes and Ronaldo's 426. Chelsea's Didier Drogba was vote fourth, while another FC Barcelona super star, Ronaldinho was voted fifth.


Kaka was commended by legend, Pele, who handed the award over to the winner. Pele also recognized the skills of Lionel Messi, as the great scorer of over 1,000 career goals said of the Barca star:

Lionel Messi has played some great football this year.

Lionel Messi was also voted the third best player in Europe.

Kaka was voted Balon 'd Or winner, while Messi is among top three favourites for FIFA World Player of The Year Award.


AC Milan's Kaka has won the Balon d'Or 2007, making him the best player in Europe for the year, while FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi was third, but received lots of media highlights and recognition. Indeed, the rumour mills have finally been put to rest with the announcement of the first three winers of the Balon d'Or. Brazilian Kaka came out top with 444 votes in the French publication’s highly regarded award that has been held annually since 1956. Portuguese star Christiano Ronaldo of Manchester United was second with 277 votes while Barca's Lionel Messi came third with 255 votes, just 22 less than the Manchester United ace. All three players have been shortlisted for the 2007 FIFA World Player of The Year Award, with Kaka and Lionel Messi being the top two favourites to win the award this year.


Five other Barça players featured among the finalists, namely Ronaldinho, Henry, Eto'o, Deco and Abidal, with the Brazilian finishing highest in eleventh place. Arsenal’s former Barça youth player, Cesc Fábregas, finished eighth, making him the highest ranked Spaniard.