Tag Archives: completes

Mascherano completes Barca spree

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Barcelona’s sporting vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu confirmed that Javier Mascherano’s ‘dream’ move to the Nou Camp completes their transfer dealings for this season (Barcelona 13/5 Champions League Outright).

The Spanish champions swooped to bolster their already impressive midfield options by snapping up Argentina international captain, Mascherano, from Liverpool for a reported £18million on a four-year contract on Monday evening following his five-hour medical.

The Catalan giants, who are aiming to secure the Champions League title this season after failing to emulate their May 2009 success last term, have already snapped up David Villa (11/2f Champions League Top Goalscorer) and Adriano to help them do that.

Bartomeu has now spoken out to reveal that they feel Pep Guardiola’s squad has enough strength in depth to fight it out for the Primera Liga and Champions League.

He said: “The squad is now complete and we will not sign anyone else. We have reached the decision that there is no need to strengthen the team any further.”

Meanwhile Mascherano, who took a pay cut to join Barcelona, could not hide his delight at finally joining the club.

“When I landed I said that I was achieving a dream. At last I will be able to say that I play for Barcelona, the team who I wanted to play for.”

The 26-year-old must now fight it out with some quality players to get into a Barca side that consists of eight of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad.

“It would be stupid if I thought I was going to play all the time. You need to respect the people here who have been doing so well,” he added.

“In my position there are three world champions who have won everything (Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta). For me it is a dream to grow, learn and enjoy playing next to them.”

He added: “I know that they’ve won everything, it’s a team full of great players, with a base of world champions and I will try to be humble and help the team continue winning things.

“I’m going to have the chance to play with players who I admire and I will able to say that I’ve grown and that I’ve been a better player at this club.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime. I will train to be ready when I’m needed.”

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Gallas completes Spurs switch

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Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of former Arsenal (11/2 to win the Premier League) captain William Gallas on a one-year-deal.

The Frenchman became a free agent when his contract ended at the Emirates and the defender has decided to make the short journey across North London to Spurs.

Gallas underwent a medical on Friday but the deal was finally completed on Sunday after the player agreed terms.

The 33-year-old was offered a new deal at rivals Arsenal however the player has taken a cut in wages to join the White Hart Lane club.

Spurs (10/1 to win the Carling Cup) boss Harry Redknapp has insisted that the player has not moved to the club for a big money deal and thinks he will be a good addition to the squad.

He said: “He’s a no-brainer on a free transfer.”

“He’s never asked for big money here. The chairman’s agreed a one-year contract with him and the wages are more than reasonable,” he added.

Redknapp has been looking for cover in defensive roles throughout the summer as Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate have ongoing injury problems.

Michael Dawson, Sebastien Bassong and Younes Kaboul have all been battling for a place in the starting eleven and Gallas will add more experience to the defence.

The outspoken player has played plenty of matches in the Champions League with the Gunners which will help Spurs if they manage to qualify for the group stages of the competition.

Tottenham lost the away leg against Swiss side Young Boys 3-2 and will be hoping to overcome the deficit when the two sides face each other at White Hart Lane.

Gallas could feature in that match if King’s knee problems rule him out of action for the game.

Arsene Wenger has thanked his former skipper for his efforts in the last four years at the Emirates.

He said: “At the moment he’s looking for a club, he’s free. He has chosen the best possible option for him.

“We are thankful for what he has done for us and we wish him good luck in his new club.”

Spurs picked up their first win of the Premier League season on Saturday when they beat Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

The North London side will be confident of picking up another three points this weekend when they take on a struggling Wigan Athletic side who have conceded 10 goals in their first two Premier League games.

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