Barcelona stars train for clasico as Xavi claims 'doors open' for Lionel Messi return
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez said "the doors are open" for Lionel Messi to return to the club.
Xavi Hernandez Sport News
Xavi says Barcelona's 'doors are open' to Lionel Messi
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said on Saturday "the doors are open" to Lionel Messi. Xavi was speaking in a press conference ahead of the El Clasico on Sunday, when Barca face La Liga leaders Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. Messi has endured a disappointing season at Paris Saint-Germain although Barca's dire financial situation would make re-signing the Argentinian difficult. La Liga's latest spending restrictions published last week set Barcelona's limit at -144 million euros ($159 million). It means the club will have to make considerable savings to sign anyone in the next transfer window. Messi was let go last year because Barca could not afford to renew his contract, bringing an emotional end to the striker's historic career at Camp Nou. Asked if he would open the door to Messi coming back, Xavi said: "He is the best player in history and the history of the club, he's earned the right to have the doors open to him. "As long as I am coach the doors are open to him if he wants to come any day. He is the best in history and as a club we owe him a great tribute, he deserves it, but he has a contract with PSG, so there is little more I can tell you. "If he wants to come any day, to see training, talk to the coach, the doors are open because he is the best player in the history of the club."
Xavi says Barcelona's 'doors are open' to Messi
MADRID: Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said on Saturday (Mar 19) "the doors are open" to Lionel Messi.
Clasico is perfect time to show what Barca can do, Xavi says
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez wants his team to make a statement at Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Sunday, when they will face LaLiga leaders and bitter rivals Real Madrid in a much-anticipated Clasico.
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Watch: Barca’s Jordi Alba booked after firing back at missile-throwers
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Iwobi gives 10-man Everton late 1-0 win over Newcastle
LIVERPOOL, England: Alex Iwobi’s goal in the ninth minute of stoppage time gave 10-man Everton a 1-0 victory over Newcastle on Thursday that ended a four-game losing streak in the Premier League and boosted the club’s hopes of avoiding a relegation scrap. Everton’s recent run of poor form had seen it drop to just above the relegation zone when Brazilian midfielder Allan was sent off in the 83rd minute, it seemed a point was the best Frank Lampard’s team could hope for. But with 14 minutes of added time due to the incursion of a protester who tied himself to a goalpost and the VAR check for Allan’s dismissal, Iwobi finished off a quick attack with one of Everton’s most important goals of the season.