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Xavi, Messi & Puyol are essential members of best Barcelona ever, says Freixa
Dec 19, 2012 7:21:00 AM
The Catalans are over the moon to have agreed terms with three influential members of the squad, while they will do whatever it takes to help Eric Abidal on his way back
| Bet: | Returns: | Espanyol £57.50 | Draw £45.00 | Barcelona £15.71 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Espanyol £55.00 | Draw £37.50 | Barcelona £16.20 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Espanyol £55.00 | Draw £42.00 | Barcelona £15.71 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Espanyol £60.00 | Draw £41.00 | Barcelona £15.30 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Espanyol £55.00 | Draw £40.00 | Barcelona £15.70 |
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The Spain internationals have reached an agreement over new deals until the summer of 2016, while the Argentina forward is set to ink a new contract until June 2018, and Freixa feels the three players are an integral part of what he feels is the best Barca side ever.
"We're looking for the continuation of a successful sporting project. Messi, Xavi and Puyol are three essential members of the best Barça ever," Freixa was quoted as saying on the club's official website.
"The buyout clauses in each of the contracts will remain unchanged, while in some cases the contracts have not only been extended but also improved.
"The signatures will be done individually, probably after the holiday season."
Freixa also had his say on the future of Eric Abidal, who has been given the green light to make his comeback after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a liver transplant.
He added: "The player has made an extraordinary effort, and he is happy to have done so because he can live a satisfactory life again. His continuity will depend on what he himself decides, and Barca will always be there at his side."
The 33-year-old defender last featured for Barcelona in the 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid on February 26, 2012.
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Champions League final - LIVE!
German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will battle it out at Wembley for European glory. Get involved by sending us your thoughts via Twitter or Facebook! Hosted by Mark Doyle.
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Right, still plenty of time to go until kick-off, so why not get involved in our Champions League quiz on Twitter? Here's one to start you off:
After tonight, how many Champions League/European Cup finals will Bayern Munich have played in?
After tonight, how many Champions League/European Cup finals will Bayern Munich have played in?
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Bayern, as already alluded to, are desperate to atone for defeat against Chelsea 12 months ago and one man who knows all about the agony and ecstasy of Champions League finals is former die Roten defender Samuel Kuffour. The Ghanaian beating the ground in fury after seeing his side concede twice in injury time at the end of the 1999 tournament decider against Manchester United remains one of the most memorable images in the competition’s history, so check out our exclusive interview with Kuffour, who would achieve redemption just two years later when Bayern edged out Valencia on penalties.
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However, who doesn't feel anything by admiration for Jupp Heynckes? The Bayern coach learned earlier this year that he would be replaced by former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola earlier this summer but did he let it affect him? Not a bit, with Heynckes now on the verge of a historic treble. Worth noting, too, that Heynckes, who led Madrid to the title in 1998 before being replaced by Fabio Capello, has never failed to reach the final of any Champions League in which he has taken part.
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Klopp, of course, is the new darling of the football media. It’s pretty damn impossible not to love a man who speaks so passionately - and amusingly - about the game. This week alone he admitted that so distraught was he by the news of Gotze’s imminent departure for Bayern, whom he views as the villain in a James Bond movie, that he had to cancel plans with his wife to attend a movie premiere because he didn’t want to have to talk to anyone. Seriously, how could any real football fan not be a 'Klopptomist'?!
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We’re still awaiting the confirmed line-ups but if you’re looking for the likely starting 11s, let me point you in the direction of our match preview. Also, if you want an excellent and entertaining analysis of tonight’s fascinating final, well, how does a James Richardson-hosted debate involving Jonathan Wilson and Paulo Sousa tickle your fancy? The prince of puns, a true titan of tactical thinking and a two-time Champions League winner - a veritable dream team, I think you'll agree.
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