Celtic Glasgow player Marc Crosas gave an interview to football site Goal.
Will Celtic win the Scottish Premier League title?
I hope so, but things are very tight. It has been like that all year with us on top sometimes and then Rangers taking over at other times. The games are very even and either side can take points off the other so it will be easy to separate us.
Now that you have experienced a derby on the pitch, what is an Old Firm game like?
The setting and the atmosphere are difficult to beat. The only thing that is missing is the level of football. I think that in those games the football itself is quite poor, considering that we are the two strongest teams in Scotland. They are games that leave a lot to be desired. Also, there is too much respect. It is strange because against other teams we play so well, but when the derby comes along it is disappointing. If the level of football improved there would be no derby in the world to match it.
Celtic will play in the Peace Cup this summer and it will be in Andalucia. Is it an added motivation that this tournament is in Spain?
Yes, it will be great to play there again. It is an extra reason to look forward to playing apart from the tournament itself and it will be a chance to play against some of the great sides that will be there. As well as for me, it will also be an honour for Celtic to be able to play in the Peace Cup for the first time.
Do you think that football and peace can go hand-in-hand?
I think so, yes. All sports or mass movements, like football, in Europe, America or Asia, or wherever, can make a lot of people do the same thing and they can all contribute to improving situations in different countries or to easing conflicts. It may not be the role of professional football players because, unfortunately, there is not a great deal that we can do and our influence on an individual basis is limited. But to play tournaments like this is always a pleasure and if our presence helps to bring peace to a region in the world, then that is even better.
You have already lived in two countries outside of Spain. What do you think of them both?
In France I was surprised by how they see football. I think that in Spain there is an incorrect view on that. I thought it was a minority sport behind rugby or cycling, with the Tour de France being so big. But the passion and support is incredible inside the stadiums and many are full. It was a positive surprise. In Scotland, on a sporting front, not only Celtic and Rangers exist. They are the ones that win the most trophies, but there are some competitive teams and the level is not low. There are also some very good players here.
What has the experience been like in both countries off the field?
Learning French was fairly easy. I was able to understand it after a month-and-a-half in Lyon. I think speaking Catalan helped me, although I was keen to learn too. On the other hand, when I came to Scotland I realised what a low level of English I had. I was not very good at speaking it, but I have improved now. But there is a lot more to learn than there was with French.
Is returning to Barcelona now an impossible dream?
No, I do not think so. They have been my club since I was young and also the fact that I have been there since I was 13. But I understand that whether you support the team or how much you feel, the colours does not have an effect when the club is weighing up whether they want you as a player. Here in Scotland I am very happy because everyone at the club are great. That is the only thing that is important to me at the moment.
read the complete interview here
Read more:
Crosas dreams about Barcelona return
Barcelona players congratulate Crosas with goal
How is Crosas doing at Celtic?
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Crosas: "Returning is not an impossible dream"
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Barcelona players spend the day in the hotel
All Barcelona players are spending the day at the Bentley hotel in London, near to Hyde Park. They will leave for Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium approximately one hour before the start of the game.The players woke up at 10 am local time and had breakfast. Former Barcelona player Marc Crosas (Celtic Glasgow) and former Barcelona youth player Fran Mérida (Arsenal) visited the squad in the hotel this morning. After the lunch at 1:30 pm, the players will rest in the afternoon. Before going to the stadium, there will be a last technical talk by Guardiola in the hotel.






Saturday, 28 March 2009
International: Mino makes under-21 debut
Barcelona Atlètic goalkeeper Rubén Miño (20) made yesterday his debut with the Spanish under-21 national team in the friendly game against the Irish under-21. Ireland defeated Spain 2-1.
Miño played the whole match. Barcelona Atlètic winger Jeffren (21) started the game and was replaced after 72 minutes. Barcelona Atlètic central defender Alberto Botía (20) stayed on the bench for the whole game. Celtic Glasgow midfielder and former Barcelona player Marc Crosas (21) also made his debut and played for an hour.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Barcelona players congratulate Crosas with goal
Asked about the two goals he scored for Celtic a few weeks ago (watch the goals here), Celtic Glasgow midfielder Marc Crosas (21) said at a press conference that he's pleased when he scores although he doesn't really consider it to be part of his job:
"It is always good to score goals, but I don’t score very often. It was good for me and it was a nice goal but the most important thing is that someone scores for the team.
I’m always looking to help the team. If that means scoring goals, then I will be happy. I can score, but it is not really my job. Every player has a certain job in the team. I just want to concentrate on my own. If I can also manage to score goals it would be good, but I know what my job is. The most important thing was that the team won the game.
It was a nice goal for me against Hearts reserves but the one in the league was my first goal proper. The goal was shown on TV in Spain and my friends were very happy for me. I have also had messages from former team-mates at Barcelona. I think I scored more goals in one week than in all my life.
Sometimes that can happen. But maybe now I’m going to go three months without scoring! All the games are different. It depends on the way the team is playing and who the opponents are. I have scored two good goals, but sometimes I hit shots and the ball goes into the stand. I was a goalscorer for the youths but the level is different now and maybe my position is also a little different.
I’m happy to be playing. I have played the last games and I hope to stay in the team. But that’s up to the manager. We are playing well. At home, it’s normally a bit easier for us. The away games are always harder. We have to be ready to play in all the competitions. It doesn’t matter what tournament we are in. We just have to be ready. Every game is different but they are all cup finals for us.
Doing well for Celtic can be good for me with Spain. But I haven’t even played for the Under-21s yet. I am not thinking about playing for Spain. I am thinking only of working hard every day for Celtic. After that we will see what happens. The expectancy here is the same as in Barcelona. They are one of the best, if not the best, in Spain and Celtic is the best or one of them Scotland."
watch the two goals Crosas scored here
Marc Crosas joined Celtic Glasgow in 2008. Since Barcelona can buy Crosas back in the summer of 2010 for two million euro (read more here), this blog will follow the performances of the midfielder over those two years.
Read more:
Crosas focusing on Celtic for now
Crosas dreams about Barcelona return
Crosas scores first goal with Celtic
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Crosas focusing on Celtic for now
Asked about the buy-back clause that was agreed when he left Barcelona last summer, Celtic Glasgow midfielder Marc Crosas (21) has said in an interview with Scottish tabloid The Scottish Sun that he's totally focusing on Celtic at this moment:
"I am not thinking ahead too far. Barcelona have the option to take me back, but that means nothing to me. Now I am a Celtic player and I’m happy about that. I feel I need to show the fans and the people at the club what I can do. There is a manager I want to impress and show I am a good player, and that’s Gordon Strachan.
I am only 21, but I am not thinking to the future. It is true you want to play in your own country and be a big player there, that is only natural. But professionals play abroad in other countries and I am really happy in Scotland. I am not learning my football in Scotland to be a better player in Spain. I am learning to be a better player to do well at Celtic. Going back to Spain or Barcelona is not something I am thinking about.
I'm glad I have recovered from the hamstring injury. The injury was very difficult to cope with for me. When you are in another country, and alone, it is not easy. If you are playing every day in training and in the games then you are happy. It was really difficult for me to be out for two months, although it maybe gave me time to think about things. It means I am enjoying the games more now I am fit again. I appreciate things more than ever.
It’s been a difficult season so far. At the beginning it was tough for me to settle into my life in Scotland. I was in a city I didn’t know, with a language which was totally new to me. But I am friends with the Rangers player Aaron Niguez. I have a good relationship with him off the pitch, but not on it!
I played with Aaron in the Spanish youth teams four of five years ago. He is in Scotland with his girlfriend, but his situation has been quite similar to mine. He has started out in a new country just like me, and it’s not been easy for him either. I felt happy when I was in the team, but the injury set me back. For those two months it was really hard, but I got through it."
Read more:
Crosas scores first goal with Celtic
Crosas dreams about Barcelona return
Crosas: "The Masia marks your life"
Friday, 6 February 2009
Crosas: "Guardiola was the best man for the job"
Celtic Glasgow midfielder and fromer Barcelona player Marc crosas gave an interview to Catalan sports paper Sport.
How did you adapt to your new club?
When you start at a new place, it's always difficult, but I adapted well to the dressing-room. The hardest thing was to arrive here in August, after the heat of Barça's US tour. It was raining and it was horrible. Then I got injured, but I have recovered now and I think I'll have more chances to play.
How is Barcelona looked at from abroad?
Within the team people are talking quite a lot about how Barcelona is doing. The truth is that I noticed a clear difference compared to how people talked about the club last season when I was in Lyon. Then my team-mates asked me how it was possible that things were going that bad for a team like Barça.
What do they say this year?
Totally the opposite, people are excited about Barça, they follow the games every weekend and they're very happy with how the team is doing.
Does it bother you that people could see you as some kind af "ambassador" of Barça?
I don't see myself that way, but for some that is the case, just for the fact that I'm coming from Barça. But it's clear to me that I'm a former Barcelona player and that, for now, my time at the club has ended. If I'm following Barça now, that's just as a fan and nothing more.
You worked with Pep Guardiola at Barcelona B and also during the pre-season. You were one of those who thought that he was the best possible coach for Barça?
I was convinced - because of his work-rate and his motivation - that nobody was more capable to coach Barcelona than he was. The coach is showing that, although some people were thinking the opposite, he was the best man for the job. I hope things will keep going well for him.
You're jealous with the those who stayed and who are playing at Barça now?
It's a healthy jealousy. Looking at what they're living now, I'm very proud and very happy as a fan and because several squad players are friends of mine.
One of them is Bojan. This year he has to deal with more criticism and he's playing less. You would recommend him to follow your example?
Our careers are very different. He had his chances with the first team from the beginning. For his age, he maybe even had too many responsibilities last season. Bojan has gone through some difficult moments but last year he showed that he can be very helpful when things aren't going well.
Barcelona's next opponent in the Champions League is Olympique Lyon, a club you know well because you played there last season. You think that Barça was lucky in the draw or people are taking it too easily?
In theory, it seems the easiest opponent of the ones Barça could have faced, because of the way of playing of both teams. But it won't be easy, not at all.
Benzema is their most dangerous player?
They always ask me about him and he's indeed a great player and he shows it every game by scoring and being decisive. But there are others.
Which Lyon players are the most decisives ones in your opinion?
Juninho is a player who's around for many years. They also have some excellent players in midfield, like Jérémy Toulalan or Kim Källström. That's why I shouldn't only focus on Benzema.
Do you think Benzema would fit well in Spanish football?
Yes, I do. Although the French league isn't on the same level as the Spanish league, he shows in the Champions League that he's a very good player and that he's ready to play at whatever team.
Marc Crosas joined Celtic Glasgow in 2008. Since Barcelona can buy Crosas back in the summer of 2010 for two million euro (read more here), this blog will follow the performances of the midfielder over this two years.
Read more:
Barcelona could make Crosas return in 2010
How is Crosas doing at Celtic?
Crosas dreams about Barcelona return
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Crosas dreams about Barcelona return
Asked about the fact that Barcelona has an option to buy him back in the future (read more here), Celtic Glasgow midfielder Marc Crosas (21) has said in an interview with Catalan sports paper Sport that he's now in the first place concentrating on Celtic:
"I don't think a lot about it but I don't hide that my dream has always been to play with Barça.
It would be wrong if I would play thinking about having to prove to people that I could be part of Barça's first team. What I have to do is to focus on my daily work. I'm still young and time will tell if I will return to Barça or, who knows, stay here for the rest of my career. My priority now is to prove to myself that I have the qualities to be a professional player."
Read more:
Barcelona could make Crosas return in 2010
How is Crosas doing at Celtic?
Crosas: "The Masia marks your life"
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Crosas presented in Glasgow


Read the complete Marc Crosas transfer story from the first rumours until the official confirmation
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
News of the day - Tuesday
This post will be updated throughout the day.
Guardiola had a meeting with Eto'o yesterday, Eto' will stay and play against Wisla (Sport)
read more
Guardiola and Eto'o had a positive meeting yesterday (Catalunya Ràdio)
Guardiola has decided that Eto will stay but the decision will be taken after a meeting between the manager and the player will have taken place, Eto'o will ask Guardiola and Txiki to be clear in their public statements about why they changed their view (Marca)
read more
Everything seems to indicate that Eto'o will stay although the entourage of the player is still not sure because Barcelona hasn't clearly confirmed it (As)
If Tottenham continues to keep Manchester United waiting on the Berbatov deal, manager Ferguson will turn his attention to Thiery Henry (Manchester Evening News)
read more
Henry has had no indication, either from his club Barcelona or from United, that Ferguson has an interest in him, Barcelona don't want to let him leave and sources close to the player indicate that he has no intention of joining United (The Independent)
read more
Barcelona will block Henry's move to Manchester by giving him playing time in the Champions League qualifier tomorrow (Daily Star)
read more
Barcelona will wait for the outcome of the meeting between Silva's agents and Valencia before moving for the player, Barcelona doesn't yet have an agreement with the player although Silva would accept an offer (As)
Valencia won't offer Silva what his agents have been asking although they will rise their initial offer (Marca)
read more
Valencia thinks Silva is willing to stay if he gets a decent pay rise and in any case the club won't negotiate an exit for less than 30 million euro (Las Provincias)
read more
Barcelona will make a first bid of 20 million euro (Super Deporte)
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Silva says he only wants to leave Valencia for Barcelona despite interest from the Premier League (Daily Star)
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Valencia president Soriano reaffirmed today that Silva will stay at the club and that Barcelona didn't yet make a formal offer
Silva's agent Julio Llorente says that the player will start the season with Valencia and would only consider to move to a Spanish club (Sky Sports)
read more
Barcelona contacted Jorge Mendes, the agent of Cristiano Ronaldo, to say they were interested in the player and Manchester United manager Ferguson told the player during a meeting a few weeks ago that he could leave for half the fee the club was asking from Real Madrid, but Ronaldo only wants to join Madrid (Marca)
read more
Crosas sees Barcelona as part of his past and is only thinking about Celtic despite the buy back clause (press conference)
read more
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Guardiola has decided that Barcelona Atlètic players Jeffren, Pedro, Sergi Busquets, Víctor Vázquez and Víctor Sánchez will stay with the first team for now (official website)
read more
Getafe is also interested in Jeffren (Sport)
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Celta Vigo B forward and former Barcelona youth player Goran Maric (24) will join Barcelona Atlètic today, Celta had asked for Valiente or Pedrito in return but that doesn't go through (Sport)
read more
Saturday, 9 August 2008
News of the day - Saturday
This post will be updated throughout the day.
Guardiola has changed his view and Eto'o will stay (Sport)
read more
Txiki and Guardiola will meet with Eto'o today and could inform the player that he will be able to stay (Marca)
read more
Guardiola is disappointed by Henry's performances and will play Eto'o in the CL qualifier which would mean a transfer becomes almost impossible (As)
The decision that Eto'o will stay could be announced in the coming hours after Guardiola has talked with the player (El Mundo Deportivo)
read more
Eto'o would even want to renew his contract which would include an extension and a pay rise (L'Equipe)
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If Eto'o would nevertheless leave in the end, Drogba is the alternative (Sport)
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Manchester United has made a 25 million euro bid for Silva, but the player prefers to join Barcelona (Marca)
read more
Silva wants to leave Valencia and join Barcelona, Txiki called the player mid-June to sound him out (El Mundo Deportivo)
read more
Crosas arrives in Glasgow this weekend to complete his transfer to Celtic (Daily Express - Daily Record)
read more
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Celtic manager Strachan admits the signing of Crosas is a risk given that he has not seen the midfielder play live (press conference)
read more
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Crosas will sign a four-year deal with Celtic (As)
Zaragoza has contacted Barcelona on a loan deal and Jeffren says that Zaragoza could be a good option for him (Equipo)
read more
Iago and Urbano have not been included in the squad list for the Barcelona Atlètic friendly against Ibiza this weekend (official website)
read more
Barcelona has officially announced the transfer of Venezuelan midfielder Franco Fasciana, who will join the Juvenil A team (official website)
read more
Friday, 8 August 2008
Crosas to close Celtic deal this weekend
Asked about his upcoming move to Celtic Glasgow (read more here), Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas (20) has said in an interview with Scottish tabloid Daily Record that he's looking forward to joining his new club:
"It's the biggest move of my career and I'm very excited about it. It's sad that I'm leaving Barcelona after so long but I couldn't have picked a better club to join than Celtic.
I have spoken with my agent and everything is on for me to sign for Celtic. A fee has been agreed between the clubs and my agent is dealing with all the personal terms. That means I should be in Glasgow on Saturday and I hope to finalise everything and undergo a medical before they play on Sunday."
The tabloid claims that Barcelona asked French champions Lyon, who wanted to make last season's loan deal permanent this summer, a fee of 2,5 million euro°. Celtic will only pay 0,5 million euro° (with 0,9 million euro° in variables) but the Scottish champions accepted to include a 2 million euro° buy-back option in the deal (read more here).
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is today quoted by British sports site Setanta Sports as confirming that Crosas is on the verge of signing: "Chief executive Peter Lawwell is looking after all these things and we left him to tie up the loose ends. My part comes when he joins us and we try to make him a better player. And anybody who joins us hopefully makes us a better team."
Read more:
OFFICIAL: Crosas to Celtic
Crosas could stay in Lyon
Crosas agent confirms deal with Celtic close
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
OFFICIAL: Crosas to Celtic
Barcelona has yesterday officially announced a pre-agreement with Celtic Glasgow on the transfer of Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas (20) to the Scottish champions.
Monday, 4 August 2008
Crosas agent confirms deal with Celtic close
Asked about the rumours about a 2,5 million euro° deal between Barcelona and Celtic Glasgow on the transfer of Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas (20) (read more here), Crosas' agent Angel Castell has confirmed to British sports site BBC Sport that a deal is close although not finalized:
"As of close of business on Friday, a deal was not done and I have had no confirmation since from Barcelona. There are only a few small details still to be agreed between the clubs. Barcelona were thinking of a loan, but the player is keen on a transfer and is waiting to fly to Glasgow."
Crosas' agent nevertheless stressed that the player had yet to discuss personal terms with Celtic, from whom the player would be hoping for a deal lasting at least three years.
Angel Castell repeated to British sports site Sky Sports that a deal is near: "I know the two clubs are still in communication about a deal. We are waiting to conclude everything and we are waiting on Barcelona. Celtic are very keen on signing Crosas, but there is also interest from clubs in Spain and clubs in Italy.
I think it could be a permanent transfer as Marc does not want to go on loan again. Celtic are a very good possibility for him as they are always challenging for trophies and they also play in the Champions League. We hope to resolve his future soon."
British tabloid The Daily Mail claims that Crosas is expected to sign for Celtic early this week after an agreement on a permanent deal could be found soon and is now awaiting the green light to fly to Glasgow.
Barcelona sources meanwhile confirmed the Celtic interest for Crosas to Catalan sport paper El Mundo Deportivo although it wouldn't be very likely that a deal will be found soon. Scottish tabloid Daily Record claims that Barcelona is almost certain to insist on a buy-back clause in Crosas' contract, with a deal to be possibly sealed before the end of the week.
Read more:
Deal with Celtic on Crosas
Contract renewal for Crosas
Barcelona and Celtic negotiating Crosas deal
Sunday, 3 August 2008
Deal with Celtic on Crosas
Scottish tabloid Sunday Mail claims that Celtic Glasgow is on the verge of signing Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas (20) after the two clubs reached an agreement on a 2,5 million euro° deal.
Crosas' representatives would fly to Glasgow in the coming hours to discuss personal terms. Crosas, who played on loan with Olympique Lyon during the first half of this year and who was also wanted by Sevilla, Sporting Gijon and Sampdoria, hopes to sign a three-year contract within the next 72 hours.
Barcelona would have preferred to loan the player to Celtic but Crosas held direct talks with club officials and urged them to let him move on a permanent transfer. The excellent working relationship built up at boardroom level in the past years between Celtic and Barcelona also helped seal the deal.
Read more:
Barcelona and Celtic negotiating Crosas deal
Contract renewal for Crosas
Celtic leading tight race for Crosas
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Barcelona and Celtic negotiating Crosas deal
Scottish tabloid Daily Record claims that Celtic Glasgow has entered talks with Barcelona about signing Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas (20) on a permanent deal.
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Celtic leading tight race for Crosas
Asked about the rumours linking him with a move to Celtic Glasgow (read more here), Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas (20) has said in an interview with Scottish tabloid Daily Record that he has received proposals from Celtic and Sevilla and that he would be ready to accept a loan deal:
Monday, 28 July 2008
Sevilla and Celtic interested in Crosas
Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Sevilla and Celtic Glasgow are the top candidates to sign Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas (20).
Sevilla would have showed interest for Crosas during the negotiations Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristan and Sevilla sports director Monchi have held over the last months on the transfers of Seydou Keita, Daniel Alves and Fernando Navarro.
Crosas' good performanes in the recent pre-season friendlies against Hibernian and Dundee United have led Scottish champions Celtic Glasgow to contact Barcelona asking for the possibility to sign the Catalan midfielder.
Although a loan deal could be discussed, it seems that all parties involved prefer a permanent transfer.
Read more:
Getafe interested in Crosas
Contract renewal for Crosas
Olympiacos considering offer for Crosas
Monday, 21 July 2008
Contract renewal for Crosas
Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas (20) and his agent Ramón Arasa found yesterday an agreement with the club on a contract renewal.
Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain had promised the player to seriously raise his salary once he was fully part of the first team squad and the deal has now be closed. This doesn't have any effect on the duration of Crosas' contract, that still expires in the summer of 2011.
The renewal doesn't change anything about the situation of the player at the club, so Barcelona and the Catalan midfielder keep on looking for a club where Crosas can play on loan next season. Crosas has already rejected several foreign offers since he prefers to play in the Primera División.
Read more:
Olympiacos considering offer for Crosas
Getafe interested in Crosas
Zenit lowers Arshavin asking price
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Olympiacos considering offer for Crosas
Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Greek club Olympiacos is interested in Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas (20), who played on loan with Olympique Lyon during the first half of this year and who can leave the club this summer (read more here).
Although Crosas' intial plan was to look for a club in the Spanish Primera Divisón, this could change if the Olympiacos interest would become more concrete.
The Greek champions have already informed the player's entourage about their interest. The club said that they're considering to launch a formal bid but have asked for some more time to look at the different options that are on the table.
Crosas has also been contacted by Getafe (read more here) and several Spanish second division teams. Although the Catalan midfielder is calmly considering all offers, Getafe would at this point be the preferred option of the player.
Read more:
Getafe interested in Crosas
Ezquerro still considering Olympiacos offer
Crosas can leave this summer
Saturday, 5 July 2008
Getafe interested in Crosas
Madrid sports tabloid As claims that Primera División team Getafe is interested in Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas (20), who played on loan with Olympique Lyon during the first half of this year and who can leave the club this summer (read more here).
Getafe, who expects that more clubs could join the race for the player soon, has already contacted Barcelona to hear more about the conditions of an exit. Getafe is willing to accept a loan deal or a permanent deal with a buy back clause
Getafe officials have already spoken with Crosas to explain them the the project. The Catalan midfielder wants to play in a top league next season and would prefer the Spanish Primera División over the French Ligue 1. The entourage of the player thinks that Getafe is a good option.
