Ex-Barça: RIP Sir Bobby Robson (1933-2009)

Former Barcelona manager and sports director Sir Bobby Robson passed away today at the age of 76.

A statement issued on behalf of his family reads: "It is with great sadness that it has been announced today that Sir Bobby Robson has lost his long and courageous battle with cancer. He died very peacefully this morning at his home in County Durham with his wife and family beside him.

Sir Bobby's funeral will be private and for family members only. A thanksgiving service in celebration of Sir Bobby's life will be held at a later date for his many friends and colleagues. Lady Robson and the family would very much appreciate it if their privacy could be respected at this difficult time."

Robson joined Barcelona in the summer of 1996, arriving from Portuguese club Porto. After one year as head coach, he was replaced by Louis van Gaal and became sports director. In 1998, he left Barcelona for Dutch club PSV Eindhoven. As manager of Barcelona, Sir Bobby Robson won the Spanish super cup in 1996, the Spanish cup in 1997 and the European Cup Winner's cup in 1997.

May he rest in peace.

Chygrynskiy dismisses Barcelona rumours

Asked about the rumours linking him with a move to Barcelona (read more here), Shakhtar Donetsk defender and Ukrainian international Dmytro Chygrynskiy (22) has said in an interview with his club's official media that he's focusing on football issues:

"I don't want to talk about any transfers now. I want to talk about football. I don't know anything. I'm training. If something changes, I'm sure it will be discussed. Because if things happen, the president usually informs the player and he talks to the coach.

And the coach also talks to the president. He can see and knows how the press rumours can affect players. Personally, I communicate a lot with the president. The last time was before the Champions League qualifier. If there was something concrete, I don't think I would have played on Wednesday."

Read more:
Transfer of Chygrynskiy becomes unlikely
Shakhtar asking 30 millions for Chygrynskiy
Chygrynskiy wants to join Barcelona

Guardiola rejects renewal talks

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola has postponed all negotiations on the renewal and extension of his contract.

Despite the fact that the club would prefer to renew the manager's contract, that expires next summer, as soon as possible, Guardiola thinks the focus should now be on team. It is now expected that renewal talks will only be started at the end of the current season.

Read more:
Guardiola could leave next summer
Messi will renew contract after US tour
Guardiola won't renew his contract this summer

Eto'o makes debut as Inter player

Former Barcelona player Samuel Eto'o made yesterday his debut with his new club Inter Milan in a friendly against Monaco. Eto'o, who started training on Tuesday, played the second half. Inter won the game, 0-1, with a goal of Milito.


watch more pictures here

How to win a meet and greet with the team?

Nike and Eurosoccer organize an FC Barcelona Field reporter Contest. All you need to do is to write a caption that goes with the above pic.

You can enter the contest here

The prizes include:

- a meet and greet with the team at a trining session in San Francisco

- an all access field pass to the match on 8 Augustus against Chivas