Spanish club Barcelona have said that the claims that Lionel Messi racially abused Real Madrid player Royston Drenthe, while the Dutchman was at Hercules on a loan deal last season, is untrue.

The club have also praised Lionel Messi by saying that he is an extraordinary professional, who gives everything to the club and respects his fellow professionals.

Former Chelsea manager José Mourinho believes that it would be almost impossible for his former club to beat Barcelona in the semifinals of the Champions League.

Barcelona playmaker Xavi reportedly wants to spend the rest of his career with the Catalan club.

Only a few seasons ago, there were reports linking Xavi with a mega-move to English Premier league club Chelsea.

However, Xavi soon denied any speculation and committed his future to Barcelona by sending a long-term contract. He is one of the best players at the club and is vital to the plans by Guardiola to retain the ball as long as possible.

Spanish club Espanyol have condemned the racist chants by a section of the home crowd aimed at FC Barcelona right back Dani Alves during their 1-1 draw in the Spanish League on Sunday.

Speaking to the media, Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino has condemned the attacks by the home fans and said that there is no place for racism in football and that it should be completely eradicated in order to save the integrity of the game.

A large section of home fans jeered the Brazil international full back and made monkey noises whenever he touched the ball.

We're looking for someone to take over the blog section of this website, giving Barca fans worldwide your unique perception of whats going on at Camp Nou.

If you're interested (and can write well) send us a sample of your work to (worldcupfootballfans at googlemail.com), and we'll get back to you ASAP. :)