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Xavi claims Barcelona do not get the recognition they deserve in Spain due to their intense rivalry with Real Madrid.

The Catalans have won 13 titles over the past three-and-a-half seasons and are the current world, European and La Liga champions.

However, Xavi feels that they are underappreciated within Spain because so many of the nation s football fans are Madrid supporters.

Barca s victories are more valued outside of Spain than in Spain, but it s because of the Barca-Madrid war that we have here, the midfielder told reporters.

Meanwhile, Xavi remains optimistic that coach Pep Guardiola, who is out of contract at the end of the season, will stay at Camp Nou, admitting that the players do not want to even consider the prospect of losing him.

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AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli believes now is the time for his players to show their strengths heading into the defining period of the campaign, starting with an all-Italian Europa League quarter-final against Roma.

The Rossoneri are on a run of seven straight wins in all competitions and sit second in Serie A, six points clear of Juventus.

However, with hopes of the Scudetto all but over given the healthy lead of rivals Inter at the top of the table, Pioli knows all of that hard work will count for nothing if his squad do not last the distance in Europe.

Getting ready for a Calcio feast with a different flavour Brought to you by

— AC Milan (@acmilan)

“We are in a good moment, but now comes the most important moment of the season which wi…

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson bemoaned bad luck after his side s superb winning run came to an end with a 3-1 home defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday.

Leicester had won four games in a row to climb out of the relegation zone they had occupied since November but found champions-elect Chelsea who can win the Premier League with success against Crystal Palace on Sunday in inspired form after half-time.

Pearson s side controlled the first 45 minutes and deservedly led at the break through Marc Albrighton s first Premier League goal since 2011, but Didier Drogba, John Terry and Ramires all netted in the second half to give Chelsea an excellent win.

Leicester s cause was not helped by the fact midfielder Andy King in his 300th appearance for the club and defender Rober…

AC Milan defender Thiago Silva admits he is well aware of the reported interest from Spanish giants Barcelona.

The Catalans have made the Brazilian defender their number one target for the summer as they are eager to reinforce their back line.

The 27-year-old has impressed fans and pundits alike with his rock-solid displays in Serie A and Champions League.

Speaking to the Catalan newspaper El Mundo Deportivo, he was pondering his future.

“I do not know what will happen in my future.”

The player explained that he was aware that Barcelona were interested in his services.

“Through some friends and the press I know that Barcelona are interested in me, but for now there is no concrete offer.

“I leave these questions to my agen…

Gareth Southgate is backing Harry Kane to shine at the World Cup next year and believes the Tottenham striker can lead the scoring charts at the tournament.

The 24-year-old forward is set for his first World Cup appearance after a fantastic return of 12 goals in 23 international caps after making his debut for the Three Lions in 2015.

Having won the Premier League Golden Boot in each of the last two seasons, Kane is well established as England s main man up front and captained the side in a 2-2 draw with Scotland earlier this year.

Southgate has considerable faith in his young England side and believes the tournament in Russia is the perfect opportunity to make an impression.

Speaking to Omnisport at Friday s group stage draw, he said: I think the challen…

Liverpool left-back Alberto Moreno has been called in to the Spain squad for the first time in three-and-a-half years for this month s friendlies against Costa Rica and Russia.

Moreno won the last of his three senior caps against Bolivia in May 2014 while still with Sevilla.

Poor form led to the 25-year-old having limited first-team opportunities at Anfield last season, with manager Jurgen Klopp preferring career midfielder James Milner at full-back.

But Moreno has regained his spot as first-choice this term, starting eight Premier League matches and all four of Liverpool s Champions League group stages.

OFICIAL | Lista de la para los amistosos ante Costa Rica y Rusia / Spain s call up

— Selección Española (@SeFutbol)

Uncapped Milan…

Marko Marin has ended his disappointing stay at Chelsea by agreeing a permanent switch to Greek champions Olympiacos.

The winger, who has been capped 16 times by Germany, arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2012 as a highly-regarded 23-year-old, but failed to earn regular first-team football.

A succession of loans at Sevilla, Fiorentina, Anderlecht and Trabzonspor followed, before Marin s move to Olympiacos was confirmed on Tuesday.

The Greek giants did not reveal the details of the deal, which is said to be three years for a cost of approximately £3million.

Μάρκο Μάριν καλώς όρισες στον Ολυμπιακό! / , welcome to Olympiacos!

— Olympiacos FC (@olympiacos_org)

I m very proud and happy to wear the shirt, Ma…

Italian media outlet Sportmediaset has suggested that AS Roma and Wolfsburg are locked in the battle for the signature of Marseile star Andre Ayew.

OM chairman Jose Anigo has admitted that the Ghanaian will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, and it only remains to be seen where he will end up.

According to Sportmediaset, the likes of Roma, Wolfsburg and Newcastle are all in talks with Ayew s agents over a Bosman deal for the 25-year-old.

The forward appears to have decided to quit Marseille in search of a fresh challenge, and he is currently weighing up his options.

Ayew is, nonetheless, fully focused on helping OM keep their title hopes alive, with the Stade Velodrome outfit somewhat unfortunate not to beat leaders Lyon y…