Ronaldo, Real sink Sevilla to claim Super Cup

Ronaldo, Real sink Sevilla to claim Super Cup - Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to ensure a successful Wales homecoming for his team-mate Gareth Bale as Real Madrid comfortably won the UEFA Super Cup in Cardiff by beating Sevilla 2-0 on Tuesday. The former Manchester United star struck in each half to earn a brace and underline Madrid's dominance of a game they controlled throughout.

The Spanish giants thrilled a capacity 33,500 crowd at Cardiff City Stadium with their all-singing, all-dancing game, and Sevilla's players were often reduced to a spectating role. Bale, who joined Real from Tottenham Hotspur in a world record £86m deal last summer, also stamped his class on proceedings, delivering a precision cross from which Ronaldo scored his opener.

© Getty Images

And when he pounced again early in the second period, there was no way back for UEFA Europa League title holders Sevilla as the 2014 UEFA Champions League winners showcased their enviable quality. Real coach Carlo Ancelotti paraded his awe-inspiring wealth of playing talent, with major summer signings James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos joining Bale and Ronaldo in a team captained by goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

James and Kroos both had their moments, with the electric speed of Colombian international Rodriguez's pass a regular highlight, while Bale's former Spurs colleague Luka Modric worked tirelessly in midfield.

Although the Spanish domestic season does not start for almost another fortnight, Real already look in ominous form, suggesting they will not only challenge for another European crown but also seriously threaten Atletico Madrid's reign as La Liga champions.

Real predictably monopolised possession in the early stages, but Bale's first involvement almost saw him put through by Ronaldo, but the Welsh international went to ground and could not get a shot off. Bale then saw a shot deflected narrowly wide as pressure began to mount, and when Ronaldo was sent crashing to the turf, the referee gave a free-kick that Ronaldo dipped just over the bar.

Casillas was not called into action until the 20th minute, and he had to be alert at his near post to block a Vitolo shot as Sevilla displayed a counter-attacking hunger after being penned deep inside their own half. Ronaldo should have put Real ahead following Karim Benzema's excellent approach work, yet having eased past two Sevilla defenders he shot straight at advancing Sevilla goalkeeper Beto.

It was a let-off for the underdogs, but Ronaldo was not to be denied 15 minutes before the break, finishing from close range for his 17th goal in ten appearances against Sevilla after Bale's inch-perfect cross created a gilt-edged opening. Sevilla could have few complaints, having played second fiddle for long periods as Real's masterful exhibition of passing meant they enjoyed prolonged periods of control.

Casillas was pressed into his second save of the game as half-time approached, deflecting a Daniel Carrico effort high and wide, but Real had no further scares in securing a 1-0 interval advantage. And Ronaldo stamped a defnitive mark on proceedings just four minutes after the break when he rifled a powerful left-footed shot into the corner of Beto's net to double Real's lead.

Despite having effectively wrapped the game up, Real showed no intent to take their foot off the accelerator and Ancelotti will have been thrilled with their desire during the closing stages of a one-sided encounter. James went desperately close to making it 3-0, but his powerful drive was superbly turned around the post by Beto, then Modric was narrowly off-target with a shot from outside the box.

Emery sent on former Arsenal player Jose Antonio Reyes among his late substitutions, but Real were already in cruise control and they comfortably closed the game out as they added more silverware to a bulging Bernabeu trophy cabinet. ( fifa.com )

READ MORE - Ronaldo, Real sink Sevilla to claim Super Cup

I will end my career at Santos : Neymar

Neymar: 'I will end my career at Santos' - Brazil star Neymar intends to finish his career where it all started at Santos, but could also represent other clubs in Brazil.

The 22-year-old left Santos for Barcelona in June last year in his first move to a European club, and he has been tipped to star at the FIFA World Cup.

While a return to his homeland appears a long time away, Neymar said he would definitely play in Brazil again – with his final season to be at Santos.

Neymar: 'I will end my career at Santos'

"This is something to think about, I want to play for another team in Brazil, it wouldn't be a problem to sit down and hear an offer," Neymar said.

"The club can be from Sao Paulo, from Rio de Janeiro or from any other state of Brazil, the only that is certain is that I will end my career at Santos."

Neymar said there were several reasons behind his decision to leave Santos, including a new challenge in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

"It wasn't just about the money, that's not why I left," he said.

"I wanted to live a dream, play other competitions, play the Champions League, grow, evolve, learn another language, that's what motivated me to come to the European continent." ( goal.com )

READ MORE - I will end my career at Santos : Neymar

Tevez excluded from Argentina World Cup squad

Tevez excluded from Argentina World Cup squad  — Striker Carlos Tevez was left out of Argentina's preliminary 30-man squad for the World Cup on Tuesday.

Despite having just led Juventus to the Italian league title as the team's top scorer, Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella ignored pleas from Tevez' passionate fan base in Argentina.

Sabella has never called up the hard-working striker since taking charge of the national team in 2011. Instead he's put his faith in Ezequiel Lavezzi and Rodrigo Palacio as substitutes for star attackers Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina reacts after failing to score against Elche during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Martinez Valero stadium in Elche, Spain, on Sunday, May 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

All were included in Sabella's initial 30-player squad, which will be reduced to a final 23 by a FIFA deadline of June 2.

The 30-year-old Tevez has scored 19 goals in the Italian Serie A this season.

"I am sorry I had to leave out good players," Sabella said, without mentioning names.

He also excluded veteran midfielder Esteban Cambiasso of Inter Milan but included Manchester City's Martin Demichelis, who hasn't played for the national team for two years.

While Argentina's attack is among the world's strongest, the team looks weaker at the back.

Sergio Romero remains Sabella's first-choice goalkeeper even though he's not a regular starter for French club Monaco. Mariano Andujar of Catania and Agustin Orion of Boca Juniors were called up as Romero's backups in the preliminary squad.

Sabella included central defenders Federico Fernandez and Ezequiel Garay along with fullbacks Pablo Zabaleta and Marco Roja.

Boca Juniors midfielder Fernando Gago was selected despite receiving a knee injury last month. Gago damaged a ligament in his left knee last month in the Argentine league.

The midfield lineup also includes Javier Mascherano, Angel Di Maria and Ever Banega.

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Argentina:

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Monaco), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors).

Defenders: Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Jose Basanta (Monterrey), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan), Nicolas Otamendi (Atletico Mineiro), Lisandro Lopez (Getafe), Gabriel Mercado (River Plate).

Midfielders: Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Ever Banega (Newell's Old Boys), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell's Old Boys), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan), Enzo Perez (Benfica), Fabian Rinaudo (Catania), Jose Sosa (Atletico Madrid).

Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan), Franco Di Santo (Werder Bremen). // ( The Associated Press )

READ MORE - Tevez excluded from Argentina World Cup squad

Keeping Franck Ribery saved Bayern Munich

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: Keeping Franck Ribery saved Bayern Munich -- When Karl-Heinz Rummenigge speaks, you listen.

And his advice, if you want to be the best club in the world, is: Never, ever sell your best players.

"I believe a very important point in our history came in 2008," Rummenigge, a legend in German football and executive board chairman of the all-conquering Bayern Munich, told CNN.

Franck Ribery has been a key player in Bayern Munich's domestic and European success. The France international winger, who was shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or, attracted the attention of major rivals after his first season in Germany. 

"We received big offers from England and Spain for the transfer of Franck Ribery to big clubs and we decided not to accept," added the 58-year-old, referring to an official bid from Chelsea and an inquiry from Real Madrid for the player who had cost Bayern $40 million in 2007.

"That was very important. I believe because from that point onwards all clubs in Europe understood that Bayern Munich was not a selling club. It's a buying club and that's it."

Rummenigge is all too conscious that it could have been so very different for his beloved Bayern, where he spent the first decade of his senior playing career and won numerous honors.

Back in 2004, the Bavarians finished second in the German Bundesliga behind Werder Bremen and were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League in the last-16 by Real Madrid.

Not since 2001 had Bayern lifted Europe's most coveted trophy, as teams from the English Premier League, Italy's Serie A and Spain's La Liga dominated.

For a club that enjoyed such glorious years in European Cup football between 1974-76, winning the title on three consecutive occasions, the prospect of being left behind by the continent's elite was frightening.

Rummenigge -- who played in the 1976 success and was an unused substitute in the previous year's final -- was all too aware of Bayern's precarious position.

It wasn't just the interest other more avaricious clubs had in Bayern's leading players; the new money flooding into European football also potentially threatened the Germans' status.

"About 10 years ago I thought we had no chance when gentlemen from Russia and from the Arab countries came into the business," said Rummenigge, referring to the various takeovers of major European clubs by Middle East groups and also Roman Abramovich's investment in England's Chelsea.

Bayern Munich: The best in the business 

"Then we found a very good philosophy at the club -- being a bit patient, and buying good players.

Do Bayern Munich need Pep Guardiola? 

Football gloom in Munich 

"The story began in 2007 when we bought Ribery, Luca Toni ... and we continue this story to today."

A buying club indeed -- Bayern has become a European power to rival Barcelona and Real Madrid by attracting some of the world's top players.

That it is able to do so owes much to the commercial model Rummenigge has created along with club president Uli Hoeness.

Helped by the presence of so many of its great players on the board, Bayern is a club which understands not just what happens on the pitch, but off it too.

According to the Deloitte money report, Bayern is the third richest club in the world, with its revenue growing by 17% over the past year to $592 million.

It is the first time in 11 years that Bayern has been in the top three of the Money League and comes following a Champions League triumph from which it gained a 31% increase in broadcast revenue.

Its average home attendances of 71,000 led to matchday revenue of $4.6 million -- more than any other Bundesliga club and less than only four others in Europe.

Commercial revenue, merchandise, sponsorship and advertising have all increased markedly, while deals with partners have also boosted the coffers.

Extensions to deals with Coca-Cola and Lufthansa, on top of the club's longstanding partnerships with Adidas and Allianz, which holds the naming rights to the stadium, have put Bayern miles ahead of its domestic rivals.

That is part of the reason why it has been able to raid the likes of Borussia Dortmund for talents such as Mario Gotze, who joined at the start of this season, and Robert Lewandowski, who will arrive in Munich when it finishes.

"That is not our will," Rummenigge says when asked about poaching from rival clubs.

"Our will is where you find the best players in the German Bundesliga. In England it's not different that the big clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United are interested especially in players from Arsenal, from Liverpool and so on. I believe that is the normality of the business."

Such is the talent at Bayern that Pep Guardiola, who took over from treble-winning coach Jupp Heynckes at the end of last season, was able to name Germany internationals such as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller as substitutes for last week's 2-0 win at Arsenal in the Champions League.

Already 19 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, unbeaten in 47 league games, Bayern looks set to win a record 24th championship without much hassle.

Bayern and Arsenal on top 

Football's Rich List 

Bayern eases past Arsenal 

Sunday's 4-0 victory over Hannover -- its 14th successive league win -- means only an absolute disaster can prevent Bayern from coasting to a successful title defense, making Dortmund's two-season reign seem long ago.

Even more impressive is that Bayern's fans can enjoy this success while paying prices which English Premier League counterparts could only dream of.

Bayern's 225,000 members hold an 82% share of the club, and Rumenigge has made football accessible to all supporters with some season tickets available for just over $200.

Indeed, the low-cost deals offered by all Bundesliga teams are the envy of many within the European game.

Bayern, the 2013 Club World Cup champion, is seeking to extend its dominance and will reportedly open the club's first overseas office in New York from April 1 to help break into the North American market.

Guardiola's team will begin a U.S. tour in late July, including a match against the Major League Soccer All-Star lineup.

Under the guidance of the Spaniard, the possibilities appear endless for Bayern -- a heavy favorite to become the first team to retain the European title since the advent of the Champions League in 1992.

It makes Bayern's acquisition of the former Barcelona coach even more frightening for those who are trying to compete within the same sphere.

"From the very first meeting, I had a feeling that he was something special," Rummenigge said of Guardiola.

"He's different. Obsessed by football in a very, very nice and good way. When I talked to our players six months ago they said this guy doesn't stop our success story. This guy brings us ahead."

If they move any further ahead, then the others will only look on with fear. ( CNN )

READ MORE - Keeping Franck Ribery saved Bayern Munich

Atletico success built on shaky economic foundations

Atletico success built on shaky economic foundations - Atletico Madrid's emergence as a third force in Spain and contenders among Europe's elite rests on wobbly economic foundations and the edifice could come crashing down if they cannot sustain their remarkable run. 

The club's success is in large measure down to inspirational coach Diego Simeone, who since taking charge in late 2011 has moulded an unspectacular squad into a unit capable of challenging the continent's richest clubs, including La Liga rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona. 

Atletico Madrid's players stretch during a training session at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, March 31, 2014. REUTERS/Albert Gea

Real and Barca again topped Deloitte's latest Football Money League of the world's wealthiest club's by income, with revenue in excess of 500 million euros (411 million pounds), while Atletico squeaked into the top 20 with earnings of 120 million. 

Despite the huge gulf in resources, they are a point clear of Barca at the top of Spain's domestic league and three ahead of Real with six games left and are closing in on a first La Liga title since 1996 with a team featuring Simeone in midfield. 

At the same time, they have enjoyed another lucrative run in Europe and play their Champions League quarter-final, second leg at home to Barca on Wednesday with the pair locked at 1-1 after last week's first leg in the Catalan capital. 

Step back from the euphoria for a moment, however, and a glance at Atletico's accounts makes for grim reading. 

Figures for 2011-12 collated by Jose Maria Gay, a professor at the University of Barcelona and an expert on football finances, show the club are saddled with debts of more than 500 million euros and the cost of paying their players and staff alone is more than 90 percent of annual earnings. 

They had managed to stay afloat due to their unexpected winnings on the pitch and by convincing the government to let them fall behind in the payment of more than 100 million euros in taxes, according to Jaume Llopis, a professor at the IESE business school in Barcelona and football finance expert. 

The sale of top players like Fernando Torres, David De Gea and Sergio Aguero to the Premier League, a partnership with the Azerbaijan tourist board, reported to be worth 12 million euros over 18 months, and a deal with sporting goods maker Nike have also helped keep the wolves from the door, Llopis said. 

"Atletico Madrid's financial situation is dramatic," he told Reuters. 

"But this year because of the team's excellent results their economic problems are not talked about. 

"Only with their continued presence in the Champions League, locking in the sponsorship deal with Azerbaijan, attracting more sponsors and selling their best players can they improve their finances, although it will be very tough. 

"Either they stay in the Champions League and win the odd title which keeps the sponsors happy or they won't be able to straighten out their precarious economic situation." 

BRIGHT SPOT 

Angel Barajas, a professor of finance and accounting at the University of Vigo who specialises in sports economics, believes Atletico do not have the resources to challenge in more than one competition over the longer term. 

However, by selling their best players from time to time and buying decent replacements, as well as bringing through talent from the club's academy, they could remain a strong contender in the second rank behind the richest teams, he added. 

"Atletico's situation is problematic because of the level of debt but if they manage to keep wages under control and sell players to raise cash, while keeping their sporting model intact, they could stay at a good level," Barajas told Reuters. 

"What is not viable in the long term is trying to stay in the fight for La Liga and European silverware in competition with clubs who have more than twice their earnings. 

"One exceptional season is possible but competing at the highest level in various competitions needs not only a good team but an extraordinary squad. And that costs a great deal." 

Placido Rodriguez, a professor of economics at Oviedo University and a former chairman of Sporting Gijon, noted several examples of Spanish clubs with relatively limited resources that have challenged at the highest level before fading away again. 

These included Valencia, Villarreal, Deportivo La Coruna and Sevilla, who all had successful runs in Europe and either won or came close to winning La Liga in the past 15 years but like Atletico, have had to sell their top performers. 

One potential bright spot for Atletico, which would boost revenue and help secure their future, was the planned move from their crumbling Calderon stadium to a new 70,000-capacity arena at La Peineta, Rodriguez said. 

There are also plans for a vast new training complex which would include offices, a 15,000-seater stadium for the second and third teams and facilities and shops for fans. 

"If these two projects come off and they don't make any crazy financial decisions in the meantime, for example when results aren't going their way, Atletico's economic situation will be much improved," Rodriguez told Reuters. 

Atletico have already qualified for next season's Champions League and their run in the latest edition of the competition should see them climb the rankings in Deloitte's next Money League, the accounting firm said. (Reuters) 

READ MORE - Atletico success built on shaky economic foundations

5 things to know about the Spanish league

5 things to know about the Spanish league  — Real Madrid's advantage at the top of the Spanish league has been squeezed down to a single point over Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid is only three points behind.

Barcelona can add pressure with a victory at Valladolid on Saturday, a day before Madrid faces Levante. Atletico has a tough trip to Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Real's Cristiano Ronaldo, centre, celebrates his goal with teammate Gareth Bale, right, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Here are five things to know about this weekend's Spanish league matches:

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Atletico's Gabi , left, celebrates his goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Gabriel Pecot)

TREBLE HUNT

Barcelona remains in the hunt for the treble despite feeling a wind of change is coming.

Real's Karim Benzema, second right, scores a goal past Atletico’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, left, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Lionel Messi is scoring but, surprisingly, his future remains in doubt as rumors swirl that Manchester City is ready to pay his 200 million euro ($275 million) buyout clause. There are also reports that the Argentina captain's teammates are frustrated by his tendency to disappear during games.

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino's future also continues to be questioned, and Neymar's arrival has been marked by the saga surrounding his transfer from Santos.

Goalkeeper Victor Valdes had already said he would leave the club at the end of the season, and defender Carles Puyol announced Tuesday this would be his last season with the club, too.

"My generation and the one before don't know about a Barca without Puyi in defense," Barcelona teammate Gerard Pique wrote on his Facebook page. "I suppose nothing will be the same again."

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NO DRAMAS

While Atletico looks to keep pace and Barcelona looks to avoid internal combustion, Real Madrid is remarkably enjoying a season without much drama.

The Spanish team remains in the hunt for the treble with forwards Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale all in good form, and the rest of its squad reinforced at nearly every position without injury worries.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has even managed to keep his goalkeepers happy despite relegating Iker Casillas to a backup role, although the Spain captain is the team's choice in the Champions League.

It's quite a change to three previous seasons under Jose Mourinho, who took a stab at his players' vanity in an interview this week.

FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, center, reacts after scoring with his teammates against Almeria during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

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TEMPER TANTRUMS

Atletico Madrid has had to scrap and fight harder than Madrid and Barcelona to remain in the hunt for the league title, but part of that cost will be felt Saturday in Vigo.

Striker Diego Costa is banned because of an accumulation of bookings, as is midfielder Arda Turan. Assistant coach German Burgos also begins serving the first of a three-game ban for his aggressive protest in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Madrid.

Diego Costa's absence should provide David Villa with a rare start, while midfielder Diego Ribas should get the nod for Turan.

FC Barcelona's Carles Puyol reacts after scoring against Almeria during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

FC Barcelona's Carles Puyol reacts after scoring against Almeria during a Spanish La Liga soccer …

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CELTA'S SUCCESS

Barcelona has played a big hand in Celta Vigo's impressive season.

Much like his older brother Thiago Alcantara at Bayern Munich, Rafinha has been a key driving force to his club's success this season in guiding Celta's attack to put it 11th in the stadnings. Rafinha, who is on-loan from Barcelona, was deemed the league's most outstanding player in February.

Celta coach Luis Enrique is a well-known former Barcelona player who has managed to exploit Rafinha's potential.

FC Barcelona's Neymar, from Brazil, second right, duels for the ball against Almeria's Rafael Ramos. second left, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

FC Barcelona's Neymar, from Brazil, second right, duels for the ball against Almeria's Rafae …

Celta has drawn its past two games at Balaidos Stadium while Atletico has lost two straight on the road.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ASPIRATIONS

Athletic Bilbao travels to Valencia on Sunday entrenched in fourth place, which secures the league's final Champions League qualifying place.

The Basque team, which hasn't played in Europe's top-tier competition in more than a decade, holds a six-point advantage over neighbor Real Sociedad and is seven points ahead of Villarreal.

"We would have all signed on the dotted line to be in this situation at the start of the season," Athletic midfielder Ander Iturraspe said. "But a lot of games remain, we've still got a lot to show right up to the end of the season."

Real Sociedad faces Rayo Vallecano on Monday, and Villarreal is at Granada on Sunday. ( AP )

READ MORE - 5 things to know about the Spanish league

Carles Puyol to leave Barcelona at end of season

Carles Puyol to leave Barcelona at end of season - Barcelona captain Carles Puyol announced on Tuesday that he will leave the club at the end of the season after a hugely successful 15-year career at the Camp Nou.

The 35-year-old, who did not reveal whether he will continue playing elsewhere, has been plagued by injuries over the last couple of seasons and has undergone three knee operations.

"At the end of the season I will leave FC Barcelona. The club are aware of this and we are in agreement," he said.

"We will rescind the final two years of my contract that were still to run."

Puyol signed a new deal with the club in January last year, but admitted in June that he would not stay if injuries continued to prevent him from playing a significant part on the field.

And having featured just 10 times this season in all competitions, he said it was time for a new challenge in a less physically demanding environment.

Barcelona's midfielder Carles Puyol poses prior to an announcement at the Sports Center FC Barcelona Joan Gamper in Sant Joan Despi, near Barcelona on March 4, 2014 (AFP Photo/Lluis Gene) 

"After the last two operations it has been difficult for me to recover the level I need to be able to continue here, more than I expected and more than surgeons said. That is why I have taken this decision."

- Next destination still unknown -

Puyol didn't reveal where he would go at the end of the current campaign and insisted he will give everything in what remains of the season to help Barca succeed on three fronts.

"I am not leaving today, there are still three months of the season remaining and those that know me know that I will not give up until the end. I will continue fighting to help the team improve and achieve our objectives this season.

"I don't know what I will do on June 30. What I do know is that I will need time to rest. I have had four years without a break due to the injuries. That is what I will do and then we will see."

Barcelona's midfielder Carles Puyol (R) leaves after an announcement at the Sports Center FC Barcelona Joan Gamper in Sant Joan Despi, near Barcelona on March 4, 2014 (AFP Photo/Lluis Gene) 

The announcement brings to an end an extraordinary career in the Barcelona first team that began in 1999. Puyol is the club's second most decorated player of all-time, behind only teammate Xavi Hernandez, having made 593 appearances.

After beginning his career as a right-back, Puyol was converted into one of the most successful centre-backs in world football over the past decade as he won three Champions Leagues and six La Liga titles with his boyhood club.

A number of Puyol's teammates past and present paid tribute to an historic figure in Spanish football.

"I will continue to enjoy being at your side until the end of this season. It has been an honour. I wish you the best for what is to come. There is no one like you captain," Andres Iniesta wrote on his official Facebook page.

"Thanks captain for all you have taught me. Good luck," Cesc Fabregas said in a tweet alongside a photo of the two of them just after Fabregas re-signed for the club in 2011.

Puyol was also a key part of the Spanish sides that won the European Championship in 2008 and the country's first World Cup in 2010, memorably heading home the goal that took his side to the final in South Africa with a 1-0 win over Germany.

"Carles is an example for everyone on and off the field," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said on Tuesday.

In total he has represented Spain 100 times with his last appearance coming in a 3-1 friendly win over Uruguay in February 2013, making him one of only eight players to have won a century of caps with La Roja.

"He is a natural leader, a person that when you hear his name you think of Barcelona," added former Barca midfielder Thiago Alcantara, now of Bayern Munich.

"In the time I was there he was a reference on and off the pitch. Everyone knows him and whilst Puyol is in the world of football, he will be an example for everyone." (AFP)

READ MORE - Carles Puyol to leave Barcelona at end of season

Cristiano Ronaldo hit by a lighter in Madrid derby

Cristiano Ronaldo hit by a lighter in Madrid derby - Cristiano Ronaldo was struck by a lighter as Real Madrid beat Atletico 2-0 at the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday.

The Portuguese, who is in the middle of a three-match suspension in La Liga, converted two early penalties to seal Madrid's spot in the Copa del Rey final following last Wednesday's 3-0 win in the first leg at the Bernabeu but was involved in two unfortunate incidents at the end of the first half.

Cristiano Ronaldo hit by a lighter in Madrid derby

First, he was booked for a challenge on Atletico defender Javier Manquillo, when the two players jumped and the 19-year-old landed on his head in a sickening moment.

There appeared to be no malice in the challenge, and Ronaldo did not even notice his rival was grounded, but checked on the Atleti right back when he realized the severity of his fall.

Moments later, however, the 29-year-old was struck by a lighter thrown from the stands as he left the pitch in conversation with teammate Sergio Ramos.

Ronaldo reappeared for the second half following medical treatment but was replaced by Jese after 75 minutes.

"We reject the attitude of those fans," Atletico spokesman Clemente Villaverde said after. "Nobody should throw anything. They should get behind the team. It's an isolated act, and we have identified the person who threw the lighter. We'll have to wait for the referee's report to see what can be done."

And Madrid captain Iker Casillas, who has gone through the entire competition without conceding a goal, said: "There's always one lowlife who taints the support. It doesn't show the quality of their fanbase."

Manquillo, meanwhile, was taken to the hospital with what was described by Atletico as a "cervical sprain" and will undergo tests. ( .goal.com )

READ MORE - Cristiano Ronaldo hit by a lighter in Madrid derby

Maybe one day I'll be in France

Cristiano Ronaldo: 'Maybe one day I'll be in France' - Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted he could be tempted to one day play in France should he leave Real Madrid.

The Portugal star, who has enjoyed another excellent campaign with 22 goals in 20 La Liga games so far, was linked with a potential switch to Paris Saint-Germain prior to signing a new contract at Santiago Bernabeu last year.

Speaking on Sunday, the Blancos forward was open in discussing his footballing aspirations and, while he stressed he is keen to see out his five-year deal with the Spanish giants, he pointed to an interest in Ligue 1.

"Maybe one day I'll be in France to live and to play. Or maybe not," he told French football programme Telefoot. "France has always been welcoming to the Portuguese people. My mother worked there. It's a country that I really love. All I can say about French fans is that they continue to support me.

"I have a contract with Real until I am 33. I hope to stay here, I'm very happy."

Ronaldo believes PSG should be considered among the favorites to win the Champions League this season, with Laurent Blanc's side having cruised through the group stage to set up a tie with Bayer Leverkusen.

"PSG will be a contender to win the Champions League," Ronaldo said. "It's a strong team and will be hard to beat. They will be one of the favorites to win this competition."

Ronaldo claimed the second Ballon d'Or of his career last month after his sensational 2013, and the 28-year-old says the emotional ceremony will live long in his memory.

"Maybe people were surprised to see me cry [when I won]," he said. "But those who know me know that this is the real Cristiano. Someone honest. This is the reality, this is not the image that I give myself. It was natural. Having my son at my side, it was an incredible moment. It was one of the most beautiful nights of my life.

"[Franck] Ribery, like Lionel Messi, deserved to win it too. They accomplished a lot of things. But it was my turn. People voted for me because I made a superb season. It will be hard to beat my own record [of 69 goals], but nothing is impossible. I will do my best, as always. I hope I will not have any injuries. I am prepared for this challenge. We'll see what happens."

Ronaldo and Madrid will be in action Sunday as they travel to face Athletic Bilbao and will be hoping to overtake leader Barcelona, which is a point ahead in the table. ( .goal.com )

READ MORE - Maybe one day I'll be in France

Messi eyes PSG return after avoiding serious injury

Messi eyes PSG return after avoiding serious injury - Lionel Messi underwent a special session at Barcelona on Thursday as he aims to recover from his hamstring problem in time for the Catalans club's Champions League semifinal second leg at home to Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday.

Messi was withdrawn at halftime at the Parc des Princes after pulling up late in the first period, by which time he had already given Barca the lead in the first-leg match, which finished 2-2.

Thursday was a day off for the Barcelona squad, but Messi turned up for a double session with physio Juanjo Brau and is keen to play the return match versus PSG.

Messi eyes PSG return after avoiding serious injury

Tests on Wednesday revealed the problem to be less serious than the club had initially imagined, with the original prognosis estimating that the Argentine would be sidelined for around three weeks.

But Messi allayed fears as he wrote on his official Facebook page: "I will be back soon, luckily it [the injury] wasn't much."

The 25-year-old Messi will miss Saturday's match at home to Mallorca in La Liga, thereby ending his run of 19 consecutive rounds on the scoresheet. Messi has benefited from the Catalan club's calendar in that its match in Paris was played on Tuesday, with the return scheduled for Wednesday - an eight-day gap, as opposed to Real Madrid's six-day break between its two games against Galatasaray.

Adriano also has an outside chance of returning on Wednesday as well, as Barca hopes to bring back defenders to ease the current crisis, with Carles Puyol sidelined following a knee operation and Javier Mascherano stretchered off with ligament damage against PSG.
goal.com

READ MORE - Messi eyes PSG return after avoiding serious injury