FC Barcelona News: 3 September 2019

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FC Barcelona shirt numbers confirmed | FC Barcelona
With the summer transfer market now closed, the shirt numbers for the first team squad can now be confirmed. The majority of the squad continue wearing the same shirt as last season, however, there is one change. Carles Aleñá now wears the number 19 with the numer 21 now worn by Dutchman Frenkie de Jong.

Frenkie de Jong receives the Johan Cruyff talent award | FC Barcelona
On Monday Frenkie de Jong received the Johan Cruyff talent of the year award in Hilversum, Holland. The prize dates back to 1984 and is given the most talented player in the top two Dutch divisions under the age of 21 years of age. The award was originally called the Dutch talent of the year award but the name was changed in 2003.

Messi receives award from Pope Francis’ foundation | Marca
Lionel Messi was presented with the 2019 Balon Educativo de Scholas award on Monday by the world director of the Pope Francis’ Scholas Occurrentes foundation, Jose Maria del Corral. The Barcelona star received the most votes from thousands of children from the Scholas network, which includes more than 500,000 institutions from 190 countries.

De Jong: I can play better than I have | Marca
New Barcelona signing Frenkie de Jong has acknowledged that there’s still more to come from him at the Camp Nou. After an impressive pre-season, the Dutchman has slowed since the start of the season but he’s promised that more is to come.

Rafinha extends deal with Barça, goes to Celta on loan | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona and Rafinha have agreed on the renewal of the player’s contract through to the end of the 2020/21 season. Additionally, Barça and Celta Vigo have come to an agreement whereas Rafinha will play at Celta on loan for the 2019/20 season. Celta thus take on Rafinha’s salary plus potential add-ons of up to €1.5m.

The transfer window closes: Rakitic remains a Barcelona player | Sport
With the transfer window now shut, Ernesto Valverde finally knows what his squad is for the season. And among the players at his disposal is Ivan Rakitic, who has been the focus of much speculation this summer. But not just speculation. Barça were open to letting him go. It seems the days of Rakitic being untouchable have gone, despite his record in previous seasons. He has been on the bench in all three league games this year.

Neymar frustrated, sad & angry at failed Barça transfer | Sport
Neymar’s reaction was one of anger when he learned that Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain’s talks over a transfer had stalled and he had to remain in Paris until, at least, January. Remember that next summer, Neymar can leave if a club pays an amount close to €170 million.

Forget Barcelona and Real Madrid: Atletico have the look and feel of La Liga champions | ESPN
Ladies and gentlemen: Welcome to the mad, pulsating, but deeply promising world of Atletico Madrid -- Spain’s sudden title favourites. Mind you, please whisper that phrase or Diego Simeone might take you by the shirt front and pin you to the wall. More of that later.

Source: barcablaugranes.com