FC Barcelona News: 21 February 2020

Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

A round-up of the latest news and transfer rumors

Braithwaite ‘honoured to play with ‘best ever’ Lionel Messi at Barcelona | Football Espana

New Barcelona signing Martin Braithwaite has been talking about the prospect of playing with Lionel Messi at Barcelona. He said: “He is surely the best player in history, so it is a great honour to have the opportunity to play with him. It’s a great moment for me and I can always say that I played with him.”

Abidal admits his mistake in the Messi crisis | Sport

Eric Abidal has admitted he made a mistake by publicly criticised the Barcelona players in an interview which brought an angry response from Lionel Messi. He said: “I’ve learned many things in few days and internal things should be dealt with internally and not in the media.”

Abel Ruiz and Carles Perez score on the day of Braithwaite’s Barcelona presentation | Marca

Abel Ruiz and Carles Perez were both on target in the Europa League on the day Martin Braithwaite was presented at Barca. Ruiz scored in Braga’s 3-2 defeat to Rangers at Ibroz, while Perez netted the winner for Roma against Gent.

A new message from Luis Suarez about his recovery | Sport

Luis Suarez has posted a fresh update on his recovery from knee surgery on social media. The striker has been working out in the gym and wrote: “Each day going past new markers.” He hopes to return three weeks ahead of schedule.

Rivaldo: I neither understand nor agree with Braithwaite’s signing | Marca

Former Barcelona star Rivaldo has criticised the club’s signing of Martin Braithwaite. The Brazilian said: “Honestly, I neither understand nor agree with [Braithwaite’s] signing for several reasons. Firstly, because this signing was made outside the window and, in addition, because Barcelona could have chosen a kid from La Masia instead of [making] this transfer.”

Barca president Bartomeu admits Braithwaite transfer unfair on Leganes | Goal

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has admitted his club’s signing of Martin Braithwaite is unfair on Leganes as they can’t bring in a replacement. He explained: “We have paid the clause following the regulations, although we believe that it should be revised because it is not fair that Leganes cannot now sign anyone.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com