'HE BETRAYED ME': BARCELONA LEGEND XAVI REVEALS WHY HE WILL NEVER RETURN TO CLUB AMID EXPLOSIVE ROW WITH PRESIDENT JOAN LAPORTA

Former Barcelona head coach Xavi and Joan Laporta have become locked in a war of words following a controversial interview in which the former Barcelona midfielder claimed the president blocked Lionel Messi from making a hero’s return to the club over fears of a power struggle. 

In a wide-ranging interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi opened up about the breakdown in his relationship with the club’s power brokers and revealed details of a failed plan to bring back club legend and former team-mate Messi in 2023.

'We had the green light from La Liga, but Laporta threw everything out. He told me, verbatim, that if Messi came back, he was going to wage war against him and that he couldn't allow it.

'I tried to talk to Leo and he wouldn't answer the phone. I spoke to his father (Jorge Messi) and told him I didn't understand anything, and he said, "Talk to the president." It was all set, it was going to be his "last dance," like Michael Jordan, everything was ready.

Xavi has claimed that Barca president Joan Laporta blocked the return of Messi due to concerns that the Argentinian would 'be more powerful than him' at the club

'I’m never going back to Barca. I’ve already done my time as a player and coach. Now I just want to tell the truth. Messi didn’t come to Barca because Laporta didn’t want him. It’s a lie that his father asked for more or that La Liga didn't want him. Laporta has all the power at the club and he knew that Messi would manage that power for him.'

Xavi also claimed he had been hamstrung by financial constraints, which he said contributed to his team’s poor performances. A request to bring in Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad was rejected, with the midfielder later joining Arsenal for £55million. 

He also pointed to the departure of Jordi Cruyff as sporting director as a symbol of the deterioration of a club whose values had long been shaped by the footballing philosophy of Jordi’s father, Johan Cruyff.

Xavi's comments come ahead of this week’s presidential election, in which Laporta is aiming to be re-elected. Club members will head to the polls on Sunday to choose between him and Victor Font. 

Laporta has since fired back at Xavi’s comments, claiming the Barcelona legend has been left embittered by the fact that his successor, Hansi Flick, has been more successful.

Laporta has hit back at Xavi's comments, saying that his presidential rival Victor Font is 'using' Xavi as part of a smear campaign ahead of this week's elections

'When I see what Xavi has said, I think about Hansi Flick,' Laporta told RAC1. 'Being Barca president is a tough job and you have to make difficult decisions. I did what I had to do.

'With Xavi, I saw that we were going to lose and that with Flick we were going to win. I understand that he's hurting. With the same players, Flick is winning.

'As for Messi, this is how it was: In 2023, I was told Messi wanted to return and I sent the contract to Jorge Messi, who later came to my house and told me that there would be too much pressure back here and that they would prefer to go to Miami.'

During the interview, Xavi also accused Laporta of being influenced by his former brother-in-law, Alejandro Echevarria, whom he claims holds real power at Barcelona.

'Laporta convinced me to stay when I had said in January I was leaving. He told me: "I don't see the team without you."

'The president got rid of me without telling me the truth, conditioned by a person who is above him, who is Alejandro Echevarría. That's to say, who really got rid of me as coach is Alejandro.

'He (Echevarria) has more power than Laporta, he betrayed me.' 

Laporta addressed those claims by suggesting his opponent in the presidential race, Font, is 'using' Xavi as part of a smear campaign ahead of the vote.

'What hurts me is that he allowed himself to be used,' Laporta added. 'To hurt me, he’s used someone from my inner circle (Alejandro Echevarria). They defended him (Xavi) even when it was indefensible for him to continue, as did Yuste. He’s eager to smear me. Behind Xavi, I understand Victor Font is trying to manipulate this electoral process.' 

- TARA ANSON-WALSH

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MARTIN ZUBIMENDI MAKES ARSENAL PROMISE AHEAD OF MAN UTD AS MIDFIELDERS INTENTIONS CRYSTAL CLEAR

Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi spoke to the media after the Gunners' 3-0 win against Athletic Club

Martin Zubimendi is looking forward to his first season in an Arsenal shirt (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Martin Zubimendi has insisted the "best is yet to come" as Arsenal's summer signing looks ahead to the Premier League opener against Manchester United.

The Gunners will finally get their 2025/26 season up and running on Sunday when they travel to Old Trafford to take on Ruben Amorim's side. Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in a deal worth around £60million in July and has impressed when on the pitch.

The midfielder set up Viktor Gyokeres' first goal for the club in the 3-0 win over Athletic Club at Emirates Stadium on Saturday and after the game explained how he has been able to settle in so quickly. “It was very easy - the team made it very easy for me,” the Spaniard told Arsenal's official website.

“I think the rest of the team have integrated very well, I think the people on and off the pitch are very friendly. [Declan and Martin Odegaard] are top players, the best in their position. It's time to learn, adapt and enjoy it above all.

“It was an important game because we came from two defeats. It's true that they were friendlies, but this club doesn't understand defeats in any context, so it was an important game to win and start the pre-season with a good feeling.”

The win over Athletic Club was Arsenal's fifth official pre-season friendly of the summer, with Arteta's side winning three and losing two. Zubimendi believes the team can use the experience and take it into the new campaign.

“Yes, the truth is that this team has to adapt to all contexts, whether it's losing or winning, with the aim of winning above all,” he said. “Let's hope we can get through these types of games and do great things.”

Asked about the support he’s felt all around the world and at home, Zubimendi added: “I noticed it during the Asia tour – In the end, it's a team that reaches the whole world. When I got here, these two games were incredible. Even though we didn't win the other day, the atmosphere was incredible, it's even more so today.

“It's a good end to pre-season, but the best is yet to come. In the end, the league is the league. We like to compete; we like to win. I'm very happy that it's starting now.”

- Sam Truelove

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HOW ARSENAL'S NEW BOYS PERFORMED ON DEBUT - INCLUDING A 15-YEAR-OLD WONDERKID

Mikel Arteta handed out numerous debuts as Arsenal made a winning start to their pre-season tour

Norgaard, Zubimendi and Dowman all featured against AC Milan (Photos@ Getty)

Arsenal 1-0 AC Milan (Saka 53′)

Arsenal made a winning start to their pre-season tour against AC Milan in Singapore with a few new faces given their first runouts by Mikel Arteta.

Bukayo Saka scored the game’s only goal with a scuffed volley at the back post from Jakub Kiwior’s searching cross, before the Gunners were beaten 6-5 on penalties in a pre-arranged post-match shootout.

Three of Arsenal’s summer signings were involved, with Christian Norgaard starting and Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi brought on at half-time. A few promising academy prospects also featured in the second half.

Arteta will soon have other newcomers to integrate.

Christian Mosquera is in the Far East to complete his move from Valencia and could feature against Newcastle or Tottenham, while Arsenal hope to have Viktor Gyokeres join them on tour once his protracted move from Sporting Lisbon has been finalised.

Noni Madueke has been given an extended break after featuring for Chelsea at the Club World Cup.

Zubimendi catches the eye

The introductions of Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard at the break, alongside Declan Rice, gave Arsenal fans a first look at what is likely to be a first-choice midfield next season.

Zubimendi offers more playmaking qualities than Arsenal have had recently in the No 6 role, but he also possesses the defensive nous to protect the back four.

The 26-year-old ranked ninth in La Liga for combined tackles and interceptions last season and offered glimpses of those ball-winning capabilities in Kallang.

He was well-positioned to disrupt Milan counters, nicking the ball off Rafael Leao within minutes of coming on as Milan’s main man slalomed towards goal after a turnover.

Later on, he dispossessed Leao again, staying alive and alert to win the ball inside his own box. He looks well suited to Arsenal’s high press, too, shuttling crab-like to close down space in the opponents’ half.

It was a polished performance on the ball pockmarked by various line-breaking passes. He even scored a penalty, calmly sending Milan’s impressive No 2 Lorenzo Torriani the wrong way in a pre-arranged post-match shootout.

An encouraging first outing from the £52m buy.

Neat and tidy Norgaard

Adapting to playing for a team that had the third-highest possession share in the Premier League last season, from one that was 15th, will determine whether or not the Dane is a success in north London.

There were a couple of stray passes, but generally, he was accomplished on the ball (if less so than Zubimendi) and looked to punch balls into the forwards.

With Arsenal controlling much of the first half, he had plenty of the ball and operated higher up the pitch than he tended to for Brentford.

Norgaard played the first-half against AC Milan (Photo: AP)

He could even have registered a debut assist, after Ethan Nwaneri’s stinging drive from his pass forced a smart stop on the stretch from Pietro Terracciano.

Another facet of Norgaard’s game that has perhaps been overlooked is his aerial ability. According to WhoScored, Norgaard won 52 aerial duels last season, the third-most among Premier League central midfielders.

The six-footer made a headed clearance from a Milan corner later in the half and his presence could help Arsenal improve their defensive set-piece record.

The Gunners let in 14 set-piece goals in the league last season; Brentford conceded just two.

A clean sheet for Kepa

Signed to provide competition for David Raya, Kepa will be pleased to have kept his first clean sheet in Arsenal colours.

It was a largely stress-free half for the ex-Chelsea keeper, especially considering he played most of it behind a back four containing two 18-year-olds and a 15-year-old.

His best moment was getting his positioning and handling spot on to gather in a Leao shot from range, before immediately springing to his feet to set an Arsenal counter in motion with a throw.

Kepa may have had little to do in regulation time, but he was in inspired form in the penalty shootout, matching Torriani by making three saves from the first five kicks, all of which were down to his left.

He has always backed himself in shootouts, to be fair.

Teenage kicks

Besides the newcomers, Arsenal supporters will have been eager to see a few of the club’s youngsters get some game time.

There is plenty of hype around the 15-year-old Max Dowman, who is eligible to play Premier League football next season.

A left-footed attacking midfielder, Dowman slotted in on Saka’s right flank and looked remarkably composed given his inexperience.

Dowman impressed on his Arsenal debut (Photo: Reuters)

There is a touch of early Jack Wilshere about Dowman, with his low centre of gravity, direct dribbles and silky touch.

The schoolboy kept his cool in the shootout, succeeding where Odegaard, Reiss Nelson and Kiwior hadn’t by netting from 12 yards. Expect to see much more of him over the next few years.

Marli Salmon, another 15-year-old, also looked assured at centre-back, while 18-year-old right-back Josh Nichols produced some exciting bits of skill. Nichols also scored a penalty, although Salmon blazed his over with Milan winning the shootout with the next kick.

Hale End graduates Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly both broke into Arteta’s first-team plans last term, and judging by the displays of Dowman, Salmon and Nichols, more will follow before long.

- Oliver Young-Myles

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ANDREA BERTA IMMEDIATELY PUT TO WORK AS 'ARSENAL' 'WANT' NEW SPORTING DIRECTOR 'TO SECURE' £51M TRANSFER CAPTURE

Arsenal have announced the arrival of the vastly experienced Andrea Berta as their new sporting director.

The 53-year-old left his role as Atletico Madrid sporting director earlier this year, and he has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium as the replacement for Edu.

Berta's arrival in North London has now been confirmed, and he has a huge reputation in the world of football, having been instrumental to Atletico's recent success, while he has worked in technical roles for both Parma and Genoa.

The Italian has said that he is making the move to Arsenal during "a hugely exciting period for the club", with the Gunners establishing themselves as serious contenders for the Premier League title in recent seasons.

Arsenal confirm Berta appointment, as Italian replaces Edu

"I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club," he said in a statement on the club's official website.

"I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.

"The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team. I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game at Emirates Stadium together with our supporters."

Meanwhile, the club's co-chairman Josh Kroenke added: "Anyone who knows football knows Andrea is an impressive figure. He has vast knowledge of the game, a great track record, a strong network and an insatiable desire to build winning teams.

Andrea will be a great addition to our club. He understands our values and what we stand for and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.

"We undertook a thorough recruitment process and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea's experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out. "We are really looking forward to working together and welcoming him into the Arsenal family."

Berta 'tasked' with securing deal for Real Sociedad's Zubimendi

According to The Mirror, Berta has been immediately tasked with securing a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The Spain international famously turned down the chance to make the move to Liverpool last summer, but he is expected to leave at the end of this season, with a number of clubs interested in his signature.

Real Madrid appear to be Arsenal's main competition for the Euro 2024 winner, but it is understood that the Gunners are confident of winning the race for a player who has a £51m release clause in his contract.

Arsenal are said to be hopeful that Berta's expertise will help them get a deal over the line for Zubimendi, with the bulk of the framework already being completed, as the North London club view him as a priority signing this summer.

The 26-year-old has again been a vital player for La Real during the current season, making 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and registering two assists in the process.

- Matt Law

MARTIN ZUBIMENDI'S EXPLANATION FOR SNUBBING LIVERPOOL AHEAD OF $62M TRANSFER YO ARSENAL

Arsenal is reportedly edging closer to completing a deal for midfielder Martin Zubimendi that would see the Real Sociedad star join the Gunners in the summer

Arsenal is reportedly close to landing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The Spaniard was Liverpool's top transfer target last summer, with the Reds agreeing a deal with the La Liga side for Zubimendi, only for him to spurn their advances in order to stay in the Basque Country. However, just under half a year later, the 25-year-old looks potentially set for a move to the Premier League to join Liverpool's Premier League title rivals.

Initially reported by the Mail, Arsenal has been working on a deal to land Zubimendi since the summer, with Mikel Arteta keen on landing the Spanish midfielder. Zubimendi has a release fee clause of $61.9m (£51m/€60m), a figure Arsenal is willing to pay.

The Mail add the deal is "virtually completed", with Zubimendi likely to join Arsenal next summer. There had been no indication Liverpool would go back in for Zubimendi this month, especially given the performances of Ryan Gravenberch in a deeper role this season.

Zubimendi turned Liverpool down last summer, and explained his decision for doing so to El Diario Vasco last month. "They were uncomfortable moments for me, because, as is normal, people talk a lot," Zubimendi said when asked about the talks surrounding his future last summer.

“But, anyway, you think about the pros and cons, thinking about it carefully, and you come to the conclusion that, well, for me the best thing was to stay at Real. Each one also looks at their personal progress a little. Because of who I am, the project, and the importance that I was going to have this year, I think that I still had steps to take at Real.