Messi's matured a lot since World Cup, says Martino

The coach thinks last summer's tournament has moulded the Barcelona star into a stronger player, while offering support for Manchester United flop Angel Di Maria.Lionel Messi has matured a lot since the last World Cup, according to Argentina head coach Gerardo Martino.

How Van Gaal is grooming Giggs as his next Mourinho or Guardiola

The Manchester United legend is playing a key role in the club's coaching staff and widely expected to replace the Dutch manager at the end of his contract in 2017.After Louis Van Gaal went through a spell of celebrating goals by slapping a stony-faced Ryan Giggs on the cheek, the Manchester United manager was forced to deny suggestions of a poor relationship with his assistant.

Barcelona won't crumble to Bayern again - Bartra

The defender says the Catalans were struggling for fitness when the Bavarians smashed them two years ago and is certain history won't repeat itself.Barcelona defender Marc Bartra is convinced history won't repeat itself when they come up against Bayern Munich in their upcoming Champions League semi-final.The Catalans were thrashed 7-0 by the Bavarians two years ago at the same stage of the European competition and were drawn against them once again this May.

Lukaku, De Bruyne and Muamba lead Mertens tributes

The death of the Sporting Lokeren defender on Thursday - three days after he collapsed during a match - left many clubs and players grieving.Figures from across the world of football gave their Twitter condolences to Gregory Mertens after the Sporting Lokeren player passed away on Thursday.The 24-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest in Monday's reserve fixture with KRC Genk and, after being resuscitated on the pitch, was in a medically-induced coma for days until his death was announced.Former Bolton Wanderers player Fabrice Muamba was 23 when he went through the exact same situation in March 2012 against Tottenham, except he survived the cardiac arrest, and he passed on his respects.

New TV deal ends Barcelona and Real Madrid monopoly

Spain's two biggest teams will no longer have the lion's share of the money after a new agreement over broadcasting rights was agreed.Real Madrid and Barcelona will no longer monopolise the television money in Spain after a new deal was announced on Thursday.Spain's two biggest clubs have negotiated their own agreements for the sale of broadcasting rights in recent years, giving them a huge advantage over the rest of the teams in La Liga, but that trend will now end after the Spanish government gave the green light for a new deal to be brought in.

Raul: Messi's my best-ever opponent

The Real Madrid legend does not think he has ever faced a footballer as talented as the Barcelona No.10 throughout his long career.Real Madrid legend Raul believes Barcelona star Lionel Messi is the best player he has ever played against due to his ability to make “the impossible look easy.Messi has wowed football fans by upping his game after a lull in his 2014 performances, and his form has undoubtedly helped Luis Enrique's men to sit atop La Liga with a famous treble within sight.

Arsenal? There's no better place than Madrid - Casillas

The Spain skipper says he is not thinking of leaving the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, pouring cold water on a possible move to north London.Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas says he has no intention of quitting the Santiago Bernabeu this summer for Arsenal or any other club, claiming he is in the "best possible place,.Casillas is 33 and has spent his entire career at Madrid, but the club captain has come in for criticism over the last few seasons and considered leaving the Spanish side last summer.On his way into a promotional event in Madrid on Thursday, Casillas was asked about a possible to Arsenal by a reporter from Spanish show El Chringuito, but replied: "Where am I going to be better off than here?