FC Barcelona News: 18 May 2018

Valverde gives Paulinho time off until next season | Marca

Paulinho’s season is over after Barcelona confirmed he will not play against Real Sociedad. He will train with the team on Friday before heading off on holiday before the World Cup. It’s been a long season for the Brazilian who has had no break since February of last year as he came straight from the Chinese Super League.

Lionel Messi wins April’s Player of the Month | La Liga

Lionel Messi has won April’s Player of the Month award after scoring two hat-tricks to help his side clinch the league title. The Argentine took the match ball home after games against Leganes and Deportivo La Coruna and has another award to add to his collection.

Barcelona to make Griezmann announcement in two weeks | AS

Barcelona are closing in on a deal for Antoine Griezmann and there could be a penalty clause of up to €20 million in place in case the deal breaks down. The No.7 shirt has been reserved for Griezmann and at the moment it seems like the only way the deal can collapse is if the Frenchman changes his mind.

Barcelona have not called it’s just rumours, says Eriksen | Football London

There’s plenty of speculation about a Barcelona move for Christian Eriksen floating around again but the Dane reckons it’s just rumours. He apparently told Danish publication Fyens: “They have not called. It’s just rumours.”

Iniesta ‘nervous’ for final game | Football Espana

Andres Iniesta will play his final Barcelona game on Sunday against Real Sociedad and has admitted he’s a bit nervous. He said: “I’m nervous about Sunday, as I’ve already been telling some people. When they tell you the end is coming you get used to the idea, but when the moment approaches I’ll be nervous and my feelings will be even more raw.”

Aguero: Messi will stay at Barcelona and I’ll stay at Man City | Marca

Sergio Aguero has been talking about the possibility of playing alongside Lionel Messi. He said: “Sincerely, before there was that possibility. It is now a question of age for both him and for me. He is going to stay at Barcelona, where he’s playing well, and I’ll do so at City.”