FC Barcelona News: 22 May 2018

Atletico hope Griezmann won’t backtrack on decision to stay | AS

Antoine Griezmann was almost reduced to tears on Sunday when he was whistled by some sections of the Atleti support. The Frenchman had earlier told team-mates he wants to stay but didn’t want to announce it and take the gloss off Fernando Torres’ big day. Atletico are now hoping the whistles do not make him change his mind again.

Sampaoli: Messi excited for the World Cup | Marca

Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli reckons that Lionel Messi is in optimistic mood ahead of the World Cup. He said: “I think Messi is very optimistic, excited about what is ahead, Physically he’s very good, winning the league early influenced that. We won’t count on Messi much for the friendly matches but I think for the World Cup he will be very good.”

Andres Gomes clears his Camp Nou locker ahead of exit | Mundo Deportivo

Andre Gomes’s time at Barcelona appears to be drawing to a close with news that he’s cleared his locker at the club’s training ground. The midfielder is clear he wants a move away and Barcelona are happy to sell if they receive a decent offer.

Inter warn Barcelona over Rafinha | Football Italia

Barcelona director Ariedo Braida has told Inter to get a move on if they want to sign Rafinha. He told Gr Parlamento: “It’s possible that he’ll stay at Inter, but nothing’s been decided yet. Other clubs are interested in him.”

Podolski: Playing with Iniesta at Vissel Kobe would be incredible | Sport

Former Germany international Lukas Podolski is hoping that Andres Iniesta will join him at Japanese side Vissel Kobe. He said: “Iniesta is a great player, All teams want a player like that in their team. He could go wherever he wanted and he would be welcome in any part of the world. If he comes, it would be great.”