Quaresma

The most high-profile would probably be Inter’s Portuguese winger Ricardo Quaresma. His time in Serie A was disappointing to say the least and he’s been loaned out to Chelsea for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, the Nerazzurri also off-loaded Olivier Dacourt to Fulham.Inter weren’t the only ones who cleaned out the locker room, Fiorentina sent seldom-used striking prospects to places where they could be of more use. Giampaolo Pazzini moved to Sampdoria and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo to Bologna. The Viola sold them for about £15 million combined, making them the most profitable team in January.Don’t forget Palermo, the Rosanero rid themselves of Andrea Raggi, Paolo Hernan Dellafiore, Davide Lanzafame, and Ciro Capuano. The quartet only made 16 appearances combined during the first half of the season.Keep in mind though, one sporting director’s garbage could be another sporting director’s treasure.

Eto'o: I'm Going Nowhere, And Espanyol Robbed Barca

Contrary to earlier reports, Samuel Eto'o has stated that he has no intention of leaving Barcelona in the near future. Speaking to reporters after his side's loss in El Derbi Barcelones, Eto'o said, "Many foolish things have been said, and it seems like there is an interest in creating problems when there aren't any."It has been forgotten that I have a contract until 2010, and that when I started this project with Guardiola, it was not just for one season.
"I do not want to go, and they do not want to sell me," he stressed, before going to assure that he is happy in Barcelona, and enjoys the friendship in the dressing room. When asked about questions over his attitude, Eto'o simply replied: "I am a good boy."The striker then spoke about his side's loss, warning future opponents that his team would "devastate them" because they are the best side in Europe.He also left no uncertain feelings over his views on the referee, saying, "We have a seven point advantage, and to beat us, one must rely on refereeing like that."

Lionel Messi

Name: Lionel Andrés Messi
Position: forward
Place of birth: Santa Fe (Argentina)
Date: 24-06-1987
Heignt: 1'69
Weight: 67

This Argentinian striker's footballing career started in 1995 at Newell's Old Boys, where he played until the year 2000. At the age of 13, Lionel Messi crossed the Atlantic to try his luck in Barcelona, and joined the Under 14s.
Messi made spectacular progress at each of the different age levels, climbing through the ranks of the different youth teams and then Barça C, followed by Barça B and the first team in record time.
In the 2003-2004 season, when he was still only 16, Messi made his first team debut in a friendly with Porto that marked the opening of the new Dragao stadium. The following championship-winning season, Messi made his first appearance in an official match on October 16, 2004, in Barcelona's derby win against Espanyol at the Olympic Stadium (0-1).
With several first team players seriously injured, the services of several reserve team players were called upon, and Messi became a regular feature of Barça squads. On May 1, 2005, he became the youngest player ever to score a league goal for FC Barcelona - against Albacete when Messi was only 17 years, 10 months and 7 days old. That record would eventually be beaten by Bojan.
At the Under 20 World Cup in Holland, Messi not only won the title with Argentina, but was also the leading goalscorer and was voted best player in the tournament. Aged 18 years, he had become one of the hottest properties in the world game. Shortly after, he made his first full international appearance in a friendly against Hungary.
His breakthrough as a player came in the 2005-06 season, starting with an amazing performance in the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Juventus. He was also outstanding at the Santiago Bernabéu, in Barcelona's unforgettable 3-0 win, and also at Stamford Bridge, in the Champions League match against Chelsea. Injury kept him sidelined for much of the latter stage of the season. Messi played a total of 17 league games, 6 in the Champions League and 2 in the Copa del Rey. Messi scored eight goals.CHARACTERISTICS
Messi is an unusual player. He is highly creative, and has the skills to take on defenders with ease. He is a versatile left-footed player who can play either in the middle or on either wing, or even as a centre forward.
Although he is quite short, he is so fast and physically strong that he can cope with larger opponents. He is incredibly powerful, and a specialist in such dead ball situations as corners, free kicks and penalties.
Leo Messi is cool-headed and able to assume several responsibilities in times of need. He is a player who is destined to have a very successful career in football.
HONOURS FC Barcelona2006-07 Spanish Supercup2005-06 Champions League2005-06 League2005-06 Spanish Supercup2004-05 LeagueArgentinian National Team2004-05 World Cup Under-20

Oman have won the Gulf Cup for the first time

Oman have won the Gulf Cup for the first time, defeating regional heavyweights Saudi Arabia on penalties in the final.
The two sides had been locked at 0-0 after extra-time, but the hosts, led by veteran French coach Claude Le Roy, held their nerve in the shoot-out winning 6-5.
Taisser Al-Jassim had missed his kick for the Saudis with Mohammed Rabea finding the target for Oman who had been the better side in regulation time.
Twice they were denied by the woodwork with Ismail Al-Ajmi and Emad Al-Hosni the unfortunate players.