Village Idiot

Up there with Banega's for the Football Injury Darwin Awards.

Ah yes, one of my favorite press clips of all time, together with the "Best players in the world (and Xavi)" Mail headline after the 2008 Ballon d'Or.

I see what you mean, Ronaldinho was infuriating/wanktastic on equal parts in that regard.

Messi "without flair"? Ronaldinho was more about the tricks, certainly, but Messi produces ridiculous stuff game in game out. And David Bowie probably drinks tea especially blended for him by 20 Sumatran virgins or something.

2 goals in two CL finals against ManU, 4 goals in a single game against Arsenal... I think he's fine to be frank. Chelsea 2009 is the only tie against an English team where he hasn't scored since he became a starter.

I can't recall which game is the 7th, probably one from when he was coming through I guess. The record is 2/3/1 He also got a couple assists in those.

Cronaldo himself trotting out the line that "the best have to prove it in different countries" in an interview with a Portuguese TV today

In all the interviews I read from him in the Spanish press he was always ranting about your board and how they kept weakening the squad. I think his care for the club was - at least until the last months - genuine. Regarding Spain, he may get in the frame after the Euros if Ramos becomes CB longterm (and Arbeloa moves to the right to cover for him).

To be completely honest, many on here thought exactly the same.

Abidal will undergo transplant surgery on April 10th.

It's a very nasty sickness, things have got way better in the last 10-15 years but it's still a 50/50 thing in most cases. I used to work for a charity that supported research on this. Being "acute" doesn't affect receptiveness to treatment, so there's still hope, even if he has very little time There's also a few variations of leukemia, some being more treatable than others. Really hope he pulls through.

Yes, it diminishes red blood cell count and thus the processing of oxygen by the body. Chronic fatigue is an usual symptom, among others.

Horrible news. Leukemia is a deadly sickness. Hope it's one of the milder versions

Naaseeeeri we love you Naaaseeeri we love you fuck, it's stuck in my head now.

The AVB one is amazing

No, it's what Athletic are charging away fans for the second leg.

Man, if Gómez had declared for Spain... or Messi for that matter But I'm being greedy.

Looks like it was the Schalke fans, would make more sense since they pay €15 to stand and what not. Perfect Spanish that, but there's a lot of Spanish immigrants in Germany (hello Mario Gómez). 90€ is daylight robbery, but we gotta balance that account deficit somehow.

Yh, its a shame but its true but two cup finals ( one domestic and one european) would make for a amazing season regardless of League standings....... Bilbao fans are probably ecstatic. They are loving it, indeed. Athletic Club have never quite done it in Europe so they don't have the reputation of a Valencia or Atlético despite having a bigger domestic trophy haul. So this campaign, if they get all the way, it's a bit of a vindication.

They really don't have the squad for a two-front battle.

Loving the obviously pro-Raúl Spanish commentators feigning enthusiasm for Athletic's win

Bielsa, if Guardiola ends up leaving I know who I want

Athletic Club Now Bielsa rest some players this weekend for the home leg.

Tie over

Lovely game, it's just great when both teams go for it