Neymar didnt join Barca for money - Vilanova

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Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova has expressed his delight at the club's capture of Brazilian international Neymar.

The Catalan club confirmed on Sunday that the 21-year-old will join them on a five-year contract in a deal that is expected to cost the Spanish champions around 50 million euros ($65m, £43m) and Vilanova hailed the player for not choosing the option to earn more money at other clubs.

"We have to congratulate the secretarial team for the signing of Neymar," he said at a press conference after Barca's 2-0 defeat of Espanyol on Sunday night.

"He is a significant signing and we have been very aware of him for a long time because we knew he could receive better offers from others.

"I also congratulate Neymar for choosing a sporting project and not an economic one. I have confidence that he is going to do well in Europe and he is going to help us be better."

And Vilanova also dismissed claims that Neymar is more of a flashy player, more capable of eye-catching flicks and tricks than delivering effectively for the team.

"If they say Neymar is a Youtube player that is a good thing because he scores great goals and makes great plays," he added.

"He has chosen Barcelona because he thinks he can adapt well to this style of play. It is a dream to have a striker like this. The more better players we have, the better our chances will be of winning.

"Now we have to combine everyone in the best way, like we have done in the past."

Barca's victory in the Catalan derby also eased them to within three points of Real Madrid's record 100 points tally from last season, a record that Vilanova is now keen to match when they host Malaga next weekend.

"When I started to hear about this record we were very far away from it and it was best not to talk about these things.

"Now we are just one game, one victory away and we have to try and do it."

Barcas Pedro targeting 100 points in La Liga

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Barcelona winger Pedro Rodriguez has claimed he and his teammates are targeting Real Madrid's league record of 100 points after sealing the title last weekend.

The Catalans were handed their 22nd league crown when Madrid could only manage a 1-1 draw with Espanyol, but they stayed on course for a century of points with a late come from behind win at Atletico Madrid 24 hours later.

And with nothing else left to play for this season, Pedro said winning their last three games to match Madrid's treasured total from last season can be a motivating factor.

"The 100 points are a motivation, an objective that the team has in mind," he said.

"We know that it will be difficult because the opponents that we have left are still playing for things, but we will try to do it."

The Spanish international also insisted it has still been a successful season for Barca despite their eliminations to Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the Champions League and Copa del Rey respectively.

"The league is the most important title in the season because it is the one of consistency.

"I am very happy with the league and for the work of the team."

However, the 25-year-old has been slightly disappointed with his own return of just eight goals this season and understands why his place may be under threat by new faces arriving in the close season.

"Personally, I would have liked to be able to offer a little more, but I am happy with the opportunities I have had.

"Next season it will return to being very difficult. It is normal that in this team they talk about reinforcements.

"Barca needs goals and a lot of offensive contribution. Therefore, every year the frontline suffers alterations."

The likes of Pedro, Alexis Sanchez and David Villa will get the chance to prove their worth between now and the end of the campaign as Lionel Messi has been ruled out for the remaining weeks of the season with the hamstring injury that has dogged him in recent months.

Barca's opponents on Sunday, Valladolid, have also achieved their goal for the season by mathematically sealing survival, but their manager Mirsolav Djukic is looking forward to the challenge of facing the champions.

"The two teams have achieved their objectives, but I have never played easy games," he said.

"I think this is a good opportunity to see how we are in comparison to the best team in Spain.

"We can win against anyone and with our style we are confident that we can win, although we know it is very difficult because they will want to celebrate the title."

Meanwhile, on Saturday the focus is on the fight for the final Champions League place with Valencia and Real Sociedad both locked on 59 points.

Valencia are first up as they travel to Getafe before Sociedad face an awkward looking trip to Sevilla on in the evening.

And despite making up five points on the Basques since they lost in San Sebastian three weeks ago, Valencia boss Ernesto Valverde is warning his side against being over-confident.

"It is a decisive matchday because we have a difficult opponents and Real Sociedad play in Sevilla.

"Both matches are difficult. We are confident, but I would like to control this euphoria that we have. It also isn't good that this comes over us because we could have a setback."

And at the bottom Mallorca could be relegated if Zaragoza beat Athletic Bilbao and they fail to win against Betis on Monday.

Saturday

Getafe v Valencia, Granada v Osasuna, Sevilla v Real Sociedad

Sunday

Levante v Rayo Vallecano, Deportivo la Coruna v Espanyol, Real Zaragoza v Athletic Bilbao, Barcelona v Valladolid

Monday

Mallorca v Real Betis

Messi Wants Neymar to Join Him at Barcelona#8207;

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Lionel Messi has revealed that he is keen for Barcelona to sign Santos forward Neymar Jr. this summer, and the deal could be wrapped up as soon as the transfer window opens.

On a recent trip to Qatar, Messi spoke to TV network ‘Qatar Alkaas’ about how he’d be delighted to play alongside the Brazilian wonderkid.

The 21-year-old talisman has proved himself as the best player in South America by winning the most prestigious individual awards available.

His repertoire of skills that leave his opponents dizzy and a step behind has made him one of football’s hottest prospects.

Reports suggest that Neymar had initially indicated at his desire to stay with the Brazilian club until after the World Cup in 2014, but now could be the right time to move.

Playing in Europe will make him a better player, there is no doubt about that. The Champions League is a fierce competition. It encourages an intense desire to win.

However, he’s sure to face some difficult obstacles along the way.

The cold winter pitches in Ukraine and Russia are no place for his arsenal of flicks and tricks – a huge part of his game.

Hopefully, if he’s the player people claim he is, he will adapt and unlock a new ‘never say die’ style to his play making him more of a physical presence.

Neymar will likely be a long-term replacement for the declining David Villa and the sound of Messi and Pedro leading the attack alongside him is a dream come true for fans, but a nightmare for defences.

Neymar would help Messi Says Barcelona's Dani Alves

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Barcelona full-back Dani Alves has claimed the signing of his Brazilian international colleague Neymar would help ease the burden that has been placed on Lionel Messi this season.

The four-time World Player of the Year has scored 60 times this season despite an injury-hit last couple of months to the campaign, whilst the second-highest scorer in the squad, David Villa, has only registered 14 goals.

And Alves doesn't believe pairing Neymar and Messi together would be a problem should Barca finally complete their pursuit of the 21-year-old before the start of next season.

"Two phenomenons are better than one," he told Barcelona sports daily El Mundo Deportivo.

"They are two good players and play in different positions. They would understand each other.

"It doesn't bother Neymar to be the protagonist or not, although his way of playing will always attract attention. Neymar would be a relief, he would help Leo a lot."

Barca's dependence on Messi was most cruelly exposed on the European stage this season as the Argentine was forced into action when clearly carrying a hamstring injury against Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and missed the semi-final second-leg against Bayern Munich as the Germans went on to inflict a 7-0 aggregate defeat on the Catalans.

"In some games they have marked Messi a lot and Neymar would help unbalance defences more. We have lacked a little continuity up front and the objective looking forward to next season is to continue competing for everything."

However, Alves refused to quash rumours that he could be one of those on his way out as the club tries to raise funds for a splurge in the transfer market in the close season.

The 30-year-old has been linked with a move to PSG among others and he is keeping his options open.

"I said that I wouldn't close the door to PSG because the more doors you have open, the better."

"I intend to stay here until they don't want me and I have advised Neymar to play at Barca because for me it is the best club and to be able to play with him. But it would be stupid to close doors for myself."

Rain kings Barca stay on course for 100 points

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Barcelona celebrated lifting the La Liga trophy for a 22nd time with a 2-1 win over Valladolid on Sunday at a rain-lashed Camp Nou.

The wet conditions resulted in the lowest attendance for a Barca home league match this season as only 56,055 filled the 99,354 capacity ground.

However, first-half goals from Pedro Rodriguez and into his own net from Marc Valiente were enough to keep the champions on track to match Real Madrid's league record of 100 points before Victor Perez's penalty halved the deficit a minute from time.

Given the injuries to Lionel Messi and Dani Alves, Barca boss Tito Vilanova sent out about as strong a starting line-up as he could with Victor Valdes and Javier Mascherano returning after a number of weeks out through injury.

However, given the stormy conditions and general lack of atmosphere, it took some time for Barca to get going.

They did manage to make the breakthrough with virtually their first clear opening on 20 minutes though as Xavi recovered possession in midfield and surged forward before feeding Pedro and his low shot slipped under Jaime Jimenez who ought to have done better to keep it out.

Oscar Gonzalez then wasted a decent opening to get the visitors back into the game at the other end, but he dribbled a disappointing effort into Valdes' arms from range when he seemed to have a clear run on goal.

Andres Iniesta saw a deflected effort loop just over as Barca began to up the tempo with their short passing game before the break, but their second goal arrived in somewhat fortunate circumstances as the wet conditions contributed to Valiente slicing Xavi's corner into his own net.

Xavi tested Jaime with a low skidding effort that the keeper handled well with the first effort of the second period and Pedro really ought to have registered his second of the evening when he blasted over from Cesc Fabregas' cut-back just after the hour mark.

Jaime then made fine saves from Martin Montoya and David Villa to keep the score down, whilst Pedro failed to hit the target with another guilt-edged opportunity nine minutes from time.

Valladolid were handed a consolation in the 89th minute when with practically their first attack of the second-half Montoya brought down Manucho inside the area and Perez converted the resulting penalty.

Neymar set for Barca move - reports

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Brazil striker Neymar has reportedly chosen to join Barcelona this summer.

Santos have accepted two offers for their star player, with Barcelona confirmed as one of the bidders and Real Madrid widely suggested to be the other side in pursuit. After an initial meeting between club officials, Neymar and the player's father, no immediate decision on his future was reached, but Spanish media have since reported the frontman will be moving to the Nou Camp.

A statement from Santos on Friday night read: "In a meeting with representatives of the management committee of Santos FC, striker Neymar Jr was made aware of the offers received by the club and he will analyse them in the coming days before making a final decision."

The 21-year-old's contract expires at the end of next season and some reports had suggested an agreement with Barcelona was as good as signed.

Santos vice-president Odilio Rodrigues apparently shares that view, quoted on the website of Spanish sports newspaper Diario AS as saying: "When I went to Barcelona to hear the offer, I learned that Neymar had a verbal agreement that when he finished his contract in 2014 he was going to Barcelona.

"He has a gentleman's agreement. He doesn't have a contract, but a verbal agreement."

The move to Barcelona was reported as a done deal by Marca.com, the website of the sports newspaper that most closely focuses on affairs at Real Madrid.

Barcelona assistant boss Jordi Roura refused to be be drawn on the progress of Barcelona's chase today, but acknowledged the talent of their target.

"Let things run their course," he said. "He's a spectacular player and any club would want him."

It was reported by Marca.com that Neymar's signing could be announced after Barcelona's Primera Division match at Espanyol on Sunday night, or during Monday.

Neymar signs five-year deal with Barcelona

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Brazilian football star Neymar on Monday signed a five-year contract with Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona and will travel to Spain next week for the official presentation.

The 21-year star, whose full name is Neymar da Silva Santos Junior, announced his choice on his Instagram account Saturday after receiving offers from both the Catalan club and its rival Real Madrid.

"I want to thank the Santos fans for nine incredible years," wrote Neymar, currently a forward for the storied Brazilian team Santos.

Neymar's agent Wagner Ribeiro said his client would be one of Barca's highest paid players, but did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.

"He will earn less than (Lionel) Messi, but he will make close to what (fellow Brazilian star) Kaka makes today," the agent told the Gazeta television channel.

"Neymar is on his way to getting the third or fourth highest salary among Barca players."

According to Spanish media, the transfer was valued at between $51.7 million and $64.6 million.