Barcelona's Guardiola Has The Cojones

The story has been kicking around for a while now but it's taken on a more definite hue with the ballsy words from new Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola. Not afraid to mince words, he's come out and openly said star players Eto'o, Deco and old rabbit teeth himself, Ronaldinho, are all free to leave the Nou Camp. Blimey. Just don't go to Man.City, Ronaldinho. Eto'o has already ruled out Spurs and Deco looks likely to join Portugal boss Scolari at Chelsea. There were some lazily speculating earlier this year that Ronaldinho would come to the MLS. Remember this is one of the world's best players who has obviously fallen out with the powers that be at Barcelona. Unless someone is willing to stump up a Beckham-like salary for the Brazilian, he will be staying in Europe. Props to Guardiola for not tolerating too many star individuals and trying to build a team. The story also looks to confirm that Thierry Henry will be staying in Spain after all.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7459340.stm

Another Gomes Comes to Town as Rapids Sign Brazilian

To Christian and Herculez, add Rafael. As discussed last week, the Rapids did sign a Brazilian. Although they missed out on Reinaldo, Colorado did sign Rafael Gomes as a defensive midfielder. Could be interesting when Gomes passes to Gomez who passes to Gomez who scores. Gomes has played in both Brazil and Portugal and was in the same Brazilian national squad at U-15 and U-17 level as Ronaldinho. Notably, the Rapids also announced that they waived Chase Hilgenbrink (he didn't get much of chance having just been signed) and Brandon Prideaux among others. Just goes to show how tough professional sport is. This looks like the end of any pre-season trades as the Rapids are now roster compliant. Same old questions remain on the scoring front.