LIONEL MESSI

A 9 year old Irish boy named Zak Gilsenan impressed everyone after he successfully earned a spot in Barcelona, one of the biggest and most successful European clubs.

Ryan Giggs has been announced as captain of Team GB for the 2012 London Olympics, with the Manchester United stalwart described by manager Stuart Pearce as the perfect candidate for the job.

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie's decision to not sign a contract extension has opened up, as was expected, a bidding war for his services

IBTimes UK selects the best eleven from the summer's European Championship

Manchester United are set to face Barcelona in a friendly in Sweden, with the match set to take place at Gothenburg on August 8.

Paul Merson has made the astonishing claim that Liverpool striker Andy Carroll should be ashamed of himself for not taking a penalty for England against Italy on Sunday night, with the striker behind defender Ashley Cole in the pecking order.

One-day purchase for FIFA 13 Ultimate Edition, plus pre-order offers from Amazon and Game have been announced.

Fabio Capello has dismissed reports suggesting he is helping Italy with inside information about England's tactics, ahead of the Euro 2012 quarter final

Check out a full tactical preview and analysis ahead of Sunday evening's Euro 2012 quarter final between England and the 2006 World Champions Italy, as well as information on where to watch live and what time it kicks off

Arsenal have offered captain Robin van Persie a club record deal but the player has delayed signing a new contract

Real Madrid star forward Cristiano Ronaldo has denied all rumours suggesting that he would be heading back to the Premier League. Although, Ronaldo says that he misses his former club Manchester United, he claims that he is very happy with Real Madrid and plans to finish his career there.

Eden Hazard has revealed he idolises Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

John Barnes believes that Liverpool need to create a system whereby they have a set structure before the side can compete for top signings.

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo admitted to being very disappointed after seeing former side Manchester United not win the Premier League

Cristiano Ronaldo feels that he and Lionel Messi cannot be compared because of their differences but considers himself to be better than the Barcelona star at the moment.

Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie, who has picked up many awards, could be breaking many records this Sunday during the Gunners' final clash with West Bromwich Albion.

Everton midfielder Royston Drenthe (on loan from Real Madrid) has accused Argentinean star striker Lionel Messi of racially abusing him when the 25-year-old was playing in the Spanish La Liga.

Eden Hazard was reportedly house-hunting in England and being helped by Manchester City officials, sparking rumours the Belgian could be close to sealing a switch to the Etihad for next season.

Cristiano Ronaldo says that winning the title in La Liga has been one of his best moments, with the striker insisting that being able to beat Barcelona has been a particularly tough feat to achieve.

Spanish giants Real Madrid have lifted their first Primera Division title since the 2007/2008 season after registering a convincing 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames.

Tito Vilanova will replace Pep Guardiola as Barcelona's new manager, after the 41-year-old confirmed his departure at the end of the season following a glittering career at the Nou Camp.