FC Barcelona News: 29 June 2012; Welcome Back Jordi Alba, Spain to Face Italy in EURO 2012 Final

Jordi Alba: Six seasons as a FC Barcelona player | FC Barcelona
Barça’s newest signing, Jordi Abla, is very familiar with the Azulgrana Club. The ex-Valencia man played in Barça’s youth system for six years and now, at the age of 23, he has returned as an established footballer. He’s a solid left back, a gifted passer and adept at going forward.

Jordi Alba: Young, fast and local | FC Barcelona
Jordi Alba Ramos, FC Barcelona’s first signing for the 2012/13 season, is a player that always makes himself noticed despite being a left back. He is the archetypal wing back, with a number of virtues. Alba, at 23, is quick and skilful, and likes to support the forwards, making life hell for right backs with his lightning runs up the flank.

Éric Abidal: five years of joys and struggles | FC Barcelona
This Friday will mark Éric Abidal’s fifth year at Can Barça. Exactly five years ago, the French player was presented as the newest addition to the team in the Camp Nou’s press room. With the number 22 on his jersey, the Frenchman recognized that his job was to "bring equilibrium to a very offensive-minded team and to try to help the team concede fewer goals."

Barça to face Manchester United in Gothenburg | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona’s fourth preseason friendly will be against Manchester United on August 8th (20:00), at Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg (Sweden). The friendly will be a replay of the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals between the two teams.

Fifth final for seven FC Barcelona players | FC Barcelona
On Sunday, seven FC Barcelona players will be playing their fifth final of the season. These will be Valdés, Piqué, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro and Cesc, who will be seeking to make it five out of five after already bagging the Spanish and European Supercups, the Clubs World Cup and the Copa del Rey.

Piqué makes penalty debut | FC Barcelona
Spain defeated Portugal in a penalty shootout last night, and three Barça players took kicks, namely Andrés Iniesta, Gerard Piqué and Cesc Fàbregas, with the other two taken by Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos. Piqué’s case was particularly noteworthy because it was the first time he has ever taken a penalty in an official match.

Spain's semi-final shoot-out draws record TV audience in the country - Goal.com
Spain’s penalty shoot-out victory over Portugal on Wednesday saw the country’s highest ever television audience, with over 18 million watching La Roja progress to the final. According to media consultant Barlovento, the peak was recorded as Cesc Fabregas converted the winning spot-kick, as just over 19m saw the Barcelona man send the ball off the inside of the post to beat Rui Patricio at 23:30 local time.

Italy 2-1 Germany: Balotelli double | Zonal Marking
Jogi Low tried to change his shape to compete in the centre of midfield, but Italy produced an excellent performance to qualify for the final. Cesare Prandelli kept his diamond system. Giorgio Chiellini returned at left-back, but Ignazio Abate was unfit, so Federico Balzaretti moved over to an unfamiliar right-back role.

Goalkeeping manager Rubén Martínez rescinds contract with Barça | FC Barcelona
Rubén Martínez, who was Barça’s Juvenil A (U18) goalkeeping coach up until today, has reached an agreement with FC Barcelona to rescind his contract. The Club agreed to terminate the contract at the request of the manager. The Club wishes Rubén Martínez the best of luck in his new professional ventures.

Eto'o accused of tax evasion in Spain - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
The former Barca and Inter Milan player, now with Russian Premier League club Anzhi Makhachkala, is accused of four tax offences, each punishable with up to five years in prison and a fine of as much as 21 million euros.

Sevilla capture Chile starlet Bryan Rabello - ESPN Soccernet
Sevilla have confirmed the capture of Chile Under-20 captain Bryan Rabello on a free transfer from Colo Colo. Rabello, 18, will arrive in Spain next week to undertake a full pre-season with the La Liga side, before dropping to Sevilla B for the start of the season.

Arribas arrives at Osasuna | Sky Sports
Primera Liga outfit Osasuna have announced that Alejandro Arribas has joined the club on a three-year contract. The defender arrives on a free transfer having spent the last two seasons with Rayo Vallecano. The 23-year-old helped Rayo to promotion back into the top flight in 2010/11, a standing they cemented last term.

Tono will be Granada´s Keeper | LFP
The goalkeeper, Antonio Rodriguez Martinez "Tono", has ended his relationship with Racing Santander and has signed for Granada for the next two seasons. The keeper has come to defend the goal for the Andalusian side, which will be coached by Anquela next season in la Liga BBVA.

Flores makes Granada move | Sky Sports
Primera Liga side Granada have signed striker Antonio Floro Flores on a season-long loan from Udinese. The 29-year-old only signed a new five-year contract last summer but has been deemed surplus to requirements by the club ahead of the new campaign.