Jules Kounde outlined his intention to win titles with Barcelona after finally making his long-awaited debut in the 4-0 victory over Real Valladolid on Saturday.
The defensive acquisition from Sevilla has had to be patient to make his bow, missing the opening two LaLiga matches against Rayo Vallecano and Real Sociedad as he was not registered.
Barcelona were unable to register further additions due to their delicate financial situation, with LaLiga requiring outgoing deals before he could officially join the ranks, but an agreement was reached ahead of the third game of the season.
Kounde immediately slotted into Xavi's defence for the 4-0 win, winning three of four duels, regaining possession on five occasions and misplacing just four of 58 attempted passes.
Now set for a big week, returning to former employers Sevilla next weekend before the club begin their Champions League campaign, Kounde has made it clear he wants to win trophies with the club.
"I have not played a lot, but I feel very good. I still need a while to get back to my best level," he said.
"I have come to Barca to win titles and to continue growing."
Kounde was utilised on the right side of defence for his debut and, while his preference is to play centrally, is happy to fill in wherever necessary.
"My main position is centre-back, but if the coach wants me to play on the right, then I will do my best to help the team," he said.
Head coach Xavi heaped praise upon the Frenchman, expressing his belief that he can become a crucial asset for the future as well as providing an immediate impact.
"When we talk about Kounde, we're speaking about a player that can mark an era at Barca," he said.
"He can do everything, play out from the back, has personality, leadership, can play in any defensive position. We've made a great signing."
Jarrod Bowen nets late winner as West Ham win Europa Conference League
Jarrod Bowen’s last-minute winner saw West Ham end their 43-year wait for a trophy with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final.
The Hammers won a first piece of silverware since 1980’s FA Cup, and a first European trophy since 1965, on a historic and emotional night in Prague.
Yes, it may be only Europe’s third-tier competition, the one treated as an unwanted distraction by Tottenham, among others, in its inaugural form last season.
But this is West Ham. The West Ham who routinely see relegation as an occupational hazard. The West Ham who made a song and dance of leaving their old stadium and an almighty hash of moving into the new one. The West Ham who had to go begging to their former manager to save them from the drop, 18 months after they got rid of him when he had done just that.
Just nine weeks ago that same manager watched as the away fans unfurled a ‘Moyes Out’ banner during a scratchy 1-0 win over Fulham, which likely saved his job.
Now David Moyes has written his name in West Ham folklore, joining Ron Greenwood and John Lyall as trophy-winning Hammers managers. A place in next season’s Europa League means the club has qualified for Europe three seasons in a row, for the first time.
And what a way to sign off for Declan Rice, destined to leave this summer but with the legacy of becoming only the third captain, along with Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds, to lift silverware in the club’s 128-year history.
The Hammers have given their fans, 5,000 of whom were – officially at least – in attendance and the 20,000-or so who just wanted to be in Prague for their first European final in 47 years, the ride of their lives.
Fiorentina’s Cristiano Biraghi struck by object thrown from West Ham fans
The Europa Conference League final was stopped briefly after West Ham fans threw objects towards Fiorentina’s players.
Plastic pint glasses were hurled from the West Ham end throughout the first half at the Eden Arena in Prague.
Referee Carlos Del Cerro Grande eventually halted play after Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi was hit by another missile as he went to take a corner shortly before half-time.
Biraghi had suffered a cut to the back of his head and required treatment and a bandage.
A message over the PA system urged supporters to stop throwing objects on to the pitch and to respect the players, before play eventually resumed with the score still 0-0.
I am going to Miami – Lionel Messi heading for MLS after Paris St Germain exit
Lionel Messi has announced he is to join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.
The 35-year-old Argentina forward had been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, to join a league which already features Cristiano Ronaldo and now Karim Benzema.
However, with Messi’s two-year contract at Paris St Germain coming to an end this month, the World Cup winner confirmed in a joint interview with Spanish publications Mundo Deportivo and Sport he was set to head to the United States.
“I made the decision that I am going to go to Miami,” Messi said.
“I still haven’t closed it one hundred per cent. I’m missing some things, but we decided to continue on the path.”
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