The Malaysian Insider :: Sports
The Malaysian Insider :: Sports |
| Barcelona strike sponsorship deal with Intel Posted: 12 Dec 2013 06:37 AM PST The idea behind the unusual positioning of the "Intel" logo is that it will be revealed when a player lifts his shirt to celebrate scoring a goal, Barca officials told a news conference in the Catalan capital. Manel Arroyo, a club director responsible for media and sponsorship, said players including Lionel Messi, Neymar and Andres Iniesta would be under no obligation to display the logo, which will be added to the shirts for the first time in Saturday's La Liga match at home to Villarreal. Arroyo declined to reveal how much the deal - which runs for four and a half years and includes an option for an extension - was worth, saying it was "confidential". As part of their first foray into soccer sponsorship, Intel will also provide technology to players and coaching staff, as well as the recruits at Barca's academy. Deborah Conrad, Intel's chief marketing officer, said the decision to partner with Barca had been taken after a search for suitable "passion points" that the company hoped to tap into to help connect them with consumers. Barca have one of the most active social media communities in sport, as well as millions of fans around the world, Conrad noted. "We did not want to put the players under any obligation to show the logo a specific number of times, but we know that such goal celebrations are a big part of the culture of the sport," Conrad told Reuters. Barca's main sponsors include sporting goods manufacturer Nike, carmaker Audi, and the airline Qatar Airways, whose logo will remain on the outside of the players' shirts. - Reuters, December 12, 2013.AC |
| Barkley welcomes Gazza comparison and new deal Posted: 12 Dec 2013 06:16 AM PST Everton midfielder Ross Barkley says he welcomes comparisons with Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack as his club looks to secure his future at the Premier League side. The 20-year-old has been one of this season's standout players and drew some favourable comparisons with former England international Gascoigne and ex-Germany captain Ballack from manager Roberto Martinez following a man-of-the-match display in Sunday's draw with Arsenal. "To get compared to players of that calibre makes me think I must be doing something right on the pitch," Barkley told the Liverpool Echo. "I don't think about it that much but it's nice to hear. "I've watched videos of Gazza on YouTube when I was growing up - one of him against the Netherlands in Euro 96 when he was class, so I know what type of player he was. Obviously, I watched a lot of Michael Ballack. "It's mad because the way Martinez says I'm like Ballack, my Sunday League manager used to say that when I was 11." His performance against league-leaders Arsenal raised expectations around the Liverpool-born player, with England fans hoping he will play a major role for the national side at next year's World Cup in Brazil. Barkley joined Everton at 11, making his league debut in 2011 before loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United, and made his full England debut this year against Moldova. He said when Martinez was appointed as David Moyes's replacement earlier this year he was confident he would get the opportunity to play regularly given the way the Spaniard promoted young players while in charge of Wigan Athletic. He was happy with his progress, but having netted twice this season, was keen to increase his goalscoring tally. "Like any player, there's loads of ways I can improve," he said. "I want to score more, but I'm young and I know I'm going to score more. "I want to be creating more chances too, and contributing assists because in my position that's something I've got to be able to do." Martinez told reporters ahead of Saturday's clash with Fulham that Everton, sitting fifth in the league, were looking to offer Barkley a new contract. "We're always working behind the scenes to reward youngsters that do well at the club," he said. "Ross is clearly that. "But there's nothing to announce. The moment that we do have something to announce, the fans will be the first ones to know." - Reuters, December 12, 2013. |
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