Lionel Messi

Old foes and familiar spirits await Chelsea in the next stage of the Champions League, but England's only remaining representative in European competition will be hoping to avoid rampant representatives from Spain and Germany when the quarter-final draw is announced in Switzerland on Friday.

Get to know the World's Best Footballer a little better

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has expressed an interest in signing Dutch striker Robin van Persie from Arsenal in the upcoming transfer season, according to an ESPN report.

Four goals by Argentinean star Lionel Messi saw Barcelona destroy Valencia in a very one sided 5-1 score line at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on Sunday, Feb 19.

Michael Ballack has confirmed that he is in talks with MLS side New York Red Bulls over a possible deal, with the former Chelsea midfielder considering his options with his contract running down.

Lionel Messi has lauded the performance of his Barcelona teammates after the European champions took a giant step towards qualification for the Champions League quarter-finals with a win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Barcelona came one step closer to making it to the Champions League quarter-finals after they claimed an easy 3-1 victory over German club Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Round of 16 match on Tuesday.

The stats are widely in favour of Robin van Persie to fire Arsenal past AC Milan on Wednesday night, despite Serie A strikeforce Zlatan Ibrahimovic having scored in four consecutive European appearances.

Here is a little background of the six venues and their association with football...

The lure of all the glamour, style and, most importantly, money that the world of European club football and cricket's Indian Premier League (IPL) finally proved too strong to resist. Premier League Soccer (PLS), as it has been titled, is an adaptation of the IPL and a chance for football-starved Indian fans to see some of the biggest names in recent history strut their stuff.

Cristiano Ronaldo looks to be back on side with Real Madrid supporters, with fans no longer booing the prolific striker as he continues to score for the Spanish giants.

Real managed to force a 2-2 draw but the Catalans overcame them with a 4-3 aggregate win helped by the 2-1 advantage in the first leg.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique believes Pep Guardiola and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson have very contrasting approaches to management.

Neymar has said that he plans on playing for Santos until 2014, with teams such as Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid continuing to be connected to the Brazilian starlet.

Real Madrid hero Guti has hit back at claims made by Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney during Wednesday night's El Clasico.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opener for Real with an early goal (on 11 minutes), in what appeared to be a fitting reply to his critics who slammed him for his poor form in recent weeks.

Mario Gotze is still refusing to rule out a possible move away from Borussia Dortmund, with Arsenal still being connected to the star as the transfer window enters the second half.

Arsenal transfer rumour: Lille have reiterated their desire to keep hold of Eden Hazard until at least the end of the season, despite a number of top European sides bidding to secure his signature during the January window.

Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that Pep Guaridiola is a very unlikely candidate to take his place as manager at Manchester United, with the Barcelona gaffer very happily settled in Spain.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson rubbed shoulders with Barcelona counterpart Pep Guardiola and pop princess Shakira, at the Ballon d'Or awards.

The agent of Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has ruled out the prospect of the Serbian leaving Old Trafford, by claiming the towering centre-half is as important to the Red Devils as Lionel Messi is to Barcelona.

Joe Cole believes "fearless" Lille playmaker Eden Hazard has the potential to be as good as Lionel Messi, but cautioned the player should reject a move to Arsenal in January.

Arsene Wenger has been put on alert for Isaac Cuenca, according to multiple reports that suggest the Barcelona youngster is stalling on contract talks and considering a move elsewhere.

Liverpool have been put on red alert after Barcelona transfer listed David Villa on Wednesday, according to reports in Spain.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his side's awful start to the season is firmly behind them, after they returned to the top four with victory over Everton.

Manchester City talisman David Silva admits the best player he has ever played with is Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta.

Manchester City midfielder David Silva is the best player in the Premier League at the moment according to former England manager Glenn Hoddle.

Arsene Wenger has admitted that if he had the budget available, he would do whatever it takes to purchase Brazilian starlet Neymar in the next transfer window.

Borussia Dortmund sensation Mario Götze has beaten Arsenal's Jack Wilshere and Manchester United's Phil Jones to be been named the best young player of the year by respected Italian publication Tuttosport.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and his star striker Wayne Rooney have both been shortlisted in the 2011 individual awards categories hosted by FIFA and France Football magazine.