Barcelona’s little big man

WIND back to August, and a one-on-one chat with Barcelona’s new signing David Villa at the training ground. A recent World Cup winner, Villa was enthusing about his new life at Camp Nou when Barça’s press chief walked past.

“That was Liverpool FC,” he said to Villa. “We have signed Javier Mascherano. The deal was concluded at 3am.”

Villa paused and weighed up what he’d just been told: “Tough player. Captain of Argentina. He’ll fit in here.”