Barcelona elated with Mexican Dos Santos performance

Barcelona chiefs are delighted with the impact Giovanni Dos Santos' success at the U17 World Cup has made in his home country of Mexico. Dos Santos, who is already being likened to Ronaldinho, captained Mexico to their first World Cup triumph this week, which led to wild celebrations across the country.

Barca already boasts football academies in Mexico and Dos Santos' popularity is sure to strengthen the club's name in the Central American country.

Dos Santos has been contracted to Barca since he was 13 years of age and even back then was a player many big clubs were aware of.

His father and agent, former Brazilian striker Zizinho, revealed: "There were many great clubs from Europe that wanted him. But we liked the option of Barcelona the best."

Dos Santos is now returning to take his place with Barca 'B', but could follow Lionel Messi's lead and be given a taste of first team action by coach Frank Rijkaard later this season.