The latest Classic Sports Series title, Andy Gray's Guide to Champions League, launched by sports and travel publisher Absolute Publishing Ltd (APL), will be in the shops from the 1st October.

"Andy Gray's Champions League Guide contains all you need as you follow club football's premier competition in 2009/10," says Anthony Leyens, APL CEO. "From exclusive interviews with the likes of Messi, Torres, Ronaldo, Lampard and Owen to our travel guide featuring the cities that will host the action, we have all the action covered."

Continues Leyens, "Add in Angus Loughran's top betting tips, our selection of the best football kit out there for you, and a look ahead to next summer's World Cup in South Africa and you have a publication that you daren't miss out on."

The magazine features a foreword by football pundit, Andy Gray, who comments: "All the Premier League clubs can be very pleased with the Champions League draw."

And with Lionel Messi as one of the key featured interviewees (and on the cover) there really is no better time to get to grips with the world of the Champions League at

Key interviewees inside the magazine

Lionel Messi made up for missing the 2006 Champions League final with a virtuoso performance against Manchester United last season, as Barca claimed the famous trophy for the third time – now the Argentine is chasing even more silverware. He says: "We definitely want to win it all again. We are as motivated as we were a year ago and we want to continue making history with this group."

Cristiano Ronaldo has finally swapped Old Trafford for the Bernabeu, as the Portuguese winger secured a world record transfer to Real Madrid. We find out how the 24-year-old feels on leaving Old Trafford, and his thoughts on the likelihood of playing former club, Manchester United.

Frank Lampard discusses the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea – his sixth manager in two years, if you include Ray Wilkins' caretaker stint. Lampard comments: "A new manager comes in and whoever you are, everyone wants to show on the training ground what they can do. Ideally you don't change managers every season for that reason, but when they do you have to respond in the right way. I don't mind that little challenge."

Read the full interviews of all the above, and be informed on this season's Champions League, in the latest issue. Andy Gray's Guide to Champions League 2009/10 is available to buy for £3.75* or view the FREE digital edition of the magazine and sign up to receive more FREE sports editions too.

*Andy Gray's Guide to Champions League 2009/10, a Classic Sports' Series title, is distributed through WH Smiths High St, WH Smiths Travel, Martin/McColls, Borders and all major stockists throughout the UK at a cover price of £3.75, available now.

Sales Contact:
For any sales enquiries please contact: Matthew Jackson, Managing Director, Absolute Publishing Ltd or Anthony Leyens, Chief Executive, on, tel: +44 (0)20 7253 9009

Press Contact:
For any other editorial enquiries please contact Maria Pieri, Editorial Director, Absolute Publishing Ltd, tel: +44 (0)20 7253 9906, or e-mail:

About Absolute Publishing Ltd:
APL has over 12 years' publishing experience in sports, travel and customer publishing, with a range of bespoke magazines for annual sporting events from cricket, to rugby and football including the Champion's League, Best of British Sports Review, Six Nations, The Open and the Ryder Cup.

Press Contact:
Maria Pieri
Absolute Publishing Ltd
197-199 City Road
London, EC1V 1JN
+44 (0) 20 7253 9906