The Fans Blog4

Asked about the rumours linking former Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35), whose contract with Barcelona expired this summer and wasn't renewed, with a return to Corinthians (read more here), Corinthians president Andrés Sanchez has confirmed in an interview with Brazilian sports paper Lance that talks have started:

"Sylvinho is a great player who has a history in this club. We had a non-official conversation with him, we still need to clear out some issues. We still didn't talk about the salary or the duration of the contract, nothing of that. We just made contact to see if there's interest from his side."

Read more:
Sylvinho looking for European club
Messi still missing Sylvinho
Corinthians and Zaragoza options for Sylvinho

(click the cartoon to enlarge)

source:
golsud.com

see more cartoons here

Asked about the rumours linking former Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35), whose contract with Barcelona expired this summer and wasn't renewed, with a return to Corinthians (read more here), Corinthians manager Mano Menezes has said at a press conference that the Brazilian player wants to continue in Europe:

"Until now, it hasn't been possible to start negotiating with Sylvinho because he prefers to stay in Europe. If he would change his mind later, I would certainly be delighted to have a quality player like him in the squad."

Read more here:
Corinthians and Zaragoza options for Sylvinho
Pique reveals dressing-room secrets
Sylvinho again linked with Celtic Glasgow

Spanish sports site Eurosport claims that former Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35) is close to joining Celtic Glasgow.

The Brazilian defender, whose contract with Barcelona expired this summer and wasn't renewed (read more here), would be motivated by the chance to again take part in the Champions League and is reported to be on the verge of signing a one-year deal.

Glasgow tabloid The Evening News nevertheless claims that senior Celtic sources confirmed that Sylvinho is not the player new Celtic manager Tony Mowbray wants to sign, with the coach trying to drive down the age of his squad and the wage structure of the club not allowing the signing.

Read more:
Celtic Glasgow is an option for Sylvinho
Pique reveals dressing-room secrets
Corinthians and Zaragoza options for Sylvinho

In the run-up to the Champions league final, Barcelona player Gerard Piqué discussed his team-mates in an interview with British tabloid The Daily Mail.





Víctor Valdés
He's unbelievable when one-on-one with a player. The fact he's not in Spain's team is strange because he is one of the best five goalkeepers in the world. I like him because he doesn't moan when I am DJ in the dressing room. He also plays the piano.

Carles Puyol
Despite playing centre-back, I think he is best at right-back. He is like a barnacle or limpet that you find on rocks on the beach. You have to keep scratching away but still get little out of it! He is the captain, a good friend but an animal who is relentless on the pitch. If I was playing chess, he would be my rook. A tower of strength.

Gerard Piqué
What can I say? Scandalously good-looking (see my picture, above right). Talented on and off the pitch. There's nothing better than me, but maybe I could do with a little more confidence!

Sylvinho
The daddy of the team. A real good guy. He is always concerned for the welfare of the side and asks questions all the time when we are travelling, making sure we are ok. Not played enough in key games but very reliable.

Xavi
Best example of how good Barcelona's academy can be. He loves the ball more than anything else in the world. It is almost impossible to take the ball off him in training and if anyone does you normally get an ovation from the rest of the team.

Sergi Busquets
He is the rookie of the season. He was a striker and Pep changed him into a defensive midfielder. We call him Superman. You can kick him as much as you like but he won't feel it. He will be a reference point in world football in a few years' time.

Andrés Iniesta
Best midfielder in the world. You can study his hips as he is moving towards you but he will bluff you with his body. If Andres scored more goals he would be the biggest act in the world. Bigger than any singer! As a person, soft as a loaf of bread.

Lionel Messi
No 1 in the world. You can't fight against him, you will lose because he is quicker and more athletic than you. Not superstitious, but always wears his Argentina flag shinpads. I grew up with him here at Barcelona and he hasn't disappointed me.

Samuel Eto'o
We asked the coach and the chairman at the start of the season to make sure that we kept him. He had to stay, there's no other striker like him. He was having a bad time but proved to everyone that he is a top professional. He is fanatical about cars and watches.

Thierry Henry
He looks very cocky, but on a daily basis he has shown strong humility — despite being the best footballer in Arsenal's history. He kisses a tattoo on his wrist every time he scores and I have told him he is in danger of wearing out his skin, he has scored so many.

Yaya Touré
He always leaves everyone open-mouthed with his show of strength. Quiet in the dressing room but very friendly and never complains. He doesn't care whether he plays defensive midfield or centre-back, and we all feel comfortable whichever position he plays. Has some unusual dance moves, though.

Seydou Keita
The lungs of the team. He can run from deep and score, he is good in the air and cares a lot defensively. He doesn't know the meaning of the word 'no'. He says 'yes' to requests from the gaffer and ends up paying five times for it.

Eidur Gudjohnsen
The Viking or The Gargoyle. He has a special humour for the dressing room. He is always funny and cheery. Unbelievable first touch and is probably the best in the team with his back to goal. Speaks very good English and likes a party.

Bojan
It doesn't matter how many minutes he plays, because he always gets a chance. Don't give him half a metre because he will take you to the cleaners. His body is like a snake, he can change direction quickly and can slip past easily. He is a kid in the dressing room but I am trying to make him become a man!

read the full article including Piqué's comments on his former Manchester United team-mates here


Read more:
The merging paths of Pique and Busquets
Pique: "Classical music makes me fall asleep"

Aragon regional newspaper Equipo claims that newly promoted Spanish first division club Zaragoza is interested in Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35).

The Brazilian defender, whose contract with Barcelona expires this summer and won't be renewed (read more here), would also have offers from France and Germany, but he and his family would prefer to stay in Spain. The player's agent Hans Lamberz confirmed to the paper that Zaragoza could be an option: "The player would be happy to continue in Spain and Zaragoza is an attractive club."

Asked about his future, Sylvinho told journalists in Brazil that returning to his home-country is also an option for him: "I'm on holidays in São Paulo after a very hard season, with a lot of games, a lot of effort, so I want to rest now. Returning to Corinthians would be something very nice because I grew up there and I still have friends at the club. If we would find a deal, I would be very happy. Joining Corinthians is always an option so if they open the door, I won't think twice."

Read more:
Fluminense interested in Sylvinho
Messi devastated by Sylvinho's exit
Espanyol interested in Sylvinho

Brazilian sports site Globo Esporte claims that Brazilian club Fluminense is interested in Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35), whose contract expires at the end of this month and won't be renewed (read more here).

The Brazilian club had earlier announced in an official statement that they are negotiating the last details of the signing of a player who is currently playing in Europe and Sylvinho would be one of the three candidates.

British tabloid News of the World meanwhile claims that the search for a new manager has stopped the contacts between Celtic Glasgow and Sylvinho. Asked about the matter, the player's agent Hans Lamberz said that he'll look at other options: "Celtic are a huge club who play in the Champions League and one that would normally appeal. But I doubt it will happen now."

Read more:
Espanyol interested in Sylvinho
OFFICIAL: Sylvinho will leave
Celtic Glasgow is an option for Sylvinho

Barcelona has made public in an official announcement on the club's website that the expiring contract of Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35) will not be renewed this summer:

"FC Barcelona has informed Sylvio Mendes Campos 'Sylvinho' that his contract will not be extended when it ends on 30th June. FC Barcelona would like to publicly acknowledge and thank Sylvinho for his contribution and commitment over the last five seasons."

pep's opinion:
messi crying in his arms after the champions league final wasn't a coincidence. his role in the dressing-room cannot be underestimated, he was an example for the young guys, a support for the newcomers. his departure will cause a change of dynamics within the group and that's a rare thing for a player who didn't come through the club's youth academy and who never established himself as a fixed starter. his state of the art performance in the champions league final nevertheless reminded us that he's also a solid footballer and was a dream-end to his stay at the club. hope to see him back at the club in some role in the future. thanks and all the best to him. visca'l barça!


watch a picture overview of Sylvinho's career at the club








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Catalan television channel TV3 claims that Espanyol Barcelona is interested in Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35), whose contract expires at the end of this season.

Espanyol would already have sounded out Sylvinho. The fact that the Brazilian defender would like to continue to live in Barcelona could make a deal more likely.

Asked about his future, Sylvinho said to Catalan sports paper Sport that he's calm about what will come: "You cannot know if these are my last days at Barcelona. I want to live in the present and I don't think too much about the future.

Now I'm only thinking about Rome. Then I will take vacations and I sincerely don't know what will happen after that. The truth is that I'm little worried about it. First I want to enjoy my holidays and then we'll see about next season."

During the title celebrations on Saturday, Sylvinho told journalists that Barcelona should now first decide on renewing his contract or not: "I've never denied that I feel at home here, that I'm very happy and that it feels like family. I don't know if this was a goodbye from the fans. I leave the choice in the hands of the club. I' 35 years old and very motivated. They should take the decision and whatever they will decide, I will understand it."

Read more:
Celtic Glasgow is an option for Sylvinho
Barcelona looking for left back in Dutch league
Sylvinho wants to play for two more years

Asked about the rumours linking Barcelona left back defender Sylvino (35), whose contract expires at the end of this season, with a move to Celtic Glasgow (read more here), the player's agent Hans Lamberz has said in an interview with British tabloids The Daily Express and News of the World that the Scottish club is certainly an option:

"We have two firm options to play in Spanish football, but he wants to look outside of Spain. When you've played for Barcelona, it's very difficult to go elsewhere in the league, so he'd prefer a new culture, a new style of football.

Right now I've not had any direct contact with Celtic, but that could all change overnight and if it did it could change Sylvinho's opinion.They are the sort of club which would make him book a flight right away to travel to Scotland. They are a huge club who play in the Champions League and one that would satisfy his ambitions. Sylvinho may be older on paper but he's a fit man who can play for many more years."

Read more:
Sylvinho wants to play for two more years
Barcelona looking for left back in Dutch league
Sylvinho can negotiate with Celtic

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona is looking for a player who could replace Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35), whose contract expires at the end of this season and who will most probably leave this summer.

Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain would be especially monitoring the Dutch market in search for a substitute. Four left wing players who are playing in the Dutch league would be being followed:

Urby Emanuelson (Ajax, 22, Holland - picture)
Niklas Moisander (AZ Alkmaar, 22, Finland)
Sébastien Pocognoli (AZ Alkmaar, 21, Belgium)
Edson Braafheid (Twente, 26, Holland)

Read more:
Barcelona is an option for Ajax forward Suarez
Sylvinho wants to play for two more years
Barcelona preparing bid for AZ striker El Hamdaoui


Watch a video of Emanuelson here:




Watch a video of Moisander here:




Watch a video of Pocognoli here:

Catalan newspaper El Periódico claims that Barcelona will make few transfers during the coming summer transfer window.

A serious reshuffle is the squad is expected for the summer of 2010, when the contracts of several players and the coaches expire and presidential elections will be held.

The preparations of next season already started a couple of months ago but all negotiations have now been stopped until the end of the season. Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola and Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain have agreed on the basic principle of continuity. The starting point would be to sign one player for each line.

Barcelona goalkeeper Albert Jorquera (30) would want to leave because he lost his place as second goalkeeper to Pinto. Because there's still some uncertainty about the renewal of Barcelona goalkeeper Víctor Valdés (27), Barcelona is working on several options with a different profile. Valladolid goalkeeper and Spanish youth international Sergio Asenjo (19) could be on the list.

With the contract of Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35) expiring, Barcelona is looking for a player who can replace him. The return of Brazilian central defender Henrique (22 - picture), who was signed last summer and who is playing on loan with German club Bayer Leverkusen this season, is being considered (read more here).

Barcelona also plans to buy two attacking players. Bayern Munich attacker and French international Franck Ribéry (26) is high on the list. If Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o (28), whose contract expires at the end of next season, would leave, Barcelona will look for a new striker.

With Lyon forward Karim Benzema (21) having expressed his wish to stay in France for at elast one more year (read more here), Barcelona is now looking at several options, that include Valencia forward David Villa (27), Liverpool forward Fernando Torres (25) and Arsenal forward Emmanuel Adebayor (25).

Read more:
Torres first option to replace Eto'o
New bid for Adebayor being planned
Villa first option to replace Eto'o

Asked about the situation now his contract expires at the end of the season (read more here), Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (34) said in an interview with Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo that he plans to play at the highest level for another two seasons:

"Barça didn't tell me anything so far. I know that I now should focus on my job. I'm not worried a lot about the future although I'm very well aware that football is like this, that every stage has an end and that I'm already playing here for five years.

If I should leave in the summer, I will take great memories with me of Barça and its people because I've lived very special moments here.

Whatever happns, I think I can continue at this level for another two years and I wish to do so. The day that I see that I cannot follow my teammates anymore on training, I will nevertheless pack my things and go home. For now, my plan is to keep on playing in Europe for two more years. An adventure in the United States or the Persian Gulf? If I would have the motivation for it, I wouldn't have a problem to accept an offer like that."

Read more:
Sylvinho doesn't exclude a renewal
Sylvinho: "There's no time to start dreaming"
A goalkeeper, a left back and a striker

Barcelona player Sylvinho gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.





You have already 15 years of elite football on the counter. Did you ever see a team like this Barça?
It’s one of the greatest and best teams. If I wouldn’t be playing here, I would say: “what an impressive team”, but since I’m part of it and aware that we depend on the results, I prefer to wait. Until now, I can say that it’s very similar to the two good years with Rijkaard because that team also was very aggressive, with a lot of pressure and technique. The basis is almost the same today.

When would you be satisfied at the end of this season?
If I wouldn’t be here, I would take a risk and say that we should win the three trophies but from within the club you cannot say that. When we lose two games, we will have to come out and answer questions about the mistakes we could have made. We’re living from game to game and there’s no time to start dreaming.

Agreed, but with which trophies you would be satisfied?
Although I've planned everything well, when I have two children and there’s a third one coming, I will be as happy. I prefer to go step by step. I don't give priority to any of the three trophies we’re competing for and we’re obviously going to try to win them all.

How are you looking forward to the tie with Bayern?
Physically, they’re very strong but I think we could take a good advantage in the first game at the Camp Nou. It will be a difficult tie but we’re going to have our chances to go through.

Let’s talk about you. You’re on the verge of turning 35 but you’re still in great shape. What’s the secret?
I think there are three things that allow me to be like this: genetics, taking care of myself and the psychological aspect. With the experience I’ve gained over the years, I’ve learnt not to give up when I don’t play a game. Before, I was angry for a week and my family had to deal with that. Now it only lasts for 24 hours. After a day, I change my mindset and start to prepare myself for the next game the best way I can.

Until now you’ve played a lot more in the Copa and the Champions League than in the Liga. How do you explain that?
At my age, being almost 35 years old, I’m not here to cause problems. Pep has to deal with a lot of things, it’s a big club and I cannot be a player of 22 years old who asks the coach for an explanation. For me, there is no explanation, just the fact that the coach has 22 players to choose from and he decides. I prepare myself the same way for a game in the Liga, the Copa and the Champions League.

Bojan said the other day that those who played the Copa could deserve more to play the final against Athletic Bilbao. You think the same way?
We all want to play every game, not only the cup final but also the next game against Valladolid. It will be the coach who decides who will play, but in the coming weeks we’re gonna play a lot of games so we’ll see how everyone feels when the final is there. I prefer not to play the final if that means we take the trophy home.

Apart from your professional attitude, you’re also sticking out for your role as an adviser within the team…
It’s something that comes naturally, although sometimes I’m too busy with it and it takes my energy away. But I like to help my teammates. I’m an observer and I always try to look for the right moment to talk. You shouldn’t forget that this is just like any other job, with people having the same problems.

So Piqué and Alves are the clowns while you’re the shrink…
I also like to joke around. It’s not that I’m acting as a psychologist, I just try to help the teammates discretely.

You have a very special relationship with Messi. There’s something about him that we still don’t know?
It’s a very intelligent and slick guy. He perfectly knows what’s going on and what the laws of the game are. Besides that, he can count on his whole family, which is basic for him and helps him a lot.


Read more:
Sylvinho doesn't exclude a renewal
Sylvinho: "You have to go flat out in every game"
Barcelona plans at least four summer transfers (1)

Catalan newspaper Avui claims that Barcelona plans few changes during the summer transfer window (read more here).

Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola and Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain would already have met several times to discuss possible transfers and Barcelona would focus on buying three players: a goalkeeper, a left back defender and a centre forward.

Barcelona goalkeeper Víctor Valdés will stay the number one next season although Barcelona would like to sign a new goalkeeper who could put some more pressure on Valdés. Valladolid goalkeeper and Spanish youth international Sergio Asenjo (19) could be the main target. Barcelona goalkeepers José Manuel Pinto (33) and Albert Jorquera (30) could both leave if a good offer comes in.

With the contract of Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35) expiring at the end of this season (read more here), Barcelona wants to sign a solid back up for Abidal. For the centre forward position, everything will depend on what will happen with Barcelona forward and Cameroon international Samuel Eto’o (28).

If Eto’o leaves the first name on the list is Valencia forward and Spanish international David Villa (27). Chelsea forward and Ivory Coasqt international Didier Drogba (31) and Inter Milan forward and Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovich (27) could be other options.

A left wing attacker wouldn’t be a priority for the club anymore, although it’s not excluded that depending on the situation of the players, Barcelona could go after Valencia left wing attacker and Spanish international David Silva (23) or Atlético Madrid attacker and Argentinian international Sergio Agüero (20).

Read more:
Barcelona plans few changes in the summer
Villa first option to replace Eto'o
Txiki talks about the summer transfer market

Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho gave an itnerview to the club's official media.





You’ve always said that you’re the kind of player that likes to work flat out. And right now you’re in great form.
That’s true. I think everyone has their own way of dealing with things and time, above all these last four years, has taught me to manage these situations a little better. We all know the season is very long and somebody who’s training well, will have a part of the season when it’s his turn to play more matches and when the coach and the team need him.

Since Abidal got injured, you’re playing a lot. How do you see yourself now that you’re in the starting line-up in the league? Would you criticise yourself for anything?
There’s always criticism. In many aspects I’m very happy up to now. It’s true that the season has plenty to go and the best and the most important is still to come. But if I have to make an analysis, I would say that I’m happy with the team and with myself. In addition, recently I’ve been able to play and grow in confidence. Your team-mates end up having more confidence in you and the boss does as well.

You talk about confidence. For many people you are the epitome of commitment. You’ve been here for five years and you haven’t stopped working for a single day.
Yes. I believe that time has taught me to manage this type of situation. It’s more usual, unfortunately, for a footballer to throw in the towel one week or one month because at certain moments you lose form or psychologically you defocus. The last few years have taught me that and I’ve always been the kind of footballer that likes to play every minute. Bit by bit, time has taught me things and if I can I also try and help a player or a team-mate, explaining things and encouraging him. I believe it’s important to be able to help your team-mates and bring them back into the group. Apart from that I do it because it comes naturally to me and I love doing it.

Guardiola’s strategy is to take it one game at a time. Is that the best way to face this final part of the league?
In football, that’s the only way there is. One slip-up, a poor week of training, and when you want to get back on track you can’t. The opponent can do you a lot of harm. That’s where the philosophy comes from. Not just Guardiola’s, but all trainers. That’s football.

But isn’t it inevitable you think about the matches ahead?
Of course it’s inevitable to have it on your hard disk but if you’re intelligent you know how to manage the situation better and if we want to be league champions we just have to win matches. Each league match is like a cup final. You have to go flat out in every game. We know there’s a cup final, that there’s Bayern. We all want to go as far as possible in every competition. Matches accumulate but you have to keep going. We’re optimistic and we’ve got desire.

If the team has to take this last part of the season one game at a time, what about the fans?
It’s an important fact that at home we’re even stronger. This worries our opponents and that’s an advantage. The fans are responding really well. They support us a lot, they help us, and we’re getting stronger and stronger.

From your point of view, how do the youngsters of 18, 19 or 20 get along with the veterans?
A young man at the age of 19 or 20 thinks he can do anything and nothing can stop him. But bit by bit you can talk, they get a bit closer and they also realise that they can rest, look after their diet... In short, loads off things that are going to help because footballers who are still playing at the age of 35, 36, and 37 and can compete and extend their careers in top class clubs are few and far between because they need this approach. They’ll realise in the end.

I suppose it goes both ways. The veterans can teach things as you said before but can the youngsters teach you things?
Yes, I believe it’s two-way, that’s true. When you’re open to listening and learning, you can always learn. I never pull down the blinds. Any lad of 17, even if he doesn’t say anything to me, just with a gesture or a look can teach me something. A veteran isn’t always right.

What were you like compared to now when you started playing football?
I didn’t have any responsibility. I was single, I returned home, ate with my mother and went with all the happiness and not a care in the world to training. A young player. I enjoyed myself like now but before it was much easier because I wasn’t in charge the way some players here are. Over time this changes. The more veteran you are the more you think about it all.

read the complete interview here


Read more:
Sylvinho: "Even the players are surprised"
Sylvinho doesn't exclude a renewal
Sylvinho: "We have a squad to make history"

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona plans to buy at least four players during the coming summer transfer window.

Adding some new motivation to the group, expiring contracts and the Africa Cup are the three main reasons to renew the squad and look for a central defender, a left back defender, a versatile midfielder and a left wing attacker and/or a centre forward.

Central defender
Although there are still uncertainties about the renewal of Rafael Márquez (30) (read more here) and the return of Gabriel Milito (28) (read more here), Barcelona doesn’t plan to invest in another central defender. Henrique (22 - picture), who played on loan with Bayer Leverkusen this season, will join the team next season, despite the demand of the German club to keep the Brazilian for another year (read more here).

Left back defender
Although he’s having a good season, the contract of Sylvinho (34) will probably not be renewed (read more here), while Eric Abidal (29) could return to Lyon (read more here). There are few candidates to fill this spot. CSKA Moscow left winger and Russian international Yuri Zhirkov (25) is an option (read more here), while Manchester United left back and French international Patrice Evra (27) and Inter Milan left back Maxwell (27) are also rumoured to be among the targets (read more here and here).

Versatile midfielder
Because Yaya Touré and Seydou Keita will teke part in the Africa Cup at the beginning of next year, Barcelona wants to sign another midfielder. With Arsenal midfielder and Spanish international Cesc Fàbregas still being the ideal candidate (read more here), São Paulo midfielder Hernanes (23) could again be an option after his transfer failed last summer (read more here). Eidur Gudjohnsen (30) could leave if a good offer comes in (read more here).

You will be able to read the second part of this post later today.

Catalan sports paper Sport gives today an overwiew of what the paper claims could be the main movements during the summer transfer window.

If Eto'o decides to leave, he could be replaced by Atlético Madrid forward and Argentinian international Sergio 'Kun' Agüero (20) (read more here). And if Valdés would decide to leave, he could be replaced by Real Valladolid goalkeeper and Spanish youth international Sergio Asenjo (19) (read more here).

Barcelona will furthermore look for players who can replace Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (34), whose contract expires at the end of the season, and Barcelona attacker and Belarus international Alexander Hleb (27), who will be put for sale. Arsenal midfielder and Spanish international Cesc Fàbregas (21) could return to the club.

Read more:
Cesc rejects Madrid because of Barça dream
Hleb not looking for a summer exit
Barcelona has first option on Aguero