FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.04.2007 15:00

Márquez: "My priority is Barça"

Rafael Márquez is prepared to put club before country at the end of the season as he hopes to speak to Mexico coach Hugo Sánchez about staying with FC Barcelona for the final games of the season.

The Copa América is being played this summer, from June 26 to July 15, just as the Spanish league season ends. Some Barça first team players that will be involved could be affected by the cross-over of dates if they are called up by their national sides. Márquez, though, has assured that he will make the Blaugrana his priority and is preparing to talk to Sánchez in order to play in every match until the end of the campaign. "I have told Frank Rijkaard and said that I want to put Barcelona first," the 28-year-old stated. "I would be delighted to play in all the games and this my plan."

Title fight

With ten weeks of the season remaining, Barça are sitting proudly at the top of the table and know what they have to do if they are to retain the title for the third consecutive year. This Saturday the team face a tricky trip to face Real Zaragoza. "It is the toughest game we have left, along with the game against Atlético de Madrid," Marquez said. With the championship still a four-horse race, the former AS Monaco defender is not ruling out a late charge from Real Madrid either. "They are winning points," he said. "They may win by slim margins, but they are winning and, therefore, that have to be considered as a rival for the title."

Returning to form

"I am not at my best level at the moment, but also not my worst," Márquez said, reflecting on his form over the last few games. "I have been criticised, especially in Mexico, for the odd mistake, but I think that I am improving all the time. The days when I have been away from Barcelona have gone well for me on the mentality front."

Good news

Márquez then expressed his pleasure that Ronaldinho has put an end to speculation linking him with a move away from the club, as he said: "When you have the best player in the world in your team you have to treat him as well as possible. He deserves the best."