FCBARCELONA.CAT

17.01.2008 23:42

Pinto arrives in Barcelona

David Puig

José Manuel Pinto arrived in Barcelona on Thursday evening after Barcelona reached an agreement to sign the goalkeeper from Celta Vigo and he confessed that he is excited by the challenge that lies ahead.

The 32-year-old landed at 22:25 at El Prat airport from Santiago de Compostela and was taken straight to the offices at Camp Nou where he posed for photographs in front of the club crest that stands illuminated outside. Speaking to www.fcbarcelona.cat he said: "I did not have to think twice. Playing for FC Barcelona is a unique opportunity. I am coming to one of the biggest clubs in the world and it is a great opportunity for me."

"I am here to help"

Pinto is looking forward to starting the new chapter in his life as he continued: "My dream is to be able to help in any way that I can and to be available for the team. I am very excited and hope that I can start work with the squad very soon." The Andalucian keeper will join up again with one of his former teammates at Celta in Sylvinho. "I have talked to him before I came to Barcelona and we spoke about the club and the team," Pinto explained. "He is a good friend and a great person and he has offered to help me in any way that he can."