FCBARCELONA.CAT

18.01.2008 19:15

Pinto: "I am a hard worker"

Jordi Clos

José Manuel Pinto expressed his satisfaction after signing for Barça and promised that he would "be totally committed" during his press conference, where he sat alongside president Laporta, coach Rijkaard and technical secretary Begiristain.

The 32-year-old was presented as a new Blaugrana player after he successfully came through his medical and put pen-to-paper on a deal to join the club from Celta Vigo. Having completed the loan move until the end of the season, that could be made permanent, Pinto stated: "I will be totally committed and I have a really strong desire to give everything that i can to help win a trophy. I am a hard worker and I have come with the dream of repaying the faith that the club have put in me."

Delighted to help Valdés

Pinto is under no illusion about what is initial role will be as he has come to replace the injured Albert Jorquera. "I understand that Víctor Valdés is in great form," he said. "I have assumed that I will be substitute, but I do not rule out that my work will bear fruit. I would be delighted to help Valdés and try and we can work together to make things even better." The Andalucian custodian then reflected on the team as a whole. "We are on a good run, moving up, and are still in three competitions and have a chance in all of them."

Laporta, satisfied by the acquisition

Laporta then stated that he was pleased to have signed Pinto: "He was our first choice," the president explained. "We are delighted with the work of the technical secretary and the technical staff. With vice president Marc Ingla and goalkeeping coach Juan Carlos Unzué in the front row of the press room, Laporta then thanked Celta for their attitude during all the negotiations.

Txiki: "Has not had you doubt"

Next to speak was Begiristain, who was keen to explain the circumstances surrou nding the new arrival. "It is a special situation," he explained. "We think a lot of Jorquera, but his injury obliged is to strengthen the position. We had quite a few options. The market was looked at and after looking at the possibilities we were left in doubt." The technical secretary did not want to close the door on making Pinto's stay at the club permanent. "A footballer knows when he is going to join a club, but does not know when he will leave. We will see at the time what we should do."

The welcome of Rijkaard

The last person to address the room was Rijkard. "We have a goalkeeper with experience and he will be important for the squad," the Dutchman said. "He has not just come to be coached, he is here to participiate, in the cup or whenever necessary." The coach was then asked if Pinto will named in the squad for the game against Racing this weekend. "We will see tomorrow after training, but it is probably," he added.