FCBARCELONA.CAT

26.06.2008 12:20

Keita presented as Barça player

Anna Segura

Seydou Keita has been presented this Thursday lunchtime as a new FC Barcelona player, and says it was his dream to come to Barça. “I will defend the colours with pride,” he said.

The Paris Room at the Camp Nou was the venue for the official presentation of Seydou Keita. The Malian player, who signed his contract with the club on 26 May, was accompanied by club chairman Joan Laporta, director of football Txiki Begiristain and first team coach Josep Guardiola.

“A dream”

Keita said he was very excited about putting on an FC Barcelona shirt. “When I was a kid I dreamt of coming to Barça and I’m very happy that that dream has come true,” he pointed out, before adding “I’ll defend Barça’s colours with pride.”

One goal: winning titles

The Malian player is aware that his personal success is the success of the team: “The most important thing is winning titles. The most important thing is the team and my personal goal is to win titles. I hope that this season will be Barça’s best ever when it comes to winning titles.”

To play on the left

Josep Guardiola says he intends to play Keita on the left and described the player as “physically very strong, good in the air, and with good medium and long-distance shooting”. “On his own he doesn’t mean anything,” said the Barça coach. “The important thing is how he fits in with the rest of the team and I’m sure he’ll do that very well.”

A necessary signing

Director of football Txiki Begiristain said that “Keita is a player who reinforces the midfield and gives us balance. He can defend but also get up field so he’s a very complete player and we are hoping for a lot from him. I’m sure he’ll be very successful”.

Good relations with Seville

Club chairman Joan Laporta said that Keita was one of the club’s objectives and had been monitored for some time. Laporta also thanked all those who had made the signing of the Mali international possible and emphasised the good relationship with Seville on closing the deal.