FCBARCELONA.CAT

11.07.2007 13:57

Txiki: "Milito was the best option"

Berta Brau / Jordi Clos

Txiki Begiristain was pleased to have finally completed a deal with Real Zaragoza for the transfer of Gabriel Milito after the two clubs reached an agreement that will see the Argentinian move to Camp Nou later this month.

The Blaugrana technical secretary told Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat that "Milito was one of our main objectives and a priority to reinforce the defence".

No Doubts

"We know him well," Txiki continued. "He has played in the Spanish league for four years at a very high level. He is a leader both on the field and in the dressing room as well as being a great professional with so many qualities. He is aggressive, quick, strong in the air and has a good left foot." After scouring the market in search of the ideal central defender, Txiki was left in no doubt that FC Barcelona had targetted the right player. "Milito was the best option," he added.

Ins Complete, Outs Next

As of July 11, Barça have signed two defenders, Éric Abidal and Gabi Milito, a midfielder, Yaya Touré, and a forward, Thierry Henry. Now Txiki is working on trimming the squad and seeing which players will be leaving. "The aim of improving the squad has been achieved and now we have to continue to work on those players leaving the club before August 31," he concluded.