FC Barcelona defender Rafa Márquez, whose contract runs out atteh end of this season, is short step away from signing an extension. According to the Mexican: “everything is virtually sorted – it just needs my signature now”.
Rafa Màrquez joined the club from Mónaco six years ago when Frank Rijkaard was in charge and is now
ready to extend his contract and earlier today he commented: “if there are no unexpected slip
ups, we should be able to sign very soon. There are a few small details to talk about, but I'm sure
we'll reach a deal”,
Getting back to 100%
After suffering a pre-season injury, Marquez was back for the third
league game of the season against Atletico Madrid and since then he has gradually been getting back
into full fitness, though he admits he's not quite 100% yet: “it's just a matter of time. I
felt much better last night, I really just need to keep charging my batteries and getting back to
the level of football I know I can play. I'm trying with the work I put in everyday to win a place
in the starting eleven”.
Encouragement for Dos Santos
Marquez,who spoke to the press after training this lunchtime, was
questioned about his fellow countryman Jonathan Dos Santos who made his first team debut last
night: “he's a magnificent player, with a very strong character on and off the pitch. He's
got a great future ahead of him and if keeps on making progress he'll go a long way”.
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Captain of club and country
Rafa Márquez was given the captain's armband for the game in Leon, the first time he's led the team
out in an official game and he was clearly pleased with the experience: “it's an honour to
wear the captain's armband at a club as big as this. I've captained Mexico before and I was very
excited about doing the same job for Barca”.