First of all, I forgot to share with you that our captain Carles Puyol anounced on his blog (click to visit) that he will continue with Spanish team for two more years. This is great news for all his fans:)
Also on his blog, Carles has published a note in which he denies having interview with The Sun (that one in which "he" criticized Arsenal policy in "Cesc case": “Hi everyone, these past days a British news media outlet has published some statements supposedly mine that are totally false, I just saw them and I can guarantee that I have not said anything nor talked to anybody about this subject. Cheers.” (to tell you the truth I'm glad that Carles denies it, I did't want to believe that Carles said word that were published it "The Sun", I think that Puyol as captain of the team has a lot of respect and is gentleman, so such words were just not it "his style", I know many can argue with it giving expample of Cesc in blaugrana shirt during WC celebrations, but making joke to friend is not the same as criticize club policy)
It's official: RafaMárquez signs with New York Red Bulls. Good luck with new team!
It's never enough pictures of our team:P Just a FEW photos from their arrival to Seoul: Pep in preseason travel kit (I prefer to see him in his own clothes:P) Dani signing shirts Our boys together Zlatan with fans Leo has a lot of fans around the world
Oh and I promissed video too:P I know there are houndreds of such videos, but for me it's never enough to enjoy Barca. Here is very nice compilation about season 2009-2010. Enjoy!
You won 12 trophies with Barça. Which one stands out? "The Champions League in Paris because I played in the final and it was special. It was the start of the new Barça when we began to see the new style of play. Of all the trophies that was the best."
The best game? "The qualifying game against Chelsea in 2005/06. I think I played one of my best games then."
Last Satudray you went to the training ground to say goodbye. How did that go? "I was sad. Saying goodbye after so many years is tough. Apart from my team-mate I said goodbye to all the coaches and all the people that I worked with every day and have helped me through the bad times. It is a sad moment, but I will stay in contact and will see them all again."
What does it mean to you to play for Barça? "They have been the best years of my sporting career. I have given the club my all and Barça will always be very important to me."
How do you think Barça fans will remember you? "As myself. I never pretended to be somebody I am not and I hope that people remember me as a gentleman both on and off the pitch."
With Guardiola did you recover you self-esteem as a player? "I think that we were all criticised during 2008 and many changes had to be made. Guardiola arrived and talked to me and made me feel important by giving me more responsibility. That was crucial for me and I regained my confidence."
Who is the best player you played with at Barça? "There are many. From Víctor Valdés, Carles Puyol, Deco, Yaya Touré, Phillip Cocu, then Lionel Messi, Ronalinho, Samuel Eto'o. I have enjoyed playing alongside all of them every day in training and games. I have enjoyed myself, learned a lot and it has been a pleasure to work with them."
Which Barça will you miss the most? "Puyol. He has been my team-mate in the dressing room and on the pitch. He is one of the people that I will miss most. Also, Xavi because he has given so much support." in team."
What will you miss most? "Everything. I was accustomed to life in Barcelona and to the people, my friends, the place, the climate. I enjoyed life here but I will be back in the future and would like to be continued to be linked to the club."
Maybe some of you had enough of Rafa-related post today on this blog, but I think such important player and true legend of Blaugrana deserves it. Here are some nice photos from official farewell that took place at Camp Nou today.
I think this one is just perfect, picture of winners of Champions League 2005-2006 (in Paris) in the background, and Rafa just next to his photo with trophy is priceless! His smile made me happy too! Nice picture, I guess they were watching that great video about Rafa (see ealier post to watch it too! -click) Thanks once again Rafa!
Here are some great videos for official farewell that took place in Sala Paris There is cool compilation presented, Rafa is legend :)
Part 1: Speach of Mr.Sandro Rosell, President of FCB, short clip about Rafa's career in Barcelona, speach of player,
Part 2: pressconference
So just tu sum up it a little bit: Rafa Marquez received an emotional farewell in a ceremony held at the Sala Paris of Camp Nou, in the presence of several members of the board and the coaching staff of the club. Accompanied by Club President Sandro Rosell, Josep Guardiola and captain Carles Puyol, Rafa Márquez explained his motives for leaving after seven years at the club.
Sandro Rosell done a short a review of the player's history in FC Barcelona and announced that the club will participate in a future tribute to the player. "Rafa leave his print in this club and we want to thank you for your contribution to this institution," the president said, pointing to Marquez that "you always have the doors open at this club." President concluded: “friends forever, Barca fans forever and Rafa Marquez forever!”
The Mexican, surprised by the long applause that all gave him after watching a video with the best moments, said that it is not a final goodbye to our club. "Here I have lived the best moments of my football career. The most important part of my life is here in Barcelona where I spent many good moments." “I’ll always be a Barca fan. This is just au revoir. I’ll definitely be back at this club!” Marquez also thanked the club members, fans and the press “because although you had your doubts at the start of my time here, my hard work and quality made you change your minds and that made me feel a part of this team”.
Marquez had words of appreciation for all Barcelona fans and wanted to especially thank the support received at the time by Frank Rijkaard, Ten Cate, as well as the old board as well as Pep for the confidence the two managers showed in him, as well as President Sandro Rosell who “really went out on a limb for me” in 2003. I’d also like to thank him for organising this act for me, because not every player has the chance to leave with such a great send off”.
Asked about the reasons for his departure when the contract was still in force, the player admitted that the lack of minutes last season has been the key to his decision. He said “last season I didn’t play as much as I’d have liked and before the season ended I spoke to Guardiola, who told me the choice was in my hands. I think my time here has come to an end - I’ve always been ambitious and I want to be a regular starter. That can’t happen here, so it’s a good time to leave with my head held high and start a new challenge”. Rafa admits he would have liked to finish his career as blaugrana, but added “farewells are said to be sad affairs, but I’m leaving happy in the knowledge of everything I have won here and everything I have. I’d have loved to retire here, but things don’t always turn out as you’d like them to. I’m still not sure where I’ll be going, I’m weighing up the options”.
Rafa Márquez is not known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, but he was close to tears after his farewell speech when he received a long standing ovation from all present. Márquez also admitted that his most special memory at the club was the 2006 Champions League win in Paris and the huge mural celebrating that win on the wall of the Sala Paris proved a fitting backdrop to the farewell of a player who gave so much to the club.
He received a commemorative plaque from President Rosell, with the inscription: “with all our affection and in recognition of the example you gave, your brilliant career, and particularly for your contribution to this club”.
p.s.My favourite part is when Rafa said: “for the rest of my life, I will always be a Barca fan. I’m sure that I will one day return to Barcelona and to this institution”. So see you Rafa!
Apart from official farewell ceremony, Rafa Marquez came to morning training session to say goodbye to team mates. I think such photos don't need any comments.
And here is good news, Dani Alves came to session to meet with team and to also to say goodbye to Rafa.
Sad to share this news with you, it's official" Marquez is leaving Barcelona after 7 years and 242 games for the Club,
As official website report: 'FC Barcelona and Rafa Márquez have reached a mutual agreement to rescind the player’s contract, which was due to run until 30th June 2012.'
A farewell ceremony will be held in the Camp Nou this Saturday at 6 pm. Club president Sandro Rosell will represent Barça and the whole event will be broadcast live by Barça TV.
Rafa’s superb career with the FC Barcelona which he joined in 2003. As a Barça player he’s won four league titles, two Champions Leagues, the World Club Cup, the European Super Cup, the Spanish Cup and three Spanish Super Cups.
The 31-year-old Mexican international defender has played 242 games for the Club, which puts him eighth in the ranking of foreign players. He’s been a fixture in the plans of both of the Barça managers he’s served under at the Club, Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola.
Sad to say goodbay, thank you Rafa for all once again! You will always have a place in hearts of cules:) Good luck!
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