FCBARCELONA.CAT

29.06.2007 20:07

Txiki: "Deco is not for sale"

Roger Bogunyà

Txiki Begiristain has announced that Deco is not for sale after constant speculation has linked the Portuguese international with a move away from FC Barcelona.

The Blaugrana's technical secretary assured that the midfielder will be staying during the presentation of Éric Abidal. "Deco is not for sale," Txiki stated. "I think that his performances over the past three years have been very good and we expect him to improve even more."

Sylvinho's future was also mentioned and Txiki said that the Brazilian would also be definitely staying following the departure of fellow left-back Gio van Bronckhorst to Feyenoord.

Edmílson stays

Reflecting on reports that Edmílson is attracting interest from Premiership club Newcastle United, Txiki has denied that there has been any contact and stated that his only concern is to ensure that the midfielder recovers from his long-term knee injury. "Edmílson is injured and we want him back playing again as soon as possible," he said. "In November or December he should be back and we expect to count on him playing for us after those five or six months."