FCBARCELONA.CAT

18.07.2007 19:26

Milito: “It is a privilege to be here”

Sandra Sarmiento

After landing at El Prat Airport, Gabriel Milito, speaking to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat, has said “It is a privilege to be here”.

The latest addition to the FC Barcelona squad was clearly thrilled to have finally made it to Barcelona, and said they were “always option number one”. He is coming to Barça “at the best moment of my career” aged 26 and on the back of four seasons at Zaragoza, he feels he is ready to make the jump to his new club.

Speaking humbly, Milito avoided talk that he is going to be the leader of the Barça defence and said he was just keen “to make contact with my new colleagues” and “sharing day to day life.” He is proud to be able to play with the likes of Eto’o, Henry, Ronaldinho and Messi, and added “but it’s not just them, there are other great players in this team”.

What are your first feelings about signing for Barça?

“I really hoped that this moment would come true. I am very happy, because I had been dreaming about this possibility for a long time.”

Why did you want to sign for FC Barcelona?

“People know that Barça was always option number one. Both because of the club and because of the team’s past and present. I had always hoped I would be able to come. And when the chance came up it has become a reality. Luckily, everything worked out well.”

Do you think this move has come at a time you have reached professional maturity? Do you feel ready to play in a team like Barça?

“I feel like I am at the best moment of my football career after four years at Zaragoza. I feel ready. Now I have to show that I am up to playing for Barça, and that things will go well.”

Txiki Begiristain said you are a leader on and off the pitch. Do you think you can do that for Barça?

“We will see in time. I have only just arrived and the first thing I want to do is make contact with my new team mates, train, compete every day and then we’ll how things develop.”

How does it feel to know you will be playing with the likes of Eto’o, Henry, Ronaldinho i Messi?

“It’s a pleasure, but not just those specific players but all the other good ones there are in this team. The truth is it is a privilege to be here right now with all those players, because I think FC Barcelona is one of the best teams in the world at the moment.”