FCBARCELONA.CAT

31.07.2007 12:59

Preparing to play, wherever that will be

Aleix Santacana

Thiago Motta is determined to focus on preparing to be ready for the new season, whether he is playing for FC Barcelona or another club.

The Brazilian-Italian midfielder recognised that his future is still unresolved: "At the moment I have talked with Barça once and there has been no news," he said. "Firstly I have to resolve things with Txiki (Begiristain) and then I can talk to other clubs."

Working hard

The 24-year-old, who rose through the ranks at Barça, has been included in the squad throughout pre-season: "The coach has talked to me and has asked me to continue working hard," he explained. "I am sure that if I continue working hard then one day I will be seen as a great player."

"I have come to the conclusion that I want to be given a free transfer to allow me to search for a new club," he continued. Begiristain though is keen for Motta's agent to negotiate his departure, but does not want to stand in the player's way.

Interested parties

Motta is a wanted man and has already heard about some the clubs who are interested in him. "Milan and Zaragoza are great clubs and is obvious that I cannot discard either," he said. The defensive midfielder has been unsettled by Begiristain's statements about the enquiries being made. "Every case is different, but I am surprised that Txiki has said publicly that they do not want me. That only obstructs my ability to negotiate with other clubs."

Making mistakes

Reflecting on his time in the Barça first team, Motta admits that he knows that he has made mistakes. "I have made some errors," he continued. "For example, some of the red card I have been given or the day that I did not turn up for training, but as for everything else I believe I can have a clear conscience."