FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.10.2008 10:03

Sylvinho: “It is an important time for me”

Jordi Clos / Roger Bogunyà

Sylvinho played in his 100th official game for FC Barcelona in the emphatic 0-5 victory against FC Basel in Switzerland on Wednesday evening.

The Brazilian full-back made his second appearance of the season, after having played against Sporting Lisbon last month, when he played in Saint Jakob-Park in the Champions League. The game also marked his century of matches for the Blaugrana.

“It was very important for me because I feel a big part of this club and this is an important phase of my life,” he told reporters after the game.

Five seasons with Barça

In the 2004/05 campaign, Sylvinho moved to Camp Nou and has gone on to play in 75 league games, eleven Champions League matches, ten Copa del Rey encounters, one European Super Cup outing and three Spanish Super Cup games. In those games he has scored twice.

Sylvinho made his debut for the club on September 11, 2004 when the played in a 2-0 win in Camp Nou against Sevilla.

First 90 minutes

This season, the former Celta Vigo star has played less games as the match against Basel was his first start of the campaign, and he went on to play the full 90 minutes. His other appearance this term came against Sporting Lisbon, also in the Champions League.

Unaware of landmark

“I felt very good,” Sylvinho continued. “It is always important to be given some playing time to gain confidence and to improve physically. But little-by-little the coach is giving us all chances. I felt very comfortable and I am happy.”

On his centenary, Sylvinho confessed that he had not known that he had reached the landmark. “The other day somebody told, but I did not know,” he explained. “It is an important moment for me because I feel a big part of this club and this is an important time in my life.”