FCBARCELONA.CAT

17.07.2009 18:58

Maxwell delighted at Barça

Roger Bogunyà

In his official presentation to the media, Maxwell, Barca’s new left back has said that “today is a very special and happy day for me ... it is a dream come true.”

Serious, relaxed and humble, the first new addition to the treble winning squad, Maxwell, was officially presented today in Sala París at the Camp Nou. In his first official statement since signing, he said: “today is a very special and happy day for me. It is a dream come true. This is the strongest team in Europe”.

Four years, and option for one more

Before the presentation, Maxwell visited the offices to sign his contract, which will be for four seasons, with an option to stay for a fifth, depending on the number of games the Brazilian plays for Barça in his fourth year. The buy-out clause on the contract has been set at 50 million euros.

Praise from Txiki

Barça’s director of football Txiki Begiristain, who attended the press conference along with president Joan Laporta, explained why they had signed Maxwell. “We understood that it was a position that needed improvement. He is a Brazilian player, but has grown up in Europe and where there is a very similar philosophy to our own, at Ajax, and he has also played top level competition at such a team as Inter.”

When asked to describe his new acquisition, Txiki Begiristain had no doubt that “he is top class, has a good physique and plenty of skill”.

His role

Maxwell has come to Barça just after Sylvinho’s contract ran out on June 30. “I know I am here to replace a player that has left and I know that competition for places at the club is a positive thing”, he said when asked about his role in the team, where he will be competing with Frenchman Éric Abidal for the left back place.