FCBARCELONA.CAT

02.07.2007 19:26

Garabaya and Noddesbo sign up

Sònia de Alba

Rubén Garabaya and Jesper Noddesbo both revealed that they are relishing the prospect of playing for FC Barcelona after becoming the latest recruits for the handball team.

The forward and defender are highly-rated and Enric Masip, the handball technical secretary, was delighted to have them on board. "They are two very complete players," he said at their presentation. "They are great defenders and work well in attack. They have both signed for three years and we hope that they will be here for many after that. We are rebuilding the squad in this manner and we are doing what is needed to maintain the club's success."

A dream fulfilled

Garabaya admitted that his move to Barça was still sinking in. "Now the dream I have had all my life can begin," the former BM Valladolid player said. explained. "I have grown up watching Barça winning in Europe. I never imagined that this day would ever come. My path here has been a long one, but I have remained calm as I always want to do my best. I have slowly become used to the idea. In fact, I am still a little emotional at seeing my own Barça shirt." Club president Joan Laporta was full of praise as he added: "I remember a final in Pontevedra when Valladolid beat us and Rubén had a great game. Since then we have talked to Jaume Ferrer (the manager of the handball department) and decided that it would be good to sign him."

A real honour

Noddesbo has joined Barcelona from Kolding and the 26-year-old is proud to have signed for the club. "It is a great honour for me that Barça showed an interest in signing me. I have seen and heard all about this throughout me life. When I found out that they wanted to sign me it was not hard. I now want to give everything I have and win everything possible in the Champions and in the Asobal League."

Work and maximum dedication

"I promise to work as hard as possible to be at the level that is expected," the Dane added.