FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.05.2008 13:55

"I leave feeling happy after four years"

Jordi Clos

Edmílson said an emotional goodbye to FC Barcelona after leaving the club and gave a positive account of his four years at Camp Nou since he joined from Olympique Lyonnais in 2004.

With his contract due to expire on June 30, the Brazilian midfielder wanted to say farewell at a press conference on Friday afternoon. "I am sad to be leaving the club, but I go away happy for the four years I have had here," he stated. With tears in his eyes, Edmílson referred to his 'black sheep' speech, adding: "I hope that whenever I return that I will be remembered as the person I am and not for some of the statements that I made. I want to be able to come back wit my head held high and be recognised for the four years I spent here."

Looking back

"During my time here I have always tried to do my best to make the fans happy," he continued, before explaining that the 2005-06 season was his most cherished. "I played well, above all in defence, and then after the injuries affected me."

Tough times

The last two seasons have seen Barça not win a trophy and Edmílson admitted it was tough.. "It is the hardest experience during my eight years in Europe," he stated. "Things did not go well and we were all angry. The players thought that by having the best squad that we could win everything and when it came down to it, the other teams were better prepared than us."

The future

Looking ahead to next season, Edmílson said he understood that there would be changes. "When a team does not win, it is normal that there are changes made," he said. "The club has to renew the mentality. I hope that things can be fixed and that there is unity because that way everyone wins." On his future, Edmilson added: "I have it almost sorted out," he explained. "I think that on Monday everyone will know where I am going. Things are going well, but I am not someone who is going to say anything at the moment."