FCBARCELONA.CAT

30.05.2008 13:46

Edmílson remembers the good times

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Edmílson has left FC Barcelona to join Villarreal after spending four years at Camp Nou and he took time out to reflect on the highs and lows and what he will take with him from the Catalan outfit.

The Brazilian midfielder spoke to Barça TV and ww.fcbarcelona.cat and looked back over the last few seasons and also looked ahead at the prospects for Barça and the Yellow Submarine.

How does it feel now that your time at Barcelona is over?

"The truth is that I am a bit sad about leaving a great club, I am happy to have won two league titles and the Champions League. I have had four very good years here. The last two have not been good in terms of results, but I think that we can look back on many good things during my time here.

What will you remember most about the club?

"I will keep my friends, my team-mates, the people that I have known in Barcelona and at the club. The best part about being in the club is the people you work with every day, that know if you are injured or not or playing or not."

What do you remember about the Champions League final?

"The main thing I remember is when Belletti scored, I was on the bench and I saw the two kit men hugging and they fell on the floor in the rain."

Was the knee injury the worst point of your time at Barcelona?

"The injury to the knee interrupted my time here and shortened it I think. I always say that we cannot choose these things, things just happen and we have to be strong and do what we can. Personally, a year without playing was very hard. What is important is that the situation made me grow as a person.

Did you know that you did not score an official goal for Barça?

"That is true. It is something I did not expect. In all the years I played, I have always worked for the team doing the defensive work and I think that in spite of not scoring a goal I contributed to the team."

What does Barça mean to you?

"When you see the motto 'mès que un club' it is difficult to describe what it means. It is a feeling of the city and of a nation. I have talked to many fans in the street and they have told me that if the team loses they do not eat or sleep well. At times, it is difficult for a player to understand this and when you come from a smaller club the feeling is very different and you have to adapt to the philosophy. Despite that, my experience with the national team has helped. In Brazil during the World Cup, the people live the football every day."

How have you and your family felt in the city?

"Very well. The truth is that my young daughter was born in Barcelona. We are very pleased to have experienced life her. The people took to us very well. We were here for four years and I even bought a house so that when I retire we can come and live in Barcelona. My wife and my daughters all really like it here."

How would you like to be remembered at Barça?

"I believe that there are the trophies. Apart from the excitement of the fans, when you are in a club you create many memories. In ten years I would like to be able to come back and be remembered for winning two titles and the Champions League. Money cannot buy the feeling of being able to come back after my four years here and people having good memories of my time here."

How do you see your new life with Villarreal?

"It is a fresh challenge. At 32 I have to try to play and to enjoy it as much as possible. Also, I want to return to the Brazilian squad and play in the next World Cup in 2010, but for that I will have to be at a great level this season."

What message do you have for the fans?

"I am grateful for the chance to have played for Barcelona and to have been able to play in Camp Nou. I want to thank al the supporters and ask them to forgive my mistakes."

How do you see the team in the future?

"I hope that they will start winning things again and that everyone remains patient because now a new project is starting. There will be many changes and it needs time to start well."