FCBARCELONA.CAT

17.07.2007 17:49

Laporta: "Eto'o is not for sale"

Sandra Sarmiento

FC Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, ha reiterated that Samuel Eto'o is not for sale amid reports linking him with a move away from Camp Nou in the Italian and Spanish media.

"Eto'o is a reference point and he is not for sale," the Blaugrana supremo said. "He is looking forward to starting training again and Barça's position remains the same as always." Laporta was reflecting on the speculation that AC Milan have included the Cameroonian striker on their wanted list during a meeting to tie up a collaboration agreement with UDA Gramenet.

Exciting times

"Everyone is looking forward to the start of the season," he continued. "The board are thrilled that the supporters will be able to watch a team with incredible quality during the coming year. It will be great to be able to see Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Eto'o and Lionel Messi play."

Confidence in the captains

Laporta then dismissed talk that the Barça club captains would be changed and reconfirmed his belief that Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernández and Ronaldinho are doing a good job. "It has to be the same players," he said. "The captains of the team were chosen by the players themselves and we are proud of Puyol, as well Ronaldinho and Xavi. I think they all have the qualities to be captains and them taking the armband is great.

"On an internal level, solutions have be found so that everyone shared an active part in resolving any problems that may arise, so that they be discussed during the season and that everyone agrees," he added about the new internal code of conduct at the club.