FCBARCELONA.CAT

22.07.2008 18:33

Henrique: “I am happy to make this step”

Berta Brau

New Barça signing Henrique has spoken in Barcelona, saying he feels very happy to come to Barça, but also knows that he still has plenty to learn before he can become a regular squad member.

Henrique arrived in Barcelona on Tuesday at 4.40 and went straight to Hospital de Barcelona for some of his medical tests, a process that was overseen by a doctor from Bayer Leverkusen, the club to which he is due to go on loan. The Brazilian defender said he was satisfied to have made the move to Barcelona, saying “all players always dream of playing for a club like Barça and therefore I am very pleased to make this step”.

From Barcelona to the Bundesliga

The Brazilian will sign for five seasons with Barça, but he will spend the first on loan to Bayer Leverkusen: “I am very happy to come to Barça, but I still have things to learn, and I will do that in Germany. I think it will be good for me to spend this time in Germany, where I will get my first experiences outside of Brazil and where I will be able to start adapting. I hope things go well and that soon I will be able to come back to Barcelona”.

On the loan: “I chose the team”

The player claims it was his own decision to go to Bayer Leverkusen because “I had offers from other clubs, even in the Spanish League, but it was me who decided to go there, basically because of the way they play”. Asked if he had spoken to Pep Guardiola, the player said he hadn’t “had the opportunity to speak to him, I have only just arrived and wasn’t able to get into contact with him”.

Asked how he would define himself as a player, Henrique said “I am a young footballer, but with a good head and technique”.