Contract duration problem for Marquez renewal

Catalan sports paper El 9 Esportiu claims that Barcelona is working on the renewal of Barcelona central defender and Mexican international Rafael Márquez (30).

The renewal negotiations with the player would have been intensified over the past days and although the talks would be well-advanced, the duration of the new contract would remain the main obstacle (read more here).

While Barcelona would have offered Márquez, whose current contract expires at the end of this season, to renew for two more years (one year plus an option for a second year), the player would want to extend his contract for three more years (two years plus an option for a third year).

Read more:
Marquez wants to renew for three more years
Renewals for Puyol, Marquez, Iniesta and Messi
Marquez confident about contract renewal

Marquez and Iniesta to Sit Against Sporting

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola will keep both Andres Iniesta and Rafa Marquez out of the lineup for the today's Liga opener against Sporting Gijon. The midfielder and defender have been battling injuries all summer and have already been excused from participating with their national teams in World Cup qualifiers next week. As such, keeping them out of the Sporting match will give the players an extra two weeks to become fit before Barca's second Liga match, a road contest against Getafe on September 13.

Renewals for Puyol, Marquez, Iniesta and Messi

Speaking at Barcelona's socio's assembly, Barceloan sports director Txiki Begiristain has said that the club plans to renew the contracts of Barcelona players Carles Puyol, Rafael Márquez, Andrés Iniesta and Lionel Messi:

"We need to take care of the wage structure, but we also have to understand that a lot of clubs want our players. That's why, without losing our heads, we need to close some important renewal deals. We did it with Valdés earlier and now we're trying to renew Márquez and Puyol. Both have different skills but the two are special players and add their things and quality to the team. And we finally want to have another player who starts and ends his career here.

The renewals of Messi and Iniesta are also ongoing. Both players are very involved with the club. Iniesta is a versatile player, who can play both in midfield as on the wing. he has made progress and we will try to adapt his salary to his real value. And Messi is simply the best player in the world."

Read more:
Marquez wants to renew for three more years
Barcelona's wage structure
Puyol doesn't see renewal problems

Marquez wants to renew for three more years

Asked about his contract renewal (read more here), Barcelona central defender and Mexican international Rafael Márquez (30), whose current contract expires in 2010, has said at a press conference that he would like to renew for three more years:

"Hopefully I will be able to renew with Barcelona for another three years. There's nothing concrete yet, but we're negotiating.

I think they're now trying to sign more players, they're more worried about that than about cases like mine of the one of Puyol because he hasn't yet renewed either.

I guess that we're two important players within the team and I'm sure that before the league starts, we could already have renewed and be more calm to start the season."

Read more:
Marquez confident about contract renewal
Guardiola about current Barca players
Transfer history: Marquez was close to Madrid

Transfer history: Marquez was close to Madrid

Catalan sports paper Sport reports that Barcelona player Rafael Márquez (30) was close to joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2002.

Márquez confirmed the story to the paper: "I was very, but really very close to moving to Real Madrid, can you imagine that? It didn't happen and thanks to God I'm still here." One year later, Márquez joined Barcelona.

The player's agent Enrique Nieto explained why the transfer didn't go through in the end: "The truth is that it didn't happen because they had tactical doubts. They couldn't decide on the question if Rafa was better as central defender or as defensive midfielder and the deal was was cancelled. That's how life can go..."

The paper also reports, based upon statement of the agent, that Real Madrid and Barcelona were already interested in Márquez when he was still playing in Mexico. The two clubs were following the player and drew up scouting reports but none of them took the decision of signing him. Márquez in the end signed with French league club Monaco in the summer of 1999.

Read more:
Transfer history: Harry Kewell (Leeds)
Transfer history: Iniesta had deal with Madrid
Transfer history: Cristian Karembeu (Sampdoria)

Barcelona's wage structure

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona's wage scale has six levels:



GROUP A
Messi

GROUP B
Henry
Ibrahimovic

GROUP C
Alves
Xavi
Iniesta
Puyol

GROUP D
Valdés
Touré
Márquez
Keita

GROUP E
Bojan
Piqué
Jorquera
Pinto
Busquets

GROUP F
Pedro
Víctor Sánchez
Muniesa
Jeffren

Marquez: "We're not going to relax after the treble"

Barcelona player Rafael Márquez gave an interview to the club's official media.





How's the recovery from your injury coming along?
I'm feeling good, happy to be back. I'm still not with the rest of the squad, but we're working to get me 100 per cent for the trip to the States.

What was it like at the end of last season to miss out on the big games? It must have really made you angry.
Yes, it certainly did. I felt such impotence at not being able to play in those big games, but at the same time I felt really happy about the fact that my teammates were winning.

Were you surprised at how superior Barca were in the Champions League final?
The truth is we thought it would be tougher. I think the team were mentally prepared to go out and play a simple game and that's what we did. We always had possession and the chances just came as a result of that.

There seems to be plenty of tension in the training sessions, is that what's needed to repeat last year's success?
Yes, that was key to us winning so much last year. Pep is very demanding in training and that's the way forward.

There are a number of players who were in the team that went through the season after Paris. Is that going to be a help?
Yes, I think so and with Pep we know that even though we've won plenty, he's going to be pushing for more. I don't think we'll go through that period of relaxation that happened after Paris.

Touré and Keita will both be away for the African Nations Cup. Do you see yourself fitting in in midfield?
I don't know, that's up to the boss. I just want to keep on playing, I don't mind where.

How do you think Henrique is adapting?
I think that just like any other player it's not easy to fit in at first. The first few months at a new club are not easy, but I think he's got the qualities needed to make a go of it.

And how do you reckon your fellow Mexican Jonathan Dos Santos is settling in?
Well, I'm thrilled that he’s with us. He’s a quality player and it's great to have another Mexican along.

read the full and original interview here


Read more:
Marquez confident about contract renewal
Guardiola about current Barca players

Marquez confident about contract renewal

Asked about the renewal of his contract that expires in 2010 (read more here), Barcelona central defender and Mexican international Rafael Márquez (30) has said in an interview with the club's official media that a deal is only a matter of time:

"It's my wish to retire at Barça, so I hope it will be possible. I'm very relaxed regarding the renewal. I know that we will reach an agreement. It's just a matter of time.

In general I'm feeling very good at this moment, happy to be back. I'm still not training with the group, but we're working hard so I can be totally fit soon and join in during the US tour.

During my holidays, I first have been working three weeks in a recovery centre in France because I wanted to make good progress. After that, I spent some time with my family."

Read more:
Deal on contract renewal Marquez until 2012
Official players' pictures (part 1)
Guardiola about current Barca players

Official players' pictures (part 1)

Víctor Valdés

José Manuel Pinto

Albert Jorquera

Rafael Márquez

Henrique

Martín Cáceres

Eric Abidal

Maxwell

Yaya Touré

Guardiola about current Barca players

At the press conference yesterday, Pep Guardiola informed the journalists on some of the current Barcelona players situation.




Márquez
He'll renew. He's getting over his injury, he's come a long way and he's very enthusiastic.

Messi
He wants to train and it's great for me that he's here.

Cáceres
We might put him out on loan because next season maybe he won't have that much game time.

Puyol
He'll renew. Carles isn't going anywhere. If he's thinking about moving, he can forget about it. He'll play where he's told because he’s great in all positions.

Gudjohnsen
I've spoken to him and for the moment he's staying.

Henry
His role will depend on him. If he's okay he'll play a lot. He's Henry!


Read more:
Guardiola about the incoming transfers

Deal on contract renewal Marquez until 2012

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that a deal has been closed on the contract renewal of Barcelona central defender and Mexican international Rafael Márquez (30).

Over the last days there would have been intense negotiations and a principal agreement has been reached. The deal could be officially announced later today.

The last two issues that had to be solved would have been the financial incentives based on trophies won and the duration of the contract. In the end, Márquez would sign a new deal for two more years, until 2012.

* Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo on the other hand claims that there's no deal yet because there would still be financial differences. The player's agent e,rrique Nieto had planned to meet with Barcelona officials yesterday, but the meeting would have been postponed until next week. *

Read more:
Last-minute change to Marquez renewal offer
Marquez will next week sign two-year extension

Last-minute change to Marquez renewal offer

Madrid sports tabloid As claims that Barcelona has made a last-minute change to the contract renewal offered to Barcelona central defender and Mexican international Rafael Márquez (30), whose current contract expires next summer.

While Márquez had initially asked for an extra three years with the last year being optional and a deal seemed to have been found for an extra two years, the player's agent Enrique Nieto would yesterday morning have been offered during a meeting in the Camp Nou offices to sign a contract for only one extra year plus an optional second year.

* Catalan newspaper El Periodico claims that the negotiations between Barcelona and the player went on yesterday and that there's still no deal. The economic side of the deal wouldn't cause any problems but there's still no agreement on the duration of the contract: Barcelona would offer only one extra year, while Márquez would want two more years. *

Catalan sports paper Sport on the other hand claims that Márquez didn't sign like expected the contract renewal for two more years yesterday because Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain didn't have time. The signature would have been postponed to next week.

Read more:
Marquez to sign renewal until 2012 today
Fiorentina interested in Marquez

Marquez to sign renewal until 2012 today

Both main Catalan sports papers claim that Barcelona central defender and Mexican international Rafael Márquez (30), whose current contract ecpires next year, will sign a contract renewal today after his agent Enrique Nieto met with Barcelona officials earlier this week.

Asked about the renewal negotiations, Nieto said in an interview with El Mundo Deportivo that a deal is very close:

"There are some minor things left but there won't be any problems. I hope that everything can be official on Friday. It's a matter of details. Márquez is feeling very good in Barcelona and he wants to stay for a long time."

The paper claims that Nieto met yesterday with Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain and Barcelona director of football Raúl Sanllehí outside the Camp Nou offices. Barcelona would offer the player a renewal for two more years, until 2012, keeping the same fixed salary and raising the incentives.

Sport claims that Márquez' agent already met on Wednesday afternoon with Begiristain in the Camp Nou offices and that a pre-agreement was reached. The Mexican defender would sign a new contract until 2012, with an option for an extra year depending on the minutes played and on his performances. His salary would stay the same, but he could get extra incentives and bonuses based on the team results.

Read more:
Fiorentina interested in Marquez
Marquez will next week sign two-year extension
Marquez: "We have to reach higher, never stop"

Marquez will next week sign two-year extension

Mexican news agency Reforma claims that Barcelona central defender Rafael Márquez (30), whose current contract expires next year, will stay for three more years at Barcelona, until the summer 2012.

The deal on a two-year extension of the contract would be signed next Tuesday or Wednesday.

A source close to the negotiations is quoted as saying: "The terms and the details of the contract still haven't been agreed upon. He has one more year on his contract and the plan is to sign a new contract that would start in August and end in 2012. There's nothing official about interested clubs, only rumours. There are always rumours about clubs wanting good players."

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that the negotiations with Márquez will start next week. The Mexican centre-back would be offered to stay longer but wouldn't get a pay rise, only an extension for a few more years. Enrique Nieto, one of the player's agents, is quoted by the paper as saying that he will travel to Barcelona soon and that he thinks everything will be dealt with rapidly and with ease.

Read more:
Fiorentina interested in Marquez
Several clubs preparing bid for Barcelona players
Marquez hopes to renew this year

Fiorentina interested in Marquez

Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Fiorentina is interested in Barcelona central defender and Mexican international Rafael Márquez (30).

The Italian first division club wants to sign an experienced defender and the Mexican defender would be the first name on the list.

Because they aren't able to match the current salary of the player, Fiorentina plans to compensate that by offering Márquez, whose deal with Barcelona expires next summer, a long-term contract.

Read more:
Marquez hopes to renew this year
Medical: Marquez out for eight to ten weeks
Marquez: "We have to reach higher, never stop"

Marquez: "We have to reach higher, never stop"

Barcelona player Rafael Márquez answered questions at the official UEFA website.





How far can Barça go? Do you think they will win the UEFA Champions League?
Barcelona are playing great football and they have the quality and potential to win the Champions League. We couldn't beat Chelsea at home but we're confident we can go on from here and take things step by step, all the while respecting our rivals. I won't be able to be a part of things over the upcoming weeks because of the injury I picked up, but we have a great squad and I have complete confidence in my team-mates.

Do you think Barcelona will win the Spanish Cup, Spanish league and the Champions League?
That's what everyone here wants, but we have to take things step by step and never assume a game or competition is won before we've played it.

Was the 4-0 win against Bayern Barça's best performance of the season and, if not, what was?
I always look higher and aspire to better things. There will always be a better game. This is one of the challenges for this Barcelona side: reach higher, never stop at what you've got but aim to do it even better.

97,000 were at the Bayern game in the quarter-finals. What can you hear from the crowd and can the noise from the stands make it hard to hear the other players on the pitch?
You notice it, you feel it – there's no doubt about that. The crowd give you wings. It's gratifying and motivating to have them so close behind the team, as was the case again before the Chelsea game. We're very grateful to our supporters.

Is this Barcelona team better than the one that won the Champions League in 2006? If so, why?
All through history, Barcelona has had great teams who have marked their generation. The Champions League winners of 2006 are one of them. Now it's our turn to try to win titles and leave our own footprint.

Much has been talked about Cristiano Ronaldo being the player of the year, but what about Lionel Messi? Do you think Messi will be the next player of the year?
For us, Messi is the best player in the world. He's a one-off, an incredible footballer, a champion. Hopefully he'll be the next to win the award. His team-mates have to help him do that by putting in good team performances.

Your defensive partnership with Carles Puyol has been one of the best. What is the secret behind a solid central defence?
We complement each other well, we cover each other almost automatically, we speak to each other, we both give our all.

How do you keep the same focus for big and small games?
It's our duty. One second of absent-mindedness when you're marking can lead to a defeat or to conceding a goal. You always have to be alert.

How do you cope with the daily pressure on you and your team and can you lead a normal everyday life without being recognised?
In Barcelona people are very respectful, so you can live a quiet and practically normal life. Besides, pressure is part of a footballer's profession and you learn to cope with it.

What did you feel when you signed for Barça?
It was a dream come true. I was signing for one of the giants, who had noticed me and taken a gamble on my abilities. It was truly unforgettable.

Have you ever wanted to leave Barça?
I would like to finish my career at Barcelona. I have always said so. But that doesn't just depend on me. That's a decision for the club. Perhaps I might play in Mexico for a bit before retiring from football completely.

What's the best memory you have had with FCB?
I always hope the best memory is still to come. There have been lots so far, including simple things like the pleasure you get from being in the dressing room or in training.

read the complete interview here


Read more:
Marquez: "Sometimes I get mad and lose control"
Several clubs preparing bid for Barcelona players
Marquez hopes to renew this year

Several clubs preparing bid for Barcelona players

Catalan sports weekly paper Gol claims that several European top clubs will try to sign Barcelona players during the summer transfer window.

It is believed that some of the players and their agents will use the interest to ask for a salary rise.

The paper gives an overview of which players are monitored by which clubs:

- Víctor Valdés: AC Milan
- Dani Alves: Chelsea and Manchester City
- Rafael Márquez: several English clubs
- Carles Puyol: AC Milan
- Yaya Touré: Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City
- Andrés Iniesta: Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester City
- Lionel Messi: Juventus
- Thiery Henry: Manchester City and Chelsea
- Samuel Eto'o: Chelsea and Inter Milan

With the buyout fees of the players being unattainable, Barcelona has the last word and is not planning to let one of the above-mentioned go, with the exception of Barcelona attacker and French international Thierry Henry (31). The club would be ready to listen to offers for the striker because this seems the best moment to sell the player and because an exit of Henry would allow them to rejuvenate the squad (read more here).

Read more:
Henry, Eto'o, Toure and Keita are for sale
Touré wants a pay rise this year
Messi is dream for Juventus
Manchester City working on Henry transfer

Marquez hopes to renew this year

Asked about the renewal of his contract that expires in 2010 (read more here), Barcelona central defender and Mexican international Rafael Márquez (30) has said in an interview with Catalan newspaper Avui that he hopes that a deal will be found this year:

"I want to stay at Barça as long as possible. I'm very happy at the club and the city and I hope that the renewal talks will be reopened when the club wants that. There's a time for everything, I'm not in a hurry at all.

I trust that what I've done until now will give me the chance to stay here longer. I'm happy with what I've done: very few foreign players have been at the club for that long. The best thing for everyone would be that I renew this year.

I've always had offers to leave, but my wish to stay has always been stronger. If I would have seen that someone here didn't agree with me staying or when I would have noticed that I don't have the necessary level anymore to play here, I would have left already, but I didn't feel that. I've always wanted to stay last summer but it's true that I had to recover my best level and the arrival of Guardiola has given me a lot more confidence."

Read more:
Barcelona wants to renew Marquez until 2012
Marquez: "Sometimes I get mad and lose control"
Barcelona plans at least four summer transfers

Barcelona plans at least four summer transfers (1)

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona plans to buy at least four players during the coming summer transfer window.

Adding some new motivation to the group, expiring contracts and the Africa Cup are the three main reasons to renew the squad and look for a central defender, a left back defender, a versatile midfielder and a left wing attacker and/or a centre forward.

Central defender
Although there are still uncertainties about the renewal of Rafael Márquez (30) (read more here) and the return of Gabriel Milito (28) (read more here), Barcelona doesn’t plan to invest in another central defender. Henrique (22 - picture), who played on loan with Bayer Leverkusen this season, will join the team next season, despite the demand of the German club to keep the Brazilian for another year (read more here).

Left back defender
Although he’s having a good season, the contract of Sylvinho (34) will probably not be renewed (read more here), while Eric Abidal (29) could return to Lyon (read more here). There are few candidates to fill this spot. CSKA Moscow left winger and Russian international Yuri Zhirkov (25) is an option (read more here), while Manchester United left back and French international Patrice Evra (27) and Inter Milan left back Maxwell (27) are also rumoured to be among the targets (read more here and here).

Versatile midfielder
Because Yaya Touré and Seydou Keita will teke part in the Africa Cup at the beginning of next year, Barcelona wants to sign another midfielder. With Arsenal midfielder and Spanish international Cesc Fàbregas still being the ideal candidate (read more here), São Paulo midfielder Hernanes (23) could again be an option after his transfer failed last summer (read more here). Eidur Gudjohnsen (30) could leave if a good offer comes in (read more here).

You will be able to read the second part of this post later today.

Marquez repeats renewal wish

Asked about the renewal of his contract that expires in 2010, Barcelona central defender and Mexican international Rafael Marquez (30) has repeated at a press conference that he wants to stay longer at the club:

“Hopefully we will be able to reach an agreement so that I can end my career as a player at Barça. At this moment, my agent didn’t tell me anything about how things are going.

I don’t know if there’s already a deal. I think there has been a meeting but I don’t think that an agreement has been closed. Like I’ve already said a lot of times, I want it to happen, I’m feeling very good here, comfortable, very happy. So I hope that the renewal will come, although I’m not in a hurry.”

Read more:
Marquez patient about starting renewal talks
Marquez: "Sometimes I get mad and lose control"
Barcelona wants to renew Marquez until 2012