Puyol agent casting doubts on renewal

Asked about the contract renewal of Barcelona central defender and Spanish international Carles Puyol (31) (read more here), the player's agent Ramon Sostres has said in an interview with Italian football site Calcio Mercato that the player is in doubt about his future:

"At this stage, Puyol's renewal talks have stopped. He has received a very good offer but the player now first wants to see how things go with the squad. Barcelona has now signed Chygrynskiy for the positions of centre-back, where they already had Piqué and Márquez.

We saw what happened last season when Puyol played on the right, on the left and in the centre. In the semi-final of the Champions League against Chelsea he played very little. I think he must be the only captain that is not used in such an important game. The player's doubts are exclusively related to the sporting side, the financial aspect is not an issue here.

Now the player has to think long and hard about his future and decide whether that future will be with Barcelona or with another team. We will see about that later. Milan? The club seems to have some trouble at this moment. I was surprised by the transfer of Kaká. But they stay one of the most important clubs and one of those that Puyol likes. Only time will tell, it's still too early to comment on these transfer rumours.

The renewal offer is on the table but at this moment there are no further talks. We will see what will happen during the season although we are not expecting him to leave at this point because he is very attached to Barcelona. Is there a new meeting planned? I'll meet Txiki soon to talk about Iniesta and it's possible we also talk about Puyol.

But I repeat that it's not a financial problem but exclusively a football issue. The relationship with Guardiola is fine. Pep likes the player a lot, which is normal because I think it's one of the few footballers in the world who can play at all defensive positions.

But in the centre the coach wants players who are good with the ball and so it is possible that he prefers Márquez, Chygrynskiy or Piqué. The coach nevertheless knows he can count on a player who is always available for whatever needs. He is 31 years old and at that age, no team can give him any assurances. We will see what happens, time can change many things."

Read more:
Puyol considering Barcelona exit

Puyol considering Barcelona exit

Madrid sports tabloid As claims that Barcelona central defender and Spanish international Carles Puyol (31) still hasn't made a decision on his future.

Barcelona would have offered the catalan centre-back, whose contract expires at the end of the current season, an extension for two more years with a lower fixed salary and higher incentives.

Puyol would be postponing a decision and reportedly wants to wait and see what will happen once Márquez has recovered from his injury and Chygrynskiy has settled in.

If he doesn't get enough playing time this season, Puyol would be unlikely to sign a new contract and would prefer to move to a club where he would be a fixed starter (read more here). English Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester City are said to have contacted the agent of the player while AC Milan would also be interested.

Read more:
Renewal Puyol soon to be closed
Puyol: "We still want to get better"
Puyol calm about contract renewal talks

Renewal Puyol soon to be closed

Asked about the contract renewal of Barcelona central defender and Spanish international Carles Puyol (31) (read more here), Barcelona president Joan laport has said in an interview with Spanish radio station RNE that a deal is close:

"We have already met several times with the agent of 'Puyi' and the renewal will happen soon.

That's the wish of everyone involved and it's very clear to our captain that the coach counts on him and that the board is very proud to have a captain like Carles Puyol."

Read more:
Puyol could leave Barcelona next summer
Renewals for Puyol, Marquez, Iniesta and Messi
Puyol calm about contract renewal talks

Puyol: "We still want to get better"

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Barcelona player Carles Puyol said that the squad is still aiming for more:

"We will try to get better. We are very motivated and ambitious, so let's see where this can end. The feeling in the group is very good, the truth is that we are very happy.

We are one of the best teams in the history of Barcelona. There have been a lot of great teams but we're making history and we still want to do better. That's our wish and we will fight to continue to make our fans happy.

Although winning is very difficult and we should keep our feet on the ground. My close friend Samuel Eto'o already called me and congratulated me with the win.

Regarding my contract renewal, I can only say that I have one more season left and that I'm focusing on the game. There will be time to talk and it's not something that worries me. Chygrynskiy? We know him well because we have played against him several times. We will welcome him and we will help him so he can adapt quickly."

Read more:
Pique: "We hope to be the Barça of the Six Cups"
Chygrynskiy will arrive in Barcelona tomorrow

Puyol calm about contract renewal talks

Asked about the renewal of his contract that expires next summer (read more here), Barcelona central defender and Spanish international Carles Puyol (31) has said in an interview with the club's official media that there are no problems:

"I know that people are talking a lot about all this but I'm very calm about the issue. I feel important here. I have always said that my wish is to continue here, to stay here for many more years. I feel very good at the club and I want to help the team.

I have only one year left and that might seem a short time for some but I'm very relaxed because a year is a lot. What I want now is to prepare myself for the coming season, to help the team and the rest will come. There is no problem at all.

I want to make clear that I don't have any problem with the coach. On the contrary. We've talked a lot and he knows what I am thinking and I know what he is thinking. And the truth is that I am very happy. I think it is normal that the club is looking to strengthen the back line. If we want to compete for six trophies, that means we will have to play a lot of games and therefore you need players."

Read more:
Puyol could leave Barcelona next summer
Renewals for Puyol, Marquez, Iniesta and Messi
Puyol calm about contract renewal

Puyol could leave Barcelona next summer

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona central defender and Spanish international Carles Puyol (31) is postponing the decision on the renewal of his contract.

Barcelona would have offered Puyol, whose contract expires at the end of this season, a renewal for two more years, keeping more or less the same salary.

The Catalan player is at this moment nevertheless not willing to accept the offer and has reportedly informed Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain about his decision.

Puyol would want to wait and see what will happen this season. Also because of Guardiola insisting to sign Chygrynskiy, the defender feels that he could be losing importance in the squad. Puyol wants to keep on being a key player on the pitch and depending on the events this season, he will later decide if he wants to continue at the club.

Read more:
Two-year extension offer for Puyol
Renewals for Puyol, Marquez, Iniesta and Messi
Puyol calm about contract renewal

Puyol calm about contract renewal

Asked about the renewal of his contract that expires in 2010 (read more here), Barcelona central defender and Spanish international Carles Puyol (31) told journalists that he's not worried about it:

"I'm very calm about the matter. I'm not in a hurry. We're having some important games ahead now. I'm only thinking about winning the Super Cup against Athletic.

I leave the negotations in the hands of Ramon Sostres, my agent. He'll do what he has to do. Although I'm sure we'll find a solution before the end of the season."

Read more:
Renewals for Puyol, Marquez, Iniesta and Messi
Puyol doesn't see renewal problems
Pique reveals dressing-room secrets

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

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

Puyol and Messi have their own robot versions

The robot versions of Barcelona players Carles Puyol and Lionel Messi have today been shown to the public. The robots are a result of a co-operation between the La Salle college in Barcelona and the Ro-Botica website.

The robots were presented this morning at the Camp Nou and will next August take part in the Korea Robot Game Festival, the international final of a football tournament for robots.

Barca internationals return for medical tests

Catalan paper Sport reports that Barcelona internationals who enjoyed an extra week of vacation will soon rejoin the rest of the squad. Confederation Cup participants Carles Puyol (31), Xavi Hernandez (29), Gerard Pique (22), Sergi Busquets (21), Dani Alves (26) and Andres Iniesta (25), who is recovering from injury, are scheduled to carry out medical tests at 8:30 pm tonight at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper in Sant Joan Despi.

Pique would have already returned early and trained by himself at the Ciutat Esportiva for the past week.

Sport also claims that Guardiola is scheduled to train with this group for the first time tomorrow at 9:30 am. The group would only conduct training today and tomorrow before joining their teammates in the United States on Wednesday.

Read more:
First training of the season
Medical tests to start pre-season

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

Pique reveals dressing-room secrets

In the run-up to the Champions league final, Barcelona player Gerard Piqué discussed his team-mates in an interview with British tabloid The Daily Mail.





Víctor Valdés
He's unbelievable when one-on-one with a player. The fact he's not in Spain's team is strange because he is one of the best five goalkeepers in the world. I like him because he doesn't moan when I am DJ in the dressing room. He also plays the piano.

Carles Puyol
Despite playing centre-back, I think he is best at right-back. He is like a barnacle or limpet that you find on rocks on the beach. You have to keep scratching away but still get little out of it! He is the captain, a good friend but an animal who is relentless on the pitch. If I was playing chess, he would be my rook. A tower of strength.

Gerard Piqué
What can I say? Scandalously good-looking (see my picture, above right). Talented on and off the pitch. There's nothing better than me, but maybe I could do with a little more confidence!

Sylvinho
The daddy of the team. A real good guy. He is always concerned for the welfare of the side and asks questions all the time when we are travelling, making sure we are ok. Not played enough in key games but very reliable.

Xavi
Best example of how good Barcelona's academy can be. He loves the ball more than anything else in the world. It is almost impossible to take the ball off him in training and if anyone does you normally get an ovation from the rest of the team.

Sergi Busquets
He is the rookie of the season. He was a striker and Pep changed him into a defensive midfielder. We call him Superman. You can kick him as much as you like but he won't feel it. He will be a reference point in world football in a few years' time.

Andrés Iniesta
Best midfielder in the world. You can study his hips as he is moving towards you but he will bluff you with his body. If Andres scored more goals he would be the biggest act in the world. Bigger than any singer! As a person, soft as a loaf of bread.

Lionel Messi
No 1 in the world. You can't fight against him, you will lose because he is quicker and more athletic than you. Not superstitious, but always wears his Argentina flag shinpads. I grew up with him here at Barcelona and he hasn't disappointed me.

Samuel Eto'o
We asked the coach and the chairman at the start of the season to make sure that we kept him. He had to stay, there's no other striker like him. He was having a bad time but proved to everyone that he is a top professional. He is fanatical about cars and watches.

Thierry Henry
He looks very cocky, but on a daily basis he has shown strong humility — despite being the best footballer in Arsenal's history. He kisses a tattoo on his wrist every time he scores and I have told him he is in danger of wearing out his skin, he has scored so many.

Yaya Touré
He always leaves everyone open-mouthed with his show of strength. Quiet in the dressing room but very friendly and never complains. He doesn't care whether he plays defensive midfield or centre-back, and we all feel comfortable whichever position he plays. Has some unusual dance moves, though.

Seydou Keita
The lungs of the team. He can run from deep and score, he is good in the air and cares a lot defensively. He doesn't know the meaning of the word 'no'. He says 'yes' to requests from the gaffer and ends up paying five times for it.

Eidur Gudjohnsen
The Viking or The Gargoyle. He has a special humour for the dressing room. He is always funny and cheery. Unbelievable first touch and is probably the best in the team with his back to goal. Speaks very good English and likes a party.

Bojan
It doesn't matter how many minutes he plays, because he always gets a chance. Don't give him half a metre because he will take you to the cleaners. His body is like a snake, he can change direction quickly and can slip past easily. He is a kid in the dressing room but I am trying to make him become a man!

read the full article including Piqué's comments on his former Manchester United team-mates here


Read more:
The merging paths of Pique and Busquets
Pique: "Classical music makes me fall asleep"

Puyol doesn't see renewal problems

Asked about the renewal of his contract that expires in 2010 (read more here), Barcelona central defender and Spanish international Carles Puyol (31) has said in an interview with Spanish sports weekly paper Don Balón that for him there shouldn't be any obstacle:

"I have one more year left at Barça. The truth is that I'm very relaxed, enjoying every season, like it should be. I know my age but, like I've always said, I want to continue at Barcelona. For me, there shouldn't be any problem.

It's true that I start thinking about the possibility that I could be able to retire at Barcelona, but in football you never know what can happen because from one year to another things can change a lot. My plan is to go on, but I know that it's complicated to keep on playing for a few more years We'll see. As long as I'm motivated and I perform well...

The truth is that I didn't yet think about the long term, but that I try to enjoy the moment. I think that I still have some years left, but we'll see what happens. I want to get better every day and add what I can. I think I'm going through a good moment and, above that, the team is great, so everything is going well."

Read more:
Renewal Puyol could be closed this week
Manchester City preparing offer for Puyol
Two-year extension offer for Puyol

Manchester City preparing offer for Puyol

British tabloid The Sun claims that Manchester City is interested in Barcelona central defender and Spanish international Carles Puyol.

Puyol, whose contract expires at the end of next season, would be seen as the back-up alternative if the English Premier League club fails to sign their first choice, Chelsea centre-back John Terry. Manchester City would already be in talks with Puyol's advisers and preparing an offer.

Read more:
Renewal Puyol could be closed this week
Two-year extension offer for Puyol

Renewal Puyol could be closed this week

Both main Catalan sports papers Sport and El Mundo Deportivo claim that the renewal of Barcelona central defender and Spanish international Carles Puyol (31), whose current contract expires next summer, could be closed at the end of this week.

Barcelona officials would have met last week with Ramón Sostres, the player's agent, offering Puyol an extension for two more years, until 2012. Sostres would this week discuss the proposal with the player, who has returned from the Confederations Cup.

Sport claims that Puyol will maintain the same fixed salary, while the incentives will be increased, especially those based on the number of games played. El Mundo Deportivo, that says that the deal will at the latest be signed at the beginning of this week, claims that the Catalan defender would keep the same salary. Only the incentives based on trophies won would be changed.

Read more:
Puyol confident about renewal talks
Puyol: "The Gladiator video definitely motivated me"
Two-year extension offer for Puyol

Puyol confident about renewal talks

Asked about the renewal of his contract that expires in 2010 (read more here), Barcelona central defender and Spanish international Carles Puyol (31) has said in an interview with Catalan sports paper Sport that the renewal negotiations are going well:

"It's true that we're talking about a renewal and there aren't any problems. I have one more year left and I don't think there will be major obstacles.

My plan has always been to retire at Barcelona. I know it's dificult but I'll fight to keep my level and to stay. If the day comes that Pep, who could be at the club for many years, counts on other players on my postion, when I'm not important anymore for the team and I cannot continue, I'll look for a solution in case I still want to keep on playing football.

I've sometimes thought about moving abroad. Getting to know another league makes you richer as a player and as a person. It would be a good thing although the idea to continue in Barcelona and retire here is stronger. If that isn't possible or if I change my mind, living an expierience abroad has to be very nice."

Read more:
Two-year extension offer for Puyol
Puyol: "The Gladiator video definitely motivated me"
Milan wants Puyol to replace Maldini

Puyol: "The Gladiator video definitely motivated me"

Barcelona player Carles Puyol gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.





Can you give your opion on the former youth players? Valdes.
The best keeper in the world. I hope for the sake of Barca that he renews and stays here for many years.

Jorquera.
Great keeper. Whenever he has played, he has played well.

Pique.
One of the keys. A very important player, who gives much to the team both inside and outside the pitch. He has a spectacular future. I think that we have made a great signing.

Xavi.
He's in the best moment of his career. It's a pleasure to see him play, a true pleasure.

Busquets.
We have a midfielder to keep for many years. He's a phenomenon on and off the pitch. He has surprised me at how quickly he has adapted to the first team.

Iniesta.
A phenomenon. A few years from now I will be able to tell people that I played with Iniesta. He is "the damn crack".

Messi.
The best player in the world. He deserves the Ballon d'Or. In order to prevent repeating what everyone in the world sees, I would point out his effort in defending. He has shown that he is dedicated. He has made a great step within the team.

Bojan.
He hasn't played as much as he had hoped but his performances have been great. He has worked hard all year, like a great professional. Every day he is better. He is Barca's future center forward.

Victor Sanchez.
He is very useful to the team. He can play in many positions.

Pedro.
Another surprise. He is very fast and he is good with one on ones. He is a winger similar to many before him and he will be an important player for Barca.

Three questions about the Gladiator video. Did the video that Guardiola showed you motivate you?
It definitely motivated me. I ran onto the pitch like a motorcycle. I think that is was good. It was something new. I have to say that being in a dressing room before a final is boring. You're in there for ten minutes, without doing anything, when what you really want to do is go on the pitch. It's a very bad moment for a footballer. That video united us all a little more, and it touched everybody. The video was very well made. I thank Santi Padró, the coach and his assistants because they nailed it.

It has been said that there are people that cried in the dressing room...
I don't know, honestly. I got emotional, but right away I concentrated on the match, and my adrenaline was raised...

It seems like the video left you all emotional in the beginning. Especially in the first ten minutes...
I don't agree at all. Manchester United started strong and didn't let us have the ball but we're talking about a Champions League final and it's normal. You have to consider that. Manchester United is great and it's not like we were playing against anybody.

How is your ankle?
I've talked with the Barca doctors and they have given me the ok to play in the Confederations cup. I'm here with Raul Martinez, the physio, and I'm sure he'll fix me. I'll attempt to help the team win this title.

Isn't it too many matches?
Yes it is, but we can't change anything.

Are you sure? Can't the players do anything?
What can you do? Stay in place? Not go? No. That's how it is and it's hard to change.

And Rafa Nadal rightfully complains about the international tennis calendar and nothing happens. It's understandable though...
Tennis is an individual sport. Rafa is the best and he can do what he wants. Also, everybody agrees that it's too many matches. Ask the doctors and I'm sure that they'll say that it's too many matches to play at a high level. While the body tires, we can crash out and there will be others to replace us. I don't know... That's how things are and that's that.

How is Queca?
On the day of the triplete celebration at the Camp Nou I was about to take my sheep Queca with me, but in the end I didn't because I was afraid that it would be a mess. But I can assure you that I'll take her onto the pitch one day.

I'm sure you've been asked about what you think about your character on "Crackovia" (Catalan television program)...
I laugh a lot. I've had the pleasure to meet Jordi Rios, the actor that portrays me. He's a good guy and he's fun to talk to. Anything that is funny is great and those at "Crackovia" should be congratulated. It has helped unite everyone, to "make" Barca.


this was the third and last part of this interview, you can read the first two parts here:
Puyol: "People don't stop thanking me"
Puyol: "Barca is stronger with Eto'o"

Two-year extension offer for Puyol

Spanish news agency EFE claims that Barcelona has offered Barcelona central defender and Spanish international Carles Puyol (31), whose current contract expires in 2010, a contract extension for two years, until 2012.

Barcelona would have informed Puyol's agent Ramón Sostres about the club's intention during a meeting last Thursday. A Barcelona spokesperson told the news agency that the negotaiatins are well-advanced but that there's no deal yet.

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona wants to keep the same fixed salary but that the personal and team incentives could be higher. The first meeting would have been extremely positive and an agreement could be found soon.

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that it was just a first contact and that Puyol and his agent will now analyze the proposal. Barcelona would offer the Catalan defender the same salary as he is receiving now. If Puyol accepts the offer, a deal can be closed soon, although the agreement will in any case not be made public before Puyol returns from the Confederations Cup in South Africa.

Read more:
Renewal talks with Puyol to start soon
Milan wants Puyol to replace Maldini
Puyol wants to retire at Barcelona

Renewal talks with Puyol to start soon

Barcelona sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona central defender and Spanish international Carles Puyol (31), whose current contract expires at the end of next season, will be offered a contract extension that would include a lower salary.

Barcelona could possibly offer Puyol a lower fixed salary and higher incentives. Although the club is aware they should move carefully, they are nevertheless confident that a deal could be found because of the will of the player and the good relationship with his agent Ramon Sostres. Both the player and the club would like to reach an agreement soon.

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that the renewal of Puyol is at this moment one of the priorities of Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain and that the club wants to start negotiations with his agent as soon as possible. Puyol would be offered a new two-year contract.

Asked about the renewal of his contract, Puyol said in an interview with Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo that he's not in a hurry: "I'm very calm about it. I have one year left and I'm not worried. Now I will play with the national team and we'll see what will happen and how things will evolve. I don't know about the plans of the club because I didn't yet talk with them. When we've talked, we'll see.

My wish is to stay here and I'll listen to what the club wants. If they think I still can add things to the team, then I'll stay. To start and finish your career here is a very nice idea, but it's also something very difficult. Physically, I still feel very good and I'm motivated but I cannot say for how many years I will keep on playinh football."

In an interview with the club's oficial media, Puyol added: "I think it's very difficult to become the 'Maldini of Barça' and to continue here until I'm over 40 years old. But I want to stay here as long as I possibly can and I will fight for that."

Read more:
Puyol wants to retire at Barcelona
Milan wants Puyol to replace Maldini
Puyol: "Tattoos are one of my passions"