Sylvinho delighted with Manchester City move

Speaking to Manchester City's official website, former Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35) said that he is happy with his return to the English Premier League:

"It's great news for me that I'm back in the Premier League. Every player likes to play in this league, this is my second chance and I'm very proud to have been asked to come back over here.

This club is changing a lot, but they have a great mentality and they want to make this club even bigger. That's great to hear for me, and to be part of this project will be exciting. A lot of good players have come here already, and it is promising to be a great season.

I didn't think about finishing my career after winning the Champions League in Rome. That game was one of the most important games I would ever play. I did not think beyond it, but everything went well, we beat United and we won the Champions League. I knew inside that I could still play, I was still hungry and I love the game, so that's why I wanted to carry on."

read the full interview here

Read more:
OFFICIAL: Sylvinho to Manchester City

OFFICIAL: Sylvinho to Manchester City

Manchester City has today officially announced the transfer of former Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35).

Sylvinho has signed a one-year contract with the English Premier League club.

Barcelona had officially announced earlier this summer that the expiring contract of Sylvinho would not be renewed (read more here).

Speaking to the club's official media, Manchester City manager Mark Hughes said that he is delighted with the transfer: "Sylvinho has a wealth of experience at the very top level, having represented Brazil and played for some of the very top clubs in Europe. When the chance presented itself to bring him to Manchester City as a free agent I saw it as representing excellent business for us. Sylvinho won the European Cup last season at Barcelona and he will strengthen our defensive options."

Read more:
OFFICIAL: Sylvinho will leave
OFFICIAL: Eto'o to Inter Milan
OFFICIAL: Caceres to Juventus on loan

Sylvinho agent confirms Manchester City contacts

Asked about the rumours linking former Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35) with a move to Manchester City (read more here), the player's agent Hans Lamberz has confirmed in an interview with British sports site Sky Sports that there have been contacts with the English club but that a decision has not yet been made:

"There was contact with Manchester City a while ago and that has been renewed recently. Sylvinho is a free agent and he is in no rush to sign anywhere as he can join a club outside the transfer window.

Manchester City is obviously an interesting option with the talent there and Mark Hughes as manager. We are waiting for a decision from the directors of Manchester City and Sylvinho also has a decision to make."

Read more:
Sylvinho signs contract with Manchester City
Fluminense and Corinthians want Sylvinho

Sylvinho signs contract with Manchester City

British tabloid The Daily Mail claims that Manchester City is close to a deal on the transfer of former Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35), whose contract with Barcelona expired this summer and was not renewed (read more here).

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo meanwhile claims that Sylvinho and Manchester City have already reached an agreement. The Brazilian left back would have signed yesterday a one-year contract with the English Premier League club.

Manchester City officials reportedly contacted Ramon Sostres, the player's agent, last Wednesday when the club was in Barcelona to play the Joan Gamper Trophy game. On Thursday, the main conditions of the contract would have been agreed upon and both Sylvinho and his agent would have travelled yesterday to Manchester to close the operation.

Read more:
Fluminense and Corinthians want Sylvinho
OFFICIAL: Sylvinho will leave
Sylvinho looking for European club

Fluminense and Corinthians want Sylvinho

The sports directors of Brazilian clubs Fluminense and Corinthians have in the past days confirmed at press conferences that their clubs are interested in former Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35), whose contract with Barcelona expired this summer and was not renewed (read more here):

Branco (Fluminense)
"Every great player interests us. Sylvinho is a European champion, he took part in the last Champions league final. He has qualities and a good head. Our people are working on it."

Mário Gobbi (Corinthians)
"Until Thursday, Sylvinho had a first option to join a Spanish club. From now on, this obstruction isn't there anymore. It's a player whom we're interested in and we hope things can be settled in the next days. We want him."

Read more:
Fluminense interested in Sylvinho
Messi devastated by Sylvinho's exit
Sylvinho has deal with Corinthians

Sylvinho has deal with Corinthians

Brazilian sports paper Lance claims that former Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35), whose contract with Barcelona expired this summer and wasn't renewed (read more here), has reached a deal with Brazilian club Corinthians.

Close advisers of Corinthians president Andrés Sanchez reportedly confirmed to the paper that both the salary and the duration of the contract have been agreed upon.

Speaking to the paper, Corinthians sports director Mário Gobbi said that they officially couldn't yet speak with Sylvinho because of a contract the Brazilian left back had signed:

"It's a great player and we're interested. But there's one obstacle left: an option he has in Spain until 20 August. After that, we can sit down and talk. He's our main target but he signed a document and before that date, we cannot speak with him. He gave someone the exclusive right to talk with European clubs and when that right expires, he can start talking with clubs in Brazil.

Read more:
Sylvinho starts talking with Corinthians
Messi still missing Sylvinho
Sylvinho looking for European club

Sylvinho starts talking with Corinthians

Asked about the rumours linking former Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35), whose contract with Barcelona expired this summer and wasn't renewed, with a return to Corinthians (read more here), Corinthians president Andrés Sanchez has confirmed in an interview with Brazilian sports paper Lance that talks have started:

"Sylvinho is a great player who has a history in this club. We had a non-official conversation with him, we still need to clear out some issues. We still didn't talk about the salary or the duration of the contract, nothing of that. We just made contact to see if there's interest from his side."

Read more:
Sylvinho looking for European club
Messi still missing Sylvinho
Corinthians and Zaragoza options for Sylvinho

Messi still missing Sylvinho

Maxwell:
Hello, I'm Maxwell, the new signing, I'm a left back and I come from Inter.

Messi:
Sir, sir, will you take care of me from now on? I miss Sylvinho...

(click the cartoon to enlarge)

source:
golsud.com

see more cartoons here

Sylvinho looking for European club

Asked about the rumours linking former Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35), whose contract with Barcelona expired this summer and wasn't renewed, with a return to Corinthians (read more here), Corinthians manager Mano Menezes has said at a press conference that the Brazilian player wants to continue in Europe:

"Until now, it hasn't been possible to start negotiating with Sylvinho because he prefers to stay in Europe. If he would change his mind later, I would certainly be delighted to have a quality player like him in the squad."

Read more here:
Corinthians and Zaragoza options for Sylvinho
Pique reveals dressing-room secrets
Sylvinho again linked with Celtic Glasgow

Sylvinho again linked with Celtic Glasgow

Spanish sports site Eurosport claims that former Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35) is close to joining Celtic Glasgow.

The Brazilian defender, whose contract with Barcelona expired this summer and wasn't renewed (read more here), would be motivated by the chance to again take part in the Champions League and is reported to be on the verge of signing a one-year deal.

Glasgow tabloid The Evening News nevertheless claims that senior Celtic sources confirmed that Sylvinho is not the player new Celtic manager Tony Mowbray wants to sign, with the coach trying to drive down the age of his squad and the wage structure of the club not allowing the signing.

Read more:
Celtic Glasgow is an option for Sylvinho
Pique reveals dressing-room secrets
Corinthians and Zaragoza options for Sylvinho

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"

Corinthians and Zaragoza options for Sylvinho

Aragon regional newspaper Equipo claims that newly promoted Spanish first division club Zaragoza is interested in Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35).

The Brazilian defender, whose contract with Barcelona expires this summer and won't be renewed (read more here), would also have offers from France and Germany, but he and his family would prefer to stay in Spain. The player's agent Hans Lamberz confirmed to the paper that Zaragoza could be an option: "The player would be happy to continue in Spain and Zaragoza is an attractive club."

Asked about his future, Sylvinho told journalists in Brazil that returning to his home-country is also an option for him: "I'm on holidays in São Paulo after a very hard season, with a lot of games, a lot of effort, so I want to rest now. Returning to Corinthians would be something very nice because I grew up there and I still have friends at the club. If we would find a deal, I would be very happy. Joining Corinthians is always an option so if they open the door, I won't think twice."

Read more:
Fluminense interested in Sylvinho
Messi devastated by Sylvinho's exit
Espanyol interested in Sylvinho

Fluminense interested in Sylvinho

Brazilian sports site Globo Esporte claims that Brazilian club Fluminense is interested in Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35), whose contract expires at the end of this month and won't be renewed (read more here).

The Brazilian club had earlier announced in an official statement that they are negotiating the last details of the signing of a player who is currently playing in Europe and Sylvinho would be one of the three candidates.

British tabloid News of the World meanwhile claims that the search for a new manager has stopped the contacts between Celtic Glasgow and Sylvinho. Asked about the matter, the player's agent Hans Lamberz said that he'll look at other options: "Celtic are a huge club who play in the Champions League and one that would normally appeal. But I doubt it will happen now."

Read more:
Espanyol interested in Sylvinho
OFFICIAL: Sylvinho will leave
Celtic Glasgow is an option for Sylvinho

Messi devastated by Sylvinho's exit

Sylvinho:
Many thanks to those who have supported me, I'll carry you in my heart. And please, take care of the boy, keep him on the right track, he'll continue to bring us joy

Many thanks and see you soon!





(click the cartoon to enlarge)

source:
golsud.com

see more cartoons here

OFFICIAL: Sylvinho will leave

Barcelona has made public in an official announcement on the club's website that the expiring contract of Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35) will not be renewed this summer:

"FC Barcelona has informed Sylvio Mendes Campos 'Sylvinho' that his contract will not be extended when it ends on 30th June. FC Barcelona would like to publicly acknowledge and thank Sylvinho for his contribution and commitment over the last five seasons."

pep's opinion:
messi crying in his arms after the champions league final wasn't a coincidence. his role in the dressing-room cannot be underestimated, he was an example for the young guys, a support for the newcomers. his departure will cause a change of dynamics within the group and that's a rare thing for a player who didn't come through the club's youth academy and who never established himself as a fixed starter. his state of the art performance in the champions league final nevertheless reminded us that he's also a solid footballer and was a dream-end to his stay at the club. hope to see him back at the club in some role in the future. thanks and all the best to him. visca'l barça!


watch a picture overview of Sylvinho's career at the club








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Espanyol interested in Sylvinho

Catalan television channel TV3 claims that Espanyol Barcelona is interested in Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35), whose contract expires at the end of this season.

Espanyol would already have sounded out Sylvinho. The fact that the Brazilian defender would like to continue to live in Barcelona could make a deal more likely.

Asked about his future, Sylvinho said to Catalan sports paper Sport that he's calm about what will come: "You cannot know if these are my last days at Barcelona. I want to live in the present and I don't think too much about the future.

Now I'm only thinking about Rome. Then I will take vacations and I sincerely don't know what will happen after that. The truth is that I'm little worried about it. First I want to enjoy my holidays and then we'll see about next season."

During the title celebrations on Saturday, Sylvinho told journalists that Barcelona should now first decide on renewing his contract or not: "I've never denied that I feel at home here, that I'm very happy and that it feels like family. I don't know if this was a goodbye from the fans. I leave the choice in the hands of the club. I' 35 years old and very motivated. They should take the decision and whatever they will decide, I will understand it."

Read more:
Celtic Glasgow is an option for Sylvinho
Barcelona looking for left back in Dutch league
Sylvinho wants to play for two more years

Celtic Glasgow is an option for Sylvinho

Asked about the rumours linking Barcelona left back defender Sylvino (35), whose contract expires at the end of this season, with a move to Celtic Glasgow (read more here), the player's agent Hans Lamberz has said in an interview with British tabloids The Daily Express and News of the World that the Scottish club is certainly an option:

"We have two firm options to play in Spanish football, but he wants to look outside of Spain. When you've played for Barcelona, it's very difficult to go elsewhere in the league, so he'd prefer a new culture, a new style of football.

Right now I've not had any direct contact with Celtic, but that could all change overnight and if it did it could change Sylvinho's opinion.They are the sort of club which would make him book a flight right away to travel to Scotland. They are a huge club who play in the Champions League and one that would satisfy his ambitions. Sylvinho may be older on paper but he's a fit man who can play for many more years."

Read more:
Sylvinho wants to play for two more years
Barcelona looking for left back in Dutch league
Sylvinho can negotiate with Celtic

Barcelona looking for left back in Dutch league

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona is looking for a player who could replace Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35), whose contract expires at the end of this season and who will most probably leave this summer.

Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain would be especially monitoring the Dutch market in search for a substitute. Four left wing players who are playing in the Dutch league would be being followed:

Urby Emanuelson (Ajax, 22, Holland - picture)
Niklas Moisander (AZ Alkmaar, 22, Finland)
Sébastien Pocognoli (AZ Alkmaar, 21, Belgium)
Edson Braafheid (Twente, 26, Holland)

Read more:
Barcelona is an option for Ajax forward Suarez
Sylvinho wants to play for two more years
Barcelona preparing bid for AZ striker El Hamdaoui


Watch a video of Emanuelson here:




Watch a video of Moisander here:




Watch a video of Pocognoli here:

Barcelona plans few changes in the summer

Catalan newspaper El Periódico claims that Barcelona will make few transfers during the coming summer transfer window.

A serious reshuffle is the squad is expected for the summer of 2010, when the contracts of several players and the coaches expire and presidential elections will be held.

The preparations of next season already started a couple of months ago but all negotiations have now been stopped until the end of the season. Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola and Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain have agreed on the basic principle of continuity. The starting point would be to sign one player for each line.

Barcelona goalkeeper Albert Jorquera (30) would want to leave because he lost his place as second goalkeeper to Pinto. Because there's still some uncertainty about the renewal of Barcelona goalkeeper Víctor Valdés (27), Barcelona is working on several options with a different profile. Valladolid goalkeeper and Spanish youth international Sergio Asenjo (19) could be on the list.

With the contract of Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35) expiring, Barcelona is looking for a player who can replace him. The return of Brazilian central defender Henrique (22 - picture), who was signed last summer and who is playing on loan with German club Bayer Leverkusen this season, is being considered (read more here).

Barcelona also plans to buy two attacking players. Bayern Munich attacker and French international Franck Ribéry (26) is high on the list. If Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o (28), whose contract expires at the end of next season, would leave, Barcelona will look for a new striker.

With Lyon forward Karim Benzema (21) having expressed his wish to stay in France for at elast one more year (read more here), Barcelona is now looking at several options, that include Valencia forward David Villa (27), Liverpool forward Fernando Torres (25) and Arsenal forward Emmanuel Adebayor (25).

Read more:
Torres first option to replace Eto'o
New bid for Adebayor being planned
Villa first option to replace Eto'o

Happy birthday: Sylvinho

Barcelona player Sylvinho turns 35 today.
Congratulations!