1 August 2007, by Sean Gillen

“Deco not for sale!” blasts Barcelona president

Portugal midfielder happy to hear endorsement

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has attempted to end the speculation surrounding the future of Portuguese international Deco by insisting that the midfielder is not for sale.

The 29-year-old has been the centre of constant tabloid rumours during the close season, with reports suggesting that the Catalan giants were keen to offload Deco after a disappointing season last year.

However, club director Txiki Beguiristain recently announced that the former Porto man was going nowhere, and president Larporta has echoed his colleague’s sentiments and affirmed that Deco will stay in Spain.

“I confirm what was said by Txiki Beguiristain,” Laoprta said. “Deco is not for sale. He is a player who can contribute a lot to the team and he is not on the market.”

When informed of his president’s comments, Deco reacted positively, saying: “This leaves me very happy. I have always said that I am a professional who has chosen to be here because I love Barca, but life always goes on.”

“The day could arrive when Barcelona do not want me, but it seems that that day is not yet here.”


Related: Deco: “Barcelona to still count on me”
Related: Deco PortuGOAL profile