26 July 2007, by Sean Gillen

Deco: “Barcelona to still count on me”

Midfield maestro accepts criticism levelled at squad

Barcelona midfielder Deco has reaffirmed his desire to stay with the club, amid speculation that the Spanish side are looking to offload the Portuguese international.

Deco’s future has been the subject of press conjecture throughout the summer, and the rumours appeared to increase after the 29-year-old was left out of both the starting sides in Barca’s first full training match on Tuesday.

“I believe that Barca still count on me,” he said. “I have a contract until 2010 and nobody has said anything to me. I like it here. But if they do not want me to stay then they have that right.”

After a season that ended with Barca empty-handed, Deco admits that the level of criticism directed at the players did not surprise him. However, with the squad sufficiently strengthened during the summer, the former Porto man believes that Barca are ready to challenge on all fronts in the upcoming campaign.

“When you do not win something then things like that (criticism) will always happen. We have had some incredible years, but then last season we failed.”

“He (manager Frank Rijkaard) will now try and make a great team from these players. Everyone wants to make this a great team. The team is not finalised yet. The coach is trying to create his team and I have to continue working hard.”

“Everything that was said about us was expected and we were ready for it. This season I think we will be going for all the trophies as the club has brought some great new players.”


Related: Deco PortuGOAL profile