Javier Saviola had his 25th birthday on Monday while in Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup. Saviola was born on December 11, 1981 in Buenos Aires and Saviola: with the age of 25 years, one of his dreams is coming true, an appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament that is taken especially seriously by South Americans.
Saviola spoke to Barça TV and feels that Barca is favourites to win the title.


Barca TV: Have your team mates wished you happy birthday?


Saviola: As always, some people don't know about it, but then someone comes along to wish me well, and they start finding out. But tonight when we go for supper they will all know and will come and say happy birthday.


Barca TV: Have you had any presents?


Saviola: Not yet, I'm still waiting, but I don't mind if I don't get anything. It's more important just to be here with everybody.


Barca TV: And that is the best gift of all?


Saviola: You always want to spend your birthday with your family and friends, but there is something at stake here and knowing how things are going for us, I'd say it is great gift. We have to play a good World Cup and Barça will always be going for the top.


Barca TV: How is the injury?


Saviola: I am improving a lot. I will be training with the group while we are here and trying to get fully fit. I feel fine, I feel comfortable, and am waiting to see how things develop.


Barca TV: It is pleasing to see that the team is winning despite the injuries, isn't it?


Saviola: When the injuries started coming people speculated about signing new players, whether the team was going to miss the injured players We have always said that in a squad where there is so much individual quality it is very difficult to make it better. The important thing is that the boss has substitutes and that can and is helping the team.


Barca TV: What does the Club World Cup mean to an Argentinian?


Saviola: It means a lot. The whole world is watching. And with Barça in it, the people will be watching more than ever. But we are just as excited and focused on winning. For the club and for us as individuals it is something very important.


Barca TV: Can you compare this to the League or the Champions league?


Saviola: No. They are two very different things. We know how important they are, but the others are much longer competitions, they take more effort. Here it is two games. It is important to win, but the other two are more important.


Barca TV: Are Barça favourites to win the World Clubs Cup?


Saviola: Yes, Because of the club and the institution, Barça will always be favourites. But we should not underestimate anybody. Any of them can put pressure on us. We need to go into it with the right mentality and with all of our lights switched on.


Barca TV: Effects of "Jet Lag"?



Saviola: We are all a bit dizzy, and that lasts two or three days. That's just the way it goes and we just have to get focused.