Barcelona's youth prodigy, Javier Saviola has signified his intention to leave the club for a place he will have more playing time.


The Argentine Marvel says:

I have to pay attention to other clubs in Europe who are indicating interest in me. I shall not mention any clubs for now and not even give a hint about the countries they come from. The basic thing is that I am leaving for a new club. My contract with Barcelona will end in June and then I will be a free agent. I hold no grudges or bitterness, neither do I leave with any ill feelings.

Barcelona have in contrast, showed interest in retaining Saviola and to this effect have offered him a new contract. Saviola didn't seem too happy with the new contract, and the fact that it also included a scale-down of his salary was the last straw. He says:

I shall give Barcelona a reply to their latest contract offer. But that will have to wait till the season ends and preferably before the Copa America begins so that I can play the tournament with peace of mind and under a relaxed mood, knowing that I have sorted out my future.

Asked if any chances exist of accepting Barca's offer, Saviola says:

My career in Barcelona has ended and I have set my mind elswhere. The Board and Management have been vague in defining my status with them and it is not appealing to me at all. I don't seem to feature in their plans anymore.

The 25-year Argentine U-20 World Cup hero was the toast of Barca fans for three solid years after his youth adventure in the world stage, but seems to have fallen out of favour since the coming of current Coach Frank Rijkaard who has had a different approach to playing time since 2004.


A peep into the transfer world shows that Saviola has been linked with Real Madrid, Valencia, Real Zaragoza and Liverpool, among others.