Andoni Zubizarreta: “We value Keita and we want him in the team”

During Jordi Alba’s presentation press conference, Andoni Zubizarreta was very clear when he was asked about Seydou Keita's future. The football director also lamented the fact that Thiago, who is injured, will not be able to participate in the Olympic Games. Zubizarreta also warned that the Club will not openly discuss possible signings with the media.

In Keita’s case, Zubizarreta said that “we’re talking about a player that we value enormously,” and he reminded the press room that Tito Vilanova, on the day of his presentation, stated that he’s counting on Keita for the upcoming season. The Club’s football director reiterated that “we want him on the team, we’ve told him as much and we hope he says yes. Our desire is that he’ll be with us on the 16th [of July].”

Thiago will miss the Olympic Games

The news broke this Thursday morning that Thiago Alcántara will not go to the London Olympics, despite being pre-selected by Luis Milla. “The player has put in a lot of effort to go to the Olympics. Contact between the FC Barcelona doctors and the Spanish Olympic doctors has been ongoing. Unfortunately, Thiago has not fully recovered from his injury and cannot return to training. We’ll see what we can to do to ensure his return to the football pitch,” said Zubizarreta.

“We will not discuss possible signings”

The director of football was very clear that the Club will “not talk about about possible signings or departures for the upcoming season.” Zubizarreta also stated that “we’re working to add players and gather the best possible squad for next season. We hope to have a complete team by the 31st of August.”