Star trio set for Barca exit

Ronaldinho, Eto'o and Deco all poised to move on

By Lucas Brown   Last updated: 17th June 2008

Star trio set for Barca exit

Deco and Ronnie set to leave

With the technical secretary we are forming a new squad and Deco, Ronaldinho and Eto'o are not in our minds, but we will see how it goes.

Pep Guardiola
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New Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola says Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Deco are surplus to requirements at Camp Nou.

Guardiola, who has replaced Frank Rijkaard as Barca boss, admits he is not currently planning on having the star trio in his squad next season.

Ronaldinho is being chased by Manchester City, and has also been linked with a move to Chelsea following the appointment of former Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Portuguese midfielder Deco has also been tipped to join Scolari at Stamford Bridge, but is also being considered by new Internazionale boss Jose Mourinho.

Italian champions Inter and city rivals Milan have held an interest in Eto'o, with the Cameroon striker also a long-term target for several Premier League clubs.

Though Guardiola has not ruled out keeping the three attack-minded players next season, he is leaning towards creating a new-look squad.

Very high standard

"All the players in the squad last season appeared to me to be of a very high standard," Guardiola told reporters.

"With the technical secretary we are forming a new squad and Deco, Ronaldinho and Eto'o are not in our minds, but we will see how it goes.

"If Ronaldinho sincerely wants to be the player that he was again then he can be here. But the situation has deteriorated and the plan now is to create a strong squad."

Guardiola also revealed he will have the final say over who leaves or signs, despite technical secretary Txiki Beguiristain working away on potential arrivals.

No.9 needed

"We are looking for an out-and-out striker that can score 60 goals a season," he joked. "Well, we want a No.9, we need one to complement Henry and Bojan.

"We want three up there competing and some of the names in the papers have been very good.

"We know clearly who we want to sign and the names of those that will leave, but I am not going to say those names.

"In pre-season, six or seven players will come up from the B team and see how they do. I am the one who decides which players come and go, that is down to me."

Comments (5)

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Deleon Sun (Manchester United fan) says...

It's predictable that Guardiola doesn't want several players, but to say it like that to the public is not that smart. Surely that will lower their value for whoever is in for him. And to say that Ronaldinho's situation has "deteriorated" is also a sign of inexperience (even though it's true). And by the extra striker, does he mean Benzema? If so, he will be dissappointed, this summer at least. I'd love to see Barcelona flop next season.

Posted 22:20 17th June 2008

Xan Nasir (Arsenal fan) says...

Serves Ronaldinho right !! But why is he selling Eto'o ?? He is a good finisher and he can score goals but i guess this is all good for Barca and is like a breath of fresh air for them !! Buy a Tall and strong striker from Togo ;) *hint* *hint* ARSENAL :D lol

Posted 21:30 17th June 2008

Joo Serra (Manchester United fan) says...

Barcelona has quite a history of ungratefullness towards the players. Figo left because they wouldn´t pay as much as he deserved, Rivaldo was axed bluntly...what did they achived? a few trophyless years!!! It´s going to happen the same thing. Ronaldinho poisoned the squad with his attitude. such players as deco and Etoo felt they were as important as the brazilian and started to behave like him. im my opinion, the only one that sould leave (should have left sooner) is Ronaldinho...whose only great achievement, was to be named best player in the world due to his sponsors. just compare his performances with cristiano Ronaldo or Zidane. Never, really never, did Ronaldinho drive a team of his to victory. barcelona, brazil or any other. as for Deco, just look at his performances in the Euro 2008...two brilliant displays and Etoo despite his last season, was the main man at barça, often scoring to save the team from a draw or loss-.

Posted 19:03 17th June 2008

Kris Gladman (Chelsea fan) says...

I don't understand why three players who are obviously passed their best are being linked with such big clubs. Barcelona are right in thinking that they need new, young players in their squad. I am a chelsea fan and do not understand why we are constantly linked with overpayed mercenarys and are not buying up and coming talent.

Posted 16:44 17th June 2008

Niall Ellis (Manchester City fan) says...

i think this is good news for barcelona football club as they need a new start but i think it should be henry leaving not eto'o. deco has had his day and is too old now to compete at the top stage for 38 games a season, whereas ronaldinho is only 28 and can capture his form that saw him crowned the best footballer in the world and i really do hope he joins manchester city as it will be good for the player to get his career back on track and to improve city as a team and get us in the top 4 hopefully!

Posted 14:31 17th June 2008
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