Marquez: Barca laughed at Jose

Rafael Marquez has revealed that the Barcelona squad laughed at Jose Mourinho.

Rafael Marquez has revealed that the Barcelona squad laughed at Jose Mourinho's attempts to wind them up before the encounter with Chelsea.

The Mexican believes that Mourinho's words had no effect on them and dismissed the Portuguese manager's efforts to create controversy after the first leg of the UEFA Champions League tie.

Marquez stressed instead that the Chelsea boss only managed to cause amusement amongst Frank Rijkaard's players.

"It made everyone laugh in the dressing room when we heard what he had been saying," he explained.

"Nobody was angry with him.

"I am not really interested in any of the problems with Mourinho, it's something that was not about the game, it was not in the context of football."

The Mexico international then explained that he wants to see out his career at Camp Nou having settled in the Catalan capital after joining Barca from Monaco in 2003.

Marquez is also in no hurry to sign a new deal with the club as his current contract expires in the summer of 2007, but has made it clear he wants to stay by applying for Spanish citizenship.

"I want to retire with Barcelona, in this city, in this country," he said. "It is the best club in the world and, after being here, there is nothing more one could want.

"My renewal depends on both parties. My priority is to stay here. We have not spoken yet, but there is no hurry.

"I am taking steps to obtain dual nationality, but this takes time and is being worked on. The club has not helped me, but things are going well. The club do not need to intervene. I prefer to do this of my own accord."