Keita Living The Dream At Barca

The Mali international is the first signing of new coach Josep Guardiola, arriving from Sevilla for around €14 million.

The 28-year-old has made a huge impact since his move from French side RC Lens last summer, swiftly establishing himself as one of the best box-to-box players in Spain.

Keita is thrilled to join the Blaugrana, insisting it is a great opportunity to fulfil his ambitions of succeeding at the very highest level.

“I’m very happy,” he said. “Signing for Barça is a dream come true.

“FC Barcelona is a big club for any player that wants to go a long way. We’d all like to play one day for Barcelona and I’m very pleased to join this great club and above all I hope to give everything I’ve got to help the team get good results.

“[Pep Guardiola and I] haven’t had the chance to see each other yet but I’ve been able to talk to ‘Titi’ [Henry] and some other players. He’s starting a new project and I’m also new so I think we’ll get on well and everything will go fine.”

Desire

Keita arrived in Andalusia with a reputation as a strong holding player, but has shown considerable attacking qualities and the ability to score from outside the box.

The former Marseille man believes he can contribute in a wide array of areas, but insists his focus first and foremost is on his holding duties.

“Well I’m certainly a defensive midfielder and in that position I like to defend and help out my team-mates,” he said.

“But I’m also lucky enough to score the occasional goal, I’m pretty comfortable on the ball as I’ve played a bit in an attacking midfield role.

“But the most important thing for me is the desire to win and fight for the team. When there’s desire, everything is possible.”

Confident

Some have queried whether Keita would suit Barca’s attacking, possession-based game, and also whether he is a necessary addition given the presence of Yaya Toure.

But the ex-Lorient man is confident of slotting into the Barca midfield without any issues, insisting his defensive qualities will help the team express themselves offensively.

“I think [I'll succeed] because a team like Barça needs to have possession but it also needs to defend well and I think I can help the team a lot in this aspect,” he said.

“I’ve seen Barça play loads of matches. In addition, there’s Touré Yaya, who I know pretty well and who plays in midfield. I hope to give my all and help to defend well.

“As well as attacking you have to defend well and that’s why there has to be a balance. I hope to adapt rapidly to the system at FC Barcelona.”

Proud

Keita is one among many African-born stars making their name in the upper echelon over the last few years, joining the likes of team-mates Toure and Samuel Eto’o.

However, he is the first Malian to ever play for Barca – a fact that makes him feel honoured.

“I’m very proud I had other offers but I’ve wanted to come to Barcelona for some time and when I had the chance to join other teams I did everything possible to come here,” he said. “In addition, Barça wanted me and that helped. It’s a club I’ve always liked.

“It’s true that there have been African players in the big clubs for the last few years and that shows that African football has progressed a lot. We players have become aware of the qualities that we can bring to our teams.

“I hope this keeps on because African players always try and give our best in our respective teams.”

Grateful

Keita remains grateful to Sevilla for giving him the opportunity to shine on the big stage, and admits it is not without sadness that he leaves Andalusia.

“For everybody, Barça is a great club, a team everyone wants to play for,” he said. “I was lucky enough to come to Spain with Sevilla, which is also a great club, a club that gave me everything and helped me grow.

“Now I’m in Barcelona and I’m very happy but I’m very grateful to all the Sevilla directors and to the fans, who have always supported me. But in life you have to make choices.

“I’m sad to leave Sevilla, but at the same time I’m very happy to sign for Barcelona, because it’s an option that you can’t turn down even though you’ve had everything at Sevilla. The truth is I’m very happy to be here because it’s what I’ve always wanted.”

Easier

Keita is looking forward to running out on the Camp Nou in the famous Blaugrana strip, and is certain it will be more enjoyable than past experiences as a visitor.

“I’ve played here but against Barça,” he said. “It’s a very big stadium, with a lot of people, but when I was here it was as an opponent and it was very difficult. This time I’ll be wearing the Barça colours so it’ll be easier.”


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