Barcelona confirm clear out

Filed in archive La Liga on June 17, 2008

New Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has announced his arrival by confirming that the big three of Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Deco are free to leave the Camp Nou as none of them form part of his plans.

In something of a surprise, Guardiola confirmed that he was looking to buy a new striker to partner Thierry Henry. Many people had thought that Henry may be on his way out of the club after an unimpressive first season during which he became a target for some of the fans.

He has continued to disappoint in Euro 2008 (written prior to the France v Italy game!) and hasn't really produced the goods for a couple of seasons.

Guardiola said, "We will look at the possibility of bringing in a winger, but if we don't that's fine. The priority is a number nine, we need one to complement Henry and Bojan. I want the three to feel like first-team starters."

It is rumoured that midfielder Deco could join his Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari when he becomes the boss at Chelsea next season, while Ronaldinho has been linked with Milan, Chelsea and surprisingly, even Manchester City.

Cameroon international striker Samuel Eto'o has also been linked with a move to Milan, but has many admirers in the Premier League, with Tottenham thought to be leading the chase if they lose Dimitar Berbatov.

Although all of this is just rumour at the moment it is impossible that any of three superstars would be unable to find another high profile club.

Guardiola has made it clear that from next season this will be his team and that he is not afraid to make big decisions. The position of these three players is untenable at the club and they have no choice but to move on.