Pinto: “It’s marvellous to stay”

At midday on Tuesday the goalkeeper signed the renewal of his contract with FC Barcelona until June 30, 2013. He looked back positively on his four years at Barça.



As announced a few days ago, goalkeeper José Manuel Pinto has agreed to stay on at Barça until June 30, 2013. He was joined for the signing of the document by president Sandro Rosell, vice president for sport Josep Maria Bartomeu, director of sport Andoni Zubizarreta and director of football Raül Sanllehí.

Pinto told Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat that "it is marvellous to stay at such a great club ... I came here for six months and I've stayed quite some time ... The balance is very positive. It is in terms of titles and personally I am thoroughly enjoying being part of this squad".

He even said he'd like to retire in the city of Barcelona. "It is a very special moment and both my family and me are really happy to be here" he said.

Pinto started out as a professional in the Betis B team in 97/98 and made it into the first team. He then joined Celta Vigo a year after, where he played for 10 years and ended up as team captain, even winning the Zamora Trophy for the best goalkeeping record in the league in the season of 2005/06.

A serious injury to Albert Jorquera in the 2007/08 season led to his arrival at FC Barcelona on loan, with the club having the option to purchase the player outright at the end of the season. Pinto has been first choice keeper in all Copa del Rey matches, and therefore played a key role in the treble winning season. He has renewed his contract every year he has been here, and has won the confidence of Pep Guardiola and the affection of his team-mates. (via FCBarcelona.cat)