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On the first day after the passions in the players' market of Europe calmed down, the leaders of "Barcelona" held a traditional press conference to present the club's activities this summer.
Among the participants were the vice president of the Catalonia team, Josep Maria Bartomeu, and the club's sports director, Andoni Zubizarreta.
According to the leaders of "Barcelona", the most important event of the off-season was the unexpected and surprising changes in the team's head coach position.
"It was a very strange summer. No one could predict that everything would turn in this direction, and the team's preparation for the new season would be disrupted by Tito Vilanova's illness and his decision to step down. It was impossible to foresee, but the team managed to pull themselves together and withstand the test," said J. M. Bartomeu.
A. Zubizarreta explained why the Spanish champions failed to acquire a center-back: "Sometimes it is very difficult to find the exact player who fits the team in the market. We did everything we could when we wanted to sign Thiago Silva a year ago. However, he chose 'Paris Saint-Germain' then, and this summer the player decided to stay in his current team. No one told me that we couldn't sign a defender because of a lack of money. Sometimes other teams simply do not want to negotiate."
The "Barcelona" leaders also confirmed that the only purchase for the team - Brazilian Neymar - cost 57 million euros.
"Many tried to speculate and fabricate. Sometimes various sums were invented. I want to say once again that we paid 57 million euros for Neymar. The 'Santos' club received 17.1 million euros for 100 percent of the player's rights. They allowed us to disclose this information, but other countries involved in the player's transfer did not give such permission. Therefore, I can confirm that the cooperation agreement valued at 7.9 million euros is included in the same amount, and 'Barcelona' acquired the right of first refusal for three young players. I do not want to disclose their names now, so the players are not confused. However, if any of them join 'Barca', the 7.9 million euros will be included in a possible transfer fee," noted J. M. Bartomeu.
The leaders of the Catalonia team also confirmed that they will receive 5.1 million euros for David Villa from Madrid's "Atletico" team, and "Barcelona" acquired the right of first refusal for two young players from the Spanish capital team. Their names were not disclosed by A. Zubizarreta or J. M. Bartomeu.
It was reported that the entire coaching staff of Tito Vilanova will continue to work in the club.
The second coach and main strategist of "Barcelona" Gerardo Martino will be assisted by Jorge Pautasso, while Jordi Roura and Rubi will work as assistants.
"I am pleased with the flexibility and approach of the head coach. He did not want to part ways with those who previously worked in the club, so they all remain," noted A. Zubizarreta.
During the press conference, it was also confirmed that the Spanish champions are already negotiating new contracts with defenders Marc Bartra and Martin Montoya, and soon they plan to sit down at the negotiating table with midfielder Andres Iniesta's representatives, as well as offer a new contract to defender Gerard Pique.
