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Speculation about Javier Saviola's future has come to an end - the Argentine remains at the Spanish champions club. Several Spanish, English, and Greek clubs were interested in the forward who had a one-year contract, but on the last day when player swaps were still possible, the Argentine national team player officially announced that he would continue wearing the Blaugrana jersey.
"I had quite a few lucrative offers, but I decided to stay at Barcelona and am determined to fight for a place in the starting lineup," J.Saviola told the newspaper "Sport". - "I am genuinely impressed by the relationships in the club and the care of its people for me. Txiki Begiristain did everything he could to find me a club, and I am sincerely grateful to him."
According to the latest news, the "Aston Villa" club seriously considered the possibility of acquiring the forward known as "The Rabbit," but the negotiations ended in failure, as the Argentine wanted to play at a higher level.
In the summer, Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard stated that he did not see a place for the Argentine in his playing schemes, but emphasized that if he fails to sell him, J.Saviola will have equal chances with other team members to fight for a place in the starting lineup.
"I always give my all to the club I represent. Right now my club is Barcelona, and that's all there is to it," said J.Saviola.
The 24-year-old Argentine national team forward moved to Barcelona from Buenos Aires' River Plate team in 2001, for which the Catalonian club paid almost 36 million euros. This was the most expensive purchase in the history of the Catalan superclub.
The Argentine spent three seasons in Catalonia, then was loaned out to Monaco and Sevilla.
In July, Barcelona offered the player to buy out his contract himself, and in August, they agreed to give him a free agent status for a nominal fee, but the player rejected both offers.
Spanish journalists speculate that the Argentine did this to avoid losing a high salary - according to the contract, this year J.Saviola is supposed to earn around 5 million euros, including various bonuses.
