Marquez confirms Barcelona’s first summer arrival

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 19 May 2021 14:09 BST
• 2 min read

Rafa Marquez has revealed that he will be returning to Barcelona this summer in a coaching position.

The Mexico legend enjoyed seven outstanding years at Camp Nou as a player, making over 200 appearances and winning four La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.

Marquez, who won 147 caps for his country and played in five World Cups, has now confirmed that he will be returning to the club to take up a coaching position in the academy, making him Barca’s first signing of the summer.

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“I’ve got a good relationship with Joan Laporta,” Marquez told TUDN.

“The reason why I supported his presidential campaign was because of this good friendship.

“They believed in me, in the resurgence of Barcelona, and there’s a good relationship.

“After he won the elections at Barcelona, there was an offer to return to the academy.

Rafa Marquez: Barcelona stats – 2003 to 2010

“I’m only in Mexico to sort out some personal matters before returning to Spain.

“I still don’t have my UEFA Pro licence. I need a year to complete it and the invitation that they’re giving me is to help with my progress and opens the doors to one of the best teams but, above all, one of the best academies.

“So it’s difficult to say no and if everything stays as it is, I’ll be there in July or August to be part of Barcelona.”

Barcelona’s academy is set to be very important for the future of the club.

The club has racked up debts of €1.2 billion and the attempt to join the doomed European Super League was in order to ease these financial pressures.

With Barcelona unable to make any big-money signings this summer, the emergence of youngsters such as Ilaix Moriba and Ansu Fati will be crucial.