Barcelona central defender Rafael Márquez has indicated he wants to become a reference point for the team.

The Mexican international has been a regular piece in the Barcelona defense since his transfer from Monaco in 2003.

Márquez showed himself as an ambitious man during the first press conference of the season, having expressed his desire to become “a reference for the team” and one of Barça’s captains.

“It would be an honour to be the captain. I already have experience with the national team and I would like to be a pillar in the team,” said the defender, who admitted that his goal is to play the “highest number of games possible” this season.

When quizzed on the new coach, Josep Guardiola, Márquez did not wish to compare him with Frank Rijkaard.

“Every coach has his own methods,” he said.

The 29-year-old defender, who himself had been linked with a move away, also commented on Ronaldinho Gaucho’s sale, emphasizing the Brazilian’s impact.

“He gave a lot to the club. He is an excellent player and he left through the big door,” he explained.

On Alexander Hleb’s first training with Barça, Márquez said: “He was fine but he showed he lacked rhythm because we had already trained for three days.”

Ref From Luís Mira - goal.com

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus would like to sell midfield flop Tiago Mendes to Monaco, however the player is holding out for a move to Atletico Madrid.

Tiago only signed for Juve last summer for €13m, however he has been a huge disappointment in Turin, making just 10 Serie A starts, and scoring no goals.

The Bianconeri tried to sell the 27-year-old during the January transfer window, and even set-up a deal with Tottenham Hotspur, however the player rejected the move at the last minute.

The Portuguese midfielder was holding out for a move to Atletico Madrid, but they were not willing to meet Juve’s asking price and so Tiago struggled on at the Stadio Olimpico until then end of the season.

The former Chelsea man has been with the Old Lady in their summer training camp at Pinzolo and even played in the friendly against Piacenza earlier this week.

However, it is no secret that Juve are desperate to offload Tiago, and they are said to be in negotiations with Monaco, the French club said to be willing to pay around €7.5m.

Tiago though has no intention of signing for the Monte Carlo-based outfit, and is still holding out for a dream move to Atletico Madrid, hoping that eventually Juve will lower their asking price to satisfy the Spaniards.

Ref From Gianni Wilson - goal.com