体坛英语资讯:Defender Sylvinho to leave Barcelona at the end of June
FC Barcelona announced on Wednesday that the club would not be renewing the contract of veteran left back Sylvinho. The decision ended a five-year relation between the European Champions and the player who joined from Arsenal in 2004.
The 35-year-old has not been a first team regular since Eric Abidal joined Barcelona two years ago, but has been a regular and reliable member of the squad.
Barcelona's Sylvinho (top) is carried by teammate Eidur Gudjohnsen as they celebrate victory over Manchester United after their Champions League final soccer match at the Olympic Stadium in Rome May 27, 2009
Sylvinho made 30 first team appearances in all competitions this season, with his penultimate being in the Champions League final against Manchester United.
His excellent performance in that game raised the possibility that the club may offer him another year's contract. However, that has not been the case.
During his time at the Camp Nou, Sylvinho won three Primera Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, the Kings Cup and two Spanish Supercups.
"He has had a golden send off and has always shown his compromise with the club and also with the region and he will always have a connection with us," said Barcelona club president Joan Laporta on the official club website.