Top two target keen to stay
25 Jun 2007 - 11:49:00
Manchester United and Liverpool's hopes of signing Eidur Gudjohnsen have been hit by the news that the Iceland striker wants to remain at Barcelona and fight for his first-team place.
Gudjohnsen, 28, had been linked with a move back to England after a frustrating season of substitute appearances at the Camp Nou.
But despite the arrival of Thierry Henry at the Catalan giants and the possibility of the former Chelsea striker dropping further down the pecking order, Gudjohnsen claims he wants to stay in Spain.
Henry is set to join a start-studded forward line that already boasts Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi and Javier Saviola, subject to passing a medical on Monday.
"There were high expectations when I arrived and it's normal that when a striker doesn't score many goals people expect more of you. I also expect more from myself," admitted Gudjohnsen.
"But after last season I will be more settled. I know how the club works, the language, and I will only have to focus on my game. When I am in top form it will be easier to change peoples' opinions of me.
"I know that after not winning anything everyone is thinking of making lots of changes, but I want to stay."
Gudjohnsen, who still has three years remaining on his contract, scored just five goals in 25 appearances during his debut season at Barcelona.