|
|
Goalkeeper Pinto Emotional After Barcelona Cope del Rey Triumph
Barcelona's first trophy win of the season was also their goalkeeper's first ever taste of glory.
May 14, 2009 5:35:56 AM
Jose Manuel Pinto was overwhelmed after winning the first trophy of his career last night, helping Barcelona lift the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has been patient all season as his appearances have been limited at Camp Nou thanks to Victor Valdes' form, but he was rewarded against Athletic Club de Bilbao.
Having played in every round of the cup this term, Pinto maintained his place for the final and was delighted as Barca netted four times to secure a convincing win.
"I cannot express the emotions I feel and I want to dedicate the win to all my team-mates for the strength that they have shown," he told the club's official website.
"Now I want to enjoy the celebrations with my family and with everyone else. The atmosphere here was tremendous and I am delighted with that.
"I have never won the Copa del Rey before."
Messi was bumped and bruised all evening by some uncompromising Athletic marking, but he continued to stand up and play and was keen to celebrate the club's first trophy of the season.
"This victory is the result of the way that we have played all season," he explained. "Now we have to celebrate and enjoy this as a team."
Toure Yaya netted a stunning goal to level for Barcelona and he wanted the Barca fans to enjoy the celebrations after their support this term.
"This is a great party and I want to dedicate the win to all the supporters," he added.
Lucas Brown, Goal.com
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has been patient all season as his appearances have been limited at Camp Nou thanks to Victor Valdes' form, but he was rewarded against Athletic Club de Bilbao.
Having played in every round of the cup this term, Pinto maintained his place for the final and was delighted as Barca netted four times to secure a convincing win.
"I cannot express the emotions I feel and I want to dedicate the win to all my team-mates for the strength that they have shown," he told the club's official website.
"Now I want to enjoy the celebrations with my family and with everyone else. The atmosphere here was tremendous and I am delighted with that.
"I have never won the Copa del Rey before."
Messi was bumped and bruised all evening by some uncompromising Athletic marking, but he continued to stand up and play and was keen to celebrate the club's first trophy of the season.
"This victory is the result of the way that we have played all season," he explained. "Now we have to celebrate and enjoy this as a team."
Toure Yaya netted a stunning goal to level for Barcelona and he wanted the Barca fans to enjoy the celebrations after their support this term.
"This is a great party and I want to dedicate the win to all the supporters," he added.
Lucas Brown, Goal.com
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.