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I Want To Have Made My Mark With Barcelona - Rafael Marquez

The cultured stopper is close to signing a new deal that will see him stay with the Blaugrana for life...

Nov 15, 2009 1:39:14 PM

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Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez has stated his intention to become a Camp Nou great as he sets his sights on finishing his career in Catalunya.

The Mexican has made 227 appearances for the Blaugrana since his switch from Monaco in 2003, a tally which makes him one of the ten foreigners to have made the most appearances for the club.

However despite that impressive haul, the 30-year old has already set his sights on overcoming Dutchman Philip Cocu’s total of 292 to truly cement his place in Barcelona’s history.

AS reported Marquez saying, “I do not want to have nothing to show for all my years here. We have already achieved important things and I will remember them fondly, and it is a source of satisfaction for me.

“I would like to stay here much longer. I'm waiting for things to happen and hopefully I can reach [Philip] Cocu’s total of games.”

Marquez also discussed how he is close to extending his contract with the club, and hopes it is a formality that he will be able to commit his future to the Champions League winners.

He added, “The renewal [of my contract] is very close. It is a matter of finding the time to do so. This is where I’m making my life now, and I feel very comfortable, I do not want to change. I have found happiness and contentment.”

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com