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Mark Hughes Insists Manchester City-Barcelona Meeting Was Not About Eto'o Or Thierry Henry

The Welsh boss has reiterated to the press that the club's meeting with the Catalans was purely to build contacts...

Apr 30, 2009 12:49:08 PM

UEFA Cup: Mark Hughes, AaB Aalborg v Manchester City (PA)

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UEFA Cup: Mark Hughes, AaB Aalborg v Manchester City (PA)

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Two of the biggest names in European football - Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry - have been linked with a departure out of Barcelona's Camp Nou and toward Manchester City in recent weeks, with a reported meeting between City chief Gary Cooke and Barca supremo Joan Laporta in London only escalating the rumours.

Speaking to the press today at a pre-match press conference, Mark Hughes clarified the club's stance on the matter once more as he was continuously probed by journalists about the nature of the meeting.

"It was basically a meeting between Garry Cooke and Laporta of Barcelona," he said.

"It was just trying to build relationships between clubs both in footballing terms, and also business.

"I think the explanation of the meeting was well documented. It wasn't about individuals. People have made their own interpretation. It wasn't to discuss players.

"That [a transfer] was not the reason Cooke and Laporta spoke on Monday," he concluded.

Manchester City are chasing a spot in next season's Europa League. Qualifying for the competition could boost chances of bringing further big name players to the club.

Alan Dawson, Goal.com

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