Mazinho: "If it was for money, Thiago would not be in the club"

The Blaugrana club has until Jan. 31 to enable the extension of the contract of young footballer

Barca should sit down soon with Iomar do Nascimento, 'Mazinho', to ensure continuity of the son of a champion of the world taking shape as the first 'signing' of the winter market. The club retains an option to extend the contract of Thiago, which ends in June 2011 through 2013 after acquiring the professional tab and everything indicates that this step is close to be. 

Do you think it is time that Thiago is credited as the first team player? 

"I think so. I know better than anyone I know how my son is working with Luis Enrique and Guardiola. Already played in Third boldly with Pep and now does the same, but with more maturity. Is prepared.


"No other option provides for making this leap? 

Last year Thiago accept that he should stay another year in the subsidiary. He offers important and Barcelona could not take your card as a professional, but we chose to go because then I was not prepared. For me it would have been very easy to say that Thiago was free to not have information about the first team, but I knew I had to wait. If it were for money, and would be out because other clubs offered him ten times more than here. "

The player got it?

Obviously he wanted to be professional, but should continue with its process. It was necessary to continue one more year with the reserves. But the wait time seems to be running out ... We have until January 31 for the club decides on its future. It is the agreement that we set when we signed with the subsidiary. We are waiting to see what the club needs. "

They do not value another scenario that the ascent to the first team? 

If today I say the next season should be back in Barca B, would say no. The kid is ready to play on any computer.

"In the course of running out of professional tab, listen to offers? 

Of course. You can safely play in the First Division. 

Anyway, everything looks to close the deal without difficulty do you understand that? 

Not think there is problem. Guardiola is considering the kid is stuck with the first team and had the chance to play minutes. The Cup has also been very important to gain confidence. Well known to practitioners of the club Zubizarreta, Guardiola Rosell and are football people. I hope the situation is settled as soon as possible, but hurry because there are not until January.

Has received many calls from other clubs? 

Whenever there are calls I have received especially when it has turned many matches for the sub'21. Canales was next to the youngest of the team and from the start took the lead. He played a great tie against Croatia, was outstanding games and showed he is a very high level. This prompted calls from clubs reach important.


The recognition for the player is up, but what takes the criticism of those who say that his game is too risky? 

In football you learn to listen, but you always have to be yourself. I, for example, triumphed along this line, doing my job with my personality. Thiago is tactically gifted and should never forget their virtues.

Does the same nerve inside than outside the field? 

At home is completely different. In the field is your job, mate, but was even more mate. Leads a quiet life with his friends, like Jonathan dos Santos, and an impressive education. 

Is it hard to always be centered Thiago? 

Thiago has been a mature for his age. It has always done things that are not normal. Studies have been great, finished school and is waiting to enter university. I like to do business administration.