Pinto: Football is never easy

Jose Manuel Pinto has admitted that it is difficult playing back-up at Barcelona, but that he would like to stay beyond the end of this season.

The 38-year-old is set for a run in the first team at the Camp Nou until the end of the calendar year due to an injury to Victor Valdes and managed a clean sheet in his first League appearance of the season today at home to Granada.

Reflecting on having to come into the side after a long time as an understudy, the veteran was honest.

“Football is never easy. I spent nine-and-a-half years at Celta Vigo and it was never easy. I won the title with a lot of work and effort,” considered Pinto to reporters.

“In Barcelona it has been the same, I have spent a long time as a back-up. I have relied a lot on self-help books that have given me a philosophy to life that allows me to sit on the bench for so long without lowering my efforts.

“Nothing is ever easy, but there is a long way to go and I have to enjoy it.

“My contract is up at the end of the season? I arrived here for six months on loan [back in January 2008] and I am still here, but every year we talk about the same thing.

“I do not spend my energy on that but on training. Of course I would like to continue, because I am very happy, but I just have to devote myself to the day-to-day.”

Tags Pinto Valdes
La Liga - Club News