When Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard actually used him, Javier Saviola played quite well this season, but the Argentine striker has now made it clear he’ll be departing the Nou Camp this summer. Adored by the Catalan fans, Saviola was unappreciated by Barca’s management and Rijkaard in particular, who reacted with indifference when the 25-year-old said he wanted to stay. Now rumored (with just about everyone else) to be on his way to Real Madrid, Saviola discussed his future with SI.com.
First up for the Argentine is the Copa America in Venezuela, which will serve as a stage for players such as Saviola and Carlos Tevez to show off their talents to any would-be buyers. Saviola pegged Argentina, Brazil and Mexico as the favorites to win the title, though he said the U.S., which Argentina plays in its first match, “has made tremendous progress in these last years” and will provide “a measure of how we are as a team.” He pointed out that MLS, too, has made significant progress, and that he would welcome a move to the U.S. one day. “To the extent that they continue to bring in players, MLS will become stronger,” he said, adding, “I’m sure in the future it’s going to be a top-notch league.”
As for right now, Saviola conceded that he’s “not doing well” at Barcelona, and that a good individual performance at the Copa America would help him leave the ordeal behind. “My national team is above all else. We know Argentina needs a title, so we have a very big responsibility on our hands.”