The Malian international will not be a part of Tito Vilanova’s revolution at the Camp Nou after rescinding his contract with the Copa del Rey winners.
Barcelona announced on their official website that they have parted company with midfielder, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mali-c2951 international, but it appears that he will be playing in the ranks of Chinese club, Aerbin Dalian, in the coming season.
Keita had a clause in his contract with La Blaugrana that allowed him to leave on a free transfer if he did not play half the games of a competitive season as a starter.
The 2011/12 Spanish top flight campaign saw the midfielder appear sporadically in the colours of the Catalan club, and decided to trigger the clause. News of his departure comes as blow to Les Cules where were assured by the club at the end of the season that Keita will continue as part of the dressing room for another year.
It has been revealed that the decision to offload the versatile midfielder from the books of the Copa del Rey winners was made after Tito Vilanova announcement that he only wanted players who want to stay as part of the workforce.
Rumours gained pace when Keita was pictured in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/China-c8926 and was photographed with his wife and his representative in the city of Dalian. According to Chinese media, he was negotiating with the Aerbin Dalian, who play in the China Super League.
The official statement from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 thanked Keita for the time he spent in Catalunya and his service to the club in the last four years.
"http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Barcelona-c39078 thanks Seydou Keita for his contribution to the club over recent years and wishes him new professional and personal success in the future."
Keita follows in the footsteps of Pep Guardiola, who decided to take a year off from footballing responsibilities. Guardiola always had a soft spot for the humble Malian star, hailing him for his modest attitude and his desire to give the best in a Blaugrana shirt.
"Of the greatest things I've experienced since I became coach of the club is able to meet him," Guardiola said.
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