Marquinhos plays down Barcelona link

Posted Friday, April 26, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

Roma defender Marquinhos has moved quickly to play down his interest in a move to Barcelona by declaring his intention to stay at the Serie A side.

The Brazilian arrived at the Stadio Olimpico last summer but is already being linked with the Blaugrana, and the teenager defender admitting earlier this week that he could not possibly rule out taking up residence at Camp Nou.

However, Marquinhos has now professed his love for the Giallorossi and says he has no intention of leaving the Italian capital any time soon.

"I'm a Roma player, I have a contract and I'm very happy to be here," the 18-year-old told Sky Sport Italia on Thursday.

"I made the choice to come here together with my family and my agent, and I am happy with the decision. I have another four years on my contract.

"I was badly misinterpreted by comments [earlier this week]. I only wanted to say that I am thinking just of training and playing because everything else is taken care of by my agent and the club."

Marquinhos, who has not yet been capped at senior level by Brazil, joined the Giallorossi from Corinthians last July.