Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 1074 Sat. June 09, 2007  
   
Sports


Giuly edges towards Barca exit


Barcelona forward Ludovic Giuly is set to leave the Spanish champions at the end of this season - and could sign with either Marseille or Monaco, his father said Thursday.

Giuly's contract with the Catalan giants expires at the end of next season, but the former France international recently said his is keen on a return to France.

Dominique Giuly, who represents his 31-year-old son, said Marseille, former club Monaco and two Italian clubs - Fiorentina and Juventus - have so far shown interest.

"Ludovic has spoken with (Barcelona coach) Frank Rijkaard. There's an 80 percent chance he will be leaving Barca."

He added: "Marseille have made enquiries, and Monaco have also said they are interested. Two Italian clubs, Fiorentina and Juventus, are also interested."

Giuly came through the Lyon set-up as a teenager before moving in 1998 to Monaco, whom he left following their defeat to FC Porto in the 2004 Champions League final.

He signed for Barcelona and finally won a Champions League winners medal when the Spanish league giants won the final in 2006.