Barcelona midfielder and Malian international Seydou Keita (29) shared his thoughts with Catalan newspaper El Mundo Deportivo. Keita says that “the past years work continues to receive benefits” in relation of to the Ballon d’Or nomination of six Barcelona players (Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Ibrahimovic, Toure and Henry). Keita stressed the fact that Barcelona made a very good season and now they are truly reaping the benefits. He also noted that Barcelona had most nominees for the Ballon d’Or.

Keita also mentioned the draw against Valencia, saying that the result was OK, but the team did not play fine. “It was a tough opponent, especially after international selections. The important thing is that the team played with heart and went for the win.” Keita is focused on the next commitment to the Champions League match against Rubin Kazan. “It will not be an easy game. They will come to Camp Nou far behind and we have to play strongly to create chances and score.”