NEW YORK: As one of the survivors of FC Barcelona's off-season roster purge, Rafael Marquez (pic) now sees himself as one of the club's leaders.

"I am one of those who stayed," Marquez told reporters on a conference call to promote the team's upcoming US tour.

"I was there at the start of one project and now we are starting another. The responsibility to succeed does fall on me as one of the team's veteran players. I have to take it on myself to give my best and once again be one of the pillars of this team."

Barcelona already have started their preseason training in Scotland and will travel to the United States to face 11-time Mexican league champion Chivas de Guadalajara on Aug 3 in Chicago and then take on the New York Red Bulls three days later in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

After Barcelona finished third in the Spanish league last season, 10 points behind second-place Villarreal, Marquez didn't suffer the fate of several of his more prominent teammates, who were transferred to other clubs or deemed nonessential by incoming coach Pep Guardiola and essentially awaiting transfer.
"It was hard, but not only with Ronaldinho but also with Deco and Giovanni dos Santos," Marquez said through a translator.

"Not only were they my teammates, they were very good friends of mine.

"Unfortunately they had to leave and I think there are cycles in life. They all have new challenges and new goals." -- AP