Celta Vigo FC resigned to losing Spain star Nolito

Celta Vigo President Carlos Mourino said on Friday his football club was resigned to losing Spain international striker, Nolito over the summer.

The former Barcelona B-team player was linked with a move back to his former club in January and after scoring 39 goals in his last three seasons with Celta, he has forced his way into the Spain squad for the European Championships, placing himself firmly in the shop window, reports Xinhua.

"I think he will leave Celta this year," said Mourino in Spanish sports paper Marca, adding that the club would use the sale to strengthen a squad which finished sixth in the BBVA Primera Liga last season.

"We will lose an individual talent, but we will win a team. His contract has a buyout clause of 18 million euros (around $20 million) and whoever pays can have him without negotiating," said Mourino, who nevertheless insisted his club would not consider selling the 29 year-old for less.

Mourino said Nolito was "playing well." "He is the kind of player that we have been able to get a lot out of. He was in the back stage and we have been able to get the best out of him."

"We have always said that if we can get 18 million euros for him, we will lose a player who is hard to replace on an individual level, but with that money we will be able to strengthen the side as never before," he commented, before explaining that Celta's first team budget was less than a tenth of either FC Barcelona or Real Madrid.

"It's not just a question of money, sometimes it's about having a side which works hard and shows passion," he concluded.

--IANS

tri/vm