Saviola to stay and fight for place with Barcelona

MADRID, Aug 31 (Reuters) Argentina striker Javier Saviola wants to stay and prove his worth at Barcelona, although the club have made it clear he is surplus to requirements.

''I have had offers that promised more money than I receive at Barca but I have made my decision. I want to stay and fight for a place,'' Saviola told a news conference today.

''I will play out the last year on my contract here and hope that when it comes to leaving I leave on a high note.'' The 24-year-old played last season on loan with Sevilla, who did not take up the option to buy the player, after spending the previous year with Monaco.

''The club (Barcelona) looked for a move for me but I insisted I wanted to stay,'' he added.

Saviola joined the European and Spanish champions from River Plate for million on a six-year contract in 2001, but dropped down the pecking order under coach Frank Rijkaard.

He will have to compete with Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o and Iceland's Eidur Gudjohnsen for a place in the starting lineup.

REUTERS PDS PM1902