http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n05061002.shtml 10, JUN 05 16:07 The other van Bommel Behind this extraordinary footballer there is an affable and well-mannered gentleman. That is how van Bommel, the new signing for Barca 2005-06, came across in an interview with Barca TV. Mark van Bommel is a humble man, who enjoys being with his family and relaxing in front of the television. The Dutch midfielder speaks about the more personal side of his life in an interview that will be shown on Barca TV this afternoon immediately after his official presentation. Barca's new star claims that he is living a "very nice" experience and that this is a "dream come true". How it all began Romario da Souza Faria, who also played for PSV and Barca, was Mark Van Bommel's childhood hero. In the interview he speaks about his early days as a footballer and how he made his league debut for Fortuna Sittard when aged just 16 years: "When I started I wasn't all that good a player, but I got better. When I went to PSV I slowly progressed and I hope to continue doing so at Barca." But there is a secret behind such precocity. There was always a ball to play with at home: "Mine is a footballing family. My grandfather, my father and I all played for Maasbracht, my hometown, so it was easy for me to get involved in football." On and off the pitch When asked to describe his strengths, the Dutch star was clear with his words: "My main virtues are my strength and the way I always play to win, and that's not just on the pitch. I think I am a player that runs a lot but I have to get better with my left foot, and that's something I hope to do over the next few years." But Van Bommel adds that his character changes when he takes to the pitch. "I am an easy person to understand, I don't like creating problems. But when I play, I am aggressive and fight hard, even though I am a simple guy when I'm off the pitch." Past, present and future A new stage has begun in the Dutchman's life, but he has no doubts about what he is doing. "I decided to leave the Dutch league and join one of the biggest clubs in the world. Barca is like a dream come true for me, and I hope the move is a success. It was the club that contacted my agent Rob Jansen, and I had a good feeling about this from the start. I have always wanted to play for Barca, and although offers came in from elsewhere, this was always where I wanted to come." But there were several factors that influenced Van Bommel's decision: "When you go to a different country, you need to get used to a new culture. This will be a big change for my family. But we have chosen the right club and I am sure it will all go smoothly." To close the interview, he summarises what he hopes to do at the Club: "I want to win the Champions League, and most of all, to be happy." -- ██████████████████ --

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