Maxwell comes home, a.k.a. “Take THAT, Lendoiro!”

By: Kevin | July 17th, 2009

Maxwell Cabelino Andrade is official, everyone, with a Miniestadi presentation and everything. And yes, the presentation would have been at the Camp Nou, but it’s being rehabbed. And no, not all presentations happen at the Camp Nou.

Hleb was presented at La Masia, though apparently he still isn’t sure what those words mean, just that some people were happy to see him.

Yes, it’s the obligatory crest kissing, but as with Keirrison, who will wend his way to us eventually, Maxwell has been thinking of this one for a long time, saying “It is one of the happiest days of my life.”

You Hleb fans (yes, including me, although defender might be more in order at this point, and rather a half-assed one at that) should note the following bit from his comments:

“I feel unable to speak in Catalan, but will soon seek to learn the Catalan language.”

T’was a grand and glorious gesture from a player who already understands the right things to say, given that Barca is the national team of Catalunya, and the place of pride that it occupies in the hearts and minds of many. It sort of made his kissing the crest a little more meaningful.

He’s 5′9″ tall (hey, that’s my height) and is 27 years old. His career spans a time at Ajax, where he tallied 9 goals in 114 appearances, and most recently, Inter Milan. We signed him for 4.5m, with another .5 in incentives, should some serious mojo be worked.

But the signing of Maxwell is also important, because it represents a big, giant “Whew,” uttered by cules far and wide, who were despairing of us signing anyone this summer. After being made to jump through hoops by Depor president Lendoiro, Txiki took his ball, saved some money and went for Maxwell. When Davide Santon assumed the left back position for Inter full-on, Maxwell became available.

As a player, his strengths are pace, passing and ball control skills, which will make him invaluable in our attack. He replaces Sylvinho, who served the colors long and well. I’m thinking of him as a left-sided Alves, though without the crossing ability.

Also worthy of note is that Maxwell has the same agent as one Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Word is that technically, he is superior to the incumbent left back, Eric Abidal. He also fulfills the quest of Pep Guardiola for some real competition at various positions.

So here is his official welcome post. Everyone, put your hands together.