Rafa Marquez: I'll be returning to Barcelona this summer

Rafael Marquez has revealed that he is planning on a return to Barcelona, with a coaching role in the academy set to open up.

The former Mexican international spent seven years as a player at the Camp Nou and has links to the returning president.

"I've got a good relationship with Joan Laporta," Marquez told TUDN.

"The reason why I supported his campaign [for president] was because of this good friendship.

"They believed in me, in that resurging of Barcelona, and there's a good relationship.

"After he won the elections at Barcelona, there was an offer to return to the academy.

"I'm only in Mexico to sort out some personal matters before returning to Spain.

"I still don't have my UEFA Pro licence. I need a year [to complete it] and the invitation that they're giving me is to help with my progress and opens the doors to one of the best teams but, above all, one of the best academies.

"So it's difficult to say no and if everything stays as it is, I'll be there in July or August to be part of Barcelona."