Barca players bid farewell to Keita

Madrid: A trio of Barcelona players and club president Sandro Rosell have thanked the outgoing Seydou Keita, after it was announced the Mali midfielder would be leaving Camp Nou for Chinese club Dalian Aerbin.

Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique and Pedro all posted messages of appreciation for the 32-year-old on Twitter, while Rosell wished Keita good luck for his future endeavors.

Keita will move to the Liaoning outfit after spending four years at the Catalan club, where he played 119 games for the Blaugrana and became a vital part of Pep Guardiola`s success-laden side.

"Seydou Keita, it was a pleasure to share two wonderful year with you. All the best, my friend," said Javier Mascherano.

“It has been a luxury sharing a dressing room with you for four years. Seydou Keita, a model on and off the pitch. Good luck friend!" added Gerard Pique.

"Thanks for being a very great friend, person and an excellent player. I wish you well. A big hug," enthused Pedro.

Finally, Sandro Rosell added: "Seydou, good luck in this new stage and thank you very much for everything."

Keita moved to Barcelona from Sevilla in 2008, and represented Olympique de Marseille, Lorient, and Lens before moving to La Liga.

BDST: 1922 HRS, July 9, 2012