Barthez transfer "false"

It appears that the claim by the Aguascalientes club was nothing more than a publicity-stunt.

"These are nothing but tales," the player's representative, Jean-Marie Cantona, told Eurosport. "It's a farce.

"I have no idea how this story got out. [Barthez] is on holiday at the moment, this is not of concern to us and he has had no contact from anyone.

"If there is a suitable project, he will continue. And if he has to stop.. in that case, he will not do anything."

The 35-year-old former Marseilles, Manchester United and Monaco shot-stopper is a free agent after quitting relegated Nantes towards the end of last season.

"We can announce the transfer of Fabien Barthez, who will come here for a year,'" Necaxa club president Javier Perez Teuffer had claimed.

"At 35 he is still young for a keeper and I think he will be useful for our team."

Such a move seemed bizarre anyway as Necaxa finished bottom of their six-team Clausura season group in the Mexican Primera Division, failing to qualify for the play-offs.

The charismatic and controversial Barthez won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championships with France and was initially hailed as the successor to Peter Schmeichel at Manchester United before a series of high-profile errors saw him shipped out to former club Marseille.

Barthez was once banned for six months after spitting at a Moroccan referee during a pre-season friendly for Marseille and also tested positive for cannabis ten years ago.

- RM -