The Mali international has admitted to being a quiet person and not speaking with the trainer, but feels that his actions on the field have allowed his boss to trust him

Seydou Keita has admitted that he does not speak to his Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola on a regular basis, but feels that he has the coach's respect.



The Mali international is currently unavailable for the Catalan giants as he is away at the African Cup of Nations, yet the veteran midfielder has reminisced on how he became an important player for the European champions - by opting out of starting as a left-back in the 2009 Champions League final.



"I think it all started when we played the final of the Champions League in 2009," he told RMC Sport.



"Everyone wanted to play but the coach offered me the job of playing at left-back, a position in which I had never played.



"He said it was fine. No-one would refuse to play a Champions League final, but I'm not selfish [and said I wasn't comfortable]," he added.

"I think that's why I have his respect."



The 32-year-old also commented on his relationship with Guardiola, which he deems to be more professional than personal.



"Pep and I speak hardly at all. I am a person who does not speak much, even less with coaches," he explained.



Keita has been linked with a move away from the Camp Nou due to being unable to hold down a regular spot in the starting line-up, but he is unsure of what his future holds.



"It depends. I have played at Lorient, Lens, Sevilla and Barcelona. No-one knows when they can change things or what will happen tomorrow," he added.



"I do not know. This is my fourth season at the club and I have done quite well, although I am not a starter in every game.



"I think I've been regularly scoring six or seven goals per year and four assists, not bad for a defensive midfielder, especially in a team with all these great players, but, you never know," he concluded.

Keita came on a substitute after 72 minutes in the 2009 final and has made over 170 first-team appearances for Barcelona.