Malian midfielder Keita quits Barcelona

Mali midfielder Seydou Keita has quit Barcelona after his four-year contract ended, having won 14 titles with the team, the club said.

Mali midfielder Seydou Keita has quit Barcelona after his four-year contract ended, having won 14 titles with the team, the club said late Saturday.

"Seydou Keita has announced this evening that he won't be staying at the club next season," said a statement published on the club's website.

"FC Barcelona thanks Seydou Keita for his services to the club over the years and wishes him professional and personal success in the future."

The Barcelona sports press reported that Keita, 32, was planning to move to Chinese club Dalian Aerbin.

Keita previously played for French clubs Marseille, Lorient and Lens before moving to Spain where he played for Seville for one season.

He moved to Barcelona in 2008 as the first signing by coach Pep Guardiola, who quit at the end of last season.