After helping Spain clinch glory at Euro 2012, new Barcelona signing Jordi Alba is gearing up to play football as a Blaugrana.
“It's been an incredible month for me and now I have to take advantage of the opportunity that Barcelona have given me,” 23-year-old Jordi Alba told Barcelona’s official website.
The former Valencia defender completed his transfer on June 28 in a deal that cost €14M. He will play under Pep Guardiola’s successor Tito Vilanova alongside national team mates Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and company.
The youngster has been tipped to develop into one of Spain’s most important players. He stated:
“Besides the national team players, I already know a lot of guys in the youth system, the team-mates I played with when I was here. I'm sure I'll have a fast transition.”
Jordi Alba expressed his delight at returning where it all started for him as a footballer.
“I'm coming home, with my family and my people, that's why I'm so content,” he declared before recalling:
“I was only 15 when I left Barcelona to do my own thing. Luckily, after some years, they have signed me again. The club has given me a chance and I'm very pleased.”
Earlier this week, Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantar told the press:
“I like the signing. He’s always been a Cule and he’s a home-grown footballer, he already knows how we play. He’s fast and very good.”
Meanwhile, Jordi Alba’s ex-coach, Unai Emery, reportedly told AS:
“The credit for the explosion of Jordi is solely with him. It is, above all, in his capacity for work and his desire to grow and learn.”
Jordi Alba capped off his successful UEFA Euro 2012 performance with a goal in the final against Italy. With his move from Valencia to Barcelona, Jordi Alba will have the opportunity to experience new things such as the 2012 Supercopa de Espana in August.
The former Valencia defender completed his transfer on June 28 in a deal that cost €14M. He will play under Pep Guardiola’s successor Tito Vilanova alongside national team mates Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and company.
The youngster has been tipped to develop into one of Spain’s most important players. He stated:
“Besides the national team players, I already know a lot of guys in the youth system, the team-mates I played with when I was here. I'm sure I'll have a fast transition.”
Jordi Alba expressed his delight at returning where it all started for him as a footballer.
“I'm coming home, with my family and my people, that's why I'm so content,” he declared before recalling:
“I was only 15 when I left Barcelona to do my own thing. Luckily, after some years, they have signed me again. The club has given me a chance and I'm very pleased.”
Earlier this week, Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantar told the press:
“I like the signing. He’s always been a Cule and he’s a home-grown footballer, he already knows how we play. He’s fast and very good.”
Meanwhile, Jordi Alba’s ex-coach, Unai Emery, reportedly told AS:
“The credit for the explosion of Jordi is solely with him. It is, above all, in his capacity for work and his desire to grow and learn.”
Jordi Alba capped off his successful UEFA Euro 2012 performance with a goal in the final against Italy. With his move from Valencia to Barcelona, Jordi Alba will have the opportunity to experience new things such as the 2012 Supercopa de Espana in August.
