‘ It ’ s a dream come true’ – Vidal unveiled at Barcelona

The 25-year-old attacker returns to the club
with which he spent one year as a youth
player and says he is elated to be back home.
Aleix Vidal says signing for Barcelona is a
“dream come true” and insists he has no
problem with having to wait until January to
make his debut.
The winger, who spent one year in the Barca
youth system as an 11-year-old, was unveiled
to the media on Monday after joining from
Sevilla.
However, Barca’s transfer ban means they
cannot complete registrations and field new
players until January 2016, so he will have to
wait months before he can play his first game.
The 25-year-old, who is expected to play as a
full-back at Barca, says he is happy to take
the time to adapt to his new surroundings as
he prepares for his debut.
“After the birth of my daughter, this is the
most important day of my life. I’m back at
what used to be my home. If it’s the start of
a winning cycle then so much the better.
“When I realised it was going to happen, I
didn’t think it would be a problem being out
until January. Positives come with that – I can
concentrate on getting ready for where I’m
going to play.
“It was a very clear decision that I made to
come to this club. The time out is going to be
useful for me to improve specific elements of
playing in a position that’s still relatively new
to me.
“I only played my first games at full-back last
season, but it’s up to the manager where I
play.

Vidal, who played for Espanyol B, Gimnastic,
Mallorca B and Almeria amongst others before
joining Sevilla last season and winning the
Europa League, admitted that he did not know
he would be joining Luis Enrique’s side until
the day before his unveiling and hopes that
Dani Alves will remain at the club.
“I’ve been focused now on playing with the
national team but then this opportunity came
up very quickly. It was only Sunday afternoon
that I found out the two parties had decided
and I had to get straight on a plane to come
here.
“I’ve come back to what was my home for a
year. Since I was very young, I had to move
from club to club on my quest to become a
pro. All those different experiences were useful
though.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet. This year I played
eight or nine games as a full back and we
didn’t lose any of them. Including in the
Europa League semi final, where I scored a
goal.
“One of the keys to playing in a team like this
is you’re going to have lots of competition for
places. If Dani stays, then it’s wonderful, but
it’s not for me to comment. It would be great
for him to stay here.
“I don’t feel pressure about competing against
one of the best full-backs in the world. I think
it’s a challenge. I’m relaxed. I know what I can
do and contribute and if Alves stays, then the
competition will be excellent for him and for
me.
“It’s not my position that I’ve always played
in. I think there are certain things that can
always be improved, but that’s why it’s nice
that I’ve got months to work on those aspects
of my game.”
Despite winning a domestic and European
treble, Luis Enrique says his future at Barca
remains uncertain, but Vidal believes he will
still be in charge when the new season comes
around.
“I had an opportunity to speak to Luis Enrique
after my medical. I assume he will be the
manager next season. I don’t think the
speculation around it will be a problem for
me.”