Jordi Alba has shrugged off rumours suggesting he might have to leave Barcelona, insisting he wants to retire at Camp Nou.
In a recent interview, as quoted by 90min, Jordi Alba insisted that he will not leave Barcelona anytime soon if he has his way. The veteran Spanish defender suggested he is playing well and is open to sharing game time. He also added that he would want to retire at Spotify Camp Nou.
Jordi Alba is currently in his second stint with Barcelona, returning to Camp Nou from Valencia in the aftermath of Spain’s triumphant UEFA Euro 2012 campaign. And the 33-year-old has been a stalwart for the Blaugrana in the past decade. He was the cornerstone of the team that enjoyed success under Luis Enrique.
But the veteran Spanish defender has seen his performance levels wane in the last few years. And it is hardly surprising that he has fallen down the pecking order this season. Alba has been behind Alejandro Balde and Marcos Alonso. But some of his recent performances have been promising.
Despite the recent improvements, widespread reports have linked Alba with a departure from Camp Nou. Clubs like Inter Miami, Tottenham Hotspur, and Napoli have shown interest in the Barcelona veteran. But Alba has now insisted that he wants to retire at Camp Nou.
Jordi Alba: “I’ve never received any proposal from Inter or any other club. I always wanted to stay at Barça”, tells MD. 🔵🔴 #FCB
“I want to stay and retire here. But I’ll be the first person to leave the day I believe I no longer have the quality that this club needs”. pic.twitter.com/vUn2FtzT3r
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 13, 2022
“As far as I am concerned, I feel qualified to continue here for many years. I think that when I’m playing I’m doing well and when I’m not playing I’ll support my teammates and try to help the younger ones as much as I can.”
“I want to continue performing well, I’ve been here at Barcelona for many years and my intention is to stay here. There has been talk for many years that I could go on loan or sign to another club. But my intention has always been to stay here.”
“I am a culé, during these years I have worked hard for this club, then things will turn out for better or worse, but that will continue to be my intention until the end of the season and everything that remains on my contract.”
Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona might look to part ways with Alba in the January transfer window. But Alba’s comments suggest he will fight for his place in Xavi Hernandez’s squad. It will be interesting to see if the veteran Spanish defender remains at Camp Nou beyond this season.