It has been a difficult season for veteran Barcelona defender Jordi Alba, who has seen his standing within the side take a hit.
After a disappointing display on the opening day against Rayo Vallecano, the 33-year-old soon found himself behind Alejandro Balde in the pecking order, with the teenager being preferred in each of the subsequent three La Liga matches.
Barcelona even made an attempt to offload Alba on the deadline day to Inter Milan, reaching an agreement with the Italians over a loan deal, only for the left-back to turn down the transfer.
Speaking at a promotional event for Adidas (h/t SPORT), Alba has now opened up on the late links to Inter Milan and his decision to snub an exit in favour of staying at Barcelona.
“I can tell you that in my thoughts it has always been to be at Barcelona, I see myself qualified to be here for the years that remain on my contract,” the Spanish international said.
“I have shown a lot of commitment to the club, colleagues and in the end, the decision is up to the club, they are what they are and there are many interests and I will never get into that issue,” he added.
“My commitment to the club is 100%. I’d like to tell you more but I’m not going to go into that subject.”
Further talking about the club’s handling of the situation, he said: “It’s not about whether it seems fair or not, the situation is what it is, in the end, I think everyone acts as they want and in that sense, I can tell you how I act.
“I am a man who likes to go face to face I like to go toe-to-toe with everyone, everyone doesn’t like it but I’m like that. I can’t say anything more. I think things can be done better, but nothing surprises me when it comes to football,” he added.
Having fallen behind Balde in the pecking order, Alba got a chance to reclaim his spot on Wednesday when he started against Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League. When asked if he feels the need to prove himself to everyone again, he said:
“I don’t have to step up on my game. I’ve never complained when I don’t play. I try to help the youngsters to improve and I always try to be at my best when I play.”
“It is clear that the competition makes you better. I have two players, if I have opportunities, welcome. Little by little I’m getting in shape and I’m feeling better,” he added.
Talking about the signing of Robert Lewandowski, Alba said: “Lewandowski is a leader. We already knew him at Bayern Munich, a great competitor, scores a lot of goals and that’s what he gives. Very well, he is giving a lot of points and let the streak continue.”
On the rivalry with Real Madrid and the La Liga title race, he added: “We will see when we face each other, we will see, we have improved the squad a lot, but it will only be seen when we face them.
“We compete in all competitions against them and hopefully this year we come out winners in all competitions,” he stated.