Claudio Bravo has confessed that “I’d be lying” if he said he was happy to rotate with Marc-Andre ter Stegen for Barcelona’s No 1 jersey.
The Chilean is La Blaugrana’s first-choice goalkeeper in La Liga, while the former Borussia Monchengladbach man occupies the sticks for cup matches, but the former admits he would prefer to be his side’s undisputed pick.
“[On becoming a goalkeeper and not an outfield player], I’ve never been one to run after a ball,” he told Esport3.
“I liked leading from behind, wearing a different kit and having a different responsibility to my teammates.
“I wasn’t surprised [when Barca signed me] because I held talks with them three years ago.
“I thought that, due to my age, they wouldn’t come back in for me, but I joined them at a splendid moment in my career, after the World Cup.
“It’s a wonderful place, where I’m treated very well by all the people working here.
“Instead of feeling overwhelmed [by Victor Valdes’ name], it’s a great motivation to keep improving and make my own name.
“I won’t forget about Victor because what he did at the club was amazing and must never be forgotten.
“I enjoy going into the dressing room, entering the pitch, pulling on my jersey and competing, as opposed to finding it a chore.
“It was amazing to start my first year here having played so many games without conceding a goal and winning all these trophies and then Copa America.
“There’s more intrusion here than when I was at Real Sociedad; people recognise you and ask for a photo or autograph, but I’m used to it now.
“It’s hard to explain [why we’ve conceded more goals this season] because we’re the same players, but clearly we have to work on many things, not only one.
“We must all do our bit to reach the level of perfection we were at last season.
“If I tell you that I’m happy [to be rotating with Ter Stegen], I’d be lying, but I take it calmly because I know what my role is.
“It’s not my decision and we have to respect the Coach. When we play, we have to compete and do our best.”
