Barcelona winger Cristian Tello says he would not be afraid to leave the club if it means realising his full potential.
The 22-year-old has made 43 La Liga appearances since his Primera bow as a substitute in a 0-0 draw at Villarreal in January 2012, yet has been a starter just 17 times. It is a situation the player himself believes is not ideal.
“When you are coming on as a substitute it is not the same as playing from the start. In for two games, then out, in for another two…Yet every time I go on the pitch I do so with the same desire.
“It’s true that it terms of confidence you do feel it a little and I don’t think I’ve reached my full potential.
“To realise it I’d need to be a permanent fixture in the team and to be playing every week,” he told Sport.
Nonetheless, Tello acknowledged that with players such as Lionel Messi, Neymar, Pedro and Alexis Sanchez in Barca’s attack it is always going to be difficult to break into the team.
“It’s always tough so you need to keep on working hard. My aim is to get a place in the starting line-up every week and play at the top level.
“For a youth team player to get into the side is a dream come true and to consider leaving the club must be a very hard thing to do.
“However, time moves on and if everything stayed the same and I asked myself if I wanted to leave then I’d have no problem in doing so.
“If I need to leave to realise my ambitions then I will,” he added.
