Thomas Vermaelen has said he didn’t need to think too hard about choosing Barcelona upon leaving Arsenal.
The Belgium international was today unveiled as a Barca player and said at the Press conference that followed he is eager to get started.
“I’ll play with the best in the world. I hope this allows me to develop as a player,” Sport reports the centre-back as saying.
“Barca is one of the biggest clubs and it’s a dream of many to play here. I’m no exception. It wasn’t a difficult decision to come.
“I spoke with Luis Enrique. You never know if you’re going to play or not. You need to prove yourself. We talked about what position I would have. It was a short meeting. We’ll talk more soon.
“I’m ready for the pressure of this challenge.”
Vermaelen was asked about his history of injuries but insisted it was to be expected for a professional athlete.
“Last year was disappointing. I had a lot of injuries but that happens from time to time in the career of a player,” he argued.
“I hope I can play many games here.
“I want to play. It’s not nice being out injured. I want to start from scratch and hope to have a fantastic season.
“I had an injury in the World Cup and didn’t train with Arsenal. I still need a few weeks to get in shape.
“I’ll speak to the physio to know how much I need to do.”
The former Gunners captain was also asked what he feels he can bring to the Barca team, as well as being questioned about the five-year contract he has signed and the repeated transfers between Barca and Arsenal.
“I’m good in the air. I know the club doesn’t use the aerial game much but I’m used to it from the Premier League,” Vermaelen continued.
“I could be 34 here but you can’t look too far ahead in football. First I have to adapt and give my best.
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence there are so many transfers between Arsenal and Barca. The style of play for both teams is very similar.”
