Aleix Vidal insists “it’s not an inconvenience to go four months without playing” after being unveiled by Barcelona on Monday.
The former Sevilla right-sider completed his move to Camp Nou in the late hours of Sunday, signing a five-year contract for a reported €18m, but the club’s transfer embargo means he cannot make his debut until January.
Nonetheless, the 25-year-old, who was born in Catalonia and spent a season in the club’s youth system, does not see his initial absence as an issue and is ready to “live the dream”.
“Along with the birth of my daughter, this is the most important day of my life. I’m back home, and [coming back] to a winning team is even better,” he began.
“I’ve always tried to keep my distance from what might happen. I’ve spent [the past few months] just focusing on playing, which is always the most important for me.
“I’ve been focused on the national team and then realised that this option would arise. Luckily, [the move] went through very quickly.
“It’s not an inconvenience to go four months without playing. I came here to become a part of this team.
“I’ll spend the next four months to work on specific aspects of a position [right-back].
“I think the most important thing is that I’m back here, which was my home for a year.
“Since I was a child, I’ve always had to move around. One has to make a living and I’ve played for many teams, but I hope this is my last move.
“I’m living the dream and it’s going very quickly. My previous coaches know I’m a player who tries to give their best wherever they’re told to play.
“I had the opportunity to speak to [Luis Enrique] when I completed my medical tests and I think he’ll be the Coach next season.
“[Gerard Deulofeu and Denis Suarez] were two players I got on well with at Sevilla.
“Unfortunately, Gerard had a difficult time there but Denis adapted better. Barca is a good place for Denis to continue developing.
“Personally, I’d bring them both back here, but it’s not up to me.
“[Dani Alves] is probably the best right-back in the world and there’d be healthy competition [if he stayed].
“It’s a challenge for me, but I know what I’m capable of.”
