Alaves midfielder Marcos Llorente has claimed Barcelona are the perfect Copa del Rey final opponents for him as they have been a rival ‘since childhood’.
The 22-year-old is on a season-long loan at Mendizorrotza from Real Madrid and has played a vital role in Mauricio Pellegrino’s side success this season, starting 34 games and helping the newly-promoted side secure a top half finish and cup final berth.
"To take part in a final is something incredible, especially against Barcelona," Llorente told an interview with Marca.
"I have a great desire to play, as are the rival I have had to beat since my childhood.
"Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world, they have more possibilities [to win the trophy], but we have already defeated them and we are confident in ourselves.
“Pellegrino has developed the team a lot tactically, before the matches he instills a special feeling in us for us to play with a lot of passion and desire.
"I am not nervous yet, [but] I have a desire to play, win and offer a victory to our fans."
The Copa del Rey final will take place on Saturday 27th May and is likely to be Llorente’s final match for Alaves.
