Spain Under-21 forward Abel Ruiz admits he may need to leave Barcelona to seek first-team playing opportunities elsewhere.
The 21-year-old had been hoping to break into the Barcelona senior squad this season but has remained in the B team, despite a number of injuries in the first-team.
Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele have all had prolonged absences due to injury this campaign, with youngsters Ansu Fati and Carles Perez instead promoted in their place.
“I want to be at Barcelona, but if you don't enjoy the opportunities you want, you have to look for them elsewhere,” Ruiz told press agency AFE.
“Before, my decision was to stay in the B team and continue to grow as a player and as a person and wait for opportunities in the first team.
“I work day by day and go step by step; I think the secret is to grow little by little. The opportunities will come and you have to be prepared, which is what the kids in the youth system try.
“In the end I have always said that I want to be here at Barça and I want to grow as a player and as a person in this club because this is the club who have given me everything from day one.
“Whenever they trust me I will trust them and in the end it is true that if you do not enjoy those opportunities that you want, in the end you will have to look for them elsewhere and look for those minutes in these competitions.
“Ansu Fati? He is a very young kid, much younger than me even. I have been fortunate to have worked with him up close in La Masia and I have been with him for four or five years, even sharing a room with him and I am very happy.”
Ruiz played 21 minutes of first-team action for Ernesto Valverde’s side last season as he came on from the substitute’s bench for Philippe Coutinho in the 2-0 win over Getafe in May.
He has scored three goals in 11 league appearances for Barca’s B team this season and has established himself as an Under-21 forward at international level.
Ruiz has previously played for Spain at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 level.
