Real Betis defender Marc Bartra has called on team mate Junior Firpo to stay at the club, despite reported interest from FC Barcelona.
The 22-year old left back enjoyed an excellent debut season in the first team at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, and Ernesto Valverde is reported to be keen on bringing him to the Camp Nou, as cover for Jordi Alba.
However, Barta, who spent 14 years in Catalonia, is hopeful that the Dominican Republic-born will remain at the club.
"He has shown huge potential and quality, and he has a great ability to be in the right place at the right time, he told an interview with Marca.
"At the moment he is fine here, and I hope he remains."
The club has announced that Rubi will leave his post at Espanyol and replace Quique Setien as head coach for the 2019-20 season, and the former Borussia Dortmund defender is pleased with the move..
"I know him personally, after working with him at Barcelona, when he was assistant to Vilanova and Martino.
"He is a great football person, who gave me a lot of advice during my early years as a professional.
"He is capable of making a club bigger and he is exactly what Betis needs."
