Afellay: I was stagnant at Barcelona

Ibrahim Afellay says he is relieved to have completed his season-long loan move to Schalke from Barcelona.

After a frustrating two-and-a-half years at the La Liga club, the former PSV man spoke to Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova before going ahead with the switch and he is confident that he has made the right decision.

Speaking at his official unveiling as a Schalke playe,r Afellay said: “I have not played much at Barcelona and this season I was told that I was going to have wait to play. It was agreed with the coach that a transfer would be the best option.”

The 26-year-old missed much of last season through injury and the midfielder spoke of the importance to get back to playing football on a regular basis.

“There was no point staying stagnant (at Barcelona). When you recover from an injury you must play again as soon as possible, and that’s what I’ll do now at Schalke. I have good feelings,” he said.