Afellay targets Barcelona return

Schalke attacker Ibrahim Afellay still dreams of succeeding at Barcelona, eager to make his mark when his loan deal expires.

The attacking midfielder joined the Gelsenkirchen side on a one-year loan deal at the start of the 2012/13 campaign.

But a permanent switch to Germany does not seem to be an option for Afellay, who wants to return and star for the La Liga giants.

“It is my goal to return to Barcelona. When I look back at my time at the club, I can only be positive about it,” Afellay told OnsOranje.nl.

“We always had so much fun on the training pitch. When I returned home after a practice session, I could hardly wait for the next day. You really notice that you are improving as a player.

“I still speak with guys like Andres Iniesta and Xavi on a regular basis. They are among the best players in the world. (Lionel) Messi is the best of the best.

“They are extremely committed. There’s no other way, though, if you are to perform at such a high level.”

Afellay has made 14 appearances for Schalke since joining the Bundesliga side.