Alba revels in Barca return

Jordi Alba says Barcelona’s considerable quality has made for an easy transition following his switch from Valencia.

The 23-year-old has settled seamlessly into the team since he rejoined Barca in a 14 million-euro deal in June, and he has credited the abilities of his team-mates for making the change so easy.

“It is very easy to play here. There is so much quality,” he told Mundo Deportivo.

“There is a desire to continue to win and a unity here. Both (Alex) Song and me, who are new, were made to feel like one of them from day one.”

Alba admitted he never thought he would get another chance at Camp Nou after he left his boyhood club as a youngster.

“There (are) many who dream like you and there isn’t room for everyone, although for years there have been more possibilities,” he said.

The full-back also paid tribute to Unai Emery, his old coach during his Valencia days, for shifting him to a wide defensive position when he broke into the side at Estadio Mestalla.

“He converted me back to play on the wing, and thanks to that change, I am who I am today,” he said.

Alba expressed his delight after enjoying a sensational year on the pitch, having won Euro 2012 with Spain before completing his dream move back to a Barca, who have stormed clear at the top of La Liga.

“This year has been very nice to me and I cannot really have any complaints,” he said.

“I consolidated my place in the national team with the role I had at Valencia, I won the European Championship, I joined the club of my life, I came home … And above all, we are (league) leaders. The truth is I could ask for no more.”