Thomas Vermaelen talks about his debut, the support of his teammates and adapting to Barcelona

Thomas Vermaelen talks about his debut, the support of his teammates and adapting to Barcelona

Thomas Vermaelen admitted he didn't really feel like a La Liga winner after Barcelona lifted the league trophy on Saturday evening, but he couldn't hide his excitement at finally making his Barça debut in the draw with Deportivo de La Coruña. 

Signed from Arsenal last summer, the Belgian international's spell in Catalonia has been blighted by injuries. He arrived having picked up a hamstring strain at the World Cup, although he never imagined it would be 10 months until he got to step out on the Camp Nou pitch. 

That's how long it took, though. After initially trying to see the injury off without surgery, he eventually broke down in training. The decision was then made to send him to Finland for an operation. 

In the meantime, the man who signed him, Andoni Zubizarreta, lost his job. But Vermaelen has kept working and on Saturday he was rewarded with a debut as Xavi Hernandez bid farewell and Barça lifted the title in front of more than 90,000 fans at Camp Nou.  

"Officially I am a champion [of Spain], of course," he saud after the game. "My contribution is not big. Truthfully, I don't feel like it's my title, but I am very happy for the team, for the club. 

"I was very excited [to make my debut]. I mean, just really happy... I am grateful to get this opportunity to play here, unfortunately it's only the last game of the season because of the injury I had, so yeah, I am very happy and I enjoyed the day today."

Fortunately the 29-year-old has been able to count on the support of a united dressing room, with the biggest names in Luis Enrique's squad all helping him through some dark days this season.  

"The guys in the dressing room have given me a huge amount of support," he continued. "There are a lot of characters and nice people [among the players] and I am very grateful for how they have all been with me [through the injury problems].

"There's a huge amount of quality in the squad. What you see on the pitch I see every day in training and I can train against them -- and now play with them. It's a dream come true to be here, especially with the best players in the world."

Vermaelen could still make two more appearances for the Catalan club before the campaign ends, with cup finals to come in the Copa del Rey and Champions League. However, he is more focused on making sure he's fighting fit for next season. 

"We will see," he said when asked about the possibility of playing against Athletic Club or Juventus. "Next season I want it to be different, to play more and at least be injury free, that would be very important for me.

Since returning to training earlier this year he said he has been "very happy" and he is now settled in the city, with his language skills slowly developing. 

"My adaption to the city has gone well," he explained. "It's not easy when you don't play but it has gone well. My Spanish is better now and I understand more. At first it was difficult, but on the pitch the language is universal. I understand."