Aleix Vidal: It's not inconvenient to not play for Barça for four months

Minutes after appearing on the Camp Nou pitch dressed in his new shirt, Barcelona's new signing Aleix Vidal was officially presented in front of the media alongside the club's vice president, Jordi Mestre. Vidal explained his happiness at being able to fulfil a dream: "After the birth of my daughter, this is the most important day of my life, returning to what has been my home."  

Vidal looked confident in his decision to swap Sevilla for Barça, sure that he is chosen the best destination for his career and convinced that the opportunity came at the right moment after spells with several different teams. He also underlined that it was a return to his roots. "I return to the place that was my home. All footballers have to make a living, I've had a lot of clubs, but I hope that this will be my last."

The former Sevilla man also spoke about his role in Andalusia last season. Primarily a winger, he appeared as a right-back on several occasions and that is expected to be where Barça eventually play him. "I'm a player who will try to give my best," he continued. "I played eight or nine games as a full-back at Sevilla and we didn't lose a single one." 

On the FIFA situation, which means he can't play until January, he explained that "it is not inconvenient to go four months without playing." Vidal understands that it will be a period when he can get to know the team and to adapt to his new surrounding. "What better place [than this] to improve. It was an easy decision." The Catalan was asked who his references are, but he said that he has always been his own reference, while he said that the chance to play for Barça alongside Lionel Messi "demonstrates that in life dreams can come true." 

Luis Enrique's name was often used in the press conference and Vidal revealed he has spoken with his new manager. "Yes, I spoke with Luis Enrique and it is clear that he will be the manager." Mestre also said that Barça's boss has backed the signing and that he expects him to continue as the club's manager: "Luis Enrique has a year left on his contract and there is no debate for us, there are no problems." 

Mestre also referred to the Alves situation, refusing to rule out that the Brazilian could continue at Barcelona. "If we did not want him to stay, we would not have made him a good offer. From now on, it's Alves who will have the last word. He has to make a decision quickly." Vidal also contemplated the possibility of Alves staying, something he considers would be good for competition.  "I think that competition is important, but it is not my decision to make. If he stays, great, there will be healthy competition. For me, Dani is one of the best, if not the best, [right-back] in the world. I know what I am capable of and what I can bring. The competitions would be excellent."