Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has hit out at his critics amid claims that he is treated unfairly amid the “circus” that surrounds the club.
The veteran left-back will celebrate his 33rd birthday in March and is in the midst of his tenth season with the Catalan giants, where he has amassed over 400 first-team appearances.
Alba has won a plethora of medals at the Blaugrana and has been a crucial part of their successes since his arrival from Valencia in the summer of 2012.
However, the Spain international has been the subject of criticism in recent times due to his perceived defensive vulnerabilities.
A significant part of Alba’s game was based on his pace and energy but at this stage of his career, that is a strength that is diminishing season on season.
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His attacking talent is in little doubt; for so many years he formed a devastating telepathy with Lionel Messi at the Camp Nou as he ran down the wing and behind opposition defences.
Indeed, Alba played his part in the winner for Barca in Sunday night’s victory at second-from-bottom Alaves – a potentially crucial result in Xavi’s sides top-four hopes albeit in a below-par performance.
Yet the left-back used his post-match interview to vent his frustration at the criticism he has faced in recent times, believing that it is unfair.
Alongside Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique, Alba is a veteran of the club’s dressing room and the return of 38-year-old Dani Alves only further ages Barca’s defensive ranks.
Alba told Spanish TV station Movistar+ after Sunday’s match: "I have felt singled out for many years, it is not the first time it has happened to me.
"I accept the criticism that there is in this circus. Criticism will always be there, I have assumed it.
"If I play a good game they won't talk about me, if I don't play well like the other day, I admit it, they will kill me. I have accepted it.
"I don't care because I have respect from my teammates and from all the coaching staff I've had. It seems that there are only veterans in Barcelona.
"There has been talk of veterans for four or five years, and I was 28, damn it. But I've always accepted it."
Alba played alongside Xavi for the midfield maestro’s final three seasons at the Camp Nou and the new Barca boss defended the left-back in his post-match press conference.
Xavi told reporters: "Alba was criticised and he played a great game today. Just like Busi, Pique and Frenkie. At Barca, the shirt weighs 20 kilos more than at another club."
The win at Alaves on Sunday was just Barca’s ninth of the league campaign but did move them into fifth place with 35 points from their 21 matches – one point behind Atletico Madrid.
