Barcelona veteran keen to reduce salary to stay at Camp Nou
By Tom Gott
Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba has confessed he is happy to lower his salary to help the Blaugrana abide by La Liga's financial regulations.
President Joan Laporta recently revealed Barcelona have cut €100m in salary since his return to the club and confirmed plans to offload a further €75m this summer, likely through player sales and agreements with high-earners like Alba.
33-year-old Alba, who has been at the club since 2012, is no longer the undisputed starter in his role following the emergence of Alejandro Balde, but the veteran confirmed he is still happy with his current position at Camp Nou.
Asked whether he will fulfil his contract, which runs until 2024, Alba told Marca: "Of course. I feel qualified, I think I'm at a good level.
"Obviously, I'm not playing every minute, but when I go out I try to do my best. And when I'm not playing, I try to help all my teammates by supporting them from the bench. It's a new role for me because I've been lucky enough to play a lot of minutes. This year, not so much, but I am seeing some minutes and I'm happy with my role.
"It's important to help my teammates, to be with them, advise them. This is positive, and it motivates me.
"Yes [I would lower my salary]. It's a club decision and I've always helped when asked.
"Many lies have been told in the press, but in the end I have always been there, no one can say otherwise. There are things that hurt, but you have to know how to live with it. I know my truth and I am very calm. My intention is to help the club and that both parties are happy."
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Alba went on to confess he initially struggled with his reduced minutes this season but has grown to understand Xavi's reasoning.
"It was the coach's decision," Alba added. "I dedicate myself to training, being good with myself, playing the games in the best possible way and then the coach decides.
"At the beginning, it was more difficult for me, but right now, I am mentally well and highly motivated.
"I feel good, I feel capable and I have the support of the coach and my teammates. When I go down the street, people let me know. I feel good, and the day I feel I am no longer capable of defending a club like Barcelona, I will be the first to leave."