Martin Braithwaite Backs Himself to Become a 'Top Goalscorer' at Barcelona
By Mitch Wilks
Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite has backed his abilities in a recent interview, stating he sees himself becoming a regular goalscorer and mainstay for the club.
Braithwaite signed for Barça from Leganes in February as the club were allowed to trigger his €18m release clause in an emergency deal due to injuries to Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele.
His signing was met with controversy as it left Leganes, who currently remain in a relegation battle, without their main striker and unable to sign a replacement.
The 28-year-old spoke about the incredibly high standards he's set himself with La Blaugrana in an interview with Danish outlet DR, saying: “I have to be a starter in the team and a goalscorer.
“When you play for Barcelona, you get so many chances, so there is no doubt that I see myself scoring a lot of goals and being one of the top goalscorers in the team and in the league. That's what I'm here for."
Braithwaite also spoke of how the break in play has proved beneficial to him, adding: "Now there is a break, and I see that as an advantage. I know there is no one who trains and works the way I do. When I come back, I will be physically and mentally prepared."
The 28-year-old further backed himself with confidence, stating that he will be "back with a bang" should La Liga return from an enforced break due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
The Denmark international has enjoyed an interesting career path thus far. After impressing in his home country, Braithwaite found the net with regularity at Toulouse and moved to the Championship in 2017, signing with Middlesbrough.
He joined Leganes initially on a loan deal in January 2019, and made the move permanent in the summer. His performances for the club impressed Barcelona enough for them to make their move, with Braithwaite featuring in three games since signing for the Catalan side.
Perhaps the strangest part about the entire transfer ordeal, however, was Barcelona's choice to set Braithwaite's release clause to €300m. Yep, really.
La Liga is currently targeting a return to action for early June, but Barcelona are set to refuse to play until player complete safety is guaranteed.