Sergio Busquets addresses rumours of January exit from Barcelona
By Tom Gott
Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has denied offering to leave Camp Nou during the January transfer window.
Reports in Busquets' native Spain recently claimed the 34-year-old had approached those in charge at Barcelona over a possible exit in January, not because he wanted to leave, but rather in an attempt to help the team both on and off the pitch.
Speaking to Marca, however, the Spain captain laughed off the whole story.
"I speak a lot with the coach and with the president," Busquets explained. "I like to feel useful, not like a problem.
"But [a January exit] has not been discussed. I did not suggest anything in particular."
Part of Busquets' alleged offer to leave was said to stem from the mounting criticism he has received from Barcelona supporters for his slow style of play in a midfield which is looking to the future with youngsters like Pedri and Gavi involved.
The midfielder acknowledged the criticism but insisted he has no concerns over what he is doing on the pitch for his club.
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"When you are on the front line, in permanent focus for both the national team and Barcelona, it's normal," he confessed. "Even more so when you don't win.
"I am the first to be very demanding with myself. I have never been a fast player, quite the opposite. But I feel very good, otherwise I would not be here.
"What I want is to enjoy myself and leave those debates to those who should be having them."