Barcelona did not try to stop me from going to the Olympics, says Jordi Alba

Jul 21, 2012 9:30:00 PM

The 23-year-old has insisted that the Blaugrana did not oppose his desire to go to the Games, and is looking forward to a "unique experience" in July and August

Jordi Alba has claimed that nobody from Barcelona tried to prevent him from going to the Olympics with Spain this summer.

The 23-year-old was heavily involved in Valencia's Liga campaign last season, before travelling to Poland and Ukraine to play a key role in his country's Euro 2012 triumph.

After scoring in the final against Italy, Jordi Alba completed his move to the Blaugrana, but is scheduled to take part in the London Games, leading to fears that he would return to his club unfit.

However, he has now moved to dismiss suggestions that the Camp Nou hierarchy opposed his decision to become an Olympian.

"Nobody from Barcelona made it difficult for me to go to the Olympics," he told Marca. "It's true that I have played a lot of games, but the chance to go to the Games makes it worthwhile.

"Not everybody can do this, it's a privilege to be here and we will try to achieve another success for Spanish football.

"It's been a great year, I played a lot for Valencia, which gave me a chance in the national team, and I won my first professional title. Now I'm going to the Olympics.

"I've spoken to people who have already played in the Olympics, and they all agree that it's a unique experience."

Spain's preparations for the tournament have been far from ideal, having crashed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Senegal, and Jordi Alba believes that any team can claim the gold medals.

"Any opponent can beat you today," he continued. "Mexico have shown that they are very good on the ball and are very attacking. For me, they're among the favourites. Any opponent can surprise you."

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