“I realise that I play in one of the best teams ever,” said the midfielder to Goal.com. Afellay joined Barcelona on the cheap in January and his move to Spain was like a dream come true. The former PSV skipper has so far played 97 minutes in La Liga and has also featured in the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
He joined his team-mates from the Dutch national side earlier this week for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against Hungary. Afellay doesn’t think his move to Barcelona has had an impact on his status at Oranje. “I’m not the type of person to voice his opinion on these kinds of things. I’m now a Barcelona player and that’s it,” said the Barcelona player. Everything seems so simple for Afellay at his new club, but he admits that it’s not all that easy. “Playing seven minutes for Barcelona is more valuable than getting playing time at every other club.”
“I was supposed to come on when it was still 1-1 in the game against Arsenal,” continued Afellay, who eventually came off the bench later on because of the quickfire goals which followed. “The fact that the coach is willing to play me in such an important game proves that I’m on the right track, even though I arrived here only a few months ago.”
Afellay looks more relaxed and comfortable speaking to the press than during his days with PSV and the midfielder feels proud that he’s being recognised in Barcelona. “There’s nothing more fulfilling than making somebody happy by giving them my signature. People often ask for a picture when I’m having dinner somewhere. They are often honoured that you’re having dinner there.”
From the Stratumseind to La Rambla. Two completely different worlds. There are also huge differences between playing at PSV and wearing the jersey of Barcelona. “There’s always someone available here to receive the ball. Players are already moving before you’ve even controlled the ball. Everybody is looking to get the ball. People often blamed me at PSV that I ran too much with the ball, but I really didn’t have much more options.
“The best thing about Barcelona is that everybody is very normal. That’s very helpful to me. And of course, they’re all great players. Everybody is doing their utmost to help me out and to make me feel at home. Most players don’t speak English, but they’re always looking to have a little conversation. Those kinds of things are important to me.”
The club’s icon is also the best player in the world. Lionel Messi was one of Afellay’s idols when he still played at PSV, but they’re team-mates now.”He doesn’t speak any English, but the language of football is universal. My Spanish is already improving, so things are starting to go easier. What do I like about him? That he’s very down to earth. Sometimes you see players walking around like they’re all that, but I prefer the more ‘normal’ players.
“I’m taking one step at a time in my career. I was with PSV ever since I was 17 years old. It’s important that you’re always willing to learn new things. You’re never done learning. Not as a human being and certainly not as a footballer. I’ve always had the belief that I could make it. That’s the most important thing, even though it’s not something you have to speak out loud. I’ve been with Barcelona for only three months and I’m positive about the future. I’m only 24 years old now and there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Patience is crucial both in the footballing world and in real life.”
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‘Patient’ Ibrahim Afellay Confident He’ll Succeed At Barcelona