The on-loan Barcelona forward, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ibrahim-Afellay-c16547, is looking to prove his worth to the Catalans by capping a successful loan spell at German Bundesliga side, Schalke.
The Dutch forward was signed by the Catalonian outfit from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/PSV-c40281 Eindhoven back in 2010, for a reported fee of 3 million Euros.
Afellay failed to live up to the expectations at the Camp Nou, being susceptible to many injury problems over the past two years, and could only manage to make 20 appearances for the first team during his recent spell at Barcelona.
F.C Barcelona’s official website confirmed Afellay’s loan move to Shalke 04 on 31st August 2012.The loan deal is believed to be season long and will keep him at the Veltin’s-arena till June 2013.
Afellay’s spell at Shalke has been impressive so far, and he insists that returning to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 is his main motive.
"Now when I look back at my time at Barcelona I only have good memories. Training was always great fun. Incredible really
The 26-year-old Dutch international also emphasized that for now he wants to keep his focus at the present and play quality football for Shalke 04 in both, the Bundesliga and the Champions league.
The forward stated that joining Barcelona did wonders to his progress and he owes a lot to his current employers, La Blaugrana.
"Since I arrived at Barcelona I have been growing both in a football sense as well as a mental sense.”
The Dutch forward also spoke about his injury problems and insisted that he has got a tough mentality to deal with the adverse injury conditions that he faced.
"I think that I have shown that I can battle through despite the adversity. There is nothing worse for a football player than to injure both ligaments in the knee.”
Afellay also took out time to shower thanks at his mother’s support during all the hard times, and described himself as blessed to have such an affectionate mother.
"At the time I cried like a baby because of the pain. My mother has played a big role in my recovery as she was by my side night and day.”
The on-loan forward is adamant to prove his worth to the Barcelona coach by having a successful tenure at Shalke 04 and make a solid case for himself.
Tags: