Ibrahim Afellay has first training session as Barcelona player
Barcelona’s new signing http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ibrahim-Afellay-c16547, formerly of PSV Eindhoven, had his first training session for the club on Wednesday.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Barcelona-c39078 officially confirmed Ibrahim Afellay on December 24 as their first signing for the winter season, when the 24-year-old Dutch forward signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the club, with a buyout clause of €100m.
Barcelona paid PSV Eindhoven €3m for Afellay, and according to Barcelona’s official website, "the Dutch club will receive a percentage of any sell on fee. The deal also includes an agreement for Barca to play http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/PSV-c40281 in their centenary match in 2013."
After taking the number 20 shirt for Barca, Afellay told reporters that he was "happy to be part of the family of the best club in the world."
"When I was a kid, I wanted to play for Barca – it was a dream," said Afellay, who is Barcelona’s 19th Dutch signing to date. "We all know that it is the best place to play football and when I heard about their interest
I didn’t think twice, I just felt – sign now and close the deal quickly."
According to the club’s website, Afellay will have to wait a few days before making his debut for Barcelona – league inscriptions still have to be made official before he is available for selection. He is expected to play when
Barcelona face Athletic Bilbao on January 5, in the second leg of the Copa del Rey.
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