“I am one of the most hated players in football” – Alba

defender

Jordi Alba

has been working hard to build himself after he came back to Camp Nou in 2012 when

Pep Guardiola

was reigning.

The 31-year-old has made 360 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona and contributed to five

titles as well as one

.

Notwithstanding him becoming a star and being admired by supporters during those times, Alba believes his combative style made people conceive him as an opposition target.

“

It is clear that if people know me through football, they would think I am one of the most hated players in football, that is clear,

” he said.

“

It is my way of playing and it’s what has led me to be the player I am today and to be where I am.

“Other people know me by how I am, as a very humble person that values everything in my life.

“The player Jordi has nothing to do with the human Jordi or the Jordi with his teammates.

“Yes, it’s true that the way I play is very heavy and I understand the hatred that people who do not know me can have me to me.”

Alba stayed with the Catalan giants under successive managers and even became a vice-captain this season. Although injuries have slowed him down at the beginning of the season, his defensive qualifications made him a key player for Koeman.

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