The Brazilian has played 23 La Liga games with Real Betis this season after moving to Spain from Atlético Mineiro in 2019.
Emerson says he’s ready to play for Barcelona
Emerson has told Barcelona he feels ready to play for the first-team amid rumors that this year he may switch to Camp Nou. The Brazilian has played 23 La Liga games with Real Betis this season after moving to Spain from Atlético Mineiro in 2019. Barca made a deal of €12 million (£10 million/$14 million) to sign a five-year contract with the Brazilian side. However, Betis paid half this amount for 50 percent of his registration rights before taking him to Seville. It is reported that under this deal, the Catalans have the opportunity to directly sign it for an initial €6 million in 2021. Still, it was said that Barca boss Quique Setien, who worked with Emerson at Betis, wants to bring this move to this year.
I’m young and ready to play for any team
The 21-year-old striker insists that he will not have concerns about joining Barça, having improved his defensive displays under Setien, and then Rubi, who claimed responsibility when Ernesto Valverde flew out at the end of last season, replacing Ernesto Valverde as coach of the Blaugrana. “First, Setien, and then Rubi insisted that I better defend myself.” I quickly come forward, but it’s harder at the back. I started working on it, and everything changed a lot, “Emerson told reporters.” The reality is that in Brazil, I did not have to do as much as a defender. Closing spaces and tactics work much more in Europe than there. “I didn’t think that I would reach this level so early. I think this season is, without a doubt, the best in my life. For me, everything is going fast. I am young but ready to play for any team.
Playing for the Blaugrana is a dream for Brazil international
“Yes, I’m ready to play for Barcelona. I’ve been asked before to join the senior Brazil team, and my answer was the same. I’m not afraid at all. Playing for Barca is a dream that I had since childhood. I have always been a fan of Barca for Brazilian stars who played there like Ronaldinho or Dani Alves. And also for Leo Messi or Eric Abidal. “I have four idols: Dani Alves, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, and Marcelo. Many compare my story to that of Alves, yes. He is an example. I also want to play in the Champions League with Barcelona and win as many cups as possible.”