Barcelona Forward Draws Inspiration From Lionel Messi, Excited To Play With Luis Suarez
KEY POINTS
- Martin Braithwaite is living his dream in Barcelona
- Braithwaite says Lionel Messi is an inspiration
- Braithwaite looks forward to Luis Suarez's return from injury
Martin Braithwaite is living the dream in Barcelona and he is relishing every bit of it. Signed by Barca in February, the Danish forward said he is blessed to be given the chance to play along with Lionel Messi, whom he treats as inspiration to pattern his game with.
With just three games having played with the club, Braithwaite has already noticed the significant transformation in his play just by running the field alongside the Argentine superstar.
"It changes a lot, of course," Braithwaite told Goal. "He gives so much confidence to the team because he can make the difference and also helped me personally to be a better player with his advice and how he sees football. He is really an inspiration."
The 29-year-old has yet to score for the Catalans but managed to dish out two assists on his debut. And as the rest at Camp Nou braces for a return in less than a week, the Dane is hoping to contribute better.
The intention to take his numbers a notch higher, however, will have to face a daunting challenge with the impending return of Luis Suarez, whose spot he has basically taken over as the Uruguayan nursed an injury.
But Braithwaite stressed that Suarez returning for the team does not concern him at all. As he insisted that one of his priorities is to further establish a camaraderie with the rest of the squad, Braithwaite hailed Suarez and even expressed his excitement to learn from the veteran striker.
"Honestly I don't think in that kind of way. I am so happy that Luis is back because when I came here he was injured and I haven't played with him," he said. "I want to learn from him, he is one of the best strikers in the world and I am happy he is back,” Braithwaite said.
Braithwaite had previous stints with Leganes, Middlesbrough, and Toulouse before finding himself fulfilling his dream in Barcelona.
“If you put your mind in it you can achieve your dreams," he said.
His journey with the Spanish club continues as Barca is scheduled to face Mallorca in their comeback match on the 13th.
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.