Jordi Alba on futures of "one of a kind" Messi and "club legend" Koeman

Jordi Alba has a great relationship with Lionel Messi. They look for each other on the pitch and Barcelona benefit with goals and assists. Messi's future is the big issue for Barcelona fans, which isn't strange considering he's the best player in the world.

Alba was clear in his interview with SPORT when speaking about his teammate: "I hope he continues with us. He's one of a kind, the best in the world and I hope he stays, but it's a decision he must make himself and that should be respected.

"Whatever happens, we have to accept it. But above all he is a person and a player that loves Barça, that is happy here and that has always shown that with the level he's given during all these years."

Alba recognised he has a "good feeling" with the Argentine: "With Leo, I've always had a really good relationship, both on and off the pitch we understand each other."

Coach Koeman

It was in Valencia, with Alba in the U19s, when Ronald Koeman first got to know the current Barça left-back. The Dutch coach was impressed and even called him up to the first team, but his spell at Mestalla ended abruptly. When he took over at Barça last summer, Alba was one of the first people he called.

"I have always had the support of the coach, who's a legend at the club, a coach that is always upfront with the players, and that for me is important," Alba said.

"He's doing a really good job and the players are responding to what he asks from us. It's not my decision, but it's clear he's doing a great job for the club and for all of us."

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