Real Betis defender Emerson says he's "ready" to play for Barcelona

Real Betis defender Emerson says he's "ready" to play for Barcelona

Así juega Emerson
Así juega Emerson Aparecido / | sport

The right-back is on loan in Seville until the summer of 2021

Emerson de Souza, the Brazilian right-back on loan at Real Betis from Barcelona until 2021, says he is already "ready to play for Barça." 

In comments to Diario AS, Emerson spoke about how he's missing football during the coronavirus pandemic and about how he's working out at home to remain in shape. 

Asked about returning to Camp Nou, the defender said "yes, I am ready now to play for Barcelona. I was asked before if I was ready for the Brazilian national team, too, and I gave the same answer." 

FEET ON THE GROUND 

However, Emerson doesn't know when he will join Barça. He is on loan at Betis until next summer but Barça could pay a penalty fee to bring him back earlier. 

"I am not worried about that," he added. "I am only thinking about the present. If you let your mind wander, you don't play well for your club, which right now is Real Betis. 

"[But] playing for Barcelona is a dream I have had since I was a kid. I was always a Barça fan because of the Brazilians that played there before." 

REFERENCE Dani Alves

Emerson, 21, listed a long list of compatriots who have made a mark at Camp Nou, but highlighted Ronaldinho and Dani Alves, the latter, who shares his position, being a "reference." 

They have different styles, though. Emerson is more powerful and stands out for his ability in the air because "from little, in my street in Sao Paulo, we played crosses and headers." 

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