Barcelona star Andreas Christensen provides response when asked if he's leaving club
Barcelona centre-back Andreas Christensen has dismissed reports that he's seeking a way out of the club. The Denmark international has been at the Camp Nou since the summer of 2022.
Christensen, 28, has contributed four goals and three assists in 75 games across competitions for Barca. But he has appeared just once this season due to Achilles tendon inflammation, coming off after 26 minutes in the 2-1 La Liga opening-day win at Valencia in August.
While he's contracted to the Camp Nou till 2026, there have been talks that the Dane could be on his way out. However, speaking to TV Sport 2 (via Barca Blaugranes), Christensen said:
“I can only speak from the conversations I’ve had with the club, and, so far, they’ve just said to make sure I’m ready, and they’re looking forward to me being back.
He added:
"Yes, of course (I'm staying at Barca). I approach it with the attitude that it will be difficult. They (Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez and Ronald Araujo) have done incredibly well, and it’s up to me to knock them off. The ultimate goal is to come back and play as many matches as possible, but it will be difficult."
“It’s been a while since I’ve talked to him (Flick) tactically, but I played as a 6 in pre-season, so it could well be a thought, but I think mainly that it will be as a central defender. It’s also where I’d rather play.”
Barca have fared well in Christensen's absence, leading holders Real Madrid by four points at the top of the table, having played a game more.
What's next for Barcelona?
Barcelona have had a good start to life under new manager Hansi Flick, the former Bayern Munich and Germany tactician who has replaced the legandary Xavi this summer.
As mentioned above, the Blaugrana are four points clear atop the La Liga standings, winning 11 of 14 matches, scoring a league-high 42 goals. They hve also fared well in the UEFA Champions League, where they are third after five games following a 3-0 home win over Brest in midweek.
Flick's side next take on Las Palmas at home in the league on Saturday (November 30). The visitors have struggled this campaign, being just two points above the relegation zone, having won three of 14 games and losing eight.