Barcelona very hurt by the attitude of 31-year-old star who is refusing to leave the club: Reports
Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite has refused to comply with the club's wishes of wanting him to leave the club. The Dane has decided to stay at the Nou Camp for the remainder of his contract despite the Catalans no longer being interested in keeping him on their books.
Mundo Deportivo reported that the attitude of the Denmark international has upset the hierarchy at Barcelona who are extremely hurt by his reluctance to leave. Xavi Hernandez is determined to bolster his squad in multiple positions before the new campaign begins and equip the team with stars who can help challenge for major silverware.
This process demands a clearout and many names are expected to leave the Nou Camp in the process. Luuk de Jong and Adama Traore will to their parent clubs after their loan deals expire. Meanwhile, Barcelona have informed defenders Oscar Mingueza, Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet and attacker Rique Puig that they are surplus to requirements.
The list also included Braithwaite, who was informed that he is not a part of Xavi Hernandez's plans for the future. While others have realized that their Barcelona careers are over, the 31-year old forward has refused to accept this demand.
Incredible two weeks with this team. No better way to kick off the holidays 🇩🇰 https://t.co/91r4xGG20d
Braithwaite was on the sidelines with injury troubles for a significant amount of time last season. Though he regained fitness and returned to the squad, he was overlooked by Xavi throughout the campaign. The striker made only five appearances in the 2021-22 season, scoring two goals and giving an assist in less than 250 minutes of action.
His overall record stands at 10 goals and five assists in 58 games across competitions. He won the Copa del Rey in the 2020-21 season with the club.
Barcelona striker still very much an important part of the national team
With the 2022 World Cup in Qatar approaching, every player is making sure they get plenty of game time to stay in the best shape and cement their spot in the national sides. Martin Braithwaite, however, seems to be an exception in this case. Knowing fully well that staying at Barcelona will mean hardly any game time, he is still adamant to continue.
Brentford have emerged as a “possible destination” for striker Martin Braithwaite as Barcelona look to sell the Danish international this summer. [Dario SPORT] https://t.co/z1ZkK6HUxn
Despite hardly seeing any on-field action for the Blaugrana, Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand still selected him for the UEFA Nations League matches this month.
Speaking to TV 2 Sport (via MARCA), the Barcelona forward said he was grateful for the opportunity to represent his national team.
"I've played more in these four games than in the whole season there [at Barcelona]. It's been fantastic and I'm very happy with the confidence Kasper has given me. I was well aware that I couldn't count on coming in and starting every game, but I knew that in training and in the limited minutes I had, I had to convince Hjulmand that I was fit.I am insanely happy, and insanely grateful for the trust they [Denmark's coaching staff] have given me," Braithwaite said.
Braithwaite has 60 caps for Denmark at senior level and has scored 10 goals in them. He has played in all four group games in the Nations League.