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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Ben Hayward

Barcelona midfielder Matheus Fernandes says he will 'mark an era' at Camp Nou

Barcelona's January signing Matheus Fernandes believes he can "mark an era" at the Catalan club.

The Brazilian midfielder, who arrived from Palmeiras in the winter window, is on loan at Real Valladolid and has not yet been able to make his debut due to the coronavirus crisis which has seen all football in Spain suspended.

"It's a little difficult," he told Mundo Deportivo. "I'm a little anxious to get on the pitch and make my debut. Because of coronavirus, I haven't been able to."

The 21-year-old is expected to join up with Barcelona at the end of the season, but accepts he may have to spend more time out on loan.

"My contract finishes in June," he said. "I want to be at Barcelona, it's the dream of any boy, but it depends on their opinion. If I can't go to Barcelona now, I will keep learning at Valladolid or at another club."

Fernandes says he has tried to learn from two Barca midfield greats of recent years, Sergio Busquets and Xavi, and described his playing style for the fans.

"I'm a midfielder who goes from box to box," he said. "But I also like to play in a more fixed position protecting the defence. I'm a technical player and fans can find out how I play in the matches."

Asked about a future at Camp Nou, he said: "I know I still have a lot to learn, I'm aware of that and I'm trying to improve here at Valladolid, but I think I will mark an era at Barcelona."

He added: "I hope to spend a lot of time there and to win many titles; to give a lot of joy and happiness to the club and to the fans."

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