Carles Alena: I feel like a footballer again

Carles Alena started and finished Barcelona's 4-0 win away at Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday night, which has done wonders for his confidence.

The 22-year-old, who was once tipped to become the next star at the Camp Nou, has yet to play in LaLiga Santander so far this season, while he has made two appearances in the Champions League, so he was understandably happy to have played the full 90 minutes in Ukraine.

"I am happy about the victory," Alena said in his post-match interview. "This is a team.

"I feel like a footballer again, but the team comes first. Qualification is done.

"I am very happy. It was a difficult pitch. At the Camp Nou, they made it difficult for us. The team played a great game. The three points are important."

As a result of his lack of game time, Alena was asked if he might consider a departure in the January transfer window.

"The idea is to stay here," he responded. "I look good physically. I want to stay; if it were up to me, I would stay here all my life."

The midfielder understands that the only way he will get more minutes is through hard work.

"I think that the only way [to play more] is to work and give my all in training," Alena explained. "Little by little I feel better.

"I am happy to have this opportunity and feel like a footballer again. The demand is high here; there are the best in the world."