Barcelona defender 'incredibly happy' as he rules out summer exit
- Andreas Christensen has denied reports he could leave Barcelona this summer
- Danish defender has recently been deployed in midfield
- Xavi's departure has left Christensen feeling disappointed
By Tom Gott
Andreas Christensen has denied reports he could look to leave Barcelona this summer, insisting he remains "incredibly happy" at the club.
Christensen was a star in Barca's defence last season as they waltzed to La Liga's title but saw his minutes drop slightly in the first half of the current campaign as Xavi appeared to prefer a partership of Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde.
Since then, however, Christensen has found a new role at the base of Barcelona's midfield, taking the spot which had initially been earmarked for Oriol Romeu. The Dane has impressed in his new position and admitted he is loving the challenge set to him.
"I'm not going anywhere," he told TV2. "Not at all.
"I knew what I was getting into. And I'm still incredibly happy and can't see anything else for myself other than being here after the summer."
Despite enjoying life as a midfielder, Christensen insisted he does not see himself taking up that position permanently.
"It has been a long time since I last played that position, so of course there is a lot that I have to get used to. But I actually enjoy it," he continued.
"I have to keep the balance in front of the defence and make sure that we are in the right places. I have to fill the space right behind the attackers. Both when we are on the ball and when we are not on the ball. It may well be that sometimes on the ball it will not always be so important. But luckily we have other good ball players there.
"There have been no indications that I will be a midfielder from now on. I am still a defender, but we have been in a difficult period, and there it is my job to fill in the things that I can, to help the team.
"But I don't see myself as 100% a defensive midfielder. I'm a defender, and they tell me that every time in the meetings. There is a clear understanding that I am a defender. But I also know how important balance has been for the team, and that is why I have taken the role."
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