Tuesday 8 July 2014 18:38, UK
Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo says he is relishing the challenge of replacing Victor Valdes at Barcelona following his switch from Real Sociedad.
The 31-year-old impressed in Brazil as his side reached the knock-out stages at the expense of holders Spain in Group B, before exiting the tournament on penalties after a 1-1 last-16 draw with the hosts.
Bravo has penned a four-year deal at the Nou Camp for a fee reported to be in the region of £9.7million and he says he is now raring to go with the Spanish giants.
"After what I experienced at the World Cup in Brazil, to then come to Barca is an incredible feeling and makes me very happy," said Bravo.
Bravo spent eight years with Sociedad having joined from Chilean side Colo-Colo in 2006 and he was thankful to Barcelona’s La Liga rivals for the opportunities they gave him.
He said: "I will take magnificent memories away from that club. They brought me to Europe and opened the doors for me to come to Barca.
"That is the reward for all my work. I am truly looking forward to contributing to and helping the team. I am very ambitious and have high expectations about the good things I can achieve here."
Bravo will be up against fellow new arrival Marc-Andre ter Stegen to become Luis Enrique’s first-choice stopper, but he insists that the competition is healthy.
"Such competitiveness can only be a good thing as long as it is for the good of the team," he said.
"I am very motivated about replacing Victor Valdes and Pinto as they set high standards for this club."
