Tuesday 2 June 2015 16:21, UK
Thomas Vermaelen is hoping to put a nightmare first Barcelona campaign behind him now he is free from injury.
Vermaelen is available for selection against Juventus but it is unlikely he will make his second appearance for the club in the Champions League final.
He played for Barcelona in their final La Liga match of the season after a nine month lay-off due to a hamstring tear he sustained while playing for Belgium at the 2014 World Cup.
Vermaelen moved to Barcelona from Arsenal last summer in a £15m deal and he is now looking forward to exciting times ahead with his current team-mates.
“It is a bit strange. I haven’t been involved the whole season it has been a difficult year for me because of the injury," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "In the end I am very happy to be back and I made my debut at the end of the season so I am very pleased with that.
“Of course it has been the worst time of my career, not only because of the injury but as you say when you come to a new club and you want to show yourself and show people what you are capable of and you can’t do that because of the injury and that is very difficult. On top of that you need to adapt to the new culture, new city. It has been hard but in the end I have made it and I am happy to be here.
“I don’t expect a lot this season. I have been out for the whole year, so my expectations are not very high. For me I need to forget this season and go for it next year.
“I am very happy to play with the players we have in this team. I don’t think a lot of people would be happy to play against the strikers we have. It is better to have them in your team. I am very happy to train with them every day and be on the pitch with them. I learn a lot from them every single day.”
