Jordi Alba has cooled claims that he could join Atletico Madrid this summer by admitting that he 'does not see himself playing against Barcelona' for his next club.
The 34-year-old recently came to an agreement with Barcelona to end his contract despite having another 12 months left to run on his deal at Camp Nou.
Alba will now be available on a free transfer this summer, and he has no plans to retire, with a number of clubs already said to have expressed their interest in his signature.
A recent report claimed that Atletico were in the running, with the capital outfit's head coach Diego Simeone viewing the left-back as the ideal acquisition ahead of next season.
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However, Alba has admitted that he would find it difficult playing against Barcelona, seemingly ruling out a move to their La Liga rivals Atletico.
The defender also opened up on his exit from Barcelona, revealing that he wanted to stay but understood that it was best for all parties to end their association this summer.
"I think it's what is best, for me, thinking about the club. I wanted to stay, that was real, where better than here? I sat down with my family, we evaluated everything, and in the end I think that being honest, we have made the right decision. But I leave very happy and very content," he told Onda Cero.
"Right now I don't see myself playing against Barca. But when I have the proposals, we'll see. I want to see all the possible options in Europe, and outside of it, and look for the best one, not only for myself, but also for my family."
Benfica and Inter Milan have also been credited with an interest in the Spaniard, while there have been suggestions that a number of Saudi Arabian clubs are keeping a close eye on his situation.
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Alba featured on 30 occasions for Barcelona during the 2022-23 campaign, contributing two goals and six assists in the process.
However, he fell behind Alejandro Balde in the pecking order for the left-back spot, and the Catalan outfit's financial problems led to them approaching him over a contract termination.
Alba leaves Camp Nou having made 459 appearances in all competitions, scoring 27 goals and registering 99 assists in the process.
Meanwhile, the left-back won six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey crowns, four Spanish Super Cups, the Champions League and the Club World Cup during his time at the club.
Matt Law
