Barcelona

Malcom: Representing Barcelona "a dream"

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 27 July 2018

New Barcelona signing Malcom hopes to follow in the steps of fellow Brazilians Neymar and Ronaldinho by making a lasting impression at Camp Nou.

Malcom has admitted that he is hoping to "learn a lot" from new teammate Lionel Messi after completing a "dream" switch to Barcelona.

The Catalan giants hijacked Roma's move for the Brazilian winger earlier this week for a fee north of £37m, making him their third signing of the summer window following the arrivals of Clement Lenglet and Arthur.

Speaking at his unveiling at Nike's Portland HQ, the 21-year-old - also reportedly a target for Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Chelsea - said that he is hoping to follow in the footsteps of some of the world's greatest players, particularly those of Brazilian heritage.

"I know it's a challenge to play for FC Barcelona, but this is a dream I've had since I was little," he told the assembled press. "I'm a forward, and I'm multi-faceted, good in one-on-one situations, I'm very fast, and I can help out defensively.

"Messi is the best player in the world. He's a legend. And I hope to learn a lot from him.

"When I was little, my idol was Ronaldinho. Neymar, too. I hope to follow in the footsteps of all the great Brazilian players who triumphed at Barca."

Malcom, yet to be capped at senior level by Brazil, scored 20 goals in 84 Ligue 1 appearances for Bordeaux.