Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X
For Quick Alerts
ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS  
For Daily Alerts

Dembele does not want to be compared with Neymar

Dembele's presentation was delayed by an hour after a paperwork problem with Borussia Dortmund

Ousmane Dembele

Barcelona, August 28: Barcelona's new signing Ousmane Dembele insisted he is not feeling under pressure to perform despite joining the Catalan as a club record signing and the second most expensive footballer of all-time.

The 20-year-old winger, signed from Borussia Dortmund for a record fee was presented to over 17,000 fans at the Camp Nou on Monday.

"(I feel) no pressure, no nerves. It's the transfer market going a bit crazy. But I'm here to do my work well on the pitch and help the team," said Dembele.

I'm not here to replace Neymar - Dembele

"I don't feel pressure from these numbers, in fact more than pressure it's a pleasure to be here."

Dembele, who shot into the limelight after one season each at Rennes and Dortmund, has been signed by Barcelona following Neymar's departure to Paris Saint-Germain.

However, the French international does not think he has been headhunted to fill the Brazilian's boots at Camp Nou.

"There's a big difference between Neymar and me. Neymar is one of the best players in the world, I am very young. I'm improving day to day, trying to improve and to grow," said Dembele.

"I'm not here to replace Neymar. They needed a player in this position, they called me and I will give everything for this club. I'm 20, I have a lot to learn and that's why I'm at this big club.

"It's an honour and a pleasure to play in a team with Lionel Messi, I want to learn from him. He's a great player, the best player in the history of football and I'm happy to grow in this team."

Dembele's presentation was delayed by an hour after a paperwork problem with Borussia Dortmund and some fans grew upset because of the delay at a baking stadium.

They chanted for Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu to resign and showed support for former chief Joan Laporta, whistling and waving white handkerchiefs, in a public demonstration of the discontent with the board that exists.

Story first published: Tuesday, August 29, 2017, 12:35 [IST]
Other articles published on Aug 29, 2017