Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has said that he now "accepts" the criticism of his form, with the Spaniard claiming that he has been "singled out" for a number of years.
The 32-year-old has made 23 appearances for the Catalan giants during the 2021-22 campaign despite being absent for periods of the season through injury and COVID-19.
Alba has struggled to show his best form for Xavi's side this term, though, which has led to criticism.
The Spain international has said that his strong performances are never acknowledged, but he has now come to accept it as "part of the circus" in football.
"I have felt singled out for criticism for many years," Alba told reporters. "This is not the first time it's happened to me and I accept all criticism, as it's part of the circus that is generated in football.
"If I play a good game, the critics don't talk about it, but if I play like the other day they kill me. But this is normal and I accept it."
Alba has contributed six assists in 23 outings for Barcelona during the 2021-22 campaign and played the full 90 minutes of Sunday's 1-0 win over Alaves in La Liga.
Matt Law
