Monday, 18th April, 2011
Alexander Hleb has criticised Barcelona for preferring to pick Spanish players over foreign stars. The Belarus international is currently on loan at English Premier League side Birmingham City from the Camp Nou club and does not expect to be turning out for the Blaugrana next season.
Hleb spent last season on loan at German side VfB Stuttgart, but did not earn a permanent move. Indeed, the midfielder has flopped at Barcelona since he joined the Catalans from Arsenal in 2008.
"Barcelona is the biggest club in the world, but it is difficult when you’re not from Spain", said Hleb.
"It has happened with everybody, with [Thierry] Henry, everyone. Josep Guardiola picks the Spanish players. I’ve not had a lot of chances to play there. I prefer to stay in the Premier League."
Following his comments it is likely Barcelona will seek to move Hleb on quickly at the end of the current campaign and a permanent return to the Premier League looks likely.
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