Balde: 'Jordi Alba gives me advice'

Alejandro Balde made his Spanish debut against Costa Rica on Wednesday, an impressive 7-0 win for Luis Enrique and his team. He spoke to Mundo Deportivo afterwards, and here are the choicest quoites.

On Barça

"It was tough to get knocked out of the Champions League but we are clear at the top of the league table. We still have the league, cup, Super Cup and Europa League to come and we want to win all those. The fans need to know that we'll do everything we can."

"I learn at lot from Xavi and he has had a lot of faith in me lately. I'm getting to play this season and I'm grateful for that."

"There are eight Barça players in the Spain squad and I'm happy to have so many team-mates here. We'll give all we have."

Competition at left back

"The veterans help us. Jordi Alba plays in my position and always has advice for me. He told me the other day about how the players are positioned differently for Spain."

"When there are people in the same position, outsiders see it as a war, but it isn't. It's just healthy competition.".

A day at Ciutat Esportiva...

"I tend to have breakfast at the training ground and then go to the gym. After training I sometimes go back to the gym. During the week, especially when we have matches, I spend the rest of the day relaxing at home."

"For me, fitness is an important part of my routine. That's because I'm an explosive player. It is important to do gym work these days because there's a lot more physicality in football."

World Cup

"The day Luis Enrique announced the squad I'd have been happy to go to the World Cup but if not, I'd just have carried on working normally."

"When they told me that Gayà was injured, they started making jokes. They were saying I might get called up, but I didn't say anything until it happened. They told me and I phoned my parents and they were very happy."

"Four months ago I was playing most games for the team and now I'm playing for Spain. My family and friends are helping to make sure I keep my feet on the ground."

Debut day

"It was a dream to play. And to make my international debut in the World Cup. I am happy I got the chance and also with the win."

"It's too early to say we're favourites. That was just the first game so let's keep calm. Spain should always be one of the favourites, but there are a lot of games still to play."

"I wasn't nervous. I was a bit before going onto the pitch, but it went as soon as I was out there."