• Premier League

Chelsea youngster Romeu eyes Barcelona return

ESPN staff
July 11, 2012
Oriol Romeu would switch to centre-back in order to aid a return to Barcelona © PA Photos
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Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu has revealed that would return to former club Barcelona if he was given a chance to play by new coach Tito Vilanova.

Oriol, 20, has a disputed buy-back clause in his contract which Barcelona say will allow them to take him back to Camp Nou for £9.5 million this summer or £13 million the following year. But Chelsea insist that the Catalans can only buy Oriol back if they agree to sell.

Oriol, who signed a three-year contract in August, moved to England in a £4.35 million deal but only made 16 appearances for the Blues last season and his place is under pressure with the arrivals of Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and the possible signing of Internacional's Oscar.

Indeed, the Spanish midfielder expressed his desire to play more regularly and may opt to return to Barcelona if they want him in the first-team.

"If [Barcelona coach] Tito Vilanova wants me there, I would talk to him and discuss it with him. If they want me to enjoy my football and show some confidence in me, then onwards and upwards," he told Sport.

"Returning to Barcelona is an option but it depends on many things, because I want to play.

"I've always felt like a big Barcelona supporter, I am very grateful to FC Barcelona and it's thanks to them that I am where I am. I wanted to play more and Chelsea showed confidence in me, but if FC Barcelona want you to play, well..."

"They have the option to buy me back, I left knowing I had that option, and if they still have confidence in me, as they showed by leaving the option open, then they should let me know."

Oriol also made it clear that he would be willing to switch back to a centre-back if it were to give him more time on the pitch.

"It's been a long time since I played as a central defender but it's all the same for me to play in that position as in midfield," he added. "What I want is to play and I'm willing to play in whatever position."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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