The Blaugrana’s newest signing has discussed the abilities of this six-time Ballon d’Or winner before the weekend’s crucial Clasico experience.
Martin Braithwaite has clarified Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi as a footballing god, insisting”nobody can do things he does” on the pitch.
Braithwaite is still adjusting to life at Camp Nou following his suprise $18 million (#15m/$20m) move from Leganes on February 20.
Barca were granted permission by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to signal the 28-year-old outside the transfer window with lost Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele to long-term harms.
The Spanish champions received widespread criticism for earning the Denmark striker because of his lack of expertise at the maximum level, but he played well on his debut against Eibar last weekend.
Braithwaite came on as a substitute throughout the 5-0 win at Camp Nou and connected up to great effect with Messi, who helped himself to four goals on the afternoon.
The ex-Leganes celebrity insisted that he wouldn’t wash his garments “after getting Messi’s hugs” throughout the competition, and has heaped more praise upon the Argentine superstar before Sunday’s La Liga showdown against Real Madrid.
“Nobody can do things he can,” Braithwaite told Barca’s official site. “If football were a religion, Messi could be God.
“He controls the game. He’s an outstanding player.”
Braithwaite added on his enthusiasm before his first Clasico in Santiago Bernabeu: “It will be a glorious experience. It’s the main game, and everybody follows it.
“There is going to be a good deal of intensity, and I have got a lot to win from playing this game.”
The forward went on to explain his emotions after linking up with his new team-mates in Camp Nou, admitting the speedy nature of his movement from Leganes to Barca came as a surprise.
“My very first training session with Barcelona was incredible,” he said. “Out of nothing, from being Leganes I was unexpectedly here. However, it felt quite natural.”
Barca hold a two-point lead over Madrid from the La Liga standings right now and will expect to pile more misery on their rivals after a nightmare week that has seen them suffer defeats against Levante and Manchester City.
