Football
Sam Marsden, Barcelona correspondent 6y

Barcelona's Jordi Alba wants more respect from Valencia fans

Jordi Alba said Valencia fans should show him "more respect" after he scored the equaliser against his former club in Barcelona's 1-1 draw at the Mestalla on Sunday.

Rodrigo Moreno gave Valencia the lead in the match between La Liga's top two, with his strike coming after a Lionel Messi goal was controversially not awarded when his shot was fumbled over the line by goalkeeper Neto.

A win would have brought Valencia to within a point of leaders Barca, but Alba's late leveller -- his third in four starts for club and country -- ensured that Ernesto Valverde's side stayed four points clear.

Alba was jeered throughout the game by Valencia fans, who have not forgiven him for his 2012 switch to the Camp Nou.

He told reporters: "I don't understand the reception I've got for the last six seasons.

"I think they should have more respect for me, the same as I have for them. I joined them for free and they got a lot of money when I left. I will always be grateful to the club.

"But the treatment I get here isn't good. I gave everything for Valencia -- they have to understand that I left to go home. I decided to go to Barcelona, which is where I'm from, and the best club in the world."

Left-back Alba is one of six players, along with Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Samuel Umtiti, to be given time off this week by Valverde.

None will play against Real Murcia in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, with Barca going into the second leg at the Camp Nou with a 3-0 lead.

Valverde may use the chance to play players who are returning from injuries, with Sergi Roberto and Andre Gomes both pushing for a return to action.

Rafinha also took a step forward in his recovery on Monday, taking part in a light training session, but is not yet ready for competitive football.

Valverde will also blood some of the club's B team players, with Carles Alena, Vitinho, Marc Cardona, David Costas, Oriol Busquets, Adrian Ortola and Jorge Cuenca all having trained with the first team on Monday.

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