Braithwaite after Barcelona debut: "I won't wash my clothes after hugging Messi"
The Barça emergency signing, snapped up from Leganés after Dembélé's long-term injury had a solid debut against Eibar.
Martin Braithwaite made his debut for new club Barcelona this Saturday in the 5-0 demolition of Eibar at the Camp Nou. The forward, signed from Leganés as an emergency replacement for Dembélé, came on in the 71st minute for Griezmann. His first touch was a poor attempted cross, but once he'd settled he looked solid, and set up Messi for his fourth as well as being involved in the build-up to Arthur's goal, Barcelona's fifth.
Here's what he had to say after the game:
What did you make of that?
I'm happy for the team.
What did you think when you came on?
It's a dream come true, I'm so pleased with all my new fans. I tried to do the best I could.
You didn't score.
It's not easy to score at Barça but at least I took part. In the future there's no doubt I'll score.
How do feel?
It's been extraordinary. A dream come true. I was a little nervous but really up for it. I'm happy about the win, too. The fans gave me a great reception and I'm proud to be here.
The team
The players are amazing. I only need to run and not much more, make deep moves, that's one of my main virtues.
Messi
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He congratulated me. You can see he's a great lad and he wants you to be happy. He looked for me with a number of passes when I came on. I won't wash my clothes after hugging him. He congratulated me and it was nicest touch in the world. You can see he looked for me several times. I feel really good and happy in these first days at the Camp Nou. If you'd told me 15 days ago I'd sign for Barcelona I admit I wouldn't have expected it.
Debut
When I was little I say new players making their debut and I thought it must be a really special moment... and all of a sudden I'm here with this reception from the supporters... it's been amazing.