Barcelona transfer news: Former Arsenal star Thomas Vermaelen admits regret over staying at Barca last summer
Belgium centre-back does not hold back as he discusses his decision to stay and fight for his place at the Nou Camp after he was promised match action by boss Ernesto Valverde
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THOMAS VERMAELEN has admitted again that he regrets staying at Barcelona last summer.
The injury-plagued defender was wanted by a host of clubs, including Premier League duo Crystal Palace and Everton.
However, Ernesto Valverde convinced him to remain at the Nou Camp and fight for his place after a frustrating couple of years on the treatment table.
Despite Barcelona's stunning early season form taking them four points clear at the top of La Liga, Vermaelen's personal misery has continued.
He has been included in the matchday squad on numerous occasions, but the 31-year-old has been restricted to just one game against Murcia in the Copa del Rey for the Catalans.
The veteran did get some much-needed game time for his country against Mexico last week, which he said he was "happy to play with Belgium, given that my with my club I almost never play".
But with the World Cup fast-approaching, he is desperate to get out on the pitch more in order to cement his seat on the plane to Russia.
And with Anderlecht rumoured to be interested in signing him, he could be heading out of the Barca exit door within the coming months - although he is staying tight-lipped on his next destination.
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He told Het Laatste Nieuws: "I'm not going to say anything about that because last time I spoke my words were taken out of context."
Although, he was not so coy when it came to discussing his decision to stay at the Nou Camp.
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He added: "In the summer I thought it would be positive to stay at Barcelona.
"But after seeing how my situation is here, I've seen that's not the case."
A number of English clubs could be tempted to try and recruit the centre-half, who can also play full-back, in January.
Vermaelen remains under contract until June 2019 but could be allowed to depart on loan.
And although he is expected to favour a switch to Anderlecht, he may find the opportunity of regular football and a return to the Prem a tempting proposition.
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