Marcos Alonso: "It was a childhood dream since my father brought me to the Camp Nou"

Key Points:

• Marcos Alonso is the third member of the Alonso family to wear the Barca shirt. His father and great-grandfather have already donned the Garnet and Blue shirt

President Laporta and Marcos Alonso at the official presentation

New signing Marcos Alonso, 31, was presented as a new Barcelona player on Tuesday. The Spaniard, who arrives from Chelsea, is the third in the family to wear a Barca shirt. His great-grandfather, Luis Zabala, and his father Marcos Alonso have donned the blue and garnet colors before him.

"I'm very happy, it's a dream I've had since my father brought me to the Camp Nou. I'm very happy for that and for reaching the team where my father triumphed," said the Spanish international during the presentation.

“I can’t wait to have success here and to please the fans. The success will be shared between all of us.”

Alonso, who has signed a one-year contract with Blaugrana with a release clause set at €50 million, is Barcelona’s eighth signing of the season following the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christesen, Franck Kessie, Pablo Torre and Hector Bellerin.

"I arrive with the desire to achieve success, I know the fans are eager for success. Their successes will be mine and those of my family and my friends. I hope to bring experience and I can help the youngsters whenever possible. As the President said, I can also put in a freekick," said the emotional left-back.

Alonso has already played with several Barcelona players in the La Roja and he looked excited to be on the pitch with them again.

“I already knew several of the players from the National Team. I haven’t been surprised by the team’s level. I hope to have a lot of joy and for this team to reach its best level,” said the left-back.

"More than dreaming, you have to work, and with a lot of sacrifice, I'm sure the joys will come. I'm starting my path from scratch here,"

Laporta also wanted to emphasize that the player's family had the Barca connection. "It's a very special day. Marcos not only has talent, but also gives continuity to a defense, his great-grandfather and his father played for Barça. We all remember the goal your father scored against Julio Alberto. The club holds your father in high esteem and so do I. You are a versatile player, you can play on the flank, as a center back, in midfield. I wish you success. May you fulfill yourself as a person and your successes will also be those of Barça," said the Barça president.

Marcos Alonso's father playing for Barcelona

His father, Marcos Alonso Pena, donned the same royal colours for six long years, during which he won one league title and one Copa de Rey.

“My dad was a unique person. I want to carve my own path in this team. I start from zero and I need to work hard to earn a spot on the team,” concluded the left-back.