Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Braithwaite: 'I won't wash my kit' after Messi hug

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Saturday, 22 February 2020 11:38

Martin Braithwaite joked he won't wash his Barcelona kit after getting a hug from new teammate Lionel Messi during a 5-0 win against Eibar on Saturday.

Braithwaite, who signed for Barca from Leganes on Thursday for €18 million, was introduced for the final 20 minutes and made an immediate impact with a cross for Messi's fourth goal of the game.

The Danish international was also involved in his new club's fifth; Braithwaite's shot was saved by goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic but Arthur Melo netted the rebound.

"Messi congratulated me [for the pass]," Braithwaite told reporters when asked what the Argentine said during their embrace. "He's a great guy. He tried to make me feel comfortable and looked to find me with his passes.

"I won't wash my kit after the hug he gave me [laughs]. Honestly, I am really happy to have been able to set him up for a goal."

Barca were given special dispensation by La Liga to sign Braithwaite this week as a replacement for Ousmane Dembele, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

The former Middlesbrough forward, who will only be allowed to play in league matches, was given a warm welcome by home supporters when he replaced Antoine Griezmann.

"The ovation was really special," Braithwaite said. "It's something that I saw on television when I was little, how they treat the new players [here], and suddenly to be here and experience that from the fans is incredible. I am really proud.

"I feel really good here, surrounded by fantastic players. I tried to run and move, which is what I have to do, and my teammates found me. It's been amazing. I am really happy."

play
0:34

Braithwaite's underwhelming tekkers during Barca unveiling

Barca's newest signing Martin Braithwaite struggled to string any sort of juggling sequence together.

Barcelona coach Quique Setien was impressed with what he saw from his new signing and tipped him to make a contribution in the final phase of the campaign.

"Braithwaite did more than I expected, much more," Setien said in a news conference. "Honestly, I think we have made an extraordinary signing. He's going to adapt perfectly to what we need.

"We've seen he has good movement this afternoon, but beyond the goals he was involved in, he's good in space and he understands the game so well. He is an extraordinary player and he's going to help us a lot."

While Braithwaite impressed on his debut, Messi once again stole the show. The Barca captain had gone four league games without scoring, but his four-goal haul against Eibar took his season tally to 23 in all competitions.

With this win, Barca went them two points clear of Madrid at the top of La Liga, although Zinedine Zidane's side can reclaim the lead when they meet Levante later on Saturday.

Setien said the win was "just what was needed" ahead of a testing week, in which his side visits Napoli for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, then face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu five days later.

Read 346 times

Soccer

Hojlund, Garnacho lead United rout of Leicester

Hojlund, Garnacho lead United rout of Leicester

Manchester United's Rasmus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho ended goal droughts and Bruno Fernandes sc...

Howe amazed as Newcastle 'legends' end drought

Howe amazed as Newcastle 'legends' end drought

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNewcastle United manager Eddie Howe challenged his players to win m...

Slot: 'Hunger' not the issue in Liverpool cup loss

Slot: 'Hunger' not the issue in Liverpool cup loss

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLiverpool head coach Arne Slot dismissed the idea Newcastle United'...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Magic end Cavaliers' winning streak at 16 games

Magic end Cavaliers' winning streak at 16 games

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- Paolo Banchero scored 24 points, Franz Wagner added 22...

Kerr passes Attles as Warriors' winningest coach

Kerr passes Attles as Warriors' winningest coach

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSAN FRANCISCO -- One game after Stephen Curry reached 4,000 3-point...

Baseball

Valdez gets 4th straight Astros Opening Day start

Valdez gets 4th straight Astros Opening Day start

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLeft-hander Framber Valdez was named the Houston Astros' Opening Da...

Twins' Lewis leaves game with hamstring injury

Twins' Lewis leaves game with hamstring injury

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFORT MYERS, Fla. -- Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis left...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated