Marc Bartra pleased with breakthrough season

Barcelona defender Marc Bartra has insisted that he 'always knew' that he would make the grade with the Spanish champions.

The 22-year-old, who came through the club's youth system, has been a regular fixture in Barcelona's first XI in the early part of the season.

"I don't know why I knew. But I have been here all my life and have grown at Barca," he told Sport. "I was born to play this game. So in my head, it was always going to be Barcelona.

"I've never been anywhere else, so this is the only club I know. I knew when I had an opportunity I had to take it, and hopefully that's what I've done. I have always believed in my ability.

"I knew that I had to have patience, but my teammates have told me that I should have confidence in myself. I cannot hide the fact that there has been some hard times, but it is something that has made me stronger as a player and as a person."

Bartra's place could be under threat when Javier Mascherano and Carlos Puyol return to fitness.