Ibrahim Afellay seeks Barcelona return from Schalke

Dutch midfielder Ibrahim Afellay has insisted that he wants to return to Barcelona at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old is currently on loan at Schalke for the 2012-13 campaign and wants to play for the Blaugrana once the deal runs out next summer.

"It is my goal to return to Barcelona," he told OnsOranje.nl. "When I look back at my time at the club, I can only be positive about it.

"We always had so much fun on the training pitch. When I returned home after a practice session, I could hardly wait for the next day. You really notice that you are improving as a player.

"I still speak with guys like Andres Iniesta and Xavi on a regular basis. They are among the best players in the world. [Lionel] Messi is the best of the best."

Afellay joined Barcelona from PSV in January 2011.