Christensen confirms his "unconditional love" for Barça and analyzes Newcastle

FC Barcelona debuts in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 this Thursday as a visitor against Newcastle. Andreas Christensen was the footballer chosen to accompany Hansi Flick in the previous press conference and the central defender, whose contract ends at the end of the current season, took the opportunity to clear up doubts about his future.

The '15' assured that, in June, he ruled out traveling with his national team to complete his physical recovery. This allowed him to return to the Ciutat Esportiva before the start of the preseason in mid-July. Now, the Lillerod native feels totally free of the muscular ailments that left him KO for practically the entire 24/25 season.

Christensen hopes to renew soon with Barça

"I wanted to come back earlier so that my body would be ready for the preseason. They have accepted my plan. I want to express my feeling and my love for the club, I want to stay. That has been my plan from the beginning," Christensen explained.

In that sense, he dismissed his concern about knowing himself, in principle, as a substitute in Hansi Flick's team. "There are many games and there will be opportunities for everyone. Everyone is playing well. You have to be prepared for when the coach puts you in," added the Dane.

The club's idea is to resolve Andreas' renewal before the end of the year. The 29-year-old defender arrived on a 'free transfer' from Chelsea in 2022 and has always been willing to collaborate with the board and the coaching staff in his first three seasons. For now, he has accumulated 82 official matches with the first team (4 goals and 3 assists).

His termination clause remains at 500 million euros and his salary at 9 million gross per season. Understanding that he is a player prone to injury and close to turning 30, it is likely that the club will offer him a contract for a couple more years, until June 2028.

"Last season was difficult, but now I feel very good. The professionals have taken care of me. We are all in good shape"

• Consult more about Andreas Christensen and the current affairs of Fútbol Club Barcelona in FCBN.

Andreas Christensen: Will he start in the Newcastle-Barça Champions League match?

Andreas Christensen training at the Barça Ciutat Esportiva

On the other hand, Christensen joked about his chances of returning to the Barcelona lineup against Newcastle. The central defender played 15 minutes against Levante (2-3) and then started against Rayo (1-1). However, he remained on the bench against Mallorca (0-3) and last Sunday against Valencia (6-0).

"I don't know if I'll start. Ask Hansi now. I hope to be. I'm prepared if I am. I hope so. But I have no idea," he said with a laugh. In addition, he revealed the keys for the visit to St. James' Park, a ground he knows very well after his time at Chelsea.

"You have to concentrate and know that the atmosphere (of the stadium) is part of the match. It is one of the difficult things that you have to face tomorrow. It will be tough," argued Andreas. He also reiterated the team's desire to win the Champions League, the only important trophy that, for now, is eluding Hansi Flick's team.

"Each season is special, maybe this year we want it more because of how we did last year. We are hungry and this year we want to go further. Last season hurt because we didn't reach the final. Now we will try to reach it," Christensen pointed out.

"

Newcastle is a great team and a great atmosphere. I've been here in the Premier League. We have to be very focused. It will be a great experience.

"

• 📌 Follow the Newcastle vs FC Barcelona match live on FCBN and find out everything don't miss anything!