Vermaelen: My Barcelona return is as good to me as winning the treble

Thomas Vermaelen says his return to football has meant as much to him as Barcelona winning the treble.

The defender, 29, joined the club from Arsenal last summer but a nine-month lay-off with a thigh problem saw him make just one appearance all seasons.

The Belgium international has now fully recovered and made an appearance for Luis Enrique's men in their friendly defeat to Chelsea on Tuesday and admits he is delighted to be back.

"I feel good and fit," he told AS. I got well the last weeks of last season and this summer I could participate in the preseason preparations, something I have not been able to do since 2013.

"Last year was the most difficult of my career, it was complicated, but I had an operation last year and now I have started well and played; that was like my own treble win - my great victory.

"I don’t expect to be in the starting XI in the European Supercup against Sevilla. I have to be realistic. I have to keep improving."

The former Ajax and Arsenal centre-back also praised Gerard Pique, who he says has helped him adapt settle in to Barca's playing style, but was also full of praise for Luis Enrique.

"Pique is the player closet to me on the pitch and the one who helps me the most. The other players are great with me but due to the positioning, it’s Pique who I have most contact with.

"Luis Enrique is a coach who likes to communicate, although he has yet to offer me any personal advice. He’s a guy who speaks his mind."

Barca winger Pedro is reported to be close to a move to Manchester United, but Vermaelen hopes he stays at Camp Nou.

“He’s a great player and I hope he remains at the club. All I know are the rumours as I haven’t discussed this matter with him.

"He has the bad luck of being in a squad with three world class forwards in Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez."