'I am one of the most hated players in football'

The idiom “don’t judge a book by its cover” couldn’t be more true for some footballers, no matter who they may be.

In this case, it’s Jordi Alba.

The Barcelona full-back believes he is one of the most hated footballers due to his combative style of play. Off the pitch, however, he claims ‘the human Jordi’ is completely different from ‘the player Jordi’ that fans are accustomed to.

“It is clear that if people know me through football, they would think I am one of the most hated players in football, that is clear,” Alba told Movistar+.

“It is my way of playing and it’s what has led me to be the player I am today and to be where I am.

😅🤣 Jordi Alba, en #ElDíaDespués: "Creo que soy de los jugadores más odiados del fútbol". pic.twitter.com/KDcOlWa5yF

— Fútbol en Movistar+ (@MovistarFutbol) January 25, 2021

“Other people know me by how I am, as a very humble person that values everything in my life.

“The player Jordi has nothing to do with the human Jordi or the Jordi with his teammates.

“Yes, it’s true that the way I play is very heavy and I understand the hatred that people who do not know me can have me to me.”

Alba has made 360 appearances for Barcelona since joining the club in 2012 from Valencia. The 31-year-old has won 14 major honors at Camp Nou, including five La Liga titles and the Champions League.