Barcelona star hints at response to Chelsea transfer links

Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado has stressed his love for the club in the face of rumours of transfer interest from Chelsea.

21-year-old Casado is enjoying a breakout season at Barcelona under Hansi Flick, making 36 appearances across all competitions before being struck down by a knee injury which has left him in a battle to return before the end of the campaign.

His impressive form is said to have caught the eye of Chelsea, with reports in Spain linking the Blues with a move for Casado which could be worth close to €40m (£33.9m).

"He has changed my life," Casado told AS of Flick. "He took me from the reserve team to the first team.

"What I wanted was to play football, especially in this shirt."

Casado was rewarded with a new four-year contract last summer after making a handful of cameo appearances last season under former manager Xavi, and his career has only continued upwards since Flick's arrival.

The new boss handed Casado 27 starts before his knee injury. While there was initial pessimism over his chances of adding to that tally this season, there is now a belief the young midfielder could be back in action as early as this Sunday's meeting with Real Madrid.

"I've been on the pitch for a while now, and everything is responding," Casado explained. "Everyone feels very good: physios, doctors, and recovery staff. I'd say I'm healed and just need to get ready."

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