Braithwaite Up for the Challenge of Facing Barcelona in Catalan Derby

• Barcelona and Espanyol will face off in their first games when La Liga action resumes
• Martin Braithwaite previously played for Barca but was not wanted by the side anymore
• The Danish striker admits he is looking forward to getting revenge against his former side

With the World Cup reaching the business end, all eyes turn once again to league action.

One person who is more eager than anyone else to get going is Espanyol's Martin Braithwaite.

The striker featured at the FIFA World Cup, but his Denmark side were knocked out in the group stages of the tournament.

Braithwaite has since returned to the La Liga side and has now set his sights on the upcoming Catalan derby on December 31. Espanyol will face Barcelona in the match, a game hugely significant for Braithwaite.

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Why is it important?

The Danish striker previously played for Barcelona but was allowed to leave on a free transfer in the summer. Despite Braithwaite's wishes to remain with the side, La Blaugrana made it clear that there was no place for him in the squad.

What did Braithwaite say?

Speaking about the upcoming game, the Espanyol striker talked about the importance of securing three points in the derby, Barca Universal reported.

“We have to win. We’re there in every game, but we must take one more step to win. We’ve drawn too many games. I’m confident," he said.

Barcelona's one request

Barcelona will also go into the game looking to prove a point. When the club allowed Braithwaite to leave in the summer, their one condition was that he doesn't join their neighbours - Espanyol.

He went against Barca's wishes and did join the club, and has scored three goals for his new side this far, Transfermarkt noted.

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He also pledged to do everything he can to help his new side succeed.

“I’m here to help the team and if I have to play goalkeeper, I’ll do it. It’s the most important thing. I can act where the coach asks me to,” he said.

Barcelona terminate Martin Braithwaite's contract

The Martin Braithwaite versus Barcelona saga has finally come to an end, Sports Brief earlier reported.

The Danish striker and La Blaugrana have been embroiled in a public dispute of late, as Barca were trying to part ways with the player but Braithwaite refused to leave.

He still had two years on his deal with the Catalan club, but they opted rather to let him go in a free transfer.

Danish Player's Association criticises Barcelona

Sports Brief earlier reported that Barcelona have once again come in for criticism, this time for their treatment of Braithwaite.

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The Spanish club have faced a lot of backlash in recent weeks, especially for their treatment of Frenkie de Jong.

Now the director of the Danish Players’ Association, Michael Sahl Hansen has blasted the Spanish club for their treatment of striker Braithwaite.