Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has denied that he attempted to "belittle" Neymar when acknowledging his happiness at Camp Nou.

Earlier this week, comments attributed to Alba suggested that the left-back was relishing having more space and responsibility down the flank since Neymar's move to Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Alba has responded by praising the Brazilian attacker, who used to play from the left alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

The 28-year-old is quoted by Marca as saying: "At no time did I say that I played better without Neymar, quite the opposite.

"We won many titles together and he is a great friend of mine. Now I enjoy having the left-hand side to myself, but I never wanted to belittle Neymar, I would be silly if I did so."

Alba has made 12 starts for the La Liga giants this season.