The 25-year-old striker has praised the Liga leader’s style of football and admitted he faces a tough task to be selected by Spain

Iago Aspas has revealed that he holds a soft spot for Barcelona, after admitting to have raised his children as fans of the Catalan giants, but insists his immediate focus lies with Celta Vigo.

The forward has impressed in his debut season as a Liga player, scoring eight times in 22 appearances for the newly-promoted Galicians, and his displays have reportedly courted the interest of numerous sides in England.

“I was a [Real] Madrid fan when I was a kid, but now I like the football that Barca plays. All my children are Barca fans,” Aspas told El Pais.

“It is very difficult to make the [Spain] squad,” he added. “They are best team in the world in the best era of football.

“A decade ago, I could perhaps even stick my head [into contention], but now it is much harder. Their style of play suits my game.”

Despite the rave reviews, a barren spell of four matches in front of goal has led sections of the media claiming that Aspas’ mindset was affected by speculation surrounding his future in the January transfer window.

However, while he did concede that Celta had spoken to other clubs about his services, the youth product is adamant that his level of commitment to his side’s cause remains the same.

“I know Celta have been in contact with other teams, but my performance levels have not dropped,” Aspas added.

“Many lies were spread, including one that claimed if Chelsea came along, I would refuse to play for Celta. If only they knew how much I love football!”