Denis Suarez: I'm aware that I need to take a step forward LaLiga - Barcelona The midfielder is excited for 2018/19

Barcelona are currently in the United States on their pre-season tour and midfielder Denis Suarez is hoping to have a positive summer and to hit the ground running when the new season begins.

He has challenged himself to improve as a player in the 2018/19 campaign and he believes he can.

"A step forward will be demanded of me," he said at an event at Nike's headquarters in Oregon.

"I know that I have to take one and I believe I have the ability to do so.

"I go into this season with a lot of excitement.

"I am eager for this to be my year and to be able to have more involvement than in previous campaigns.

"Maybe I have this feeling even more than I did in other years.

"I hope to make the most of any absences there have been in my position."

Suarez revealed that he has had talks with coach Ernesto Valverde about his future and upcoming season.

"I have spoken with him the same way that other teammates have," he said when asked about his discussions with the boss.

"My intention is to stay here and his intention is for me to stay.

"I'll try to convince him from the start of what I can do."

One other name that came up during his discussion with the media was that of Cristiano Ronaldo, whose departure the midfielder addressed.

"It was a decision that he took," Suarez said.

"He was an important player for LaLiga and for Real Madrid, but he'll have his reasons."

Suarez and his teammates are currently preparing for a match against Tottenham, which takes place on Saturday night in the USA or early Sunday morning in Europe.