FC Barcelona centre back Jean-Clair Todibo, who is on loan at Schalke, has revealed what it's like to come up against Lionel Messi in training. In an interview with German newspaper 'Bild', Todibo said: "I learnt a lot training with Messi and sometimes I even got the ball off him. But Messi is protected carefully because no one wants to injure him."

Todibo also explained that before accepting Schalke's offer he spoke with Amine Harit and Ivan Rakitic. "I spoke with Harit on the phone. He was really enthusiastic about Schalke and that influenced my decision. I asked Rakitic about the club too."

ADAPTING TO LIFE IN GERMANY

The defender reveals that he speaks to teammate Harit in French, Omar Mascarell in Spanish and the others in English. "I also know a few sentences in Germany because I have distant family from here."

Todibo doesn't believe Lothas Matthaus's recent comments have put any added pressure on him. Matthaus said: "He's the best centre back I've seen in a long time." However, the young centre back has taken it in his stride. "It doesn't bother me, I don't feel under pressure. I want to be one of the best players in the world in my position."