The defender only made his Blaugrana debut on the final day of the Liga campaign but he insists that he will justify his €19 million transfer fee next year

Thomas Vermaelen has pleaded for patience from the Barcelona fans after an injury-ruined first season at Camp Nou.

The Belgium international joined the Blaugrana from Arsenal last summer for €19 million but only made his debut on Saturday, against Deportivo, after arriving at Camp Nou with a persistent hamstring problem that required surgery in December.

Vermaelen can understand why his fitness problems have caused such frustration in Catalunya but he is optimistic about his chances of proving his worth next season.

"I had a good feeling on the pitch and I really enjoyed playing football again," the versatile defender is quoted as saying by Sport after playing 63 minutes of the 2-2 draw with Depor.

"I am very ambitious and I am sure we will end up achieving more success this season.

"But I only ask the fans to be patient. I understand the criticism I received, but it has been a very difficult season for me.

"I am convinced that next year will be much better."

Despite wrapping up their title-winning Liga campaign on Saturday, Barca's season is far from over, with Luis Enrique's treble-seekers set to take on Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final next weekend before then travelling to Berlin to meet Juventus in the Champions League decider.