Thiago hails Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets

Thiago Alcantara defended Sergio Busquets in a press conference ahead of Spain's game against Ukraine. He also responded to rumours about him moving to Liverpool.

His season: It's been a marvellous season, with the club we won everything possible. We played very well but there's always room to improve. Each year I try to get the best of each team-mate I have and keep learning.

Busquets: He's a reference point, not just in the last few years in which we've had a great relationship, but also in football he is huge. From Sergio Busquets you learn how to position yourself, as a leader of the team it's amazing to watch him train and play. We all have games that aren't so good, but you only have to see him on the pitch, the stats, he has the highest numbers in midfield in the world. Midfielders, to keep evolving, we have to look at Sergio Busquets.

Leo Messi: Any decision that benefits the club is marvellous. Leo brings a lot and is super important for any team he's at. If it's Barca, then good for the club. I know him as a team-mate and an opponent. We've seen his comments, for the size of player that he is, his words demand attention. But I won't evaluate them. It's a personal decision, you have to respect it and that's it.

Ansu Fati: It's nice to appreciate the young players. Ansu stands out not just for the quality that he has, that all the world can see, but also for the strong personality he has and how he takes decisions. He's got a lot of room for improvement and he will be a spectacle of a player. At the age he has he takes very accurate decisions.

Liverpool: I have not said anything official about going. Each year you put me at a different club, I stay out of it. My future is tomorrow's game, that's it, nothing else interests me. 

Ter Stegen asked for him at Barca: It's an honour that Marc says my name, but unfortunately he's not sporting director of the club. He shouldn't expect a response, I want the best in my team too.