Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara began his professional playing career with Barcelona in May 2009.

Over the next four seasons, the Spain international made 68 appearances for La Blaugrana before deciding to join manager Pep Guardiola in Germany and signing a four-year deal with the Bavarians.

After spending the 2013-14 season on the sidelines due to a knee injury, Alcantara has recently started to contribute to the team’s success.

This season, the midfielder has made only nine appearances in all competitions. However, Alcantara played a key role scoring crucial goals during both legs of Bayern Munich’s Champions League quarter-final victory over FC Porto.

In an interview with UEFA.com, the midfielder discussed his development at Barcelona and the emotions surrounding his return to the Camp Nou later today as a member of Bayern Munich.

“It’s [Barcelona] the perfect club for any footballer to develop and to grow,” Alcantara told UEFA.com.

“Because everybody knows La Masia can give you stability; they take care of you when you leave home. They show you the affection you need when you leave home. You have the chance to study there and it makes you grow as a player and as a person.”

Alcantara’s start at Barcelona coincided with the team’s strong run domestically and in Europe under the leadership of Pep Guardiola.

In four seasons in charge of Barcelona, Guardiola amassed 14 trophies including: three Spanish Super Cups, two Copa del Reys, three successive La Liga titles and two Champions League titles.

“When Pep’s coaching career started it coincided with me breaking into the first-team squad,” Alcantara added. “So I was able to follow as both spectator and player when Barcelona had that splendid run and I was able to share the dressing room with them.

“It was just great education for me at La Masia, with all the players there and then with Guardiola, who coached us and tried to implement that new methodology which now serves many other teams.”

The midfielder was asked about the emotions he was having looking forward to today’s match at the Camp Nou.

“The strongest feelings you can possibly have,” Alcantara admitted. “But you have to look forward, because when the match comes you have to be 100% focused, so those feelings are something you need to avoid a bit.

“We want to beat Barca and make it to Berlin. Emotions are not welcome, because we want to go to the Camp Nou to deliver a performance and win.”

Programming note: Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich will be shown LIVE today starting at 2:45pm EST on FOX Sports 1 and FoxSoccer2Go.