Christanval eyes fresh start

The 24-year-old former Monaco stopper fell out of favour under van Gaal, and had resigned himself to leaving in order to secure first-team football.

However, Christanval hopes the arrival of a new coach - now almost certain to be Raddy Antic - will provide him with a fresh start at the club.

"I can take advantage of the change (of manager)," stated the French international.

"I did not have a lot of hope to play for, I had almost no relationship with van Gaal.

"But that is now the past.

"For me I can almost say a new season is starting. Hope is coming back.

"If he (van Gaal) had stayed, I would have done my best to leave or to be loaned until the end of the season."

However, Christanval has now outlined his desire to remain with Barcelona and fight for a starting berth at the club.

"Fortunately things have changed at a good moment," he added.

"Now I will stay at Barca, it is certain."