Aliaksandr Hleb has revealed that joining VfB Stuttgart is a step backwards in his career after moving to Barcelona from Arsenal.

"It's true that I have taken a step back in my career, but sometimes it's necessary to take one step back to take two steps forward. Let's see how the season goes," Hleb reflected.

The Belarus international was a huge investment for La Bluagrana in 2008, after moving for €15 million from the Emirates Stadium. Hleb failed to break into the starting eleven in his time at the Nou Camp, but could not complain with Barca bringing home the league title, cup and Champions League trophy.

"It was hard to resign myself to not getting game time, but if the team wins every game, how can you complain to the coach?" Sport quoted Hleb as saying.

Hleb did admit that he could have played for the Nerazzurri this season after almost signing for Inter in the offseason.

"I was practically an Inter player. I was in Milan but my agent closed a deal with Stuttgart, a team I love very much because I spent five years there before joining Arsenal," he added.