Honestly, with the work he's doing, can you imagine if he wins something at the end of the season? I'd probably say, okay, that's okay. In my case, after almost seven years, I have achieved it with Arsenal. I think it's time to look for something else'. I would understand. Well, look, Barcelona is one of the best clubs in the world. I will return to Spain and the lifestyle is good for my family'.
It has been a slow and demanding recovery, but the Blaugrana never stopped believing in one of the La Masia players earmarked as a first-team star since his early days in the academy. Such is the faith in Bernal that Barcelona decided to renew his contract even before he had returned to the pitch, extending his deal until 2029 with the approval of the coaching staff and Hansi Flick.
Joan Laporta and Deco, at this point, are perhaps Barcelona's two most important figures in terms of the club's football project. The club president, after all, has been working to no end to ensure the Catalans can recover from the financial muddle they were in, while the sporting director has done a decent job in recent transfer windows to work with the limited finances.
I asked Dani Olmo before making my final decision so he could tell me a bit about it. He said that the league was improving, but that if I was fit, I wouldn't have any trouble playing. It's a very good league for developing and gaining experience.
In an interview on YouTube this week, Pedri was asked to name his favorite La Masia product currently, and he was quick to reveal the name Dro Fernández, who has been part of the first team squad all season and has already made three senior appearances at the age of 17, and grabbed an assist in his Champions League debut earlier in the campaign.
La Masia prospect Xavi Espart has become a regular in FC Barcelona's first-team training sessions in recent weeks. The 18-year-old versatile youngster, who can play at right-back and in midfield, was a key part of the Juvenil A setup that won the treble last season. Espart has carried forward that form to the Barça Atletic setup this season, becoming a key player under Juliano Belletti's tutelage.
Barcelona's famed La Masia academy is known to be one of the very best in the world and has churned out dozens of stars such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and now Lamine Yamal. However, a new study has ranked La Masia only in second place when it comes to the best academies in the world, with Benfica finishing top of the pile.
The forward missed Friday's final training session, confirming that he will not feature in the match immediately after the international break. It must be noted that Ferran had returned early from the Spanish national team camp due to an "overload in the hamstring muscles of the left leg, without associated injury." Although the club initially assured that he "is not out and will follow specific treatment," the discomfort has persisted.
I was very inexperienced in both football and life, he tells FourFourTwo when quizzed about his arrival in north London. I feel that the UK made me an adult and a professional, experienced player. Most of my growth happened in London. I was really lucky that the years I spent there, I had great team-mates and coaches, and opportunities to play top-level football. That was probably the most important part of my development as a person and as a player.
