On August 4, 2022 Riqui Puig (Matadepera, 1999) signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy. A year later, he sits down to talk to La Vanguardia with the smile that he always characterized at La Masia. He claims to have recovered the confidence and the minutes that he did not have in Barcelona.
What do you like most about living in the United States?
Without a doubt, the people and their hospitality. They always help you and are happy about your successes. In Spain there is more envy.
And what less?
The time you spend in a car. Every day I drive an hour to get to training and another to get back.
Did it cost you to cross the pond?
It’s hard not to see yours. But we organize well so that my family can come to see me once a month or every two months. Also my friends and my partner.
How did you come to Los Angeles?
When Xavi told me that it was not part of his plans, we sat down with my representative to find a way out. In a videoconference meeting with the president and the coach of the Galaxy, they told me that they were looking for a profile of a footballer like me. That they wanted him to be the center of the team. They gave me the continuity and confidence that I did not have in the last two years with Barça. And it’s what I needed.
But why MLS?
I did not choose MLS. I chose to come to a team that has given me confidence and minutes. Although it is a lower league than the European leagues because there is more physique than talent, I think that there is more and more level. With the arrival of Messi people will be more hooked.
Was there too much talk about your private life in Barcelona?
I understand that I am a public figure and it is normal for people to be interested in what I do off the field. But it is true that in the United States they are not so aware of whether you go out or go to dinner. I think that was one of the problems I had at Barça, that extra-sports issues were sought to justify why I didn’t play.
Clear conscience?
Of course. I made the most of my options at Barça. I gave up everything for that shield.
You mean he didn’t go fair with you?
I don’t think I got all the opportunities I deserved. Four or five Copa del Rey games killed me, which are difficult games for young players. You play against teams like Cornellà or Ibiza, or other teams from lower categories, and with teammates who aren’t usually regulars. And perhaps you come from playing ten minutes at the Camp Nou. These games cost me.
What bothered you the most?
It bothered me that after being on vacation for two months, Xavi told me, Mingueza and Umtiti that we couldn’t go to training. I had a contract with Barça. It was my obligation. I introduced myself. Xavi didn’t like it and he told me that he had to listen to him because if he injured me he couldn’t leave the club.
And now what feeling do you have?
I’m not spiteful. In football and in life anything can happen. If Xavi didn’t give me more minutes it’s because he thought he didn’t have a level or that others were better.
Do you have contact with President Joan Laporta?
I didn’t have much feeling with Xavi and we didn’t finish very well, but Laporta had a lot of respect for me. Whenever I score goals he writes to me.
And now?
Coming to the other side of the world, speaking another language, playing another type of football require a significant mental effort. You mature faster. Sportingly it is true that the MLS is a much more physical league. I do more gym work than in Barcelona.
A more physical league and perhaps with less pressure?
Less pressure than at Barça for sure. Here people come to see a show, although it is true that they ask for more and more.
Have you gone to see your ex-colleagues?
No. We are also competing in the Leagues Cup, which takes up a lot of our time. It is a moment to change the dynamics of the team because we are not at our best competitive moment in MLS. My family has also come and I am more aware of them than of Barça.
Who do you have contact with?
I talk a lot with Piqué. You could already see when I was in Barcelona that I have a very good relationship with him on and off the pitch. I also talk to Sergi Roberto, Busquets, Jordi Alba… Personally I’m very happy that Sergi is captain. He deserves everything good that can happen to him.
Will it be difficult for them to adapt to Messi, Busquets and Alba?
When Busquets completes 90 minutes in this league, he will agree with me when I say that it is a very physical league. But I think that what will cost them the most is adapting to the distances that exist. This is not like Barcelona. Sometimes it takes three or four hours to get to the opponent’s field and there are even time differences. But football-wise all three have a lot of quality. Messi was already seen in his debut and I think he will score many goals and assists.
This year he has been promoted to franchise player…
I make assists, I score a goal and I think that’s very important. I help the team to treat the ball well, which is something that makes me very happy.
Next year Barça will have to play in Montjuïc…
It is a year of transition in which I think that, above all, many foreigners will attend. It’s sad, yes. But ten years from now no one will remember this because we will have one of the best courses in Europe.
¿And take Barcelona aspirando a ganar la Champions?
It is impressive not to see Barça in the round of 16 or in the quarterfinals. But I think that this year he will be able to do things after winning the League. It has a good template.
And you? Will he return to Europe?
I have a contract until 2025 with the Galaxy. When I finish this course I will decide. I am very young and very competitive, and of course I would like to return to Europe.
