“Leaving Barça was sad for me because I had been there since I was 14 years old,” says Riqui Puig, who attended La Vanguardia at the Los Angeles Galaxy stadium, his new home. In an interview that will be published in its entirety on Wednesday in the digital and printed edition, the former FC Barcelona player recounts his entire experience in Los Angeles, a club where he claims to feel at home without losing sight of the possibility of returning to Europe.
How did you come to Los Angeles?
When Xavi told me that it was not part of his plans, we sat down with our representative to find a way out. In a zoom meeting, the president of the Galaxy told me that they were looking for a profile of a soccer player like me. They gave me the continuity and confidence that I did not have in the last two years with Barça.
Was there too much talk about your private life in Barcelona?
In Spain in general we talk about many external things. Personally, I think that if you are fulfilling on the field, you don’t have to pay so much attention to whether you go out for dinner or go out at night. Here in the United States I am verifying that private life is private and that people here do not interfere so much. I believe that is an important issue. I understand that I am a public figure and it is normal for people to be interested in what I do off the pitch. But in the United States they are not so aware of what you do or don’t do. If you go out or go to dinner. I think that was one of the problems I had at Barça
Clear conscience?
Of course. I took full advantage of my options. I have a very calm conscience. I gave up everything for this shield. But I had no luck or continuity and I had to leave.
Do you think he was unfair to you?
I don’t think I got all the opportunities I deserved. Four or five games of the Copa del Rey killed me, which are difficult games for young people. In the fields of Cornellà and Ibiza they put you to play without having done so during the season against players from the Second or Third Division. And perhaps you come from playing 10 minutes at the Camp Nou. These games cost me.”
What annoyed you the most about Xavi’s management?
Things bothered me, but above all the fact that after being on vacation for two months, all but the internationals returned. They told me, Mingueza, Umtiti and Braithwaite that we couldn’t go to training. I had a contract with Barça. It was my obligation to go train. I introduced myself and the coach did not like it and said that I had to listen to him not go to training because if I got injured I couldn’t leave the club.
And now what feeling do you have?
I don’t hold any grudges. In football and in life everything can come back and we can see each other again. If Xavi didn’t give me minutes it’s because he believed that he didn’t have a level or that others had a higher level than me. I am a Barcelona fan, I will never be a problem for the club. I get along well with many people, also with President Laporta who congratulates me every time he scores. I’m really grateful to you.
Will he return to Europe?
I have a contract until 2025 with the Los Angeles Galaxy but I am very young and very competitive. I want to compete at the highest level, it is true that this League has a great future but in my mind is going back to Europe and being in a great club.
