After a turbulent past and several unexpected script twists, future Frenchman Ousmane Dembélé appears to be tied to Barça for the long term. The player feels comfortable at the club and for Xavi Hernández he is a fundamental part of his project. This has meant that, as the footballer revealed in an interview with Marca, the club is already negotiating with his agent to extend his relationship. “Barça wants to renew me until 2027 and my agent is talking to them. I’m happy here and I want to continue. We’ll see what happens.”
The footballer minimized the importance of the tensions that were experienced last year to extend his contract. “I did not see myself outside of Barça. We were negotiating, something that is normal in the world of football. Sometimes things went well and others not so well, but in the end an agreement was reached. There was a lot of talk about PSG perhaps because I am French, but there was nothing at any time with this club”.
Dembélé wanted to make it clear that he feels very good both at Barça and Barcelona and that he wants to continue. “Barça is now a team with veterans and youngsters. There is a very good atmosphere in the dressing room. We are like a family. I feel very good with my teammates and in the city. I am happy here and I am playing”.
In fact, one of the reasons for his happiness is that he has been able to control his muscle injuries. “Now I am happier because I have been able to play with continuity. I work a lot on the hamstrings because I had problems. I do it before and after the game and I also have a physio in France who sends me a schedule. I have managed to have more continuity and for a player it is important”.
In addition, he did not hesitate to thank Xavi Hernández for his trust and support during the time he has been in office. “Having the confidence of the coach is very important for a player and the coach has given it to me. I know that I am a person who must help the team by giving assists and scoring goals and I assume this responsibility. Xavi has given confidence to the team and that has been noticed in the results”.
Dembélé described the season as “good” and made it clear that the great challenge is Europe. “We have won the League, which we had not won for three years and that is important for the Barcelona player. Now we all want the Champions League. It is a very complicated competition. We are going to see if things are better for us in Europe and we can reach far”.
