Can a club player – who has been relegated -, man of the house and symbol, accept the offer of his eternal rival – eternal and only great rival – and wear his shirt without anyone treating him as mercenary, sold or toddler?
Would the fans of Barça accept a player with a heart that belongs elsewhere (as has happened and is happening – secretly – with so many footballers who sympathized with Real Madrid, for example)?
Does Sergi Darder have to shoulder the whole weight of a sentimental football that no longer exists and stop ascending – objectively – in addition to giving up more money in the final stretch of his career?
Sergi Darder is a different footballer, somewhat in the style of De la Peña, but with more discipline and a great shot, an uncommon resource among FC Barcelona’s midfielders. A great passer, who we imagine providing Lewandowski assists. On that note, well, Darder likes…
Several Primera clubs want to sign Darder, a desire increased by the possibility of obtaining his services at bargain prices. How the transfer of Joselu has turned out for Real Madrid, what a bargain it was for Rayo Vallecano to hire Raúl de Tomás. In this ruinous transfer business, Barça and Espanyol are quite similar. Its forte is not excellence…
FC Barcelona’s unofficial interest – even if it is in the form of a temptation – opens up an exceptional debate that is more typical of the 20th century. RCD Espanyol is owned by a businessman from the People’s Republic of China, but no one expects from him a sentimental loyalty that will lead him to lose money. Business is business and football is a global business. However, all this realism could disappear if Sergi Darder ended up wearing the Barça shirt. What would RCD Espanyol fans do? Applaud the son who emancipates himself – and leaves money in the treasury – or call him a traitor? I, if I were a parakeet, dealing with a guy as dedicated as Darder, I would be generous…
But since I’m not a risk-taker – and I still remember the disappointment and the rebuke culer for the departure of Luis Figo -, I’m afraid that the parties will cool down what could be a good deal for both and Darder will go to another team in worse conditions for him and for the club, to which an income would go first. There is, obviously, another option: to continue at RCD Espanyol in the Second Division, at the age of 29. I would honor him because these things are no longer worn in football.
Whatever happens, Sergi Darder carries an excessive responsibility on his shoulders. Will he be the last romantic – or fool – in a soulless football?
