Having reached an agreement over a contract renewal until 2031, FC Barcelona youngster Fermin Lopez put pen to paper on the deal earlier today.The formal signing of the contract took place at club pre...
Having reached an agreement over a contract renewal until 2031, FC Barcelona youngster Fermin Lopez put pen to paper on the deal earlier today.
The formal signing of the contract took place at club president Joan Laporta’s office, with vice-president Rafa Yuste, and the midfielder’s family members also present at the event.
After the signing, Fermin briefly spoke to the club media, where he expressed his delight at committing his future to Barcelona for five more years until 2031.
Soon after, the 22-year-old La Masia graduate, who will see a significant increase in his salary as part of the new contract, addressed the media in a press conference.
On the present and the future
Kicking things off, Fermin reflected on his journey so far, to have made it to the Barcelona senior team, saying:
“I’ve had a tough and difficult journey, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Everything I’ve experienced has helped me mature and be ready for this moment. I’m very happy, and I hope to stay here for many years and continue helping the club.”
Crediting managers Xavi Hernandez and Hansi Flick for the confidence shown in him, the 22-year-old added:
“I had a difficult period with Linares, but I learned a lot. Xavi gave me confidence during pre-season, and I scored a goal against Real Madrid, which is important because he believed in me. Hansi also gives me a lot of confidence.”
Talking about the differences between the two managers, he noted: “I think I’ve matured a lot. When I arrived during pre-season, I was inexperienced, coming from Linares. I arrived at a club with high pressure and high demands, and I learned a lot with Xavi.
“With Flick, I’ve developed a lot and become a more mature player, and I hope to continue earning the trust of the coach and my teammates.”
On his goals and ambitions at Barcelona until 2031, he stated: “I hope to win many titles. That has always been my dream. I hope to achieve a lot with Barcelona.”
Living the dream. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Talking about how his market value has soared in recent times, sitting currently at €70 million, Fermin thanked Barça for trusting him, saying:
“I know the club has a lot of faith in me. Last summer, I had no doubts about staying. The kid who came from El Campillo dreamed of playing for Barcelona, for the first team, and now I hope to stay here for many years.
“I’m very happy. I know my worth as a player and as a person. It’s just numbers. I just want to help the club, work hard, and be happy.”
Fermin also made it clear that he would love to captain Barcelona in the future if a chance presented itself, saying:
“Of course, it would be a dream to be Barcelona’s captain, but there are already great captains. If it happens, I’ll be very happy, because I’ve been a cule since I was little and I live for and with Barcelona.”
On whether all his dreams had come true now, Fermin replied: “Since childhood? I think so, because I dreamed of playing for Barcelona, and I’m winning titles, and I still have a lot ahead of me.
“For me and my family, this is a source of pride; they know what I’ve been through, and being at the club of my life is a dream and an honour.”
On the team, teammates, and form
Fermin is enjoying a fine season so far, having already directly contributed to 20+ goals across all competitions. So, when asked if he was experiencing the best moment of his career, he said:
“I think I haven’t reached my peak yet. I’m 22 years old. It’s true I’m going through a good moment, but I still have a long way to go. I never doubted I’d stay; I wanted to be at Barcelona.”
Regarding the team’s form this season and whether this can be the perfect campaign for the Blaugrana, he added:
“Maybe so. We have a great team, we’re one family, and we’re back at Spotify Camp Nou… A beautiful season awaits us, and we hope to make history.”
Fermin also discussed the departure of fellow La Masia graduate Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez, who left for PSG last month, saying:
“Those are decisions a person makes. I don’t want to dwell on it. He was a good friend, but he made that decision and we wish him well.”
Fermin wishes Dro the best at PSG. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Stressing the importance of La Masia for the club, he added: “Ultimately, La Masia is very important to the club, and at that time when the club’s financial situation wasn’t good, we provided significant assistance.”
Regarding his competition with Dani Olmo for the No. 10 position in the team, he said: “We’re close friends off the pitch, and on the pitch we understand each other perfectly. He’s a great player and a fantastic teammate at Barcelona.
“There will always be competition, but it’s very healthy, and we help each other now that we’re sharing more playing time. We’re very compatible and performing very well.”
Talking about Flick and his relationship with the players at Barcelona, Fermin noted: “He’s very close to the players. He always tries to help everyone and makes sure we’re all doing well.
“He’s a great coach and helps many players perform at a high level. He’s helped me develop and gives me a lot of confidence. I hope we achieve great things.”
Meanwhile, outlining the team’s ambitions in the UEFA Champions League, Fermin detailed: “Of course, it’s everyone’s dream. It’s been many years since we last won it. Last season, we missed it by a very narrow margin. We’re working towards it.
“We have a great team, and everything will be decided at the end of the season. We have the ability to win it, and I hope we will.”
He also gave his two cents about the Copa del Rey semi-final draw, with Barcelona set to face Atletico Madrid in the final four.
“I think the cup tie is always a tough match. Atletico are a great opponent, but to win the cup, we know we have to face anyone. We hope to have a good run in the knockout stages and reach the final and win,” he said.
The youngster also acknowledged that the La Liga title race was close, with Real Madrid only one point behind the Blaugrana.
“The league is tight, but we’re in a good moment, and we have to keep going like this, not looking at others. The focus should be on ourselves,” he noted.
Finally, whether he sees himself spending his entire career at Barcelona, Fermin replied:
“I don’t think about that too much, because there’s still a long way to go. I hope to stay here for many years and finish my career here; that would be an honour and a dream. I hope I can achieve it.”
Source: YouTube/FCBarcelona
Category: General Sports
