Xavi didn’t shy away from expressing his discomfort regarding Ousmane Dembele’s departure from Barcelona last summer.
Barcelona, holding a 3-2 lead over Paris Saint-Germain from the first leg, eyes a potential entry into the Champions League semi-final for the first time since the 2018/19 season.
Ahead of their crucial encounter against PSG at Montjuic Stadium on Tuesday, manager Xavi acknowledged his discontent with Dembele’s exit from the club.
Ousmane Dembele (Via FCBarcelona/Twitter)
The French international bid farewell to Barcelona ahead of the 2023/24 season, ending his six-year stint at the club after PSG activated his €50.4 million (£43m/$55m) release clause. Despite his team’s loss in the first leg, Dembele found the net against his former club.
Reflecting on Dembele’s departure, Xavi shared his sentiments with reporters, stating, “I felt bad about Ousmane because he was in an extraordinary moment here. I hold no grudges, and tomorrow I’ll greet him with all respect. I have a lot of affection for him.”
Ousmane Dembele (Via FCBarcelona/Twitter)
Addressing the potential reaction from the home fans towards their former player, Xavi emphasized his stance of respect, stating,
“I don’t hold a grudge against him. Tomorrow I’ll greet him, as I did in Paris. With respect, I appreciate him. Let people show what they feel.”
Following the PSG clash in the Champions League, Barcelona will shift their focus to a crucial La Liga fixture against arch-rivals Real Madrid on Sunday.
