Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele is on the verge of joining PSG, a decision that has left Barcelona coach Xavi visibly disappointed.
The 26-year-old forward, who remained on the bench during Barcelona’s pre-season friendly victory over AC Milan, has signalled his desire to leave the club.
Xavi, while addressing the situation after Tuesday’s game, conveyed his feelings, saying, “He says that he has this proposal and that he has decided to leave. It is his personal decision.”
“I will be very clear,” Xavi said. “He has been very direct, that he has a proposal from Paris St-Germain, that they have called him from there and here we cannot do anything. That is why he has not played today.
“It hurts me because I think we have taken great care of him here so that he is happy and content and continues to make a difference for us.”
🎙️ Xavi: “Dembélé came and told me he wanted to leave. He has an offer from PSG that we cannot match.” pic.twitter.com/VHfeB065mj
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 2, 2023
Despite the looming departure, Xavi recognised Dembele’s significance to the team, particularly his contributions as the top assist provider in La Liga last season.
Dembele scored in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid in Dallas, the second of three games on their pre-season tour of the United States.
Source: 3News