Ousmane Dembele explains why he left Barcelona to join PSG
Ousmane Dembele explains why he left La Liga champions Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman decided to leave the club when PSG registered a firm interest.
Furthermore, despite Barcelona’s attempt to convince him to stay with them, he favored a return to his native country. Dembele signed a five-year contract with PSG after they triggered his €50m release clause within the negotiations.
Nevertheless, Barca fans were not happy after his departure, as they felt ‘betrayed’ by Dembele. Moreover, Xavi, who always supported Dembele and tried to change his career at Barca, felt more betrayed than anyone else.
Demeble’s reason to leave Barcelona after five years
When asked why did he sign for PSG, Dembele said: “I spoke with the coach and president [Nasser] Al-Khelaifi,” Dembele told Téléfoot (h/t SPORT). They told me about the project, and I was also excited to play in France again.
“Everything is good at PSG. We have a great coach, and the speech I liked the president. It is the team in which I have learned the most. The team is very good.
“All positions are doubled with quality players who play in the best teams in the world. There is a lot of competition, but that is good for the team and puts pressure on us all to give our best.”
Barcelona chief ‘slams’ Ousmane Dembele over PSG move
Joan Laporta’s advisor, Enric Masip, who is also part of the sporting committee, has questioned Dembele’s commitment.
“Everyone must be disappointed [by his exit]. I like good players, but I prefer committed players. If you have both, perfect.
“Dembéle already demonstrated his lack of commitment when he did not renew. I prefer a player who gives me a seven or an eight to one who gives me a ten and two days later goes to another team to win more.
“It is very easy to kiss the shield when you score a goal or sell smoke on social networks. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to earn more, but when one is committed, one does not look at the money and does not say one thing one day and something else another day.
“I’d rather play with a boy from the quarry or with Raphinha, who gives everything in every training session, than with someone who one day gives you a nine and another gives you a three.”
Nevertheless, Barcelona already have found his replacement in La Masia gem Lamine Yamal. The 16-year-old continues to break records with his club and country.
