Gavi, the 21-year-old midfielder for FC Barcelona, where he came through the youth ranks before making his professional debut in 2021, spoke to the newspaper Mundo Deportivo in an interview published this Wednesday. During the interview, he was asked, among other things, about Ousmane Dembélé, the 29-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and French national team striker who played for Barça (2017-2023) and with whom he has remained close.
Gavi: “He’s like a brother to me.”
“He’s like a brother to me. I’ve always said that. He’s a great friend, and we talk all the time. He’s in fantastic form, he’s proven that since last season, and I hope he wins the Champions League. I’ll also be happy for Luis (Enrique), for Fabian (Ruiz)… There are other Spaniards there, and I really appreciate Ous. His departure affected me deeply because I was very close to him, and I’m truly delighted that he’s succeeding.”
These are powerful words, a reminder that true friendships can be forged in football, far removed from the rivalry that can exist between clubs. Perhaps some Barça fans are less than thrilled to see Gavi so positive about a player who left for PSG. But they certainly have the right to share a special bond and wish each other success. Dembélé and PSG will clearly have a major supporter at the final, which is always welcome.
We just hope that the media won’t take advantage of this in the coming days to start transfer rumors. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be surprising.
