Jordi Alba: “I still see myself competing at a high level”

Last round of interviews as a Barça player. Jordi Alba (L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, March 21, 1989) spoke to Mundo Deportivo just after training because “first things first”. And first thing in the morning, he exercises alone at the Ciutat Esportiva. Nor did the rings fall upon him to do it in the subsidiary the day before. The winger is ambitious and his magical week ended with the pick call. One more. He has something left in football, although it is far from his Barça, which sent him out with all honor.

Have you gotten over your goodbye hangover?

That was unforgettable. After spending so much time here in Barcelona, ​​​​​​​​​going out the way I did, the truth is that I will never forget it. Now I have assimilated it more.

These days he commented that it was the dream goodbye. How did you come up with it or has it exceeded expectations?

I always noticed the love of all the fans, of all the culés, but it’s true that I was very moved. Seeing all the people standing, saying goodbye, the messages I received and the people on the street thanking me… In the end, the one who is grateful is me, who lived in these incredible moments. I always appreciate the support of my fans and I leave very happy.

It’s curious, because more than a year ago at the Camp Nou, Jordi Alba blew the whistle. How did you turn this situation around?

I would understand the whistles for sports performance, but when they don’t depend on me… Many lies were also told and I understand people, who read and listen. You, as a person, give your opinion. But the president spoke the other day, with emotion, he was even emotional. He told the truth after a long time there was speculation in other news, not only from me but also from other players… Honestly, I will leave very happy for the performance I gave in the club, for all that. it helped. I think during the bad times I also noticed the love of all the fans. I’ll leave with that, with thanks to everyone.

lie What does it refer to? On the salary side? Because he didn’t say anything about it.

The player has to devote himself to the game. A lot of news comes out, some are true, some are not. But not only to me, it’s the world of football like that, it’s the order of the day. I think things have been discussed that are not. When I asked for help, I helped and now in my departure too. I’m not saying it to blame myself, but it really is. I repeat, I am very grateful to Barcelona for the treatment they have given me, for everything they have given me as a player and as a person and also thank all the Catalans for the farewell they have given me. Also at the club, obviously, for the farewell they did with the people they loved, with my family, with my teammates. It is very useful.

There’s a feeling he’ll live out the year left on his contract, but it’s been a different, tough year. Why did you make the decision and when?

Yes, every time I say I’ll stay for a year it’s because I really mean it. But then I’ve been thinking about it for the past few weeks, talking to my family too. It was not an easy year for me, but I think I improved in many ways. Not only in football, but in friendship, in helping everyone. It was a good year for me, to get to know myself. It was a sudden decision, but I had thought about it for a week or two. Selfishly I could stay for a year, but for the good of the club and for myself, it’s better to step aside. And so I have. That’s how I felt.

What cost you the most this past year at Barça?

All players want to play everything, we are selfish in that sense. We also don’t often see that there are colleagues who are in the same situation as you. At first, I didn’t play and I hated myself and wanted to play. But I understand the decisions of the coach, who is in charge. I didn’t ask when I was playing and I don’t ask when I wasn’t. I tried to train hard, when I was out there to do my best and above all, help my teammates. One of the things that I am most proud of is everything that people talk about me, especially people who know me and with that I leave very happy.

And how eloquent young people are, how it covers them. In fact, he was the first to recommend Balde when Barça were looking for a left back last summer. Something that was misinterpreted as Jordi Alba’s selfishness so that he would not bring competition. What do you see in Alejandro Balde?

I told the president that there is no need to look outside, because Balde is a player with a present, but above all a bright future and he will do a good job at the club. He was a child that I always tried to help, that I got along well with. I told the prez, that they don’t need to look outside, that there is one in the quarry that I personally like. He had to go through his process, like everyone else, but in the end it showed.

I remember in the preseason, after the match against Real Madrid in Miami, that I commented on this publicly. And some people said I don’t want competition and, look where, time has proven me right. We are talking about a very good player, with amazing conditions. Physically he is very strong and I am sure he will be a winger for a long time. I always took it with great sportsmanship. I always tried to help. I think he said the same in his time. And that’s what matters, that’s where you see people, in bad times. I think I have done my duty to try to help. It also came out of me.

Yes, Balde himself said that he absorbed you this year and you are his benchmark. Changed the third a bit, is it hard to have a friend as a coach?

Because we have many different moments, not only with each other, but with our families. We finally understand the situation. When he arrived we talked, both Busi and I explained how the team was doing and we were honest. He makes his decisions and they are honorable. Nothing has changed in our friendship. Sports is one thing and personal is another. Coach helped me a lot, he always noticed me. And I am always grateful for everything he did in his day and what he has done this year as well.

We saw this in the Auditori 1899, which was a public reconciliation in front of everyone. Both to the president and to Xavi.

We are doing well, knowing that it has been a difficult time in sporting terms, because well, it is also difficult for him. It’s not easy to leave a friend, but I always take it with sportsmanship. I always understood that he would look out for his team and the welfare within the group. I would have preferred that if I hadn’t played, I would have tried to help him and all. And when I do play I try to do it well. I think, despite not having the minutes that I used to have, I was able to perform at a good level.

The first decision is whether or not to continue with Barça. Now, what future awaits Jordi Alba?

What is clear to me is that my time at Barça is over. It’s not an easy decision, but I think it’s the best for both the club and me. Now I have the national team championship, I will try to win and from there I will look at the options. Obviously I want to keep playing, but honestly, I don’t. It’s time to reflect, to figure out what’s best for me and my family.

Do you see yourself continuing to play in Europe, in a good team, or do you want to explore other exotic leagues?

I’m in a moment where I want to see everything I have and appreciate it, sincerely. I mean, I still see myself competing at a high level, but hey, I have to appreciate everything by talking to my family too. It will not be my decision alone, I also want to discuss it with my husband. We should value the best for our children. I am open to everything.

Will he consider the opinion of friends like Busquests or Leo, who also know his future?

Everyone looks out for their interests. Obviously I want to play with all those who shared a dressing room, apart from the fact that we are united by a great friendship, but I think that everyone has to look after himself. Honestly, I don’t know what Leo or Busi will do. Honestly, I’ll take care of myself and my family, which is what’s important to me. I hope one day I can play with them, but it’s hard, it’s hard.