Former Barcelona flop looks back on difficult time at the club – ‘Wish they had been more patient with me’ | OneFootball

Gerard Deulofeu has looked back on his Barcelona journey with a touch of regret, revealing he wishes the club had shown more faith in him.

Once hailed as one of La Masia’s brightest prospects, Deulofeu couldn’t quite live up to the hype at Camp Nou and was eventually forced to pursue his career elsewhere.

Now 31 and without a club after leaving Udinese in January 2025, Deulofeu opened up about the disappointment he felt during his time at Barça, particularly after returning from a promising spell at AC Milan.

“I was wonderful at Milan. Barça promised me something that they didn’t keep. If I had a long contract like they said I would, I think I could have stayed longer,” he explained.

“It was very hard to break into a team with Messi, Suarez, and other top attackers. I accepted my role, and I don’t think I did badly.

“I have the feeling that I would have liked Barça to have been more patient with me. But they didn’t give me many chances.”

Despite the setbacks, the former winger remains proud of what he’s achieved.

“I feel bad not to have succeeded at Barça, but I’m proud of my professional career. I also take some responsibility, as I lacked maturity during my early years with the first team.”

High hopes for Flick’s Barça

Gerard Deulofeu reflected on his time at the club. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Deulofeu has high praise for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona and believes the club is heading into a bright era.

“Barça have played great football this season. They won a lot of titles and came close in the Champions League. I think next season they’ll be one of the top teams again.”

His admiration, however, shines most when speaking about Lamine Yamal. “I’ve said it before—Lamine is the best. I’d give him the Ballon d’Or.

“Mbappe might win the Golden Boot, and Raphinha’s numbers were good, but for me, Lamine is the best creator in the world.”

The former Barça man is also excited by the idea of pairing Yamal with Spain teammate Nico Williams. “That would be a great idea. Nico is a fantastic player.

“I love watching Spain play with two natural wingers. I didn’t get the criticism of Lamine after his last game—he scored twice and put on a show in the Nations League semi-final.”

Source: SPORT