Former Barcelona forward explains circumstances of his exit – ‘They offered renewal, but did not believe in me’ | OneFootball

Former Barcelona youth forward Hugo Alba has opened up about his exit from the club and the opportunities he missed. 

Once seen as one of Barça’s brightest young talents, Alba became a free agent in June after his contract with the club expired. 

He has now joined OFK Belgrade, but the striker shared in an interview with Balkan outlet Mozzart Sport (h/t SPORT) that Barcelona had offered him a contract extension, albeit too late.

“Barça offered me a contract, but they offered it too late. I am grateful to Barça for my short time at the club, but it was out of my hands. 

“They didn’t believe in me, or at least that’s what I think. There was nothing I could do about it. 

“I thought that at least in my last season at the club I would play for Barça Atlético. But they didn’t have much faith in me,” Alba explained.

Despite this setback, Alba maintains gratitude for his experience at the club, acknowledging the level of professionalism and the quality of the first-team environment. 

“I always wanted to play for Barça Atlètic or, better still, for the first team, but now I can’t. I’m very grateful to Barcelona for everything, but now there’s nothing I can do about it,” he added.

Lessons learned and memories with first team

Hugo Alba left Barcelona as a free agent. (Photo courtesy: X/FCBMasia)

Alba also reflected on his time training with the first team, describing it as an invaluable learning experience. 

“I did, I trained five or six times. It’s incredible there, the level is very high. But even there, you feel part of the team. 

“They’re all good people, just like you and me. And that’s important. I talked to many of them, not just one or two. I asked them questions about football and life in general.”

He specifically mentioned his interactions with Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona’s star striker. 

“I did an exercise with him once, and I remember it well because he explained to me how to do certain things in front of the goal, which helped me later.”

While his path led him away from the Camp Nou, the lessons and guidance he received remain a part of his development. 

For young players like Alba, experiences at top clubs, even briefly, provide a foundation that can shape their careers.