Former Barcelona prodigy reflects on decision to leave last summer – ‘I believed I deserved more recognition’ | OneFootball

It has been just under six months since Hugo Alba said goodbye to Barcelona after six years developing at La Masia.

The 19-year-old striker, who captained the historic Juvenil A team last season, made a surprising decision to leave the club after a stellar individual campaign where he scored 28 goals.

Now plying his trade in the Serbian first division with OFK Belgrade, the former Barcelona youth striker spoke to Mundo Deportivo, talking about his time at La Masia and how he was overlooked, leading to his exit.

What Alba said about Barcelona and La Masia

When asked about life outside the Barcelona bubble, Alba explained what it is like living life outside the club’s echo chamber.

“At Barça, you’re in a bubble, and even the smallest things are meticulously cared for. You have every possible facility, like paediatricians and physios. Here, the difference is noticeable. You have just what you need, which is ultimately what’s necessary,” he said.

He also noted the stark contrast in footballing philosophy. “Barça’s methodology is unique in the world, and it has the results it has, and here the mentality is very different. They have different customs and methods, and they’re doing well,” he added.

Having scored as many as 28 goals in the last season, helping Barça Juvenil A win the treble, Alba’s move to Serbia raised eyebrows, especially given his prolific form.

For the player, though, it was a calculated risk.

“I really had several options besides this one. You hear about OFK Belgrade and Serbia and you think, ‘What a decision he’s made,’ but in the end, it’s a first division team. Teams from other leagues also look at these ‘secondary’ leagues when looking to sign players,” he said.

“Last season, for example, four or five players from the team went to the major leagues. I understand the people who think I’ve made a mistake, but it was a well-considered decision, and I saw it as the right one for my future,” he added.

Hugo Alba’s disappointment at Barcelona

Given his performances, it was almost given that Hugo Alba would remain at Barcelona. And while the renewal offer eventually came, it was too late for the player.

Hugo Alba was a prolific scorer for Juvenil A last season. (Photo courtesy: X/FCBMasia)

“Yes, but both my inner circle and I felt it came a bit late, especially after what I achieved last season. I believed I deserved more recognition,” noted Alba.

“It came at the end of the season, I think it was already over, and we discussed it because leaving Barça isn’t easy,” he said.

The primary source of his frustration stemmed from a lack of progression to the reserve team, even when they were desperate for strikers.

“At the beginning of last season, Barça told me they expected much more from me, that they wanted me to take a significant step forward in my third year, and I think I delivered,” he stated.

“There was a time when Barça Atletic was left without any strikers, and I didn’t even train with them so the coach could see me.

“That was a moment when I reconsidered my future with those around me, because the opportunity to move up to the first team never materialised,” he added.

Alba went on to voice his disappointment at Barcelona for ignoring his presence and not valuing him enough.

“I don’t know what they thought or expected of me to not even give me the chance; those were things beyond my control, and I believe I did everything I could to earn some trust, because I didn’t train with Barça Atletic at all that year.

“It was a blow, because I saw other teammates moving up, who deserved it just as much as I did, and I thought, ‘Why not me?'”

The young striker revealed it was a painful moment for him, having been ignored at every turn by the Barcelona management.

“All of this hurt me a little, even more so after the treble with the youth team. Because I was doing everything I could, and I wasn’t given that opportunity. I’ll be eternally grateful to Barça, but these are things you carry with you, and they hurt too.

“They are things that come from above, decisions made by directors, coaches… in which I didn’t have much say. I don’t know what was missing, whether it was confidence, luck, or something else,” he added.

Hugo Alba on Belletti and Lamine Yamal

Despite a bitter end to his spell at Barcelona, Hugo Alba holds no resentment towards coach Juliano Belletti and holds him in the highest regard.

“My relationship with him was fantastic. Ever since I left, I’ve always said he was the best coach I’ve ever had. Not just because he trusted me, but because of his mentality and his vision of football.

Hugo Alba has immense respect for Juliano Belletti. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

“He made me captain at the start of the season, and he took me aside and told me he expected me to prove he hadn’t made a mistake in giving me that responsibility,” he said.

“At the end of the season, I wanted to talk to him, and I arranged to meet him mainly to thank him for the year he had given me. He told me he would have liked me to stay, but he respected my decision,” he added.

Alba also commented on his friend Lamine Yamal, who has skyrocketed to global fame with Barcelona.

“As for Lamine, I think he’s very well advised on this matter and knows how to behave in every situation; he’s doing very well,” he said.

Finally, when asked to tip the next star to emerge from La Masia, Alba pointed to versatile teammate Xavi Espart, who sadly recently suffered an injury.

“That’s a really tough question, to be honest. I think I’d say Xavi Espart. I actually spoke with him recently about his injury, but he’s an incredible player.

“Out of the 11 positions on the field, he can play 13 and perform well in all of them. He’s a wonderful person, and I think if he gets any chance, he’ll definitely take it,” he concluded.