Ousmane Dembele explains why he left Barcelona for PSG: ‘Even though I was very attached, it felt like…’ | OneFootball

Ousmane Dembele has reflected on one of the biggest decisions of his career, admitting that leaving Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain was the right move despite his deep connection to the Catalan club.

The French winger, who has enjoyed remarkable success since arriving in Paris, spoke candidly about his departure from Barcelona in an interview with MARCA and the factors that convinced him to start a new chapter in France.

After a turbulent spell at Camp Nou that included injuries, contract disputes and periods of inconsistency, Dembele completed a €50.4 million transfer to PSG in 2023. 

Three years later, the move appears to have paid off handsomely for both player and club.

Why Dembele chose to leave Barcelona

Although Dembele’s relationship with Barcelona was often complicated, his affection for the club never disappeared.

The former winger revealed that making the decision to leave was not easy, particularly because of his personal attachment to Barcelona. However, he felt the timing was right to pursue a fresh challenge.

“In my case, I felt it was time to leave the club, even though I was very attached to Barça, whom I’ve supported since I was a child. But for me, it was important to sign for Paris Saint-Germain.

Dembele left Barcelona in 2023. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

“I spoke to Luis Enrique, who’d wanted me for a long time and whom I know well. And, of course, with the president and the sporting director.

“And it was a brilliant decision when you look at what’s happened at Paris Saint-Germain over the last three years, and I’m happy about that.”

Luis Enrique played a decisive role

One of the key factors behind Dembele’s decision was the influence of Luis Enrique.

The PSG manager made his intentions clear from the very beginning and outlined a detailed plan for how the French international would fit into his system.

“Yes, I remember it very well. I was on tour in Los Angeles with Barcelona when Luis Enrique rang me. 

“He explained his plans, his vision of my role in his team and how he saw our future together at Paris Saint-Germain. His words convinced me straight away.”

That trust has clearly been repaid.

Since arriving in Paris, Dembele has helped PSG establish themselves as one of Europe’s dominant forces, winning consecutive Champions League titles and eventually claiming the Ballon d’Or.

Barcelona may look back with mixed feelings

Dembele has explained why he moved to PSG. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Dembele’s story remains one of the most debated chapters in Barcelona’s recent history.

There is little doubt that injuries prevented supporters from consistently seeing the best version of the Frenchman during much of his time in Spain. 

However, his final seasons at the club hinted at the player he would eventually become. The winger believes that improvement had already started before his departure.

“It’s a bit of all of that at once. That said, I was already feeling much better during my final years at Barcelona.

“In 2021–2022 I was 24 or 25 and things had improved significantly. My early days in Spain had been very difficult due to injuries, but in Paris I’ve continued the form I showed in those last two seasons at Barcelona.

“I’ve gained experience and learnt to understand my body much better, which has helped me enormously. 

“What’s more, I’m lucky to have Luis Enrique and his coaching staff, who manage me perfectly,” he concluded.