Ousmane Dembele reflects on Barcelona spell and reveals what Messi meant to him: ‘Saw some exceptional top players’ | OneFootball

Ousmane Dembele has looked back on his Barcelona career with gratitude, with Lionel Messi standing out as one of the biggest influences on his time at the club.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward arrived at Camp Nou in 2017 with enormous expectations after Barcelona paid €105 million to Borussia Dortmund for the 20-year-old, who was brought in following Neymar’s departure.

His spell in Catalonia never developed as smoothly as hoped. 

A series of serious hamstring and muscle injuries disrupted his progress, while his early years were also marked by questions over his professionalism and consistency.

Yet Dembele eventually found his best level before leaving Barcelona, and he now views that period of his career through a much more positive lens.

Dembele eventually found his rhythm at Barcelona

Injuries became the defining problem during the early stages of Dembele’s Barcelona career.

The Frenchman spent long periods unavailable and missed more than 100 matches during his time in Spain. 

Dembele’s Barcelona tenure was marred by injuries and off-field issues. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Concerns were also raised over his punctuality, lifestyle and diet, although he later made changes to his routine, including bringing in private chefs.

His situation improved considerably towards the end of his Barcelona spell.

Under former manager Xavi, Dembele became a far more consistent attacking threat. 

His performances suggested that the talent Barcelona had invested heavily in was finally beginning to translate regularly on the pitch.

However, disagreements surrounding his contract renewal complicated the relationship before his departure in 2023.

PSG activated his €50.4 million release clause, with the opportunity to work under Luis Enrique playing an important role in his decision to move to Paris.

Dembele reveals the Barcelona player he admired most

Dembele has nothing but praise for Messi (Photo by JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite how his Barcelona career ended, Dembele has no bitterness towards the club when reflecting on his development.

Instead, Messi remains central to his memories of the dressing room.

“I spent some years at Barça and I saw some exceptional top players… one was perfect, Messi,” he said, as per Fabrizio Romano.

“I wanted to become a complete player too: goals, assists, help the team, passes.”

Dembele’s time at the club ultimately produced a mixture of frustration and progress, but the Frenchman believes he eventually became the type of complete player he wanted to be.

“I am the player I wanted to become,” he concluded.