In 2022, FC Barcelona managed to freely sign Franck Kessié from AC Milan. Although he only played one season at Barça, the Ivorian entered the hearts of Barcelona supporters for his goal in added time against Real Madrid during the Clasico return to La Liga, allowing the Blaugranas to head towards the title of champion of Spain. Questioned by Mundo Deportivo this Wednesday, the former Milanese looked back on his experience in Catalonia, of which he only has good memories: “For me it was an honor to be a Barcelona player because we all know the history of Barcelona, a great team, high level. I won two titles there and for me it was fantastic. I always wanted to play there and thank God I was lucky enough to be part of this great team.”
Kessié grateful to Barça!
He then continued: “Yes, I signed for five years, I would have liked to fulfill the entire contract, but that’s football. I went to Barça to win, I won a championship, I was very good there, with the staff, with the players, with the supporters. I am proud to have been part of this team. My desire was to get there and win. I would have liked to fulfill my contract, but it’s football, I came here (to Saudi Arabia) because they made me feel important, in a new league that wants to grow and I preferred to come here . Xavi called me to come. For me it was an honor that he, who was one of the greats of football and who won so many titles, called me to sign for Barça. It made me very happy, but in football a lot of things can happen, I came to play and I didn’t get all the minutes I was hoping for, but I left with a clear conscience because I did my best when I was able to play. It made me angry because I was at a big club, but I only have to thank Xavi, president Laporta and all the people who work there, because they allowed me to realize a dream and I am very happy . Even though time was running out, I am left with the fact that I gave everything for Barça.”
Finally, he concluded by talking about his reunion with the players, whom he saw during the Spanish Super Cup: “For me, this locker room was a family, and it still is. Greeting my former teammates gave me a positive feeling, like I had done something great there, because everyone was happy to see me, as I was happy to see them. For me, the human part is what matters most. Above football, there is the human part. Seeing my former colleagues and the employees who work there again gave me great pleasure to greet them. The Champions League this year is more open and they can reach the final. Just like in La Liga, even though Atlético and Madrid have now moved ahead of them, it’s not over yet and Barça can be first again.“
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To summarize
Franck Kessié, who now plays for Al-Ahli, looked back on his experience at FC Barcelona. In 2022, FC Barcelona managed to freely sign Franck Kessié from AC Milan. Although he only played one season at Barça, the Ivorian entered the hearts of Barcelona supporters for his goal in added time against Real Madrid during the Clasico return to La Liga, allowing the Blaugranas to head towards the title of champion of Spain.
