Ousmane Dembele has shared his thoughts on what he describes as one of the largest decisions of his career, acknowledging that leaving Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain was indeed the right choice, despite his strong ties to the Catalan club.
The French winger, who has found significant success since his arrival in Paris, opened up about his departure from Barcelona during an interview with MARCA, discussing the reasons that led him to embark on a new journey in France.
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After a tumultuous period at Camp Nou marked by injuries, contract negotiations, and inconsistency, Dembele made a €50.4 million transfer to PSG in 2023.
Now, three years later, it’s clear that the move has been mutually beneficial for both the player and the club.
Dembele’s Reasons for Leaving Barcelona
While Dembele’s time at Barcelona had its complexities, his love for the club never wavered.
The winger shared that deciding to leave was challenging, largely due to his personal attachment to Barcelona, but he recognized that the timing was right to seek a new challenge.
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“For me, it was time to part ways with the club, even though I’ve always been deeply connected to Barça, a club I’ve admired since childhood. However, it was essential for me to move to Paris Saint-Germain.”
Dembele left Barcelona in 2023. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
“I talked to Luis Enrique, who had long wanted me at PSG and who I know well. I also spoke with the president and the sporting director.”
“Looking back at what’s transpired at Paris Saint-Germain over the past three years, I can confidently say it was a brilliant decision, and I’m pleased with how things turned out.”
Luis Enrique’s Crucial Role
One significant factor influencing Dembele’s choice was the impact of Luis Enrique.
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From the outset, the PSG manager made his intentions clear and presented a comprehensive plan for how Dembele would fit into his squad.
“I vividly remember it. I was on tour in Los Angeles with Barcelona when Luis Enrique called me.”
“He detailed his plans, informed me about my role in his team, and shared his vision for our future at Paris Saint-Germain. His words immediately convinced me.”
This trust has certainly been rewarded.
Since joining PSG, Dembele has played an integral role in establishing the club as a dominant force in Europe, helping them secure consecutive Champions League titles and ultimately claiming the Ballon d’Or.
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Barcelona’s Mixed Feelings
Dembele has elaborated on his decision to join PSG. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Dembele’s journey remains one of the most discussed topics in the recent history of Barcelona.
While it’s clear that injuries prevented fans from consistently witnessing the best of the Frenchman during his tenure in Spain, his later seasons hinted at the player he would eventually blossom into. Dembele believes that progress had already been made prior to his exit.
“It was a combination of many factors. However, I was starting to feel much better in my last years at Barcelona.”
“During the 2021-2022 season, I was around 24 or 25, and things were really improving. My initial time in Spain was tough because of injuries, but I’ve maintained the form I showed in those final two seasons at Barcelona while in Paris.”
“I’ve gained experience and learned to understand my body much better, which has been hugely beneficial for me.”
“Moreover, I’m fortunate to have Luis Enrique and his coaching staff, who manage my training exceptionally well,” he concluded.