FC Barcelona manager Xavi has revealed that Memphis Depay asked to leave the Catalan outfit and that the Dutchman was not comfortable at the club.
Memphis Depay has joined Barcelona’s La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window, with the Netherlands national football team attacker signing a contract that runs until 2025 with the Los Rojiblancos.
Memphis Depay had fallen down the pecking order at FC Barcelona. The Dutchman featured in just four games for Barcelona in the 22/23 season before his move to Atletico Madrid.
The 28-year-old, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, left the Catalan outfit after making 42 appearances for the club and amassing a respectable total of 14 goals.
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Memphis Depay asked to leave Barcelona after he received Atletico Madrid’s proposal, reveals Xavi
Speaking at a press conference, Barcelona manager Xavi revealed that Memphis Depay asked to leave the Catalan outfit after he received the proposal from Atletico Madrid.
Xavi also revealed that Memphis Depay was not comfortable at Barcelona. The Barcelona manager also insisted that everyone involved in the deal came out of the situation as winners.
Xavi also admitted it would be great if Barcelona can strengthen their squad following Memphis Depay’s departure, but insisted it is not urgent.
READ MORE: Barcelona Looking to Sign Back-Up to Robert Lewandowski Following Memphis Depay’s Imminent Exit
“Memphis asked to leave after he received Atletico’s proposal. He asked me to leave, he wasn’t comfortable, he wanted to be comfortable again. We all came out of the situation as winners,” Xavi said. “If we can strengthen ourselves, that would be great. If not, it’s not urgent. We’ll see if we can sign someone, but we must remember Financial Fair Play rules.”
Meanwhile, Barcelona are the La Liga toppers with the Catalan outfit sitting atop the points table ahead of defending champions Real Madrid. Barcelona have 41 points from 16 matches in La Liga so far in the 22/23 season, while Real Madrid trail Xavi and co. by three points. Real Madrid have 38 points from 16 matches.
Meanwhile, Barcelona won their first trophy since Xavi became their manager when they defeated arch-rivals Real Madrid 3-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final. Gavi, Pedri and Robert Lewandowski scored the goals as Barcelona clinched the title.
Barcelona will face Getafe in a La Liga fixture in their next match. The game kicks off at 11:00 pm Indian Standard Time, on January 22.
