While some of his teammates are already on vacation, Jordi Alba (III/21/1989) continues training at the sports city as he is called up for the final four of the Nations League with Spain. At 34, he still has sane and is physically fit, but it will be out of Barça, despite the fact that he had one more year left on his contract. Spanish and foreign teams have been interested in him.
Let's start at the end: a tribute at the Camp Nou. Institutional farewell… It has been half my life at Barça.
I leave very satisfied. Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine going out this well. The other day I realized how much people love me, I didn't know. I think I'm coming out at the right time. It's a tough decision to make but honestly I think I've done the best. I'm leaving proud with the love of the people at the Camp Nou but also on the street. When you've been here for so many years, people get it. It has been very emotional. I'm leaving happy.
The president was moved when explaining that you forgive money in an act of Barcelona.
There has been too much talk about that subject of my salary. No player has heard so many things about it. The president came out of his soul and I thanked him. I have thought about it and I think it is important that it be clear from everything that had been discussed.
Did the criticism hurt him over his salary?
I understand the doubts because things were said that were not real and the fan ends up believing them. I leave calm knowing that I have helped the club. In my goodbye and also in previous seasons. I have done it for the love of the club. Honestly, if I had been in another club I wouldn't have done it because I wouldn't have felt it. I think you have to be grateful in life and the club has given me everything. Selfishly, I could have stayed next year plus another optional. But I have been honest and I have done what is best for both parties.
Have you lacked selling yourself more or being more friendly with the environment?
I am who I am, I can't please everyone. There have been attitudes in which I could have been wrong, but competing I am like that. I understand that people saw me on the screen or on the football field and thought things like the ones I thought. But it has nothing to do with how I am as a person, my values and the respect I have for all professionals.
Was it transformed in the field?
When it comes to competing I want to win and I have not always acted well, but like everyone else.
What did you think when you saw the arrival of Marcos Alonso and the irruption of Balde?
It was difficult at first. He had been at Barcelona for 10 years, playing every minute at the highest level. After playing the first game against Rayo, I spent four games in a row on the bench. Little by little I was assimilating that this season could be like that and I have taken it, as I say, with category. I felt important despite not having many minutes. When you play Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday you are only focused on competing and you don't value other things. This year I have taken it calmer, knowing that I was going to have less prominence. I have chatted with colleagues, workers... With Balde, the winger is well covered.
99 assists with Barcelona. How is it achieved? Does that come as standard or is it learned?
Some say 93, others 94... Too bad there weren't 100. But there are a lot. They could be more but you also depend on the striker who takes advantage of them. And other times that you don't give an exceptional pass, the forward puts it in and counts you as an assist. They are very good data for a winger, right?
It will also have something to do with his connection with Messi. How did he find it in the middle of the race?
It gives you time to think. That's the difference in a good center. When I was young, I crossed and if they shot, perfect. Little by little I began to slow down and think, what is the most difficult thing for a player who reaches the bottom line. And more in Barcelona because you raise your head and see eight rivals in the area and one, two or maximum three players from your team. It's complicated. That's why I gave them all to Leo, because he's the one who put them in me. It is so and always has been so.
Was it easy to play with Messi or difficult because you had to be up to the task?
I took advantage of it because I knew I was going to put them in. We understood each other perfectly. But it is also a question for him, let's see if he has missed me in other teams. For me, being selfish, the best thing was to pass it on.
He has said that when he was dropped from grassroots football he believed the door of Barça was closed forever, that he thought he would never return. Do you remember the moment when they came looking for you in 2012?
I was at the Eurocup with the national team. So I talked about it with Valencia and I told them: "Me, if I go it's to Barcelona." At Valencia I was spectacular because they gave me the opportunity to play in the First Division. But I am from Barça and I could go back to my house and with my family. When I found out about the interest, I was very excited. I remember that the day before the final I signed the contract, then we won the Euro and I showed up at the Camp Nou with 10,000 people. Wow, amazing.
Now he leaves with 459 games, only two defenses like Puyol and Migueli exceed that number. Do you feel that he is among the three best defenders at Barça?
There are many parties. I am the ninth who has played the most. Maybe now I don't value it so much but I will value it over the years. The best? That goes by taste. I have given everything for the club and I have been happy.
Are you clear about the next chapter of your career?
I don't have anything. I made the decision to leave Barcelona a few weeks ago because it was the most honest thing to do and I wanted to be fair, but I decided without having anything. Now I will go with the national team to the Nations League and then I will assess everything, also at a family level. I want something that motivates me. Sportingly, in Europe and abroad you have to be well prepared.
Busquets seems to be clear that he wants to try being a coach. When you hang up your boots, which is not now, do you want to continue with football?
Yes I would. Coach, I don't know. I see myself more in the coaching staff. I would like to help in whatever the club proposes to me. I know the house perfectly, I know how it works and I think I have the conditions to help people. So for tomorrow I will get all the titles I can.
