A forgotten Premier League star is now putting in brilliant performances as he lives his dream of playing for Barcelona.
Over the last few seasons, Barcelona have had to work within tight financial constraints as they looked to build a squad capable of challenging for the big prizes.
Since Xavi took charge, the likes of Raphina, Ferran Torres and Joao Felix have all joined the club.
At the start of the 23/24 season, it was confirmed that Oriol Romeu had joined Barcelona on a three-year deal from Girona after the departure of Sergio Busquets.
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However, the decision to sign the former Chelsea and Southampton star raised eyebrows at the time.
The Spaniard spent four seasons at Chelsea before playing for Southampton from 2015 to 2022.
During his time with the Saints, Romeu was busy trying to save the club from relegation.
Now, in a sensational upturn in fortunes, the 32-year-old is living his dream as he gears up for the first El Clasico of the season this weekend.
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So far this season, Romeu has made 13 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions, providing one assist along the way.
As per the Daily Star, Romeu said ahead of the Real Madrid clash: “For a ‘Culé’, playing for Barca is a dream come true, besides doing something that you really like, which is playing football, if you do it with the team that you have identified with since you were little, it has a place in your heart and is an added bonus.
“I arrived here when I was 12 years old, and I lived on-site at La Masia in my first year, it was the classic residence. I remember playing in Barca vs Madrid games when I was little, it was a special, beautiful game, it’s a game that since you were little, you look at with a different enthusiasm.”
Romeu continued: “I knew that I had done well at Girona, but coming to Barcelona was a huge challenge. I couldn’t have asked for more, being here and learning from my teammates and the coaching staff, it’s a very nice experience and one that I want to continue soaking up as I keep growing every day.
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“Busquets has been the player who has best interpreted how to play in that position in midfield in recent years. The challenge is a big, beautiful one and that’s what we are here for, to try to rise to it and do it in the best way possible.”
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Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Barcelona, Chelsea, Southampton, Football, Premier League