Anthony Gordon explains reason he learned Spanish after speaking fluently at Barcelona unveiling

Anthony Gordon stunned fans by speaking fluent Spanish during his unveiling as a Barcelona player.

On Friday (May 29), Gordon, 25, completed a £69.3 million move from Newcastle United to Barcelona, penning a five-year deal through to 2031.

The Everton academy graduate had also been the subject of interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich before eventually agreeing terms with Barca.

The England winger, who will form part of Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad at the upcoming World Cup, took part in an unveiling event on Friday, although he cannot officially become a Barcelona player until the transfer window opens on June 15, when formalities are expected to be completed. He has also passed a medical he undertook on Thursday (May 28).

During the event, Gordon surprised fans by speaking fluent Spanish, much like his fellow Scouser and England team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold did when he was unveiled as a Real Madrid player following his switch from Liverpool last summer.

Explaining why he spoke Spanish, Gordon said: "There was a physio in Newcastle and we spoke every day. I told him one day I would play for Barca and wanted to learn Spanish.

"I found out very late [of Barcelona's interest]. But as soon as I knew Barca were a serious option, there wasn't any question.

"Barca are the biggest club on the planet. It is stuff I dreamed [about] as a child."

Barca announced the signing via their website, while Newcastle also confirmed the deal.

Gordon owes Newcastle a lot

Speaking to Newcastle’s website about his time in the North East, Gordon said he will be a “fan" of the club for the rest of his life.

“I owe this club a lot because, when I arrived, I was quite lost both in life and in football,” he said. “The club has given me a sense of belonging and a sense of identity. It's allowed me to do what I always thought I could do. It's put me on the biggest stage and allowed me to perform for the shirt.

“Since coming to the club, I feel I've improved a lot on the pitch, but this club has played a big part in the person I've become over the last three-and-a-half years.

“It was really important for me to leave this place in a good way because I've loved every single minute of being a part of Newcastle United. This is an incredible club and one that I'll never forget.”

Gordon, who registered 39 goals and 28 assists in 152 appearances, helped Newcastle win the 2025 Carabao Cup, ending the club's 70-year trophy drought.