Gavi made his much-anticipated return for Barcelona in the latter stages of their 5-1 victory over Sevilla on Saturday – and he marked the occasion in typical fashion.
The 20-year-old suffered a complete tear of his ACL, as well as a meniscus injury, after landing awkwardly on his knee during Spain's final Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia.
After initially being ruled out for nine months, Gavi watched on the from the sidelines as Spain were crowned European champions for an unprecedented fourth time this summer.
It has been a frustrating period for the midfielder, who was one of Barcelona's standout performers last season.
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But after 11 months out, the La Masia product was given a rapturous reception by the Nou Camp crowd as he replaced fellow Spain international Pedri in the 83rd minute against Sevilla.
Gavi, who has built a reputation for his no-nonsense style of play since breaking into the Barcelona first-team, must have been full of adrenaline in those opening seconds.
In fact, he committed a rash foul on Sevilla's Jose Angel Carmona, just 20 seconds after replacing Pedri.
Here's how fans on social media reacted to the challenge.
One said: "Gavi came on and the first thing he did was commit a foul to show us he's back. Oh how I missed you. He and Xavi were competing for yellow cards every match day."
A second wrote: "Me celebrating Gavi committing a foul within 20 seconds of coming in," and a third commented: "This is football heritage."
A fourth said: "Gavi with an immediate foul, HE’S BACK," while a fifth added: "Just remembered Gavi's first touch was a foul he is well and truly back."
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick admitted he got goosebumps after hearing the reception Gavi received on his return.
“It was goosebumps, unbelievable, and I like this," he said. “The intensity he gave in the match when he came in was good. But it’s normal, it’s his way to play. Sometimes it’s OK to be more calmer, but it’s not his style of play.”
Gavi also commented on the occasion, adding: “I have been dreaming about this for many months and I am grateful to my teammates who made the process easier for me.
“The hardest thing is not playing, watching from the outside. It’s frustrating, it’s tough. You have to enjoy every moment and [time out] allows you to value the things you have. I feel fortunate to be back.
“I missed playing football the most, this is my life, it is what I have always done. When all the fans and your teammates like you and give you that reception, you feel very lucky."
Jack Kenmare