Fermín López reveals the story behind giving his Barcelona shirt to Rodri: I felt sad
What did Fermin say about the golden deal?
Barcelona star Fermin Lopez opened up just a few days before the start of the Blaugrana's official season, speaking about the major changes in the squad's numbers and giving a warm welcome to new arrival from Manchester City, Rodri.
The Catalan side kick off their La Liga campaign against Elche at the Martinez Valero stadium next Sunday at 9:30pm. It's a match that will hand first official appearances to new signings Jordan, Adieme and Bisio, along with Rodri and Cancelo.
Rodri, the Ballon d'Or winner, will wear the number 16 shirt that used to belong to Fermin. The Spain star, in turn, switches to the number 7 left vacant by Ferran Torres.
Asked about the swap, the Andalusian spoke frankly to the newspaper "Diari Ara": "The number 7 is a number I have always loved and one that has been worn by greats in the club's history, and when it became vacant I asked for it and I am happy with it. I felt a little sad about giving up the number 16 because I loved it a lot during my seasons with the first team, but I am convinced it will be in safe hands."
Praise for Rodri came without a shred of hesitation, Fermin branding him the best holding midfielder in the world: "He is a great player, a Ballon d'Or winner and a world champion. I played with him for the national team and he is the best in his position. He will give us a lot."
Lopez also touched on Julian Alvarez, the top target of coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, despite Atletico Madrid's refusal to sell him to Barcelona. "I admire him a lot, he is a wonderful player, but in the end he is an Atletico player, and with our style I think he would fit in perfectly."
A farewell to former teammate Ferran Torres, now off to Paris Saint-Germain for 50 million euros, closed his remarks: "These are personal decisions and I don't have all the information, but he was a wonderful teammate and I wish him all the best. I wrote him a farewell message. He made his decision himself and I am happy for his happiness."
