Had he not determined to mutually terminate his contract on the finish of the 2022-23 season, Jordi Alba may have nonetheless been at Barcelona. The Catalan giants most likely wouldn’t have minded this attributable to their struggles at left-back, however alas, the 35-year-old has as a substitute spent the final 18 months at Inter Miami.
Chatting with the Offsiders podcast (by way of Marca), Alba mirrored on his determination to go away Barcelona, which he doesn’t have any regrets over.
“I didn’t find yourself enjoying a lot anymore, I had a season with out enjoying besides for 2 months when lots of people are injured and I performed very properly, and I went to the World Cup. I didn’t plan to go away Barcelona as a result of I had a yr on my contract, plus an non-obligatory one. For me the best factor was to remain at Barcelona.
“Ultimately once I determined to take the step, and I don’t remorse it, I believe I did my finest. That season you noticed that Jordi who didn’t play and helped his teammates. I used to be supported extra by the setting. However I did the identical factor. That yr was not straightforward as a result of I spent extra time with out enjoying video games than I may have performed. I performed recreation after which went three matches with out enjoying. I made a decision on the finish of the season. The best factor was to say that I used to be staying in Barcelona with my household. However to be on the bench… For the membership it was additionally good. I left pleased.”
Alba was additionally requested concerning the hardest opponent he confronted throughout his profession, and whereas Angel Di Maria was named, he additionally made a moderately shocking alternative from again in his Valencia days.
“They at all times ask me, however you gained’t even know who it’s. It was within the season that I began enjoying as a full-back. I bear in mind it was sunny at Mestalla… and Racing Santander got here. Kennedy was his identify, and he had not a lot hair… I had a horrible time.
“After which being at stage, I believe Di Maria was the worst. Di Maria at Actual Madrid was spectacular, superb – not solely when it got here to attacking, but additionally defending, he didn’t cease. He’s a yr older than me and he’s nonetheless working. He’s a participant I’ve at all times preferred quite a bit.”