Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken out on Dro Fernandez’s exit to Paris Saint-Germain, with Hansi Flick praising Marcus Rashford’s commitment in contrast
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has described Dro Fernandez’s departure as ‘unpleasant’, after Hansi Flick highlighted Marcus Rashford’s commitment as the perfect blueprint for what the club’s youngsters should strive towards.
Fernandez has sealed a switch to Paris Saint-Germain following his surprising decision to submit a transfer request. The 18-year-old reportedly activated his own £5.1million release clause in an attempt to push through a departure this month.
The teenager joined Barcelona at 14, and made his Champions League debut in October, where he provided an assist as Barca thrashed Olympiacos 6-1. Now, Fernandez has penned a deal that will keep him in the French capital until 2030.
Flick was left exasperated by the circumstances, and when questioned about it before the transfer, had to hold back his thoughts. “Sometimes it’s like that, that, yes, you do not agree with what they are doing, but they are 18, they are old enough to make decisions, they have people around them,” he said.
“Of course, when I see like…no, no, I don’t want to talk anymore, it’s enough.”
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The former Bayern Munich manager spoke enthusiastically about Rashford’s dedication on loan from Manchester United and his hopes for a permanent move at season’s end. “Marcus’ performances have been really good until now, so we have to manage it, but it’s [sporting director] Deco’s job do things for next season,” he said.
“We have to wait. We have months to go. For me, of course with Marcus we have a player on the top level, but also with our situation, and what I appreciate a lot from him [is his desire to be here].
“This is what I want to say to young players from La Masia: We are Barca and we are one of the best teams in the world. We give them the opportunity to train with us, to grow, to train with the best players in the world, the support and the confidence.
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“If you want to play with Barca, then it has to be 100% with your whole heart. This is what I want to say to everyone: 100%. These colours, you have to live for them. All the others, I don’t want.”
Laporta has now voiced his thoughts regarding Fernandez’s departure, though more details may yet emerge. “We will talk when everything is finalised. It’s been an unpleasant situation,” Laporta told Catalunya Radio.
“We will be able to resolve this situation as planned, but it’s been a surprise because we had agreed on a new solution with Dro when he turned 18, and surprisingly, his agent told us that he couldn’t fulfil the agreement.”
Following the transfer, Fernandez cited PSG’s reputation as a driving force behind his decision. “I’m very happy and very proud to be joining Paris Saint-Germain,” he said.
“This is a moment of huge pride for me and for my family. PSG is a massive club that I’ve followed since I was a child and where some great legends have made history. Right now, I’m hugely excited and motivated to play and to give everything for this shirt.”
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