Barcelona forward Ferran Torres has become the latest player to express his admiration for teammate Ousmane Dembele and urge the club to keep hold of the Frenchman.
Dembele’s future remains the subject of intense speculation with the winger out of contract in the summer and yet to agree a new contract. However, Barcelona have restarted contract extension negotiations with the 24-year-old.
Torres was asked about Dembele at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, April 6 and made it crystal clear how keen he is for the attacker to stay. He joked, “I’d kidnap hime to keep him at Barça! But it’s his decision and I wish him the best whatever he decides.”
Dembele is a man in form currently with eight assists in his last nine Barcelona matches in all competitions. The Frenchman will be expected to start Barca’s next game against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League on Thursday, April 7.
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Xavi Talks Dembele
Coach Xavi Hernandez also spoke about Dembele at the news conference and once again praised the forward. Dembele was spotted going to training on his day off ahead of the match and Xavi says he has been a model professional during his time at the club.
“He’s an example in the ways he trains, the way he plays, his attitude, his commitment. I don’t know how he was before but I have no complaints. I see him very happy, very motivated with his winning attitude,” he said. “He’s happy and comfortable here, so it’s not a surprise he came on his day off. He’s a great professional and I said that when he wasn’t playing as well.”
Xavi was also asked once again about Dembele’s future and said only that he hopes that he stays beyond the end of the current campaign.
“It’s a negotiation. Also with Ronald which is still not completed, it’s more or less done, Gavi, Ousmane, Sergi Roberto as well. There are various players, it’s a negotiation. The club know my priorities and we are working on that,” he said. “For me I hope Ousmane stays. I think he’s having a good time here and he can be decisive. He can be one of the best in the world in his position and I’m not afraid of repeating that.
Ferran Praises Xavi
Torres also took time out to talk about his manager. The Spain international opened up on how the new coach had helped him to adapt to life at the Camp Nou following his January move from Manchester City.
“He made me feel assured from day one, and as a coach, he stands out for his DNA, leadership, and lack of pressure he puts on us. He has made a real difference in the club,” he said. “Xavi tells us to take each game as it comes, and to approach every game with humbleness, hard work, and desire.”
Barca will be favorites to progress against Eintracht Frankfurt and come into the match on a run of 14 games unbeaten. The winners of the two-legged tie will progress to a semi-final against either Lyon or West Ham United.
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‘I’d Kidnap Him To Keep Him!’ Ferran Torres Hails Barcelona Star