Barcelona dealt financial blow as 22-year-old rejects move to Saudi Arabia – “I’m going to succeed” | OneFootball

Last summer, Ez Abde opted to leave Barcelona in favour of pastures new. He joined Real Betis, although he has been observing his former employers from afar.

He’s seen their struggles, which were compounded on Saturday with a 4-2 defeat to Girona – that saw them drop to third in the La Liga standings, behind their Catalan rivals. Having been disappointingly dumped out of the Champions League and Copa del Rey too, it’s certainly been a tough campaign for Xavi Hernandez’s side.

This has led to strong criticism of Xavi and his Barcelona players, although Abde believes that it is unwarranted, as he told Diario AS.

“I don’t understand the criticism. I think they have had a very good year. In La Liga they were up there, and in the Champions League they have reached the quarter-finals, which they have not achieved for years. I think they have been unlucky. I’m sure that next season will go further.”

In recent weeks, Abde has been linked with a possible move away from Betis in the summer, with AC Milan and clubs in Saudi Arabia showing in his services. Barcelona have a 50% sell-on that would be activated in the event of a sale, but unfortunately for them, he’s keen to remain a part of Manuel Pellegrini’s squad.

“I’m going to succeed at Betis, I want to. And may next year become the best season of my life.”