Fermin Lopez talks Chelsea rumours, conversation with Flick, alleged rift with Gavi | OneFootball

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has finally broken his silence on the rumours surrounding his relationship with teammate Gavi.

Over the past few weeks, there has been speculation about a possible fallout between the two youngsters, who have been close since childhood.

“Gavi has been my friend since I was 12. I’ve known him since my time at Betis, but since I joined La Masia, he’s been my friend, like my brother. We’ve shared a lot.

“People always speculate, this won’t change, but he’s still my friend. We have a good relationship, as always, and I have nothing more to say about that,” Fermin explained during an interview with Mundo Deportivo.

Fermin also addressed transfer rumours linking him with Chelsea, who reportedly gave him a 48-hour deadline to make a decision.

“Well, in the end, my priority has always been to be at Barça. I arrived when I was 12; it was my dream to be here, to be able to reach the first team.

“It’s always a compliment when there’s interest from other clubs, but the truth is, I always had the idea of staying at Barça and being able to succeed here.”

Completely committed to Barça

Barcelona have complete faith in Fermin Lopez. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The 22-year-old insisted that he never doubted his decision despite all the speculation.

“There’s been a lot of speculation about all this, but I insist: my priority has always been to be at Barça, and I never doubted being here.

“I’ve always felt I wanted to be here, to try to succeed, and to help the club.”

Fermin also revealed the important role of manager Hansi Flick and senior teammates in influencing his decision.

“It has been very important, because I have always fought to be here, to play for Barça. My intention is to stay here.

“You know that in soccer you never know, and there are things that are beyond your control, but my priority has always been to stay at Barça.”

He added that Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo and Pedri were among the players who spoke to him and showed support.

“Quite a few, but I can tell you… Ter Stegen, for example. With him, with Ronald [Araujo], with Pedri… With quite a few players, to be honest.”

Focus on the future

Barcelona valued Fermin highly, making it clear they would only consider offers of around €90 million. For the youngster, this vote of confidence from the club is vital.

Fermin is not afraid of the competition at hand. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“It’s important that the club considers you an important player for the organisation and for the future. It’s also something to be grateful for.”

With his contract renewed until 2029, Fermin hopes to spend many years at Camp Nou.

“You never know what the future holds. There are things you can’t control, but yes, I do see myself fulfilling it and hopefully spending many years here at Can Barça.”

Looking ahead, Fermin is not worried about the added competition for places after the arrivals of Dani Olmo and Marcus Rashford.

“At Barça, there will always be great players, there will always be signings and competition, but I’m confident in my abilities.

“I’ll try to help the team when the coach needs me and I’ll continue to work with humility, as always.”

Asked about his preferred role, Fermin was clear: “I’ve always said that wherever the coach puts me, but I prefer playing as an attacking midfielder, as an attacking centre midfielder.”

Finally, reflecting on last season’s treble success, Lopez set his ambitions high. “Everything. Last year, we won a lot of titles, but we were left with a thorn in our side in the Champions League.

“This year, we’re going for everything with the same idea, the same humility and, above all, a lot of hard work,” he concluded.