Former La Masia forward open to Real Madrid transfer: “How can you say no” | OneFootball

During an interview with MARCA, former Barcelona forward Gerard Deulofeu has admitted that he would find it hard to turn down arch-rivals Real Madrid if they came calling.

The 28-year-old came through the ranks at Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth setup and made his first-team debut for the club in 2011, under then-manager Pep Guardiola. However, he left the club in 2015 to join Everton, after loan spells with the Toffees as well as Sevilla.

Deulofeu returned to Barcelona eventually in 2017, re-signing from Everton but was shipped off on loan to Watford in January 2018 before the transfer was made permanent six months later.

Deulofeu has found success in his career after joining Udinese in 2020. The 28-year-old Spaniard has thrived at the Serie A outfit, finishing the last season with 13 goals while he has already registered one goal and six assists in eight games in the 2022/23 campaign.

Deulofeu recently admitted that a return to Spain is always appealing to him.

“I like it because it is Spain and we have spoken with certain teams, but you never know what can happen. You have to enjoy the present because I’ve been away for two years and I know what it feels like,” he said.

And, when quizzed if he would be open to joining Real Madrid, Deulofeu replied: “If they come, how are you going to say no?”

Deulofeu did select Barcelona legend Ronaldinho when asked to pick his idol while he also named Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi as the three best players he had shared the pitch with.