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Barcelona’s Jordi Alba sets the record straight

By Ernesto Hernandez

JOHAN CRUIJFF STADIUM, BARCELONA, SPAIN - 2021/08/08: Jordi Alba of Fc Barcelona in action during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between Fc Barcelona and Juventus Fc . Fc Barcelona wins 3-0 over Juventus Fc. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
JOHAN CRUIJFF STADIUM, BARCELONA, SPAIN - 2021/08/08: Jordi Alba of Fc Barcelona in action during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between Fc Barcelona and Juventus Fc . Fc Barcelona wins 3-0 over Juventus Fc. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 15: Jordi Alba of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou on August 15, 2021 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 15: Jordi Alba of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou on August 15, 2021 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Jordi Alba was one of the players singled out as a cause for Lionel Messi exit

Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba took the opportunity in a post-game press conference to defend himself and set a few things straight.

The Catalans had just come off a 4-2 win against Real Sociedad, which was their season opener and their first match since the departure of Lionel Messi.

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Alba, alongside other Barcelona players, had the finger pointed at them as one of the reasons Messi had to leave — a refusal to take a wage cut.

The 32-year-old hit back and said he would have done anything to ensure Messi would have stayed at Barcelona.

"“Apart from being the best ever, Leo was the one who understood me best, so imagine the efforts I would have made for him to stay.“It’s not true [that Messi left because of a pay cut the captains rejected]. The Messi stuff was separate from the captains, between he club and him.”Source: Goal"

Alba was whistled during the match and joins the likes of Miralem Pjanic and Samuel Umtiti who faced similar reactions at the Joan Gamper game against Juventus.

He reiterated that he would be open to helping the club in any way had he been contacted to do so.

"“No one called me before Euro 2020, that’s false,” Alba said. “When the club talks with me, I am willing. I’m from here, spending my whole life in Barcelona. That my commitment is questioned hurts me a lot.“As the president hasn’t spoken specifically about this yet, I suppose he will speak and he’ll tell the truth.”Source: Marca"

Each of the four club captains are expected to reach some sort of agreement to either cut or defer their wages. Gerard Pique was the first to do so and it is believed it went a long way towards Barcelona being able to register Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia and Rey Manaj.

The relationship on the pitch between Alba and Messi was similar to the one the Argentinian had with Dani Alves. It makes sense Alba would have done what it took to keep Messi as their understanding was second to none.

It also makes sense why supporters would put some of the blame on him. They have to point the finger at someone and players make the easy targets. It’s also interesting to note that according to Alba the club has not spoken with him about reducing his wages.

Next. USWNT legend Carli Lloyd retires to start new life chapter. dark

Alba appears to be collateral damage from the fallout of Messi’s exit. It will forever be a dark day in Barcelona’s history. A part of history where the whole story might never be told. Until that day comes, everyone, from the president to the players, will be subjected to the frustration of losing a club legend.

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