Junior Firpo has taken aim at Barcelona following his switch to Premier League outfit Leeds United, claiming he did not receive the opportunities at Camp Nou.
In an interview with Sky Sports, as quoted by Spanish publication SPORT, Junior Firpo has thanked Barcelona because of everything he learned while at Camp Nou. However, the Leeds United defender also aimed a dig at the Blaugrana for not giving him enough opportunities to impress.
Junior Firpo’s stint at Barcelona lasted just two years following his move from Real Betis in the summer of 2019. Widely regarded as one of the most promising young full-backs in Spain at the time, the youngster struggled to impress upon making the switch to Camp Nou, with opportunities coming few and far between as well due to the presence of Jordi Alba in the squad.
Having said that, Firpo himself could have arguably performed better whenever he did get a run, but he could only manage 41 appearances across two seasons at the Catalan club. And as the summer transfer window approached, it had become clear that the 24-year-old was reaching the end of the line at Barcelona, thanks in large part due to the advent of Alejandro Balde.
Leeds United quickly made their move for the former Real Betis defender before swooping him away from Barcelona last month. And upon completing the move to Elland Road, Firpo has opened up about his stint with the Blaugrana, directing a mixed bag of comments at the club.
Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t SPORT), the ex-Barcelona defender said, “In Barcelona I learned, because I played with many of the best players in their positions. It was a great learning process. I got a little frustrated because I wanted to play more and I think I didn’t deserve it, but they didn’t give me the opportunity.”
After his comments on Barcelona, Firpo added that his focus now remains on performing for Leeds, saying, “I will give everything. I need to play and I am hungry to be able to play here; I will give everything in every game.”
Leeds United remain in the market for another left-back, having recently been linked with Josh Doig, Matthew Anderson and Javi Galan, who has joined Celta Vigo. However, Firpo will likely be the first-choice left-back at Elland Road, and it will be interesting to see if he can kick on in the Premier League after a horrific spell at Barcelona.
