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Riqui Puig hits out at Barcelona for ‘tough’ treatment before MLS move

Riqui Puig, FC Barcelona
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The Spanish midfielder has found a new start at Los Angeles Galaxy after leaving Barcelona.

Riqui Puig has revealed Barcelona put him under pressure to convince him to move away from the club. 

The 23-year-old joined Los Angeles Galaxy after an unexpected transfer from Barcelona, ending his eight-year stay at Camp Nou.

“It was a tough month because I had never seen that before.

Leaving players behind in Barcelona and going on a tour without them,” he said.

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“Perhaps I understand the club’s position, they want to put pressure on players to leave, but there are other ways to do it.”

Puig came up through Barcelona’s La Masia academy before breaking into their senior side in 2020. 

The Spaniard played his debut match for LA Galaxy in their 3-3 draw against Seattle Sounders on Friday.

He added: “It was really difficult being in Barcelona, training alone, with four other team-mates who were also there with me.

“After seven years at the club, being in Barcelona when all my team-mates are in Los Angeles playing matches, well, the truth is that it hurt me a lot.

“It’s a difficult situation and sometimes you have to make decisions and they have made this decision but I don’t agree with it.”

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