The United States defender Sergino Dest explained his decision to select Barcelona over Germany’s top-tier club.
Sergino Dest followed his heart while selecting a club between Barcelona and Bayern Munich. He promised to help Lionel Messi in every way possible.
Barcelona suffered from a huge defeat as they went out of the Champions League last season. At the same time, the United States’ right-back got into negotiations which would cost the Catalan club £26 million.
Eventually, Dest signed a five-year deal along with a €400 million buyout clause. In spite of Barca’s 8-2 loss to Bayern, the defender opted for the Spanish club.
“Bayern are a great club and there was interest from them, but I followed what my heart told me to and for that, I signed for Barca. I think it was the right decision,” Dest told a news conference.
“They are a club with so much history and I’ve always wanted to play here.”
Messi-Dest dynamic duo.
Dest loves the idea of playing alongside Messi. Consequently, the American left his previous club for free after making an attempt to switch on a clause.
“It’s amazing to play with the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, I looked up to him,” Dest added.
“I will run as much as I have to, I will run for everybody on the team. It will be so exciting to meet the best player in the world.”
Evidently, Dest is the first American to play for Barcelona, along with youngster Konrad de la Fuente.
Sergino’s mother is from the Netherlands, and his father is a Surinamese-American. Though, the defender chose to represent the USA over the Dutchland.
However, Ronald Koeman influenced Dest’s decision to choose the club.
“Koeman of course was an influence because he’s Dutch and it will be easier to communicate with him,” Dest said.
Moving on to the right-backs inspiration from, he chooses Dani Alves from Brazil.
Dest will potentially play his first game against Sevilla on the weekend. He explained: “If I can play this Sunday, it would be great because I want to start as soon as possible.
“My role model was Dani Alves, a really good player at right-back, same position. Watching his clips on YouTube, I learned a lot from him and I can still learn a lot from him because his team-mates are over here like Lionel Messi and I can ask for advice. I want to be a player similar to him.”
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