"All my life, I have had to keep proving myself"

In one year, Fermin Lopez's career changed completely. From playing in the Primera Federación with Linares to defending Barcelona, winning a European Championship and playing in the Olympic Games. Now, more than settled and enjoying his time with Hansi Flick, the player talks about his short career.

On Monday he will not be able to play against Rayo after his sending off in Sevilla, which he regrets in ‘Sport’ because it comes at his best moment: "I was doing well, but these are things that happen. We have to learn from them and keep working, there's no other way."

For the 21-year-old playmaker, getting to this point was full of obstacles. After the age of youth, he didn't make it to the first team and had to look for luck abroad, but he earned it through hard work and on his return to the Azulgrana discipline, he got his lucky break... or rather, deserved it. His thing is to make the most of opportunities.

"It's what I've done all my life. I've always kept a low profile and I've always had to prove myself. I try to do my job and when the coach gives me minutes, I just try to help the team", explained Fermín, who believes that others had it easier.

"Well... I've had a different or more difficult path than others. But those moments and that journey have taught me a lot of things, personally and professionally. Thanks to all that, I value much more being in the Barça first team, which was my dream. And I'm never going to stop working to stay here".

"I'm a hard worker, I'm always ready for the team and Xavi, Deco and now Hansi are helping me and giving me the confidence to show my football. I'm very grateful to them."

Fermin Lopez mentions the name of Anderson Luis de Souza, the club's sporting director who renewed him as soon as he could: "Since I joined the first team, Deco has always had confidence in me. I wasn't aware of the offers because I knew I wanted to be here, but it's comforting that the club didn't want to listen to them and that they wanted me here, in the new project".