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Barcelona First Team Star Claims He Thought About ‘Giving It All Up’ in La Masia Days

Fermin Lopez of Barcelona

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has opened up about his time at La Masia, admitting it was not always smooth sailing.

Lopez, who has now become an integral part of Hansi Flick’s system, said he used to feel “far inferior” to his teammates at La Masia.

Fermin Lopez Says He Thought About Leaving Football

After spending four years with Real Betis Yth., Fermin Lopez moved to Barca Youth in July 2016. He rose through the ranks and, in 2022, secured a loan move to Linares. Upon his return in the summer of 2023, Barcelona gave him a contract with the first team.

Although he got his big break under Xavi, Lopez’s breakthrough has come under Hansi Flick. Owing to his work rate, excellent distribution skills, and eye for goal, he has been one of the most impactful players in Barcelona’s midfield.

Although he has now cemented a place in the starting XI, Lopez admits he was once close to giving it all up and going back home.

“During my youth career, I felt far inferior to my teammates,” said Lopez during a media event (via Barca Universal).

“There was a moment when I said, ‘I’m going home.’ I cried there at La Masia, I had a terrible time, and my parents and everything.

“And yes, sometimes I thought about going home, and that was it, giving it all up, but I had to be a little stronger, and in the end, it helped me.”

The loan spell at Linares turned out to be pivotal, with Lopez claiming it helped him mature as a footballer.

He continued:

“After my loan spell at Linares. I think I matured a lot there as a person and as a player.

“I could have gone to other second division clubs, but there I imagined I could make it to the first team. At that moment, I thought I could dedicate myself to football.”

Lopez Set to Sign New Contract With Barcelona

From nearly quitting to becoming one of Barcelona’s most impactful players, Fermin Lopez has come a long way in the last few years. The Blaugrana see him as an essential part of their future and want to tie him down to a new contract to fend off interest from potential suitors.

Lopez has confirmed that talks are underway over a new deal, and according to leading outlets, it is a done deal.

The two parties have reached an agreement in principle to extend the player’s stay until June 2031. The new deal is likely to include a sizable 50% bump in base pay and an increase in his release clause.

Lopez currently makes €76,923 gross per week in the Catalan capital, making him the eighth-lowest earner at the club. After the bump in pay, he would earn about as much as Eric Garcia (€153,846).

Lopez has played 25 games for Barca in all competitions this season, scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists. With Pedri ruled out for several matches, Lopez could prove his leadership credentials by delivering exemplary performances in midfield in the coming weeks.

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