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Former FC Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie, who currently plays for Al-Ahli in Jeddah, recently sat down with Sports World for an in-depth conversation about his time at the Catalan club, his new life in Saudi Arabia and his hopes for the future of Barcelona.
Kessie, affectionately nicknamed “The President” by the Barça fans, he left the club in 2023 after only one season and arrived as a free agent in 2022.
Reflections on Barcelona
Despite his brief stay, Kessie does not hold any grudges and speaks with pride about his time at the Camp Nou, highlighting his joy at being part of one of the great clubs in the world. Speaking about his time at Barcelona, the Ivorian stated:
“For me it was an honor to be a Barcelona player because we all know the history of the club. It is a great team with a great level. I won two titles there and for me it was fantastic.
“I always wanted to play there and thank God I had the opportunity to be part of that great team.”
When asked if he regretted not fulfilling his five-year contract, he acknowledged: “Yes, I signed for five years and I would have liked to complete the contract, but that’s football. I came to Barcelona to win and I won a league.
“I felt very good there with the staff, the players and the fans. My goal was to arrive and succeed. Although I would have liked to stay longer, the opportunity here in Saudi Arabia made me feel important and I decided to come.”
Relationship with Xavi and the squad
Kessie also reflected positively on his relationship with former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández, despite limited playing opportunities.
“He called me to join Barcelona and it was an honor. He is one of the greats of football, with many titles to his name. That made me very happy. But in football things don’t always go as expected.” said the midfielder.
“I came to play and I didn’t have all the minutes I expected, but I left with a clear conscience, knowing that I gave my best. “I am grateful to Xavi, president Laporta and everyone at the club for allowing me to fulfill a dream.”
Kessie also spoke warmly of his former teammates and staff, describing the Barcelona dressing room as a family, as he said:
“For me, that locker room was a family, and it still is. Greeting my former colleagues recently gave me a positive feeling, like I had accomplished something important.
“Beyond football, what matters most to me is human connection. Seeing my old colleagues and staff again gave me great joy.”
Lamine Yamal and La Masia are on the rise
Kessie also commented on the promising future of Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation.
“Lamine is on the right path and must continue working to become a top-level player. I’m very proud of him. When I was there he was already training with us and showing spectacular quality.” said the former AC Milan player.
Praising the current crop of The Masia stars, added: “If he and others like Fermín, Cubarsi, Pablo Torre and Casado continue giving everything, Barcelona will have a great team, like in the era of Xavi, Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Messi and Neymar.”
When asked about a Saudi Pro League player who could fit at Barcelona, Kessie suggested Gabri Veiga and said:
“He has the quality to play there. He is a good player, young and talented. “If he works hard here, I think he can return to Europe and succeed in Barcelona.”
A message for Barcelona fans
Finally, Kessie shared a heartfelt farewell with the Barcelona fans:
“I am very proud to have been part of the history of such a great club. I consider myself not only a former player but also a fan. I encourage everyone to continue supporting the team, giving it strength to overcome challenges.
“Barcelona has a great fan base and I have no doubt that it will continue to prosper. Visit Barça!
