‘I thought this was over’ – Fermin on Chelsea, Gavi relationship and setbacks

Barcelona star Fermin Lopez has given an in-depth interview touching on a number of topics. Those include his relationship with teammate Gavi, following reports they had fallen out, and he also confirmed that he did have an offer from Chelsea this summer.

Lopez, 22, was linked with a move to Chelsea in the final days of the transfer window, following weeks of leaks from the Blaugrana that they would be open to sale for the right price. However no move transpired, with Lopez eventually deciding that he wanted to stay at Barcelona.

The club he has been at since the age of 11. Fermin is originally from El Campillo, near Huelva, one of the most southern parts of Spain. While his father was originally born in Gava, outside Barcelona, he moved to El Campillo at a young age. For Fermin, it meant migrating across the country as a child without his family.

“Barca were interested in me when I was 11, but my father said no because I was too young. Two years later, the club called again, saying it was the last chance,” he told RAC1.

Others such as Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi have spoken of the fact that uprooting at that age to move to La Masia is a difficult experience.

“I had to be away from my family and friends and that was a bit difficult for me. The first day at La Masia was the worst of my life, for sure. Let’s see, also the happiest, but I was little and it was the first time I left home. I cried a lot. It was the first time I was leaving forever. The teammates I met at La Masia helped me. They had all cried before. We formed a small group with Xavi Simons and other boys.”

Despite his relative stardom, now an Olympic gold medallist, La Liga, Copa del Rey and European Championship winner, Lopez says his family keep his feet on the ground.

“My family always reminds me that I’m just a normal boy. My father is a postman. My mother worked for a fruit company, but I convinced her to quit. My grandparents very important to me. I grew up with them. Every time I go into the countryside, I make the sign of the cross for my grandmother.”

Just three years ago, Lopez was slated for an exit from Barcelona, after being loaned out to third-tier club Linares.

“When I was loaned to Linares, I thought this was over. It was a bit difficult at first, because I left Barca, where I had everything. When I started playing, I changed my mindset.”

Chelsea’s interest in Lopez came at a time that Barcelona were struggling to register players, and making it clear that a big-money sale would have been beneficial. Lopez said that a move to Stamford Bridge was not as close as some described.

“Not on the verge. There were offers from other clubs, but I never had any intention of leaving, and I don’t think the club wanted to sell me. I’ve been a Barca fan my whole life. Since I was little. It all came from my mother’s uncle, who has always been a Barca fan.”

Part of that story was the idea that Lopez was involved in a rift with Gavi, following a couple of overly aggressive challenges in training.

“We’re like always. We’ve known each other since we were 13. There’s no problem. He’s one of my best friends in the locker room, along with Pedri, Balde, Eric, Dani… Things came up, but like with the Ter Stegen case.”