Onana: Going back to Barcelona would be a dream

The favourite to replace Jasper Cillessen at Barcelona next summer is their former academy goalkeeper Andre Onana, who has admitted he would welcome such a move.

Cillessen himself was signed from Ajax, where Onana currently plies his trade, in 2016, but has found opportunities limited and could move on in search of first-team football.

In an exclusive interview with MARCA, Onana has discussed the possibility of going back to the Blaugrana, who he left to join Ajax's youth team in 2015.

How is the season going?

"On a personal level, I feel very good. As a collective, I think we are on the way. This will be a very special year for us. We want to go far in the Champions League and look to win the league and cup. We have a chance to win everything."

At MARCA, we are aware that Barcelona are interested in bringing you back.

"There hasn't been direct contact, or at least not as far as I'm aware. Barcelona has always been my home and going back there would be a dream. It would be really big for me. But now, I'm an Ajax player and we have to focus on this. My head is 100 percent here."

You left a good memory at Barcelona.

"It went well and I left on good terms. I still talk to one of my old teammate and coaches. When we have days off, I go back to Barcelona to visit and say hello. That's still my home and for me, it is always nice to see them because La Masia helped me a lot when I was a kid."

Is the fact that you are good with the ball at your feet in your favour?

"I suppose so, but I know that there are many other goalkeepers who are also good and could have a chance to join. The philosophy of the club has always been to get the ball down and play from the back, that's something I learned since childhood. Before, when I was little, I played outfield and not as a goalkeeper so maybe that also has an impact."

You have a good relationship with Cillessen, have you spoken in recent times?

"Every once in a while we talk. Being at Ajax before going to Barcelona, we trained in Amsterdam together and I asked myself 'Andre, do you think I can play there?' I told him I thought we could all play there, but enjoying regular playing time is more complicated because of the quality."

Next year, you would have to compete with Ter Stegen. Would that give you fear or motivation?

"Fear? I'm never afraid! That is something that doesn't exist in my life. Football is very simple for me. You learn a lot from mistakes. I understand this sport is fun. If I do well, the opposition will have a bad time. If you enjoy yourself, you can compete against anyone. It wouldn't be a case of fear."

Your teammates Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong have also been linked to Barcelona. Do you think any of those deals are possible?

"I hope they sign them. I have spoken with both of them and told them how much they would like the city and the weather. For them, these aspects are important. Going to a big club is never easy for young players, but Barcelona have always known how to treat players like that. They are two spectacular footballers but they are also very good people too and are two hungry footballers who are ready to take on the world."

What do you lack at Ajax to achieve the kind of titles they win at Barcelona?

"A lot because we are very young. In important matches, we lack some experience. That was seen in the Europa League final against Manchester United. We didn't lose because we were worse, but by not knowing how to handle the game well. We have a good group capable of anything, but to face the big teams I think we lack that wisdom and experience in big games."

What did Jose Mourinho say you to after that final?

"I was happy that a coach like him noticed me. It makes me happy and gives me more strength to keep fighting to achieve my goals. Before, yes, he followed me closely, but now I don't know. You'd have to ask him. After the final, he told me that I had a great season and that I would continue like this and then asked me if I was going to play for Cameroon or Holland."

You opted for Cameroon despite being a hero in Holland.

"It isn't easy to give the chance at a club like Ajax to a goalkeeper of colour who is jut 20. I don't see that happening at other clubs so I'm grateful to Ajax and the Netherlands, but I opted for Cameroon, where I was born. Ajax are very committed to young players, though, and that's something to be thankful for."

Do you think it is unfair that 'Mr Champions League' Keylor Navas no longer plays at Real Madrid?

"Football has no memory, that's something I've learned. You can't look at what you did yesterday. Santiago Solari has made his decision and it must be respected. I don't like to say that one goalkeeper is better than another. Both he and Thibaut Courtois are very good. For example, Ter Stegen is one of the best, but maybe if you put him at Atleti and put Jan Oblak at Barcelona they wouldn't perform so well. Each team has their own style there are goalkeepers that fit one place better than another. As for me, I know that I still have a lot to learn to keep up with these goalkeepers."

Do you understand why David de Gea seems more nervous away from England with the national team?

"That's football, that can also happen. I also feel different when I play with my club compared to my country. In the beginning, it cost me a little with Cameroon, but I have adapted. I play almost every game and I'm happy to represent my country. He's one of the best goalkeepers in the world and it is unfair that so much criticism is thrown at him. You have to be patient and not be unfair with him."