Oriol Romeu: 'It's one of the most exciting challenges of my career'
Returning home is always a big moment and a happy one too. No-one knows that better than Oriol Romeu, FC Barcelona's most recent signing who returns to the Club after a gap of 12 years. "The feelings and emotions are nice. To have the chance to come home and to keep developing is very exciting," said the midfielder during his official unveiling at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum where the team are currently training on their preseason tour of the USA.
After spells with Chelsea, Valencia, Stuttgart, Southampton and Girona, Oriol Romeu returns to Barça. "It's one of the most exciting challenges of my career and the opportunity comes to me at the best possible time," said Romeu. The last few days have been '"frenetic" according the midfielder with training sessions, the trip to the USA and his presentation but he admitted his main aim was to "settle in" as soon as possible into the squad.
Details of the transfer
The latest Barça signing had no problem in explaining the details of his move. "Xavi called me during the holding and let me know that he had spoken to the Board of Directors and that he wanted me to occupy the position (in midfield). My reaction was one of joy and satisfaction. But one that is to want it and another is for it to come true," he explained.
Romeu admitted that initially Girona did not want him to leave but in the end "they understood my position." The Catalan midfielder had nothing but thanks for his former club: "Without them and the season I had, I would surely not be here today and I am convinced Girona will continue to grow."
About if he imagined a few months ago he would be signing for Barça, the midfielder said: "I consider myself a very optimistic person and I always think the best is yet to come. I have been in good shape the last two or three years and signing for Girona was an option to keep developing even though a lot of people thought it was a backwards step."
Oriol Romeu continued to reveal that Xavi had been key to his transfer. "I know that he knows me personally and that we have been in contact for a long time. I am happy he wanted me here and now I want to repay that confidence with good performances," the La Masia product added.
There were also kind words for Sergio Busquets, the player he will be replaced in the squad in terms of positions out on the field. "He's a player who has marked an era. The best defensive midfielder that I remember and to come here just after his departure is an exciting challenge," said Romeu.
Payment of the buy out clause
Before Oriol Romeu faced the media, president Joan Laporta, vice president Rafael Yuste and Director of Football Mateu Alemany explained the midfielder's transfer. Joan Laporta highlighted "the Barça certificate" Oriol Romeu has after coming through the youth set up at La Masia. "He knows how we play and that helps," added the president.
Vice president Yuste was happy that soon to be father Romeu will be joining the "big Barça family."
To conclude Mateu Alemany explained that Oriol Romeu has the "perfect football profile", adding that "Barça paid in full the buy out clause, something that shows the Club's attitude."