Dembele made right decision to leave Barcelona

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Ousmane Dembele says he made the right decision to leave Barcelona and join Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain.

Dembele joined Barcelona in August 2017 and spent six years with the Catalan giants, but struggled to cement his place as he struggled with recurring injuries.

The Frenchman made 185 appearances in all competitions, netting 40 goals in that time.

Only twice did he net more than 10 goals in a single campaign, doing so in 2018-19 (14) and 2020-21 (11).

However, he has enjoyed a revival since joining PSG, winning 12 major honours, including three Ligue 1 titles and two Champions Leagues.

His impressive individual campaign in 2024-25, in which he scored 33 goals and registered 13 assists, also earned him the Ballon d’Or.

And asked if his decision to leave Barcelona for PSG was the best one for his career, he told Marca: “Yes, I think so.

“Afterwards, in my case, I think it was the right time to leave the club. Although I was very attached to Barca, which I have supported since I was little.

“But for me, it was important to sign for Paris Saint-Germain. I spoke with Luis Enrique, who had wanted me for a long time and whom I know well. And, of course, with the president and the sporting director.

“And it was a wonderful decision when you see what has happened at Paris Saint-Germain over these last three years, and I am happy about that.”

Dembele and Luis Enrique never crossed paths at Barcelona, with the 29-year-old joining the Blaugrana from Borussia Dortmund just after the Spaniard departed.

But Dembele noted how important the draw of working alongside Luis Enrique was to his decision.

“I was on tour in Los Angeles with Barcelona when Luis Enrique called me on the phone,” Dembele added.

“He explained his plans, his vision of my role in his team, and how he saw our future together at Paris Saint-Germain. His words convinced me immediately.

“I was already feeling much better during my final years in Barcelona. In 2021-2022, I was 24 or 25 years old, and things had improved significantly.

“My beginnings in Spain had been very difficult because of injuries, but in Paris, I have continued the trend of those last two seasons at Barcelona.

“I have gained experience and learned to understand my body much better, which has helped me enormously. In addition, I am fortunate to have Luis Enrique and his coaching staff, who manage me perfectly.”

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