Former La Masia starlet refuses to rule out future return: ‘It would be like coming home’

In a recent interview with Cadena SER, RCD Mallorca goalkeeper Arnau Tenas, a former FC Barcelona academy prospect, has refused to rule out a future return to his boyhood club.

The 25-year-old shot-stopper was one of the most highly-rated young talents at La Masia and had been tipped for a bright future at the club.

However, in 2023, Tenas opted to leave Barcelona as a free agent to sign for PSG, a move that did not work out as planned.

Tenas still dreams of Barcelona return

Tenas spent two years at PSG, making only eight appearances, before returning to Spain last year by joining Villarreal.

This past summer, however, the Spanish goalkeeper was on the move again as he joined Mallorca on loan in the Segunda Division, where he has impressed by keeping six clean sheets in eight games.

Arnau Tenas during his time at Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

And, during the interview, Tenas spoke openly about his affection for Barcelona and his desire to return to the club one day.

“If I said I wouldn’t want to go back to Barça, I’d be lying; it would be like coming home,” Tenas admitted.

Praise for Raphinha

During his time in the academy, Tenas shared a dressing room with close friends including Eric Garcia, with whom he revealed that he still has a particularly strong relationship, as well as Gavi, Pau Cubarsi and Xavi Espart.

During the chat, Tenas also stated that he saw clear tactical similarities between PSG and Barcelona, particularly in terms of pressing and movement.

The Mallorca goalkeeper, meanwhile, was also keen to praise one of Barcelona’s standout players this season, Raphinha.

Raphinha has been in brilliant form. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

“I’m very happy for Raphinha. I’m very pleased with him. Some people don’t see everything that’s going on behind the scenes, and there were times when he was really struggling,” he said.

“What’s he doing this season so far? What’s wrong with him? I don’t understand anything. He’s incredibly intense. He puts a lot of pressure on everyone.”

Tenas also recalled his moment of tension with former Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal during a Clasico from his time at Barcelona.

“It was a misunderstanding. I get nervous and I remember it as if it were yesterday. These are things that happen on the pitch,” he said.