Gavi was a key figure in the decisive match for the La Liga title. Starting in El Clásico, the Barcelona midfielder has put his injury troubles behind him and rediscovered his best form.
**On his injuries:**
“I’ve suffered a lot unfortunately over the last two years. That’s football. There are serious injuries, and you have to be mentally strong. I’ve been that. It’s one of my strengths. I’m at this level because of my mindset. It’s not easy to play at this rhythm coming back from two serious injuries. I’ve done it and I’m proud.”
**On his relationship with Flick:**
“Luckily, the coach trusts me a lot. He’s like a father to me. I’m very grateful. It’s not easy to put me straight into the game after this injury. He knows my talent and mentality, and that I’m important for the team. He trusts me blindly.”
**On the match:**
“We didn’t want to drop the tempo, but we wanted to go for a third goal. We could have scored more, but a 2-0 win is fine.”
**On his clash with Vinicius:**
“What happened with Vinicius is football. What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. He’s a fiery player, just like me. Vinicius is a phenomenal player. I told him to shut his mouth, and that was it. Things on the pitch are different from off it. On the pitch, I defend my colors and I give everything. Off it, I’m totally different, even if it doesn’t seem that way.”
**On his relationship with Dembélé:**
“Ousmane is my brother. Ever since I arrived here, he’s been my brother. He’s a very good friend of mine. We’re in constant contact, we talk all the time, and I’m really happy for him because he’s been one of the best in the world—if not the best—alongside Lamine.”
**On his injuries (continued):**
“Obviously when you have these injuries, you think about many things. In the first few months, the worst ones, you think a lot. But I’m mentally strong, and that’s what has helped me be where I am today. I’ve come out stronger from these two injuries. You learn things in this process. I’ve improved in many aspects.”
**On what he brings to the team:**
“I know that my mentality and talent are important for the team. Flick has always had a lot of faith in me.”
**On the national team:**
“De la Fuente has always trusted me. I know that. I got injured with Spain in that match, and I had started every game under him. Last season, when I came back, he called me up. If I’m at my best level, the coach decides, and he will decide what’s best for Spain. I’m more than ready, and I feel better than ever.”