In a candid interview with AS, Real Betis winger Ez Abde confidently affirmed that he harbors no regrets regarding his bold decision to depart from Barcelona and join the Verdiblancos last summer.
Despite the allure of staying at Barcelona under the helm of Xavi Hernandez, who expressed a keen interest in retaining the services of the Moroccan winger, Abde prioritized securing assurances about his playing time.
This unwavering stance ultimately culminated in his departure from the Catalan giants.
Despite Xavi’s post-transfer remarks, where he hinted at the absence of guarantees for Abde’s starting position at Betis, the unfolding reality has indeed reflected this uncertainty.
Nevertheless, Abde remains resolute in his conviction that his decision to join Betis was the correct one, asserting with unwavering certainty, “Not for a second do I regret signing for Betis.”
Highlighting the depth of consideration that underpinned his choice, he elaborated, “I spoke extensively with my family, and after careful deliberation, we collectively arrived at the decision, which I firmly believe was the right one.”
His satisfaction with his current circumstances is palpable as he further expressed, “I find genuine happiness in Seville and at the club. I have developed a profound affection for the fans and the atmosphere at the Benito Villamarín stadium. Every time I step onto the pitch and hear them sing the anthem, it sends shivers down my spine.”
Abde further expressed his perplexity at the criticism aimed at Barcelona this season, as he genuinely believes that the Catalans have had a commendable campaign.
Confidently asserting his perspective, he remarked, “I don’t understand them. I think Barça have had a very good year. In the league, they’ve maintained a competitive position, and in the Champions League, they’ve achieved a milestone by reaching the quarterfinals, a feat they hadn’t accomplished in years.”
Reflecting on the challenges faced by Barcelona, he added, “I think that luck hasn’t been on their side. However, I’m optimistic that they’ll achieve greater success in the coming season.”
In discussing Xavi’s unexpected decision to remain at Barcelona despite previously announcing his intention to leave, Abde offered a reflective perspective, noting, “They are personal decisions.”
Delving into the intricacies of his interactions with Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, Abde shared his earnest endeavor to sway Yamal towards representing Morocco at the international level, recounting, “Well, I also spoke to Lamine, but he didn’t let me convince him. I was present during Barcelona’s pre-season, persistently urging him to choose Morocco, but regrettably, my efforts yielded no success.”
With a nod to Yamal’s eventual choice to represent Spain, Abde emphasized, “It’s imperative to respect his decision, which is entirely understandable given Spain’s formidable footballing reputation. I harbor nothing but the utmost hope for Yamal’s future endeavors, confident that his exceptional talent will propel him to remarkable achievements.”