"I'm not going to give in to any kind of blackmail"

After comments from Mateu Alemany on his Barca future, Dembele has hit back with a message published on social media to clear up certain matters, especially those rumours which have emerged in recent weeks.

"Good morning everyone. Four the last four years I haven't stopped reading things about me without ever coming out to speak to justify me. In the last four years, gossip about me has been accumulating. Four four years, people have spoken about me and shamefully lied with one aim, that of hurting me. For four years I decided not to reply ever, to never justify myself, Was it a mistake? Probably," Dembele began.

In addition, he made it clear that he is "not going to give in to any type of blackmail." "I'm 24 and like every man, I have my faults, imperfections. I've experienced complex moments, injuries, I've been affected by COVID-19. Without having had any training session, the gaffer has asked me to come and I've always done what was asked of me without a fuss. Fulfilling it as well as I've always done is because it's my passion. I'm fully aware how lucky I am to dedicate myself to the most beautiful job in the world," he added.

"My message is transparent. I will not let anyone think that I'm not committed to the sporting project. I will not let anyone attribute to me intentiones which I've ever had. I will not let anyone speak for me or for my agent, who I trust completely," he said.

Dembele has yet to reach an agreement with Barcelona and everything seems to suggest that he will leave the Camp Nou: "I still have a contract, I'm fully committed and at my club's disposal and my coach's disposal. I've always given everything for my teammates and also for all the socios (club members). That isn't going to change now. I'm not a man who cheats and definitely not a man who is used to giving into blackmail."

"Love is probably a variation of blackmail. As you know, there are negotiations. I let my agent take charge of that, it's his department. My job is what is simple to play football, share moments of joy with my teammates and all the socios. Above everything else, let's focus on the most important thing: WINNING. Take care and look after your family," Dembele concluded.

Xavi pointed out in a press conference that Barcelona are looking for a departure for the Frenchman if he does not accept to renew his contract. In the meantime, Dembele, who is out of the Barca squad for this reason, will try and decide on his destination for next season.

 

January 20, 2022