Jordi Alba talks Barcelona, Messi, Flick, retirement, future – ‘Proud to have played with the best in the world’

At the beginning of the month, Barcelona legend Jordi Alba announced that he would retire from professional football.

The veteran left-back decided to bring an end to his successful career despite having a number of years left on his contract at Inter Miami.

Now, in an interview with SPORT , Alba explained his reasons for retiring and shared his views on the current state of FC Barcelona , as well as his plans for the future.

Talking about how quickly things changed and how his retirement decision came as a sudden surprise, Alba remarked:

“Very. Because of how quickly it all happened and because I had renewed my contract in the spring… When I renewed, I had already been talking about this renewal for a long time.

“But at the beginning of the year, I started to notice feelings that I hadn’t noticed before. It’s a well-thought-out decision, made with a lot of conviction.”

On whether he is happy or sad with his decision, the Barcelona icon said: “Obviously, I’m sad because I’m ending something I’ve been doing since I was four years old. I also think I would have been sad in four or five years’ time…

“It’s the right time. Even though I’m in good physical shape, there are many other things to consider. It’s time.”

Explaining his reasons for retiring, Alba elaborated: “On a personal level, I’m involved in a project now that motivates me more. On a family level and at the club (Inter), I’m fine, and in Miami too, although I miss Barcelona a lot.

“But I was starting to notice that I was already thinking about other things, other projects that I was really excited about. And I have to admit that day-to-day life was starting to get hard for me. Not in the matches, where I still enjoy myself.”

During the interview, Alba also touched upon the current state of Barcelona under the management of Hansi Flick, stating how his former teammates spoke highly of the German tactician.

Alba has heard only positive things about Flick from his ex-Barcelona teammates. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

“I think we’re talking about a great Barcelona right now. Last season was sensational. It’s going to be difficult to keep up that pace. They have a great manager. They made the right choice in choosing him,” said Alba.

“I don’t know him personally, but from what I see from the outside, I like him a lot. What’s more, I talk to a lot of teammates and they speak highly of the manager.”

Praising the players in the team, he added: “And obviously, there’s a lot of quality in the dressing room. Not only the signings they’re making, but also the youth players who continue to deliver. And that’s vital for a club like Barcelona .”

Alba also made clear that when he returns to Barcelona , he will attend matches at the stadium, as he remains a club member.

The full-back also hailed Unai Emery as one of the most influential figures in his career. After all, it was the current Aston Villa boss who repositioned Alba as a left-back during their time together at Valencia.

“It was Unai Emery who decided. And we talked about it many times, that I didn’t want to play full-back. But thanks to that change, I’ve been able to earn a living and have a successful career,” he said.

The former Spanish international also highlighted another Barcelona legend and his current Inter Miami teammate, Lionel Messi , and the impact the Argentine had on his career.

“Obviously. I never imagined I would play with the best in history. Or have the connection we have on the pitch. It has been a privilege for me. I’ve played practically my entire career with him. And we still understand each other,” he said.

“I’m proud to have played with the best in the world. Including Leo, who, for me, is the best player in history. And to understand a player like that so well has been fundamental for me throughout my career.”

During the interview, Alba also confirmed that now that his career is close to an end, he will focus on a new project – the Centre D’Esports L’Hospitalet – alongside former Barcelona teammate and current coach Thiago Alcantara.

“It’s a beautiful project. And I’m from L’Hospitalet, nothing excites me more. It’s the right time to leave football and be there every day. I couldn’t have done it anywhere else,” he said.

“It’s a project I’ve had in mind for many years. The opportunity came up with Thiago, with Oscar, with Gonzalo, people from Glovo, who are handling the financial side, while Thiago and I will probably be more involved on the sporting side. It excites me a lot.”