Ilaix Moriba Reveals Barcelona's Unfair Treatment
JAKARTA - RB Leipzig's new recruit, Ilaix Moriba, criticized the treatment he received from Barcelona, his former club. He said the Catalan club lied about the reasons for his move to the Bundesliga.
At first glance, Moriba will be another success story from the La Masia academy when in the 2020-2021 season he makes his debut in the Barcelona first team. However, after failing to agree a new contract, the 18-year-old midfielder joined RB Leipzig for a fee of 16 million euros.
"The last few months have been the most difficult of my life, we (my family) have received harsh messages but we have overcome it to be here today," Moriba explained in his first interview since leaving Barcelona.
We've signed @IlaixMK from @FCBarcelona! ️The 18-year-old midfielder joins #RBLeipzig on a five-year deal until 2026 #HereWeGoMoriba pic.twitter.com/ROpDicWiv4
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) August 31, 2021
"I don't deserve these messages."
The new Leipzig player then spoke about the difficulties he was having in keeping his cool with all the noise going on around him.
"They (people at the club) say a lot of things that are not true and we have to remain silent because of the respect we have for Barcelona," explained the youngster.
"The things they say in the media are unfair."
Arrival in Leipzig Medical🏠 Academy tour Training💬 Media duty A whirlwind first 24 hours for @IlaixMK ️🔴⚪ #WeAreLeipzig pic.twitter.com/lNgS1cUGqi
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) September 2, 2021
During his short time at Camp Nou, Moriba looks set to follow in the footsteps of Ansu Fati and Pedri, both of whom made a huge impact on Barcelona's first team despite their young age.
"I have improved at Barcelona with the support of the fans, but over the last few months they don't know how to behave," continued Moriba.
"I'm not going to judge the entire fanbase based on these few people. I will always have Barcelona in my heart, it's been a tricky few months, but those have passed and I wish the club all the best, especially for Ansu (who has now inherited Messi's number 10)."
Our new number 2️⃣6️⃣ @IlaixMK spoke to the media today! ️See what he had to say: https://t.co/5Wb18FAnrz🔴⚪ #WeAreLeipzig pic.twitter.com/iCsavQeT9z
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) September 1, 2021
Moriba then commented on the Champions League where RB Leipzig are in the same group with Paris Saint-Germain, the new club of his former senior at Barca, Lionel Messi.
"When we face each other, we will shake hands, but when the game starts, there will be no more friendship, we will defend our clubs and I will give everything for Leipzig." Moriba said about Messi.