Dembele accuses Barca of 'blackmail' after club tells forward he must leave in January

Stefan Bienkowski

20 Jan 2022 16:50 GMT
3 min read

Ousmane Dembele has hit back at claims that he isn’t committed to Barcelona on and off the pitch.

Article continues under the video

The winger’s future at Barca has been a hot topic in Spanish football for much of the season, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

The transfer saga hit new heights on Thursday, when the club’s sporting director Mateu Alemany stated that the France international had no intention of renewing his contract and would be sold in this transfer window.

However, the French star has since taken to social media to explain his situation at the Catalan side.

In an Instagram post, Dembele stated that he has never been uncommitted to Barca’s first team and that he would not back down from the “blackmail” aimed at him from the club.

Dembele’s statement about Barca contract

“It's been four years that I keep reading things about me without ever justifying myself. It has been four years that gossip has been accumulating about me.

“It's been four years that people have been talking about me, that people have been lying shamefully with the sole purpose of damaging me.

Official statement by Ousmane Dembélé. 🚨 #FCB

“Don’t think I’m out of the project. Don’t speak of intentions I never had. I’ve a contract and I’m available for Xavi. I’m not gonna give up”.

“There are contract talks ongoing. My agent is on it - I’m only focusing on the pitch”. pic.twitter.com/S3kDqz1hX4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2022

“For four years I have been following my line of never answering, never justifying myself for anything. Was it a mistake? Surely.

“From today, it's over. From today, I will answer honestly, without giving in to any kind of blackmail. I am 24 years old and like every man, I have flaws, imperfections.

“I have lived through complex moments, injuries, I have been affected by the Covid. Without the slightest training session, the mister has asked me and I have always complied... without complaining.

“To comply as well as I have always done because it is my passion. I am fully aware of my good fortune to dedicate myself to the most beautiful job in the world.

“Besides, my message is transparent. I forbid anyone to think that I am not involved in the sports project.

“I forbid anyone to attribute to me intentions that I have never had. I forbid anyone to speak for me or for my representative, in whom I have total confidence.”