Former La Masia forward reflects on emotional exit in 2021 – ‘I remember crying because…’ | OneFootball

Former La Masia forward Iker Bravo, once considered one of Barcelona’s brightest attacking prospects, has opened up about the difficult decision to leave the club in 2021 and the journey that followed.

Now playing for Serie A side Udinese, the 20-year-old gave a heartfelt interview to Post United (h/t Mundo Deportivo), in which he revisited the highs and lows of his development and the lasting impression that La Masia left on him.

Bravo, who departed Barça in search of new opportunities abroad, joined Bayer Leverkusen before later signing with Real Madrid Castilla. But despite the change in scenery and promise of growth, consistent game time continued to elude him.

“It’s probably the happiest time of my life,” he said, reminiscing about his years at La Masia. “I met thousands of people, I was able to travel and when you’re a kid, you enjoy everything more. What they teach you at Barça is unique.”

Admiration for La Masia talents

Iker Bravo left Barcelona in 2001. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Bravo shared admiration for other talents who crossed paths with him or impressed him from afar. “I didn’t coincide with the 2002 generation, which is one of the best, nor the 2007 generation, with Lamine Yamal and Cubarsi,” he noted.

But when pressed to highlight someone special, he didn’t hesitate: “Kays Ruiz is the most talented footballer I have seen on the pitch. Things turned out the way they did for him, but he was incredible. Also, Pablo Moreno.”

His departure from Barcelona, however, wasn’t something he ever actively pursued. “I speak openly and tell things as they are. I never asked for more money, and I’ve never been motivated by it,” he insisted.

“All I asked for was to play in the Under-19s. I was having a very good season, with incredible numbers.”

Then what happened?

Iker Bravo now plays for Udinese. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

The turning point came during a period of internal transition at the club. “At the time, Jordi Roura told me I was going to the Under-19s A, but then Alexanko came in… and he didn’t even know who I was.

“My mother went to the offices to speak with him, and he had to start reading my file just to know my name. That’s when I realised things had changed.”

Leaving the club was painful, Bravo admitted, but ultimately necessary for his growth. “I remember crying because I didn’t want to leave. But my mother told me I had to get out of my comfort zone. You have to see yourself in other situations.”

Now at Udinese, Bravo looks back with a mixture of emotion and perspective. “I don’t regret going to Bayer Leverkusen at all. I became a man there. I learned a lot, especially psychologically.”