Sergino Dest issues defiant statement on Barcelona future
- Dest spent last season on loan with AC Milan
- Right-back played just 14 times in all competitions
- Xavi wants a new right-back
By Tom Gott
Sergino Dest has insisted he wants to stay at Barcelona this summer and force his way back into Xavi's plans.
The 22-year-old, who joined Barcelona back in 2020, struggled to make an impact at Camp Nou before he was sent on loan to Milan last summer, but his time at San Siro did not go to plan either as Dest was limited to just 14 appearances in all competitions.
Now back in Barcelona after Milan declined their option to buy Dest permanently, the American international has vowed to make the most of his chance to make a comeback.
"Yes, I see myself staying at Barcelona," he told a virtual press conference. "Obviously I have to show my value during the pre-season.
"It depends on me. I feel like I can show it and I will show it. My stance is to stay here and have a really good season with Barcelona."
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Manager Xavi has spoken openly about his desire to sign a new right-back this summer, but Dest is determined to turn himself into that new signing and offered an insight into his conversations with the boss.
"As the coach said, everyone starts from scratch every season," Dest continued. "I feel that, because of what happened with me last season, I start a little behind. I will try to give my best version to the team and help the team win.
"I don't want to give too much information about what I talked about with the coach, but ultimately he told me: 'Okay, I'll give you the opportunity to show your value'. He also told me: 'I think you have skills, but it's up to you, you have to show me'.
"And I completely agree. I have some skills that can be good for the team but I have to show them and be consistent."
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