17-year-old Barcelona talent speaks after renewal until 2028: “Every kid’s dream to renew and stay”

Diego Kochen has been one of La Masia’s standout performers in recent years. The Barcelona academy is not usually known for producing goalkeeping talents with consistency, but the 17-year-old is one of the few exceptions.

Despite being just 17, the USA-born star has entered Xavi’s plans regularly and has also travelled with the team on multiple occasions after Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s surgery.

Last week, Barcelona announced that they had reached an agreement with Kochen to extend his contract until 2028, although he can only put pen to paper when he turns 18 in March.

Speaking to the club’s media (h/t Mundo Deportivo) in a recent interview, Kochen revealed his happiness over renewing his contract with the club of his dreams, saying,

“I am very happy, to be honest and very grateful to the club for giving me this opportunity.

“It’s every kid’s dream to renew and stay at such a big club and to be supported from inside the club and also from outside with my family. I couldn’t be happier.”

Kochen also spoke about the youth team’s upcoming clash against Mainz 05 in the UEFA Youth League, their chances and his role in the side.

“They are a strong and aggressive rival. The same as us, they want to win. They are hungry to go through the round and you have to be prepared for that. I think we are and we have to go with everything.”

“We are all very excited to play this game. The truth is that it is a great opportunity to compete and enjoy the beauty of this tournament, which is to be able to travel all together, live these experiences and play in these fields outside,” he added.