‘Easiest one’ – Premier League forward picks Barcelona and Messi as his favourites growing up

It does not take an expert historian to justify the claim that FC Barcelona are one of world football’s most historically significant clubs.

As one of the oldest and most successful institutions around, the Catalan giants have drawn love from across the globe generation after generation.

Concurrently, however, it is safe to say that the men in garnet-and-blue peaked under Pep Guardiola over a decade ago.

The fresh crop of young players coming up now, thus, are heavily influenced by the star-studded team that boasted of the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta amongst others.

West Ham star speaks out

Speaking to the media in a recent interview as revealed by Football Newz, West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus revealed that Barcelona was his inspiration as a youngster as well and he named one club legend as the reason he was drawn to the club.

“Which European team did I like seeing growing up? Barcelona,” he said.

On being asked what was it about Barça that attracted him, he said: “Messi, easiest one.”

Kudus grew up watching Barcelona because of Messi. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

While the 23-year-old versatile Ghanaian star has not had a chance to play for the Catalans giants, he has come close to tasting the same brand of football during his stint with Ajax between 2020 and 2023.

Interest last summer

Barcelona entered the last summer transfer window in dire need of a new midfielder, and they eventually found their men in Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu.

However, the club were notably interested in Kudus to fill the same void in the team but were forced out of the race owing to Ajax’s exorbitant price tag.

The Blauganas were eyeing budget signings given their tight finances, but the Eredivisie side demanded over €50 million for his signing. Needless to say, Barcelona backed out and the player signed for West Ham who shelled out €43 million.

Since joining the Hammers, Kudus has largely played as a forward either on the right or through the middle and has racked up 12 goals in 38 games.