‘Not for a second’ – La Liga winger has no regrets over leaving Barcelona last summer

Speaking in an interview with AS, Real Betis winger Ez Abde has admitted that he has no regrets about his decision to leave Barcelona for the Verdiblancos in the summer last year.

Abde did pre-season with Barcelona under Xavi Hernandez, who was eager to keep hold of the Moroccan winger. However, the player sought guarantees over his playing time which ultimately led to his exit.

Following the transfer, Xavi remarked that there was no guarantee that Abde would be a starter at Betis either, which has indeed been the case.

But Abde believes that he made the right decision and has no regrets about, as he said:

“Not for a second do I regret signing for Betis. I spoke to my family, we made the decision and I still think I was right.

“I’m happy in Seville and at the club, I love the fans and the Benito Villamarín. My hair stands on end every time I go out onto the pitch and hear them sing the anthem.”

Abde has not played regularly at Betis. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Abde also stated that he does not understand the criticism directed at Barcelona this season as he feels that the Catalans have had a good campaign.

“I don’t understand them. I think Barça have had a very good year. In the league they’re there and in the Champions League they’ve reached the quarter finals, which they hadn’t done for years

“I think that luck hasn’t been on their side. I’m sure they’ll go further next season.”

On Xavi’s decision to stay on as Barcelona manager after announcing his intentions to leave previously, Abde said: “They are personal decisions.”

The winger also revealed that he tried to convince Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal to play for Morocco at the international level but it was not to be.

“Well, I also spoke to Lamine, but he didn’t let me convince him. I was there during Barcelona’s pre-season, I was pestering him to choose Morocco, but nothing,” he said.

“You have to respect his decision and it’s normal, Spain is also a great team. I hope Yamal will do as well as possible because he is a great footballer.”