I’ve been dreaming of this moment’ – Gavi revels in Barcelona return as midfielder receives standing ovation and captain’s armband after long injury hell finally ends

On Sunday, Barcelona welcomed the young midfielder, who had been out of action since November 2023 after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Spain’s Euro 2024 qualifying game against Georgia. After missing the entire 2023-24 campaign, the European Championship this summer, and the start of the current season, the Spaniard got back on the pitch during Barcelona’s 5-1 thumping of Sevilla in La Liga.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Hansi Flick introduced the 20-year-old in the 83rd minute of the match as he replaced Pedri. While leaving the pitch, Pedri handed over the captain’s armband to Gavi as a welcoming gesture while the fans stood up and applauded.

• • WHAT GAVI SAID

    Speaking to reporters, the midfielder said, “I’m very happy to be back with the team. I’ve been dreaming about this moment for many months and I’m grateful to everyone because they’ve made it much easier for me. The worst thing is not playing with the team.

    “Watching the team from the outside is very hard and you have to enjoy every moment and value things. I feel very lucky to be here today. It’s my life and what I’ve been doing all my life and I missed it. I feel very lucky. When all the fans and teammates love and value you, you feel very lucky.”

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    WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

    The result on Sunday will provide a massive boost to the Catalan giants’ confidence who now gear up to face Bayern Munich in a Champions League clash on Wednesday.