Anthony Gordon says he realized Spanish as a baby as a result of he all the time believed he would in the future play for Barcelona after finishing his transfer from Newcastle.
The England worldwide was unveiled by the Spanish champions on Friday after signing a contract till 2031, with the switch understood to be value round £70 million.
Gordon shocked many in attendance by answering a number of questions throughout his introductory press convention in fluent Spanish.
Gordon explains fluent Spanish at unveiling
Talking in Spanish when requested concerning the stress that comes along with his switch price, Gordon mentioned he was able to embrace the problem.
“I do know the historical past of this membership and the unbelievable gamers who’ve worn this shirt,” he mentioned.
“I’m very excited and really proud to be right here. It’s a dream come true.”
The 25-year-old later defined that studying the language had been a part of a long-held ambition to play for Barcelona.
“I used to be excited to play for Barca once I was three years outdated,” Gordon mentioned.
“I wished to talk Spanish as a result of, as a child, I believed I might play soccer for Barca.
“I had a physio in Newcastle and we spoke on daily basis. I all the time informed him that in the future I might play for Barcelona, so I wished to study Spanish.”
Barcelona strengthen assault with England winger
Barcelona moved shortly to safe Gordon’s signature amid curiosity from a number of prime European golf equipment.
The winger arrives after a powerful marketing campaign with Newcastle, scoring 17 targets in all competitions, together with 10 in 12 Champions League appearances.
In a press release asserting the signing, Barcelona highlighted Gordon’s attacking qualities and his performances towards the Catalan facet in Europe.
The membership described him as Newcastle’s prime scorer final season and some of the efficient dribblers in European soccer.
Wanting ahead to taking part in alongside Yamal
Gordon admitted the chance to play alongside a few of Barcelona’s main stars was a serious attraction.
“To play with Lamine Yamal and the remainder of the gamers could be very thrilling for me,” he mentioned.
“The extra high quality gamers you have got round you, the higher you turn out to be.
“These gamers are among the many greatest on the planet and you may see why whenever you play towards them.”
Gordon confronted Barcelona within the Champions League knockout levels this season, with Newcastle drawing the primary leg at St James’ Park earlier than ultimately shedding closely throughout the 2 matches.
Emotional farewell to Newcastle
The transfer brings an finish to a profitable three-and-a-half-year spell at Newcastle.
Signed from Everton in January 2023 for £45 million, Gordon made 152 appearances for the Magpies, scoring 39 targets and offering 28 assists.
He additionally performed a key position in serving to the membership finish its lengthy watch for main silverware with League Cup success final season.
Newcastle paid tribute to the winger on social media following affirmation of his departure, thanking him for his contribution and wishing him success in Spain.
Gordon now heads into the World Cup as a part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad and turns into the most recent English worldwide to play overseas alongside the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Ivan Toney.
