Alejandro Grimaldo (Valencia, 26 years old) left Barça in December 2015 to sign for Benfica The deal was closed for 1.5 million euros and Barça reserved a stake in a future sale of the left-back. A very profitable signing for the Portuguese club. He came to the club at the age of 13 in 2008 and only played with the first team in unofficial matches. Grimaldo signed for five and a half seasons. It ends in 2023. He returns to Barcelona at his best professional moment.
Are you excited to return and play at the Camp Nou?
Yeah right. It was my illusion since I entered La Masia although now I will do it with another team.
Barça bets on the talent of young players.
I am happy to see that Barça continues to bet on the quarry, one of the best in the world. Very good players have come out of there, incredible players.
Benfica is also a quarry.
We also do it and we have players who know how to give the stature worldwide.
Nico, Pedri, Gavi …
High quality players, they are showing it and they deserve this opportunity.
Which one has surprised you the most?
There are many players who have surprised me. These three have been at a very high level but if I had to stay with one I would stay with Pedri because he has been the one who has been at a higher level for the longest time. Gavi has been showing a lot for a few months, but Pedri all season and in the Eurocup and the Olympics.
In the lower categories of Barça, what did you learn?
I lived in La Masía, I grew up there, I was educated there, I learned some values in life. I am very proud of my time at La Masia. I am not going to celebrate a goal.
Do you think you would have had the chance to play in the first team?
I didn’t have it but I would have liked it. I’m very happy to have grown up there but now I’m at Benfica and I’m happy too.
Are you considering going back to Barça?
Barcelona has always been my home and I am not going to close my door. I will not deny it, I will always bring her heart. I grew up there and it has been one of the dreams I have had since I was little.
What has surprised you the most about Benfica?
I have been here for many years, yes I am adapted, but what has surprised me the most is the fans, how they live it.
Do you aspire to go to the World Cup in Qatar?
Luis Enrique has called many players, I hope I can be on a list and have a chance. if I have a good season. He is a coach who has given many opportunities. I have to work hard to have options.
Have you spoken with someone from Barça in these previous days?
I usually talk to Sergi Roberto, who is the one with whom I get along best in He is in his best moment?
Yes, I think I am at my best due to an essential factor, because I have achieved football maturity.
What has Benfica given you in these six years that you have been in Lisbon?
It has given me a lot. It is a club that bet on me in a very strong way and has allowed me to make the leap to the elite. I have grown as a player and as a person. I have improved a lot and have competed in Europe.
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