20-year-old Barcelona starlet reveals he was approached by Real Madrid in the past

Fermin Lopez has been one of the rising stars for Barcelona this season. From plying his trade at Linares last season, the young attacker has become a vital option for Barça this term.

In a recent interview, Lopez talked more about his meteoric rise to prominence while also revealing interest from Real Madrid.

Fermin Lopez rejected Real Madrid

Fermin’s career trajectory, in fact, could have been quite different as Real Madrid were keen on snapping him up. But he never had second thoughts about joining Barcelona.

“Madrid once asked about me, but I have always been from Barça. My father never told me if there were teams that were interested in me, they let me on the sidelines, but one day he asked me what I would do if Barça came and I told him I was leaving in a hurry,” he said (h/t SPORT).

Talking about his growth at Barça, Fermin said, “I came alone, without my family and I lived in La Masia. At first, it is hard, especially at night. You think about your parents and friends.”

Formerly of the Real Betis academy, Fermin Lopez joined Barcelona at a very young age back in 2016. And the player only had good things to say about La Masia.

“But La Masia treats you like a 10 and all your colleagues are in the same situation as you. We help each other. I didn’t get to the point where I couldn’t take it anymore. I missed my family, but I was living my dream. I wouldn’t change this by returning home,” he said.

Lopez has certainly made good use of his opportunities this season, racking up seven appearances in all competitions and even scoring a goal.

The Spaniard, though, never expected to rise to prominence so quickly. “I did not expect to make the jump to the first team because of what I was experiencing years ago, but since I was little I have always had work and effort and the reward has arrived,” he said.

Fermin Lopez on Gavi

During his time in the Barça academy, the youngster had an excellent relationship with Gavi, a fellow academy graduate.

Lopez candidly spoke about Gavi, stating, “On the field he transforms, he is very impulsive and has that competitive spirit but he is a normal and nice boy, he is not a troublemaker.”

“He doesn’t understand anything other than giving his all,” Lopez added.

As we advance further into the season, one would expect both Gavi and Fermin Lopez to continue playing a key role for Barcelona.