Barcelona academy graduate opens up on relationship with Gavi: “He is like my brother”

Speaking in an interview with RTVE, Barcelona youngster Fermin Lopez has opened up on his relationship with fellow La Masia graduates Gavi and Lamine Yamal.

Fermin is enjoying his first-team breakthrough with Barça this season, having spent the last campaign away on loan at Linares.

The 20-year-old Spanish ace came through the La Masia ranks with Gavi and the pair have forged a strong bond over the years. Shedding light on the same, Fermin said:

“Gavi is like my brother, I’ve lived with him since I was twelve years old and it’s a joy and a dream to be able to share what I’m experiencing with him and I’m very grateful because he has helped me a lot.”

Another Barça youngster experiencing his breakthrough this season is 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. And Fermin also spoke about his relationship with the teenager and how he tries to help the wonderkid, saying:

“To Lamine, I say that he is like my son, I am very fond of him, it’s not that I am a veteran, but I try to help him and support him, he is a great player, I am very happy with everything he is experiencing.”

On Xavi and Barcelona

So far this season, Fermin has played 12 matches across all competitions, coming up with a return of two goals and an assist.

The youngster expressed his gratitude to manager Xavi Hernandez for the minutes he has been receiving this season as he said:

“I’m getting more and more opportunities, I’m very grateful to the coach and the staff, I just have to keep improving and learning, as well as taking advantage of every chance I get. I’ve dreamed of being in this team since I was a kid and I’m very grateful.”

Fermin also discussed Barcelona’s recent run of performances which have led to question marks over Xavi and the team, saying:

“It’s true that in these last few games, we haven’t been at our best level, our best version, but I think the team is working well and it’s just a question of correcting mistakes and getting over this streak.

“The coach tells us that it’s our responsibility and not the press as they say, although there are some players who may be more affected. I try to read little for the good and for the bad.”

On Spain ambitions

Heading into the international break, there had been a lot of talk about Fermin being called up to the Spanish senior national team setup by manager Luis de la Fuente.

But that did not turn out to be the case as Fermin was once again named on the Spain Under-21 squad list instead.

Discussing his call-up to the Under-21 setup who play Hungary in Huelva, where he hails from, Fermin said: “It was my dream, it’s a great illusion because my people, my family, and my friends are there. I’m really looking forward to playing there.”

Further speaking, Fermin added that he hopes to break into the senior setup for Spain sooner rather than later.

“Being on this list is an aspiration, there are great players in Spain and I knew it would be difficult. I’m happy to be in the U21s and who knows, one day I might be able to fulfil my dream of playing for my country’s senior team,” he stated.