Former Barcelona defender speaks about stint at the club: “People said I had failed”

Jean-Claire Todibo was one of many unfairly treated players towards the end of the Josep-Maria Bartomeu era at Barcelona. 

The centre-back arrived at Spotify Camp Nou as one of the most talented youngsters in world football. Todibo’s talent was evident from the get-go, yet he suffered an endless wait for minutes that eventually ended in his departure.

After loan stints at FC Schalke and Benfica, he signed for Nice on loan in February 2021. 

Todibo talks about his Barcelona stint

Speaking in an interview with Telefoot earlier this week, the French centre-back recalled his time at Barcelona and how it was a hard blow to his budding career.

“Since I didn’t play at Barcelona, people said I had failed. I learned from my failure, and I prefer my story to be like this and not all rosy,” he said, not complaining about his treatment in Catalonia via SPORT.

He also went on to praise his current employers, OGC Nice, for believing in his abilities a giving him the chance to bloom.

“I felt confident and loved. Everything was clear about the fact that I could finally express myself and play my soccer.”

Climbing up the ranks

Despite his difficult start to professional football, the 23-year-old has come out on top courtesy of his grit and determination.

Since joining Nice on a permanent transfer in June 2021, Todibo has established himself as a regular starter and has attracted interest from clubs across Europe. Last season, he made 34 league appearances for the Ligue 1 side, overseeing nine clean sheets in the process.

Manchester United are said to be closely monitoring his situation. The English giants did not succeed in signing him in the recently concluded summer transfer window and are expected to continue their pursuit come January.