“I always gave my everything, but Ajax let me down”: Argentine defender opens up about failed Barcelona move

Heading into the winter transfer window, Barcelona were on the lookout for an economic reinforcement at left-back. One of the biggest contenders to fill the void was Nicolas Tagliafico from Ajax, who had seen minimal action this season under Eric ten Hag this season.

Though Barcelona were close to signing the Argentine, talks eventually broke down as Ajax were not willing to let go of him on loan. The Dutch giants insisted on a permanent move, while the Catalans were against it.

In an interview released by Diario AS, the left-back talks about his dream to move to Barcelona and the unfortunate saga that followed the unique opportunity.

The 29-year-old first acknowledged that he had a rare chance to join the Spanish giants and went on to express his true feelings over the failed move.

“There was a unique opportunity, to be able to go to a club like Barcelona, for me it was a chance and a dream but the club (Ajax) didn’t help me. I’m sad and disappointed.”

Tagliafico then described how he had always given Ajax his ‘everything’ and said that the club let him down when he needed them.

“I have been at this club for four years. I have played with concussion and with goggles. I have also played with a swollen ankle without saying anything. If they needed me, I ever said no to them, I gave my everything, every time they asked for me, I was there. And at the end? Ajax let me down when I got a chance.”

“They disappointed me. I understand it wasn’t easy but in the end, I think my professionalism ended up hurting both of us,” he continued, throwing shade over how players force moves out of their clubs nowadays.

Tagliafico has only started two games for Ajax this season in the Eredivisie. With Daley Blind winning the coach’s confidence at left-back, his role has been reduced, to say the least.

“I would have preferred to fight to play somewhere else where I can compete. Here I already know everything. I know how it goes. The coach has decided to pick a teammate of mine, his favourite. I don’t expect any changes that’s why I thought it was the perfect time to leave but the club wouldn’t let me.”