Official: Alex Collado announces departure from Barcelona

Taking to his social media account, Alex Collado has announced his departure from FC Barcelona, bidding goodbye to his boyhood club in an emotional video.

The 24-year-old La Masia graduate has been out of favour at the club for the last two years and had spent the past eighteen months on loan at Granada and Elche.

Back at Barça this summer, Collado was informed that he was not going to be a part of Xavi Hernandez’s plans moving forward and was asked to find a new club for himself.

Talks of a transfer to Real Betis have been doing the rounds for quite some time and Collado has now confirmed that he will be leaving Barcelona imminently.

“I came to La Masia with the greatest of hopes, with the dream of one day being able to play for the first team. After a lot of effort and sacrifice, I can say that I have fulfilled my dream,” Collado said in the video.

Gracias @FCBarcelona 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/AIbYvpQNIe

— Álex Collado (@AlexCollado_) July 27, 2023

“It’s never easy to say goodbye to what has been your home for so many years. They have given me the opportunity to enjoy what I like the most.”

“I will continue to support you as one more Culé,” he concluded.

Collado will now join Real Betis, that too on a free transfer, with Barcelona officially confirming the operation right after Collado’s video post.

“FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompié have reached an agreement for the transfer of Àlex Collado. FC Barcelona thanks the player for all these years and wishes him good luck in the future,” the club’s statement reads.

Collado leaves Barcelona after making two senior appearances for the club. The Catalans have confirmed that they will reserve a percentage of a future sale.

It has also been suggested that the versatile midfielder will be giving up more than half of the salary of the remaining year on his Barcelona contract.