Luis Enrique: A Heart Still Beating for Barcelona
On the eve of a high-stakes clash, Luis Enriqueās words carried both warmth and admiration. Though his career has taken him across Europeās biggest stages, the bond with Barcelona remains unbreakable.
āBarcelona is my city, my home,ā he smiled, his tone softening. āI canāt say a single negative thingāIāll always be grateful. As a professional, Iāve felt loved everywhere, but coming back here reminds me of the affection of the fans.ā
His affection extends not only to the club but also to its brightest stars. Few impressed him more than Pedri. āPedri is an amazing player. I love watching Barcelona play this way, especially with him in the team.ā
But Enriqueās admiration isnāt one-sided. Facing off against Hansi Flickās Barcelona fills him with excitement rather than dread. āFor us, itās thrilling to play against a team that shares the same mentality as us and has a great coach like Flick. I love his teamāheās restored the clubās footballing identity. He doesnāt back down, he attacks, he knows how to defend very well. Heās a very high-level coach.ā
Behind the praise lies a simple truth: Enrique remains, at heart, a BarƧa fan. āI love watching BarƧa! Iām still a Socio, still a fan. I follow their games. Barcelona is my homeāI spent eight years as a player and six more as a coach, from the youth teams to the first team.ā
For Luis Enrique, the rivalry may be professional, but the love for BarƧa is eternal.