Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo returned to his hometown of Terrassa to receive a local tribute after winning the World Cup with Spain. Speaking about Álvarez, who failed to join Barcelona this summer, Olmo said he did not understand why Atlético Madrid would not allow the player to pursue his dream of joining Barcelona.

Olmo said: "Julián is a very good player, a very good number 9, undoubtedly one of the best strikers in the world. But that's football, some things happen, others don't, and life goes on."

Regarding Atlético Madrid's final decision not to let Álvarez leave, Olmo was more direct: "I really don't understand it. I think Julián was also very clear about this—he obviously worked hard for his dream. But ultimately, there are external factors that individuals cannot control. That's the case here, and there's really nothing more to say about it."

Although Álvarez ultimately did not join Flick's squad, Olmo still believes Barcelona has built a squad capable of competing for every title this summer. "Life goes on, and this won't stop us. For us, it will certainly be a very good season. The competition will be very intense, as other clubs have also made good signings, but our team is fully capable of competing at 100 percent."

Olmo returned to Terrassa to celebrate the World Cup victory with Spain's national team this summer. He said: "It's a day to celebrate. I've wanted to come back for a long time and I always hoped to organize this moment with the local council. I'm really looking forward to celebrating this World Cup victory with everyone."

However, Olmo also stressed that the World Cup title was in the past and they had to keep moving forward. "We accomplished something great, but everything must continue. We have new objectives now."

One of the most important objectives is helping Barcelona win the Champions League. Olmo said: "We must continue winning, continue defending our Copa del Rey and Super Cup titles, and of course, compete for the Champions League. Our team is fully capable of doing that."

With the arrival of Gabriel Jesus, Flick has more options in attack. Olmo said he was ready to accept any role assigned by the coach, including false nine or even playing as a striker.

He said: "The coach knows me very well and knows what positions I can play. The team strengthened itself very well this summer, and the club did excellent work."

Olmo also mentioned Raphinha, Jesus, and himself, believing they can all play as central attacking roles. "These players are all capable enough to play in this position. No matter where the coach asks me to play, I'll be ready and will give 100 percent when it's my turn to play."

Furthermore, Olmo also spoke about Barcelona's initial plan to organize a tribute ceremony for eight World Cup winners at Camp Nou, but the decision was ultimately cancelled following related events in Elche.

He said: "In the end, the club decided it wasn't the right moment. As players, we respect that decision. We know the club fully recognizes our World Cup victory. Given everything that happened afterward, we also felt it wasn't the right occasion at that time. It's understandable, no problem at all."

Therefore, Olmo also appreciated receiving the tribute in his hometown: "Now I can also enjoy this moment personally, celebrating in Terrassa with my family and friends. I've been waiting for this day for a long time."

For the new season, Olmo believes Real Madrid will remain a major competitor for Barcelona across all competitions. "Real Madrid strengthened itself very well, recruiting many excellent players, and so did we. Ultimately, both our teams aim to win everything."

After two consecutive seasons of domestic success, Barcelona now hopes to break through in Europe. Olmo said: "We will fight for our objectives as we have in the past. Over the last two years, we've won a lot of success domestically, and now we hope to do the same in Europe."

He concluded: "The hardest part is often not doing it once, but being able to maintain it and do it again. That's our objective."

Traduit par IA.

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