Alvaro Cortes has officially parted ways with FC Barcelona, securing a transfer to Royal Antwerp on transfer deadline day. The young defender expressed his sentiments in a heartfelt message to fans, noting that his departure came in a manner he did not anticipate.
In his emotional farewell, Cortes shared on Instagram, "I have to say goodbye in a way I didn’t expect and not the way I would have liked." Despite the unexpected nature of his exit, he emphasized that his time with the Catalan club would always hold a special place in his heart.
Cortes, who joined Barcelona as a teenager, reflected on his journey from a young fan to a player donning the iconic jersey. "I was born far from Barcelona, but I always felt like a Culer. I grew up following this team, celebrating its victories, and dreaming of wearing that jersey one day—until, at just 16 years old, I received the call that changed my life," he recalled.
His move to Barcelona marked the realization of a childhood dream, and he expressed immense gratitude for the opportunities he received at the club. "Since then, I have been truly happy, and I have worn this crest and the captain’s armband with the utmost pride and respect," Cortes stated.
As he bids farewell, Cortes reassured fans that he gave his all during his time at Camp Nou. He thanked the club for trusting him as a young player and allowing him to grow both as a footballer and as a person. "I leave with the peace of mind of having given my all, and deeply grateful to FC Barcelona for opening its doors to me," he said.
In his message, he extended his gratitude to coaches, teammates, and staff who played a role in his development. He noted, "Each of you has left a mark and helped shape the person I am today. I also want to thank the fans for all the affection I have received. Defending this badge has been a source of pride and a privilege that is hard to put into words."
Hansi Flick, the manager who oversaw Cortes' transition, commented on the move, suggesting that the defender would not receive the necessary playing time at Barcelona to further his career. He remarked, "It’s better for him to play at another club and see what happens," indicating that the transfer to Royal Antwerp could provide Cortes with the opportunity to gain valuable experience and playing time.
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