"At Barça, you're in a bubble, and even the smallest things are meticulously cared for. You have every possible facility, like paediatricians and physios. Here, the difference is noticeable. You have just what you need, which is ultimately what's necessary,"
"Barça's methodology is unique in the world, and it has the results it has, and here the mentality is very different. They have different customs and methods, and they're doing well,"
"I really had several options besides this one. You hear about OFK Belgrade and Serbia and you think, 'What a decision he's made,' but in the end, it's a first division team. Teams from other leagues also look at these 'secondary' leagues when looking to sign players,"
"Last season, for example, four or five players from the team went to the major leagues. I understand the people who think I've made a mistake, but it was a well-considered decision, and I saw it as the right one for my future,"
Alba departed Barcelona after six years at La Masia, where he captained Juvenil A, scored 28 goals, and helped the team win the treble. He signed for OFK Belgrade in the Serbian first division to seek senior opportunities and exposure. Alba contrasts Barça's extensive facilities and unique footballing methodology with the leaner, different mentality and customs in Serbia. He reports having multiple options but views first-division play in a secondary league as a potential springboard to bigger leagues. Alba describes the move as calculated and believes it was the right decision for his future.
Read at Barca Universal
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