Gavi made an emotional return to Barcelona in Sunday’s 5-1 win over Sevilla in LaLiga, following an 11-month injury layoff.
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Gavi made his return to Barcelona after long injury layoff
The midfielder tore his ACL while playing for Spain last November.
Gavi, 20, replaced Barca skipper Pedri during the final 10 minutes against Sevilla at the Olympic Stadium.
The fans gave Gavi a warm ovation from Barca supporters on his emotional return.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said he was proud to see Gavi’s intensity as soon as he returned to the field.
“I am happy for this result and especially for Gavi,” Flick said in a news conference. “It’s really amazing when you see atmosphere in the stadium and the fans. It was goosebumps, unbelievable, and I like this.”
“The intensity he gave in the match when he came in was good,” Flick added. “But it’s normal, it’s his way to play. Sometimes it’s OK to be more calmer, but it’s not his style of play.”
Gavi thanks fans, teammates
Gavi thanked his teammates and the fans for their support on his comeback.
“I have been dreaming about this for many months and I am grateful to my teammates who made the process easier for me,” he told reporters.
“The hardest thing is not playing, watching from the outside. It’s frustrating, it’s tough. You have to enjoy every moment and [time out] allows you to value the things you have. I feel fortunate to be back.”
“I missed playing football the most, this is my life, it is what I have always done. When all the fans and your teammates like you and give you that reception, you feel very lucky.”
Another win for Barca; all set for Bayern, Madrid
Barca secured its ninth win in their tenth fixture this season, keeping them three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table.
Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring with a penalty in the 24th minute, followed by a goal from Pedri just four minutes later.
The Polish striker completed his brace before halftime, taking his tally to 12 LaLiga goals this season.
Substitute Pablo Torre added a brace after the break, before Stanis Idumbo scored a late consolation for Sevilla.
Barcelona will face a tougher challenge in their upcoming games, with a match against Bayern Munich in the Champions League followed by the much-anticipated Clasico against Real Madrid.
“For us every match is important,” Flick said.
“It’s not only what seems [to be] the big, big clubs, also this Sevilla [game, it’s] also very important after the international break, to come back with a victory and this was today really good. The players did it well.”
The German coach added that they will all be ready if needed against Bayern and Madrid.
“They are ready, they will be ready,” he said. “This is for me, our job is to prepare well for the next match.”
“Getafe, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid… it doesn’t matter. The team will give 100% every match, every minute, they will be ready.”
