Exclusive: Inside Sergiño Dest's first few days as a Barcelona player

Even though Sergiño Dest is desperate to play a lot of minutes in a Barcelona shirt, the current international break has come at a good time for him to try and get his personal life in order in a new city. The United States international is quickly adapting to his new surroundings and the sensation is clear: it's the best place he could have chosen. Impressed with the club and in love at first sight with the Catalan capital, Dest's had an intense week or so. 

In football terms, he's loving his new teammates and the level in the few training sessions he's been involved in. "They always give the ball back to me!" those closest to him explain he's said. The full-back's already noticed certain differences in comparison to his former club, Ajax. He knows he can't relax at all but he's not scared about the expectations. In fact, pressure doesn't scare him. He was not even nervous when he made his debut against Sevilla. The opposite, in fact. 

The only moment when butterflies were generated was when he met Lionel Messi. It was in the gym at the training ground and Messi gave him a warm welcome. Like Leo, the whole dressing room have welcomed an ambitious but prudent Sergiño with their arms open. When interviewed by beIN, he was asked if he saw himself as a starter already, but responded by saying the first thing is to learn and grow. The words show that he's also humble and will fit in the dressing room well. 

Sergiño is taking advantage of the international break to work on his fitness. For one reason or another, in the last few weeks he's not been able to train as he would have liked, so he's making up for lost time this week. He's not forgotten that his pace is one of his biggest weapons, so he's obsessed with being in top shape. 

Aside from football, Dest already feels at home in Barcelona. He even feels the city is more "his" than Amsterdam. Maybe that sensation can be explained by his parents' roots in Surinam. The Caribbean DNA accompanied Dest. He's fascinated with the climate and Mediterranean mood. 

Dest is looking for a house but has also been able to a little bit of tourism. He's walked about the city centre and Barceloneta and enjoyed some Spanish food at some well-known restaurants. 

If nothing changes, the idea is to move in near Frenkie de Jong in Pedralbes. The Barça midfielder and Konrad de la Fuente are acting as Dest's guides to ease the adaption process. Located between Pedri and De Jong in the dressing room, he appreciates the fact he can speak Dutch with Frenkie, who he can ask about Barça and life in Barcelona. Naturally, Koeman gives him instructions in Dutch, too.  

Until he finds a residence, Dest is residing in the hotel he's been in since arriving in Barcelona, where he's accompanied by his parents, his sister and his agent. He has a quiet life and takes advantage of any free time to relax and play FIFA. He also enjoys Latin music -- Juan Luis Guerra is one of his favourite artists. Through Music, he's learned some Spanish words already, but he will start classes in the coming days. He also plays to learn Catalan.