Jordi Cruyff: Goodbye to Diario Sport readers
The columnist is leaving his role to start work with Joan Laporta at Barcelona
As you all know, on August 1 I start a new role at FC Barcelona. And I thought it appropriate to terminate my collaboration with SPORT, a space that I have truly enjoyed sharing my opinions in a way that I felt was constructive, not only on my part, but also for the feedback I have received. And from here I want to express my gratitude to Sport and the Prensa Ibérica group for this experience, which has also been an interesting learning experience for me.
Undoubtedly, I was very comforted to see how readers were encouraged to debate in a healthy and lively way about some of the topics I spoke about and I sincerely believe that this is the essence of football: an exchange of views that helps to add and continue building this sport in permanent evolution, always in positive sense.
That has been the spirit with which I have faced the different stages of my career on various continents. The most recent, in China, with Shenzhen FC, together with a coaching staff made up of highly trained people of the highest level who will continue to lead the team, professionals who have undoubtedly helped me to grow a lot in recent years because it’s always important to surround yourself with those who help you see what you cannot. FC Barcelona was the only call that would take me to catch a flight back before the end of my contract in China, but not before leaving everything well organized and agreed with those at Shenzhen FC, whom I will always thank for the trust they had in me to take on an ambitious project. I'm sure the team is now in good hands. And that has given me peace of mind to take on this new stage.
I am returning home after more than two decades abroad and for me it is a great excitement on a professional and personal level. My family is in Barcelona and, logically, having the opportunity to be close to them on a day-to-day basis is something in itself very emotional. Also to return to the club that I left 25 years ago during which I have been going through different challenges in various countries with their particular club structures and concepts that have made me grow a lot and watch football with a 360º panoramic view. Possibly I chose a difficult path, in destinations where this sport was not exactly a priority and, if it was, it was quite difficult to convince people to join your project. But I also think that you always learn more from difficulties than from ease. And overcoming obstacles is the measure of your abilities.
Everyone knows that it is a huge motivation to return to a very special club for me and my family and I face this new challenge proud and grateful, eager to help, collaborate and add what I can.
This is my last column in SPORT, but before saying goodbye I would like to thank all the readers for the time they have dedicated to following it. I wish you good health and that we can soon regain that normalcy that we so desire.
