Keita Barde: La Macia benefits me for life, and I hope to return to that job in the future

Hupu September 21st Keita Valde is one of the most successful players in the 95 generation of Lamacia. Before signing with Monza, he played for clubs including Lazio, Inter Milan, Monaco and Espanyol. The Senegal international has not forgotten his years at La Masia's youth camp and dreams of returning to his origins one day, which is what Keita Barde talks with hosts Gomet and Andrea Chines on the "ADNMasia" show.

Keita, we are very happy to talk to you. Although many years have passed, I still remember the scene when I interviewed you on Barcelona TV. At that time, you were still a child playing football in the Barcelona echelon. You should know that you are a very important benchmark for us. At that time, Barcelona TV was a program that focused on all Barcelona teams, all competitions, and all highlights. Haomei, of course you remember all the players. I often talk to you on Barcelona TV because I am almost always the best player in the game, so it's my turn to speak. My youth training generation is very outstanding, and we have left our own mark at the Barcelona youth training camp. Samper, Jon Toral, Bellerin, Grimaldo, Riera, myself…many of us have started our own careers in professional football.

The U10-U11 age group you played for is the best I have ever seen. What memories do you have about this?

You say this very important because you have witnessed countless generations of children. I think our 95 generation has left a strong mark in the history of Barcelona's youth training, both in terms of the level of the players at that time and their future development. Many players can play in the League One else even if they fail to be in Barcelona. In fact, we had a deep connection with our teammates at the time, especially with coach Sergi Domeneke, who gave us a lot.

Who did you think would succeed in the 95 generation?

I think at this age, the most important thing is to enjoy it. Enjoy football and enjoy the time with your teammates. We know very well that being able to play in Barcelona is a privilege, and it is important to absorb all the knowledge of this unique club, no other place can compare to it. In my generation, I was optimistic about Samper, Jon Toral, Bellerin, Pole-Balest and the very mature Riera. At the time, I thought there was a greater chance of playing professional football outside of Barcelona. Now, considering the current economic environment, I will not leave.

When you were still in Barcelona youth training, was it difficult to get into the first team?

When I was a junior team, I really felt that the chances of entering professional football through other clubs were greater than through Barcelona. I can't compare my era in Barcelona with the present. At that stage, players like Ibrahimovic or Henry will come, and we also have top stars like Ronaldinho, Etoo and Messi. Barcelona is very powerful economically and cannot be compared with the current situation.

If you are a junior team player now, will you still leave Barcelona?

I will stick with it in Barcelona, ​​Haomei, I won’t leave, I won’t leave. Seeing the current situation of Yamal, Garvey, Casado, Kubasi and others, I will not leave, I will choose to stay in Barcelona and strive for it. Considering the difficulties of Barcelona's current signings, I will stay.

After going through youth training, do you feel a little regretful that you failed to play for Barcelona’s first team?

I don't regret my career trajectory, my achievements so far, and the teams I have played for. But to be honest, I always had that dream: what would it look like if I stayed there at that time. All these regrets were some relief when I represented Inter Milan in the Champions League against Barcelona.

In Barcelona, ​​you were famous for your love to joke. I was a happy guy, I like to joke and I like to get along with everyone. When I was a kid, I was very active, liked to joke, and I thought this was probably the label on me. Indeed, people often talk about the joke of me putting ice on my teammate’s bed, which ended up being loaned to Cornellia. As far as I know, my jokes are very naive compared to the jokes Pique has played in his career.

What surprised you the most?

What I admire about Yamal is his talent, the lightness of his playing football, just like playing football with friends in the neighborhood. He has the kind of free and easy nature that is natural and unpretentious. It can be seen that I also like that kind of street football very much. Another thing that fascinates me is Pedri, who is the best midfielder in the world. I also really like Frenki De Jong, and I like Kubasi's leadership and how Barde plays, which reminds me of Alba.

Just like you and many others, Yamal is a combination of African genes and Lamacia, do you think this is not ideal?

I think it's the perfect cocktail, and if you put a street player with personality, plus the football and personal education given by Barcelona, ​​it's unstoppable. You are in the best academy and can learn everything on and off the court, and it would be wonderful if you still carry that African gene.

Will the training of Lamacia help you in your career?

is totally helpful, 100% so. At the technical level, at the competition understanding level, in many aspects, such as one-on-one, wall-to-wall cooperation... all of these are what I learned in Barcelona. I joined Lazio at the age of 16 and started training with the first team at that time, thanks to what I learned at the Barcelona youth training camp.

Have you ever thought about returning to Barcelona’s youth training system one day?

I think this is one of the best questions that others have asked me. I would say from the bottom of my heart, yes. I love young people and children, I like to watch them train and watch them grow up, this as a person makes me feel fulfilled and satisfy my heart. I don't want to be the head coach of the first team of Barcelona, ​​but you can put me in any position related to young people... This is the most fulfilling thing in the world, yes, yes, yes. Now I often meet with Sergi Roberto and his family, and we often talk about Barcelona and its greatness.