Kessie relishes ´great´ opportunity with Barcelona

Franck Kessie revealed he is excited to get to work at Barcelona, after the Spanish club confirmed his signing earlier this week.

On Monday, the Blaugrana announced the signings of both Kessie and Andreas Christensen, with their contracts expiring at Milan and Chelsea respectively this off-season.

It has nevertheless been a busy period for Barcelona as they look to balance their books, with reports linking Frenkie de Jong and Ousmane Dembele to moves away in the event they do not lower their wages.

After helping the Rossoneri secure the Serie A title last season, Kessie insists he is looking forward to working under Xavi, despite uncertainty over where he will actually play in midfield.

“When Xavi calls you, you see that all your efforts have been worth it,” he said upon arriving in Barcelona. “I can’t wait to start working with him and my colleagues.

“It is a great opportunity. Barca is a great team, and I am very happy. I really want to start and give my best. I am a player who works hard on a day-to-day basis to end up winning things.

“Where I play, the coach will decide. He will know where I can best help the team.”

Weeeee’re baaaaaack! pic.twitter.com/JG6hsN5GrP

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 5, 2022

The 25-year-old played in a variety of positions under Stefano Pioli in Milan, even spending parts of last season as an attacking midfielder.

He was a dependable figure last season as well, only missing three league games, with the exception of international duty during January’s African Cup of Nations.

The Ivorian also revealed he hopes to emulate the feats of his compatriot and “idol” Yaya Toure, who won his lone Champions League with Barcelona in 2009.

“My idol is Yaya Toure,” Kessie said. “He is a great player and an Ivorian, like me. I have been lucky enough to play with him and I want to have a career as good as his.”