FC Barcelona has just officially announced this Monday afternoon the contract extension until 2029 of Marc Bernal, an 18-year-old defensive midfielder who has shown great promise despite facing significant challenges in his young career.
After suffering a cruciate ligament rupture in August 2024, Bernal has made a commendable return to the pitch in recent days. He played ten minutes against FC Valencia on September 14 and made a brief appearance in Oviedo last week, marking significant steps in his recovery journey.
The contract extension reflects the club’s faith in Bernal’s abilities and potential, as they have reached an agreement for the extension of the player’s contract until June 2029. The signing took place on Monday morning at the Club Offices, where key figures such as Barça president Joan Laporta, first vice president Rafael Yuste, and director of the Football Area Deco were present to witness this important milestone in Bernal’s career.
In a press appearance after signing the contract, an emotional Marc Bernal expressed his joy, stating, “It’s the happiest day of my life. If you had said this two years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it. Since I was a kid, all kids dream of this. I have made my dream come true.” His words reflect not only the elation of achieving a significant career goal but also the relentless spirit he has shown throughout his recovery process.
Now fully recovered from the serious knee injury that sidelined him for most of last season, signing his new contract is a crucial step in his career journey. Bernal humbly acknowledged that he is aware of the road ahead, saying, “Now it’s time to take things one step at a time and see how it goes as I have just come back from a serious injury. It’s all part of the process and there is no hurry. The best Marc Bernal will come when the time is right.” His patience and focus on gradual improvement demonstrate a mature mindset that many athletes strive to maintain.
During the press conference, Bernal took the opportunity to express his gratitude to those who helped him during his injury lay-off. “I have to get back on the pitch and get up to speed but I am really grateful to the Club for their confidence. It’s been a tough year but from the very start I was surprised how everyone helped me. It made it much easier,” he said, highlighting the supportive environment at FC Barcelona that has contributed to his recovery.
In discussing his inspirations on the pitch, Bernal cited Sergio Busquets as a significant influence, sharing that Busquets sent him a message during his recovery, which meant a lot to him. “Sergio Busquets is a model for me, one of my idols. When I got injured he sent me a message and that made me really happy.” This connection to his idols illustrates Bernal’s dedication to learning from the best and following in their footsteps.
Looking to the future, Bernal shared his excitement about Wednesday’s upcoming game against PSG, saying, “It will be a great game. In the dressing room we are looking forward and I am sure we can get through it.” His confidence, along with the team’s spirit, sets a positive tone as they prepare to face a formidable opponent.
Beyond immediate matches, Bernal has long-term aspirations to contribute to FC Barcelona’s success. “My dream is to keep winning trophies with Barça for a long time,” he declared passionately, underscoring his commitment to the club and his ambitions as a professional athlete. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, all eyes will be on Marc Bernal as he continues to grow and develop on the field.
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