Why did Ousmane Dembele leave Barcelona?

Published September 11th, 2023 - 11:29 GMT
France's forward Ousmane Dembele gives a thumbs up as he arrives in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines on September 4, 2023 as part of the team's preparation for upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament qualifying matches. France will play against Ireland on September 7, 2023, in the Group B of Euro 2024 qualifiers. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
France's forward Ousmane Dembele gives a thumbs up as he arrives in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines on September 4, 2023 as part of the team's preparation for upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament qualifying matches. France will play against Ireland on September 7, 2023, in the Group B of Euro 2024 qualifiers. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele has explained the reason behind his decision to leave Barcelona earlier this summer.

The former Rennes star admits he wanted to play again in his homeland.

Dembele told Telefoot as quoted by Tribal Football: "I spoke with the coach (Luis Enrique) and president (Nasser) Al-Khelaifi. They told me about the project and I was also excited to play in France again.

"Everything is good at PSG, we have a great coach and I liked the president's speech."

The 26-year-old left Barca after a six-year stint where he featured in 185 games with 40 goals and 43 assists to his name.

He signed a five-year deal with PSG that should keep him at the Parc des Princes until the summer of 2028.

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