Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado has made one thing crystal clear: he's not going anywhere. In an exclusive chat with SPORT, the La Masia graduate addressed swirling rumors about a potential exit, shutting them down with a powerful declaration of loyalty to the club he loves.
"I wouldn't say 'achieving' something," Casado shared, his voice carrying a mix of humility and ambition. "What I'm most looking forward to is having a long career spanning many years at Barça." It's a statement that will surely resonate with fans who've watched him rise through the ranks, embodying the very spirit of the club's famed academy.
This season hasn't been easy for the 24-year-old. Under Hansi Flick's system, he's slipped down the midfield pecking order, sparking whispers of a move—with interest reportedly coming from Saudi Arabia. But Casado isn't biting. Instead, he's doubling down on his commitment, dreaming of a future where he's a staple in the Blaugrana midfield for years to come.
With El Clásico looming large this Sunday, the timing of his interview couldn't be more perfect. Casado took a stroll down memory lane, recalling his first taste of the legendary rivalry last season—a 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. "Definitely, it was my first Clásico, a great win for the team," he said, a smile practically audible in his words. "On top of that, my first assist for the first goal. It was a wonderful night that I'll never forget."
But the past is just a warm-up for what could be an even bigger moment. A win against Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou would seal the league title, and Casado isn't hiding his excitement. "The main thing, as the manager said, is to win it. It doesn't matter where, when, or how," he explained. "But it goes without saying that for both the team and the fans, it would be very special to win it against Madrid, at home, in front of the fans. It would be wonderful."
Speaking of the fans, Casado couldn't help but gush about the electric atmosphere since the team's return to Camp Nou. "I think the supporters have connected a lot with this team. I believe it is because there are so many young players," he reflected. It's a connection that fuels his fire—and his desire to stay put.
For a player who's been linked with a departure, Casado's words are a breath of fresh air. As Barcelona gears up for a defining match, one thing is certain: this La Masia product is ready to fight for his place, his club, and his dream of a long, storied career in Blaugrana.
