Anthony Gordon said he knew he’d play for Barcelona since he was “three years of age” after arriving from Newcastle United in a move worth more than 80 million euros (£69.3 million).
The 25-year-old England forward has signed a contract with the La Liga winners until 2031 after the two clubs agreed on a fee during advanced talks earlier this week—and amid interest from Bayern Munich.
“I was excited to play for Barca since I was three years of age,” said Gordon, who spoke in Spanish during Friday’s presentation at the Spotify Camp Nou.
“I wanted to speak Spanish because, as a kid, I believed I would play football for Barca, believe it or not. I have a physio in Newcastle, and we spoke every day, and I told him, ‘One day I’ll play for Barca, so I want to learn Spanish.’
“I found out very late [of Barcelona’s interest], but as soon as I knew Barca were a serious option, there wasn’t any question.
“Barca are the biggest club on the planet. It is stuff I dreamed [about] as a child.”
Gordon received a physical with the club on Thursday and was scheduled to be unveiled at 12:30 BST on Friday.
However, procedural problems forced him to wait nearly eight hours before being properly introduced.
Gordon added, “Very, very excited, though it was kind of hard to wait.
“I knew it would happen. I have been very calm at the hotel with my family and agents. It’s stuff I don’t understand. All my part was done; I was ready. It was stuff above me—legal things and very small details.
“I am very conscious of the history of this club and the incredible players who have worn this shirt. I’m ready for this challenge. There is a burning fire in my belly to win here.”
He will go with the England squad to the United States on Monday for a training camp before the World Cup, which begins on June 11.
Gordon will join compatriot Marcus Rashford at Barcelona, although the Spanish club has yet to exercise its option to make the 28-year-old forward’s loan deal from Manchester United permanent for £26 million.
Gordon played 152 games for Newcastle after arriving from Everton in January 2023 and was the club’s top scorer this season with 17 goals in all competitions.
“I owe this club a lot because, when I arrived, I was quite lost both in life and in football,” he told the club’s website.
“The club has given me a sense of belonging and a sense of identity. It’s allowed me to do what I always thought I could do. It’s put me on the biggest stage and allowed me to perform for the shirt.
“It was really important for me to leave this place in a good way because I’ve loved every single minute of being a part of Newcastle. This is an incredible club and one that I’ll never forget. I’ll be a fan for the rest of my life.”
