Sergino Dest has lifted the lid on how he was treated by Xavi Hernandez and his departure from Barcelona.
Dest opened up on his relationship with Xavi, expressing that he doesn’t think the Spaniard was “honest” with him.
Sergino Dest Claims Xavi Hernandez Didn’t Give Him Much Opportunity To Prove His Mettle At Barcelona
Sergino Dest also indicated that Xavi Hernandez didn’t give him enough opportunities to show what he could offer, restricted his playing style, and went back on promises he had made to him.
The United States of America full back in an interview with Diario Sport encapsulated his four years as a Barcelona player, saying:
“I wouldn’t say regrets, because how it ended didn’t depend on me, but I don’t feel I had the necessary chances with Xavi.”
He added: “I felt like I had to play with limits; that I could not be myself. I want to join the attack, which is my biggest strength, but he asked me not to go forward.”
Speaking on the apparent dishonesty of the former Barcelona manager, Dest added: “I don’t think he was honest with me, either. We had several conversations in which he told me one thing, but after, I had doubts whether he really told me the truth.
“In the summer [of 2023], before going on holiday, he told me: ‘I am counting on you, don’t read the press.’ And as soon as I returned, he told me: ‘You have to go.”
Sergino Dest At Barcelona
The American defender joined Barcelona from Ajax on October 1, 2020, for a fee of €20 million, before exiting the club in the summer of 2024.
Dest made 72 appearances for the Blaugrana side, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists across all competitions.
The former AC Milan man assisted Barcelona to claim the Copa del Rey in the 2020/21 season.
Sergino Dest spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Italian giants AC Milan, before joining PSV Eindhoven on loan in the 2023/24 campaign.
The 23-year-old subsequently completed a permanent move to the Dutch club on July 1, 2024, for a free transfer.
Sergino Dest Reveals His Ambition For The Future
During the interview with Diario Sport, Sergino Dest, who is currently sidelined with an ACL injury and is expected to return to action in 2025, also shared his ambitions for the future.
He said: “I am really happy and grateful to be at PSV, but I am ambitious, and of course, I would like to play in one of the big five leagues in Europe again.
“I think I am good enough to. With hard work and consistency, I think I can achieve it, no doubt. I don’t know what will happen, but I would like to return to La Liga in the future.”
Who Is Sergino Dest?
He is a professional soccer player who plays as a full-back for Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven and the United States national team.
Sergino Dest’s Personal Information?
Dest was born on November 3, 2000, in Almere, Netherlands, to a Surinamese-American father and a Dutch mother.
Sergino Dest’s Market Value And Net Worth?
Sergino Dest’s Market Value is €22 million, while his net worth is estimated to be between the region of €10 million – €15 million.
Clubs He Has Played For In His Career?
The American has played for several clubs in his career, including; AC Milan, Ajax, and Barcelona.
His Achievements?
Sergino Dest has won several trophies in his career, including 1 Copa del Rey, 3 CONCACAF Nations League, 1 Eredivisie, and 1 Dutch Super Cup title.
Sergino Dest’s Position?
Dest functions primarily as a right-back, but he can also be deployed as a left-back.
