Abu Dhabi: While Gremio were bracing for one of the biggest matches of their campaign this season — the Fifa Club World Cup final against Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid on Saturday, their star midfielder Arthur chose to clear the air about a photo of him in a Barcelona jersey.
Arthur is in Brazil recovering from an injury and is not with Gremio’s Club World Cup team for the final against Real Madrid.
The 21-year-old was one of standout performers of the Brazilian championship along with his teammate Luan, leading their club to the Copa Libertadores title. It was that success which saw Gremio qualify for the Club World Cup. Since then, Arthur has become a much sought-after player among clubs from all around Europe.
But what upset Gremio management was a picture of Arthur wearing a Barcelona jersey posing with Catalan sporting director Robert Fernandez.
Irked about the photograph and with no explanation from Arthur himself, Gremio also had shrewdly gone ahead and started talks with Real Madrid about signing the Brazilian. And that could be one of the reasons why Arthur decided to open up regarding the controversy and assured everyone that he will not leave Gremio “through the back door”.
“My agent told me that some directors from Barcelona would come to Porto Alegre to get to know me. There’s always this first contact, but it’s in good faith, nothing to hide from Gremio. In the middle of the lunch, they offered me a Barcelona shirt,” said Arthur adding, “Who doesn’t want to wear the Barça shirt and play for them? It was a photograph that shouldn’t have come out. But it’s been cleared up. Gremio have my economic rights. If there’s an official offer, they will have to speak with Gremio. If it’s a good offer, then they will speak with me to reach an agreement. Until then, there’s nothing official.”
Gremio have very little option but to sell the playmaker as they can’t match the buying power of some of the bigwigs of Europe.
Arthur did not shy away from admitting that, like any other aspiring footballer, it is his dream to play for Barcelona.
“All players dream of playing for Barcelona. My first dream was to sign for a big club in Brazil, with an identity. My dream was to play for Gremio as a professional, for everything I’ve been through here. When things work out well and other big clubs are interested, it’s gratifying. One of my qualities is to recognise that and be grateful. I don’t forget my origins, though,” he said, adding that in football you can’t guarantee anything as it is unpredictable.
“Look at everything that’s happened this year. I can’t assure that I will or won’t be here. Barcelona didn’t talk about wages, they didn’t make me an offer... they just wanted to meet my family.”
