Anthony Gordon impressed Barcelona fans by attempting Catalan and not just Spanish at his unveiling as a new signing on Friday.
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In one of the most rapid transfer completions in recent times, Anthony Gordon has officially joined FC Barcelona in a deal reported to be worth $93 million paid to Newcastle United.
Under a contract that secures his future until 2031, Gordon’s presentation was marked by a significant wait. Press members gathered at the Joan Gamper CT headquarters since midday were provided with burgers and fries to sustain them through an eight-hour delay before the event finally commenced.
When the 25-year-old finally appeared on stage sporting the Blaugrana colors, he immediately captured the attention of the media and the “Culers” through his linguistic preparation.
“I always wanted Barça. It’s the biggest club on the planet. It’s the stuff I dreamed of as a child. It really is a dream come true,” Gordon remarked.
Surprising many with his fluency in Spanish, Gordon explained that his preparation began years ago. “I wanted to speak Spanish because as a kid I believed I would play for Barça, believe it or not,” he shared. “I had a Spanish physio in Newcastle and we spoke every day. I told him one day I’ll play for Barça, so I wanted to learn Spanish. That is how I learned.
A Commitment to the Local Culture
Beyond his Spanish skills, Gordon further endeared himself to the local community by attempting to speak Catalan. By stating “Estic molt feliç” (I am very happy), he earned praise from journalists, including SPORT’s Carlos Montfort.
“Anthony Gordon leaves Barcelona fans speechless: after answering questions in perfect Spanish at the press conference, he also ventures into Catalan,” Montfort observed, noting the new winger’s effort to connect with the supporters.
Gordon, who claims to have been a supporter of the club since age three, demonstrated a deep understanding of the institution’s identity. While some critics on social media suggested he should have mastered Catalan prior to his arrival, it is worth noting that Spanish remains the primary unifying language within the dressing room, bridging the gap between local Catalans, Spanish nationals like Gavi and Pedri, and international signings.
Aware of the cultural significance of the Catalan language in the region, Gordon appears poised to follow the example of stars like Femeni’s Kika Nazareth, making an effort to integrate that is likely to be highly valued by the local population.