“It's a learning experience” - Barcelona star Gavi on how his ACL injury has made him a ‘better person’ 

Barcelona star Gavi recently talked about how his anterior crucial ligament (ACL) injury helped him become a better person and teammate. The Spaniard was out of action for 11 months after suffering an ACL injury during Spain's 3-1 win against Georgia in the Euro 2024 qualifiers in November 2023.

Gavi had joined Barcelona's academy, La Masia at the age of 11. The 20-year-old made his senior debut for the club in their 2-1 win against Getafe in LaLiga in August 2021. In 113 appearances for La Blaugrana, Gavi has recorded seven goals and 14 assists across competitions.

Following 10 months of recovery, the Spaniard returned to training in September 2024. Gavi returned to pitch in Barcelona's 5-1 win against Sevilla on October 20 after being subbed on for Pedri in the 83rd minute. He also played for five minutes in Barcelona's 4-1 win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on October 23.

In a recent interview, Gavi explained how the recovery process changed him as a person, saying (via GOAL):

"I've learned a lot because you value things much more now. It's a learning experience that I'll take with me for the rest of my life. This injury is one of the hardest and I've come out of it a better person and a better team-mate too."

The Spain international explained that he's giving himself time before a full comeback, adding:

"I haven't set myself any deadline, it's about getting into the rhythm of each game, getting back to the form I had before the injury. Little by little, it's hard because in the end it's many months away, but I'm sure I'll get into the rhythm of all my team-mates."

It remains to be seen if Gavi gets more minutes in La Blaugrana's clash against Real Madrid in LaLiga at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, October 26.

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"Pure goosebumps" - Barcelona coach Hansi Flick on Gavi's return to the pitch

Gavi replaces Pedri - Source: Getty

In the post-match press conference after Barcelona's 5-1 win over Sevilla in LaLiga, coach Hansi Flick shared his thoughts on Gavi's return to the pitch. He said (via Tribuna):

"Gavi coming on, the fans chanting his name, Pedri giving him the captain's armband. It was all pure goosebumps."

Gavi was subbed on for Pedri in the 83rd minute of the aforementioned match, with fans at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium chanting his name. Before Gavi came on, Pedri handed him the captain's armband to celebrate his return after 11 months.

Gavi and Pedri have shared the pitch in 62 games for Barca and Spain, recording two joint-goal contributions. The pair are often compared to the midfield duo of Xavi and Andres Iniesta, whose partnership also benefitted both Barca and Spain.