Chelsea Star Marc Guiu: “I Won’t Celebrate If I Score Against Barcelona”
Chelsea’s promising young striker Marc Guiu is preparing for a momentous clash against his boyhood club, Barcelona, when the two teams meet on Tuesday, 25 November, at Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Champions League. This encounter will mark a defining moment in the career of the Spanish forward, who left Barcelona for Chelsea in the summer of 2024.
Ahead of the highly anticipated fixture, Guiu spoke candidly about the emotions surrounding the match, his journey from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy to Stamford Bridge, and his respect for the club that gave him his professional start.
Guiu’s Special Connection to Barcelona
The 19-year-old striker, who made his senior debut for Barcelona under manager Xavi Hernandez, explained how significant this match would be for him. Reflecting on his departure from Barcelona, Guiu said: “The match against Barça will be the match of my life. It will be very special. I’ve spent many years there, and facing them will be a moment I’ll never forget.”
Guiu, who has kept in touch with several former teammates from his time at Barcelona, particularly with Pau Cubarsi, joked that he would try to get under his old friend’s skin during the build-up to the match. “On the day of the match, I’ll try to say something to him to make him nervous,” Guiu added with a smile.
No Celebration If He Scores Against Barcelona
Despite the emotional weight of facing his childhood club, Guiu made it clear that if he scores against Barcelona, he will not celebrate. “If I score against Barça… you have to respect the clubs where you have played. The joy will be immense, but I think I will not celebrate it,” Guiu said. His comments reflect a maturity beyond his years, as the young striker emphasizes the importance of showing respect for a club that shaped his career.
A Balanced View on the Match
With both teams in strong form, Guiu is bracing for a competitive encounter at Stamford Bridge. He remarked: “Barça and Chelsea are two incredible teams. We are in a very good moment, but I think this will be a very even match. The details will decide it, and right now, I think we arrive a little better than Barça, but they are very good too.”
For Guiu, this Champions League clash represents more than just another game. It is a personal milestone that he has been waiting for ever since his departure from Barcelona.
Admiration for Lamine Yamal
A former Barcelona teammate of Lamine Yamal, Guiu had high praise for the 18-year-old wonderkid, who has been battling pubalgia but continues to impress with his performances on the field. “Lamine is an incredible player. Any player would like to be like him. He’s worked hard and deserves everything that’s happening to him,” Guiu said. “When he recovers from the pubalgia, he will fly again.”
Guiu continued to reflect on Yamal’s development in youth football, noting: “In youth football, he was already playing against players four years older than him. Lamine has always done what he wanted with everyone, with all the rivals. From a very young age, he did what he wanted.”
On His Barcelona Exit
Reflecting on his departure from Barcelona, Guiu explained that the decision to leave was the best one for his career at the time. “When I left Barça, it was the best option for me. I’m playing hard at Chelsea now, and I think I’m making the most of it,” Guiu said.
He further shared that while Barcelona wanted him to stay, the project at Chelsea offered a more exciting opportunity for his development. “Barcelona gave me the first team but not much more, whereas Chelsea’s project was very good,” Guiu said. “I didn’t get to speak to Hansi Flick before leaving. I would have liked to, but I owe a lot to Xavi for everything he did for me.”
Guiu’s decision to join Chelsea reflects his ambition to be a part of one of the most dynamic projects in European football, and the young striker seems determined to make the most of his time at Stamford Bridge.
Looking Ahead to the Clash
As Chelsea prepares for the showdown against Barcelona, all eyes will be on Guiu, whose journey from La Masia to the Premier League is already one of the most talked-about stories in European football.
The UEFA Champions League match promises to be a thrilling encounter, not only because of the stakes on the pitch but also due to the personal element for Guiu. His respect for Barcelona and its supporters is evident, and as he steps onto the field at Stamford Bridge, he will undoubtedly carry the weight of emotions from his past and hopes for the future.
Both teams will be looking to make a statement in this eagerly awaited fixture, and with Guiu in fine form for Chelsea, this match could be one of the standout games of the group stages.
