“I Had To Be Ahead of Iniesta & Xavi” – Alen Halilovic Regrets Saying ‘F**k It’ & Leaving Barcelona After Losing Luis Enrique’s Trust

It is often said that opportunities do not present themselves twice, leaving only lingering regret. This appears to be the case for Croatian midfielder Alen Halilovic, who deeply regrets his decision to leave FC Barcelona. Once hailed as the Croatian Lionel Messi, his story now unfolds as one of disappointment, as he currently plays for Fortuna Sittard, the 11th-ranked team in the Eredivisie.

In May 2014, at the young age of 17, Halilovic made a move to FC Barcelona for a fee of $2.4 million, carrying with him immense potential. However, his career did not unfold as anticipated, resulting in profound disappointment and lingering remorse over decisions in the summer of 2016.

Alen Halilovic regrets not being patient with Luis Enrique

During an interview with The Athletic, Alen Halilovic expressed deep remorse over his departure from Barcelona in 2016. Reflecting on his time in Catalonia, he shared, “The first two years were perfect at Barca, but I expected I would get a chance at the first team in the third. Then I realized Luis Enrique did not see me there.”

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He went on to discuss his dissatisfaction at being left out of the Euro 2016 squad and loaned out to Sporting Gijon in 2015, which was expected to be followed by another loan move. Despite still having one more year remaining on his contract with Barcelona, Alen Halilovic ultimately decided to leave.

Talking about this decision, the Croatian added, “I did not want to go out again, so I said ‘F*** it, I go from here’.” However, seven years later, he looks back upon that choice with nothing but regret. He added humbly, “When you are young, you think you don’t have time and I had to be ahead of (Andres) Iniesta and Xavi (at Barca). Looking now, I just needed to be patient. Train and wait. It will come.” 

In addition to his lingering regret of leaving the team, Halilovic fondly reminisced about playing alongside two remarkable players, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets.

The Croatian athlete lauds Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets

During the same interview, Alen Halilovic showered Lionel Messi with high praise, expressing his delight at having the opportunity to play alongside his idol. He also joined in admiration for Sergio Busquets, stating, “He(Lionel Messi) is not from this world, so I expected it, but (Sergio) Busquets really surprised me.”

According to the 27-year-old, The Spanish defensive midfielder is the best player he has ever trained with. Unfortunately, those days are now a distant memory for Alen Halilovic. How the tables have turned as the player just scored two goals and two assists in the Dutch League.

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