It’s difficult to ever see Marc Bartra sad because of his enormous mental strength, but now more than ever he seems happy. His signing for Borussia Dortmund has fulfilled him professionally and he’s said goodbye to Barcelona with elegance. He had to leave the team that he carries in his heart, but now he will start the next stage of his career filled with hope, as he explained to SPORT from Spain’s base in France.

Jordi Gil

How did the move to Dortmund come about?

It was all really quick. As soon as we received the offer, we valued it as a really good one, and it filled me with excitement. It’s an important challenge for me. It was a big step, but seeing how last season was, I imagined it would happen.

Could you say there was no other option but to leave?

I think this option arrived at a really good time, in which I have gone through everything. I’ve had good years at Barça, and tough years, but in general they’re moments which have made me mature. And even more so this past season, which has been complicated and everything went down the path so that this opportunity arrived.

It doesn’t seem logical that Barça offered a renewal, to then send you out on loan at 25…

During my time at Barça I’ve always said that loans aren’t something which I like. It’s like being in no-man’s land. If I go somewhere, I go properly, with my heart, with all the strength in the world. The club were aware that I don’t like loans, even more so knowing how this season has gone. The important thing was the confidence Dortmund showed in me, which made me especially excited.

It wasn’t necessary to talk with Luis Enrique?

We didn’t speak because the facts are more clear than words. But I will never have a bad word for Barça or Luis Enrique. What I am now is because of what I’ve been through before. I’ve been at the club during the best era in its history. I have won a lot of titles, with other managers and with Luis Enrique. I’ve reached this point of maturity because of the good things and the bad things that have happened.

Is it comforting to leave with your manager saying you're an example of professionalism?

A manager may count on you more or less, but the main thing is to give everything as a person and professional. I leave with my head held high, with the sensation that I’ve done everything I could for the team, my team-mates and the manager… [managers] choose, they have their priorities and I respected that until the end. Therefore, I’ve taken the decision I had to so that I can grow.

You said there will be one more cule in Germany…

I’m a cule since birth. What I’ve experienced makes me one more cule, beyond some of the moments I didn’t like. Despite everything, I leave a lot of team-mates and friends at Barça, in addition to the fans, who have made me feel valued. I’ve noticed their support and that’s worth more than anything.

How many times have you heard: How could they let Bartra escape?!

Yes, they’ve said it to me on the streets, friends, cules that I know… I suppose it’s because I’ve spent so much time at the club and because of my strength. It’s clear these are things that happen, everything goes on and, in the end, the challenge with Dortmund excites me a lot.

Replacing Mats Hummels sounds tough…

I’m one of the people who look as far as possible, I like great challenges. When you want to give the best of yourself is when you can bring the most to the team and your career.

Can you take the Bundesliga off of Bayern?

Last season, with three games to go, [Dorrtmund] were still fighting for the title and they were finalists in the cup. We’re going for everything. In the Champions League they’re a team that always play their part. It’s a competitive side and that fits me perfectly. For the style of play, for how they treat the ball, the pressing. It’s similar to Barça and the Spain side.

Talking of Spain, how do you value Del Bosque’s blind faith in you?

The confidence he’s shown in me, not just now, but for years, has been one of the pillars for continuing and not giving up. The objective was to be at the Euros, among the best, and I am proud to achieve that. It’s a great generation [of Spanish players].

For sure - Nolito would be a bargain for Barça? As Pique said…

He’s in a spectacular moment, not just now, but for a while now. At Barça B he showed he was a great player. He’s one of the best players on the market.

If you were Robert Fernandez, would you sign him?

‘Nolo’ knows the club well, but Barça decide. I’m no-one to say who they must sign.

Do you dream of arriving in Germany with the European Championships under your arm?

It would be incredible and it would fill me with motivation to keep growing. Without doubt it would be the best way to go to another club and another city.