Alejandro Grimaldo, a former Barcelona youth system prospect, has said that he would not be averse to the thought of returning to his former club.

A former FC Barcelona left-back has said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo that it has always been his goal to play for the Catalan giants. Alejandro Grimaldo, a left-back for SL Benfica, has stated that he would be open to returning to his childhood club.

In all, the 26-year-old spent eight years on the books at Barcelona, having joined the club’s legendary La Masia development system in 2008 after moving there from Valencia.

Grimaldo went on to make over 100 appearances for the Blaugrana’s B squad, although he was never called upon to make his senior debut. Jordi Alba had established himself as the first-choice left-back at the time of his decision to join Benfica in pursuit of regular first-team involvement in 2016.

Grimaldo has flourished in Portugal since his arrival, amassing 222 games in which he has scored 16 goals and provided 44 assists. As a result of his efforts, the former Spanish Under-21 international has collected a number of championships and trophies.

While speaking with Mundo Deportivo, he acknowledged that he still has dreams of playing for Barcelona in the near future. “Barcelona has always been my home, and I have no plans to reject the move to FC Barcelona. I’m not going to deny it. I grew up there, and it has always been a goal of mine since I was a child,” the 26-year-old said of his childhood.

“I lived in La Masia. Grew up there, I went to school there, and I learnt some important life lessons there. I have a lot of fond memories of my time at La Masia.” With regards to his tenure with La Masia, Grimaldo remarked, “I am not going to go crazy when I score a goal.”

Barcelona was held to a goalless draw against Benfica

It was a day before Barcelona met Benfica in a UEFA Champions League Group E match at the Camp Nou, and the interview indicated above was conducted. In their previous encounter against SL Benfica, the Catalans were held to a goalless draw by Grimaldo’s side, ensuring that Xavi Hernandez and his teammates will need to win their last match against Bayern Munich if they are to proceed to the knockout rounds of the competition.

Because they have won all of their group games so far, the German champions have already qualified for the knockout rounds. It would be a great test for Barcelona to face them, particularly given the fact that they were beaten 3-0 the previous time these two clubs played in the opposite game.

Despite earning a point at home against Benfica, Barcelona was unable to convert their golden chance to book their spot in the Champions League knockout rounds and will now determine their European fate in the final group stage encounter. Barça was the superior team for most of the 90 minutes and had a number of really outstanding opportunities, but they were unable to penetrate a resolute Portuguese defence. The Blaugrana will now need to win against Bayern Munich in order to avoid being relegated to the Europa League. Oh my goodness.