Good news for Barça: Fermín López will not go with Spain's U-21

FC Barcelona will be able to count on Fermín López from the first day of the pre-season. The midfielder ruled out traveling with Spain to the next U-21 European Championship and, in a chat with 'SPORT', justified the reasons for a decision that was not easy.

"I've been going for two years almost without stopping and you have to listen to the body. I was excited at the beginning, although in the end we have all agreed. I spoke with Santi Denia and he understood it perfectly," said the player from Huelva regarding his absence with the U-21.

López had a very hard summer of 2024 after traveling with La Roja to the Euro in Germany and the Olympic Games in Paris, where he was a figure and scorer of the team that won the gold medal. 

In that sense, he added: "I appreciate the confidence he gave me, I think we have made the right decision among everyone." Spain will face Slovakia, Romania and Italy in the U-21 Euro to be held from June 11 to 28 in Slovakia.

Fermín, ready to help La Roja in the Nations League

However, Fermín will be available with the senior team for the 'final four' of the Nations League. La Roja faces France on Thursday for a place in the final, where they would face local Germany or Portugal.

"I am very happy to return, it is everyone's dream to be here and play in the Nations League. I hope to be able to help the team if it needs it. Another title wouldn't be bad, we have a great team and hopefully we can achieve it," he explained regarding the current situation of the National Team.

Similarly, he made it clear that, although he feels physically healthy, it is best to take a month off after a very demanding season with Barça. López only suffered a muscle injury in the first stretch of the season, but after that it was difficult for him to return to his best version.

"I feel good, but last year I started with an injury and we have finished the season with many trips, training sessions and both mentally and physically you reach the limit," argued the player from El Campillo.

Fermín's praise for the Barça squad, ¡and for Joan García!

In the 24/25 season, the '16' of Barça played 46 games (2,039 minutes) in which he scored 8 goals and 10 assists. In this regard, he valued the confidence of Hansi Flick and the collective work of the team to end up winning the national treble.

"There will always be competition at Barça, it is the best club in the world and the best will be there. I have tried to have as many minutes as possible, the coach has given me confidence and I have tried everything. Next year will be more difficult, you have to maintain the same level."

On the other hand, Fermín López was also asked about the possible signing of Joan García. Although he did not want to 'get wet' about the negotiations between the club and the Espanyol goalkeeper, the midfielder did not skimp on praise for his teammate in La Roja.

Related

Signing of Joan García: the goalkeeper 'gets wet' about Barça's interest

"You have already seen in the League that he is a great goalkeeper and a very good teammate. I didn't know him before, I had never coincided with him and I maintained a good relationship with him. He is a good goalkeeper and a great person," the player from Huelva pointed out.