Gavi returned to action after almost a year as he received standing ovation and the captain's armband after stepping onto the pitch.
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Gavi returned to action for BarcaGot standing ovationPedri handed over captain's armbandFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
On Sunday, Barcelona welcomed the young midfielder, who had been out of action since November 2023 after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Spain's Euro 2024 qualifying game against Georgia. After missing the entire 2023-24 campaign, the European Championship this summer, and the start of the current season, the Spaniard got back on the pitch during Barcelona's 5-1 thumping of Sevilla in La Liga.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Hansi Flick introduced the 20-year-old in the 83rd minute of the match as he replaced Pedri. While leaving the pitch, Pedri handed over the captain's armband to Gavi as a welcoming gesture while the fans stood up and applauded.
WHAT GAVI SAID
Speaking to reporters, the midfielder said, "I'm very happy to be back with the team. I've been dreaming about this moment for many months and I'm grateful to everyone because they've made it much easier for me. The worst thing is not playing with the team.
"Watching the team from the outside is very hard and you have to enjoy every moment and value things. I feel very lucky to be here today. It's my life and what I've been doing all my life and I missed it. I feel very lucky. When all the fans and teammates love and value you, you feel very lucky."
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
The result on Sunday will provide a massive boost to the Catalan giants' confidence who now gear up to face Bayern Munich in a Champions League clash on Wednesday.
