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| The deal is the second most expensive of all time, eclipsed only by Neymar’s recent £200m move to Paris St-Germain |
Ousmane Dembele insisted he is not feeling under pressure to perform despite joining Barcelona as a club record signing and the second most expensive footballer of all-time.
The 20-year-old winger, signed from Borussia Dortmund for a fee which could rise to 147 million euros ($176 million), was presented to over 17,000 fans at the Nou Camp on Monday.
“(I feel) no pressure, no nerves. It’s the transfer market going a bit crazy. But I’m here to do my work well on the pitch and help the team,” Dembele told reporters.
“I don’t feel pressure from these numbers, in fact more than pressure it’s a pleasure to be here.”
Dembele, who shot into the limelight after one season at Rennes and a 15 million euro move to Dortmund last summer, has been signed by Barcelona following Neymar’s departure to Paris St Germain.
However, the French international does not think he has been headhunted to fill the Brazilian’s boots at Camp Nou.
“There’s a big difference between Neymar and me. Neymar is one of the best players in the world, I am very young. I’m improving day to day, trying to improve and to grow,” said Dembele.
“I’m not here to replace Neymar. They needed a player in this position, they called me and I will give everything for this club. I’m 20, I have a lot to learn and that’s why I’m at this big club.
“It’s an honour and a pleasure to play in a team with Lionel Messi, I want to learn from him. He’s a great player, the best player in the history of football and I’m happy to grow in this team.”
Dembele’s presentation was delayed by an hour after a paperwork problem with Borussia Dortmund and some fans grew upset because of the delay at a baking stadium.
They chanted for Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu to resign and showed support for former chief Joan Laporta, whistling and waving white handkerchiefs, in a public demonstration of the discontent with the board that exists.
