Alba: Messi didn t like the way he left Barcelona, ​​he wanted a tribute ceremony

In an exclusive interview with AS, Inter Miami defender Alba talked about life in the United States, Camp Nou and his decision to retire.

About stress-free life

- To be honest, I feel relaxed here. I won't lie to you. On the one hand, I will miss my old life. After all, football is your life's work. Life is easier here and the media attention is not nearly as high as in Spain. But I'm very happy with the experience. I don't have much time.

The next step is to go back to Barcelona and it’s been a great experience both family-wise and football-wise. Living here is very different and there are certainly things I will miss. Career-wise, having an easier life is one of the reasons I'm here.

About returning to Camp Nou, just like Messi

- No, no, no (laughing), Messi is the best in history and it is normal for him to have the keys to Camp Nou. I would go to his games with my family and enjoy them in a different way. Messi didn't say anything to me, to be honest, I didn't even ask him. My father told me that, but it wasn't something I particularly cared about. I've always handled pressure well, whether it's criticism or praise.

I feel honored to have had the privilege of spending so much time with him on and off the court. I talked to him about it when he was in Paris, but we never talked about it again. He didn't like the way he left and he wanted a tribute and I hope he can make it happen. He deserves it and I believe it will happen. It will be a huge celebration. Everyone is looking forward to that moment. "

About naming the new Camp Nou "Messi Stadium"

- I don't know, I really don't know... No one here asks me such questions (laughs), and I don't think Messi would want it. We didn't talk about it. But the Camp Nou is good and everything done here will be positive. It is unique.

About retirement

- I could have stayed another year, maybe two, but I won't regret it. New plans are in the works, it's a well-thought-out decision, and I know it very well. Although I will miss football in a few years... I have always acted on feeling. I left Barcelona with one year left on my contract, plus one year of extension options, and I came here because of motivation. I am happy with everything I have achieved, and maybe I have more mental motivation, and we also travel a lot here."

- I still enjoy the competition, but the day-to-day training is tough. It's more about sharing it with teammates or staff, and the enthusiasm that you have when you are 20 years old will gradually fade away.

About renewing the contract and the decision to leave Barcelona

- We have been talking for a long time, I don't mind leaving, and I think the timing is right, with three months between the two decisions. But I'm happy. "

On saying goodbye to Busquets

- It's a very personal decision. We talked about it, but both decisions are personal to me. It's an honor to play here with him, we live close to each other and in the same neighborhood."

About Suarez

- We don't know if he will renew or what his contract status is. This is a personal decision for each of us. This is no longer about changing teams, but about the end of an important chapter in our lives. For me, the decision was not difficult. I'll be sad, but I've accepted it.

Regarding Messi

- I see him being more competitive and he seems happy here. I don't know if he's going to stay another two or three years... It's a privilege to be able to spend my career here with them.

On the possibility of retiring with a championship win at Inter Miami

--Cincinnati was second in the regular season and we were third. This is a final and you never know when the last game will come. It's an amazing feeling, and hopefully we can advance to the finals and then compete with another team from another division for the championship.