Riqui Puig spoke with SPORT, the Ibérica press group, in Los Angeles to reflect on his first MLS season with the Galaxy and his departure from his former club. He discussed the journey from Barcelona and the early days in the United States league, framing it as a positive, formative experience that helped him grow as a player and a person.
What about your life in Los Angeles?
It has been a rewarding year in a remarkable city. The level of football is different here, and I feel very comfortable. The club and people take good care of me, and I came here aiming for more playing minutes and I have truly seized those chances. The experience has exceeded my expectations, and I feel very happy with the move. This is a new chapter, and I am embracing it fully as a professional player and as someone discovering a new culture.
What would you do in Los Angeles that you didn’t do in Barcelona?
I can finally play golf with peace of mind, and taking time to disconnect has benefited me a lot. In Barcelona, there was always something happening on the field or off it. Here I can dine without interruptions and enjoy the city’s energy without constant attention. There are many stars around, and the atmosphere is different from what I knew. Attending Lakers games is part of the daily life and a unique experience. The city helps us learn the language more quickly, and now my family is here too, along with my sister and partner. This balance matters a lot for my growth and happiness.
Too emphasized?
I am young and curious, and I still want to go out, enjoy meals, and have a normal personal life. There were times when private matters were followed home, which was uncomfortable. In Los Angeles, football is just one part of the scene, and people focus on more than just the sport. It helps to have room to breathe when you are not playing. The reality here is fair and respectful, and the public attention is not as intrusive as it once was in my previous environment.
On a personal level, things seem to be going well for him.
Yes, the personal situation is solid, even if the team has faced tough moments, including the losses of key players. Puig was fortunate to contribute to memorable moments, such as a standout late goal in a major game at the Rose Bowl and another goal at home against Philadelphia. The squad is expected to strengthen to compete in the playoffs at the group level, with a clear aim of advancing. This adds a layer of responsibility but also momentum for the season ahead. [ SPORT ]
Why did you decide on such a change at a young age?
Leaving Barcelona was tough because that was his home club, but the move felt right due to how the team played and the conditions on and off the pitch. The challenge in Barcelona and the environment there had its limits, while the MLS offers a different kind of competition and development path. He believes the decision has paid off because the league represents a peak in world football, and the Galaxy provides the platform to excel. He is very happy with how things unfolded and with the new chapter he created for his career. [ SPORT ]
Has Puig faced unfair treatment within Barca?
The situation involved some coaching changes and a few difficult moments at the club. He describes not feeling fully comfortable and acknowledges that the club did not always align with his professional needs. That context influenced his choice to pursue a different path abroad. [ SPORT ]
It wasn’t the right time.
Being a graduate of the academy, the lack of continuity became a concern. There were frustrations, yet the experience abroad has been validating, and the support he receives in the United States has helped him adapt and grow. He remains grateful for the opportunities he found here. [ SPORT ]
Is your idea to make a career here or return to Europe?
There are two more years left on the contract in the United States, and a decision will be made at the end of the season. He is competitive and aims to play in a top league. With teammates arriving, including high-profile players, the goal is to build a stronger team capable of contending for trophies. The intent is to win and to grow as a player, wherever that path leads. [ SPORT ]
“Busi and Alba helped me a lot”
Do you want to play against Inter Miami already?
Weekly meetings with friends and former teammates keep him connected. He looks forward to facing his old colleagues, especially those who supported him in the locker room. The prospect of challenging new foes in Miami is exciting for him as he continues to adapt. [ SPORT ]
It seems that he is considering returning to Europe.
Europe is always on the radar of his football and his future. He arrived in the United States as a young player to gain experience. If a suitable opportunity arises, he would not say no to returning to the continent and competing at a high level again. [ SPORT ]
Oriol Romeu returns to Barça. Can you imagine coming back?
The player has his own journey, and he respects what happens at Barça. He focuses on his current role with the Galaxy, reflecting on his first year and the future with gratitude. The idea of coming back to his boyhood club remains a personal possibility but not a present plan. [ SPORT ]
How do you see Barcelona?
Barcelona remains financially stable and active in the transfer market, which is a sign of its continuing strength. He wishes the club continued success and emphasizes that the team should aspire to win titles and develop while evolving with a strong roster. He notes that the recent two-year window brought changes, and luck and attention to detail can change the course of a season. [ SPORT ]
How did your relationship with Xavi end?
He explains there was a conversation before the season with clear feedback. The coach did not see him as part of his plans, while the club president believed in his potential. The mismatch led to a mutual decision to part ways, and Puig left seeking more playing time elsewhere. The early weeks of pre-season were challenging, but the move proved beneficial for his career. [ SPORT ]
I miss him?
There was a personal connection with Xavi and his family, a reminder of the close ties in football. He remains grateful for the relationship and the opportunities that existed, even though training and early preparation were affected by the timing of his departure. The memories endure, and the ties to Barça remain meaningful. [ SPORT ]
But he continues to be from Barça.
The Culer feeling endures. A lifelong loyalty accompanies him, with childhood shirts and memories shaping his identity. Even as he follows a different career path, he maintains a strong connection to Barça and its supporters, a bond shared by his family as they watch from afar. [ SPORT ]