BARCELONA
Rivaldo: "Dembélé is trying to force an exit"
Rivaldo says Dembélé is obviously not happy at Barcelona given his recent attitude and wants to leave the club just one and a half years after arriving.
Former Brazilian footballer, Rivaldo, believes Barcelona must have patience with Ousmane Dembélé and look for ways to make him play in an effort to up his price so they don't end up selling him at a bargain price. The French attacker has been under scrutiny recently for his behavious having been punished for showing up late to training.
"Because of his attitude recently, I don't think Dembélé wants to stay much longer in Catalonia and because he is annoyed, he is trying to force an exit," said the Brazilian. "Barcelona have to keep calm and look for a way to make him play to sell him at a reasonable price and not at a bargain."
He arrived at Barcelona the same summer Neymar was sold to PSG but with talk of the Brazilian returning, the club might be looking to move Dembélé on again.
Rivaldo says it's 'obvious' Dembélé is not happy
Rivaldo, who wore the Barcelona jersey 236 times, says "it's obvious Dembélé isn't happy at the club" and he is trying to but he believes that his lack of discipline could hurt his career and Barcelona's future too.
"He could do it another way," he said. "Concentrating on his play, playing well and waiting for the right moment to be transferred, showing a lot of character and professionalism."
With Barcelona travelling to Madrid on Saturday to play Atlético, Rivaldo made a prediction. "Atlético are looking for a win that will let them go top of the table and because of this, and although it hurts, I will say a 2-1 win for Simeone's side," he said.
