Gavi: ‘I have no friends on the pitch’ ahead of Barcelona’s Clasico

Gavi says Barcelona’s Clasico against Real Madrid will be just as intense despite the absence of Vinicius Junior and Dani Ceballos.

The midfielder is ready to give everything when the two Spanish giants meet at Camp Nou, insisting the identity of the players on the pitch will not affect his determination.

Clasico matches have frequently been marked by tension, and Gavi is among the players who relishes the intensity of the fixture and is willing to stand up for his team-mates. The Spain international has been involved in several disputes with Real Madrid players, including repeated clashes with Vinicius Junior.

However, the Brazilian will not be involved in this meeting. Gavi has also previously confronted his Spain team-mate Ceballos, who has since left Real Madrid for Real Betis.

Asked by ESPN whether the match would be less exciting without Vinicius and Ceballos, Gavi said: “I don’t care about that. It’s Real Madrid, and I will fight with everything I have, regardless of which players are on the pitch.

“There may be players I like more than others, or players I do not like, but I do not consider anyone my friend on the pitch.”

Gavi added that his main aim was to help Barcelona secure the result their supporters expect in the fixture.

“All I want is to give the fans the victory they deserve in the Clasico,” he said.