Bayern Munich prodigy praises Barcelona’s La Masia – ‘One of the best youth academies in the world’ | OneFootball

Former Barcelona academy player Adam Aznou has shared his emotional connection to the Catalan club ahead of Bayern Munich’s UEFA Youth League match against his former team.

Azno, 18, came through the youth ranks at Barça’s fabled La Masia youth setup but left the club for Bayern Munich back in the summer of 2022.

Since then, he has enjoyed steady growth in Germany and is now a part of the Bavarian giants’ reserve team as well as the captain of their Under-19 side in the UEFA Youth League.

As such, Aznou will lead Bayern in their Youth League contest against Barça today. And ahead of the big game, the youngster spoke to the German club’s media and reflected on his past with the Blaugrana.

Aznou excited to return to Barcelona

On being asked if the game against Barcelona in the Youth League was special for him, the 18-year-old left-back responded by saying:

“Yes, of course. I played for the club for three years and I’m really looking forward to going back. It’s been a while since I was last there, so the game is very special for me personally.

“Barcelona is still my home. I was born and grew up there, lived in the city for 16 years and spent my childhood and youth there. Whenever I find the time, I try to spend a few days in the city.”

Aznou left Barcelona for Bayern Munich in 2022. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

On whether he still has any friends and acquaintances back in Barcelona, he replied: “Yes, of course. Every time I’m there, I meet up with friends. It’s always great to see everyone again, especially as it doesn’t happen that often now that I live in Munich.

“I also know a lot of players from my time at Barça, with whom I get on very well and meet up from time to time.”

Praise for La Masia

Aznou joined La Masia aged 13 in 2019 and spent three years at the club. Having closely observed the workings of the Barcelona academy, the young left-back hailed it as the key to the club’s success over the years.

“Barcelona has had one of the best youth academies in the world for many decades,” he said.

Continuing, the Bayern Munich starlet added: “Numerous players, such as Messi, Xavi, Gavi and Pau Cubarsi, who have gone on to play in the first team or are currently playing, went through La Masia, the Barcelona youth academy.

“That speaks for the terrific quality of the work being done with young players at the club.”

Aznou also confirmed that he has a good relationship with Barcelona teen sensation Lamine Yamal, saying:

“Yes, I’m still in contact with some of the boys from my cohort. I also have a very good relationship with Lamine Yamal. We get on really well.

“Lamine and I played together at youth level for Spain for a few years and, of course, at Barça. I’d be very happy if I saw him on Wednesday.”