Kessie arrives in Barcelona

Franck Yannick Kessie is in Barcelona. The new Barça star, who is arriving as a free agent from AC Milan, touched down at El Prat airport on Tuesday morning and said his first words to the club’s official media.

“This is a great opportunity” said the midfielder. “I am really looking forward to starting and doing all I can for this team … When a great coach like Xavi calls, who was also a great player, you see that all the effort was worth it. I can’t wait to start working for him and with all my team-mates.”

“I am a hard-working player” he continued, and also mentioned his idol and compatriot, Yaya Touré, who also played at Camp Nou. “He was a great footballer. I was lucky enough to play alongside him for our country, and I’d be delighted to have a career as good as his.”

The Ivorian was announced as a new signing on Monday, and will be signing a contract until 30 June 2026. His official presentation will be on Wednesday, with the following schedule (all times CEST):

• 11:00am: Private contract signing in offices at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
• 11:30am: Appearance on the Tito Vilanova field in the new 22/23 home kit.
• 12:15pm: Press conference at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

The events can be watched live on Barça TV via TDT, on Barça TV+ worldwide and also here on the official website.