Hi Jules Kounde for a while. Days after his renewal until 2030 was made public, this Thursday the official act took place in which the French defender, accompanied by president Joan Laporta, signed his new contract as a Barcelona player, which will keep him linked to the Club for another five years.
Accompanied on a special day
On a special day for the player, he appeared at the Spotify Camp Nou offices after the team’s morning training session to finalize a renewal earned through hard work. He was accompanied by his family, representatives, and, on the Club’s side, not only by president Joan Laporta, but also by first vice president Rafa Yuste, football area director Anderon Luis de Souza ‘Deco’, football area coordinator Bojan Krkić, and the rest of the Sports Commission members.
With the renewal signed, Kounde expressed his joy on the Club’s official media microphones, where he stated that he was «very happy» to renew and explained that it was «quite simple» because both he and the Club had «the same will.» As ambitious as ever, he stated that now, «the sky is the limit. We are fortunate to compete for all titles every season. We hope this season will be even more successful than the last.»
51 games away from being the French player with the most appearances
With 142 games in the three seasons he has already completed as a Barcelona player, he is only 51 games away from Éric Abidal’s record of 193 appearances, the French player with the most games in the Club’s history, and Kounde aims to surpass him. «Every time I put on the shirt, I give my all, and it’s a pleasure to have played in so many games in three seasons. Hopefully, I can surpass him (Abidal), it would be very nice.» Just as nice as «winning the league against Espanyol, and especially the Copa del Rey final. Besides being a very exciting match, being able to score that goal in the 116th minute and give the victory was very special.»
As always, maximum ambition
And for the culers, who have always shown him «encouragement and affection,» Kounde stated that «they are always very kind to me. I enjoy it and appreciate it, and hopefully, I can give them many more joys.» In the same vein, a few minutes later, in front of the other media present, he talked about the team’s demands and his own. «The goal every time I start the season is to do better and be a better player than the previous one. I am very demanding of myself. We can improve in all aspects, but if I had to choose, I would say we need to concede fewer goals,» he said, indicating that he still has many achievements to strive for as a Barça player, being a key piece in the team’s successes.
Because the Parisian has earned the status of being one of the most reliable defenders on the planet. Although he excelled as a center-back, both with Girondins de Bordeaux and Sevilla, as a Barcelona player, he has established himself as a complete right-back. In addition to his defensive solidity, being practically unbeatable, he has added more offensive concepts, reaching the end line and displaying ball sensitivity to create synergies, especially with Lamine Yamal.
An tireless worker and always silent, football gifted him a moment of absolute glory in the last Copa del Rey final, with the goal in extra time that sealed the Clásico and gave the trophy to the culers. Now, he still has many more moments ahead, as he will have time until 2030, at least.