Valentín Barco is going through one of the best moments of his career. After an initial adaptation period at Brighton, "Colo" managed to establish himself at Racing de Estrasburgo, where he is a key player in Ligue 1 and has earned a place in the starting eleven. His current form, moreover, has brought him closer again to the Argentina national team, with chances to fight for a spot on the roster for the 2026 World Cup.
In the middle of the year-end break, the left-footer spoke with YouTuber Ezzequiel and once again referred to a chapter that marked his controversial departure from Boca in January 2024, when he triggered the release clause to leave for the English team amid internal disputes with the board led by Juan Román Riquelme, who had criticized him for his decision.
Two years later, Barco replied bluntly about that episode:"There was never a relationship, and there isn't one," he stated about his connection with the current Xeneize president. He added:"What Román said after my departure did not make me feel anything, I wasn't expecting anything and it didn't surprise me. At that moment the fans realized it and I am very grateful to them because they always supported me."
The footballer also revealed that he tried to get in touch before leaving:"In the last few days before I left I had called the members of the Football Council and nobody answered me. As I said before, I believe that they have already realized how things went. I wouldn't respond to Riquelme at all because it isn't worth getting involved there."
According to what he said, his initial idea was not to leave immediately:"I was calling because our idea was to stay six more months or a year more at Boca, but that is over; I am happy with my present," he explained.
Although the story ended with distance and reproaches, Barco left a door open for the future."I would love to return in the future because I am very grateful to the people and I would like to give back all the affection they gave me," he concluded.
