
Unai Hernandez: I Chose the Union Project with My Mind and Heart... and Barcelona is Not the End of the Road
The Spanish player Unai Hernandez, one of the graduates of the famous "La Masia" academy, opened his heart to discuss the details of his transfer to the Saudi Union Club, confirming that the decision was well thought out and based on sporting and financial aspects, and that he does not consider his departure from Barcelona as the end of his football dream in Europe.
Unai said in press statements: "It was a surprise for some that I moved from Barcelona to the Union, yes I received several offers, but I chose the project that Ramon Planes presented to me, and it was a joint decision between me and my family. I thought about my future and life, and I found that a strong league like the Saudi league deserves this step."
Regarding the difficulty of the decision to leave Barcelona, he replied: "Yes, it was difficult, but life does not stop in Barcelona, there is always a chance to return, as Jordi Alba, Pique, and Dani Olmo did, the important thing is to make the best decision for your career."
He continued: "Living in Jeddah is completely different, the weather is very hot, but the competition in the league is amazing. I play alongside great stars like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Diaby, and Fabinho, in addition to the best Saudi players, and this gives me a great motivation to develop."
He noted that the beginning was not easy: "Due to the system, I was not able to play immediately upon my arrival, but injuries gave me the opportunity, and Coach Laurent Blanc started giving me playing minutes, and I scored a goal in nine matches, I felt like a champion and won titles."
About life in Jeddah, he described it saying: "A coastal city with global beauty, I live in excellent apartments with foreign families, and all services are available. The Union management makes every effort possible to serve the players and their families."
When asked about his future, Unai confirmed his continuation until 2028 saying: "Yes, I am enjoying this experience, and we will face a big challenge in the AFC Champions League next season."
Unai revealed that his role model in football is the Spanish legend Andres Iniesta, and he also talked about his brother "Onax" who plays as a captain in the Barcelona youth team, saying: "He is a born leader, and he will shine just like I did, they now say about me: Unai... King of the Arabs."
He concluded his talk with a smile when asked about his favorite foot: "My favorite foot is the left, but I am good at playing with both feet, and I always prefer to be near the penalty area."
Unai said in press statements: "It was a surprise for some that I moved from Barcelona to the Union, yes I received several offers, but I chose the project that Ramon Planes presented to me, and it was a joint decision between me and my family. I thought about my future and life, and I found that a strong league like the Saudi league deserves this step."
Regarding the difficulty of the decision to leave Barcelona, he replied: "Yes, it was difficult, but life does not stop in Barcelona, there is always a chance to return, as Jordi Alba, Pique, and Dani Olmo did, the important thing is to make the best decision for your career."
He continued: "Living in Jeddah is completely different, the weather is very hot, but the competition in the league is amazing. I play alongside great stars like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Diaby, and Fabinho, in addition to the best Saudi players, and this gives me a great motivation to develop."
He noted that the beginning was not easy: "Due to the system, I was not able to play immediately upon my arrival, but injuries gave me the opportunity, and Coach Laurent Blanc started giving me playing minutes, and I scored a goal in nine matches, I felt like a champion and won titles."
About life in Jeddah, he described it saying: "A coastal city with global beauty, I live in excellent apartments with foreign families, and all services are available. The Union management makes every effort possible to serve the players and their families."
When asked about his future, Unai confirmed his continuation until 2028 saying: "Yes, I am enjoying this experience, and we will face a big challenge in the AFC Champions League next season."
Unai revealed that his role model in football is the Spanish legend Andres Iniesta, and he also talked about his brother "Onax" who plays as a captain in the Barcelona youth team, saying: "He is a born leader, and he will shine just like I did, they now say about me: Unai... King of the Arabs."
He concluded his talk with a smile when asked about his favorite foot: "My favorite foot is the left, but I am good at playing with both feet, and I always prefer to be near the penalty area."