Barcelona have told the Frenchman he will be sold this month
Ousmane Dembele has spoken out for the first time since Barcelona told him that he would be sold this month after refusing to sign a new contract at Camp Nou.
The Frenchman is out of contract in the summer which means that the Catalan giants face the prospect of losing him on a free transfer if he sees out the season in Spain.
However, reports have suggested that Barca are desperate to avoid that and will therefore attempt to remove Dembele's wages from their books by selling the winger in the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old recently rejected Barcelona's attempt to sign him to a new deal as the terms on offer were lower than his current contract.
Despite appearing to be surplus to requirements, Dembele has released a statement insisting that he 'will not give up' and that he is 'available for Xavi'.
Taking to Instagram, the former Borussia Dortmund man wrote: "Hello, everyone, It's been four years since I've stopped reading things about myself without ever trying to justify myself.
"Gossip about me has been piling up for four years. It's been four years that people have spoken for me, shamefully lied with one sole purpose, the intention of harming me. I have been following my line of never answering for four years, of never justifying myself.
"Has it been a mistake? Surely. As of today, it's over. Starting today, I will answer honestly, without giving in to any kind of blackmail.
"I am 24 years old and like every man, I have flaws, imperfections. I have lived through complex moments, injuries, Covid has affected me. Without the slightest training session, the mister has asked me and I have always complied... without question.
"Perform as well as I have always done because it is my PASSION. I am fully aware of my luck to dedicate myself to the most beautiful job in the world. Also, my message is transparent.
"I forbid anyone to give the impression that I am not involved in the sports project. I forbid anyone to attribute intentions to me that I have never had. I forbid anyone to speak for me or my representative, whom I trust completely.
"Still under contract, I am fully involved and at the disposal of my club, my coach. I have always given everything for my colleagues and also for all the partners... it is not now that that is going to change. I am not a man who cheats and even less a man who has a habit of giving in to blackmail.
"Surely love is a variant of blackmail. As you know, there are negotiations. I let my agent handle it, it's his turf. My field is the ball, simply playing soccer, sharing moments of joy with my colleagues and all members.
"Above all, let's focus on the essentials: WIN.
"Take care of your own. Ousmane Dembele"
https://www.instagram.com/p/CY9UgOINJZ7/
Dembele joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund for £135m in 2017, but he has struggled with injuries for large periods of his time in Spain.
The winger - who won the 2018 World Cup - has started just six matches this season, scoring just one goal in the Copa del Rey victory at third-tier Linares earlier this month. Throughout his time at the club, he has played roughly one-third of the minutes he potentially could have.
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